Terminally-Ill Genius Dark Knight-Chapter 210

210. Chaders Principality [1]

Grand Duke.

In Europe, it refers to the crown prince of a royal family, the husband of a queen, or the monarch of a small nation. However, in Inner Lunatic, it carries a slightly more limited meaning.

It refers to those among demons who have received the title of Duke and stand at the pinnacle of calamities.

Among the nobility, these are the ones who wield power sufficient to establish a nation. Arrogantly, demons possessing immense power refer to themselves as ‘Grand Dukes’ and have gone so far as to disrupt the order of the continent.

In the medieval era, as well as in Inner Lunatic, those who have been granted the title of Duke are extremely few.

For instance, families with significant influence, like Reinhaver or the other three great dark families.

Or, like the sacred family of the Zenos, which Echidna belongs to. Those who have succeeded in expanding their influence by assisting the emperor and their family at their side are the ones who typically receive such titles.

The Stiliner family, based on their exploits during the Unification War.

The Marvas family, recognized for single-handedly collapsing the entire eastern region with an undead army during the war.

Each family rose to the position of Duke for their own reasons and gained the right to use the middle name 'von’. This is the value of being a Duke in Inner Lunatic and the arduous journey to reach that position.

The same goes for demons.

A position that even the subordinates of Baal, the Grand Duke of the first hierarchy, can barely attain.

That is the Grand Duke, and such Grand Dukes can directly receive the blood of Baal, the first-ranking demon. They establish themselves as chosen demons and gain the qualification to rise even higher.

Anyway.

Whether in the human world or the hell where demons reside, becoming a Grand Duke has one advantage. The ability to have their own autonomous territory.

Simply put, it means having land, slaves, and power in their own hands.

This was an innovative yet dangerous system in feudal society.

No matter how outstanding a family might be, they could establish their retreat in a place beyond the king’s reach.

This system signified the king’s trust in the Duke, but it was also evidence that the current monarchy’s authority was weak.

Why am I elaborating on this?

'Though I feel sorry for Penelope, she hasn’t yet grasped the power of the central. To establish my foundation here, the conquest of weak nations and the establishment of a principality would be the most effective approach.’

Here in Chaders, Eleanor and I are leading the establishment of a principality.

We are pouring vast capital and necessary investments into building structures, mobilizing the required army, and creating a trade hub for myself.

“The defensive walls should be sufficient for now. With the recent decrease of magical beast’s movement, His Majesty King Kushan Adrian has readily agreed to dispatch troops.”

A smile spreads across my lips at Zitri’s report.

This isn’t a bad situation.

If we can mobilize Kushan’s army, we can have the desert warriors under our command at almost no cost.

They are undoubtedly the best warriors for fighting in barren environments.

“First, the 3 billion gold should be used as planned for the construction of various buildings and facilities. The most important is the residential areas, followed by waterway inspections and talent placement.”

“Eleanor, it seems like you’re taking this more seriously than I thought.”

“It’s a 10 billion gold project, isn’t it? Please overlook this level of light involvement.”

“Of course. You’re our major shareholder, after all.”

After exchanging some light banter with Eleanor, I turn my attention to the map. Currently, we are gathered in a temporary tent, standing around the unfolded map.

“It’s good if we erect Nox’s statue here…”

“…Let’s consider Brother’s opinion moderately and move on to the next agenda.”

After naturally dismissing Grain’s opinion, I move on to the next agenda.

The funds are secured. Food and necessary supplies are also secured.

But the most important thing is the request for cooperation from other nations.

'There are many weak nations around here. They have almost no power… but taking their trade rights without permission is something only a thug would do. The biggest problem is that Emperor Penelope wouldn’t just stand by and watch such a thing.’

The process of subjugating the surrounding nations won’t be difficult.

Just give each what they desire most. Usually, it can be resolved with gold.

Therefore, I plan to allocate about half of the remaining 7 billion gold to them. We will distribute funds for the relief of the poor and sign national handover contracts.

This way, the subjugation of the nations around Chaders will be achieved, and as the autonomous territory expands, the scale of the Chaders Principality will gradually grow.

'Of course, not everyone will be happy. For those waiting to die day by day, change is frightening.’

That’s not all.

Ultimately, these movements will reach Penelope’s ears, but she wouldn’t kill me, her life’s benefactor. After all, Penelope isn’t that kind of villainous character.

In a way, I’m using her now.

“Anyway, Zitri, contact all the surrounding principalities and small cities. Tell them that the youngest of the Reinhaver family, Nox von Reinhaver, wishes to see them personally. If they don’t accept… things might get unpleasant, so it would be best to be careful.”

“…Young master, are you a hero or a villain?”

“I’m not sure what rhythm to follow… but I think he’s closer to being a hero?”

Eleanor sides with me, but it’s a conversation I don’t hear.

No matter what they say, I’m currently enchanted by the demonic word 'wealthiest’ from Lars.

“Then, let’s move.”

With the order given, Zitri, Eleanor, and Grain begin to move in unison. The wealthiest project has begun.

[hr]

“Nox, that kid is making moves? And it’s true that he contacted the principalities and small cities around Chaders to meet them personally?!”

“Yes, that’s correct. Butzwil von Reinhaver-nim.”

Butzwil von Reinhaver.

The only one-eyed man of the Reinhaver family, with a severely distorted expression, scrutinizes the face of the subordinate reporting to him.

No matter how you look at it, those aren’t the eyes of someone lying.

“After causing trouble recently… ultimately, he intends to expand his influence beyond Chaders. Nox von Reinhaver!”

