I Was Reincarnated As The Older Brother Of A Villainess Destined to Die, So I Want To Change The Future By Raising My Younger Sister With My Own Hands. I Am The Strongest In The World, But My Little Sister Must Be The Cutest In The World - Volume 3 Chapter 5.5
The Ninth Order of Caron was forced to terminate prematurely. The chaos caused by the explosion and Gray’s unauthorized return to the capital forced us to shift our focus to handling the situation outside of the ceremony. I feel sorry for Caron, but there was no other choice. A slight delay can sometimes be fatal. The only consolation was that she didn’t seem to be bothered by it at all.
Naturally, I lodged a complaint to the palace regarding Gray’s misconduct. However, their response was infuriating. They adopted the very arguments that Becca had put forth and turned the tables, filing a counter-protest against Caron. They even suggested that Minerva’s assistance was a false testimony given her close relationship with us.
I was speechless with exasperation. I anticipated some sort of cover-up due to the scandal involving the second prince, but this outcome was beyond expectation. Furthermore, there are already rumors spreading in the capital that “the Sunlight Saint attacked the second prince.” Currently, it’s only whispered in certain circles, but it’s clear that they are forcefully trying to bury the truth.
If an ordinary noble family had faced this, without any preparations or countermeasures, they would have had to swallow a bitter pill. It seemed unlikely that the situation could be resolved discreetly, and Caron’s reputation would not recover. The influence of the palace on the populace was that strong.
However, this future does not await Foranada. We are not ordinary, and fortunately, we were prepared. Although the unfolding of events deviated slightly from what I had envisioned, the time has come for the plan we discussed to shine.
“Is everything ready?”
The office. Normally, it would be filled with several subordinates, but currently, only Shion and I were present.
Shion nodded firmly in response to my question.
“Yes. Reports have come in that all units are ready to move.”
“I see.”
It has been a long journey. For years, I have held the real power in this territory. The efforts I have made, enduring various obstacles and harassment, are finally bearing fruit.
I feel a surge of intense emotions welling up in my chest. However, I will save expressing them for a different place.
I inquire again with Shion.
“Is everyone gathered?”
“Yes. All subordinates have been notified to assemble in the central hall.”
Good. The central hall should have enough space for all my subordinates to gather. It seems there are no issues with the meeting location.
“Then let’s hurry. We can’t keep them waiting any longer.”
I have made them wait for many years. I no longer wanted to subject them to any more patience.
Accompanied by Shion, I head towards the hall where everyone is waiting. Of course, we use the [Phase Link Gate], which allows for the shortest possible travel.
I step into the opening in the void, and in an instant, my field of view switches from the office filled with the smell of paper and ink to the expansive hall filled with an atmosphere of excitement.
The designated teleportation point is at the center of the hall.
As expected of my subordinates, they anticipated our use of the [Phase Link Gate], as the central area was deliberately left vacant.
Shion and I land within a five-meter radius circle. Although it’s not visible from a child’s height, I can sense that the room is packed with people from the atmosphere. In this very hall, my subordinates who serve in Foranada Castle have gathered.
Shion nodded firmly in response to my question.
“Yes. Reports have come in that all units are ready to move.”
“I see.”
It has been a long journey. For years, I have held the real power in this territory. The efforts I have made, enduring various obstacles and harassment, are finally bearing fruit.
I feel a surge of intense emotions welling up in my chest. However, I will save expressing them for a different place.
I inquire again with Shion.
“Is everyone gathered?”
“Yes. All subordinates have been notified to assemble in the central hall.”
Good. The central hall should have enough space for all my subordinates to gather. It seems there are no issues with the meeting location.
“Then let’s hurry. We can’t keep them waiting any longer.”
I have made them wait for many years. I no longer wanted to subject them to any more patience.
Accompanied by Shion, I head towards the hall where everyone is waiting. Of course, we use the [Phase Link Gate], which allows for the shortest possible travel.
I step into the opening in the void, and in an instant, my field of view switches from the office filled with the smell of paper and ink to the expansive hall filled with an atmosphere of excitement.
The designated teleportation point is at the center of the hall.
As expected of my subordinates, they anticipated our use of the [Phase Link Gate], as the central area was deliberately left vacant.
