This Bastard is Too Competent

Chapter 147: We have to meet

Haverion, the Fifth Prince—no, the execution of Cardinal Haverion.

The ministers were shocked by Ian’s words.

“Do you really intend to go through with it?” one minister asked.

“Absolutely,” Ian replied, his eyes gleaming with determination. “Not only am I targeted, but my people as well.”

“Your Highness…” another minister began, but Ian interrupted.

“If we hadn’t discovered this plot beforehand, there could have been significant loss of life, not to mention the destabilization of Kaistein. Are you suggesting we should just let this slide?”

The minister hesitated and then replied, “That is merely speculation. It was just a minor incident; it wouldn’t have destabilized Kaistein…”

Ian chuckled at the minister’s response. “Would you say the same if it were the First Princess who had been attacked?”

“T-That’s…”

The minister fell silent, realizing the gravity of the situation. 

The collapse of the First Princess would have far-reaching consequences, unlike the sudden appearance of Ian, the Seventh Prince.

‘The First Princess is the true queen’s survival. Moreover, she has amassed tremendous influence since her early childhood.’

If something were to happen to the First Princess, it would be a major disaster. 

As the ministers remained speechless, King Eloin cut off their objections.

“The crime committed by Cardinal Haverion is unforgivable. The execution will proceed as planned,” the king declared firmly.

“Your Majesty!” 

“This is a matter of the royal family. I will not allow any dissent.”

While the ministers were taken aback, Ian inwardly smirked.

‘Of course. It’s to assert the authority of the royal family.’

The reason the execution had been problematic until now was simple.

The intervention of the Holy Empire was what bothered them the most. 

The fact that they showed no concern for the fate of Cardinal Haverion troubled the royal family. 

However, now the situation has changed.

‘At first, I thought the Saint and the Cardinal Cesare came here to save Haverion.’

But Cesare showed no interest in saving Haverion. 

Instead, he seemed preoccupied with his sister and this country. 

‘No, it’s certain. He has no interest in Haverion.’

With this realization, Kaistein had nothing to lose. 

Ian refrained from voicing his thoughts aloud and instead sent a provocative smile in King Eloin’s direction, as if asking if his assumptions were correct. 

The king immediately understood.

‘Okay. You’re right.’

The Holy Empire had set its sights on Kaistein. 

King Eloin, as Kaistein’s king, was not willing to sit back and accept it.

The king then made a significant announcement to everyone present.

“The execution of Haverion will take place on the day of the march to Cantum,” he declared.

“Your Majesty, please reconsider…”

But the king’s declaration continued.

“The execution of Haverion will be carried out by Prince Ian, the Seventh Prince.”

“!”

Everyone gasped in shock. 

It was unheard of for a member of the royal family to execute another royal, particularly a sibling. 

This act wasn’t merely passing the responsibility; it was a powerful display of authority and honor. 

It could also potentially shift the balance of power among the royal heirs. 

Consequently, the other ministers bowed their heads and one of them dared to speak up.

“Your Majesty, that would not be fair.” 

“For the sake of fair competition…”

“Silence.”

“!”

The King’s voice was cold.

“Do you not know the saying, ‘Repay kindness with kindness, but engrave hatred in your heart?’ I approve of this.”

“Your Majesty…”

“Prince Ian, listen. Blood must be repaid with blood.”

Ian bowed his head towards the king.

“I humbly obey, Your Majesty.”

The ministers were left stunned by the king’s apparent bias toward Ian. 

However, King Eloin was not oblivious to the perception.

“Instead, I will appoint the First Princess as commander-in-chief of Prince Leonic’s reinforcements.” 

He balanced Ian and the First Princess. 

The First Princess, who had been watching, was surprised by this turn of events.

“Your Majesty, what is the meaning of this sudden…”

But the king casually replied, “This is the final opportunity to make up for past mistakes. Can you do it well?”

The warmth in the king’s words shocked everyone present, as it was unlike anything they had witnessed before. 

