This Bastard is Too Competent Chapter 225 - The Price of a Gift

 

The Second Prince, upon arriving at the Crown Prince’s palace, shouted in a rough voice,

 

“Prepare the soldiers immediately. As soon as they are ready, I will wipe them all out.”

 

He intended to avenge the humiliation he had suffered in the throne room. His primary targets were the First Imperial Princess and the Seventh Prince, As.

 

“Kaistein’s First Princess, was it? I will trample that bitch as well.”

 

Seething with rage, the Second Prince exuded a murderous aura, prompting his close aides to intervene.

 

“It is too soon, Your Highness. Our forces have yet to be fully gathered.”

 

“If we attack now, the losses will be severe.”

 

“Please, endure just a little longer…”

 

But the lack of troops was not the only issue.

 

“If ‘he’ finds out…”

 

“He will not stand idly by.”

 

Their faction’s most powerful backer—Leon—would not remain silent. Had he not made it clear before he left?

 

“Until the appointed time, do not wage an all-out war.”

 

“He specifically ordered us to spare the First Imperial Princess and the Seventh Imperial Prince, did he not?”

 

Despite this, the Second Prince bellowed in fury.

 

“Silence! You expect me to endure after suffering such disgrace? I am the Crown Prince! The next Emperor of Cantum!”

 

His bloodshot eyes reflected the storm of emotions within.

 

‘All my life, I’ve bowed to Leon’s whims. And now, I must endure the arrogance of my younger siblings as well?’

 

He recalled the events in the throne room—especially the First Imperial Princess’s scornful gaze, along with Kaistein’s First Royal Princess, the commander. The humiliation in their eyes had been unbearable. But they were not the only ones.

 

The Seventh Imperial Prince, As, was also a problem.

 

“How dare that mere youngest insult me? He commands nothing more than a handful of soldiers!”

 

In the past, he might have swallowed his pride. But with the Emperor’s health failing and the ministers bowing before him, his confidence had soared.

 

‘Yes, I had Leon’s support… but I already control more than half of Cantum.’

 

Hesitation was foolish. If he struck now and eliminated both the First Imperial Princess and As, everything would be his. With no one left to oppose him, the Second Prince would ascend as Emperor unchallenged.

 

Though As’s forces had grown significantly, they were still no match for him.

 

‘Yet they tell me to wait. As if they are waiting for the perfect moment…’

 

Until now, he had followed their orders. But his patience had reached its limit. This time, he saw the situation clearly.

 

“What if Kaistein’s reinforcements and that brat As come to support the First Imperial Princess? Can we still win this war?”

 

“Th-that’s…”

 

No one could answer.

 

So far, the Second Prince had maintained his advantage due to his superior numbers—a lead of over 100,000 troops. But with recent developments, the balance was shifting:

 

Kaistein’s army: 50,000

Santamo’s army: 50,000

 

An additional 100,000 troops under the First Imperial Princess would turn the tide. No matter how many generals and soldiers he had absorbed from Leon’s faction, it would not be enough.

 

“Those opportunistic hyenas will switch sides the moment things turn against us. Is that what you want?”

 

His aides remained silent.

 

The Second Prince pressed on.

 

“I don’t know what those bastards are planning… but I will not follow them any longer.”

 

“You are right, Your Highness.”

 

The humiliation he had endured under Leon had already left him in a foul mood. Until now, he had swallowed his pride, tolerating it only because he needed that bastard’s support.  

 

“I am the future Emperor of Cantum. How could I ever lower myself before such trash?”

 

With that, he ordered his aides to prepare for war. He would strike first and bathe the palace in blood.

 

‘Everything belongs to me. It will all be mine!’

 

At that moment…

 

“Y-Your Highness! The situation outside—!”

 

Several soldiers rushed in, their expressions urgent.

 

The Second Prince’s eyes gleamed with menace as he drew his sword and, without hesitation, slashed one of the soldiers down.

 

Swish!

 

A scream echoed as the soldier collapsed, lifeless. His aides recoiled in shock.

 

“Y-Your Highness! Why—?!”

 

“That man was a loyal subordinate!”

