This Bastard is Too Competent

Knights are known for their strength. 

Despite the variations in their oaths, they could face numerous foes alone, sometimes even dozens or hundreds. 

However, does this imply they are invincible?

‘Of course not.’

The Third Prince Louis’s gaze turned icy.

He quickly realized that even with the sheer number of knights, if mercenaries, who are seasoned professionals in battle, come to assist, they could very well be defeated. 

It felt like he thought he had trapped Ian, but instead, he seemed to have fallen into Ian’s trap. 

The psychological turmoil affecting his knights could not be overlooked either. 

The knights’ battles were shaped not only by their oaths but also by significant differences in their mindsets. 

Uncertain about the oaths and abilities of the two knights accompanying Ian, Louis realized that if the conflict persisted, defeat was likely. 

Hence, he spoke composedly.

“Alright. I will tell you about what happened to my mother, your mother, and your younger sister. But…”

“?”

“Release my knights, and pull back the mercenaries.”

“That’s not that difficult.”

Tweet.

Ian let out a long, piercing whistle. 

The charging mercenaries altered their course, and those in close proximity began to pull back. 

Meanwhile, Nathan maintained his position, and the two fallen knights stood as if they were hostages. 

Louis’s eyebrows twitched.

“But my knights are still there?”

“It’s merely a precaution.”

“What do you mean?”

Louis raised his eyebrows in disbelief, but Ian calmly replied.

“I may not know what information is at stake, but how can you assure me you won’t turn hostile?”

“Well…”

“Remember just a moment ago? You tried to kill me regardless of the hostages. Shouldn’t you consider this a basic safeguard or perhaps make a promise under an oath?”

Louis remained silent. Observing his reaction, Ian grinned nonchalantly.

“I anticipated as much from you.”

“I can’t stand those who are quick-witted.”

“Likewise, brother.”

Ian and Louis’s gazes met in the air. A fierce current circulated between them, as if neither would give in.

“Rather, let’s get straight to the point. If your story is not a lie, then there shouldn’t be a big issue for them. Well, if you’re going this far, the information must not be useless, but rather more intriguing than expected.”

The Third Prince scrutinized Ian, seeking confirmation of his intentions.

‘This guy… if things go south, he’ll probably start by killing my knights.’ 

That was only natural. 

The Third Prince, who had tried to kill Ian, was his last remaining powerful rival. 

If they could kill each other, the succession war would effectively end.

‘Our knights are evenly matched.’

Louis raised his hands, indicating that he had no intention of fighting.

“Alright. Fine. Anyway, once you hear my story, you’ll have no choice but to let them go.”

His gaze sweeping the surroundings, even though only Ian and his knights were present, Louis surveyed the area with a steely gaze.

“However, this isn’t the ideal setting for discussion. We may have eavesdroppers.”

“But it’s just us here, isn’t it?”

“Don’t underestimate the enemies’ abilities. They are more formidable than you think.”

Louis’s intense gaze fixed on Ian.

“Let’s converse discreetly, just between us.”

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That was the moment. 

A black shadow poured forth from the body of the Third Prince, spreading in all directions. 

In an instant, Nathan stepped forward to protect Ian, but he had to retreat quickly due to the intensity of Ian’s gaze.

‘Just wait.’

Then, a black curtain enveloped the two of them.

***

‘Fascinating.’

Ian moved into the pitch-black space, where only the Third Prince and himself were present.

Despite the absence of sound or sensation, it felt like an entirely new realm. 

However, he could still feel something.

‘Could this be one of the Seven Sins’ powers?’

It was evident. 

Until now, he had only experienced [Jealousy] and [Greed], but there was still a discernible sensation. 

It felt like a physiological rejection. 

It was definitely the same feeling that [Faith] and [Patience] within Ian were feeling. 

That was when.

Swish.

Something brushed past his vision.

‘Feathers?’

Black feathers drifted in the air, catching Ian’s attention. 

As they dispersed, his gaze followed their path until he saw it.

“Surprised?”

“Brother?”

The source of the feathers was none other than the Third Prince, Louis. 

What was peculiar was that the wings were not attached to his body but to the shadow itself, with feathers rising from those wings. 

As Louis waved his hand, the wings and feathers vanished in an instant.

“I’ve created this space. Here, I can evade their eyes and ears.”

“?”

Ian tilted his head in confusion.

‘This space was undoubtedly created by the power of the Seven Sins. Does this mean he can’t evade the enemy’s surveillance without it?’

Who are these people exactly?

However, Ian did not reveal his awareness of the powers of the Seven Sins.

“So, what about this crucial information related to the succession war that you promised to share with me?”

“Shouldn’t you inquire about this space first?”

“While your abilities intrigue me, the information you possess holds more importance to me.”

The succession war was one thing, but he was particularly concerned about those who had targeted the Third Prince’s mother and Ian’s mother. 

He couldn’t quite explain why.

‘It definitely has to do with my death in my past life.’

That unsettling feeling lingered. 

The Third Prince, Louis, regarded Ian with a curious expression.

“You really are something else.”

“What do you mean?”

“You don’t seem intimidated in this space, and you’re the first to show no interest even after seeing my powers directly.”

“Were there others?”

“There were a few. But none of them are alive now.”