However, the First Princess understood the hidden message behind the king’s gaze.

‘Observe and judge with your own eyes.’

The message revolved around Leonic, the Crown Prince. 

If he proved himself worthy of being the Emperor’s successor, then it didn’t matter if she became the Empress. 

However, if he failed to meet the qualifications…

‘Deal with him and make the youngest the Emperor, not the Empress.’

That was the message conveyed through her eyes. 

The First Princess confidently placed her hand on her chest and bowed her head.

“Of course, Your Majesty. I will definitely succeed.”

Ian also smirked at her response.

‘This will be interesting.’

Ian whispered to Leonic, the Crown Prince, who was standing next to him.

“Well, it seems like everything has gone according to the plan, so hand it over.”

“You… despicable bastard.”

“This is still considered a fair deal, right?”

Leonic sighed in resignation and retrieved an item from his pocket, handing it over to Ian.

“Don’t forget. I will give you the other half when I ascend to the throne,” Leonic reminded Ian.

“Whether or not you will, Emperor.” 

Leonic bit his lip at Ian’s sarcasm.

He had kept his end of the deal, but he couldn’t help but feel like he was making a mistake. 

Regardless, it was too late to turn back now.

‘As long as I have this…’

Ian’s eyes sparkled as he looked at the item. 

It was clear that this item would be crucial in the conquest of Cantum.

‘I’m sorry, sister. This will put you under my thumb.’ 

Ian smiled at the First Princess, knowing that she would soon be under his authority.

***

The events at the palace were swiftly resolved, and Ian made his way to the Crystal Palace.

‘It seems like I’ll have to deal with Haverion, Cardinal Cesare and the Saintess before the First Princess goes to Cantum.’

Then, something emerged from his pocket—Jealousy. 

Seeing it appear, Ian furrowed his eyebrows in annoyance.

‘I told you to stay quiet inside, didn’t I?’

[Don’t tell me what to do. It’s stuffy here. But are you okay with that?]

‘What do you mean?’

[Over there. It seems like there’s a lot of fury.]

Ian tilted his head, but he quickly understood what Jealousy was referring to.

‘Ah, it must be them.’

He pointed in the direction of the empty carriage, which should have been occupied by Marquis Adelas, returning to his mansion. 

Ian chuckled wryly.

‘How intense is the situation?’

[It used to be at the level of a mansion, but now it’s almost like a royal palace. Both are in a state of incredible turmoil.]

“Both? Cesare must be quite furious as well.”

[If it were up to his feelings alone, he would have killed you hundreds of times already.]

But what was important was something else.

[I see they’re still fighting, and it’s quite exhilarating.]

‘Where are they?’

[I think they’re almost at the mansion.]

The ability of Jealousy was proving to be quite valuable, not only in determining locations but also in providing insights into ongoing events.

‘For now, I’ll have to rely on Jealousy for that.’

Identifying traitors among the royal ministers was crucial at this time. 

But before that, there was a crucial matter at hand.

‘I need to ensure that this fragment of Jealousy is truly on my side.’

Until now, it had been useful and urgent, but Ian had yet to conduct a thorough investigation into its origins. 

He had only discovered the connection between himself and the fragment.

‘This means that it could potentially turn against me.’

This was not just a mere pet; it was one of the Seven Sins, a fragment of Jealousy. 

Despite the positive attributes of Faith and Patience, the fragment still represented a Sin. 

Caution was necessary, considering the unknown negative influences it could bring. 

However, if it could be utilized.

‘I can utilize this to prevent my enemies from seizing control of my territory.’

Upon entering the room at the Crystal Palace, Ian was greeted by someone inside.

“Sir Nathan?”

“Your Highness. I have something to tell you.”

“It seems like the investigation is over. But what’s the matter? Why do you look…?”

Nathan’s face turned pale, his expression serious. 

Instead of answering Ian’s question, he handed him an item.

Clink. 

It was a single earring with a modest appearance, but it struck a chord of familiarity within Ian.

