235 - The Poison that Splits Beim
――In the place where Liel had just bolted from, Erhart was filled with an overwhelming urge to run away himself.
All around them, the knights and soldiers of Cartaphus held their weapons, intimidating two women and the knights and soldiers behind them, while the Queen stood behind them with a longsword resting on her shoulder.
The Queen of Cartaphus stood there with great dignity. Beside her were a woman with light-blue hair and a woman with silver hair――all three of them possessed purple eyes.
"Do not make me repeat myself. I shall take Liel. He is a vessel that cannot be contained within the framework of a small nation. Liel is most suited for the great nation of Cartaphus."
A woman who emitted flickering flames from her body――Glacia—thrust her spear, which was as tall as she was, into the ground and talked back upon hearing those words.
"Listen to her... We have already received consent. Besides, Liel already has a harem of considerable size. I was the first to obtain permission from all of them. I don't know about some 'great nation' or 'Cartaphus,' but is a country where people can't do a thing while being nearly taken over by a single skill-user really the most suited? Save your sleep-talking for when you're actually asleep."
Eliza, who stood with her staff thrust into the ground and both hands pressing down on it, radiated an atmosphere that seemed to freeze the very air around her.
In fact, only around Eliza, the breath of those who exhaled turned white.
"Coming in late to make him your husband? Discussions are already underway between four nations. There is no longer a place for Cartaphus. Just stay quiet and cooperate, and that will be enough."
The opinions of the two women――and the knights and soldiers waiting behind them—were backed by weapons and serious expressions.
Erhart was huddling together with his companions, trembling.
"What is this? Hey, what is this! I absolutely will not recognize a harem like this. The harem of my dreams was definitely not something this dangerous!"
Ludmilla looked down slightly and chuckled, brushing her hair back with her left hand as she spoke.
"For a small nation with no significant power unless four of them gather, you certainly speak with a lot of arrogance. Let me tell you, even if you all gather, you won't match the national power of Cartaphus. Prepare three times as many, and then I'll listen to your opinions."
In reality, Cartaphus possessed more than double the national power of the four-nation alliance. The great northern nation owned that much territory and power.
"Well, I'll recognize you as Liel's concubine, as a princess of a small nation."
Erhart spoke up timidly.
"Eh? But he already has over ten women? All of them concubines?"
Even excluding the Valkyries and such, Erhart and the others believed Liel had that many women. If rumors were to be believed, there were even rumors regarding the Saint and the former Saint of Zain.
Hearing this, Ludmilla and the others turned their gaze toward Erhart.
"What of it? Keeping a mere ten or so is no problem. We have the national power for it. If they fulfill their roles, I'll recognize them. Though, I am the primary one, of course."
Facing the confident Ludmilla, Glacia made her flames larger, and Eliza intensified her cold air further.
In the midst of this, Erhart noticed something.
(That woman... she's just smiling in the back in the middle of this carnage!)
At the end of Erhart's gaze, Miranda was leaning against the horse she had arrived on, watching the three women fight with an amused expression.
Erhart felt as if he could hear Miranda's voice.
(Crush each other, you three.)
Her expression looked exactly as if she were saying that.
Glacia pulled her spear from the ground and shouted.
"Don't get cocky, Queen of Cartaphus! I'll crush you right here! You're an enemy too!"
A lot of emotion was packed into the "too" part.
"This is a good opportunity. I'll organize Liel's harem right here. First, it's you, Ludmillaaaa!!"
Eliza, gripping her staff and creating a blade of ice, took her stance. The knights and soldiers waiting behind them also raised their voices and gripped their weapons, looking as if they would charge at any moment.
Ludmilla smiled in the face of the two women――but her expression quickly turned to one of disdain.
"――How disappointing. I was willing to make concessions. I suppose I'll have to see your true strength."
As she drew her longsword and its red blade glowed ominously, Erhart looked around, trying to do something. Then, he discovered Liel watching them from a distance.
"Ah, hey! Come back! Quickly, this place――"
――Before Erhart could finish his plea for help, Liel turned around and started running.
