The Return of the Limited-Time Sword Master

Chapter 85: The Nest of Intrigue (9)

Kurt Steinhoff.

At 29 years old, he was a 3rd-circle mage. While that meant he was just competent enough as a mage, considering his commoner background, his talent was undeniable.

‘But magic isn’t his real talent.’

The Demon Chancellor—a title that would be associated with Kurt Steinhoff in the future.

Though he never officially held the position of Chancellor in the empire, his abilities were undeniable.

Before Martin’s regression, Kurt had demonstrated overwhelming expertise in law, economics, and administration, fields critical for governing a nation.

‘He transformed Muller Altaria, the 3rd Prince, who had no support base, into a powerful figure with territory and military strength comparable to that of a marquis.’

At the moment, Muller Altaria had only just begun to form his organization, which would become active starting next year.

However, the majority of its members were ideologically driven fighters, making it difficult for the group to grow into a serious political force.

But after Kurt joined him, it took only three years for the prince to acquire territory of his own.

Martin remembered that fact vividly, and he had made up his mind from the moment he came to the capital.

He would ensure that Kurt Steinhoff became his vassal.

Kurt had been on a trip, so Martin hadn’t had the opportunity to meet him until now. Finally, he had succeeded.

“I’m Kurt Steinhoff, a librarian here at the Raize Grand Library. It is an honor to meet the renowned heir of the Adalbert family.”

Kurt greeted Martin in a calm tone, but both Martin and Sien quickly noticed something—Kurt’s legs were shaking.

Of course, his nervousness was understandable. The difference in their status was immense, and Martin’s recent accomplishments only added to that pressure.

“I’m Martin Adalbert. I’ve been wanting to meet you.”

“…Me, sir?”

Kurt’s expression grew complicated. It was flattering that someone as famous as Martin knew of him, but he couldn’t help but wonder how someone like him had caught Martin’s attention.

Martin spoke up.

“Five years ago, a man was appointed as a circuit judge. He firmly believed in equality before the law and made judgments based on that unwavering principle. Even when faced with the direct bloodline of a count’s family, he did not waver. He knew the defendant had awakened their innate ability, but that didn’t sway his verdict.”

“How do you know about that…?”

“The crimes committed by the count’s heir were severe—he assaulted multiple commoner women, and three of them died in the process. According to imperial law, he was sentenced to have his mana core destroyed, stripping him of his noble status. But despite his resolve, the verdict was overturned in the second trial, and that judge was removed from his position. Afterward, he had to work as a low-level bureaucrat.”

Kurt’s eyes trembled violently.

This incident had taken place in the far western reaches of the Altaria Empire. The higher-ups had gone to great lengths to cover it up, ensuring the matter didn’t spread.

Yet Martin knew all the details. Kurt couldn’t understand how, but at the same time, he felt overwhelmed with emotion—someone recognized him.

“…How did you learn of this, sir?”

“I happened to be lucky enough to awaken my innate ability later in life, but at the time, I didn’t have it. So, I was interested in those who excelled without such abilities.”

“Ah…”

“I heard about you while researching. You were the student with the highest scores on the written exams at the Raize Academy, weren’t you?”

Kurt had indeed excelled in every subject. Because of that, he had endured significant opposition from the children of noble families, who even resorted to covert harassment.

“So, let me ask you, Kurt Steinhoff—are you satisfied with your current life?”

“…What do you mean by that?”

“Exactly what I said. Are you content with working as a librarian and being shuffled around low-ranking government positions?”

Kurt remained silent for a moment. Then, after some thought, he answered with a serious expression.

“What is it that you want from me, young lord?”

“I like that. It’s rare for someone to speak so boldly about what they want in front of me. That alone earns my approval. How would you feel about leaving Raize to work in Varehein City? I’d like to make you my secretary—though, for now, not as a direct vassal.”

“Wh-what?”

Kurt was genuinely shocked. The part about becoming a direct vassal didn’t even register. He wasn’t interested in empty titles.

The crucial point was that Martin, the de facto head of the Adalbert family, was offering him a position as his secretary. That meant Kurt would have the opportunity to help govern the Adalbert territories and the northern empire.

For someone who had long dreamed of becoming a great bureaucrat, there could be no greater opportunity.

“As my secretary, you won’t have much authority at first. Your main responsibility will be reviewing my work.”

“Even reviewing is an enormous responsibility. What have I done to deserve such a position? I’ve only ever handed down a few judgments as a judge and haven’t achieved anything since. The upper ranks prevented me from accomplishing anything.”

“You achieved top scores at the academy. You stood firm in your beliefs even when sentencing a high noble. You’re knowledgeable, and you have a clear sense of justice. Where could I find a better candidate?”

