The Founding Monarch Became the Mastermind

Chapter 118

“I wish to go with you, Founding Patriarch. Please grant me permission.”

“Hmm.”

Si-on felt a bit perplexed.

Ever since he made the decision to return to the Duchy, this was the second time he felt this kind of unease from his descendants.

The first time was when he accidentally ran into Baron Kilburn, the son of his youngest daughter, Maria.

His affection for her had been great, and thus, his disappointment was equally immense, leading to an estrangement that lasted for a long time.

Though he had secretly taken care of her from a distance after many years had passed, he still felt indebted for the emotional distance he had maintained.

When he met Baron Kilburn and realized that he was his grandson, he couldn’t help but feel conflicted.

And now, Si-on was feeling a similar, if not even more intense, sense of discomfort compared to that time with Baron Kilburn.

No, to be honest, this wasn’t just discomfort—it was guilt.

“Can you tell me why you’ve made such a decision?”

“…Honestly.”

Sirvan, who had once been a reckless descendant and Si-on’s “aching finger,” now spoke in a much weightier tone than before.

“It’s hard for me to stay here. No one says anything, but I can see clearly how people think of me, and I can’t bear it anymore.”

Even though he had committed a grave sin and paid for it with his life, the fact remained that it was still his father and eldest brother.

Moreover, it was Si-on who had killed them, and Sirvan had stood before Paloma’s nobles and the local influential figures, revealing his father’s crimes and persuading them to surrender.

Even Si-on, who had lived for nearly a hundred years, couldn’t easily comprehend how tormenting that must have been for Sirvan.

“If that’s the case, I could send you to Paloma. You could gain experience there for a while.”

“Founding Patriarch. No, Grandfather.”

“…Speak.”

Until just a few months ago, Sirvan had been a typical adolescent, caught between being a boy and a young man.

But the young man who now looked at Si-on with a gaze that had matured and settled deeply had sunken cheeks, evidence of the emotional toll he had endured over time.

“I understand why you’ve appointed me as the next Duke. Even though I was deceived and made foolish choices, it’s clear that you intended to embrace Paloma’s nobles and powerholders. They know that as well, which is why they’ve complied with the decision of the Twin-headed Eagle Castle and are now keeping themselves in check. But…”

Sirvan’s eyes momentarily wavered as he paused. However, he soon spoke again with a resolute expression.

“They only acknowledge me as the next Duke and as Sirvan of the Si-on Ducal Family. I am no longer Sirvan of Paloma. At least, that’s how they see me.”

“…….”

Words like, ‘Those damn bastards, I’ll take care of them myself,’ rose to Si-on’s throat, but he couldn’t bring himself to say it.

If he did, it would be clear that the Si-on Duchy, which had finally regained its stability, would be thrown into chaos again.

Neither Si-on, nor Yonas, nor the councilors of Sionia wanted such a situation to arise again.

“It’s the same here. Everyone speaks with their expressions, with their eyes. They see me as the one who devoured my father and brother to secure the Dukedom.”

“How dare they….”

“Those who don’t know of your existence have no choice but to think that way, don’t you agree, Grandfather?”

“…….”

Si-on had no words.

Sirvan was right. But it wasn’t as if he could reveal his true identity to everyone.

“That doesn’t mean I’m trying to run away blindly. Even if it’s uncomfortable, I know I can’t and shouldn’t avoid this.”

“Sirvan….”

Si-on felt his emotions stir after a long time.

His great-grandson, whom he had thought was far from mature, had grown up.

And he had become an adult by witnessing the deaths of his father and eldest brother, brought about by the Founding Patriarch’s cold-blooded decision.

“I will go with you to Burgos and prove myself. I’ll achieve undeniable results and merits that no one can dispute, and then return to the Duchy. Though I’ll leave this place for a while, I am not running away. I’m seizing a new opportunity by staying by your side. So, please allow it.”

With a trembling voice filled with emotion, Sirvan bowed his head, and Si-on felt conflicted.

At the same time, Si-on realized something.

‘I have been too indifferent.’

Though it was impossible to personally care for every descendant, he should have paid more attention to Sirvan at least.

However, along with his guilt, Si-on also felt a sense of pride toward Sirvan.