Liel had fled the scene. And seeing that back, Miranda chased after him on her horse.
By the time Miranda caught Liel and returned, a considerable amount of damage had been dealt to the surroundings――.
After everything ended, I entered Beim bringing the representatives of the three nations, with a bandage applied to my cheek.
Whether it looked to those around us as if I had emerged victorious from a fierce battle, the spectators on the main street of Beim stepped aside to both sides so as not to block our path, watching the knights and soldiers of the three nations.
It was rare for knight orders to enter Beim, so it was treated as a kind of spectacle.
Thanks to Eva having already returned to Beim and spread the rumors, we were welcomed favorably in Beim.
However, that was only for the residents of Beim. When it came to merchants and guild executives, the story changed.
Among the legion of nearly two thousand people were the adventurer parties that were supposed to attack us.
Amidst the cheers, we were welcomed in Beim as heroes who had repelled the adventurers who launched the attack and saved the Queen of Cartaphus.
Inside the orb, the Seventh Generation voiced a cold opinion.
"How incredibly carefree. If they knew what we――no, what Liel is about to do, they wouldn't be able to laugh."
I had already investigated and found that adventurers from each branch had returned to Beim. The guild was likely gathering information in great haste. I had timed our return to coincide with that.
The Third Generation spoke as if to soothe the Seventh.
"Why not? It's certainly a hero's triumphant return. Whether he's a hero for whom is a separate matter. Now, I hope the poison we planted in Beim is spreading nicely."
What I had sent in were the favored adventurers of the East Branch, and the fact that the guild had been passing information to us――.
Not only that. They likely wouldn't understand why the adventurers sent to attack us were now acting alongside us.
The Fifth Generation spoke while thinking about what was to come.
"With this, the minimum objective has been achieved. Now, it's just a matter of confirming if the seeds we've sown will sprout. According to our predictions, there's a high possibility they'll take drastic measures against Liel. That's why we've been provoking them until now."
As I moved at the front on horseback to maintain appearances, the Beim guild headquarters came into view.
"...Now, if Beim takes drastic measures, it's over. Depending on how the East Branch and the Trace family move, but with this, we can split Beim."
The capital known as Beim was a massive lump of power. It possessed power more troublesome than a single nation, and it had grown into a capital that sucked up gold while turning its surroundings into a sea of blood. Changing such a completed city from the inside was difficult, and I didn't have the time for it.
I wanted Beim's support. To fight Celes, I absolutely needed it.
However, I couldn't be supported unconditionally. If Beim supported me unconditionally, even if I won against Celes, a huge problem would remain on the continent.
Beim would have used me to become an even larger, more troublesome capital. Even if I won against Celes and obtained a country, I wouldn't be able to cut off Beim, who had supported me. If I did, Beim would make me their next enemy.
That's why――.
"――The capital of merchants and adventurers shall be sunk into a sea of blood once."
――For my sake, they shall be sunk into hell. Even if there are innocent people unrelated to this, for the sake of the future――for my sake.
――Guild Headquarters.
The gathered executives had lost their usual composure and were raising their voices.
Complaints were also coming from the merchants. The fact that they couldn't kill Liel was a problem, but what the merchants prioritized was the protest from Cartaphus.
It was also a problem that the adventurers sent by the guild didn't even do their jobs and let Liel and his group complete the request after arriving later. But the biggest issue was that they had tried to flee upon failing. It was raised as a problem that they had greatly damaged Beim's credibility.
At the same time, the fact that only the guild's East Branch suffered little damage was also a problem. In the South Branch, the mercenary group they dispatched was almost completely wiped out. In the West Branch, one first-class party was wiped out, and they were in a situation where they were cooperating with Liel.
In the North Branch, most of those sent out had not returned. According to those who did return, Liel and his group had only spared the adventurers of the East Branch.
There was no way they could stay silent after hearing this.
"You betrayed us! You betrayed the other branches and leaked information! How do you intend to take responsibility for this!"
An executive from the South Branch slammed his fist onto the desk, glaring at the executive from the East Branch. Facing those bloodshot eyes, Tanya judged that nothing she said would get through. Her superior, the executive, felt the same.
