Noble Reincarnation: Born Blessed, So I'll Obtain Ultimate Power (貴族転生 ～恵まれた生まれから最強の力を得る～)

My brother's...

rather, Gilbert's mansion has been searched.

Documents connected to the plot to murder Your Majesty

were found hidden in rooms underground.

I see. So they've found concrete evidence.

Albert Ararat Crown Prince, Second Prince

That fool isn't even worthy of comparison to a dog.

And what will be done with him?

Premeditated murder of the emperor is undeniably treason.

Under imperial law, there is no choice but to cut him in half at the waist.

I see.

However, this case could be perceived as merely attempted murder.

And what would that entail?

He isn't exempt from being cut in half,

but he can still be granted the minimum stay of execution.

His sentence would then be carried out only when Your Majesty orders it.

Why complicate the matter like that?

It's still execution by cutting in half.

If he's to be executed anyway, what does it matter when it's done?

No, Noah has yet again proven wise.

He has considered this from both legal and emotional perspectives.

I appreciate you giving it such thought.

Gilbert is still the emperor's son.

Keeping in mind that he might love him too much to execute him,

I gave him an option that would essentially result in a life sentence.

There is no need for hesitation.

Those who attempted to kill you with poison deserve immediate death.

Albert.

I leave his execution in your hands. Go.

Yes, sire.

He really thought he could get his hands on the crown.

Pitiful.

Noah.

You were right to tell me that.

How brilliant of you to show such consideration in these circumstances.

I feel your consideration has brought some degree of salvation.

Personally, I would like to transfer ownership of Gilbert's fief to you.

You mustn't.

What?

I informed you of Gilbert's plot confidentially.

If I were to receive his fief now,

the other princes would start making all kinds of reports anonymously

and sabotage each other in hopes of earning the same reward.

Now, slow down.

I only said I would like to do that.

I don't mind my sons competing,

but I can't have them trying to sabotage each other.

So I will not reward you this time.

I understand.

Instead, I will merely do that which is expected.

You will soon be relocating to your own fief.

It's time to start thinking about your future wife.

Yes, sire.

Engagement by age twelve is not unusual in the imperial family.

And a prince's first wife—his legal wife, as opposed to a concubine—

is chosen for 100% political reasons,

and must have standing befitting the role.

For that reason, the prince himself has essentially no say in who he marries.

However, it is possible for fate to play a part.

How about the granddaughter of my uncle, the Lightning Prince?

The Lightning Prince...

I believe he's been retired and out of politics for many years already.

Divination has revealed that you and she will have a very clever child.

I would only place the probability around 1%,

but that child may even be more brilliant than you.

Nothing would make me happier than to take someone so remarkable as my wife.

In that case, I will initiate the marriage negotiations.

Yes, sire.

My, Prince Noah never ceases to amaze.

He didn't even know the girl's name or anything else about her.

That's what it means to be a prince—part of an imperial family.

True, but it's natural for a young man to take an interest in his future wife.

To get past that at such a young age...

What can it be called but amazing?

"Choose a grandchild as your successor."

"A good grandchild guarantees three generations of prosperity."

It is indeed a good idea.

But how likely is it, truly, that my grandchild could surpass me?

At the moment, all that potential lies with Prince Noah.

If his brilliance passes down to his child...

I see.

All we can do is hope, then.

Born Blessed, So I'll Obtain Ultimate Power

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I am resigned to my fate.

I make no excuses for my betrayal of Prince Gilbert, my former master.

Please, at least, make it quick.

Don't be so hasty. Who said any of that?

B-But...

People are treasures. I don't kill them on a whim.

And imperial law says an indicted man who exposes treason is to be acquitted.

Huh?

I called you here for a few reasons.

First, Gilbert has been executed,

and all power he possessed has collapsed.

So there's no longer any need for you to change your name and leave the capital.

O-Oh...

And exposing treason is worth a reward of up to 1,000 rean.

I'll add another zero to that out of my own pocket.

What? Wh-Why would you give me so much money?

Because you saved my father's life.

I could return you to the Department of the Imperial Household

as a member of my household, but I want to hear what you want.

Incredible...

You are my master for life.

No matter where I go, I will obey your every command.

I see.

Zoey, you heard that, yes?

Y-Yes.

Your mother is no longer in danger.

Tell her she can rest at ease.

Master, you even remembered my mother...

Thank you so much.

This is the capital of a nation of warriors,

Master?

but I have yet to see anyone who looks like a warrior!

It sounds like something interesting is going on over there.

Well? Is there anyone who wishes to challenge me?

All you need to do is fight me and win.

The entry fee is three rean.

And what do we get if we win?

Me.

I'll be your wife, your mistress, your servant, whatever you tell me to be.

In imperial law, illegal slave-trading is defined as

"the buying and selling of other people."

Selling oneself doesn't violate that, but...

So I just gotta defeat you, right?

Yeah, but it has to be one-on-one.

That was my intention from the start.

Otherwise, even if I won, I'd have to share you!

Three rean.

Huh?

You didn't pay the entry fee.

Oof, that's embarrassing!

He challenged her without paying and lost within seconds!

Damn it!

Okay, who's next?

That'll be me!

Then I'm after him!

And I'm after him!

Wow! That's fifteen challengers down!

Okay, who's next?

Y-You do it.

No way, man.

I'll do it.

Hey, you need to pay.

There'll be no need for that.

'Cause I'm gonna be the one... to win!

Wh-What just happened?

He beat her that easily...

Now you belong to me.

Hold it.

That has to be against the rules.

Huh?

What's your deal, kid? Quit griping about—

You used some sort of numbing drug, didn't you?

If you made someone else do that, it's two-on-one.

Wh-What are you talking about?!

Where's your proof that—

Found him.

I-I don't know that guy!

Don't lie, Chad! That's your henchman, Rob!

You were just drinking with him at my bar yesterday!

Put the girl down, you coward!

Little brat! You'll pay for butting in!

Just look at him now!

That kid's incredible!

He was so fast, I didn't see a thing!

Do you want to continue?

Y-Y-Y...

You're gonna pay for this!

W-Wait for me, Chad!

Are you awake now?

Who are... you?

You ought to be grateful to this boy.

He saved your life, you know.

He did?

How much do you remember?

I remember... fighting with some creep...

and suddenly, my legs wouldn't move anymore.

He had his friend attack you.

That coward!

I don't deny that, but you were also too careless.

Why were you out there doing that, anyway?

Tell me.

I ran out of money...

I came here for the knight selection exam,

but I didn't make the cut.

I don't even have the money to go home... so I...

Wait. That doesn't make sense.

What doesn't make sense?!

I saw your skills back there.

You couldn't have failed.

I didn't agree with it either, so I looked into it.