This Bastard is Too Competent

Duke Garcia and his retainers stood tightly bound.

Facing them, mounted on his horse, the Third Prince Louis asked Ian:

“Are you sure you don’t want to come with us? His Majesty must be waiting.”

“Go ahead first, brother. I still have things to do,” Ian replied, gesturing to the surroundings.

It was evident that the Garcia territory was nearly in ruins.

Even the food warehouses had burned down, leaving everyone in a situation where hunger was imminent.

“We can’t just leave it like this. One of us has to stay and organize things.”

“But there are others from the royal family. Why should it be you who stays?” Louis inquired.

“It’s a natural responsibility as a member of the Kaistein royal family, brother,” Ian explained.

Though not incorrect, Louis shook his head. “I could handle it myself. Is there really a need for you to stay?”

Ian had indeed contributed significantly.

If he wished, Louis would gladly let him take charge.

But there was more to consider.

With a subtle glance at the surroundings, Louis indicated the angry gazes of the people in Garcia’s territory.

“You are no different from their enemy. Still, you truly wish to stay behind to clean up after this?”

It was evident that even though Garcia had turned into a criminal, he had been generous within his own territory.

These people were loyal to Garcia rather than Kaistein.

“It’s different from Bahara. They were warriors, so they worshiped the strong. But these people…”

Even in defeat, changing their allegiance wouldn’t be easy.

They had once enjoyed Garcia’s wealth, making it hard to sway them with mere kindness.

If they turned rebellious, even with knights, subduing them would be challenging.

‘Killing them would only sow discord between Kaistein and the royal family.’

Ian knew this but remained resolute.

“I said it’s only right to resolve what I have caused. Since I started this, I should also clean it up. So please go on ahead, brother.”

“Huh…”

“His Majesty will be waiting.”

“Hmm…”

Louis, conflicted, eventually left Ian behind.

He couldn’t shake off a sense of unease.

‘If this continues, I’ll undoubtedly get credit for capturing Duke Garcia. I can’t understand this guy.’

The raid on the Garcia Duchy and targeting the remaining trading companies seemed nonsensical.

Ian wasn’t the sole person staying behind.

Louis instructed the royal inspector who remained beside Ian firmly:

“Protect the Seventh Prince well and ensure there are no issues in the Garcia territory.”

“Of course. Everything will be done as His Highness wishes.”

With the royal inspector present, they could keep an eye on Ian and prevent any misdeeds.

No matter how much he liked his brother.

Louis was determined to secure his position.

‘The throne is mine, little brother.’

There was nothing to gain by staying there.

It appeared that Ian wanted to earn favor as the hero of Bahara, but that plan seemed futile.

To prepare for any unexpected events, Louis ordered his subordinates.

“Leave all the food here except for the necessary supplies.”

“What? All the food?”

“The supplies we need to reach the royal family would barely make up one-tenth of it. Why leave so much…”

“If my brother is staying in a dangerous place, shouldn’t I help as the elder brother?” Louis remarked, smiling. At least he had left his mark before Ian could sway the hearts of the people, though it seemed futile.

“Tch. How dare those who treated Duke Garcia like that…”

“Isn’t it the food they burned themselves? It’s only natural for us to take it.”

Even after the food was brought down, the expressions of the people from Duke Garcia’s territory remained unchanged, their hostility seemingly intensifying.

Louis concealed his true feelings behind a smile.

‘That’s right. With this, no matter what you do, it won’t work.’

Louis gave orders to his troops.

“We’re returning as is. Let’s go.”

“Yes, sir!”

The prisoners and soldiers accompanying him moved behind Louis.

Thus, Ian stayed behind.

However, his intent was not to win over Duke Garcia’s territory, as Louis had assumed.

He smirked as Louis departed.

‘And I have no intention of giving up my achievements. It won’t change anything whether you leave or stay, brother.’

It was evident that Ian had been the most pivotal figure in this situation, not just in capturing Duke Garcia.

‘The ceremony for dispatching reinforcements to the Cantum Empire. It commences with the execution of the Fifth Prince, Haverion.’

With only a few days remaining until the ceremony, Ian possessed the Spear of Execution. Without him, the ceremony could not proceed.

However, the royal family and elders would not favor skipping the execution.

‘Considering the army’s morale, seizing this opportunity is crucial.’

The Holy Empire wouldn’t dare to intervene during a public execution with the military assembled.

Louis would have to wait for Ian, whether for the expedition or the disposal of the Duke of Garcia.

