This Bastard is Too Competent

Chapter 200: Enjoy and Return

Ian proceeded directly to the Lily Palace where the First Princess was overseeing preparations for the support troops to Cantum.

But the atmosphere was far from calm.

“How’s the deployment plan going?”

“We’re still working on it. In the meantime, Count Balam’s forces have been added. They bring one knight and five hundred soldiers…”

“Now is not the time for that!”

It was chaotic, like a battlefield.

People were shouting and working frantically amidst piles of paperwork.

Ian managed to find the First Princess through the crowd.

“It’s been a while, sister.”

But the First Princess didn’t even look up at him.

Her eyes seemed to know exactly why he had come, and she treated him as if he were invisible, focusing solely on the papers in front of her.

“Send this to the Ministry of Finance.”

“I’ll send it right away.”

“And this one to the Royal Guards.”

As the people waiting for her approval gradually disappeared, she eventually noticed Ian again.

“Hm?”

Ian could feel her gaze land on him and the shadow beside him.

She raised an eyebrow at the figure next to him.

“Sir Nathan…?”

“It’s been a while, Princess.”

“To think you would come all this way on your own. That’s quite unexpected.”

“Y-yes, it is. Haha.”

The two exchanged subtle glances, and the First Princess seemed genuinely surprised.

Despite having used him as a spy in the past, he had never come to her of his own accord after becoming Ian’s knight.

It was clear that she was curious about the reason for his visit.

Seeing her expression, Ian couldn’t help but smile inwardly, keeping his thoughts hidden.

‘As I thought, my sister really does show interest.’

Nathan was the only man the First Princess showed any interest in.

And because of the necklace Ian had given him, he was practically tied to the First Princess.

But Ian looked at Nathan as if it was obvious.

‘You put up such a fight, but in the end, you can’t say a word in front of her.’

It was no surprise, given the events just ten minutes prior to their arrival at this location.

Nathan had jumped up in shock at Ian’s words.

“Fiancé of the First Princess? Are you trying to ruin someone’s life here?!”

He began to lash out at Ian, frustration evident in his voice.

“What absurdity is this?! How can you propose such a thing to a young man with a promising future?”

His objections extended beyond mere words.

He even invoked his oath in an attempt to evade the situation.

Nonetheless, it was futile.

“Where do you think you’re going?”

As if waiting for Ian’s signal, Fiosen appeared from behind.

Using the weight of his armor, he pinned Nathan down.

“Be quiet. The prince hasn’t finished speaking yet.”

“Hey, Fiosen. You, get off me!”

No matter how much Nathan struggled, it was useless.

Swiftness was swift, yet it could not breach an impregnable defense.

To break through the defense, a tremendous speed was required.

But in this position, he couldn’t speed up.

‘This is bad! I’ve been caught!’

Clearly, Ian had anticipated that Nathan would rebel against this plan.

As much as he cursed his clever master, he couldn’t help but feel the injustice of it all.

Exasperated, he cried out.

“Why am I the sole target? Galon and Fiosen are present as well! Besides, you mentioned earlier that Yamanta remains unmarried!”

Ian responded, rubbing his ear.

“Sir Galon must safeguard my mother and sister, and Sir Fiosen is already betrothed, isn’t he?”

“What about Yamanta, then? At least as the castellan of Bahara, he would be a good match for the princess!”

“No matter what, my sister must have her own tastes. A muscular barbarian like Yamanta would be difficult.”

Indeed, unlike the slender Nathan, Yamanta was a muscular barbarian.

Moreover, he was nearly fifty years old.

Regardless, it was difficult to introduce him as the princess’s fiancé.

Nathan shouted with panic evident on his face.

“How could you do this! I am Nathan, Your Highness’ devoted knight! You are aware of that!”

Ian nodded.

“Indeed. You are my loyal knight.”

“Then release me!”

“I cannot.”

“Wha—?”

“I’m asking you. It’s necessary.”

“…”

Nathan realized he was dealing with someone who wouldn’t be swayed by words.

He shouted at Fiosen, who was holding him down.

“Release me this instant! If this continues, I’ll be sold off!”

“I know. So be quiet.”

Ian, seemingly at his limit, spoke in a low voice.

“It’s noisy.”

“I’ll take care of it immediately.”

“Fiosen! You! I won’t let you get away with this… mmph!”

Fiosen bound Nathan’s arms and even gagged him.

He was literally tied up.

With Nathan slung over his shoulder, Fiosen asked, “What shall we do now?”

“First, I need to speak with my sister. Nathan is simply a gift.”

Upon hearing this, Nathan wriggled on Fiosen’s shoulder, muffled protests escaping him.

“Mmphmph! (Aaargh! Where are you taking me? Let me go!)”

Even without speaking, his thoughts were palpable.

Ian whispered as he locked eyes with the struggling Nathan.

“Do you really believe that I would actually match you with my sister?”

Nathan hesitated, his movements coming to a halt.

However, the look in his eyes didn’t convey belief.