His great-grandson, who carried his blood, had broken out of his shell all on his own.

Without help from Si-on or Yonas, who had recently been the busiest in the Duchy, Sirvan had contemplated, struggled, and made his decision on his own.

“Very well.”

“……!”

“Come to Burgos with me, grandson. I’ll give you three years. Do whatever you wish during that time. Whatever it is, your grandfather will support you.”

“Thank you! Thank you, Grandfather!”

“You rascal.”

Si-on smiled at Sirvan, whose face had turned red, and he found his grandson suddenly adorable.

* * *

“Hey guys! Let’s head home!”

“Let’s go!”

The group accompanying Si-on to Burgos consisted of the current Peregrine Division, formerly the Janstrick Mercenary Group.

Of course, not everyone was going.

Some of the division members had fallen for the ladies of Sionia or the maids of the Twin-headed Eagle Castle and decided to stay behind.

Others were assigned to the dispatch teams heading to Yazan or Souden, so only about ten men were going to Burgos with Si-on.

“I’m coming too! I’m going!”

“Uh, no you’re not. If you keep nagging, I’ll tell your sister-in-law.”

“Traitor!”

“Right back at you.”

Despite being ten years apart in age, Robin and Miska, who had been the closest since their mercenary days, exchanged playful jabs.

“Betraying your lonely, abandoned hometown comrade and secretly getting married, huh? So now this place is your home? You bring your wages to your wife, can’t even drink beer freely at the pub, and yet you’re talking about going to the northeast? When your wife finds out, you’ll be kicked out, and even then, you still won’t be able to do anything, huh?”

“Kuh….”

It was definitely a kuh! Yet Robin’s mouth curled up into a smile.

No doubt he was thinking of his lover, whom he had recently moved in with and was about to marry.

It was annoying.

Not just for Miska, but for all the other men packing their things.

But pointing that out would only mean admitting defeat.

“…….”

In the end, Miska and the former Janstrick Mercenaries chose to focus silently on packing their things.

It felt strangely pitiful.

“Are the teams for Yazan and Souden ready for dispatch?”

“Everything’s ready. Yazan’s ship arrives tomorrow, and Souden’s the day after.”

At Blaho’s report, Si-on turned his gaze to Sminov.

“The goods are ready, correct?”

“Yes. As you requested, we’ve prepared a thousand sets of standard equipment identical to what the Duchy’s regular army uses, and a hundred sets of lower-grade equipment made from monster by-products. As soon as the ships arrive, we’ll load them.”

There had been some concerns and objections initially when it was announced that the weapons to be sold to Yazan and Souden were of the same specifications as those used by the Duchy’s regular army.

However, when Sminov demonstrated by striking the Duchy’s standard spears and short swords against a set of specialized equipment he had prepared, all opposition was silenced.

The armor, shields, and swords had perfectly withstood the standard weapons.

The specialized equipment was then assigned for use by the Duchy’s regular army.

Meanwhile, the specialized equipment sold to other territories was slightly lower in quality than what the Duchy’s army used, but it was still more than sufficient to deal with monsters.

“And what about the training of the craftsmen we’re sending with the teams?”

“They’ve been thoroughly trained. We’ll rotate them every three months, and anyone who makes mistakes or causes problems will be sent to the Aoji quarry for labor reform, so there’s nothing to worry about.”

“…I see.”

The Cheolsan Dwarves would send any troublesome or disobedient dwarves straight to the quarry.

Si-on had once muttered to himself, ‘It’s like Aoji Coal Mine, not a quarry…,’ and the dwarves had liked the sound of it so much that they officially named the quarry Aoji.

Though the Cheolsan Dwarves, with their red banners depicting crossed hammers and shovels, had been infused with some “red” tendencies, their focus on group action and meticulous, disciplined nature somehow suited them, so Si-on let it be.

“Then I’ll leave this to the two of you. And don’t forget, after fulfilling the current contracts, prioritize the production for Burgos.”

“Yes, Lord Si-on.”

The workshops and forges were so busy that there was hardly a moment to breathe.

In fact, they would need to build more facilities to meet the growing demands and orders for new products.

The ‘Hawk County’ itself had been rapidly changing day by day, evolving continuously.

