Der Werwolf: The Annals of Veight Volume 6

by Hyougetsu

  “Father, if we don’t do something now, Ryuunie’s generation will have to pay the price for our negligence. This is for the sake of the Doneiks family, and North Rolmund as a whole. Please, grant me permission to build the station.”

  “You’re being awfully obstinate today, Ivan.”

  “The other day, I spoke with Lord Veight about Rolmund’s agricultural issues. Even a foreigner like him was able to instantly see the danger.”

  Father narrowed his eyes.

  “Of course he would. He’s an outsider; he knows nothing of our customs and he has no vested interests clouding his judgment. More than anything though, he’s highly educated and thinks rationally. If everyone was as intelligent as him, I’d have no qualms about allowing your experiments.”

  I couldn’t think of any way to argue back. He was absolutely right. But at the same time, we couldn’t just stand there and do nothing. For Ryuunie’s sake, our generation needed to take action.

  “In that case, Father, let us obtain Meraldia’s lands for ourselves. If we can turn the northern sector of Meraldia into North Rolmund’s vassal state, we can start importing their grain.”

  Furthermore, turning Meraldia into our colony would bring in more tax revenue and stimulate trade. Actually colonizing Meraldia was easier said than done, but it was perhaps a more realistic prospect than revolutionizing Rolmund’s agriculture. However, Father shook his head again.

  “Don’t be a fool. Why do you think Lord Veight has come to Rolmund? He’s here to protect Meraldia’s interests. A skilled diplomat like him won’t part with Meraldia’s cities.”

  My father had a point. Lord Veight was Meraldia’s representative. While it would be reassuring to have him as an ally, if our interests ran contrary to his, he’d make for a formidable foe. Our options truly were limited. I floated a few other suggestions to my father, but he rejected them all. The only other card I had left to play was my trump card, but this last suggestion was the only one I didn’t want to make.

  “Father, if it’s come to this, maybe you should usurp the th—”

  “No. Absolutely not.”

  Father flatly rejected my proposal.

  “Were Ashley an incompetent ruler, I may have considered it, but he’s a skilled politician. Pointless strife will only serve to weaken the empire further.”

  “But at this rate, the empire will wither away regardless. Ashley has no interest in expanding Rolmund’s territory. He’ll likely permit Meraldia the right to govern itself.”

  I nearly rose to my feet without thinking, but my father held out a hand to stop me.

  “Even if he does, we simply have to undermine Meraldia’s economy and military over time. We do still have some time. I’m confident Ashley realizes this as well.”

  “But Father, Meraldia has Lord Veight.”

  Of all people, Meraldia had chosen Lord Veight to be their first diplomat to Rolmund. However, I felt as though he was far too important a figure to risk on a preliminary diplomatic mission like this. Though I didn’t want to consider this possibility, what if Meraldia was filled with nobles just as crafty and skilled as he was? If it was, we couldn’t underestimate the small southern nation. On the other hand, if he truly was Meraldia’s best, then it meant Meraldia’s government was willing to risk even their greatest asset if it meant strengthening their position. Either way, Meraldia couldn’t be underestimated.

  “We can’t afford to take Meraldia lightly. They may have surrendered to Rolmund, but I fear if we make even the slightest mistake, they’ll have a dagger to our throats.”

  “Ivan,” Father’s voice was calm, but cold. “Your impatience has clouded your judgment. As your father, I cannot allow you to make a mistake you will later regret. Take some time off from governing and cool your head.”

  “Father!?”

  He’s removing me from government at this critical juncture!? Steeling my resolve, I knocked three times on the carriage door. The carriage came to a halt. We were currently in the middle of the mountains. There was nothing around us but snow. Quietly, Father asked, “Ivan, what are you doing?”

  Trembling in fear, I replied, “Please step outside, Father.”

  Sighing, he got to his feet and stepped out of the carriage. In seconds, my guards drew their swords and surrounded him. While they weren’t as strong as Barnack the Sword Saint, they were all handpicked elites from the Doneiks army. Still completely composed, my father regarded the guards.