“You seem rather disloyal to your lord, don’t you think?”

“Mmph! (Who put me in this situation!)”

Ian smirked, continuing, “All that matters is the facade. As long as you can maintain that, it’s acceptable. Just endure a little longer.”

“Mmph mmph (Is that so?)”

“Of course. Besides, if you get engaged to my sister, that would be problematic for me too.”

After all, it would mean Nathan becoming the knight of the First Princess.

He couldn’t afford to lose a knight of that caliber.

Ian smirked.

“If you agree to cooperate, I’ll release you. I can even swear on my name if you wish.”

“…”

In the end, Nathan had no choice but to yield.

Thus, Ian and Nathan found themselves facing the First Princess.

At that moment, while Nathan and the First Princess exchanged curious glances, Ian finally broached the main topic.

“You must know why I’m here, sister.”

“It must be about the elder brother.”

“Exactly, as expected of you.”

Naturally, she was informed.

With her informants dispersed throughout the royal palace, she was well aware.

She must have already calculated everything after receiving reports about the First Prince and knowing that Ian was coming.

“Why? Has he already departed for Cantum?”

“Indeed.”

“…”

The First Princess’s gaze shifted from Nathan to Ian.

“Surely you aren’t here to suggest following the reinforcements to Cantum?”

Of course, the First Princess’s answer was already decided.

“No.”

Her voice was truly cold.

But Ian didn’t care.

“Please reconsider.”

“I decline.”

“Sister, are you really going to do this?”

The First Princess curled her lips into a small smirk.

“I am aware of your actions in Bahara. You won’t be involved this time.”

She was referring to the time when all the glory had been taken away from her.

If she allowed Ian again, the same thing would happen.

It wouldn’t matter if he brought Sir Nathan with him.

The determination in the First Princess’s eyes seemed to echo that thought.

“This time, we have enough without you. We have Prince Leonic on our side.”

With the former Crown Prince of Cantum backing them, their position was solid.

This was not going to play out like it did in Bahara; the First Princess was resolved to seize all the glory and benefits this time.

Yet, Ian simply smiled in response.

“Do you really think so?”

“What?”

“There’s something you don’t know, Sister.”

Ian subtly indicated something with his eyes.

The First Princess caught on and gestured for those around her to leave.

“Everyone, please step outside.”

“Bu—but Your Highness, your safety…”

“Whether you’re here or not doesn’t matter. If the person beside him wishes, he can do anything.”

The First Princess’s gaze rested on Nathan. Startled, Nathan raised both hands.

“No way. I’m a pacifist. Peace!”

“That’s amusing. I know your abilities better than anyone.”

“Haha. That was a long time ago. A long time…”

“For me, it feels like yesterday. I haven’t forgotten, Sir Nathan.”

Under the weight of the First Princess’s unwavering gaze, Nathan averted his eyes, pretending to be unaware.

Her subordinates bowed their heads in resignation.

“We will take our leave now.”

“If any issues arise, do not hesitate to call for us.”

As the servants who had followed Ian and Nathan were about to leave, the First Princess’s cold voice stopped them.

“Sir Nathan, you stay.”

“Me? Why me…”

“Sir Nathan.”

Her tone, soft yet commanding, caused Nathan to freeze in place.

“I wasn’t planning on leaving anyway! I promise! Haha.”

He gave an awkward smile.

And so, only the three of them remained.

Ian spoke in a quiet voice.

“Isn’t it strange? The one who could have become King of Kaistein pretending to be dead and pulling such stunts?”

“What are you trying to say?”

“Our elder brother is aiming for more than just the throne.”

Ian’s gaze turned serious.

Could he trust his sister?

He wasn’t entirely sure that the First Princess was on his side yet.

But he believed he could get confirmation with this question.

“The Seven Sins. That’s what our elder brother is pursuing.”

“Seven… Sins?”

Fortunately, the First Princess’s face turned puzzled.

Her face showed complete ignorance.

The helmet also confirmed this fact.

[It seems she really doesn’t know.]

Ian felt certain of this, thanks to the emotion of Jealousy within him.

It seemed that the First Princess and the First Prince had not formed an alliance.

Nonetheless, with a perplexed expression, the First Princess inquired,

“Are you referring to the power mentioned in the legend of the First King? The same power wielded by his companions—the Seven Mages who stood alongside the Seven Knights?”

“That’s right.”

Technically, they were mages with the Seven Sins, but Ian didn’t bother to explain.

Despite this story being dismissed as mere fantasy by anyone in Kaistein, the Princess’s expression remained unchanged.

“Is that really the case…?”

She didn’t outright say she didn’t believe him; instead, she nodded as if she understood.

“If that’s true, then your power and the Third Prince Louis’s power must also be related to that.”

Her response caught Ian off guard.

He hadn’t expected her to connect the dots so swiftly with just a fragment of information.

A faint smile played on his lips as he inquired, “Did you already know?”