With so many people flocking there, it was inevitable.

Because of this, even Sminov, who had initially been skeptical, had a grin stretching from ear to ear these days.

Naturally, the trust and loyalty toward Si-on, who had planned everything, had reached unprecedented heights.

“By the way….”

“Hmm?”

Blaho cautiously spoke while watching Si-on’s reaction.

“Shouldn’t I go to Burgos with you? It would be better for me to assist you, even if it’s just with the empty title of Swordmaster, especially when dealing with those who don’t know about you, Lord Si-on.”

Si-on smirked, easily seeing through Blaho’s intentions, though it seemed like he was concerned for him.

“Why? You itching to fight because you can’t handle it without me around?”

“…I can’t deny that entirely.”

“Don’t worry. I already made arrangements with Big Fang, knowing you’d feel that way.”

“Pardon?”

Blaho had heard about Big Fang.

Although he hadn’t been present at the time, he’d learned about the “fear” the creature exuded and how just one roar had temporarily paralyzed the entire Peregrine Division.

“Big Fang will drive a pretty strong medium-sized monster into the ‘hunting ground’ every month. That should be enough to satisfy your craving for combat. Or maybe…”

Si-on continued with a meaningful smile.

“If you’re not careful, even a Swordmaster might find themselves in danger.”

Flash!

Blaho’s eyes lit up, not metaphorically, but with a real, intense gleam.

“That sounds exciting. For you to boast so much about this ‘thrill,’ I, Jorden Blaho, shall definitely experience it.”

‘He really takes after his grandfather in so many ways. It’s a relief.’

To put it nicely, he was a knight who was always fired up for a fight. To put it bluntly, he was a bit simple-minded.

“Alright, everyone, continue with your tasks. We’ve made a special delivery contract with the Information Guild, so don’t forget to send reports regularly.”

The special delivery service was infamously expensive, costing 10,000 Dien per request, but it only took three days to send a message from the Si-on Duchy to Burgos.

Of course, not just anyone could use the service, even if they had the money.

This express service was only offered to a select few who had passed the Information Guild’s internal review. Si-on’s request was approved as soon as he applied.

‘It must mean they’ve placed their bet on Duke Lloyd too.’

(In truth, Jens had messed up so badly that the guild had no choice but to submit to Si-on.) Si-on interpreted the Information Guild’s stance as one of support for Duke Lloyd.

It was akin to how a semi-public intelligence agency in Korea would quietly back a specific candidate.

The Information Guild of the Kingdom of Obla had that much influence, handling vast amounts of information that was critical to those in power.

‘Should I visit the Information Guild’s headquarters while I’m there? No, the desperate ones will approach me first.’

And most likely, they wouldn’t contact Si-on directly but would approach Jenna, the one he had certified as his “sole” intermediary.

That meant Jenna’s status and value within the guild would rise even further.

‘I should take better care of her. Though she’s doing quite well already.’

Look at that. I’m such a good boss, taking care of my subordinates like this.

As he silently praised himself, Si-on’s steps were light as he made his way to Burgos.

* * *

“Pardon? Me?”

“I know that you are the liaison for Sir Salen, known as ‘The Whale.’ So I ask for your help.”

“Uh….”

Jenna Olrot, the deputy of the August Estate and head of the Si-on Duchy’s Information Guild Branch, felt sweat running down her back.

She was so flustered that her nickname, “The Wildcat,” seemed out of place.

And for good reason—standing before her was the second “big shot” she had ever met in her life, requesting a private meeting all the way out here in the remote August Estate.

‘If Lord Si-on hadn’t informed me in advance, I would’ve been completely taken aback.’

Fortunately, her top client had given her a heads-up about this situation a few days prior, so Jenna was only slightly surprised.

It made sense to be a bit startled when someone of this stature arrived.

‘Better safe than sorry, though.’

“Could this be related to Baron Botan by any chance?”

“Baron Botan? Who’s that? Never heard of him.”

The man, who tilted his head as though genuinely unfamiliar, was none other than the former Minister of the Interior of the Kingdom of Obla and Crown Prince Philon’s uncle, Earl Rundel.

(Continued in the next chapter)