NOVPUBThe exact moment when the era of calamities began in Ghislain’s past life was unknown to anyone.
One day, monstrous beasts of unknown origin began rampaging across the continent.
One thing was certain, however: it happened after the civil war in Luthania ended and the ducal faction ventured into the Forest of Beasts.
At that time, Ghislain had been living as a mercenary, tirelessly honing his skills. It was only after proving himself during the era of calamities that he rose to the title of Mercenary King.
The timing is almost uncanny, he thought.
Without a doubt, he had changed the future. He had defeated Count Desmuth and claimed dominance over the North.
Wars that had never occurred in his previous life had now taken place, and many events had shifted due to his actions.
People believed that Ghislain had accelerated the onset of the civil war.
Well, they’re not entirely wrong...
Looking at the current situation, it was true that he had sped things up. But compared to his previous life, the timing of the civil war had remained nearly the same.
In his past life, the Crown Prince’s faction, already weakened by the drought, had met its complete downfall at this point.
Back then, the ducal faction crushed the Crown Prince’s weakened forces with ease.
But this time, the ducal faction wasn’t moving because the Crown Prince’s faction had weakened. Instead, Ghislain’s interference had ruined their plans, leaving them no choice but to act.
Ghislain’s efforts to assist the Crown Prince’s faction during the drought had delayed their downfall, effectively buying time despite accelerating the war in other ways.
It was as if the events meant to happen would inevitably unfold at their appointed time.
This works in my favor.
If the future didn’t deviate too far, controlling the situation wouldn’t be difficult for him.
Ghislain’s preparations weren’t just for the civil war; they were also aimed at the era of calamities.
Before that era arrived, he needed to eliminate anyone who could become a hindrance.
“Make a decision quickly,” Ghislain urged. 𝘯𝘰𝘷𝘱𝘶𝑏.𝑐𝘰𝑚
“Hmm...”
Marquis Branford let out a low groan of contemplation.
He was a nobleman of honor and pride, respected by the kingdom’s aristocracy for never acting without justification. For him, launching an attack without a clear pretext was a profoundly difficult choice.
In this matter, the ever-straightforward Morris proved to be more decisive.
“What’s there to think about? If they’re bad people, let’s just take them out! I’ll take responsibility!”
Buoyed by the gifts he had received, Morris was in such high spirits that he seemed ready to attack anyone Ghislain pointed at.
Ghislain subtly fanned the flames.
“If the marquis finds this troublesome, I can have my forces handle the capital first.”
Marquis Branford chuckled softly. It was absurd. What Ghislain was proposing was no different from sidelining him and acting unilaterally.
A time to let strength speak, huh...
It was inevitable that they would have to fight. And if that was the case, eliminating suspected threats preemptively would indeed be more efficient.
This could also be an opportunity to strengthen the royal authority.
True to his political acumen, Marquis Branford considered the broader implications. Exercising force without justification could instill fear, and that fear could serve as a foundation for consolidating the monarchy’s power.
He only needed to cast aside his ideals and honor. Even if it meant earning the reputation of being a servant who overshadowed the king, the results might justify the means.
“I’ll distribute the lists you’ve provided. Move swiftly before they catch wind of this. Inform the lords of each territory immediately,” Branford ordered, finally making his decision.
Ghislain smiled as the marquis spoke, while the other nobles appeared visibly tense.
They were about to wield their swords without justification—a drastic shift from their usual cautious approach.
Only Morris remained enthusiastic.
“Gather the men and let’s wipe them all out immediately!”
He eagerly sprang into action, and the other nobles hesitantly followed his lead.
Marquis Branford, shaking his head, turned back to Ghislain, his fatigue evident.
“You still have more to say, don’t you?”
“Yes, I have one more favor to ask.”
“...Of course. What is it this time?”
Ghislain grinned slyly.
“I’d like a gift.”
“...What kind of gift?”
“I’d like a fragment of the Dragon Heart stored in the royal treasury.”
“...”
The existence of Dragon Heart fragments in the royal treasury wasn’t exactly a secret. These fragments were among the most precious treasures of the kingdom, obtained through centuries of Luthania’s history.
