I Am a Low-Class Aristocrat of a Perishing Country

35 – The man’s agony (2)

“Aha, ha… Ha ha, ha ha ha ha!”

Under the red-ripened sky, the light melted in vain.

Dark blood-stained ceremonial swords and red eyes resembling the current sky. A uniform that has lost its innocence, which cannot be said to be innocent even as a joke.

Everything about her was what made her.

“Disappear. All traces of brute beasts who do not know the value of human beings… Dispose of all of them…”

The 500-year history burning in the crimson flames is truly fleeting.

The golden bell tower that tells the time and the beautiful garden that shows off the essence of the four seasons are now just a handful of ashes.

Things that have no value are not needed in my world. No, my world is just a useless concept that has now been discontinued and destroyed.

That’s why I abolish the world.

Why?

Why?

How come.

If there is someone, omnipotent, omniscient someone, give me the answer.

Did my world inevitably have to be distorted?

For what reason could my loyalty not be reciprocated?

My innocent flesh and blood. The only family left now…

For what noble truth did he have to be sacrificed?

Why? Even I, who has not been harmed by anything, feels like my heart is going to break.

Mirren Justiha. The last remaining, no, my remaining flesh and blood. Did the child who was my everything have to lose its existence entirely?

How painful it must have been.

How unfair that must have been.

How… How scary it must have been.

That child. How did my innocent brother, who didn’t know what he was going to do, lose his soul?

The body was a child whose skeleton was barely covered with skin. He might have had to lie down for the rest of his life, wrapped in chains like a criminal.

I was just a child caught up in a disaster. My little sister who knows nothing and has no power. The reason i live

Someday, the two of you will meet face to face and talk harmoniously. Just wanted that What kind of life have you been living so far, and what will you be doing in the future? I wanted to discuss really mundane things.

I imagined putting on better clothes.

I tried to gain weight by feeding more and more delicious food.

I dreamed of enjoying luxury that I hadn’t had before.

I hoped that I would be happy to enjoy the feeling of love, which I had no relationship with.

I dreamed of seeing Mirren smiling broadly in a wedding dress and shedding tears… Was such a future too much for me?

Is this fate? Unbearable sorrow, suffering, and misery!

… My sister, is it something I have to shoulder?

If that’s true, I’ll curse you with all my might.

A world conceived inevitably crushed by grief. The subject of fate to observe giggling in the sky.

Yeah, at least for now I’ll put the rhythm to it. I will gladly release the resentment and hatred that boils from the bottom of my black soul.

Until everything that forms a weak enemy is destroyed.

I will voluntarily burn myself.

“Because now… Nothing is left. Equal. Nothing must be left.”

I raised the sword that was drenched in blood and lost its brilliant light.

Leaving behind the imperial palace, which was devouring the flames, they aimed at the system.

A world reflected in a blue lake with crazy ripples.

He drew the path of a single sword that split heaven and earth.

◇

Dream.

I have been dreaming frequently lately.

I clutched at my beating heart and howled mournfully over the ashes.

I know the pain of being betrayed by someone you trusted. The same is true of the pain of losing precious things through the gaps in your hands like fine grains of sand.

Even though it’s a feeling that obviously has no reason to know, in a dream it’s as desperate as it is in reality.

Everything is the same, but that was the case in my world where Nefi didn’t exist.

“Hmm.”

I woke up at dawn looking forward to the sunrise as the sun was still shyly hiding in the indigo sky.

The right hand is filled with a warm and stuffy touch.

When I turn my head slightly to the right, I see two people.

It was Mirren, who slept soundly a little lower, and Neffi, who craved the air like a stone Buddha with his narrow eyes open.

Leisurely enjoy the two hands that are still holding each other. Even so, he reflected on the night before, when he fell asleep with Neffi on his back without Mirren’s knowledge.

It was a secret bed for the two of us.

‘I didn’t let go until the end.’

It’s annoying and frustrating, but I didn’t expect to hold it all night. Even Nefi is awake with a clear mind.

When did you wake up? Could it be that you didn’t sleep at all?

If that’s the case, I’m sorry. I’m sorry, but…

‘If true. Maybe a little happy.’

Nefi. Strange man.

Even if you cringe without knowing your stomach, you won’t back down from the most important part. His personality is infinitely soft, and he says everything he has to say.