‘Isn’t this similar to the cheap jewelry my mother used to wear?’

He still had memories of how she cherished it, even though it was something she couldn’t afford. But she liked it enough to sneak it out from time to time. 

Ian’s momentary happiness faded away.

“What is that?”

“This is an item that the prince’s younger sister asked me to deliver.”

“My sister?”

Ian tilted his head.

“I don’t have a younger sister.”

Could it be that Nathan was mistaking it for Fiosen’s younger sister, Fionia? 

Or perhaps King Eloin had welcomed another child into the royal family. 

Nathan spoke with a determined expression.

“The saintess who came from the Holy Empire. She claims to have been born in the same womb as you, Your Highness.”

Ian raised an eyebrow, skeptical of such a claim. “You have quite a sense of humor today.”

Who was this person claiming to be his sister? 

And on top of that, a Saintess from the Empire?

Ian narrowed his eyes, suspecting that Nathan was playing yet another prank. 

But just as he was about to scold Nathan, something unexpected happened.

“If you don’t believe me, she told me to tell you this. Your Highness’s… real name.”

“!”

Ian’s eyes widened in surprise. 

It was a secret that only he and his mother knew, something even King Eloin was unaware of.

“You must never reveal your real name to anyone. Understand?”

“Why, Mother?”

“It is because using that name is prohibited.”

“But why did you name me that?”

His mother smiled and always said the same thing.

“Because it is your destiny. You are destined to be stronger and wiser than anyone else… to rule the continent.”

It was one of Ian’s oldest memories. 

After losing his mother, memories that had been trapped beneath the surface of his consciousness began to resurface one by one. 

Simultaneously, Ian’s eyes sparkled.

“Where is the saintess now?”

“I will guide you.”

Ian immediately followed behind Nathan. 

But his heart was not as calm as his expression.

Thump. Thump.

‘So that’s why she resembles Mother.’

Was it truly the truth, or was it a trap? 

What had happened without his knowledge? 

Nevertheless, Ian felt drawn to it. 

Not only to see his unknown younger sister for the first time but also because, for some reason…

‘I have a feeling she has something to do with my regression.’ 

Ian knew he had to meet her. 

***

Bang!

Cesare entered the room with a stern expression. 

Normally, he would have stayed in the royal palace, but he was currently at the mansion of Marquis Adelas to avoid the eyes of the royal family. 

The problem was that he had quarreled with Marquis Adelas over the matter of the Seventh Prince. 

“This is serious. If things continue like this, not only will I fail to get my hands on the First Princess, but also Kaistein.”

At that moment, a priest approached him.

“Would you like to change locations?” 

“Where do you suggest?” 

“If you are uncomfortable with your relationship with Marquis Adelas, you can stay at the church in the royal capital…”

“You fool!” 

“I… I apologize.”

Cesare quickly scowled at the retreating priest.

“You’re avoiding eye contact simply because I became furious. Kaistein is barely established. Are you suggesting I abandon the high-ranking nobles?” 

“Well…” 

“There’s no other choice. Bring the saintess.”

“Surely… are you planning to have her read the future here?”

The priest’s face turned pale. 

He had come from the Holy Empire and knew what Cesare was planning. 

It was a kind of consecration ritual.

‘But the result is not just simple foresight. It’s closer to prophecy.’

She could see one person’s future as well as their past and present. 

That’s how Cesare became a cardinal, a high-ranking priest. 

He had harnessed the power of a saint, but only for himself. 

“H-However, if she continues to use that power, her life could be in danger…” 

“And what do you suggest I do about it?” 

“…”

The priest trembled slightly, realizing the weight of his words. 

He had no choice but to obey Cesare’s orders. 

However, before he could respond, Cesare’s attention shifted.

“By the way, where is the saintess now?”

If the priest was here, who was guarding her?

The priest calmly replied.

“Ah. She is currently in her room, engaged in prayer. She has requested not to be disturbed.”

“Is that so? How unusual.”

Cesare began to make his way slowly towards the saintess’s room.