Louis’s penetrating gaze fixed on Ian, hinting at a willingness to divulge more about his abilities if asked. 

However, Ian chuckled.

“When exactly are you planning to share that information? Sir Nathan has very little patience.”

“Don’t worry. Time here is different from outside.”

“Different time?”

“Yes. A day here is roughly equivalent to ten minutes outside.”

Ian smiled as if he had figured something out. 

This was one of the secrets of the Third Prince that had puzzled him since his previous life.

‘This explains why his skills surpassed the rest.’

This space provided him with ample training time, coupled with his innate genius. 

What would happen if such a genius also had the time to put in effort? 

Especially if he had been using this power since a very young age… 

‘I envy him.’

However, despite knowing the secret, Ian’s expression was not one of admiration.

‘Did he really need allies with such power?’

It was because he was more wary of the enemy’s power than his rival’s secret. 

What came next, however, caught him off guard.

“Duke Garcia, Marquis Adelas, Depuy Chairman Jarken, Count Bantam and Count Orlaine.”

Louis uttered names familiar to Ian, especially the first three, whom Ian had personally defeated. 

They were formidable foes, of course. 

Duke Garcia, in charge of wealth, and Marquis Adelas, responsible for a whole defensive line. 

Then there were Deputy Chairman Jarken, a core member of the Council of Elders, Count Bantam, who was in charge of the royal palace’s defense, and Count Orlaine who was in charge of the royal treasury.

‘They are all key figures in the country.’

Some additional names followed, but they too held significant positions. 

However, Ian tilted his head.

“Are you saying those people are our enemies? If so, that’s quite disappointing.”

While he acknowledged that Duke Garcia, who had been confined, still posed a danger, the others were either defeated by Ian or recognized his might to the point that they would never dare oppose him. 

He wasn’t the kind of person who would be shaken by such names.

But Louis shook his head.

“Do you think I would seek your help just because of those weaklings?”

“Then for what reason…?”

“Because of their leader.”

“!”

In that instant, Ian’s eyes sparkled with interest. 

It was because it seemed as if the reason Garcia had stabbed him in the back was revealed just as he had thought.

However, there were still questions lingering in his mind.

“Garcia has someone he follows? The man who believes he can purchase anything with money? Surely, you must be joking.”

“I thought the same. But it’s not the case.”

“What do you mean?”

“He’s a pawn. And it’s been that way for a long time.”

Ian found it hard to believe. 

Garcia wasn’t just called the wealthy for no reason. 

The quality of his soldiers and weaponry could rival or even surpass that of the royal family. 

It was hard to conceive that someone like him would fall under another’s command. 

But at that moment…

“Do you even know why the succession war started in the first place?”

“Well… isn’t it because the First Prince, who was the Crown Prince, passed away?”

“Even if the Crown Prince were alive, would there have been a succession war?”

“Brother… You can’t be suggesting…?”

The Third Prince lifted the corners of his mouth into a smirk.

“Exactly. The Crown Prince, whom everyone thought was dead, is indeed the one whom Garcia serves.”

***

Clack. Clack.

A man slowly climbed the tower. 

It was a place on the outskirts of the royal palace. 

But unlike its shabby location, it was more heavily guarded than anywhere else in the royal palace. 

Suddenly, knights blocked the man’s path.

“This area is off-limits.”

“Turn back.”

They didn’t just stop the man with words. 

They drew the swords from their waists and pointed them at the man’s neck.

“Resist, and you’ll pay with your life.”

Their intent to kill hung in the air. Yet, in a moment…

“How disrespectful.”

“What are you…?”

“Kneel.”

With a mere utterance, the man compelled the knights to kneel, as if an unseen force weighed them down.

“W-What is happening…?”

“Who are you…?”

“My, it seems there’s no one here who recognizes my face anymore.”

Struggling against the unseen restraint, the knights’ veins bulged with effort, invoking their oaths. 

Despite their resolve, they remained motionless on the ground, as if petrified.

And soon…

Boom!

The oppressive force crushed two knights, transforming them into splatters of blood. 

The man who had created this gruesome scene went straight up the tower. 

And he opened the door.

Creak!

The massive iron door swung open effortlessly. 

Inside was none other than Duke Garcia. 

But he didn’t look surprised.

“You’ve come.”

He put down the documents he was holding with a relaxed expression. 

Even with all communications severed, he managed his family’s affairs diligently.

“Is it wise for you to wander freely?”

“It seems even the knights don’t recognize me.”

“They’re new. Aren’t you someone everyone in the kingdom, the king, and the continent remembers?”

Duke Garcia inquired further,

“But it’s not yet time. Are you acting prematurely?”

The man’s response was a simple smile, prompting a shift in Duke Garcia’s expression.

“Is it… time already?”

“Well, it appears my youngest brother is more capable than I thought.”

“What do you mean by that?”

“Now that all Seven Sins have appeared, there’s no point in waiting any longer.” 

“!”

With a stern face, Duke Garcia rose from his seat.

“If that’s the case, we will start the retrieval operation immediately.”

As he spoke, figures emerged from the shadows, the Secret Special Force that had clandestinely safeguarded the Duke. 

The man—no, the Crown Prince—began to stride confidently out of the tower alongside them.