"...We did not betray you. We have identified the person who sold the information. It was one of our staff. There may have been some circumstances, but it is not something that can be forgiven."
The executive from the North Branch also had a stern gaze.
"Cartaphus has issued a protest directly from the Queen. That place is an important port for the merchants. Furthermore, you've made enemies of Galleria, who holds the rights to the upcoming port, and even Lusworth... Do you intend to let this failure end with the responsibility of a single staff member?"
The executive from the West Branch had a pale expression and sunken cheeks. The labyrinths managed by Beim exceeded one hundred floors underground. Accordingly, their management required very delicate handling.
Adventurer parties capable of breaking through the sixtieth floor were essential for that management. They weren't the kind of existence that could be immediately replaced once lost.
The surviving parties also harbored distrust, feeling they had been sold out by the guild. Furthermore, they testified that they had been told by the guild to attack Liel.
To make matters worse, they were spreading this around, which made the situation vile. Distrust was spreading that the West Branch would discard even first-class parties.
It was difficult to hush it up, and in fact, one party had already vanished.
Rumors spread, and the adventurers believed they had been caught up in Beim's factional struggles. Since that wasn't entirely wrong, it was a bad situation. Truly, Liel and his group were troublesome opponents for the guild.
"Don't mess with me... don't mess with me! Do you have any idea how much trouble the West Branch is in because of your betrayal! What is that staff member's name! Tell me the name!"
Tanya clenched her fist without letting her expression crumble. The one who sold the information was Marianne. They had even investigated that she obtained guild documents and handed them to Liel.
The East Branch executive let out a sigh.
"It is Marianne, the receptionist."
The South Branch executive turned his gaze toward the Sweeper waiting behind him. The Sweeper, who also served as a guard, bowed his head and left the room. The guards of the other executives did the same.
The East Branch executive spoke.
"Tanya, you go as well. I can handle this alone. ...If you're the one to finish her, make sure she doesn't suffer."
Tanya bowed her head.
"...Yes."
Tanya also left the room, beginning her movement with the other Sweepers to dispose of Marianne――.
Before receiving the explanation at the guild headquarters regarding the conclusion of this incident, I had come to the Trace family estate. I brought Aria along, partly for the sake of protection.
"The atmosphere feels strange."
Aria was right.
Servants were moving around busily. They were packing luggage, and the subordinates were keeping a strange distance from one another, as if they were fighting within the same estate.
While I was waiting in the waiting room, Vera and Fidel-san entered the room without me being called into the reception room.
Fidel-san had taken off his jacket and rolled up his sleeves. He didn't have his usual freshness, but the sharpness in his eyes was greater than ever.
A cheerful voice came from the orb. It was Mireia-san.
"Oh? Is he the type who shows his strength when backed into a corner?"
Considering we were the ones who backed him into a corner, I couldn't just laugh. As Fidel-san and Vera sat on the sofa, Fidel-san spoke first.
"...It seems Beim has decided to discard you. You seem to have returned safely, but there is no change in this decision. At best, it's an order of expulsion from Beim. We, who supported you, are also caught in the crossfire. Do you have any excuses?"
I was being told it was my fault, but normally I'd be in a position to say it was a false accusation. However, since I had done it on purpose, I couldn't talk back.
"I have no words in response. It is exactly as you say."
Fidel-san's eyebrow twitched.
"I see. Then, for the amount we supported you, I'll have you work for us. It will be decided at the next merchant meeting that we are also to be kicked out of Beim. I hear you've seduced the Queen of Cartaphus? I'll have you arrange port usage rights. Also, a place to serve as a base. Anywhere will do. Lusworth or Galleria, for instance."
To anyone else, these were outrageous demands. However, I had considered this. No, I intended to do at least that much.
"I understand. Regarding the base, there is suitable land in the place where I currently have a base. I'll prepare it there. Ah, of course, I'll provide manpower to prepare various things. I'll also arrange for port usage permission."
Fidel-san's eyebrow was twitching repeatedly. Since I had accepted all the conditions, he seemed to be suspicious instead.
