The Nerd Turned Out To Be The Tyrant Chapter 112

It was last night when he was trying to swallow the medicine that ‘Cherry’ gave him.

 

Aurelio, with a pale face like moonlight, knocked on the door and brought up the topic of the eastern region. In the process of collecting information about the country of Peter, he also came across complaints from the people of the eastern part of the country, a story that bothered him. Aside from his fondness for his older brother, it was a reasonable statement.

 

Delmar pretended to understand the emotions of imperial citizens and responded. 

 

“Well, that’s true. While the western region sparkles, if my hometown in the east is bleak, there won’t be anyone to appreciate it.”

 

The idea that the people of the empire, dissatisfied with long-standing discrimination, might take collective action had not been reached. Aurelio raised the corner of his mouth as if laughing at the bright answer and mentioned several economic stimulus measures. Aurelio, casually saying it was fine to give credit to him for everything, added a few words nonchalantly and then left.

 

“It would be good for you to build a force that will support you,” he said.

 

‘The Marquis of Lantier leads the Eastern Council, so if I only get Lantier on my side, the entire eastern region will support me. The nobles of the Western Convention are ignoring me because I’m young.’

 

Seeing Lantier so running happily, he thought he had done well. Under his father’s rule, the Eastern area had been somewhat neglected, and that seemed a bit unfortunate. As expected, he still couldn’t come to the thought that there must have been a reason for being neglected.

 

“If only Your Highness takes our side, we can crush the Westerners’ noses! Not only Bradbury, who always shows off with his weapon, but especially Menelik!”

 

Listening to Lantier’s words full of joy, it seemed like he didn’t really like the West that much. The enemy of my enemy is on my side.

 

But he didn’t know he would express hostility so openly. Is he a bit thoughtless? 

 

“Menelik?”

 

“Ah. I’m sorry, Your Highness. I remembered something from a little while ago…”

 

“So what happened?”

 

He scratched it gently and the answer came right away.

 

“I was just entering the palace when I ran into Friedrich Menelik. Can you believe what a Young Lord who hasn’t even officially received the title of a Count yet, spoke to me, a Marquis? Mentioning meeting Her Majesty the Queen, do you know how much this Young Lord is showing off!”

 

Along with malicious gossip about Friedrich, Marquis Lantier meticulously recounted the disrespect he had endured from the nobles of the Western Council so far. Putting aside his astonishment, Delmar focused on the news that Friedrich had gone to meet the Empress.

 

‘I remember the Western nobles also talking about whether my mother had qualities or not. Did they relationship improve to the extent she permitted a private audience? When did that happen?’

 

“…For now, you can return to your estate. I’ll talk to my mother a little more about the details.”

 

After sending Lantier away, who was talking as if he was going to confess, Delmar fell into deep thought.

 

Diana and Delmar took turns as regents. Even though words were spoken ‘in turns’, the decision-maker on the main agenda was Diana. He thought it was inevitable due to her extensive experience, considering that the Emperor had been ill for a long time, it was gradually becoming time for himself, as the Crown Prince, to start the process of power transition. However, Diana still didn’t let go of her decision-making authority

 

The most noticeable thing was her refusal to reconsider the selection of the Crown Princess. Her behavior was very different from before, when she proceeded with the selection of the princess without even telling him. 

 

‘She must be aware that securing the position of Crown Princess through engagement is crucial for my foundation.’

 

Delmar, whose lips were troubled, headed towards the Empress’s audience chamber. Delmar, who decisively pushed through the hesitant attendants, pressed his ear against the door. 

 

“I regret to inform you of some rather unfavorable news. It is said that the Ximel territory will build their own maritime trade route. We have been notified of the resumption of the project to dig a canal through the Gibren Gorge. While they mentioned offering discounted fees to Menelik, the primary terrestrial trading hub, what could that possibly mean? It seems like they intend to distance themselves from us.”

 

Despite the apologetic tone, Friedrich’s voice was mixed with a hint of laughter. Diana’s voice receiving his words wasn’t much different either. 

 

“There’s nothing as unstable as maritime trade, so it’s strange that Duke Ximel, who always pursued stability, would make such a choice.” 

 

“Opening up a new trade route is not as easy as it sounds. While it’s good to see them resuming the canal construction project, which was once halted… with the intention of diversifying the Western trading hub, I can’t help but feel uneasy. Even if they’re willing to take risks, it feels like they’re moving away from us, and as Menelik, it doesn’t sit well with us.”

 

“It looks like Duke Ximel is keeping Menelik in check.” 

 

“The fact that Duke Ximel has to interfere with the county makes me feel for the first time how high our status has grown since mining the magic stone…Do you remember what I mentioned before? Ximel would never stand on Your Highness’ side. It’s clear now that Ximel is neglecting state affairs under the pretext of canal construction. I wonder whose hand they’ve decided to hold?”

