This Bastard is Too Competent

Chapter 146: Just One Person

‘Are you going to keep staying like that?’

At Ian’s provocation, Cesare’s eyebrows twitched.

‘How dare the little brat provoke me?’

However, he couldn’t deny that the provocation had some truth to it. 

If he continued to stay passive, he might miss his opportunity forever. 

His failure in intervening during the Fifth Prince Haverion’s incident had already put him at a disadvantage in terms of legitimacy and justification.

‘To obtain the Seven Virtues that can only be obtained by becoming king here… even if it means…’

Cesare had to secure his position as a prospective son-in-law of the king by any means necessary. 

That’s why he had chosen the First Princess. 

And so, he swiftly stepped forward.

“May I have a word?”

Of course, his face displayed no trace of urgency, only a calm and gentle expression. 

But the faces of the ministers turned cold.

“Excuse us, but this is a discussion on the affairs of Kaistein.”

“Outsiders should leave.”

“Perhaps it would be best for Marquis Adelas to depart as well.”

Unexpectedly, at that moment, Ian spoke up.

“You’ve come this far, so go ahead and speak, Cardinal Cesare.”

“Your Highness!”

Despite the strong pressure from the ministers, Cesare maintained his smile. 

Instead, he expressed his gratitude to Ian.

“You called me an outsider, but then I should become an important participant, shouldn’t I?”

“What do you mean…”

Marquis Adelas swiftly caught onto Cesare’s gaze and stepped forward.

“Your Majesty, please grant permission for Cardinal Cesare to marry the First Princess!”

The ministers were taken aback by his words. 

It was only natural.

If they had to choose a member of the royal family who was most closely connected to the ministers present, it would undoubtedly be the First Princess. 

She had been involved in state affairs from a young age and had earned the respect and affection of the ministers.

But would the First Princess marry a priest? 

Especially someone who would undoubtedly face a lifetime of criticism? 

Not to mention the significant age difference between them.

“Even a Marquis should know when to speak and when to keep silent.”

“Your Majesty, this is utter nonsense. Please dismiss this person immediately.”

However, King Eloin remained calm in his gaze.

“Are you aware that discussions for the marriage between the First Princess and Prince Leonic of the Cantum Empire are already underway?”

It was a proposal for a marriage alliance with the Cantum Empire. 

No matter how influential Cardinal Cesare was, he couldn’t compete with the position of an Empress. 

But Marquis Adelas’ reaction was unexpected.

“I didn’t intend to bring this up, but… it seems inevitable.”

But no one seemed particularly interested. 

The ministers were eager to have him leave. 

And that was the moment.

“A conclave will soon be held in the Holy Empire.”

“!”

Cesare’s words changed the atmosphere in the room. 

The conclave was a significant event in the Holy Empire, where the next Pope would be chosen. In other words…

“Is the next Pope going to be elected?”

“But the current Pope hasn’t been confirmed…”

The ministers’ expressions changed drastically. 

Cesare’s calm expression when discussing the potential change in the Pope was too serene. No, his confident expression was as if…

“Could it be that you…”

“Yes. I am indeed a candidate for the next Pope.”

“!”

This changed everything. 

The influence of the Holy Empire, though smaller than that of the Cantum Empire, was the most significant on the continent. 

If the First Princess became the wife of the future Pope…

‘It would go down in history.’

‘It’s a position more honorable and revered than being the Empress of Cantum.’

There was no law stating that the Pope had to remain celibate for life. 

If the First Princess married Cardinal Cesare, who became the Pope, the situation would be drastically different.

‘There might be a power equal to or even greater than Cantum.’

Perhaps it would be better to leave the Cantum Empire alone. 

If they didn’t interfere, they might form an alliance based on mutual interests. 

Therefore, King Eloin and the ministers were seriously contemplating the situation. 

But at that moment…

‘I knew it would come to this.’

Ian was smiling alone. 

It was only natural.

‘In my past life, a conclave never took place. I’ve never even heard of it happening in this life.’

The current Pope was expected to live for several more years.