  “Your loyalty to my son is admirable. In deference to that loyalty, I am willing to forgive your transgressions. So please, help me stop my son from committing a grave mistake.”

  For a moment, the guards’ expressions wavered. Not good.

  “Cut him down!”

  Before I even finished shouting, Father drew his sword.

  “Aaaaaaah!”

  Of my four guards, one threw his sword down and surrendered. A few sentences from my father were enough to rob him of the will to fight. The remaining three now had to worry about a potential traitor stabbing them in the backs.

  Father struck deftly, his sword weaving in and out. Before the guards could attack, he cut one of them down. Seeing their companion fall, the other two hurriedly threw themselves at Lord Doneiks. However, he made short work of them as well. He moved so fast I couldn’t even see what had happened. Father’s swordsmanship was nothing short of godlike. Even North Rolmund’s harshest blizzards weren’t this fierce. Father then stabbed his sword through the chest of the guard who’d surrendered.

  “Forgive me. But no one can know of what happened here.”

  Through words and swordsmanship alone, Father had defeated four assassins in the blink of an eye.

  “There are many who believe they can assassinate me so long as they remove Barnack from my side. I have Barnack show off his skills precisely to lead people into believing that.”

  Father turned to me and raised his bloodstained sword.

  “However, I have often assassinated my enemies myself. If you wish to perform deeds you want to keep absolutely secret, you have no choice but to do them yourself.”

  So this is who my father truly is? What a monster.

  “Your mistake was choosing to slay me with swords and not poison, Ivan. Why did you make such a choice?”

  “P-Poison...should be reserved for fools like Schmevinksy. Did you not always say that when your end came, you would want it to be in battle, Father?”

  I’d wanted to offer him at least that much respect, but it seemed my methods had backfired. Father smiled.

  “When you wish to take someone’s life, you shouldn’t let sentiment cloud your judgment. Until their last breath, think of nothing but how to kill them.”

  Father looked at me and sighed, “If you truly wanted to kill me, you shouldn’t have left Ryuunie in the capital. Even minor details like this are enough to tip people off.”

  “B-But...”

  “You did not want him to witness his father killing his grandfather? You’re far too soft. Plotting assassinations isn’t for you.”

  I could say nothing back. I drew my sword, but I knew I stood no chance against my father. His voice still calm, he said, “Sheathe your sword, Ivan. I have no intention of killing you. Let’s talk this through.”

  “I-I can’t turn back anymore!”

  The moment I’d resolved to kill my father, I’d prepared myself to be killed by him in turn. I brandished my sword. But then, I was overcome by a tremendous coughing fit. It seemed even the slightest bit of exercise was enough to bring it on now. Curses! I can’t die here! For Ryuunie and North Rolmund’s sake, I need to take action while I can still do anything at all! But when Father saw me start to cough, instead of running me through he dropped his sword and rushed to my side.

  “Oh no, is it another seizure!? This is why you...”

  Right now, he’s completely defenseless. The moment I thought that, my body moved before I could think. I drew my dagger and plunged it into my father’s heart.


  “Ngh...”

  Father brought a hand to his chest, then smiled weakly at me.

  “See, now that’s how you do it... Never forget what you did here today.”

  Still coughing, I watched as a red stain spread across Father’s chest.

  What have I done? Father staggered to his feet and leaned against the carriage wall.

  “If you’re determined enough to kill me, then I suppose I can leave the fate of the Doneiks family and the empire in your hands... But Ivan, whatever you do, do not mobilize the army. At least not yet.”

  A trickle of blood spilled from Father’s lips and he wiped it unceremoniously with his sleeve.

  “And if circumstances force you to, make sure you win, no matter what it takes... The same way you succeeded in killing me...”

  The light slowly began to vanish from Father’s eyes.

  “Oh yes, Ivan...I have one last request...”

  “Wh-What is it, Father!?”

  Father closed his eyes and smiled.

  “I promised Ryuunie...that on his next birthday...I’d teach him how to make parquetry... Please teach him...in my stead...”

  Father trailed off.

  “...Father?”

  But there was no reply. The strength drained from his legs, and he collapsed onto the ground. My father, Lord Doneiks, was dead.

