I’m the Madman of This Family

Chapter 290. Failure is Rebellion, Success is Revolution (4)

The family war between Sephira and Baydant.

There were those who watched this unfold.

“Hmm.”

“Oh…”

“Indeed!”

Some exclaimed in admiration, others nodded, and some even took notes in their notebooks…

They were all dressed differently, and even their races varied.

“It’s over. Sephira’s overwhelming victory.”

As the old man said, Sephira had completely overwhelmed Baydant. There was no room for argument.

Baydant’s troops couldn’t even reach Sephira’s archers.

Arrows poured down relentlessly, with a hit rate of over 70%. Moreover, the power of those arrows was strong enough to pierce not only armor but even shields.

Sephira’s archers could even shoot while moving, and they had a separate unit dedicated to arrow supply.

In contrast, what about Baydant? Their entire strategy was to charge forward with shields and spears.

Frustrated, they tried throwing javelins, but the range was only 20-30 meters.

Meanwhile, Sephira’s arrows flew a minimum of 50 meters to a maximum of 200 meters. Trying to suppress archers with javelins? That was out of the question.

“Even so, I didn’t expect the Baydant family to be defeated so easily.”

A Sun God Priest, wearing clothes adorned with a large sun emblem, muttered. It was less of a soliloquy and more of an invitation to converse with someone present.

“Perhaps it’s not that Baydant was weak, but that Sephira was underestimated.”

Someone responded to the muttering. The Sun God Priest smiled at the person who engaged him.

“Hoho, I didn’t expect to meet Count Boloneze here.”

“Likewise, it’s an honor to meet Bishop Railey twice.”

Count Boloneze and Bishop Railey.

Those who heard their names widened their eyes. Both were renowned figures known worldwide.

Count Boloneze was one of the top ten chefs in the culinary nation of Belferio and the creator of the famous Boloneze pasta named after him.

Railey, a bishop, one of only ten in the Sun God religion, was famous not for his rank but for his nickname, ‘Father of Saints.’

Though there were many eyes and ears around, the two continued their conversation without concern.

“It seems we’re not the only ones gathered here with the same intent… May I ask what promise you received, Count Boloneze?”

“Hoho, no need to hide it. The southern lands here are optimal for farming, especially olives. As you know, ‘All cooking begins with olive oil!’ Sephira offered to ‘lease’ the southern lands, the most fertile, free of charge.”

“Free lease of farmland?! That’s incredibly groundbreaking.”

“And to a foreign noble at that…!”

Railey, as well as others, were astonished. They hadn’t expected Sephira to invite Boloneze with such unprecedented conditions.

However, Boloneze wasn’t the only one receiving such exceptional treatment.

“Since Count Boloneze has been forthright, I shall share as well. Sephira promised to build temples and churches for the Sun God religion and have their knights protect them, which is why I came here.”

“But isn’t the Lilian Kingdom a place where Sun God proselytizing is prohibited?”

“The head of Sephira doesn’t mind. Hoho.”

“Wow…!”

As the two boasted about the promises they received from Sephira, others watching couldn’t help but join the conversation.

“Excuse me. I’m Bacardi, dispatched from the Mercenary Association headquarters. It seems we’re in the same boat, so let’s share information. Sephira promised to build a branch for our Mercenary Association and grant us the same protection rights as their citizens.”

“As a man, I can’t act shamelessly. I come from the brave and strong Adeus Kingdom. Sephira, recognizing our greatness, requested knight training. In return, they agreed to pay 10,000 gold annually.”

“Our Blood Crusader Academy was asked to send trainees, with Sephira promising to build practice facilities and dormitories, covering all expenses, including food and lodging.”

“We were…”

Over ten people exchanged stories. They were all members of renowned organizations or powerful figures in this world.

And all had been lured here by Sephira’s groundbreaking conditions.

Whether Sephira was worth such value or capable of such levels was proven in this war with Baydant. Sephira was strong enough, and their lands were abundant.

“Listening to this, I have a question. Was Sephira such a wealthy family?”

Someone raised a valid question. Sephira was offering almost everything ‘free of charge.’

Not just one or two people, but accepting everyone would cost tens, even hundreds of thousands of gold. Of course, Sephira would benefit in the long run, but where did they get the immediate funds?

“You haven’t heard the rumor yet? The Ultima Merchant is owned by Sephira.”

A noble from the Baen Kingdom whispered, and only then did they nod in understanding.

“If it’s the Ultima Merchant, they can certainly afford such sums.”

The Ultima Merchant had a wide range of clients, from the poor to royalty. Recently, they had even expanded into the empire, solidifying their position.

The top merchant in the Lilian Kingdom was undoubtedly the Ultima Merchant.

Groundbreaking conditions for persuasion. But they were all contemplating whether to accept Sephira’s love call.