But if a conclave were to take place…

‘He has the power to convene a conclave.’

That was it. 

In fact, there were only two ways to convene a conclave.

‘Either the Pope has made a mistake so great that he is overthrown, or the only option is to elect a new Pope with the consent of a majority of cardinals.’

But the pope had not made any mistakes. 

If there had been such a mistake, the pope would have changed long ago, even in his past life. There was only one thing that meant.

‘He has the power to mobilize more than half of the cardinals.’

And that power was strong enough to vote for the deposition of the pope. 

However, he wouldn’t know.

That was exactly what Ian was aiming for.

‘I didn’t think he’d mention the conclave.’ 

Still, it became certain thanks to that. 

Who his enemy was.

‘He is not the pope for now. He might even be closer to the enemy of my enemy.’

It was also crucial that Cesare had the support of more than half of the cardinals. 

The twenty-four cardinals were essentially the ones running the Holy Empire. 

Excluding the Pope, the Holy Empire could be considered his enemy.

‘And there is one more thing.’

Ian’s cold gaze swept over the assembly. 

What he was looking at were the ministers who had started the debate while in turmoil.

“There’s no comparison to be made. I will choose the position of one and only bride for the Holy Empire’s Pope, someone more honorable than countless imperial princes.”

Among the ministers, there were those who supported the Holy Empire and Adelas. Interestingly, there were also those who opposed Adelas. 

And that meant one thing.

‘It seems that Marquis Adelas has planted people everywhere. If not that, then…’

It meant that the organization to which Cesare and Haverion belonged held significant power.

‘They are all trying to prevent me from becoming king.’

Ian whispered to the chamberlain behind him.

“Have you identified their faces?”

“Of course. I haven’t missed a single one and remember them clearly.”

“Make sure not to miss a single one and gather as much information as possible.”

“Yes.”

Ian instructed the chamberlain, who was about to leave.

“By the way, speaking of which, there’s one who’s been playing around.” 

“Are you referring to Third Master Karan?”

“Yes. Bring him as well. If necessary, tell him that those who don’t work shouldn’t eat.”

“Yes.”

Ian smiled. 

Chamberlain and Karan would definitely be able to distinguish between allies and enemies.

‘Now there’s only one thing left.’

For some reason, Ian, who had been checking the time and the outside, stepped forward.

“Sorry, but I oppose that marriage alliance.”

“Seventh Prince. What is this! I can’t believe the king of another country is trying to get involved in national affairs.”

Marquis Adelas stopped Ian. 

He had an attitude of not wanting him to intervene, even though Cardinal Cesare had changed the atmosphere. 

But King Eloin silenced Marquis Adelas.

Then he asked Ian.

“What is the reason?”

It was a gaze that seemed to be expecting something. 

And Ian did not disappoint him.

“I cannot trust Cardinal Cesare.”

“What?”

“I have doubts about the conclave and Cardinal Cesare’s suitability to be the Pope,” Ian continued, capturing everyone’s attention.

“!”

Surprised murmurs filled the room, but Ian nonchalantly shrugged his shoulders.

“Who is he to decide? Must one form an alliance with our princess to become a candidate for Pope?”

“That’s an unreasonable assumption…”

“If I were in his position, I would do the same. Marry Princess Kaistein and seek to be chosen as the Pope. Isn’t ruling two countries a grand achievement?” Ian asserted, causing a stir among the listeners.

“!?”

Certainly, Kaistein, which was once an empire, was not as powerful as the Holy Empire, but its reputation and history were not inferior. 

And then Cesare smiled.

“You misunderstand. I simply fell in love with Princess Kaistein at first sight…”

But at that moment. 

Ian, with a brighter expression than ever, but with a somewhat venomous look, spoke up.

“Falling in love at first sight. I can’t believe it, but it seems to have worked out well for you.”

“What do you mean…”

“If you really want to be married to my sister… come as Pope.”

“!”

Ian’s words were firm and direct, cutting off any objections Cesare might have had.

