Episode 129: The Bonds Between the Evil King and His Executives

“The collapse of the class system…? Will it lead to such a massive reform…?”

Beatrice’s eyes widen in surprise.

Siegfried nods and begins to speak calmly.

“Knights are treated as quasi-nobles because, in times of war, they stand on the front lines and bear the duty to fight with their lives on the line.”

Knights are the sword of the nation and the shield of the people. Therefore, from childhood, they devote themselves to martial arts and hone their skills.

“However, the long period of peace and the rigidified class system have turned some knights into mere privileged classes in name only. …Do you remember Izakko?”

“Yes. Of course, I remember.”

Izakko Pucchini. The man who once served as the knight commander in Count Kreving’s territory.

“That man prided himself only on his family lineage and had no real ability at all. Yet, protected by the ossified class system, he could occupy the position of knight commander. But if we start selecting cavalry based on ability even from commoners, there will be no place for people like him.”

Beatrice remains silent, solemnly pondering those words.

“This wave of reform will eventually spread to other areas, and ultimately—the day will come when people realize that the existence of nobility itself is unnecessary. Because noble bloodlines do not necessarily produce excellent rulers, and capable individuals will surely emerge from among the commoners as well.”

“In other words, the military reform will eventually shake the nobility system itself… But won’t that provoke fierce opposition from the nobles?”

“Naturally. Even without saying it, the nobles sense that crisis. That’s why they cling to the class system. However—let me repeat what I said earlier. I don’t care about the convenience of such people. I will push through my own agenda.”

“So, that means clashing head-on with the class system of the Kirchhen Kingdom itself…?”

Dominik asked, his voice tinged with anxiety.

“Not the class system, but the country itself. I will crush the Kirchhen Kingdom. That is—defeat King Luverios.”

“For real? You’re really… gonna do it.”

That murmur perfectly represented the feelings of everyone present there.

They had vaguely noticed it for some time.

That Siegfried intended to eventually take on the Kirchhen Kingdom itself.

However, the moment it was actually spoken, that reality weighed heavily on their hearts.

Indeed, the Kirchhen Kingdom is a country dominated by a rigid class system.

But at the same time, it is also a fact that it is a sturdy nation that has endured without collapsing for three hundred years.

The military power possessed by the kingdom is immense.

In addition, the ‘Three Great Knights of the Kingdom,’ starting with Grandmaster Zefard, the overall commander of the knights.

And Grandcaster Ignas, the chief court magician considered the strongest in the eastern countries—they are true powerhouses worthy of their names.

But without paying heed to the group’s anxiety, Siegfried quietly smiled.

“We’ve defeated the Five Great Nobles. We’ve also defeated the royalty of the neighboring country. Then, the next target is—the nation itself. That is, King Luverios. It’s a natural progression, isn’t it?”

“No, but…”

“Ah, I know. Just because I’m targeting a chapter boss-level villain like Luverios doesn’t mean I’ll overlook the small villains in front of me. Small villains have their own significance. Make the minor villains shine, and take the head of chapter boss Luverios. Doing both is the true path of evil.”

“Um, that’s not what I meant…”

“It’s useless. Normal logic doesn’t work on this guy.”

And Leon interrupted Dominik’s words, shrugging with a wry smile.

“We’ve known for a long time that this guy is like this. Right?”

In response to Leon’s words, everyone recalls the scenes slumbering in their memories.

What floated in Beatrice’s mind was the moment Siegfried condemned Izakko.

What Fen recalled was that brilliant battle where he reverse-ambushed Patrick.

What resurfaced in Dominik’s heart was the scene from the dorm battle where they crushed Randolph and the others.

Each of them had already understood from those times. This man, Siegfried, will push forward no matter what. And knowing that, they chose to walk the path together.

Now, even if confronted with that fact—there’s no turning back anymore.

“Well, if it’s about destroying the Kirchhen Kingdom that looks down on us beastkin, it’s not a bad deal.”

“In the dorm battle, we overturned an absolutely disadvantageous situation… This time too, I’ll ride with you.”

“—I am Siegfried-sama’s sword. Having sworn that, I will follow to any battlefield.”

Fen, Dominik, Beatrice. The three expressed their resolve in their own words.

Leon raised one eyebrow and directed his gaze at Siegfried.

“Good for you, evil boss. Everyone’s following you in this reckless battle to overthrow the kingdom. …Well, if it’s about smashing those irritating nobles, it’s not bad for me either. I’ll cooperate as much as I can.”

To those words, Siegfried nodded in satisfaction.

“—Indeed, choosing you all as executives was the right decision.”

A soft smile, rare for him, appears on Siegfried’s lips.

And with that smile… he quietly continued his words.

“Then, from now on—I will conduct human experiments using you all.”