Ouroboros Record ~Circus of Oubeniel~

Chapter 84: The Mad King's Miniature Garden (1)

The royal capital, Broussonne.

The traces of the great fire that struck the city two years ago were gradually fading, and it was bustling with the excitement of last year's victory.

At the entrance gate of the capital, a long procession with knights and an elaborately decorated carriage, drawn by horses, came to a halt. The gatekeepers, upon seeing the horses and the carriage, wore an expression of tension on their faces. Tied to the front carriage was a unicorn, a sacred and miraculous beast given only to those of high status close to the king.

The coachman addressed the gatekeepers in a commanding voice.

"This is none other than the carriage of the esteemed House of Duke Armand! The Duke wishes to enter the capital as soon as possible. Open the gates!"

“Kore naru wa, kashikoku mo Arumando koushaku-ke no basha dearu! Kou wa soukyuu ni nyuukyou shitai to no ouse. Mon o ake yo!”

Duke Armand was a powerful noble who guarded the northern border with St. Gallen. He held considerable military authority and ruled over a vast territory with significant autonomy. Rather than one of the kingdom's territories, his was closer to an independent principality. Even among regional forces that hold sway in the country, he was a heavyweight among heavyweights. That same person had suddenly appeared in Broussonne.

"Y-yes! Immediately!"

“Ha, ha! Tadachi ni!”

Even though he was just a coachman, representing the Duke's will gave him authority. There was no room for defiance against a representative of the Duke's family. Even inspections were waived. Despite the sudden visit, when dealing with a Duke who was a royal relative, suspicions of carrying prohibited items were unthinkable.

The gates opened hastily. Observing the commotion from inside the carriage was a man—Duke Armand himself.

Duke Armand was one of the foremost powers in the Arquell Kingdom. He had faced the neighboring country with unwavering determination for many years. In line with his illustrious background, he possessed a physique that combined visible wealth with a well-toned, muscular body, which was apparent even as he lounged in the carriage. Despite his imposing appearance and the almost majestic way he rested his chin on his hand, there was a hint of irony in the sigh he let out.

"The troops in the capital have certainly declined in quality."

“Outo no hei mo, zuibun to shitsu ga ochita mono da.”

Saying that, the Duke recalled the past.

During the time when that impudent Marquis Lavallee was still alive, the soldiers defending Broussonne were not so timid. Even if one was a Duke, an outsider was an outsider. There was a spirit of "What business does a local noble have here?" That spirit was evident. However, now, they bow down to a mere coachman, even if that coachman was the Duke's subordinate. In other words, the power of the Centralists had declined to that extent.

A retainer accompanying him expressed his compliance more openly.

"Perhaps someone young like Langogne is insufficient after all."

“Yahari Rangōnyu teido no kosaishi dewa fusoku ka to.”

"As well as Mearbahn who can't suppress him."

“Sore o osae rarenu Meaban mo, na.”

Langogne, in his mid-thirties, just boasts big words without the capacity to rally the Centralists. Meanwhile his rival, Mearbahn, is not incompetent, but fundamentally, he shines as an assistant or an adviser. While it might have been acceptable when Lavallee held the reins of power, in the absence of that old man, his presence tends to fade.

"I heard that the rumored 'Slave Killer' has risen to the position of marquis, and he is now in charge of the defense of Elpis-Roanne."

“Kikeba, uwasa no [Dorei-goroshi]-me ga koushaku ni nobori, Erupisu-Roānu no mamori ni tsuita to iu ga.”

"To think they have to rely on such a fellow, it seems those city sparrows are truly desperate."

“Sono you na yakara o chouyou seneba naranu to wa, iyo iyo motte tosuzume-domo mo kyuu shita to miemasu na.”

Truly, they are, said Duke Armand while laughing—it was a scornful laughter.

The governor of the three provinces including Volden and Elpis-Roanne, the newly appointed Marquis Tullius Shernan Oubeniel. The duke was surprised by his military exploits in last year's campaign, but regrettably the rumors about him were far from favorable. He spilled blood without reason, indulged in vulgar alchemy, making him a disdainful figure in noble society.

The duke heard that he had recently teamed up with Margrave Doldran and had risen as the moderate faction, but he found it laughable. Hailed from an upstart family with a history of only about two hundred years, and while being an unprecedented libertine even within that short history, to band together with his fellow rural folks to interfere in national politics was the height of audaciousness.