Sometimes your actions look cute, and it’s nice that you eventually listen if you push.

Actually, Nefi will only consider me as an acquaintance. You could say it’s my karma for putting the first button wrong.

I secretly observed Neffi’s profile, dull and oblivious to the obvious interest.

‘Neffi. I was very angry at yesterday’s outing.’

I felt my heart thump and sink as I gazed back at the memories vaguely in front of the fountain.

Isn’t it said that they mixed their bodies, and they saw all the things they couldn’t see?

I hated all the memories I didn’t know about Nefi, and the look I wouldn’t do when thinking of me.

That must have been the case. I made a mistake without knowing it.

I was constantly thinking about it. Why should I feel this way? Why do I wish there was no nepi that I don’t know.

The conclusion was undeserved. I don’t know at all.

It’s like it’s not my feelings. I am afraid that someone else’s thoughts have been overlaid on me.

But I don’t hate it. It’s strange, right? I feel like I’m used to it… It feels like I’ve been drawing and waiting for it for a long time.

It can’t be, but it’s strange.

If there’s one thing that’s for sure… That’s right.

Yesterday’s feelings for Neffi are different from today’s feelings. I anticipate that it will change day by day in the future.

Even if that’s the case… Even if the me Nefi knew and the me back then are different.

Nefy will treat you the same, right?

Ah, the morning sun is rising now.

It’s a pity, but we should slowly loosen our hands.

I don’t mind because there’s a next one.

Because the world where Nefi is now is my daily life. Unlike dreams, it’s my daily life where everything exists…

“Good night, Nefi.”

Please don’t say goodbye. Please forgive me for my petty grievances.

◇

“Yeah, it’s true that the carriage is there to look around.”

That was the impression I gave after arriving at the imperial palace in an instant.

If I could run myself, I wonder if I would have to ride a wagon to do something so fast. I don’t care about the dignity of the nobility or the rules.

Since they usually run on top of buildings, even if there are witnesses, they won’t be able to guess what they are.

It was just annoying to ask if the guards guarding the main gate had really walked with meaningful eyes. It’s a realistic matter, so I don’t regret it, but…

“By the way, was the emperor really bored?”

The guards said that if the Marquis of Alteon visits, they ask for a free pass. It was a very unconventional treatment even though he was no longer an aristocrat.

“Whoa…”

Looking around at the scenery of the imperial palace, which he has now become completely familiar with, he breathes in the cold air. The scent of various flowers of the four seasons stimulated the sensitive sense of smell and made the tip of the nose tingle.

I walked slowly, but the flow of time was brutal. Before I knew it, I turned my head for a moment with the golden chain decoration in front of the main palace in front of me.

“Come to think of it, there was nothing to write after all.”

The workers worked hard to bury it in the ground. Fortunately, no worrisome situation occurred.

It must have been thanks to the 2nd Bartlante Chester’s application at the right time. If the twisted original work hadn’t even reversed a person’s personality, he would still be a staunch loyalist.

Since the body’s powers, abilities, and background are perfect, it should be enough to replace Illelpi.

“Certainly, the imperial power is not strong, so Bartlante is also a good choice.”

The Duke of Chester, who represents the armed forces of the empire, becomes the emperor’s bodyguard. At this point in time when Feita was at a loss, if the four major dukes were to be suppressed, now was the right time.

If you put that into perspective, the retirement of the Knight Commander of Illelpi might not be a bad ending. She herself doesn’t seem to have much lingering feelings for her life as a knight.

Well, in the end, if you meet with the emperor and talk about this and that, you will come to a conclusion.

…

The first glance I received after entering the main palace was filled with suspicion. The handmaids and attendants, each doing their own thing, stared at me with confused eyes.

I thought even the crotch of my pants was torn at their gaze, which might be too explicit or rude.

I approached them and asked.

“Excuse me, did you ask me something?”

Even though it was an honorary title, it was clear that the attendant was taken aback, perhaps because he had been politely treated by the marquis.

He responded while averting his eyes to the point of being subjective.

“Not at all! Marquis, did you enter the palace to have an audience with His Majesty the Emperor?”

“Yes. That’s right. Has His Majesty already spoken to you?”