The kingdom had only managed to secure a single Dragon Heart, and due to its immense power, it was divided into smaller fragments and bestowed sparingly to loyal servants across generations.
“That’s something we can only give to those who have proven their utmost loyalty to the crown.”
Even among loyal subjects, only the most deserving could receive such a fragment.
This generation’s recipients included the kingdom’s Swordmaster and the master of the royal mage tower.
It was out of the question to give it to someone like Ghislain, whose domain was largely independent from the crown and who clearly lacked any intent to demonstrate loyalty.
Ghislain, exasperated, pressed on.
“This isn’t the time to hoard treasures like that. Every bit of strength counts.”
“You’re already a Master. Must you covet even that?”
“It’s not for me.”
“Then who do you intend to give it to?”
“You’re aware that my domain has a Sixth Circle mage, aren’t you? She has the potential to break through to the Seventh Circle, but her mana reserves are insufficient. Without a fragment of the Dragon Heart, she won’t overcome that limitation.”
“Hmm...”
“The ducal faction has Count Balzac and Illois. They also command a host of skilled knights and mages. We cannot match their quality or quantity of forces. We need another extraordinary individual to tip the scales.”
“Hmm... But there’s no guarantee she’ll break through to the Seventh Circle.”
The kingdom’s Swordmaster had succeeded in crossing his barrier after receiving a fragment. But the royal mage tower’s master, despite receiving one, had failed to advance.
He became a mage with immense mana reserves but remained stuck at the Sixth Circle.
Ghislain’s voice turned firm.
“She’ll succeed. She has the insight and knowledge; she only lacks the mana required to overcome the wall.”
In his past life, Vanessa had reached the Seventh Circle despite practicing a flawed mana technique. Her magical talent was unmatched across the continent.
Marquis Branford knew Vanessa’s youth made her exceptional even among the kingdom’s historical geniuses. But granting her such a treasure still made him hesitate.
If that reckless fool Ghislain became an unstoppable Master with a Seventh Circle mage as his subordinate, what would happen once the ducal faction was defeated?
The mere thought was unsettling.
“Are you seriously going to refuse? After all the gifts I’ve brought you?”
“...”
“There’s still a third shipment coming, you know. A third! Don’t make things difficult now.”
“...”
Ghislain’s persistence was relentless, wearing down the marquis’s resistance.
Branford let out a long sigh. He knew Ghislain wouldn’t stop until he got what he wanted.
And despite his faults, Ghislain had no designs on the throne. With the ducal faction looming, they could hardly afford to turn down a chance to gain an edge.
“Fine. I’ll consult with the chancellor and have the fragment prepared as soon as possible. Give me a few days.”
“Thank you!”
Ghislain flashed a bright smile, one he hadn’t shown in a long time.
With Vanessa at the Sixth Circle, she would undoubtedly be able to absorb the fragment and ascend to the Seventh Circle.
“While I wait, I’ll help tidy up the capital. Let me know if you need more troops.”
“...Do as you wish.”
Marquis Branford waved him off wearily.
As always, Ghislain managed to get exactly what he wanted.
***
"Milady, it has been a while. What can I do for you? Is there something you require?"
Jeffrey, the head of the Kelya Merchant Guild, greeted Rozaline with a sly grin.
He was the leader of a merchant guild based in the East, primarily engaged in trade between the eastern regions and the capital. As a result, he frequently stayed in the capital and conducted regular business with the Branford Marquis. Given the numerous organizations under Rozaline’s command, the demand for supplies was substantial.
Swish.
Rozaline flicked open her fan, concealing the lower half of her face as she spoke.
"You’ve profited quite a bit thanks to us, haven’t you?"
"Pardon? Ah... well, it’s always an honor to do business with the Marquis. Thanks to your generosity, our guild has been able to thrive. We’re always grateful for your patronage."
Sensing the sharp edge in her words, Jeffrey responded smoothly.
Rozaline let out a small chuckle before continuing.
"The deal ends today."
"What... what do you mean by that?"
"Your Kelya Merchant Guild is shutting down as of today. All of its assets in the East will be confiscated by the Marquis."
