Reincarnation of a Hunter Chapter 42.2 - The Ducal Succession War

To prevent it from becoming worthless, I must perform well enough in the succession battle to make the Duke feel threatened.

 

And in truth, that bird-dropping island holds immense value.

 

In my past life on Earth, the phosphate rock commonly known as guano was formed from the accumulation of animal excrement. It serves as a raw material for fertilizer and gunpowder.

 

Of course, I don’t plan to make gunpowder—I’m thinking of producing fertilizer.

 

In this world, the yield of cultivated land decreases over time due to the depletion of soil fertility. But with guano, things change. If I make fertilizer from guano and spread it, the yield will skyrocket.

 

‘If I hire the witch Winnie and an alchemist to work on it, making fertilizer should be easy.’

 

Unaware of the situation, Viscount Kioja wore an apologetic expression for handing over a useless island.

At that moment, I was the only one grinning slyly.

Soon, the retainers from both sides drafted a resolution for the marriage alliance and the transfer of Guano Island.

Just before signing, Viscount Kioja awkwardly asked me, “If there’s anything else you desire, please say so. To take such a risk for just a guano island…”

 

If I sided with Viscount Kioja and lost, he must have thought trade between our territory and the Venetian domain would be ruined.

That’s the loss he’s referring to.

Of course, I intend to instill a sense of crisis in the Duke of Veneto during the succession war and extract my price. I won’t be the one losing out.

 

“What danger is there when we’ve become family through this alliance? Hahaha!”

I don’t know how the ducal succession will unfold, but seeing Chloe’s calm expression, she must have some confidence.

I trust my own abilities, too.

After all, I possess powers unique to me—ones that don’t exist in this world.

 

‘This fight’s outcome is already decided. I’ll back Viscount Kioja, then withdraw after squeezing concessions from the Duke.’

As I signed the alliance agreement, I looked forward to the profits I’d reap.

 

⚔️

 

That evening, I hosted a banquet to welcome Viscount Kioja.

I invited many of the territory’s lesser nobles and merchants. Since it had been a while since such a gathering was held, there was high demand, so I rented out the church for the occasion.

Bishop Daniel opened the banquet with a prayer, and musicians and singers livened the atmosphere.

Viscount Kioja, seemingly in high spirits, drank repeatedly and enjoyed himself.

 

“Just as Head Maid Chloe said, Count Marseille is truly remarkable. Hahaha!”

I don’t know what Chloe told him, but there’s no need for false modesty in the face of praise.

 

“Thank you. I’m not sure if I’ll have a role in the ducal succession battle, but I’ll do my best.”

 

“Did I not mention it yet? I heard the events have already been decided.”

 

“Events, you say?”

 

Viscount Kioja spread his left-hand wide.

 

“Five events will determine the winner. The one who wins the most will be the victor of the succession battle.”

 

“Five events?”

 

“They haven’t revealed the specifics yet, but I heard they’ll announce one theme per day over five days. Each of us brothers can only bring one assistant to participate.”

 

So that’s my role—the assistant. The youngest brother, Vincent Veneto, has that dark mage as his assistant.

 

I don’t know what the events are, but if it’s one per day, it’s definitely not about wealth or martial power.

 

Such events would take too long or require lengthy intervals.

 

In other words, intelligence and experience will be key. If I can use my abilities to secure two consecutive wins early on, that would be ideal. By then, Duke Veneto will do whatever it takes to make me back down.

 

Glancing to the side, I saw Chloe smiling proudly.

 

“Why are you smiling? Chloe, do you think I can win?”

 

“Of course. You’re the most cunning—no, the most resourceful person I’ve ever met.”

 

Somehow, her words are convincing. She’s probably the one who knows me best, including in Westphalia territory.

 

After all, she spent years observing me, trying to poison me countless times. But to think you persuaded Viscount Kioja with so little experience. Chloe seems more impressive than I.

Not some wizard from somewhere, but I was made the assistant in the succession war, and she even managed to arrange a marriage proposal without so much as mentioning the “Best” in Westfalen.

 

“You’ve worked hard.”

At my words, Chloe’s face turned red.

‘How childish…’

 

“Starting tomorrow, we’ll push forward with establishing the intelligence department.”

“…No vacation?”

“You’ve got nowhere to go anyway. Rest while you work.”

Oops. That sounded like the kind of rigid, old-fashioned remark you’d expect from the son of a corporate CEO.

 

“Work while you rest.”

“Isn’t that the same thing?”

“No. It’s different.”

It has to be. I don’t want to be that out of touch yet.

 

⚔️

 

Time flew by, and soon I arrived in the territory of Veneto alongside Viscount Kioja.

The port, befitting a major trade hub, was bustling with an overwhelming number of people, constantly loading and unloading cargo from merchant ships in a flurry of activity.

My lord’s ship, the Benedicta, barely managed to dock after squeezing into the already overcrowded harbor.

 

As we waited for the gangway to descend, Viscount Kioja praised the Benedicta.

“To cover an eight-day journey in just four days—I’d heard the rumors, but this ship is truly fast.”

“Was there talk of it being a blessed ship?”

“Of course. Though not by the god I serve, it’s an honor to ride a vessel blessed by the divine. Haha!”

A fitting response from Viscount Kioja, whose life revolves around trade and shipping.

 

“Shall we disembark now?”

“If you don’t mind, I’d like to escort you to my private residence.”

To own a private residence in the expensive city of Veneto…

Definitely born with a silver spoon.

 

“I’ll shamelessly take you up on that.”

“Haha! I’ll arrange a carriage.”

 

While the Benedicta was being unloaded, our group rode the carriage Viscount Kioja had prepared and soon arrived at his residence.

I expected a grand mansion, but surprisingly, it was a modest and simple house with humble interiors.

 

“Forgive me for bringing you to such a plain place.”

“Not at all. It suits Viscount Kioja’s personality well.”

“My personality?”

“You dislike pretentiousness, value rationality, and are frugal, no?”

 

Though I said that, the truth is Viscount Kioja simply doesn’t care about style or fashion, so he doesn’t bother decorating. Far from frugal.

 

“I don’t know how to respond to such praise.”

It wasn’t praise, though. 

 

Then, Viscount Kioja sent a messenger to his territory to summon his wife. He insisted on introducing her to me.

Seems like he wants to show off.

Pass on the jealousy, thanks.