 

The Second Prince replied coldly, “Silence! Did I not tell you? I am the Crown Prince! The next Emperor of Cantum!”

 

His bloodshot eyes silenced the room. He had spent too long under Leonic’s shadow, and his inferiority complex had twisted him beyond reason.

 

‘If we say the wrong thing, we’ll be next…’

‘He just killed a loyal vassal without hesitation…’

 

The Second Prince had not always been this way. However, his twisted state of mind had transformed him into a cruel and tyrannical ruler. The soldiers around him trembled in fear, dreading what he might do next.

 

With a sharp glare, he bellowed, “What is it?! What’s happening outside?!”

 

He pressed the tip of his bloodstained sword toward the remaining soldiers. If they hesitated, they would meet the same fate as the one before them.

 

Panicked, one of them quickly answered, “The Seventh Prince… his envoy has arrived.”

 

“What?”

The Second Prince’s lips curled into a smirk.

 

“So, that brat finally intends to bow before me? How unnecessary. Drive them away!”

 

“Wha-? B-but they might be here to surrender…”

 

At his aide’s hesitant words, the Second Prince’s gaze turned sharp.

 

“It doesn’t matter. They’re all going to die anyway. I have no intention of leaving any potential threats alive, just like that fool Leonic.”

 

His eyes burned with murderous intent. He wasn’t just targeting the First Princess—the Seventh Prince and every last remaining royal would be eliminated as well.

 

But then, another soldier urgently spoke up.

 

“B-but, Your Highness… the envoy didn’t come alone.”

 

“What?”

 

The Second Prince tilted his head, intrigued.

 

“Did that brat As come with them?”

 

“Y-yes, Your Highness… that’s correct.”

 

His brow furrowed.

 

“Speak clearly. Are you saying this envoy brought someone even more significant than As?”

 

“T-that is…”

 

The soldier hesitated before squeezing his eyes shut and shouting, “The envoy… he brought former Crown Prince Leonic with him!”

 

“What?!”

 

The Second Prince’s eyes widened more than ever.

   

***

 

Ian arrived at the Second Prince’s location alongside the Seventh Prince, As, carefully surveying his surroundings.

 

“Whew… The tension here is palpable.”

 

It was only natural. Even within the Imperial City, heavily armed soldiers stood ready, their weapons trained on them, brimming with killing intent. At any moment, the Second Prince could give the order to attack.

 

Beside Ian, As trembled anxiously.

 

“B-Benefactor, are you sure this is a good idea? If something goes wrong…”

 

Ian reassured him with a confident smile.

 

“Relax. I have everything under control.”

 

He subtly revealed his hand, where a black dragon insignia writhed as if alive.

 

“If things really go south, I’ll just use this.”

 

“Oh! That’s right.”

 

As nodded, regaining some confidence. He hadn’t seen the insignia in action, but he had heard about its power from Ian.

 

‘A black dragon soaring through the sky… At first, it sounded unbelievable.’

 

But Ian and his knights had quite literally fallen from the sky. If anyone could make such a story a reality, it was him. Still, one question lingered in As’s mind.

 

Pointing behind them, he asked hesitantly, “Are you really sure about bringing him along like this?”

 

The one bound and gagged behind them was none other than the former Crown Prince, Leonic.

 

“Mm-mm!”

 

The man struggled against his restraints, but it was useless. If they presented him like this to the Second Prince…

 

“If it’s my second brother, he’ll execute him immediately.”

 

Ian remained unfazed. “So? What’s the problem?”

 

“Well… after that, I’ll be next.”

 

As swallowed nervously.

 

“I still don’t understand why we’re seeking out the Second Prince instead of the First Imperial Princess.”

 

It made more sense to join forces with the First Imperial Princess. With the Kaistein army, As’s own troops, and her forces combined, they could challenge the Second Prince directly. Wouldn’t that be the smarter move for Ian as a kingmaker?

 

But Ian merely chuckled.

 

“If we do that, your country, Cantum, will be the one to suffer.”

 

“Huh?”

 

“The real enemy wants both sides to destroy each other. If we charge into war, we’ll be playing right into their hands.”