Butzwil was furious.

Butzwil von Reinhaver was one of the family’s elders who had made a name for himself alongside Theo during the Night of Slaughter in which Theo had participated.

Of course, as widely known, he hadn’t performed any remarkable feats, merely scuffling with mid to low-level demons in a corner, but that fact wasn’t particularly important.

Butzwil’s in-laws were the Arkheim Empire’s top newspaper, 'The Midday Sun.’

The lofty imperial family.

It was a name created in honor of the founding king, Esteban, and Butzwil had used his in-laws’ influence to pour out favorable articles about himself, solidifying his current position.

In terms of influence, he was just below the direct line that had fallen with Garen.

However, he had one Achilles’ heel.

His base for building his influence was near Chaders, in a weak nation.

In other words, the very place where Nox was currently expanding his influence.

“If this continues, he might even exert influence over the Palmer Kingdom, where we are involved. We must stop him at all costs! We cannot afford to be pushed aside. You understand, right, Yufena?”

“…Yes, I understand. But it seems it’s already too late. My apologies.”

“What?”

“Young Master Nox von Reinhaver has agreed to provide 1 billion gold for the relief of the poor in exchange for the transfer of the kingdom’s sovereignty. If we consider the value of 1 billion gold to a weak nation…”

“Absolutely not! Damn it… W, We’ll go with 2 billion gold. It’s a chance to grow our influence. We must stop him at all costs!”

“But that amount is difficult for us to manage easily. Our internal situation hasn’t been good recently…”

“Idiot! Don’t you understand the situation?!”

Butzwil, as if suffocated, pounded his chest and continued.

“Garen is dead. The legitimate heir of the Reinhaver family is dead! And he committed the family’s absolute taboo by being possessed by a demon! What does that tell you? Our opportunity has come!”

“Yes?”

“The ability to wield a sword or magic is different from the ability to manage a family. Nox, I know that he was lucky enough to gain control of the Chaders region, which allowed him to amass a tremendous amount of gold coins. However, in the long run, you will pass on the family to someone who can lead Reinhaver and prosper the family. If it’s the Theo von Reinhaver I know, that’s what will happen!”

“Aha…!”

Only then does the servant seem to realize, nodding his head as Butzwil curses.

“Damn it. Useless, every single one of them.”

“…I apologize. Then I will try to persuade the Palmer Kingdom with 1.2 billion gold.”

“Send a letter to the king. Tell him to behave wisely if he doesn’t want to spit out all the funds we’ve supported him with!”

“Yes, understood.”

Butzwil sighs, burdened by the pressure on the Palmer Kingdom.

Soon, he quickly contacts his in-laws through a magic stone. He then contacts 'The Midday Sun’ to prepare an article.

As if already certain of his victory, he plans to prepare an article proving his management skills.

Either way, raising 2 billion gold would be impossible for Nox.

This 𝓬ontent is taken from fгeewebnovёl.co𝙢.

‘Moreover, I’ve heard that Chaders has recently spent too much on relief efforts, resulting in almost zero profit. How laughable. Is that brat being swayed by emotions? Nox von Reinhaver.’

“I’ll teach him that politics is a real battle.”

Butzwil laughs, baring his white teeth.

[hr]

Palmer Kingdom.

Passing through the grand hall and the reception room, we enter the interior.

Being a weak and small kingdom, it’s not much, but the scale is quite small.

Of course, it’s incomparable to Chaders, but it’s still disappointing.

“Even compared to the Reinhaver family, it’s too small. Well, it can’t be helped”

Heading towards the king’s throne, I see Pulitz standing there awkwardly.

He was the king of the Palmer Kingdom.

“Uh… Young Master Nox, we’ve been waiting. You wished to see me?”

The moment I saw his trembling mustache, I was certain.

'…Butzwil von Reinhaver. He’s already made his move. He must have sent a letter to this mentally weak fellow to attack. How despicable.’

What a thug.

Even if someone threatening his influence appeared, we are still family.

Yet, to restrain someone as dark-hearted as me… it might be acceptable behavior for the Reinhaver family, but at least I won’t overlook it.

As Zitri is about to bow to the king, I quickly stop her.

Then, very naturally, as if I were a ruffian (?) and I am a ruffian, I achieve a state of unity and glare straight ahead with a fierce expression before shouting.

“How dare you not bow to me. Do you have two lives?”

“…Yes? I’m the king though…?”

“Kneel first. Then tell me who’s behind you.”

“Gasp!”

Correct answer.

For such a mentally weak person, fear is the best medicine.

No matter how urgent the negotiation is, that’s the next issue.

Soudatomo.

“Pulitz, before I exercise my authority as a direct son of the Reinhaver family, confess everything. While I still have patience.”

As I quietly raise my mana, a confession bursts forth.

…I even heard about his affair while married.

He must think I’m some pardon-selling merchant.

Fortunately.

He’s trash.

'So I can torment him without feeling guilty.’

At that moment. Since I’m thinking something like that, am I really a good person…?

Anyway, things are flowing positively for us.

Except for one thing that will happen later.

“…So Nox has gotten involved in a new business in Chaders?”

As Theo says with a satisfied smile, Rodwell nods.

“Yes. It seems he’s considering succeeding as the family head and follow your path, Patriarch. Seeing him trying to prove his management skills like this… I, Rodwell, am moved to tears seeing Young Master Nox grow so splendidly…”

…I heard the full story of this dizzying conversation after my business succeeded.

It was a truly regrettable incident.