This Bastard is Too Competent Chapter 210 - Yunseul

 

 

As soon as As arrived at the lord’s castle, he called for a servant.

 

“Where is the butler now?”

 

“He is currently speaking with merchants from Kaistein, my lord.”

 

“Then tell him to come here as soon as he is done.”

 

“Yes!”

The servant hurriedly ran outside to find the butler. As turned to Ian and spoke cautiously.

 

“Please wait a moment; I’ll call the fortune-teller through the butler right away.”

 

“I would appreciate that.”

 

Ian nodded readily. Still, it seemed odd to him that a fortune-teller would be staying in the lord’s castle under these circumstances.

 

‘Does he really trust the fortune-teller that much?’

 

To be honest, As’s behavior was far from typical. Just looking at how he treated Ian made it clear.

 

‘Isn’t all of this supposed to be confidential?’

 

From the arrangement of soldiers he’d noticed upon entering the castle to the documents in As’s office, everything seemed filled with secrets that could cause trouble if leaked. Yet, As seemed completely unconcerned about showing them to Ian.

 

It made Ian question things directly.

 

“Why do you trust me so much?”

 

“Because you’re my benefactor.”

 

As nodded as if it were the most natural thing in the world, but Ian didn’t buy it.

 

“It seems too simple to say you trust me just because I saved your life.”

 

Ian’s gaze was serious. As, the Seventh Prince, who had survived despite the deaths of other royal siblings, could never be so naïve. Such a position required constant suspicion and caution towards the intentions of others.

 

So, Ian probed further with a piercing question.

 

“By the way, you’ve been calling me your benefactor and ‘a noble one’ ever since earlier. Why are you being so kind to me?”

“That’s…”

 

As briefly glanced at Ian, then sighed and spoke quietly.

 

“Because of the fortune-teller’s prophecy.”

 

“Prophecy?”

 

“It said that today I would face hardship, and a benefactor would save me. And if I stayed by that person’s side, there would be nothing to fear.”

 

“What?”

 

“So, I’m showing you everything. I want to keep a benefactor by my side.”

 

Ian raised an eyebrow in disbelief. Could he truly be trusting such a street swindler with his words? Seeing Ian’s reaction, As shrugged slightly, as if he had anticipated the skepticism.

 

“People keep telling me not to believe in it, but… I couldn’t help wanting to trust those words.”

 

Ian pressed for more details.

 

“Is that all?”

 

“Of course not. It also mentioned that the benefactor I would meet today would help me with my future tasks.”

 

Huh?

 

Ian tilted his head. He had no intention of helping As at all—he was only thinking of using him.

 

‘But what if the fortune-teller’s words are true…’

 

As might be more useful to Ian’s plans than he had initially thought. Just as his eyes sparkled with this realization, a man approached.

 

“You called for me, my lord.”

 

He was a middle-aged man dressed in neat attire. As shed his earlier innocent demeanor and asked firmly.

 

“Butler, where is he?”

 

“Are you referring to the fortune-teller?”

 

“Yes. I had clearly ordered that he be given a separate room, didn’t I?”

 

“Um… that is…”

 

The butler fidgeted, unsure of what to do. After a brief pause, he cautiously spoke.

 

“The lord Sang… expelled him.”

 

“What?”

 

“We tried to stop him, but he claimed the fortune-teller was using wicked words to manipulate Your Highness. There was nothing we could do.”

 

“Hah…”

 

As turned to Ian, visibly flustered, his expression a mix of shock and regret, as if he hadn’t foreseen this outcome. Quickly, he lowered his head in apology.

 

“I’m truly sorry. I didn’t expect this to happen… I’ll find him immediately and inform you.”

 

“Hmm…”

 

Ian remained silent, weighing his options. He could go after the fortune-teller himself, or perhaps…

 

‘That man, Sang. He’s been getting on my nerves.’

 

Ian considered dealing with the troublemaker instead. As the thought crossed his mind, a name surfaced—one that felt all too familiar. A man who, in Ian’s past life, had risen to become Leonic’s right-hand man and had attained the position of Chancellor of Cantum.

Sang Aaron.

 

The reason Ian remembered his name now was simple.

 

‘His end wasn’t a pleasant one, was it?’

 

When Leonic ascended to the throne, Sang Aaron was swiftly executed. Due to his scheming ways and the treachery he had engaged in, he was framed by his rivals and dealt with.

 

‘Perhaps Leonic didn’t need a schemer like him anymore once he became emperor.’

 

It may have been Leonic’s attempt to maintain the image of a clean and upright ruler. In any case, he had become a scapegoat entangled in various corruption and bribery scandals. So Ian genuinely seemed curious as he asked As.

 

“By the way, I’ve been wondering since earlier, why do you keep allowing that guy Sang to cause trouble?”

 

It was one thing to disrespect the Seventh Prince in front of soldiers and civilians, but refusing the lord’s orders and acting on his own inside the lord’s castle was another.

