Chapter 1293

<Chapter 1293> The Plum Swordmaster Reincarnated Into a Count’s Family

I shall place the paper marked with Charnel’s seal and the clay replica of her privates into the Record Room.

It’s called a Record Room, but it’s more like my personal collection—a compilation of every maid in the mansion’s… intimate impressions.

“Hmm, another addition to the collection today.”

I admire the paper stamped with Charnel’s seal. Though small, all necessary details are captured—clitoris, labia, vaginal opening, everything intact.

The clay requires drying and polishing afterward, but naturally, the maids will handle that for me.

After showering, I entered the bath. Charnel trembled with shame as she washed herself, trying to keep her distance from me. But such efforts were futile. With a flick of my finger, I beckoned her closer.

Charnel approached with a distorted expression, and I seated her on my thigh. Her substantial weight pressed down.

“Time.”

Summoning fragrant massage oil, I kneaded her breasts. The oil disappeared quickly, absorbed by her skin.

“Hnnn… Ugh…”

Her breasts, slightly larger than my palm, were delightfully soft and bouncy. After some fondling, her nipples hardened under my touch.

“Haa… Haa…”

Focusing on her pale pink nipples caused Charnel to shiver violently, seemingly losing consciousness. After indulging further, I pushed her aside and summoned other nearby maids.

“Who will soothe my cock?”

“I’ll do it, Master!”

The maids rushed to embrace me.

Thus began the orgy.

“The Count Eugene Prukas has arrived!”

The servant’s announcement boomed as the audience hall doors swung open. Striding confidently across the red carpet, I entered. Inside, not only Princess Arline awaited but also countless nobles—well over a hundred gathered. Every noble who could attend was present.

More than a hundred eyes pinned me, their gazes pressing down like heavy weights. Yet this pressure is nothing to me.

‘Using the red carpet as reference… those on the right follow me, the Noble Faction. Those on the left support Princess Arline, the Princess Faction.’

The numbers were evenly matched.

My followers fear me, aware of my power to some degree. Most are indebted to me financially, while others have compromising secrets I hold over them.

In contrast, the nobles supporting Princess Arline exude pride and dignity. Their loyalty to oppose me is commendable.

‘How does Princess Arline manage to rally these people? Their devotion is extraordinary.’

Indeed, Princess Arline’s political acumen is remarkable.

Facing forward, I saw Princess Arline sitting not on the throne but beside it, asserting her position as not yet the queen. She doesn’t overstep boundaries.

‘Where’s Prince Aidan?’

He’s nowhere to be found.

Surely Princess Arline wouldn’t orchestrate something trivial like this…


Perhaps he’s off somewhere, getting smashed and drinking himself into oblivion. Not that it matters much anyway.

In fact, it’s probably for the best. Prince Aidan being here wouldn’t have helped much anyway. He’s nothing but a figurehead in the end.

“It’s been a while since I’ve seen you, Your Highness.”

“I heard you inherited the title of count. Congratulations, Count Frucus.”

She was as beautiful as ever. Her radiant golden hair and sapphire-blue eyes sparkled. Her white dress—neither overly extravagant nor too modest—highlighted her noble grace perfectly.

“Thank you, Your Highness. And my thanks to all of you gathered here today.”

“…”

The atmosphere was icy. I shrugged nonchalantly.

“I know how busy all of you are better than anyone. So I’ll get straight to the point: lend me your armies. I will personally lead them in the conquest of Cobalt Kingdom.”

“…”

The princess faction of nobles exchanged glances before looking toward Princess Arline. It was their silent way of saying they would follow her decision.

“Count Frucus.”

“Yes, Your Highness. What do you wish to say?”

“The Rapelli Kingdom is exhausted from years of war. The advisors involved in the northern conflict have judged that the continental war will conclude within one to two years. We are the victors. All we need to do is endure until the war ends. There’s no reason to invade Cobalt Kingdom.”

“Those advisors must be idiots. The continental war ending in one to two years? No, it will never end.”

A hostile tension spread among the princess faction nobles.

“Count Frucus! Are you calling us fools?!”

“Was one of those advisors you?” I said with a smirk. “I merely spoke the truth. The continental war won’t end in one or two years.”

He glared at me, grinding his teeth.

“What makes you think that?”

“Cobalt Kingdom. Their current king, Dullibard, has long been eyeing Rapelli greedily. Dullibard once even attempted an invasion of Rapelli. Do you really think that persistent bastard would give up after failing just once? Especially now, when Cobalt Kingdom is on a roll, conquering neighboring nations left and right. Their territory expands daily, and their army has grown far beyond what it used to be.”

“Do you have any idea how far Cobalt Kingdom is from Rapelli? For Cobalt, invading Rapelli would only result in losses.”