Despite Martin’s praise, Kurt still found it hard to believe.

“But don’t you have plenty of other people more qualified than me? I haven’t even awakened an innate ability.”

“What does that matter for administrative work? Look at the royal family or the three great families. Not many of their civil officials have innate abilities either.”

“That’s true, but…”

“Besides, most of the talented people I’ve recruited so far are warriors. And many of the competent bureaucrats in my family and Varehein City have been involved with the elders or vassals who opposed me.”

“I’ve heard many of them swore loyalty to you recently.”

“I haven’t discarded them, but trust is another matter entirely. My standard for trust is simple—I extend my hand, and the person must take it.”

With that, Martin extended his right hand toward Kurt.

Kurt stared at it, his body trembling.

All his life, no one aside from his parents had ever acknowledged him. Everywhere he went, he was mocked as an idealistic fool. He had been ostracized in every department, as no one wanted to be targeted by the nobility.

But now, someone far greater than anyone he had ever met was offering him a place at his side.

Overwhelmed, Kurt grabbed Martin’s hand with both of his own.

“I swear loyalty to you, young lord! I will serve you and make my home in Varehein City!”

“Don’t actually die on me, though. I don’t want to lose someone I worked so hard to recruit.”

“Of course!”

“I’ll be leaving the capital tomorrow, so meet me at the gates.”

“I will be there!”

Kurt’s voice rang with determination, making Martin and Sien smile.

‘With this, all matters in the capital are settled.’

By asserting dominance in the duel, Martin had dampened the 1st Prince’s momentum. He had also threatened the 2nd Prince with a secret that shook his calm demeanor.

He had elevated Claudia’s status and, by recruiting Kurt, taken the stepping stone that would have allowed the 3rd Prince to grow exponentially.

Following his successful northern tour, his time in the capital had proven just as fruitful.

‘But it’s too early to relax.’

Nicholas von Royce had revealed his fangs.

If things went according to plan, Martin could win without directly confronting Royce. But he had to prepare for the worst, just in case.

If a full-scale war broke out, it would be unlike anything he had faced so far.

‘For now, my next move is simple.’

Martin’s eyes gleamed with a fierce intensity.

The time had come to strike down his enemies.

—

Three days after Martin left the capital, Muller Altaria, the 3rd Prince, stood in the Raize Grand Library, a bitter smile on his face.

“Well, I’ve been outplayed.”

“I can’t understand it. How did Martin Adalbert know about Kurt Steinhoff and manage to recruit him?”

Next to Muller stood a tall, muscular young man with long black hair and a sharp aura. His stern demeanor and shrewd gaze marked him as Erich Koschnik, Muller’s right-hand man and the second-in-command of his organization.

“I knew Martin was exceptional, but I didn’t expect this,” Muller admitted.

Kurt had been someone Muller had always planned to recruit. His academic achievements and strict principles as a judge had greatly impressed the prince.

Muller had spoken with him several times, trying to win him over.

But now, suddenly, Kurt had gone to Varehein City with Martin. All of Muller’s efforts had been for nothing.

“The empire’s princes have all been outmaneuvered by a single man.”

“No point denying it.”

“And yet you seem unusually cheerful, Your Highness.”

“Of course! I’ve just realized something important—Martin Adalbert could be an ally.”

“…You’re not serious?”

Erich stared in disbelief as Muller began to explain.

“Think about it. If Martin was only concerned

with innate abilities, would he have recruited Kurt Steinhoff? No, he would’ve just relied on the people around him. But he personally sought Kurt out. He knows Kurt’s value and intends to use him.”

“Hm. Seen that way, his ideals do somewhat align with ours.”

“It’s more than that. He doesn’t care about status or abilities. And he has a powerful faction behind him. We absolutely must bring him to our side.”

“I acknowledge your point. But do you really think someone who has awakened an innate ability would denounce the class system?”

“That depends on how we persuade him.”

Muller’s gaze turned northward. He regretted losing Kurt, but he bore no ill will toward Martin.

After all, Martin would help bring about the world Muller envisioned.

“We’ll see how he fares against Nicholas von Royce first.”

“He’ll overcome it, like he always does.”

“Damn,” Erich sighed, shaking his head in exasperation as Muller chuckled.

“Let’s focus on finding someone else.”

“Your optimism knows no bounds, Your Highness. Do you even realize how hard it is to find someone like Kurt?”

“There are plenty of talented people in the empire who are dissatisfied. We just need to find and convince them.”

Muller’s steps were light as he walked away.

‘When we meet again, we’ll have a real conversation.’

Of that, he was certain.

And it wouldn’t be as the 3rd Prince of the empire.

It would be as the Leader of the Secret Society, Cry for Freedom.

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