“Yes. When the Marquis of Alteon enters the palace, no matter what the schedule is, he has given an imperial order to attend.”

“No, until Hwangmyeong? How bored were you…”

“Are you bored…? No, it’s nothing. Your Majesty is in the office. If you need some guidance…”

I hurriedly waved my hand at the watchful attendant.

“Ah, it’s okay. I know you’re busy, but what? I’ll see you then.”

“Yes, I understand.”

I left the bowing attendant behind and headed for the emperor’s office.

It’s good to be treated with hospitality, but it’s still hard to erase the perception that it’s burdensome.

As a Confucian family from the Eastern Kingdom of Courtesy, he must have been firmly gripped with his ideology.

I hope someday IllP will cook stir-fried pork in the early morning.

‘…What is that. There’s no chance of being poisoned.’

I knocked on the emperor’s office and opened the door.

With a resolution never to think of such a joke ever again.

“How are you, Your Majesty?”

As soon as you step into the office, you reflexively greet each other. When I raised my head, the two people who were sitting and talking came into my field of vision.

I opened my mouth with a troubled face.

“Looks like I missed the proper visit.”

“No. I gave you permission.”

“If Your Majesty would…”

He gave me a puzzled look, just as I squinted my eyes at the customer.

After a bit of silence, he remembered me and was glad to know me.

“Aren’t you the Marquis of Alteon! It’s really nice to see you again.”

As I waved my hand with a distracting figure, I was drawn to the sight of a huge bear enticing prey.

‘I thought what if I shed tears again, but I was worried for nothing.’

I don’t know what kind of commotion would have happened if I had burst into tears in front of the emperor.

I also confirmed that my tear ducts were intact and readily accepted his greeting.

“Nice to meet you too, Little Duke.”

The Emperor’s guest was old. A man of training who gives the impression of being cramped by filling up even the most spacious chairs.

It was the 2nd Bartlante Chester, the ancestor of the mental world and Taiyaki.

“Hmm? The two of you must have known each other already. I didn’t have to introduce myself, so it saved me a lot of time.”

“hahahaha, I accidentally offended the two marquises. I just wanted to apologize once again.”

“Excuse me! And two marquises?”

The emperor’s eyes shone like stars.

“Yes! Captain Justiha and Marquis Alteon were in the middle of the outing. I was glad to have approached them… But now that I think about it, it was a big disrespect.”

“Whoa, whoa… Can you tell me more about that?”

“Your Majesty?”

I had to realize it at this time. Even if things go wrong, they know they are going wrong.

“The two of them were cozying up with Lady Yustiha, whom they had only heard about through rumors. Up until now, I had thought that rumors in the social world were unbelievable… But I realized that wasn’t necessarily the case.”

“I was wondering why so many bills for the dress came in, but was it like that! Well, you have to shoot a horse to get a longevity.”

“Who is the general and who is the horse, Your Majesty…?”

Wow, that’s strange. His Majesty and Bartlante, why are you so nasty?

Like the old saying that a sister-in-law hates an angry mother-in-law more than a mother-in-law, Bartlante feels more repugnant.

“Whoops. What are you ashamed of, Marquis! Rumors are already spreading that you got engaged to Captain Yustiha after dating.”

“Are you crazy?!”

Unbeknownst to me, rather frivolous remarks forced my lips.

“Isn’t that so?”

“Of course…”

It was the emperor who stopped me from stubbornly denying it.

“Do you hate the Marquis of Justiha?”

“Yes?”

“I asked if you dislike Marquis Justiha.”

“Uh…”

It was a trivial question, but it was a mind-boggling question. I took a few breaths before I could speak.

“… Ir Elp is just an acquaintance, isn’t it? There’s something special about it.”

Yes. Nothing special… An ambiguous relationship. It can only be defined that way.

“In the end, do you hate it or like it?”

The emperor questioned vaguely, with the corners of his mouth twitching.

“I…”

I quickly finished my calculations and continued.

“If you ask me which one I like, I’ll say I like it. My behavior is straight and I don’t hold back in my job, but if there are people I don’t like, that’s strange.”

“That’s a boring answer. Isn’t that right, Duke?”

At the disappointing emperor’s question, Bartlante raised a voice filled with somewhat uneasy suspicion.