Moreover, for some reason, despite accepting all the conditions, he had a dissatisfied expression.
When Fidel-san closed his mouth, it was Vera's turn. However, her expression was not very good.
"...Liel, I won't be able to provide satisfactory support from now on. Um, I know my own value. So, if you're going to discard me, I'd like you to decide quickly. I hate being a hindrance."
Saying that this was as much as she could do, Vera tried to withdraw.
Then, Mireia-san spoke in a tone that felt like she was nodding.
"She understands her own value. And it's good that she's trying to withdraw. But, no. I'll have you stay with him until the end. Liel, make this a cool moment. If you discard a woman you've once held just to climb the social ladder... I'll haunt you."
Being haunted by Mireia-san was many times scarier than being haunted by previous heads of the family. This person really seemed like she would haunt me. I felt like I'd be subjected to every possible kind of harassment.
I sat back deeply in the sofa and looked at Vera.
"I see. Then, let's end this by taking what I'm owed at the end."
Vera smiled. However, Fidel-san's face was bright red, and he clenched his fist.
"Yes, that would be more refreshing."
I stood up, approached Vera, grabbed her arm, and pulled her up. I wrapped both arms around her back, hugging her, and rested my chin on Vera's shoulder.
Aria, her face turning bright red, said while averting her gaze.
"...He really has grown in these areas."
Fidel-san had a complex expression.
"I said I'd take everything. You are mine. You don't need to have anything, so come to my side. I will definitely come for you."
"...Liel."
Vera also wrapped her arms around my back.
Fidel-san had an expression where I couldn't tell if he was frustrated or happy.
"Damn it, should I be glad my daughter was used and not discarded, or should I be ashamed as a parent for having to overlook her being taken by such a parasite... Why is it that if it weren't like this, I wouldn't feel like he's a parasite?"
Then, the Third Generation spoke with amusement.
"...Somehow, isn't Fidel-kun just waiting to be provoked? He's probably lonely because Liel doesn't compete with him or provoke him."
Then, Mireia-san spoke happily.
"Indeed! Now, Liel... try provoking Fidel-kun. I'm sure he'll love it. We'll grade how much you've improved at provoking!"
The Fifth Generation muttered.
"...You people really have wonderful personalities."
I thought for a moment, then whispered into Vera's ear. Vera looked like she was about to cry, but upon hearing it, she nodded.
Then, placing my hand on my lower abdomen, I looked at Fidel-san, her father.
I directed a smile at Fidel-san.
"Well, a lot has happened until now, but let's get along from now on, Father-in-law."
As I said that with my hand around Vera's waist, Vera placed both hands on her abdomen and looked down.
Seeing that, Aria took a step back and froze.
"L-Liel, you don't mean...!"
Fidel-san collapsed from the sofa and pounded the floor.
"You're stealing Vera from me too, you parasite! Damnnn it!! As I thought, you people are my enemies!! To push me into the depths of despair at the very end!"
I wanted to believe it was an optical illusion that the writhing Fidel-san looked slightly happy.
Just as I thought I had succeeded, a cold voice spoke from within the orb. The Third Generation let out a sigh.
"Liel... that provocation was no good. It was way too bad."
The Fifth Generation also seemed to feel something.
"It was amusing. That bastard Fidel is shining. But, it's no good."
The Seventh Generation was worried about me.
"...Liel, that kind of provocation will wear down your own life."
Mireia-san also gave a critique.
"Just provoking isn't enough. I won't accept provocations that wear down your own life. You still have a long way to go, Liel."
I didn't understand what they were talking about. To that, the Third Generation said.
"Liel, this time it's a zero. Be prepared, because I think you'll struggle later. Well, such experiences are important, and it looks fun, so we'll be watching."
I received a zero for the first time in a while.
Then, Vera, her face slightly red, spoke to me as if remembering something.
"That's right, Liel."
"Hmm?"
"I heard the guild was looking for the traitor. Is it someone you know? If you don't hurry, the guild might even send Sweepers."
It seems my work in Beim might not be finished yet.