Furthermore, the duke also heard that recently he had incorporated escaped peasants from various regions, including those who fled from Armand's territory, into his domain. Even if he made an appeal for restitution, those settlers who transferred to Volden and Elpis-Roanne were previously not even recorded in the ledger such as third sons and the likes. In this situation he had no choice but to give up in frustration. What a cheeky thing to do.

Granting such a rat-like man with a position and authority was nothing but a sign of the weakening of the Centralists. Whether to thoroughly clean up the court and then gradually strip him of his inappropriate attire or to swiftly clear up the matter and strike at the Centralists who were responsible for appointing him, the duke pondered his options. In any case, now that they had dealt a blow to St. Gallen, it was an opportune moment. The duke devised a plan in his head.

"Now… before paying a visit to the royal palace, we need to discuss that matter."

“Sate… oukyuu e shikou suru mae ni, sono koto o kyougi seneba na.”

Simultaneously with these muttered words, the carriage rocked forward.

Thus, Duke Armand passed through the gates of the royal capital.

A road that he'll never pass again.

~~~

Should he strike the declining Centralists, or should he strike the newly emerged moderates? The duke's plan was doomed to failure from the very first step.

"…What could this mean, Marquis Balbastre?"

“…Dou iu koto ka na, Barubasutoru-kou?”

With a stern gaze, he refuted the man across the table.

They were inside the residence prepared in the capital for the nobles, it was also the mansion of Marquis Balbastre who was considered a key figure among the Decentralists. For many years, he had been involved in reconciling the interests of the regions and the central authority. Despite his unassuming appearance, the Marquis had considerable influence. The proof of it was that one of his daughters, despite being a woman, ran away, joined the Royal Knights and teamed up with the Centralists, yet she still had a lifeline.

Therefore, Duke Armand had come seeking advice since he couldn't dismiss him outright, but …

"Let me reiterate. It seemed your grace had an important matter to discuss, but I insisted on waiting until you paid your respects to His Majesty before I listened."

“Ima ichido moushi agemashou. Nazo juuyou na go-soudan ga aru to miemasu ga, mazu wa onmi ga heika ni go-aisatsu nasattete kara ukagaimasu, to iwasete itadaita no desu yo.”

Marquis Balbastre said with a gentle smile on his narrow and amiable face.

Duke Armand frowned.

“What are you saying? To pay respects to His Majesty, one must go to the royal palace. Since I wish to discuss how to face the dignitaries in that palace, that's why I have come seeking advice――”

“Nani o iu ka. Heika e to haietsu suru ni wa oukyuu e omomukaneba naran. Sono oukyuu no o-rekireki ni dou soutaisuru ka, sore o soudan shitai to――”

“What unusual words.“

“Kore wa i na o-kotoba.”

As the duke tried to argue vehemently, the marquis interrupted him with a rejection wrapped in calm.

“I didn't think a person of Duke Armand's stature would have difficulty in condemning someone in the palace at this point.“

“Arumando-kou hodo no o-kata ga, ima sara kyuuchuu de mi o shosareru ni funyoi to wa omoemasen na.”

TL Note: I had a hard time understanding this sentence tell me if any of you know what it actually means:アルマンド公ほどのお方が、今更宮中で身を処されるに不如意とは思えませんな

"――Marquis Balbastre!"

“――Barubasutoru-kou!”

His gnarled fists struck the oak table, causing the tea utensils to jump on the plates.

"Do I have to say it clearly then you will understand?! How to face those wicked retainers of the palace! And, more broadly, how to deal with those who, without understanding their place, have meddled in national affairs! That's what I'm consulting about!"

“Hakkiri to mousaneba wakaranu ka!? Kyuuchuu no kanshin-domo to, dou soutaisuru ka! Hiite wa mi no hodo shirazu ni mo kokusei ni shasharidete kita renchuu o ikaga ni shosuru ka! Sore o hakarou to itte iru no da!”

His thunderous roar echoed in the reception room. It was an uncouth behavior, not fitting for one of the most prominent nobles in the kingdom. It wasn't the kind of attitude someone would take toward a high-ranking aristocrat such as a marquis. However, Duke Armand was allowed such actions. His duke title that stood at the pinnacle of aristocratic society, formidable military authority, and bloodline connected to the royal family—all elements that should command respect.

