A Visit From The Uncle

Time had already turned to April. In the midst of this, Ian boldly held a party to celebrate his discharge. He invited nobles, and quite a number of them attended upon receiving the invitations.

At least over a hundred people came, so tables were rented and set up not only inside the mansion but also in the garden, where plentiful food and alcohol were served to welcome the nobles.

As everyone laughed and chattered, Ian greeted each guest, meeting their eyes as they arrived. Among these guests, he could distinguish between those who would be of help to him and those who wouldn’t.

Zrrr—

“Thank you for coming, Viscount.”

“Hahaha, not at all. I thank you for the invitation, Prince Ian.”

This one was someone who would be of use to him. Naturally, to gain their favor, Ian used Mental Manipulation to increase their Affinity. When his reputation-based affinity was stacked with the effects of psychic manipulation, their impression of him would only grow more favorable.

‘If I keep doing this, I’ll really have more and more allies.’

This was something he’d already begun in the past, something he had continued by attending numerous parties. He had thrown this discharge party with the goal of restarting that process, deliberately calling upon the nobles. The nobles who came held higher positions than expected.

‘The fact that I hunted the Kraken must’ve made them even more favorable toward me.’

The viscount he had just met was a noble who held an important administrative post at the royal palace—quite a well-known figure. By earning his favor, Ian would find it easier to maneuver within royal affairs. Just as he was greeting a newly arriving noble at the front gate, he saw a certain person.

“Prince Ian.”

“Welcome. We met before during your visit to the infirmary, correct?”

“That’s right. I’m relieved to see you looking well.”

The person standing before him was none other than Count Tarshos—his maternal uncle. In other words, his mother’s elder brother. Frankly, his visit came as a surprise.

‘He doesn’t seem to be someone who goes out much… So why did he come?’

Whatever the reason, Ian felt genuinely pleased to see him. After all, he had barely interacted with his mother’s side of the family, and that had always weighed on his mind. Of course, one could argue that his maternal relatives had intentionally kept their distance.

‘They’re one of the least influential count families.’

They didn’t hold any public office, and despite being a count family, they weren’t wealthy either. It was a family that had barely maintained its name and lineage. Because of that, Ian’s own standing had long been synonymous with disregard.

“Please, come inside. I’ve prepared quite a lot for today.”

“Yes, and later, may I have a word with you in private?”

“Of course. Let’s speak later.”

With those words, his uncle nodded with a faint smile and stepped inside. Watching him, Ian couldn’t help but wonder what he wanted to talk about. In truth, he had a vague guess.

Maybe his mother had said something that led his uncle to visit. Either way, Ian decided he’d hear him out later. For now, he put on a bright smile and continued greeting the guests, looking each of them in the eyes as he welcomed them.

When he had finally greeted everyone, he stepped inside the mansion. The usually quiet interior was now bustling with life. Since they had hired additional help for the event, servants were everywhere, and the space overflowed with food and drink.

He had spent a lot of money, but it wasn’t too burdensome. After all, he held the ownership rights to the Kraken corpse, and he had recently been paid a hefty sum of two million Grang from the kingdom in exchange for it.

‘Well, that doesn’t mean I plan to throw parties all the time.’

It wasn’t as if he had an endless stream of income, and he had no intention of wasting money constantly. As he continued to exchange pleasantries with the many attendees, he thanked them for coming. Of course, they replied with gratitude for the invitation.

‘I really am changing, huh.’

He didn’t even like this sort of thing, and yet here he was socializing with nobles. He thought to himself that once he achieved his goal, he’d never live this kind of life again. He never liked parties or extravagance to begin with.

‘I’ll overhaul it all.’

If he were to become king, he’d change everything. There would be no kingdom of luxury—only rightful investment and national development. Honestly, he believed that if not for the excessive indulgences, the kingdom’s potential was nothing short of imperial.

‘The land is vast, the population is large, and there are plenty of resources. There’s no reason this country can’t thrive.’

The mainland island alone was considered the largest in the known world. If it were managed properly, the nation’s development would skyrocket. But for that to happen, Ian needed to be in a position of power—as king.

Before he knew it, with many people watching, Ian lifted a glass of champagne and began to speak.

“I would like to thank all of you who have come to celebrate my discharge. Also, this toast is not for me—but to wish His Majesty the King a speedy recovery.”

“To His Majesty’s recovery!”

“To Prince Ian’s full recovery!”

Everyone echoed the sentiment as they raised their glasses and drank. Among them, Ian also had champagne for the first time in a long while. Though he hadn’t fully recovered, he only intended to drink a little. The party continued peacefully, filled with laughter and cheer.

In the midst of it all, Ian found himself constantly caught in conversations with people trying to build connections with him. After a while, as the event seemed to be winding down, he finally remembered that his uncle had something to discuss. He excused himself and made his way through the crowd.

‘There he is.’

His uncle had the same green hair as his mother and younger sister. In his mid-40s, with a neat mustache, he gave off a refined impression. Befitting a count, he exuded a serious and composed aura. Sitting with one leg crossed, he looked like someone you wouldn’t dare approach casually.

‘A count is still a count, I guess.’

“Uncle, have you been waiting long?”

“Not at all. It’s been a while since I attended a party, so I’ve been enjoying the sights.”

Though he said it with a smile, he clearly wasn’t too fond of it. It was obvious from his unfamiliarity with party venues. Ian gestured toward the stairs, asking if he would join him upstairs.

His uncle nodded, and they went up the stairs, where many others were also present on the second floor. The only off-limits area in the mansion was the entrance to the third floor, which was currently guarded.

“Allow me to introduce Captain Mardin Luso. He serves as the deputy officer on the warship I boarded. He’s quite capable.”