“I already told you—they tried once before. Having done it once, doing it again will only be easier. You should know what kind of man Dullibard is. That war-crazed tyrant will target us sooner or later. Before Cobalt grows any stronger, we strike first and conquer them. That’s the best course of action.”

Just as he was about to open his mouth in frustration, Princess Arline interjected.

“Count Frucus. I understand the threat posed by Cobalt Kingdom. Recent intelligence suggests they’re advancing north, so it seems likely, as you say, that their ultimate goal is Rapelli Kingdom.”

“Ah, see? Much easier talking to you than those advisors. Thank goodness.”

“…However, regardless of that, I fail to see the necessity of this invasion. If Cobalt’s army does invade, we can defend ourselves then. As you well know, defense is always more advantageous than offense.”

“By then, it’ll be too late. Cobalt Kingdom will be far stronger than you imagine. Rapelli Kingdom won’t be able to stop them.”

“…So you’re certain of this. What’s your basis?”

Instead of answering immediately, I glanced around.

If I say it here, it’s bound to leak. The problem is the potential backlash—but I could handle it.

“The king of Cobalt Kingdom has made pacts with demon contractors.”

Instantly, chaos erupted among the nobles. Some dismissed it outright, shouting that there’s no way it could be true, while others seemed to agree with me.

“…Count. A statement like that cannot go unchallenged. Do you have proof?”

“Consider Cobalt Kingdom’s actions…”


“Behold! The Cobalt Kingdom wages war day in and day out. It invades all around, expanding its territory. Three nations have already vanished after being invaded by the Cobalt Kingdom. And throughout this process, not a single issue—whether in combat or logistics—has arisen. Does that sound reasonable to you?”

“…The Cobalt Kingdom has many brilliant generals. It’s too early to conclude it’s the work of demonic power.”

“Princess Arline. There’s something off about the Cobalt Kingdom starting from its king. King Dullibard suddenly disappeared when he was Crown Prince and reappeared years later as an Aura Master, ascending to the throne. Isn’t that suspicious?”

“But didn’t the Earl also become an Aura Master at a young age?”

“I’ve been called a prodigy since childhood, standing out from the start. That wasn’t the case with King Dullibard. He vanished without context and returned as an Aura Master.”

I explained several other examples as well.

What I said isn’t false. Dullibard actively utilized the power of demons in a way most people wouldn’t notice.

In this world, there exists the Serion Sect, which opposes demons, but their influence is incredibly weak in this era. If Dullibard wanted, he could obliterate the Serion Sect right now.

“We must bring down the Cobalt Kingdom before King Dullibard’s ambition reaches Uray. Princess, please permit us to launch a punitive expedition.”

“Our kingdom doesn’t have the resources for that right now…”

“It does. The eastern front guarded by Frucus has already stabilized, the northern war ended recently, and the western front is being sorted out. The south is far more peaceful than any other region. Support me with troops. I will lead the army southward and dismantle the Cobalt Kingdom.”

“The war is just winding down. The people are only now returning to their daily lives. And you want to send them back to the battlefield?”

“This is the final war to end the continental conflict. Princess, think about the future. If the Cobalt Kingdom falls… the Rafelli Kingdom will become the greatest kingdom on the continent. We could rule over the continent for the next hundred years!”

At the mention of ruling the continent for a hundred years, the eyes of the nobles aligned with the princess gleamed with desire. Her advisors were no different. They must have judged that it’s possible now.

“Princess, we must destroy the Cobalt Kingdom for the peace of the continent.”

They wrapped it up nicely. A few nobles loyal to the princess began voicing their support.

“…I hereby approve the punitive expedition against the Cobalt Kingdom. But does it have to be the Earl leading the army?”

“I am the best choice.”

“The Earl hasn’t even turned thirty yet, correct?”

“Age and ability don’t go hand in hand. I inherited the earldom as the third son. Do you know why? Ability. I’ve already proven myself.”

“The opinions of others seem to differ somewhat…”

Princess Arline glanced around at the nobles. Quite a few glared at me furiously. These are the ones called great generals.

I slowly looked around at them and smirked.

“If anyone disagrees, step forward. I challenge you to a fief duel.”

“Earl! This is still wartime! A fief duel cannot be permitted!”

Princess Arline abruptly stood up and shouted.

“Then let’s settle it with a duel.”

“…”

No one stepped forward.

I turned back to Princess Arline. Ambition flickered in her eyes. If we win this war, the Rafelli Kingdom will seize control of the continent. For an ambitious princess like her, this is an opportunity she can’t pass up.

She probably intended to approve the war from the start. She likely wanted her own people in command but finds it difficult now that I’ve openly stepped forward. After all, I’m an undefeated general.

“Hmph.”

Princess Arline sighed. And I smiled.

Things went exactly as I planned.