 

This was no exaggeration. Leon had remained inactive until now for a reason. Ian had confirmed this after interrogating Ceres.

 

‘Right now, Leon is on the verge of completing the Seven Sins.’

 

Ceres had refused to reveal the exact location, but Ian had learned that Leon was hiding somewhere in Cantum, gathering the power of the Seven Sins. And the moment Cantum was bathed in blood…

 

‘He’ll awaken the Seven Sins and plunge this nation—and the entire continent—into chaos.’

 

Ian had no intention of letting that happen.

 

‘Did he really think I’d just sit back and watch?’

 

That was why Ian had brought Leonic to the Second Prince—he was the only one who knew Leon’s whereabouts.

 

Just then, a soldier approached.

 

“The Crown Prince has granted you permission to enter.”

 

The surrounding soldiers lowered their weapons. As, stunned, blurted out, “Did my brother really just let us in…?”

 

It didn’t make sense. He had expected the Second Prince to try and kill them on sight for what they had done. But Ian simply smirked.

 

“See? What did I tell you? A good gift works wonders.”

 

“Y-you’re right, Benefactor!”

 

With that, Ian and As dragged Leonic into the barracks.

 

***

 

Shudder.

 

Ian’s expression hardened as they stepped into the barracks, now disarmed. He couldn’t help it.

 

‘The smell of blood?’

 

Inside the barracks lay the bodies of two dead soldiers—one freshly slain, blood still seeping from his wounds. Ian immediately noticed the difference.

 

‘One was caught off guard and killed instantly.’

 

The other, however, bore an expression twisted in agony, as if he had been fully aware of his impending death.

 

In the corner of the room, the Second Prince lounged in a chair, completely at ease, as if nothing had happened. Ian raised an eyebrow.

 

‘I knew he had a temper, but this is pure savagery.’

 

The bloodstains on the prince’s clothing left no doubt as to who was responsible. Yet, despite knowing Ian and the Seventh Prince were on their way, he had left the corpses on display like trophies. It spoke volumes about his character.

 

The Second Prince’s lips curled into a smirk. “So? You came to see me?”

 

His gaze was taunting, daring Ian to respond.

 

Ian met his eyes calmly. “I’ve brought you a gift.”

 

The prince’s smirk deepened. “A gift? That’s a vague way to put it.”

 

“Well, this isn’t exactly the place for formalities, is it? Aren’t you curious about what I brought?”

 

The prince leaned forward slightly. “A gift, you say?”

 

Ian nodded. “Yes, one you’ve been waiting for a long time.”

 

With that, he pushed Leonic forward.

 

“Mmmph! Mmmph!”

 

Bound and gagged, the former Crown Prince fell to the ground with a muffled struggle.

 

Bang!

 

The Second Prince shot up from his seat, his eyes widening in disbelief.

 

“Brother…? Is that really you?!”

 

His expression contorted with emotion—rage, triumph, and a twisted satisfaction. Gripping the bloodied sword at his side, he raised it high, poised to strike Leonic down in an instant.

 

But Ian stepped in front of him.

 

Swoosh.

 

“I may have brought him as a gift, but I never said I’d hand him over just yet.”

 

The Second Prince’s face darkened. “Move. Now.”

 

Ian remained unfazed.

 

“You’re free to do as you please with your gift, but it would be a shame if it were damaged before it was even received.”

 

“What?”

 

“I believe Cantum has a custom,” Ian continued smoothly, “that when one receives something, they should offer something in return. So, tell me—are you willing to accept my gift?”

 

For a moment, the Second Prince was silent before bursting into laughter.

 

“Hahaha! You dare name a price for a gift in my own land?”

 

“Isn’t it only natural? A gift of this magnitude holds great value, after all.”

 

The prince’s laughter abruptly cut off. His expression hardened, and he slowly raised his hand.

 

Clank!

 

At his command, the surrounding soldiers unsheathed their weapons, pointing them directly at Ian and As. A single order, and they would be cut down.

 

The Second Prince sneered. “You do realize I could have you killed right now?”

 

His voice was laced with killing intent, a clear warning that he was willing to spare them—for now—if they simply handed Leonic over and left.