 

“You are the lord of this castle, are you not, Seventh Prince?”

 

As was not just a mere puppet or a prince; he was the Seventh Prince commanding a large territory. It seemed odd that someone like As couldn’t even control a single subject. Considering this, As let out a sigh in response to Ian’s question.

 

“There’s nothing I can do about it. He’s… a thorn in my side.”

 

“A thorn?”

 

“I definitely need to deal with him, but he’s too capable to just get rid of.”

 

As slowly explained.

 

“He’s the one who laid the foundation for the development of this territory. I simply approved of that plan.”

 

Of course, granting approval hadn’t been easy. From allowing trade with foreign merchants to delegating rights that had traditionally been reserved for the lord, Sang’s policies were bold and unconventional by Cantum’s standards. But the results were undeniable.

 

“What was once just a minor trade hub in the countryside has now grown into this thriving city, all thanks to him.”

 

“If that’s all there is to it… you could just deal with him now, couldn’t you?”

 

“That’s right. But… his family is the biggest issue.”

 

Sang had once been part of one of the ruling families of this territory. He had even been aligned with the faction that supported Leonic in the past.

 

“I need justification,” As admitted.

 

It wasn’t just about gaining the allegiance of someone who had followed the deposed Crown Prince. Sang was also deeply connected to neighboring lords and influential figures within the territory. While the soldiers might not care, most of the captains and officials were more loyal to Sang than to As.

 

As’s expression darkened with frustration.

 

“Thanks to him, the people in this territory have been following my policies without much resistance, but now…”

 

“Now the dog you raised is biting its master?”

 

“It’s embarrassing to admit, but… that’s the current situation.”

 

“How amusing.”

 

Ian smirked, genuinely entertained by the situation. Yet, his mood was growing increasingly sour. It couldn’t be helped.

 

‘The Duke of Garcia… is this man the same type as him?’

 

He felt a sense of déjà vu from his past life.

 

‘There’s nothing worse than being betrayed by someone you trusted.’

 

Though, this situation wasn’t exactly like the Duke of Garcia’s. As never truly trusted Sang, so betrayal wouldn’t hurt as much. The real issue now was…

 

‘It still leaves a bad taste in my mouth.’

 

While dealing with the fortune-teller was still a priority, it was becoming clear that Sang needed to be handled first. A dog that dared to bite its master had no place in Ian’s plans. Ian’s lips curled into a sly smile.

 

“Let’s do it this way.”

 

“What do you mean?”

 

“I’ll deal with that Sang fellow for you. Neatly.”

 

“W-what?”

 

As’s face hardened. He understood that it wasn’t that Ian couldn’t handle it, but that it was something As found difficult.

 

“That guy shouldn’t be killed yet. There are still a few policies that haven’t been enacted…”

 

“I don’t plan on killing him.”

 

“Pardon? Then what are you planning to do?”

 

As’s confusion deepened, but Ian simply grinned mischievously.

 

“If the dog doesn’t know its place and runs wild, you just need to tighten the leash, don’t you?”

 

There was an old saying: Spare the rod, spoil the child.

 

Ian tightly gripped the hilt of the royal sword.

 

“After a few hits, they’ll learn. Who’s above them, and who’s not.”

 

“!”

 

“So, just make the arrangements. I’ll take care of the rest.”

 

At that moment, As’s eyes gleamed.

 

‘This is truly the one…’

 

He realized that Ian was indeed the great benefactor he had been waiting for.

 

Just then,

 

“By the way! Where’s the fortune-teller? I’d like to see him before I deal with that guy.”

 

At Ian’s words, As quickly replied,

 

“I’ll find out right now!”

 

And with that, he dashed off. His actions were far from the demeanor expected of the lord of one of Cantum’s major territories, Santamo. But the expression on his face was brighter than ever before.

 

*** 

 

Bang!

 

Sang slammed his hands down on his office desk. The soldiers standing nearby stiffened in fear.

 

“Damn it. Where the hell did that guy come from?”

 

“We’re not sure either…!”

 

“If you guys who followed the prince don’t know, then who does?”

 

In a fit of anger, Sang kicked at the soldiers’ legs.

 

Wham!

 

“I-I’m sorry!”

 

The soldiers winced in pain from the kick but couldn’t even cry out. They knew Sang’s temperament.

 

‘If we make a sound unnecessarily, his temper will only worsen.’

‘If he wasn’t the son of the former lord…’

‘What are we supposed to do with these fallen people from the sky?’

 

Despite their fears, Sang’s rage didn’t subside. It was clear to him that this was the perfect opportunity to deal with As. But then, an obstacle appeared.

 

“I was almost done. Of all times… that damn brat has to meddle.”

 

The issue was that this wasn’t entirely his plan. Sang slammed his hands roughly.

 

“Everyone get out! I don’t want to see your faces!”