Yet, the man in front of him, without regard for these factors, spoke without hesitation and showed no intention of yielding to his will. It was an inexplicable situation.

Marquis Balbastre raised his eyebrows in response to the duke's wrath and confusion. It wasn't a displeased frown; rather, his eyebrows knitted together as if moved by a feeling of pity.

"Are you worried about the country, aiming to eliminate the rogues in the palace and clear away the weeds that have spread in the regions?"

“Kuni o urei tame ni kyuuchuu no zoku o nozoki, chihou ni habikoridashita zassou o katazukeyou to?”

"Didn't it sound like that?"

“Sou kikoen katta no ka?”

"No, I heard it clearly. I appreciate your grace's noble intentions."

“Ie, shika to kiite orimashita. Sono o-kokorozashi wa taihen kekkou to zonjimasu.”

Balbastre held back a sigh as he lifted the cup to his lips as if to take a breather.

To Armand, who was growing irritated with his behavior, the marquis continued, looking sorrowful.

"However, the methods that your grace once employed for that purpose are somewhat…"

“Desu ga, onmi ga katsute, sono tame ni o-tori ni narareta tedate wa, isasaka…”

With a rattle, the table shook again. Armand's rugged fingers, typical of a warrior, were gripping the edge of the table, and his hips were unceremoniously raised.

The methods he had once employed for that purpose. The marquis' words had elicited an intense reaction.

"W-what… What are you talking about?"

“Na, nani o… nan no koto o itte iru?”

The duke, the highest-ranking noble in the kingdom, gasped and struggled to retort.

Marquis Balbastre lowered his eyes as if he had guessed at an inference he didn't want to be true.

"Eliminating the centralists, eliminating the new Marquis Oubeniel and his supporters… What will you do after that? Target other ducal houses? It's hard to believe, but will your grace eventually try to put your hands on the thro――"

“Chuuou shuuken-ha o nozoki, Ōbuniru-shin-koushaku-ra o nozoki… sono saki wa dou nasaru no desu ka? Hoka no koushaku-ke o hyouteki to suru no deshou ka. Masaka to wa omoimasu ga, sono hate ni shison no za ni te o kake――”

"D-don't say such strange things!"

“I, i na koto o mousu na!”

His slurred speech, suppressed by emotion, was stopped by an unbearable scream.

The marquis' implication was beyond terrifying.

Purging the centralists after the demise of Lavallee, then striking the emerging moderate faction led by Marquis Oubeniel. Up to that point, it seemed within the bounds of common political maneuvering. However, what came next was the cause for concern. Targeting other ducal houses. And ultimately, reaching for the sublime throne—aiming for the royal seat. This essentially meant eliminating competitors to aspire to the throne.

Does he have an intention of usurpation? Marquis Balbastre was expressing such suspicions to Duke Armand.

Normally, one might laugh it off as absurd or angrily dismiss it as a baseless accusation. However, what came out of the duke's mouth was,

"W-what nonsense… U-unbelievable! Such a scheme, I… I!"

“Ba, baka na koto o… a, arien! Sono you na kuwadate nado, watashi wa, wa, watashi wa!”

It was a high-pitched, almost scream-like voice, devoid of any concealed agitation.

The one who said the words that caused such an obvious reaction looked down and continued,

"I had my suspicions, though. It's been almost eight years... Prince Louis and Prince Philip. The first and second in line for the throne, both consecutively disappearing into hiding, and yet His Majesty has not appointed a new heir. Normally, it would be fitting to receive an heir from one of the esteemed ducal houses with royal blood. For instance, from a house like your grace's, known for its illustrious martial achievements."

“Usu-usu desu ga, okashii to wa omotteita no desu. Mou hachi-nen mo mae ni narimasu ka… Rui-denka to Firippu-denka. Ou-i keishou-ken no sai jou-i to daini-i no o-kata-tachi ga aitsuide okakure ni natta to iu no ni, heika wa arata na o yotsugi o taterarete orimasen. Tsuurei naraba, kashikoki chi o hikareru koushaku-ke no izureka kara, keishi o itadakareru beki suji desu no ni ne… Tatoeba, bumei no kikoe mo takaki anata no o-ie desu to ka.”