  * * * *

  I headed to the Doneiks manor, but all I was able to do was get an audience with Prince Woroy.

  “Yeah, my dad and brother went back to our lands to resolve some issue or the other. They said they’d be back before the snow gets any worse.”

  Despite the fact that we were political rivals, he smiled amicably at me. You really should be more cautious around me, you know.

  “By the way, Lord Veight, I heard you talked with my brother about our agricultural woes the other day.”

  “Indeed, what he had to say was quite troubling.”

  I debated whether or not to tell Prince Woroy about how the drop in production might be related to Lord Doneiks’ river project. In the end, I decided against it. If I wasn’t careful in my wording, my statements could be misconstrued as insults.

  “I’ve actually been trying to see if I can be of any help.”

  “Oh, really? Thanks, I really like that side of you.” Prince Woroy smiled again. “We may be politically opposed, but as leaders, it’s our responsibility to avoid getting the populace embroiled in our conflicts. Both to protect our honor as nobles, and to prevent the state from growing weaker. Isn’t that so?”

  “You’re absolutely right.”

  Prince Woroy nodded in agreement and replied, “I’m glad someone virtuous like you is our rival, Lord Veight.”

  “Should I take that as a compliment?”

  I never knew how to act around this guy. He was just too honest. But at the same time, he used that honesty as a weapon. Though he looked like he wasn’t thinking, he was always analyzing people’s reactions to his statements. I couldn’t afford to let my guard down.

  While talking with Prince Woroy was more relaxing than dealing with other nobles, I couldn’t afford to stay long. I wonder if Hamaam managed to catch up to Lord Doneiks’ carriage? Even for Hamaam, it would have been difficult to pinpoint what path the carriage took through the city, and even if he managed that, it was possible the guards at the gate wouldn’t let him leave. Of course, it’d be a piece of cake if he transformed, but... Prince Woroy walked over to a nearby cabinet and took out an expensive glass bottle.

  “Since my fussy dad’s not around, why not stay for a drink? I’ve got a bottle of Cavarantain distilled brandy here.” He shook the bottle, sloshing around the amber liquid inside. “I hate drinking alcohol cut with water, but dad always complains I go through bottles too fast because I don’t. Do you guys have problems like that in Meraldia, too?”

  I smiled to myself as I thought back to the drinking culture back home. I shook my head and said, “Indeed, alcohol is a luxury item even in Meraldia. Someone who gets paid as little as I do can’t afford to drink frequently.”

  The demon army made sure its soldiers were clothed, fed, and sheltered, but we paid more in goods than cash, so I wasn’t very rich. My work on the council was of course unpaid, so my income was low too. Being a vice-commander meant I got a bit more money than regular foot soldiers, but most of it was spent treating other people. While I was curious how that brandy tasted, I couldn’t afford to get drunk right now. I got to my feet and bowed to Prince Woroy.

  “I appreciate the kind offer, but I’m afraid I must decline. My work for the day is not yet done. Besides, if I am too accepting of your goodwill, Princess Eleora will scold me again.”

  “If she gets too mad at you, just come to us instead. I’ll make you my vice-commander.”

  Oh, a vice-commander... I do like that title, but unfortunately I’m already vice-commander to the Demon Lord.

  “You honor me, Prince Woroy. Now I’m conflicted.”

  “Hahaha! I guess I must have grown a little if I can get you flustered now, huh?”

  Prince Woroy got to his feet and called for a maid to escort me out. From the way he talked, I doubted he was involved in whatever scheme Lord Doneiks and Prince Ivan were up to. As I followed the maid out, Prince Woroy shouted, “I’m too much of a fool to know what it is you’re scheming, Lord Veight. But I believe the day will eventually come when our interests align. I hope you’ll join me then!”

  I turned around and bowed to Prince Woroy again and said, “I hope such a day comes as well, Your Highness.”

  Though I doubted it would. As I exited the Doneiks Manor, I found Hamaam waiting in a nearby alleyway.

  “I’m sorry, Vice-Commander. I lost sight of the carriage.”

  “It managed to give you the slip?”

