NOVEL NEXT My Daddy Hides His Power
“….” “Either he runs away like he used to, or he waits for the day he dies.” “….” “I welcome either choice. As long as Enoch doesn’t stay in the capital and muddy the waters.” “…What happens if he doesn’t run away?” Oscar briefly met Nicholas’ gaze. “Even if the father is foolish, the child is not at fault. You know that, right?” “Ahahahaha! Hahahaha!” Nicholas burst into hearty laughter at Oscar’s remark. “What an interesting friend. I came here to talk about Enoch’s daughter today. I know very well the efforts you’ve put in to prepare her for the Wizard Tower.” “I’m honored that you recognize me.” “When the war starts, the capital will be lacking high-level troops. The only competent Dos left will be Enoch.” “….” “I’m worried that Enoch might cause trouble while the capital’s defenses are weak… He’s prepared to die to protect his modest beliefs, so what can’t he do?” At that moment, Oscar held his breath. ‘This b*stard…is he reading the situation?’ Nicholas stroked his chin as if he was thinking. “I will prepare separate troops to defend the capital, but I want a more reliable shield. So.” “….” “There is something you can do.” Nicholas said with a smileless face. “I want you to hold the hostage in your hands around the day the Imperial Army departs.” “…Who, do you mean?” “Who else? Enoch’s daughter.” Oscar’s face hardened. “There is no better tactic than that.” “Are you saying you plan to use his daughter as a pawn, when you’re not even sure what Enoch Rubinstein might do?” “Whatever he does or doesn’t do, once this war is over, Enoch needs to disappear. But as for his daughter…” “….” “I’ve been troubled because of his daughter. That’s why I came to see you. She’s a talent you’ve carefully nurtured, and I’m sure you wouldn’t want to see her die following her father’s fate, would you?” Oscar, who had been silent, tried to act calmly and asked. “…I understand, but wouldn’t it be faster for Your Majesty to handle it yourself? Why leave it to me?” “That’s difficult. It’s because of Cheshire Libre.” Nicholas added, picking up the teacup he had put down. “After the war is over, he will be at the pinnacle of power. I must treat the greatest contributor to the unification of the continent appropriately. To put it simply, I cannot ignore the situation.” “….” “There are some things that must never be touched when dealing with Cheshire Libre. Those between me and him… Should we call it an unwritten rule?” “….” “If I threaten or swing my powers, I can upset that man. Enoch’s daughter is one of them.” Oscar was speechless at the sharp judgment. ‘Damn snake. You’ve seen everything from where you sit.’ The Emperor understood everything exactly. “But knowing that his daughter is the best card to take down Enoch, could I really resist using her?” Oscar let out a laugh, as if it was ridiculous. ‘So you’re going to use me to blow your nose without touching her?’ He had no intention of wasting his life force by touching Lilith directly, and he wouldn’t make Cheshire resent him by taking the child hostage. However, since he had no choice but to use his daughter to control Enoch, he meant to pass the role of threatening the child on to Oscar. “I’ll take Princess Rubinstein hostage. But the aftermath… I’ll be the one to handle the anger of Cheshire Libre, is that what you’re saying?” “Why, can’t I?” “….” “Oscar Manuel.” Nicholas raised one corner of his mouth and smiled viciously. “Now the power balance is tilted to one side. Stop talking about neutrality and looking around like a mean bat.” Nicholas leaned over and added fiercely. “If you want to clear the past where you’ve acted so arrogantly toward me and continue to hold power in the empire, you have to show me this much sincerity.” Oscar stared blankly at Nicholas and admitted it to himself. ‘That head of yours sure knows how to spin things.’ The Emperor’s judgment wasn’t wrong. Anticipating Enoch’s movements and trying to take him down first. Taking his daughter hostage as a way to control him. Considering the future flow of power, he’s passing that role to Oscar without getting his hands dirty himself… He even made the neutral Wizard Tower come over to his side. ‘It’s creepy. If this was the first attempt… everything would have gone his way?’ In his previous life, Oscar was just a power who only cared about securing his own interests and avoided any unnecessary trouble. He only showed his courage in situations where he could, and he wouldn’t have hesitated in situations where there was an additional surge of power. He would have likely taken Lilith hostage as he was told. Then everything would have gone wrong. But. ‘That brat’s wrong choice.’ That’s what he didn’t know. That this was his second attempt. Also… The deep bond between Oscar and Lilith, one that others can’t even begin to imagine. Now, ‘the lost time.’ Even the memories of that terrible past life. “Yes, Your Majesty.” Oscar smiled brightly. “Of course, I’ll do as you say.” He threatened the neutral Lord of the Wizard Tower to hand over the child. It was definitely a wise choice. “You’ll hand over the child, and considering that you’re willing to overlook how disrespectful I’ve been until now, this is quite a profitable deal for me.” Unfortunately, it was at its best when there were no ‘failed times.’ To the regressor who returned after a terrible failure, to Oscar who loved the child enough to give up his life― ‘You’ve entrusted the fish to the cat, X-God.’ ―Is there a worse choice than handing over a hostage?