“I had a rough idea. Given that it’s no ordinary power. Naturally, I’ve been seeking similar abilities myself.”

Despite her efforts, she had yet to find any.

The First Princess continued, her expression serious.

“But if the elder brother is aiming for that power, and if he’s been hiding because of that power… there must be specific conditions, right? For example, perhaps the Seven Sins grow stronger during times of war?”

“Did you deduce that from my words?”

“Isn’t it obvious? If it’s a negative emotion, it surely aligns well with battlefields.”

The Princess had not only caught onto that.

“In that case, it all falls into place. The reason you have to go to Cantum. It must be because our elder brother is gathering that power, right?”

“That’s correct, sister.”

“However, my answer remains unchanged. I will refuse.”

“!”

Ian was taken aback and asked again, “What’s the reason?”

“I have no reason to avoid this war, and I refuse to give up what I must have for such a trivial reason.”

“…”

The First Princess had lost much in Bahara.

She believed this conquest was crucial for regaining her lost pride and reputation.

“I must acquire Cantum in this war. And losing to you once is enough.”

“Is that so?”

She intended to reclaim what she had lost in Kaistein through Cantum.

However, Ian being involved posed a problem.

She feared that, just like in Bahara, her glory would be snatched away by him.

In fact, she might have thought about it that way.

‘Back in Bahara, he acted as if nothing happened and monopolized all the credit.’

Ian smiled as if he had no other choice.

“If that is your decision, sister, then I shall respect it.”

“Are you conceding?”

“Absolutely not.”

“Hmm?”

The First Princess immediately went on guard.

She looked as though she suspected Ian might summon King Eloin or attack her right then and there.

But instead of an attack, Ian just raised the corners of his mouth in a smile.

“Instead, I have a rather intriguing proposition in mind.”

“I decline.”

“Just hear me out. It’s related to Sir Nathan.”

“Why are you suddenly bringing up Sir Nathan?”

The First Princess’s expression turned puzzled.

She was confused about why Nathan’s name had come up in a conversation that had shifted from Cantum.

What could he possibly trade involving Nathan?

‘Is he really thinking of handing him over to me?’

The First Princess shot an unexpected smile at Ian, but his words surpassed her expectations.

“What you want is recognition in Cantum, and what I want is the older brother’s head. So let’s make a deal.”

“What kind of deal?”

“You and Sir Nathan should become betrothed.”

“Wh… what?”

For a moment, the First Princess was caught off guard, rendered momentarily speechless.

What was this sudden proposal about?

But Ian didn’t stop there.

“That way, Sir Nathan can join the Cantum expedition as your fiancé. And I’ll join the expedition as his bodyguard, without anyone’s knowledge.”

“…And how does this benefit me?”

“Eventually, all the credit will go to you. It’s a win-win situation for both my sister and my brother-in-law.”

Naturally, Nathan’s expression was far from pleased.

His face seemed to say, ‘A win-win for you two, but I’m left in the lurch!’

The First Princess swiftly composed herself and asked earnestly, “Are you being serious?”

“Of course. What do you think? Will you accept my proposal?”

“Is it really necessary to go to such lengths? I’m not sure what you’re thinking, but this seems like a highly risky idea.”

Honestly, if the First Princess didn’t let Nathan go, he could remain her knight.

That would be a massive loss of power for Ian.

Currently, Nathan represented nearly half of Ian’s strength, as he was unable to mobilize Galon.

Yet Ian raised his eyebrows in response.

“I have no choice. I need to take this gamble.”

“What do you mean?”

“It’s about our older brother. The schemes he’s been hiding and the fact that he’s making a move now all seem suspicious. A crisis we can’t control may be approaching soon.”

Ian was serious.

Considering the forces lurking in the shadows of the continent, it was only natural.

Those who could shake the foundations of both Bahara and the Holy Empire were a threat.

There was no telling what they would do once they had gathered all the Seven Sins they had set their sights on.

‘Before that, I need to ally with my sister.’

If necessary, he was willing to form alliances not just with her, but also with the Third Prince.

Ian reached out his hand to the First Princess.

“What is your decision? Will you agree to my proposal?”

“With you targeting our elder brother and me gaining recognition alongside Sir Nathan in Cantum? It seems like a fair exchange to me.”

“Exactly.”

“Alright. It’s a deal.”

The First Princess accepted Ian’s hand. And in that very moment…

“Understood. I shall now entrust Sir Nathan to you. Please take good care of him and return him later.”

“I will.”

At those words, Nathan jumped up and shouted, “Wait… Your Highness! This isn’t what you said!”

“You’ll have to bear with it since we need to hold an inauguration ceremony anyway.”

“W… what?!”

“No more protests! Sir Nathan, come with me. There’s much to be done.”

Nathan was led away by the First Princess.

Nevertheless, Ian simply smiled.

‘Rest assured, Sir Nathan. I will bring you back before you lose your innocence.’

He had a plan—a grand scheme that would deliver a decisive blow to everyone involved.

Hahahaha... Poor Nathan.