Because it was all Sephira’s unilateral decision, without ‘royal approval.’

Sephira was trying to grow its power outside royal control, but would the Lilian royalty stand idly by?

However, this family war made them realize something.

‘Queen Lilian is absent.’

‘The rumor that Sephira is the weakest among prestigious families is just that—a rumor.’

‘If not only us but famous figures from various countries all settle in Sephira… even the royalty wouldn’t dare touch them easily.’

‘Whoever came up with this plan is remarkable. Inviting potential enemies to become allies.’

‘Immediately, there will be massive expenses and security headaches, but in the long run…’

Those gathered here speculated on Sephira’s intentions. And soon, everyone arrived at one hypothesis.

‘Is Sephira dreaming of independence from the Lilian Kingdom?!’

It’s not entirely impossible. With Queen Lilian absent and the princes fighting among themselves—if Sephira, having devoured Baydant, expands its influence and absorbs the remaining two prestigious swordsmanship families in the south—Sephira would become the ruler of the south.

Of course, there’s the massive mountain of the southern lord…

‘That the southern lord supports Keter is an open secret.’

Even the southern lord is on Sephira’s side. They got goosebumps.

‘Sephira, were you planning something this big?’

Sephira’s, no, the south’s independence. And it’s not a far-fetched dream.

Those gathered here thought riding this wave wouldn’t be a losing business. After all, Sephira was shouldering all the risks.

If something went wrong while staying in Sephira, they could slip away without any loss. There were no contractual ties.

Sephira had considered this point to ensure they bore no burden.

“It seems we all share the same thoughts. Hehe.”

Bishop Railey subtly hinted.

Without showing it, everyone seemed to agree.

“Since we’re all here, why don’t we go meet the head of Sephira together? What we’ve seen so far is only Keter and his strategist, Daat.”

They had been invited by Keter or Daat, not having met the head of Sephira directly.

“Well said. We should see the ambitions of Sephira’s head to make a firm decision.”

“It would be rude to bother the busy head one by one, so going together seems best.”

“Then let’s go!”

Thus, renowned figures from around the world and high nobles from various countries gathered and headed towards Sephira’s main building.

*

The next morning, after the tense first night of the family war, the busiest place in Sephira was the treatment room.

“Hey! I told you to send those who won’t die immediately to the outdoor treatment center!”

“He says he’s dying!”

“With a sprained toe? Even those with severed arms went to the outdoor treatment center!”

Clearly, Sephira had won a great victory. So why were there so many patients?

Because not all patients were Sephira’s soldiers.

Of course, Sephira had its share of patients, but most were minor injuries. The severely injured were mostly Baydant’s soldiers.

Sephira was treating Baydant’s soldiers.

With a small treatment center and few doctors, Sephira was in a tough spot. Defeating Baydant was good, but they hadn’t anticipated the aftermath.

“Baydant, these lunatics. They abandoned their soldiers and just ran away?”

“We let them retreat to take their soldiers, but they didn’t, saying they might betray them.”

“Unbelievable. They hadn’t even been with them for an hour, what betrayal?”

Baydant had abandoned their wounded and stranded soldiers, retreating. As a result, Sephira had to take responsibility for those soldiers.

The soldiers abandoned by the main force were disheartened. Even some knights were among them. Kind-hearted Sephira couldn’t just leave them.

“Ah, potion! No, elixir! This guy’s about to die!”

Then, a critical patient appeared. A Baydant knight with an arrow near his heart.

“Using a precious elixir on an enemy knight? That’s a bit much.”

“The arrow’s near his heart. Even with an elixir, we can’t guarantee he’ll survive.”

“Bringing him here is already doing our part.”

The doctor sighed, then grabbed a handful of anesthetic powder. At least to send him off without pain.

Just as he was about to sprinkle the powder on the wound—

Thud.

Someone grabbed the doctor’s wrist.

The doctor, startled, shouted.

“Who’s there?! Do you know how expensive anesthetic powder is? If you spill it… Huh?! L-Lord?”

The one who grabbed the doctor’s wrist was Branch House Lord Hisop. With dark circles under his eyes but a clear gaze, Hisop pulled out a glass bottle from his pocket.

Pop!

As soon as the cap was opened, a refreshing scent wafted out.

It was unmistakably the unique scent of an elixir.

Glug, glug, glug.

Without hesitation, Hisop poured the elixir onto the knight’s chest. The arrowhead, embedded in the wound, was pushed out as the flesh regenerated. The arrow was expelled on its own as the wound healed.

The doctor was speechless. With such regenerative power, it had to be at least a ‘high-grade elixir.’

“Such a precious thing, how could you use it on an enemy knight…!”

To the doctor’s question, Hisop replied as if it were obvious.

“If we defeat Baydant, won’t he become a knight of Sephira?”

