Barbarian in a Failed Game

The influential factions in the Imperial Capital are truly countless.

As the heart and center of the vast continent, not only internal entities but also external countries and forces have poured in people and resources to somehow secure a position within the Imperial Capital.

However, from the public’s perspective, the only factions that had established a dominant presence within the Imperial Capital were the Triumvirate: the Sword Mountain, the Magic Tower, and the Church.

Even though there were many powerful groups such as the Mercenary Guild, which had grown into a continent-wide association, the Merchant Alliance, and the Paradise Bank, the reason the Triumvirate’s names were always mentioned was both obvious and simple.

“History.”

These forces, which had formed the backbone of the Empire and had grown together with it, had become an inseparable part of the Empire, even if one wished to oust them. They were the very history of the Empire, which even the six electoral families that produced the Emperor could not disregard.

“Furthermore, the Triumvirate has never wavered in the history of the Empire. Although they keep each other in check, they all move for the prosperity of the Empire.”

“You’re implying that’s not the case now.”

“Aren’t I right?”

Silence fell between the two conversing individuals.

The man who posed the question did not feel the need to nitpick the meaning of that silence. His counterpart’s status was so significant that he was suppressing his usual temperament as much as possible.

‘As expected, he’s no mere figurehead.’

The man with pointed ears – Roun, the Deputy Manager of Paradise Bank – thought to himself. Contrary to being overshadowed by the Sword Demon Leniyar and regarded as a mere figurehead, this short-lived species seemed more formidable than expected.

After all, could someone who had been taken as a disciple by a man reputed to knock on the gates of transcendence with a single sword really be insignificant?

It also spoke volumes about the overwhelming talent of the Sword Demon Leniyar. The senior disciple of the Sword Master sitting before Roun, Cain Leichtahp, did not seem lacking at all.

“…how is that relevant to our Sword Mountain?”

After a prolonged silence, Cain finally responded to the Deputy Manager of Paradise Bank, posing neither an answer nor avoidance.

Roun smiled faintly.

“Didn’t I mention? In this turmoil where the three foundational forces of the Empire are shaking, it would be beneficial for the Sword Mountain to ally with us if you wish not to get entangled.”

“You misunderstood my question.”

Cain’s eyes gleamed coldly like a sharp blade.

“The fact that the others are shaken is not a sufficient reason for us to join hands with Paradise.”

It was an insult almost equivalent to spitting in his face. Given that his counterpart was the de facto head of the Paradise Bank’s external operations, such a blatant remark might have been unthinkable.

Yet Cain Leichtahp appeared exceedingly rational.

The fact that he showed no regard for Paradise was evident. Despite being a mere short-lived species, deputy Governor Roun suppressed his inner seething anger and disgust, keeping a smile on his face.

“Why isn’t it sufficient? Could it be that you think Paradise… our elves, are not on par with the Sword Mountain? Acting Master?”

“The fact that you make me explain this is what annoys me more. That’s your problem. Elves.”

“Haha… I’m listening. Please, share your esteemed opinion, acting Master.”

“Even if we assume that the three pillars are in a state of turmoil, why would we need to ally with Paradise? You long-lived species treat us as inferiors while pretending to offer generous proposals, but Paradise is not an attractive ally for the Sword Mountain. The fundamental issue is that you’re a different species. And also…”

Not in the same league.

Cain’s eyes gleamed coldly as he looked down at Roun.

“Even if an elder of Paradise came, it wouldn’t be enough. You dare, a mere subordinate, to consider yourself an equal to the Sword Mountain? You should be grateful you’re not beheaded here and now. Deputy Manager Roun.”

Rowan, the deputy bank manager of the paradise, was a spirit contractor and a skilled warrior himself, yet Cain casually spoke of his death. His words were not just extreme but shockingly unconventional.

However, the one speaking those words was none other than Cain Richthofen.

“If you truly wished to discuss cooperation with the Sword Master, even if not an elder, at the very least the bank manager should have come personally. To speak of being on par with the Sword Master, one of the three grand dukes of the empire, as a mere lackey of a lackey? Unless you have a death wish… If my disciple sister was here instead of me, you’d have been beheaded immediately.”

“Ah, the Sword Demon…”

Surprisingly, despite the insult, rowan did not lose his smile. Instead, he even laughed out loud, as if he had just heard an amusing story.

“What’s so funny?”

Cain’s face contorted in irritation.

“Oh, my apologies. I couldn’t help but laugh. I never expected to hear her name from the Acting Master of the Sword Mountain.”

“What do you mean by that?”

“Haha… Is it not true? The rumors of her pushing you aside to become the new Master of the Sword Mountain are widespread even in Paradise. Who would have thought you’d threaten me with the name of that Sword Demon?”

“You bastard…”

A growl, akin to that of a beast, escaped Cain’s lips.