So Ian redirected his focus to a truly critical matter.

‘Really? Can I uncover the reason just by remaining here?’

[Of course.]

It was the helmet, one of the First King’s artifacts, that spoke.

It was from the revelations it had provided.

‘I can’t believe it. That I could learn the reason Duke Garcia betrayed me just from the remaining traces?’

[Are you doubting me right now?]

‘Isn’t it obvious?’

[I am the helmet of the First King and his wisdom. Is knowing about your past life not enough?]

Despite the helmet’s knowledge of Ian’s past life and the betrayal by Duke Garcia, Ian did not ease his suspicions.

‘A helmet, huh? Just because you can read my mind doesn’t make you intelligent, right?’

[Why on earth did I choose such a fellow? Oh, First King… sighs…]

The helmet sighed deeply, seemingly exasperated.

[‘I am the repository of all existence. That’s why I could read his past life.’]

However, it found Ian somewhat pitiful.

[‘Living a life just being swayed by others. And yet, even with those abilities, he let himself be manipulated.’]

Ian might not know, but the helmet knew a lot.

It meant that his past self was not just a mere pawn of Duke Garcia.

[‘He earned significant trust and showcased his abilities in that situation, but…’]

In his past life, Ian was merciful.

Despite being stationed at the rear even on the battlefield, he didn’t merely hide.

He aided wounded soldiers, listened to their tales, and despite being looked down upon by knights, he never fled the battlefield first.

He consistently remained the last to retreat.

[‘So it makes sense that they would have admired you. A powerless young boy who always stood up to protect them.’]

Due to this, Duke Garcia’s knights had no choice but to move to defend him.

This is how Ian managed to win over the soldiers and some knights.

Within Duke Garcia’s ranks, there were even those who genuinely followed him.

However, that was the extent of it.

[‘He was eventually killed.’]

By Garcia’s hand, who feared Ian’s talent and reputation.

This is why the helmet and the two artifact weapons rejected Ian.

They deemed him too pathetic to become their master.

[‘But my mindset has changed. I want to see more of this guy’s remarkable progress.’]

To be exact, the helmet was impressed by how adeptly Ian handled situations.

And just a little bit more—if he could add even a tiny bit of wisdom…

[‘It may be blasphemous to say, but perhaps a new king who surpasses the First King will be born.’]

If that were to happen, they might even be able to restore the former glory of Kaistein.

So, the helmet slowly spoke once more.

[Let me reiterate. The place where the Faith lies dormant. If you go there, you will find certainty.]

‘Are you saying you’ll explain why the past Garcia betrayed me?’

[Yes.]

In his previous life, Ian had some support, but it wasn’t enough for the duke to betray and kill him personally.

There had to be other reasons.

[After all, the current Duke Garcia is not the same as the one from your past life.]

“That’s true.”

[But I could certainly find out. If only you go there.]

Finally, Ian nodded.

‘Alright. I’ll trust you just this once.’

He was genuinely curious.

He wanted to understand why someone who seemingly had everything would betray him.

What had the First Prince offered in exchange for an alliance with Duke Garcia?

It was time to unveil all the truths.

***

Ian quickly reassured the Duke Garcia territory.

He guaranteed the duchy’s people that there would be no reprisals in the name of the Kaistein royal family and the Seventh Prince.

Furthermore, he promised a massive compensation, albeit not for everyone.

“Eliminate all those who aided Duke Garcia. Only those with no connections will be compensated.”

“Yes!”

Of course, it would be difficult to find such people.

There wasn’t a single person in Duke Garcia’s territory who hadn’t taken his money.

Nonetheless, they were people who had previously tasted the power of wealth.

“Provide adequate compensation to those who follow Kaistein.”

“B-but that will require a lot of money.”

“Don’t worry about the money. There’s plenty at Garcia Castle, and soon, more will come.”

“Pardon?”

The royal inspector was left speechless with surprise.

Nevertheless, Ian’s words held true.

Soon, vast wealth began flowing into Duke Garcia’s territory, carried by carriages bearing the emblem of the Count of Reese.

‘It’s a shame they can’t yet use the duke’s crest.’

But soon, it would be changed to the Adria family crest.

Ian had decided to reinstate the Adria family by driving out Duke Garcia.

Just as things were starting to settle down, Ian covertly headed towards the duke’s annex.

But something felt off.

[Is this really the right place?]

A voice from the helmet expressed disbelief.

Ian nodded his head.

“This is it.”