 

“I-I’m sorry!”

 

The soldiers hurriedly scrambled out. They knew that the longer they stayed, the worse it could get. At that moment, someone stepped out from the shadows of Sang’s office.

 

“Why is the Seventh Prince still alive?” 

 

His voice was icy cold. Yet, Sang felt irritation boil within him.

 

“That’s exactly what I want to ask!”

 

Sang glared at him with burning eyes of anger.

 

“You clearly said you’d handle it if I just sent him outside, right?”

 

“There were obstacles.”

 

“Well, that’s your problem. I kept my promise.”

 

A tense silence filled the room. The man touched the sword at his waist as he spoke.

 

“If you keep acting like this, it’ll be difficult. Don’t forget that you’ve already betrayed your lord.”

 

“So what? And what are you going to do about it?”

 

“We could expose your betrayal.”

 

Even with the man’s cold words, Sang’s expression didn’t change. Instead, he scoffed and glared at the man with sharp eyes.

 

“Both you and that guy are ridiculous.”

 

“What did you say?”

 

“Do you think the Seventh Prince is an idiot? That he wouldn’t realize I’m the traitor?”

 

“What do you mean by that?”

 

“He knew from the start! The only reason he hasn’t gotten rid of me is because my value still outweighs his!”

 

“!”

 

The man’s eyes widened in surprise. He had been amazed by how boldly Sang was acting as a betrayer, but now he was questioning whether Sang could truly read the Seventh Prince’s thoughts. It was clear that Sang was far more capable than they had imagined.

 

However,

 

“But what do you plan to do? The Crown Prince will never forgive you for this.”

 

“Crown Prince? There’s only one Crown Prince, and that’s Prince Leonic. What do you mean ‘Crown Prince’ when the real one is gone?”

 

“…”

 

The atmosphere turned tense. The man was furious at the disrespect Sang was showing toward his lord. He seemed ready to draw his sword at any moment. But Sang stood his ground, pushing his chest forward as if daring him.

 

“What? Do you want to stab me? If you do, your precious Second Prince will miss his perfect opportunity to kill the Seventh Prince.”

 

“…”

 

“Do you really think the Second Prince will let you off the hook? I don’t think your neck will be safe either. If necessary, I could put my neck on the line for it.”

 

“…”

 

The man gritted his teeth, but Sang only seemed more pleased.

 

“Anyway, I’ll set up a meeting one more time.”

 

“A meeting?”

 

“Since it’s come to this, let’s do it properly. Let’s wipe them out completely.”

 

“!”

 

The target was the Seventh Prince’s upcoming birthday party. The plan was to eliminate the Seventh Prince and everyone who supported him.

 

“If that happens, you’ll be in trouble. You’ll be branded a traitor…”

 

“I don’t care.”

 

“What?”

 

“This Santamo is only for Crown Prince Leonic. There’s no way I’m letting the Seventh Prince take what I’ve built.”

 

Sang’s eyes gleamed with fierce determination.

 

“If you understand, hurry up and contact your lord. Tell him to send soldiers.”

 

“If we bring too many, we’ll definitely be caught at the gates.”

 

“I’ll take care of that. But this time, we need to make sure the Seventh Prince is dealt with.”

 

“I promise.”

 

“Promises don’t mean much. Deliver results. If you disappoint me again, I’ll pretend I never made an alliance with you. If that happens, others will also cut ties with you.”

 

“I understand. I’ll remember.”

 

The two men exchanged a glance, their sharp and calculating eyes revealing that they were both using each other but determined not to lose to the other.

 

***

 

Ian exited the lord’s castle and walked down a secluded alley. A man sent by As cautiously guided the way.

 

“This way.”

 

“Are you sure it’s this way?”

 

“According to our information, he’s hiding around here, avoiding Lord Sang’s gaze.”

 

It was indeed a place that could easily be overlooked. The alley, filled with filth, had a sewer-like atmosphere. Even soldiers would find it difficult to enter due to the disgusting conditions. After walking for a while…

 

“This is the place.”

 

Following the man’s lead, Ian entered the house. Then,

 

“Hmm?”

 

The man who had been guiding him suddenly disappeared. Ian found himself not in a secluded house at the end of an alley, but in a strange, eerie place where darkness seemed to linger like an abyss.

 

“Where is this?”

 

With a soft mist obscuring the surroundings, Ian’s face hardened. At the same time, he gripped the hilt of his sword.

 

“Who’s there?”

 

Ian sensed a presence approaching from the front. Just then,

 

“You’ve finally arrived.”

 

A figure emerged from the depths of the darkness. He wore a gray robe that concealed his face. The man lowered his head and spoke.

 

“I have been waiting for you.”

 

“Who are you?”

 

At that moment, Ian’s heart pounded harder than ever since arriving in Santamo. The man before him offered a faint smile.

 

“My name is Yunseul. I am the one who will guide you on your path.”