After Yuri left, Baran slumped heavily into his chair.
That Yuri... he’s grown more powerful than I imagined. This could be problematic if I don't change my approach.
It wasn't just Yuri himself. There was also that teleportation magic user lurking in his shadow. It seemed several of the Empire's Numbers had also been dispatched to support him.
Even First—the Empire's Strongest—was among them.
Taking over this country was my priority, but making an enemy of Yuri right now would be a mistake.
"Dammit! How did that Yuri ever get his hands on that kind of power!?"
In the silence of the empty room, Baran slammed his fist against the desk with all his might.
Yuri's abilities were supposed to be the weakest of all the siblings. No, wait...
When he'd had his potential tested years ago, Yuri hadn't looked frustrated or despairing. He had simply looked... satisfied. As if the results were exactly what he expected.
Perhaps he was using a disguise from the very beginning. But for what purpose?
No, given the current state of things, the answer was obvious.
The boy planned to be kicked out of this house so he could forge his own path. He wanted to be a king.
And he had succeeded, establishing an independent state exactly as he intended by currying favor with foreign monarchs and securing an engagement to a princess.
"No, he is already the king of another nation. As long as I don't provoke him, it shouldn't matter. I just need to topple the King here before he can call for help."
It was a race against the clock. The King would almost certainly turn to Yuri for aid, which explained why the boy had bothered to show his face here today. In a direct, fair confrontation, there was no guarantee of victory.
I need a scheme to keep Yuri at arm's length.
"I have no choice but to use the Demon Race. Every other race seems to have sided with him already."
He sent off a secret communication immediately. While they might not be able to mobilize instantly, if he made the contact obvious enough, Yuri would be forced to split his attention to provide a countermeasure. It would mean fewer reinforcements sent to the capital.
"Good. That should settle the problem."
The board was set. The only remaining wildcard was that leaning tower that had appeared out of nowhere. However, even if it had undergone dungeonization, the elites of the Dark Division should be able to clear it with ease. It was about time for a report from Knot.
Right on cue, Knot returned.
"Father, may I speak with you?"
"Speak. How did it go?"
"There were some formidable monsters inside, but every floor has been suppressed."
"Heh heh heh... Then my concerns are gone. We shall seize the Royal Castle before the King returns."
"B-But Father, is this wise? If we do this, our house will be branded as traitors—"
"The royals were the first to betray us," Baran growled, his voice rising with authority. "We are simply reclaiming our place. We shall reign as the true kings of this land."
With a sharp command from Baran, Knot hurried to gather his brothers. The assault on the Royal Castle had begun.