[What on earth happened here?]

It was understandable for the helmet to be shocked.

The once-magnificent three-story mansion had vanished without a trace.

No, it had been utterly obliterated.

Moreover, various traps and snares were set up to prevent people from approaching.

“It seems Duke Garcia has had a hand in this.”

He must have been investigating the powers Ian had gained.

But it didn’t matter.

Woong!

Ian used the power of Jealousy to locate the traps.

Despite being able to see only the jealousy of others, he had learned to detect the malicious intents hidden within the objects around him.

However, the helmet scolded him in an exaggerated tone.

[I told you not to use that power too often, didn’t I?]

“But we need to get through here quickly!”

[There are many ways to find traps. It might take some time, but if I step in…]

“I don’t have time. We need to find it quick and return to the royal family.”

[…]

It wasn’t a joke.

In just a few days, he had received numerous urgent messages from the royal palace.

He was told to come quickly before the expedition.

But the helmet grumbled, knowing that.

[Even with Faith, using power like that will upset the balance. Your body will collapse.]

Having both the Seven Virtues and the Seven Sins together was forbidden power, after all.

At the very least, Faith could integrate all of it.

[That power isn’t omnipotent. If the balance collapses, that will truly be the end.]

It indicated that the balance of power Ian possessed was deteriorating.

The stronger his Fury and Jealousy became, the more severely the balance would be disturbed.

However, Ian dismissed it with a wave of his hand.

‘There’s no time, and I’m just curious.’

He was eager to uncover the truth behind Duke Garcia.

Thanks to this urgency, he was able to reach the entrance of the secret passage quite easily.

Fortunately, the door appeared to be intact.

Click!

Soon, the secret passage was revealed.

However, something caught his eye.

“Looks like someone has been here.”

Scattered footprints were all around.

The helmet also quickly recognized it.

[They are all the footprints of one person. I guess they were really curious about the secrets of this place.]

It was likely Duke Garcia.

The places he had rummaged through were evident, showing his desperation.

But it didn’t matter.

“There’s nothing here?”

The place where the symbol of Faith once stood showed not a trace of its past.

Aside from that, it was an ordinary space filled with stones.

It was clear that the duke had found nothing in this place.

And then, it happened.

Woong!

The Seven Sins within Ian’s body began to respond.

Though only fragments, Jealousy was now almost at its essence.

Growl!

Fury roared lowly.

What was truly strange was that the Seven Virtues were quiet.

Faith and the other one he had recently obtained, that is.

As Ian slowly approached the place where the symbol had been.

[So there was real Faith here?]

“Yes.”

[That’s strange. It shouldn’t be like that.]

“What do you mean?”

[Faith is the source of the First King’s power. Originally, his most loyal knights were supposed to seal it in a forbidden place where no one could enter.]

“What?”

But something felt off.

Didn’t the helmet say it had read his memories?

As if guessing his confusion, it spoke up immediately.

[I cannot pry into the memories related to the Seven Virtues and Seven Sins with my power. That is not permitted for me.]

The helmet’s insistence on coming to this place now made sense.

What hidden secret lay here?

However, the crucial point was this: they were in Kaistein. No matter how ominous the depths might seem, resorting to extreme measures should not be necessary.

And then, that was the moment.

[Stop.]

“Why?”

[Try using the power of Faith.]

“???”

Puzzled, Ian obeyed without hesitation.

The faded markings on the ground reappeared as he unleashed his power, gradually revealing a figure.

“You are…” Ian began, surprised.

A knight who looked exactly like Duke Garcia.

But something had changed.

[At last, you’ve come to find me again. No, you have found me.]

Initially, he had been an imposing figure, but now he seemed to regard Ian as if he were a lord.

At this sight, the helmet shouted out.

[So it really was you, Garcia von Andelgram!]

[Long time no see, king’s advisor.]

“Advisor?”

But there was no time for surprise.

The helmet uttered words even more shocking.

[When His Majesty passed, why did you, entrusted with ‘Faith,’ come here… You were meant to conceal it where no one could access.]

[It is said that the unseen grounds are more frightening than those visible.]

[What nonsense! How could you possess such insight? You would willingly walk into a pit of fire if His Majesty commanded it!]

[…]

In front of the king’s advisor, lies were impossible.

The man who revealed himself as Garcia shook his head in resignation.

[I did not wish to be trapped here. All of this is due to my failure as a parent.]

[!]

And then Ian learned the truth of the past.

And the truth about the Garcia family…