Mardin had recently been promoted again and now stood guard at the third-floor entrance. Though it wasn’t strictly necessary, he had volunteered for the duty—likely to show that he belonged to Prince Ian.

Upon hearing the introduction, Ian’s uncle replied as if he already knew.

“I’ve heard much about you. It’s a pleasure. I am Count Tarshos.”

“I’m Captain Mardin Luso, my lord.”

“With the introductions done, I’d like to speak privately with my nephew.”

“Yes, of course. Please, go on up.”

Mardin moved aside the rope that had blocked the way. Ian and his uncle, Count Tarshos, proceeded to the third floor. Ian personally opened the door to his room and invited his uncle in.

Under the ceiling light, the room revealed moderately luxurious furnishings arranged with taste. Ian offered his uncle a seat on the sofa and sat himself down. After dealing with so many nobles, he was feeling quite tired.

“You mentioned wanting to talk. I assume it concerns my mother?”

“That’s right. Her Highness the Consort recently sent me a letter.”

“A letter? What did it say?”

“She asked me to help you, Your Highness.”

“I see. I had a feeling she would.”

Ian had somewhat expected his mother would seek help from her family. As he thought this, his uncle’s face grew serious. Ian wondered—what would he say? Would he support him? Or try to dissuade him? Either way, he was ready to listen.

“Are you planning to compete for the throne?”

“It’s not that I plan to. I already have.”

“I figured as much. The number of nobles you’ve gathered made it obvious.”

“So? Do you intend to support me, Uncle?”

“No. I came here to dissuade you.”

“To dissuade me? So you’re rejecting Mother’s request?”

“Yes. I came to stop you from doing something so recklessly foolish.”

“Oh really? ‘Foolish’—that’s amusing.”

“Amusing? Do you think this is something to joke about?”

His uncle spoke with a scolding tone. Ian knew full well how reckless his actions appeared. Anyone would think the same. But he believed it was only because they didn’t know his true capabilities.

“Why? I may look like this, but I have the support of the people. They cheer for me. They adore me.”

“Succession isn’t about popularity. You have no political base to stand on, do you?”

“I do, actually.”

“You mean those powerless nobles. Do you really believe they’re genuinely loyal to you?”

“Even if they’re not sincere, it still gives the right impression.”

Of course, Ian didn’t think those nobles truly followed him. Their involvement was merely for show. But that very appearance would ensure no one took him seriously as a threat—dulling their vigilance.

“You’re joking again. I’m asking you seriously.”

“I’m serious, too. Do you know why I made this choice?”

“…Why?”

“Because of my mother and my little sister.”

“What…?”

“You can’t keep Mother confined to just one of the consort buildings forever. Once I become king, I’ll free her—and my younger sister, too, from being used as a pawn in a political marriage.”

“Prince Ian… you’re chasing a hopeless dream.”

“A hopeless dream? Do you really think I’m just dreaming nonsense right now?”

“Yes. A dream. And a delusional one at that. That’s why you need to wake from that dream and face reality. Isn’t your current fame already more than enough?”

“Is that so? Then are you saying, Uncle, that you don’t feel any pity for your own sister or niece?”

“Of course not. It saddens me too, to see my sister confined in the palace and my niece used as a tool for a political marriage. But that is the reality. Following the predetermined path is the only way for everyone to stay at peace.”

“Something tells me that’s not the only reason you’re trying to stop me?”

“……You’re right. I want our family to remain unharmed. I don’t want to get tangled up in something reckless and end up ruined along with it.”

As expected, his uncle had come with the intent of protecting his own family’s safety. Ian couldn’t say he didn’t understand. In a barely surviving noble house, a nephew pursuing an unreachable crown must have seemed utterly reckless. His uncle likely believed that avoiding such a doomed path was the only way for everyone to survive.

“You’ll regret this deeply, you know?”

“You’ll be the one regretting this, Prince Ian.”

“Hm. Then let’s do this. Let’s officially sever our ties in advance.”

“What do you mean by that?”

“If you’re really so worried, you can make a public declaration that you’re cutting ties with me. That should solve everything.”

Ian had no intention of dragging his mother’s side of the family along with him. They had only shown up occasionally and never taken proactive steps to help. So he figured that once he ascended to the throne, it would be best to have already cut ties to prevent them from exploiting his name.

“So you really intend to reach for the throne that’s utterly out of your grasp.”

“I’ve said this before—I’m going to be king. It’s inevitable. Unlike you, Uncle, I won’t abandon my family. I’ll protect them no matter what.”

“…….What will you do if I tell the other princes about this? About everything you’ve just said?”

“Go ahead. I don’t mind. Even if they hear it, I doubt they’ll take it seriously.”

From the outside, it probably looked like Ian had no power to compete in the succession race. Even if his uncle spread the word about Ian’s ambitions, the other princes wouldn’t be alarmed. If anything, they’d be suspicious of his uncle’s intentions for bringing it up.

“Very well. It seems there’s no point in trying to stop you. I won’t visit you again, Prince. And I will cut ties with you completely.”

“Do as you wish. Still, if we meet again someday, let’s at least say hello.”

Count Tarshos couldn’t help but shake his head at the overly composed demeanor of his nephew. He couldn’t understand how his nephew could so willingly walk into a future headed for ruin.

‘Praised too much from a young age… to the point where he’s dreaming delusions.’

With that bitter thought, Count Tarshos left Ian’s room. Watching him go, Ian shook his head.

‘I wonder if he’ll resent me later for hiding my real strength?’

Even so, he didn’t care. If his uncle truly cared about his younger sister, he would have offered to help without hesitation—no questions asked.