"W-What nonsense is this!"
Jeffrey’s eyes widened in shock at the unexpected announcement.
With her fan still hiding her face, Rozaline’s expression remained unreadable. Yet the chilling intent in her eyes made it clear she wasn’t joking.
"When did the Marquis turn into a gang of thieves? Every noble and merchant in the kingdom will condemn you and sever ties with the Marquis!"
"I don’t care."
"W-What did you just say?"
"It doesn’t matter anymore. Your guild is finished. You lapdogs of the Ducal faction."
"Lapdogs? What are you—"
"Take him down."
Clang! Clang! Clang!
The knights and soldiers surrounding Rozaline unsheathed their weapons, lunging at Jeffrey and his subordinates.
"Aaaaah!"
The merchant guild members barely had time to draw their weapons before they were overwhelmed and slaughtered. The Marquis’s forces were of the highest caliber, leaving no chance for resistance.
But then something unexpected happened.
Clang! Clang! Clang!
Jeffrey, who had seemingly produced a weapon out of nowhere, parried every strike from the knights. A faint blue light enveloped his blade.
Rozaline’s eyes narrowed sharply.
A mere merchant guild leader holding his own against elite knights?
While it wasn’t impossible for a wealthy merchant to be skilled in combat, it was rare. They had the resources for quality training, but such martial prowess would typically be well-known.
And yet, Jeffrey’s exceptional abilities had gone unnoticed until now. This raised suspicions, which were quickly confirmed.
"You bitch! How the hell did you find out!"
His venomous tone was enough to betray his allegiance.
Rozaline smiled coolly.
"You don’t need to know. Just die without making this any uglier."
"You witch!"
Jeffrey lunged at Rozaline, but the knights and soldiers blocked his path.
Clang! Clang! Clang!
Though his skills were impressive, Jeffrey couldn’t fend off the combined might of the Marquis’s forces indefinitely. He was quickly overwhelmed, his body riddled with injuries as blood poured from his wounds.
"Ugh... hah...."
As Jeffrey staggered, blood dripping to the ground, one of the knights approached to deliver the final blow.
"Die!"
The knight’s sword swung down toward him.
Clang!
"Impossible!"
Despite his wounds, Jeffrey managed to raise his weapon and block the attack.
But that wasn’t all.
Rrrghhh!
His body began to swell unnaturally, his clothes ripping apart as his muscles expanded grotesquely.
"What... what is this?"
The knight staggered back in shock, and the others froze, their faces pale.
Jeffrey’s grotesque transformation was accompanied by a palpable surge of mana, so intense it made the knights’ bodies tingle with dread.
The once-wounded merchant let out a monstrous roar.
"Graaaagh!"
His distorted appearance and unearthly howl made it clear he had lost all semblance of humanity.
"Kill him now!" Rozaline snapped, folding her fan as she barked the order.
The nearest soldiers thrust their spears at Jeffrey.
Clang! Clang! Clang!
"What the—"
To their horror, the spears couldn’t even pierce his skin.
"Dieee!"
Slash!
Jeffrey swung his blade, decapitating the soldiers in front of him with a single sweep.
"You bastard!"
The knights finally regained their composure and attacked in unison. Jeffrey, now a monstrous figure, absorbed their strikes without hesitation as he charged forward.
"Milady!"
"Stop him!"
Despite their efforts, no one could halt Jeffrey’s advance. His monstrous form barreled toward Rozaline with singular focus.
"This... this can’t be...."
As Jeffrey closed in, Rozaline’s face turned pale.
The Marquis’s knights were strong enough to fend off most adversaries, but she hadn’t anticipated Jeffrey’s transformation into such a monster.
Graaaaah!
Jeffrey’s distorted face twisted into what resembled a grotesque grin as he swung his sword at Rozaline.
Rozaline clenched her eyes shut, bracing for the inevitable. The knights were closing in, but it was already too late.
Swoosh!
A sound like the air itself being torn apart echoed through the battlefield.
Thud!
Before Jeffrey’s sword could reach her, a spear flew through the air and pierced his body, halting his attack in an instant.