 

“I have already decided whose hand to hold. The only question is whether to hold my left hand or my right hand.”

 

“Are you suggesting whether to keep me by your side, or to place my nephew by the Crown Prince’s side?”

 

What does this all mean? Unable to bear it any longer, Delmar opened the door.

 

Friedrich, who seemed a little surprised, soon smiled brightly and welcomed Delmar. Diana said this without letting go of the tea cup she was holding in her hand.

 

“We’re in the middle of a conversation now. Go back.” 

 

“Mother, what on earth are you talking about? Are you saying that you’re weighing between Young Lord Friedrich and his niece?  How can they be on the same level? No, more than that.” 

 

If she chooses his niece, it means she’s considering transferring power to himself, so the dilemma seemed resolved, but Delmar grew upset. 

 

A unilateral decision that completely disregards his opinion. Perhaps in the past, when he was merely a prince, it could have been excused, but now, is he not also a regent? At the very least, there should have been some understanding or explanation given to him.

 

Moreover, the attitudes of both of them, especially Friedrich, seemed strange. Doesn’t it appear more like flattering his mother than negotiating? Especially considering that the Emperor is still alive! 

 

Setting aside his respect for the Emperor, he didn’t really like Friedrich’s excessive favoritism towards Diana. What else is this but looking down on Hadasa? 

 

“Do you think it is appropriate for a mere Young Lord, who is not even a Count of Menelik, to discuss national affairs alone? If others were to witness this…!” 

 

“If you hadn’t barged in without a word, no one would have known. Go out, before I reprimand Colette, who is in charge of teaching you manners.” 

 

Delmar was astonished. He wondered if this was the mother he knew.

 

Delmar’s lower jaw, which was about to shoot more, slowly closed. Ah, my mother was always like this.

 

“Think about how many years ago it was when you asked me for medicine at Revinas’ house. And remember who were the ones who abandoned you when you spent countless sleepless nights. Who held you as a hostage for your health and put you at stake first, wasn’t it them?”

 

If they had valued him from the start, they would have tried to find a solution instead of abandoning him. 

 

The pit was deeper than he had realized. The self-pity that sprouted beneath him showed the images of Aurelio and the Emperor alternately. His elder brother, abandoned and left in a distant rural area, and his father, wasted away by an inexplicable madness.

 

Why isn’t the emperor getting better?

 

The paper containing the contents of the conversation with Lantier was crumpled in Delmar’s hands. He spoke in a trembling voice.

 

“…At least I thought I respected and treated my mother, who is also a regent, with respect, but now I see there was no need for that. My mother doesn’t respect me at all.”

 

“Your Highness Prince?” 

 

“I sincerely hope that no one else is put on mother’s display.”

Delmar muttered incomprehensible words and left. Unlike Friedrich, who was staring blankly at the spot where the prince had been, Diana spoke with a nonchalant expression.

 

“It seems certain now. Delmar is still at an age where he doesn’t understand responsibility.”

 

Friedrich understood what she said. It meant that she considered him as a political partner. Perhaps, it could lead to something closer than just a mere political partnership.

 

This was the reason why Friedrich was anxious to select the Crown Princess of Delmar rather than the unknown prince. Because there were two ways out here, for the prince and for the empress consort! 

 

Friedrich secretly laughed at Ximel, who was talking about the new prince, and kissed the Empress Consort’s hand.

 

“It is an honour.”

 

A faint blue light twinkled behind them.

 

 

 

With an expressionless face, Rev listened as his words subtly shifted the atmosphere. He awaited the approaching footsteps of Delmar, who appeared with a sorrowful expression, peering out from the northern tower.

 

“Brother… I think I can understand you now.”

 

No, you don’t know.

 

You, who don’t realize how extravagant those words are, cannot possibly understand me.

 

Despite Delmar’s inability to speak properly and his tearful face, Rev looked at him and comforted him nonetheless. Delmar, who was quietly listening to the advice given by his trustworthy older brother who was going through the same pain, nodded.

 

“You need to show that the Eastern Council, which will be your foundation, is not lacking behind.”

 

After thinking for a while, Delmar brought up the topic of hunting. Rev agreed with him, saying that it would be an opportunity to showcase the excellence of the arrows they had developed to everyone.

 

Without explicitly stating it, he implied that it would be an event to showcase himself rather than just the new arrows.

 

Rev looked at the pendant while comforting Delmar, who quickly felt better. Unlike the imperial palace, which was tiresomely talkative, the pendant still remained silent.

 

That fact tore at his heart unbearably.

 

***

 

It was at that time that Rev was looking at the pendant. Luce was sitting in a cafe. 

 

“Why is your complexion so bad?”

 

“I’m motion sickness. Luce, why do you look so pale?”

 

“…Oh, I couldn’t sleep.”

 

She was with Yohan, who had a face like a sheet of paper.