 

Yet Ian didn’t flinch. Instead, he smiled.

 

“Are you really sure about that?”

 

“What?”

 

The Second Prince tilted his head, intrigued. For someone who had been disarmed, Ian was displaying an unusual level of confidence. But he wasn’t bluffing.

 

Pop!

 

In an instant, a royal sword materialized from the ring on his finger. He wasn’t the only one.

 

Clank!

 

At the same time, As gripped a sword and shield, ready for battle. It was the power of the Small Subspace Ring.

 

The Second Prince shouted in shock, “How dare you bring weapons here!”

 

In the Imperial City, only those with the Emperor’s or Crown Prince’s permission were permitted to carry arms.

 

But Ian casually responded, “Isn’t that something a person who points a weapon at someone who brought a gift should say?”

 

“What?”

 

“Let’s not waste time. I’d rather get straight to the point.”

 

“…”

 

The Second Prince studied Ian intently.

 

‘This guy… he’s too confident.’

 

He assessed the atmosphere between Ian and As—there was an underlying tension, the kind that precedes a battle, yet an undeniable sense of composure as well. Though only three of them stood before him, including the bound Leonic, it felt as if unseen forces were lurking nearby. An uneasy suspicion gnawed at him, making him wonder if he was the one at a disadvantage. Realizing this, he knew he needed to adjust his approach.

 

“Haha. Very well. You’re quite bold to propose a deal with me.”

 

Lowering his raised hand, the Second Prince signaled his soldiers to stand down.

 

“Everyone, step back. I must properly entertain my guests.”

 

“Yes, Your Highness.”

 

With that, the soldiers withdrew, leaving only the Second Prince’s closest aides alongside Ian, As, and Leonic. The Second Prince leaned back slightly and spoke.

 

“Alright. You’ve brought me a gift. Naturally, you expect something in return?”

 

He stroked his chin thoughtfully. Ian’s so-called ‘gift’ was none other than former Crown Prince Leonic—the very man the Second Prince had longed to kill with his own hands.

 

‘A gift like this… What price would be fitting?’

 

For a brief moment, he was lost in thought.

 

Then Ian spoke, cutting through the silence. “No need to overthink it. I only want one thing.”

 

“And what would that be?” The Second Prince’s eyes narrowed. “Are you asking for the Emperor’s throne in exchange for that bastard’s life? That would be quite the predicament.”

 

His gaze shifted to As, who instinctively flinched and took a small step back. But Ian merely shook his head.

 

“Of course not. The throne has its rightful heir. I have no interest in it.”

 

“Then what is it?”

 

“We have a common enemy. So why not join forces?”

 

“What?”

 

The Second Prince frowned in confusion. Who else could be his enemy, if not Leonic? Before he could voice his thoughts, Ian continued.

 

“Leon. The man who humiliated you, who forced you to kneel before him. Don’t you want to kill him?”

 

“!?”

 

The Second Prince’s eyes widened briefly before a slow, wicked grin spread across his face. If that was the price, then he was more than willing to pay it. Ian, watching him closely, smirked as well.

 

“Then it’s a deal.”

 

“Indeed.”

 

“Now, will you tell me where Leon is?”

 

The Second Prince cast a brief glance at Leonic before flashing a sly smile.

 

“Simply telling you would be boring. How about I bring him to you myself?”

 

“By your own hand? You think that’s possible?”

 

“Hah. Don’t worry. Everyone has their own methods.”

 

The Second Prince’s smirk deepened. With Leonic now in his grasp, he had countless ways to turn the situation to his advantage. But as Ian observed that twisted grin, he couldn’t help but smirk inwardly.

 

‘He really thinks he’s being clever.’

 

How amusing. This man would never sit on the throne—he would die long before he ever got the chance. Manipulating someone blinded by greed was nothing more than child’s play to Ian.

 

‘Struggle all you want… In the end, you and Leon will both fall.’

 

This wasn’t speculation. It was a certainty.

 

And at that precise moment—

 

Whoosh!

 

A faint black flame ignited within Ian’s Faith. Just a tiny ember, barely noticeable. But it was there, and it was growing.