  Looking uncharacteristically apologetic, Hamaam explained, “The carriage we were chasing was a fake. The only things inside it were the prince and the archduke’s coats.”

  So Lord Doneiks had predicted he might be tailed. There was definitely something suspicious going on.

  “Hamaam, call everyone back to Eleora’s mansion. Tell them they can’t be spotted coming back.”

  “Yes, sir.”

  Once all my werewolves were gathered, I sent them on a search for Lord Doneiks’ carriage. By sundown, one squad had finally picked up on the carriage’s tracks. They led deep into the mountains, a good distance from the capital. There, we found traces of blood covered by fresh snow, and deep furrows that could only be made by carriage wheels. There were no bodies.

  “I guess someone attacked Lord Doneiks’ carriage,” I muttered. Fahn cocked her head.

  “But who?”

  “No clue. With the coronation ceremony approaching, there are dozens of people who’d want him dead.”

  Prince Ashley could have been behind the attack, or maybe someone from Eleora’s faction acted without permission. It was also possible someone within the Doneiks family had planned this. I turned to Monza, who had her nose to the ground and was sniffing at the blood.

  “Can you track where the carriage went after this?”

  “Heh, easily. The stench of blood’s still hovering over that carriage. Give me a sec.”

  Monza gave me a confident nod and walked off.

  “Huh...” But a few moments later she returned, confused. “The snow’s making it impossible to track the scent.”

  The other werewolves all cocked their heads as well. In truth, I couldn’t track the scent either. Meanwhile, Kite was casting epoch magic over the bloodstains to see if he could glean anything from observing past events. Considering his skill, and the fact that barely half a day had passed since the attack, I assumed he’d figure something out before long. When he finished, the blood drained from his face and he turned to me.

  “Veight, Lord Doneiks was assassinated.”

  “So that old man finally kicked the bucket? What about Prince Ivan?”

  “Well... Prince Ivan was the
perpetrator.”

  What? I folded my arms and mulled over that revelation, ignoring the snow that had started falling again. The other werewolves shot me worried looks, but I needed to sort things out before I could tell them anything. When I’d talked to Prince Ivan, he’d been worried about the future of Rolmund. Furthermore, his health was poor. I’d noticed his breathing occasionally became erratic when he talked. Though, it was something slight enough that you wouldn’t notice without a werewolf’s enhanced hearing.

  “Kite. What reasons do you think Prince Ivan would have for killing Lord Doneiks?”

  “I’m not good at conjecture...but Prince Ivan wasn’t like those old scumbags who ran the Senate. I doubt he was just after power. He must have had a good reason for what he did.”

  Kite wrapped his thick wool coat tighter around himself. I agreed with his assessment. From what I knew of Price Ivan, there was no way he’d do this to be emperor.

  “Going off of just the information I have, I feel like Prince Ivan was getting impatient.”

  “Impatient about what?”

  The state of Prince Ivan’s health was a secret as far as I knew.

  “Prince Ivan’s not in good health. He won’t live much longer. Furthermore, his father was old and cautious, while his only son, Prince Ryuunie, will soon be an adult.”

  “Ah...I see now. He wants to do something for his kid while he’s still alive, doesn’t he?”

  “I believe so.”

  I had no idea what Prince Ivan was planning, but whatever it was, it was a large enough undertaking that he’d needed to remove his father to make it happen. The Garney brothers, who hadn’t kept up with the conversation at all, stopped playing around in the snow and looked up at me.

  “Hey, Veight. What are we supposed to do now?”

  “That’s the question, isn’t it? Events are going to be revolving around Prince Ryuunie for a while. My guess is Prince Ivan’s going to call him back to the Doneiks’ family lands. When he does, we need to tail him.”

  Now that he’d gone this far, there was no way Prince Ivan would risk leaving his son in the capital. He’d want Ryuunie somewhere safe. And the safest place for him was the Doneiks’ estates within North Rolmund. By tailing Ryuunie, we’d be able to figure out which castle Prince Ivan considered his most impregnable stronghold. Chances were, the only reason he’d left Ryuunie behind this time was that he didn’t want his son watching his father kill his grandfather. But thanks to his naivete, we’d be able to gather intel.