The events of eight years ago, the poisoning of Crown Prince Louis and the subsequent suicide by poison of the suspect, Second Prince Philip. The sons of King Charles VIII died, it was a rare and significant tragedy. Compared to this, incidents like the Great Fire of the Capital or the War of Volden seemed trivial. After all, the heirs to the throne, the king's sons, had met untimely deaths, marking an unprecedented and momentous event.

As Balbastre had mentioned, under normal circumstances, a new heir should have been adopted from a ducal house with royal blood. However, even eight years after the events, there was still no clear successor to the throne. This was a highly abnormal situation, especially considering that the king was entering old age, and his behavior, both in governance and daily life, was becoming increasingly erratic.

In terms of lineage, achievements, and influence, Duke Armand was considered the prime candidate for the throne. If he were to succeed the aging king, whether by dethroning him or by having his son adopted as the crown prince, it would be deemed a natural course of events. However, this wasn't the case. Why?

"I-it was Lavallee's doing… Due to that old man's arrangements, we, who reside in the provinces, are――"

“Ra, Ravare no shiwaza da… a, ano jii no sahai ni yotte, chihou ni kyosuru ware-ra wa――”

"Yes, let's presume it is the arrangements of that now-late-personage. But I am afraid that I can't recognize someone whom I have suspected of harming the princes as the next king."

“Ee. Ima wa naki ano go-jin no sahai deshou tomo… Osore ooku mo denka-ra o gaishi tatematsutta utagai aru mono o, jidai no ou to wa mitomeraremasen deshou.”

"Stop with your baseless speculations!"

“Gesu na kanguri wa yose!”

Despite the duke's complaint again, Balbastre simply shook his head slightly.

Then, with a small sigh, he lifted his gaze. His eyes, as always, were directed at Duke Armand with a look of pity and resignation—a gaze filled with sympathy and acceptance, inappropriate for directing towards a duke of the kingdom.

"It is with regret… I must inform you that a letter has arrived from the High Court."

“Kokorogurushii koto desu ga… mi o moushimasu to, koutouhouin kara shojou ga mawatte imashite.”

"What…?"

“Nani…?”

Duke Armand blinked at the sudden change in topic.

The High Court, the judicial body that even judged nobles, a cornerstone of the kingdom's justice system. Why was it now part of the conversation?

"If your grace were to visit a place before coming to the palace, it would be here. In that case, I was told to station members of the Royal Knights in this mansion."

“Onmi ga kyuuchuu e shikou suru mae ni otozureru to shitara, mazu wa koko. Dearu nara, konoe no mono o yashiki ni tamuro saseyo to no koto deshite.”

As if those words were a signal, the door to the reception room was violently opened.

Into the serene gathering place for nobles, armed and robust men strode in unceremoniously. At their forefront was a knight, slender with a bureaucratic appearance, yet emanating a sharp and vigilant aura.

"Excuse the intrusion. I am the Acting Commander of the Second Royal Knights Order, Alfred Simon Prudelmashe."

“Shitsurei. Watashi wa konoe daini kishidan danchou daikou, Arufuretto Shimon Puryuderumashe dearimasu.”

The Royal Knights, and not just any, but the most renowned and elite Second Order.

Reflexively, Armand glared at Marquis Balbastre. The Second Royal Knights was well-known, partly due to the fact that Balbastre's spirited daughter served as its commander. Could this be a plot hidden behind the façade of this seemingly gentle and sensible man? It wouldn't be unreasonable for the Duke to suspect so.

The man introducing himself as the Acting Commander promptly spoke, cutting through Armand's speculative thoughts.

"We have received a request from the High Court to inquire about the assassination of the Crown Prince eight years ago. Regrettably, Your Excellency Duke Armand, we would appreciate it if you are willing to come with us――"

“Koutouhouin yori hachi-nen mae no ou taishi ansatsu jiken ni kanshite, onmi yori jijou o ukagaitai to no i o ukete orimasu. Osore nagara Arumando-koushaku-kakka ni wa, warera to go-doudou shite itadakitaku――”

"…You insolent!"

“…Burei-mono!”

An indignant shout erupted, striking at the knight who introduced himself as Alfred.

"Who do you think I am!? I am Duke Armand, scion of the royal branch and commander of the martial nobility that has supported the northern borders for generations!"

