Dungeon Defense (WN) - Chapter 412

Chapter 412: Continent Manipulator (1)

The New Year of 1513 dawned.

It has been eight years since I fell into this world. It felt like an incredibly long time, but it also felt surprisingly short. Was it because of how busy my days have been?

Godfather, heres your black tea.

Ah, thank you, Luke.

Luke placed the black tea on the table. He was a bit awkward compared to Daisy, but he was still rather composed.

Luke resigned from his position as vice-captain of the civil militia. With Jeremi at the helm of the civil militia, it was only natural for Luke to step down. Luke was instead given the new role of steward.

Have you become somewhat accustomed to the duties of a steward?

Im still inexperienced, but Im somehow managing thanks to the head maid.

Luke grinned confidently.

Dressed in a black steward uniform, Luke gave off an entirely different vibe now. Once a lively and innocent youth, now his eyes harbored deep sorrow and regret. His body language exuded a perpetual sense of gloom.

The maidens in my territory cheered for the transformed Luke. They appreciated the lively Luke, but like aged wine exuding a rich aroma, they also admired the matured Luke. Despite the enthusiastic response from those around him, Luke abruptly ended his chaotic and tumultuous love life.

I nodded.

Typically, the head steward holds a higher position than the head maid. However, since Daisy has been acting as both steward and maid for a while now, she is your senior and superior in many respects. Do your best to learn from her. I have high expectations for both of you.

Yes, Godfather.

Luke replied with a somewhat melancholic smile.

Ahh, what a great feeling. I purposely talked a lot about Daisy in front of Luke. Luke appeared sad every time I did, but he was doing his utmost to not wear his emotions on his sleeve. This made him seem even more pathetic, entertaining me greatly.

I guess speak of the devil and he shall appear.

Father.

Daisy entered my office and bowed courteously. She gave Luke a sidelong glance before smoothly shifting her gaze as if she hadnt seen anything. Luke flinched at her indifferent gaze.

Ah, what a splendid sight.

Recently, my will to carry on has been bolstered by these siblings. Daisy, exhibiting a chilliness towards Luke that bordered on excess, and Luke, visibly tormented by his sibling yet unable to voice his anguish. Indeed, what a compelling sight to witness. If only they harbored a forbidden love between them. Such a forbidden union would render this spectacle even more captivating.

What is the matter, my dear daughter?

I flashed a genuinely refreshing smile at Daisy. Her expression soured momentarily, but she quickly composed herself and handed me a letter with an indifferent face.

A missive from the southern regions of Frank.

Hmm. From Duke Marseille, perhaps.

I broke the seal and read the letter.

The missive was written in neat handwriting and conveyed with a highly courteous tone. It began with the phrase, The illustrious pillar of the great Empire, the most powerful count palatine of the Empire, the singular and steadfast bridge between humankind and demonkind, Marquis Custos, I hope that you are well. It was so excessively flattering that it felt like my rectum would fall out if they overdid it any further.

It seems they are having trouble suppressing the rebellion.

I smiled.

Frankia was plunging into chaos as planned.

Earl Bercy, the Attorney General, demanded voluntary state formation from all the cities in the country. It was a policy based on a kind of social contract, allowing cities to decide for themselves whether they wanted to belong to the nation of Frankia.

The underlying meaning behind this was quite significant.

Hmm.

I folded the letter and looked at the siblings.

Shall I test the skills of these two?

Of course, Daisy would likely be overwhelmingly superior, but it was just a bit of entertainment for me.

Luke, are you aware that Bercy, the Attorney General in Frankia, has demanded voluntary allegiance from the cities?

Yes, Godfather.

Luke was evidently tense.

Why do you think Attorney General Bercy suddenly demanded allegiance now?

Wellin Frankia, there are currently many cities that arent paying taxes. I think this demand is a formal way to rebuke those cities.

Luke gave an immediate response this time.

The Sardinians are currently being unreasonably ruled by a foreign power. I believe this rebellion is just. It would only be right to provide them with all the support we can give to help them achieve independence.

Mm.

I nodded my head.

As I thought, Luke is an idiot.

Daisy, what about you?

We should stand by and watch the rebellion.

Daisy!

Luke turned to look at Daisy in surprise. However, Daisy did not meet Lukes gaze.

If Father moves his army now, that would put people excessively on alert. Father has already earned an overwhelming amount of military merits during the last war. A year has not even passed since the war ended. Therefore, if you were to rally your troops once more, the other high nobles would start to question your motives.

So it would be better to sit by and watch?

The fates of the Sardinians do not matter to us anyway.

Lukes reaction to Daisys composed response was one of evident shock. He muttered, Theres no way.

I smiled and ordered Luke to leave the room.

I wish to speak alone with Daisy for a moment. Luke, could you take a step outside?

Yes, Godfather.

Luke bowed his head and left the office.

As soon as I confirmed the door was closed, I wiped the smile off my face. I spoke coldly.

Take off your top and turn around.

.

Daisy silently undressed and presented her back to me.

I retrieved a leather whip that was in a drawer. Without hesitation, I lashed Daisys back.

Ugh!

Daisy stifled a groan and arched her torso in pain.

You fool. What will you do if the Sardinians actually succeed in their rebellion while we are standing idly by? That would make all the bloodshed we caused during the war go to waste. Is that the best solution your feeble mind can conjure?

With a harsh crack, the whip reddened Daisys skin.

If we cannot mobilize our troops, then we can mobilize Brittanys army! They no longer have any reputation left to lose. Were you unable to think of something as simple as this?

Butif their national enemies, the Brittany army, cause chaos, the people of southern Frankia would become discontent.

Which is why we should utilize the Brittany army even more!

Without mercy, I struck her for the third time. Daisy couldnt suppress her groans this time.

The Sardinians will have their grievances, and the Franks will have theirs! In the end, the southern nobles will lose their authority. Meanwhile, the authority of Attorney General Bercy will only strengthen.

After delivering the final strike, I tossed the whip to the floor. Daisys body was trembling from the sudden shock.

You may speak with grandiose words, but your practical judgment falls short. How am I supposed to expect anything from you? Pathetic. Now, begone.

Yes, Father.

Daisy put on her clothes with shaking hands, bowed to me, and then left the office.

Phew.

I took out my pipe, lit the end, and took a deep puff.

How does she expect to kill anyone when shes like this? Daisy still has a long way to go.

***

TL Note: Thanks for reading the chapter. Im still in a bit of a slump because of that whole ordeal, and I ended up getting a fever today, so thats cool. I wanted to at least get this chapter out before the gap between chapters gets too big. I hope you guys dont mind this little down period Im in right now. Its Parents Day next Wednesday and Ill be visiting my dad. I can only pray his condition doesnt worsen Ugh, I get depressed just thinking about it, so Ill end this TL note here.

Ill see you guys in the next chapter when Im hopefully feeling better.