“The conclave is not something to be rushed. Even if it convenes, the process of selecting a new Pope takes time.”

“That’s correct. It typically takes at least a year for a new Pope to be consecrated,” a minister chimed in, earning a nod of agreement from Ian.

“On the other hand, the situation in Cantum is uncertain. We cannot predict when it will end, and the outcome of the war remains unknown. We should consider the cardinal’s request later,” Ian proposed.

“!”

King Eloin chuckled softly in response, “Are you suggesting that we secure the position of the empress first?”

“Yes. If Cardinal Cesare’s love is genuine, he would be willing to wait, even if the princess is betrothed to someone else.” Ian suggested, emphasizing the practicality of political alliances and annulments in this era.

Ian’s confident and refreshing demeanor towards Cesare, who appeared stiff, held a veiled challenge.

“If you truly desire the princess, then first become the Pope. Our discussions can commence thereafter.”

“…!” 

Of course, it was uncertain what would happen at that time. 

It was possible that the First Princess could reject the proposal at that time.

“Now, then, you may leave.” 

Ian and the ministers kicked out Cesare and the Marquis Adelas from the audience hall.

They were no longer important players and should leave. 

Ian turned and said. 

“With the matter of the First Princess’s marriage settled, let us now focus on more pressing issues.”

“More pressing issues?”

“Such as organizing Prince Leonic’s support troops and…” Ian’s expression turned stern as he continued, “making sure that Cardinal Haverion’s execution date is set.”

First and foremost, it all began with one person.

***

Swoosh.

Around that time, a shadow stealthily made its way through Marquis Adelas’ mansion, even amidst the brightness of daylight. 

The speed was so swift that not a single servant or guard took notice. 

And that shadow belonged to none other than Nathan.

“Now then, where does Father hide it?” Nathan muttered to himself.

He had received Ian’s orders to search through Marquis Adelas’ study, specifically to find any evidence related to the Holy Empire or the Cardinal.

‘Since the prince is holding his father captive in the meeting, there should be enough time to find it.’

It seemed that Ian had anticipated the presence of Marquis Adelas and the Cardinal at the meeting. 

That’s why Ian intentionally did not expel them and engaged them in a debate. 

However, as Nathan searched the study, he couldn’t help but sigh.

“This is strange. It should be here.”

He was currently rummaging through a secret safe within the study. 

This safe was where Marquis Adelas kept his most prized possessions, including several pieces of evidence that Ian was seeking.

‘Could the prince have been mistaken?’ Nathan wondered, just as he was about to give up.

Swoosh.

Suddenly, a figure emerged from the darkness, catching Nathan off guard. 

He instinctively drew his sword.

“Who’s there!”

‘There were no signs of anyone, yet?’

To think there was an enemy capable of fooling his keen senses. 

It was only natural for him to be surprised. 

But what came next was even more shocking.

‘A woman?’

The skilled individual who had gone unnoticed by Nathan turned out to be a woman, and not just any ordinary woman.

“You couldn’t possibly be…” Nathan trailed off, realizing that the woman before him, dressed in white robes and veiled, was undoubtedly a saintess who had come with Cardinal Cesare. 

And yet, she had revealed herself to someone who should never have caught sight of her. 

It was a moment when he thought it was a disaster.

“It’s not there. The item you are looking for is hidden further in the safe.”

“?”

Nathan narrowed his eyes, skeptical of the saintess’s words. 

Revealing the location of the sought-after item.  

Was she setting a trap? 

Or was it a cunning deception to lower his guard? 

Despite his doubts, his quick hands moved faster than his suspicions. 

And then, it happened.

Click.

“!”

Nathan’s hand discovered another safe within the inner safe, and he couldn’t believe his eyes.

‘Is this for real?’

Evidence pertaining to the Holy Empire and Cardinal Cesare began to emerge. 

Documents that revealed the timeline of their contact and meticulous details reflecting Marquis Adelas’ true character. 

But Nathan’s astonishment only grew.

“Please inform my older brother that the enemy is not just one.”

Brother?