“Watashi o dare to kokoroeru!? Ouke no renshi ni shite hokuhen no ji o ruidai ni watari sasaeta bumon no touryou, Arumando-koushaku naru zo!”

He was the man that had defended the borderlands for many years, leading tens of thousands in times of national crisis. Despite the remnants of his agitation, Armand thought that this was enough to intimidate a lone knight, even if he was one of the Royal Knights. However, events didn't unfold as expected.

"Yes, we are well aware. That's precisely why we are refraining from forcing you and requesting your cooperation instead."

“Ee. Kokoroete orimasu. Desu kara muri ni hikitateru to iu burei o hikae, go-doukou o onegai shiteiru wake deshite.”

With a polite response, Alfred even managed a wry smile on his face.

Understandably so, the Second Order was an outlier among the Royal Knights. These men were so loyal to their commander who was now under a foreign sky that they were ridiculed by those who were ignorant as being not the king's subjects but the Queen of Balbastre's. There was no way that these seasoned warriors, who had been trained by the fierce tempered Elisha Rosemonde Balbastre, would be able to receive any intimidation from anyone other than their leader.

TL Note: Yea I decided to change Elisha's middle name to Rosemonde from now on.

"If you refuse, there's nothing we can do… Please, everyone."

“Sore o o-kotowari ni narareru no deshitara, itashikata arimasen ne… Onegai shimasu yo, mina-san.”

"Understood, sir Al. Excuse us, Your Grace."

“Hei, Aru no danna. Shitsurei shimasu ze, Koushaku-sama.”

Following the orders of the Acting Commander as well as the Vice-Commander, the knights approached the Duke and took hold of his arms. Despite being a martial figure, Duke Armand, fundamentally, was a commander protected by those around him. Confronted by the strongest combat unit in the country, resistance would be futile. Swiftly, he found himself held by two knights, effectively immobilized.

"R-release me! T-these… parvenus pretending to be knights! By whose authority do you dare lay hands on me!?"

“Ha, hanase! Ko, kono… kishi tomo ienu nariagari-domo ga! Dare no yurushi o ete kono mi ni furete oru!?”

"I already told you, it's the High Court."

“Desu kara, koutouhouin desu yo.”

Bringing the name of the institution that oversaw the legal affairs of the kingdom only served to further intensify the Duke's stubbornness. As long as the High Court was situated in the capital, it would inevitably have strong connections with central figures, and they were none other than the Centralist Faction, those in opposition to Duke Armand.

"Who set this in motion?! Ba-Balbastre! Bastard, have you turned over to those parasites of the court!? Have you conspired against me!?"josei

“Sore o ugokashita no wa dareda? Ba, Barubasutoru! Kisama, kyuutei no kiseichuu-domo ni negaetta ka! Watashi o hakatta kaa!?”

Being accussed of switching allegiances, Marquis Balbastre, wearing an increasingly sympathetic expression, shook his head.

"I don't remember having turned against you. This time's decision is―― ”

“Negaetta oboe nado arimasen. Konotabi no sahai wa――”

"This is the picture I painted, Duke Armand."

“Watashi no kaita ezu sa. Arumando-koushaku.”

Taking over the marquis' words, a new figure appeared in the room.

Entering with a dedicated escort separate from the Royal Knights was a diminutive man adorned in ostentatious and dazzling attire. Despite his frail appearance, his voice resonated powerfully, capturing attention.

The duke widened his eyes.

No way. Such a――

The man he sincerely believed would never catch him off guard.

With an oddly confident expression, he wore a mocking smile at him.

"D-Duke Rochebourg…?"

“Ro, Roshubūru, -kou…?”

~~~

To be continued…

TL Note:

So I started playing Arknights a little while ago and that game is sooooo addicting aaaaagh but WHY THE GACHA IS SO EXPENSIVE it needs 6000 orundums like wth it's the most expensive ten pulls I've ever see in games. And there's also one BIG problem: I keep playing games while the end-of-school EXAM is next month omg I'm dying.

Oh yea this chapter was brought to you by my patrons, Sier, McConnaheyhey, TheHunt3r Gaming, Viks, Dan Ryder, Eger, Imperius, Pepe Feik, Tony Derado, and Elevathor. Thank you very much, guys!

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