Although Cain might lag behind compared to Leniyar, he was still among the top-ranked swordsmen. In some ways, he was even more meticulous. Unlike Leniyar, who moved impulsively with innate brilliance and instinct, Cain was the most experienced and meticulous of the Sword Mountain.

The killing intent emanating from Cain was nothing short of overwhelming. Roun’s face contorted as he felt the cutting aura on his skin as if it were slicing through him.

“Did you mention the Eiwass family? I’ll personally ensure that Paradise receives your head in the name of the Sword Mountain. Furthermore, I’ll make sure to spread your treacherous words across the entire empire. Perhaps it’s time to eliminate your long-lived species’ invasive institution for good.”

“If offering my head will appease Acting Master’s anger, you’re welcome to take it. But… will that solve anything? Already struggling against the Sword Demon in terms of skill, and now you want to antagonize the six families of Paradise? Do you think Sword Master Valken Leichtahp will continue to keep you as his successor?”

“You…!”

“Wouldn’t it be more productive to talk about a potential alliance? Perhaps even discussing how to get rid of the Sword Demon together.”

Cain’s killing intent abruptly dissipated. His expression, now hardened, betrayed his inner turmoil.

‘Got him.’

Roun allowed a faint smile to creep across his face.

“To be honest, I don’t believe she is capable of properly ruling the Sword Mountain if she succeeds as Master. She is gifted as a warrior, but not suited to lead. In contrast, you— I believe you possess remarkable leadership qualities, especially for a short-lived species.”

Using the derogatory term ‘short-lived species’ openly signaled a shift towards a more frank discussion. Cain remained silent. Roun knew all too well that this silence signified acceptance.

“Paradise desires its ‘charitable organization’ to acquire more substantial power. While some may praise Paradise Bank for controlling the continent’s financial flow, we’re merely taking modest profits sanctioned by the imperial family.”

“……”

“In contrast, the Sword Mountain, the Magic Tower, and the Church are not bound by such limitations.”

The implications of Roun’s words were abundantly clear. He was laying bare his intentions so plainly that even someone politically ignorant would understand. Even Cain showed signs of surprise at the candor.

“Are you aiming for a position among the Empire’s Triumvirate?”

“Not at all. That would require Paradise to fall under the empire’s domain. That would be…”

“An insult to the esteemed long-lived species, indeed. No one would willingly crawl under the legs of a dog they raise.”

“I didn’t intend to express it so harshly, but the meaning is similar.”

With his true intentions now fully exposed, Roun continued his explanation at a leisurely pace.

“Paradise Bank desires more than just nominal financial power; it seeks actual influence. Much like how the mere name of the Sword Mountain imposes its dominance over the continent. For that to happen, the alliance or support of the imperial family or the Triumvirate is indispensable…”

“In return, you’ll get rid of Leniyar?”

Roun nodded with a smile. Cain observed Roun with a piercing gaze, dissecting him as he observed. Shortly after, he let out a wry smile.

“Interesting.”

“What do you find so interesting?”

“Leniyar. If there had been a way to handle that ignorant beast, I would have done it long ago. That bitch, whom even the entire Electorate couldn’t manage. How could Paradise Bank handle someone like her when they can’t even mobilize their full power?”

It was a sneer.

The only person who truly understood how monstrous Leniyar was could only be Cain, not his master, Valken. Because after Valken entered the Great Demonic Realm, Cain was the only one who had observed Leniyar’s growth up close.

“That damn commoner girl is a monster. It’s impossible to kill her unless you set a trap she can’t possibly escape from. You’d have to set up a trap that could at least annihilate an entire city. Now, do you think Paradise Bank has the power to do that?”

“With our current capabilities, it’s impossible. But, is there a particular reason why she must be subdued by force?”

“Hah! Then what, would you try to win her over and use her? That beast that even the Emperor couldn’t manage? If your Paradise Bank really has a way to keep Leniyar alive and utilize her, we might reconsider the cooperation offer.”

Cain sneered. He knew it was impossible and was effectively announcing there was no room for further negotiation.

“That’s fortunate. Because she is already in our hands.”

“What…?”

“You likely weren’t aware that her destination after wandering outside of Sword Mountain and leaving the Empire was Paradise Bank. If you have your subordinates check now, you’ll find out. Maintaining information control cost us quite a bit of money… but now, we can save that cost.”

However, Roun had intended to provoke such a reaction from the start.

“She is currently in Northland on a mission ordered by your master, but she will return to the Midland Continent soon. You’d better make a decision before she returns. Preparing the ‘drug’ for control will take some time. Ah… I forgot to mention.”

One of the three Dukes has already promised cooperation with Paradise Bank long ago. With those words, Roun passed the petrified Cain with a mocking laugh.

“The Church, the Magic Tower… one of them has already fallen?”

Cain whispered to himself, reshuffling his grim expression, and donned the mask of the ‘benevolent senior disciple’, thinking inwardly.

‘If I can truly control that monster as I please…’