Chapter 237
* * *
Imperial Palace, Military Conference Room. Twenty days before the invasion of the kingdom. The Emperor, Nicholas, summoned the ability user. Except for the commander of the magic swordsmen, who was absent due to soldier training, nine commanders of the Dos army were gathered. “Then, is there anyone else who will disobey this expedition order besides the Paladin Commander?” Nicolas looked around at the gathered commanders and asked each one in turn. They all bowed their heads in agreement to obey the order. It was as expected. “Then, Enoch. I will ask you one last time. Are you going to blow this opportunity to work together on a great task? Are you going to defy the imperial command?” “No matter how many times you ask, my answer will be the same.” “Ahaha, yes.” How could he be so consistent? Nicholas stared intently into Enoch’s unwavering eyes. “I’m not planning to let this slide. When the war is over, I will punish you for disobeying orders.” “….” “I may even punish you with your life.” Enoch’s expression didn’t change despite the fierce threat. Instead, a gasp erupted from the others. “Do you think the knights under your command share the same opinion as you?” Only then did Enoch’s eyes waver. It was a question about whether he would force his beliefs onto his subordinates, even if it meant they would all die together. “… No.” Enoch answered after a long time. “Please summon the ability users affiliated with the Paladin Order separately to issue the deployment orders.” “Yes. I knew you would say that.” “I will take my leave now.” Even though he hadn’t been given permission to go, Enoch left the conference room like the wind. The ability users glanced at the empty position of the Paladin Commander. “Hahahahaha!” In the meantime, Nicholas burst out laughing. “He’s really consistent.” * * * Wizard Tower, Oscar’s office. “Well, you came all the way to the Wizard Tower during such a busy time. I would have gone if you had called for me.” Oscar was facing the emperor, Nicholas, who had visited him in person. “I’m on my way to call all the Dos army Commanders together and order them to go on an invasion of the Isolem Kingdom.” “Oh, I see.” Oscar exclaimed with an unimpressed face. The fact that the Emperor was preparing for a war of aggression was known to everyone in the empire. “Did they all say they’re going to war?” “Well, except for the Paladin Commander, who always challenges the imperial command on every little thing, everyone else will be participating?” Oscar hesitated and then chuckled. “Enoch Rubinstein again?” “Yeah, again.” “I have to admit, he’s got guts, but this time it’s a big deal. Isn’t it a clear declaration of war against the imperial family?” “That’s right. Lord of the Wizard Tower, you understand why all the powerful figures have decided to go to war, don’t you?” “Yes, well. Because it’s a sure victory?” War. A failed invasion lowers the status of the leader and weakens the imperial family. On the other hand, if it succeeds. Emperor Nicholas von Pavilion, who achieved the feat of unifying the continent, will be remembered as an unprecedentedly powerful person. The power of the imperial family will be firmly established. The class system propagated by the imperial family will become even more solid. The Emperor of Primera is soon to become a God. The idea of the chosen people separating the ability and the non-ability users through the theocratic unity that has continued for a long time will deepen even further. The era of absolute power and imperial dictatorship will soon arrive. ‘―You must be thinking that.’ Oscar laughed inwardly. “The commander of the magic swordsmen, who is a close aide to Your Majesty, personally came to convey the message. He said he had discovered the key to a guaranteed victory in the invasion.” “That’s right. Now the Kingdom of Isolem can’t stop the power of Cheshire Libre. If the success or failure of this invasion was uncertain, perhaps some of the commanders would have refused to go on an expedition, keeping an eye on Enoch’s mood.” “Hey, there’s no one that bold. Now Your Majesty has a new sword that can rival Enoch Rubinstein, and with victory in the war, unifying the continent is just around the corner. Who wouldn’t be excited?” Oscar frowned. “By the way, it seems that Duke Rubinstein… who I thought was a smart person, might be someone who can’t read the room after all.” “No. It’s not because he’s ignorant, he’s just consistent. Enoch doesn’t do anything that goes against his beliefs.” Nicholas’s eyes flashed fiercely for a moment. “Even when his beliefs are suffocating him like this.” “…Why are you saying something so scary? It seems like you’re thinking of taking down the Rubinstein family. That guy hasn’t been listening for a day or two.” “That’s the natural course of things. I no longer need Enoch’s abilities, and he is a reactionary that threatens to undermine my stronghold.” Oscar’s eyes widened at the answer that came right away. ‘What? You two were planning to kill each other?’ “When the war is over, Enoch and his entire family will be burned to the ground without a trace. Well, Enoch has two choices.”