“Have you ever heard rumors about your relationship with Captain Yustiha? I’ve believed that rumors are quite specific.”

“As you can guess, Irlp is just an acquaintance.”

“Oops! I’ve been rude again in front of the person in question. I apologize.”

“No, no. I can guess who the real bad guy is.”

I stare at the emperor with jealousy. Although the emperor was busy pretending not to know, rolling his eyes bizarrely.

In the oddly awkward atmosphere, Bartlante cleared his throat to draw attention.

“Hmmm! Your Majesty, I’ll let you know the hearing schedule for Captain Justiha.”

“Are you willing to revoke the no-confidence right?”

“Yes.”

“Whew! I see. Let’s proceed according to the principles.”

“Yes! I’m leaving now. Have a nice talk with the Marquis, Your Majesty.”

“Go in.”

Bartlante bowed his head enthusiastically as he bowed his head. I still narrowed my brows and naturally sat across from the emperor.

“You seem to have talked with the small duke about the hearing.”

“That’s right. The Marquis of Justiha has already given the word. What does the Marquis think?”

“It’s not bad. Even if it’s not as bad as El Elfi, the duke is an outstanding military man, and it has a symbolic meaning that the Duke of Chester supports you.”

“I thought the same thing. However, Marquis Justiha’s strength is truly a waste…”

“Even if Irr Elfie isn’t the Knight Commander, that doesn’t mean he isn’t a servant of Your Majesty, right? Besides, Ir Elfi is far from being obsessed with honor.”

The emperor’s anxiety is understandable.

In the end, the purpose of the hearing is to expose Irlp’s shame and get him fired. It wouldn’t be strange if his relationship with Ir-LP was broken because of this.

The problem is that she has her strongest one-person power hidden.

In the position of the emperor who knows all the circumstances, it is inevitable that it will be difficult for them to raise one hand.

“Ir Elfi has no particular attachment to the position of captain. He does as His Majesty wishes.”

“Is that so… Just in case you don’t know, I hope the Marquis of Alteon will be by your side on the day of the arbitration, how about that?”

It was the emperor who quietly suggested, but he failed to hide his strange nervousness. Are you looking forward to the years of experience as a true nobility?

‘Well, I’m sure it was like that too.’

The emperor’s coffin was an unmistakable mark of universal recognition. However, in reality, it may have been a symbol of solitude, such as the not-so-strong royal authority and a drifting sailboat.

One day, an elder from the imperial family appeared to the man who was determined to live his life like that. And that, too, while letting go of Charles’ tracking method, which had wrapped his head tightly.

The notoriety of the past seems to be overshadowed, and it must have been relieved because my usual personality is me. In fact, Netionpis seems to have no grudge against the Empire itself.

‘Even so, it must be difficult to live up to expectations.’

No matter how much I talk to you, it’s already been three months since I hit the iron wall…

“I don’t know if I’ll be of any help, but I’d be happy if you’re just a bystander.”

“Hmm! About that much. Please enter the palace with Marquis Justiha sooner or later.”

“Okay.”

Even if Netion Peace doesn’t appear, it would be possible to play the role of a chattering sister-in-law next to her.

In the first place, even if I wasn’t there, if I was an Irlp, it would be the end of being fired silently, but there’s no reason for a problem to arise.

There’s no such thing as a variable!

… I wanted someone to stop me from being stupid and optimistic.

‘Why? Why did this happen? Damn it!’

Time passed quickly, and the date of the IrLP hearing was fast approaching.

The place must have been the vast conference room of the imperial palace…

Why am I facing a man at the gymnasium? That’s why he’s glaring at the man who is going to kill him…!

“In Chester, you don’t know how to fight a fair fight. Don’t regret it, Marquis.”

He warned with a bloody stiff expression. What did I do wrong to get caught up in such a ridiculous situation…

Only the goddamned inspiration that wrangles inside of me knows the answer.

“Battlante Chester of the Duke of Chester. I will gladly accept the request for a duel from the Marquis of Alteon.”

‘I don’t want to receive it!’

I really hate it. A head-to-head confrontation with that strong warrior.

Netionpeace, how to f*ck this senile madman’s body. At this moment, that was my only concern.

“It’ll turn… For real.”

Only disgusting self-talk scattered from the gymnasium.