“…!”

“Even if not, we’re all citizens of the same kingdom. Though we pointed weapons at each other, it was just for ambition. If he surrendered, he’s no longer an enemy. He’s a fellow citizen.”

The first to shed tears at Hisop’s merciful words were not Sephira’s doctors but Baydant’s soldiers.

“Sob! Lord Hisop! Thank you! Thank you for taking us in!”

“Baydant, I’m sick of them! Please accept me as a soldier of Sephira!”

Even the soldiers groaning in pain prostrated themselves before Hisop. Hisop helped each one up, saying.

“Calm down. The family war isn’t over yet. Even if Baydant wins, you’ll be safely sent back to your hometown.”

“Ah, a saint. How can Lord Hisop be so merciful!”

Hisop didn’t stop there; he checked on each Sephira soldier face-to-face. Despite being exhausted from lack of sleep.

“Don’t skimp on supplies for the soldiers. Food, fire, treatment, use everything generously. This is an order.”

Hisop gave final instructions to the doctors and left the treatment room.

And there were those waiting for him.

Grab!

Among them, a middle-aged man with a red cross earring grabbed Hisop’s hand, speaking in a moved tone.

“Lord Hisop, your compassion even for enemy soldiers has deeply moved me. We, the Blood Crusaders, accept Sephira’s proposal.”

“…?”

Hisop was puzzled.

‘Who are these people? And the Blood Crusaders, aren’t they the famous medical group that treats regardless of status or money? Did I ever make a proposal to them?’

Even if tired, Hisop’s memory wasn’t bad. No matter how much he thought, he couldn’t recall contacting the Blood Crusaders.

“Ahem, Lord Hisop of Sephira. I am Bishop Railey of the Sun God religion. Along with these others, we’ve come to hear your proposal once more.”

“…Wait a moment. Sir Daat?”

Just then, Hisop noticed Daat. It was impossible not to, as Daat had brought them here.

Daat, as if waiting, approached Hisop and handed him a note.

“What’s this?”

“A message from Brother Keter. He said to deliver it to you at this time.”

“Keter’s…”

Hisop thought it was Keter’s doing. Who else in Sephira would do such a thing?

But this was too much. How could he make such important proposals, related to Sephira’s future, to so many people without consulting or mentioning it to him?

Feeling a bit hurt, Hisop couldn’t help but laugh when he read the first line of the note.

-Forgiveness is easier than permission.

And the second line made him shake his head involuntarily.

-You can refuse. If you don’t like it.

Though just two sentences, Hisop understood the whole situation.

‘Keter, you’ve prepared for everything after the family war.’

Hisop had been pondering too. Even if they won this family war against Baydant, the princes wouldn’t stay idle.

But he had to focus on the immediate family war, so he postponed it. Keter had provided a solution.

Using external forces.

Inviting numerous factions to stay in Sephira, making it impossible for the princes to interfere.

What conditions he used to lure them all would have to be heard, but Hisop thought it couldn’t be ordinary.

‘To make such people, risking danger, stay with our Sephira, we must pay a considerable price. Also, Sephira making enemies with the princes…’

Sephira’s independence.

That word flashed through Hisop’s mind. It was a topic he had never considered, too sudden.

But in the end, it seemed inevitable.

Unless the princes forgave Sephira, Sephira would forever be on the outskirts.

In that case, Sephira’s only option was independence.

‘I didn’t wish for it, but…’

If that’s the only solution, other than destruction…

Determination filled Hisop’s eyes.

‘To protect Sephira, what can’t I do? Even if it means independence.’

Hisop made up his mind. And Daat, seeing Hisop, felt relieved.

Hisop, as if waiting, spoke to the guests.

“My apologies for the late greeting. I am Hisop El Sephira, acting head of Sephira.”

Hisop’s courteous yet charismatic greeting made the guests from various countries introduce themselves respectfully.

Hearing their affiliations, Hisop couldn’t help but tense. He marveled inwardly at how Keter knew and invited them all.

Guiding them to the reception room, Hisop suddenly thought of Keter.

‘Keter, of course, you’re alive… but I’m worried.’

Keter, who saved and nurtured Sephira. Keter, who lured five Grandmasters and then vanished. Not just Hisop, but everyone was worried about Keter.

Meanwhile, Keter, who caused everyone to worry…

“Hey, Jordic! Why are you turning your back? It’s obvious you’re going to attack from behind. You should charge forward then!”

“Tesla! You shouldn’t counterattack immediately. You should feint first. Make them think they hit you, then counterattack. That way, you can at least cut off an arm! Don’t you know even the basics?”

“Huh? Hurt? Get hurt more.”

“Argh!”

Thud, thud, thud!

Keter was amusing himself by beating up the captured Grandmasters under the guise of sparring.

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