“….” “Either he runs away like he used to, or he waits for the day he dies.” “….” “I welcome either choice. As long as Enoch doesn’t stay in the capital and muddy the waters.” “…What happens if he doesn’t run away?” Oscar briefly met Nicholas’ gaze. “Even if the father is foolish, the child is not at fault. You know that, right?” “Ahahahaha! Hahahaha!” Nicholas burst into hearty laughter at Oscar’s remark. “What an interesting friend. I came here to talk about Enoch’s daughter today. I know very well the efforts you’ve put in to prepare her for the Wizard Tower.” “I’m honored that you recognize me.” “When the war starts, the capital will be lacking high-level troops. The only competent Dos left will be Enoch.” “….” “I’m worried that Enoch might cause trouble while the capital’s defenses are weak… He’s prepared to die to protect his modest beliefs, so what can’t he do?” At that moment, Oscar held his breath. ‘This b*stard…is he reading the situation?’ Nicholas stroked his chin as if he was thinking. “I will prepare separate troops to defend the capital, but I want a more reliable shield. So.” “….” “There is something you can do.” Nicholas said with a smileless face. “I want you to hold the hostage in your hands around the day the Imperial Army departs.” “…Who, do you mean?” “Who else? Enoch’s daughter.” Oscar’s face hardened. “There is no better tactic than that.” “Are you saying you plan to use his daughter as a pawn, when you’re not even sure what Enoch Rubinstein might do?” “Whatever he does or doesn’t do, once this war is over, Enoch needs to disappear. But as for his daughter…” “….” “I’ve been troubled because of his daughter. That’s why I came to see you. She’s a talent you’ve carefully nurtured, and I’m sure you wouldn’t want to see her die following her father’s fate, would you?” Oscar, who had been silent, tried to act calmly and asked. “…I understand, but wouldn’t it be faster for Your Majesty to handle it yourself? Why leave it to me?” “That’s difficult. It’s because of Cheshire Libre.” Nicholas added, picking up the teacup he had put down. “After the war is over, he will be at the pinnacle of power. I must treat the greatest contributor to the unification of the continent appropriately. To put it simply, I cannot ignore the situation.” “….” “There are some things that must never be touched when dealing with Cheshire Libre. Those between me and him… Should we call it an unwritten rule?” “….” “If I threaten or swing my powers, I can upset that man. Enoch’s daughter is one of them.” Oscar was speechless at the sharp judgment. ‘Damn snake. You’ve seen everything from where you sit.’ The Emperor understood everything exactly. “But knowing that his daughter is the best card to take down Enoch, could I really resist using her?” Oscar let out a laugh, as if it was ridiculous. ‘So you’re going to use me to blow your nose without touching her?’ He had no intention of wasting his life force by touching Lilith directly, and he wouldn’t make Cheshire resent him by taking the child hostage. However, since he had no choice but to use his daughter to control Enoch, he meant to pass the role of threatening the child on to Oscar. “I’ll take Princess Rubinstein hostage. But the aftermath… I’ll be the one to handle the anger of Cheshire Libre, is that what you’re saying?” “Why, can’t I?” “….” “Oscar Manuel.” Nicholas raised one corner of his mouth and smiled viciously. “Now the power balance is tilted to one side. Stop talking about neutrality and looking around like a mean bat.” Nicholas leaned over and added fiercely. “If you want to clear the past where you’ve acted so arrogantly toward me and continue to hold power in the empire, you have to show me this much sincerity.” Oscar stared blankly at Nicholas and admitted it to himself. ‘That head of yours sure knows how to spin things.’ The Emperor’s judgment wasn’t wrong. Anticipating Enoch’s movements and trying to take him down first. Taking his daughter hostage as a way to control him. Considering the future flow of power, he’s passing that role to Oscar without getting his hands dirty himself… He even made the neutral Wizard Tower come over to his side. ‘It’s creepy. If this was the first attempt… everything would have gone his way?’ In his previous life, Oscar was just a power who only cared about securing his own interests and avoided any unnecessary trouble. He only showed his courage in situations where he could, and he wouldn’t have hesitated in situations where there was an additional surge of power. He would have likely taken Lilith hostage as he was told. Then everything would have gone wrong. But. ‘That brat’s wrong choice.’ That’s what he didn’t know. That this was his second attempt. Also… The deep bond between Oscar and Lilith, one that others can’t even begin to imagine. Now, ‘the lost time.’ Even the memories of that terrible past life. “Yes, Your Majesty.” Oscar smiled brightly. “Of course, I’ll do as you say.” He threatened the neutral Lord of the Wizard Tower to hand over the child. It was definitely a wise choice. “You’ll hand over the child, and considering that you’re willing to overlook how disrespectful I’ve been until now, this is quite a profitable deal for me.” Unfortunately, it was at its best when there were no ‘failed times.’ To the regressor who returned after a terrible failure, to Oscar who loved the child enough to give up his life― ‘You’ve entrusted the fish to the cat, X-God.’ ―Is there a worse choice than handing over a hostage?
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