Shion and I land within a five-meter radius circle. Although it’s not visible from a child’s height, I can sense that the room is packed with people from the atmosphere. In this very hall, my subordinates who serve in Foranada Castle have gathered.
After acknowledging Shion’s swift disappearance into the crowd, I activate the [Phase Concealment Cover Texture]. From within, I retrieve Noma.
She, who was recently freed from her black labor, appeared in a sloppy attire, wearing a tracksuit. Clearly caught off guard by being taken out of the cover of the [Phase Concealment Cover Texture], she seems surprised.
“W-What’s happening all of a sudden? Is it… is it work!?”
As I thought, she starts trembling uncontrollably. The excessive workload has clearly taken a toll on her mental stability.
Feeling apologetic, I make a request to Noma.
“I’m sorry. Just this once, I want you to create a platform at a height where you can overlook the surroundings in this blank area.”
“J-Just that?”
“Just that. I promise.”
“O-Okay.”
With a strong nod from teary-eyed Noma, she breathes a sigh of relief.
Then, with a cute shout of “Ei,” a raised podium is created. Since I was standing in that spot, I am inevitably lifted onto the platform.
“Thank you. Now I can see everyone’s faces.”
After expressing my gratitude, I return Noma to the [Phase Concealment Cover Texture]. She seems quite mentally exhausted, so I’ll let her stay withdrawn as much as she wants.
“Now then…”
Gathering myself, I look around from the podium. I can see every corner of the room that was previously hidden from view.
All of my subordinates in this room are paying attention. With eyes filled with strong conviction and trust, they gaze at me.
Their magical auras contain various emotions: a sense of accomplishment, determination, trust, rebelliousness, independence, and shades of joy, among others. There are faint traces of anxiety, but the predominant emotions are positive.
And above all, what stands out the most is… anticipation. Anticipation towards me, towards Foranada, and towards what they have cultivated. It comprises the majority.
Facing my subordinates with their shining eyes, I finally begin to speak.
“Thank you all for gathering here. I’m delighted that you responded to my call, especially during this busy time.”
While the preparations for the aforementioned plan have been completed, they still have their regular duties to attend to. Amidst the lack of free time, their willingness to come here is genuinely heartening.
“That’s why we don’t have much leeway. Let’s not waste time with unnecessary introductions and get straight to the point.”
Taking a deep breath, I raise my voice to resonate throughout the room.
“The time has finally come for Foranada to take action. The days of enduring harassment from various factions, especially the Royalist faction, are over. I apologize for the hardships I have caused you due to my own immaturity. Once again, I express my apologies and gratitude. I’m sorry. And thank you.”
Words such as “You were never immature!” and “We were the ones holding you back!” and “We are the ones who should be grateful!” can be heard from my subordinates.
I truly have outstanding subordinates. They have emerged from the swamp of indifference and now burn with enthusiasm. They are excellent comrades.
With a slight smile, I continue my speech.
“I have grown closer to becoming an adult surpassing the Ninth Order. The forces of the knight order and the mage guild have been organized. Our self-sufficiency in food production has reached nearly 100 percent. The major discontent that was brewing internally has been resolved. Numerous specialty products, led by agricultural produce, have gained fame outside. Through this, we have established a strong distribution network. The negative reputation of Foranada, including the rumors surrounding me personally, has been eliminated through meticulous manipulation. The conflicts with other forces…”
Despite the lack of time, I couldn’t skip this part. It represents the efforts of my subordinates, and I can’t simply disregard it.
The plan that has been progressing under the name of the “aforementioned plan” is the plan I have been formulating since I seized control. Its goal is the “overwhelming strengthening of Foranada.” It aims to create a territory that cannot be defeated even if other forces join together.
Personally, I would be satisfied with protecting only my close ones. However, to protect the smiles of those close to me, it was clear that I needed to protect those around them as well. A world with only close ones is narrow and boring, that’s for sure. Therefore, I had decided to protect the entirety of Foranada.
However, even if I become strong on my own, there is a high possibility of being manipulated by the sheer force of numbers or by schemes. After all, my true nature is that of an ordinary person. No matter how strong I become, I will inevitably make mistakes. No matter how much I struggle, I can never achieve perfection.
And so, I strengthened my subordinates, my comrades. I honed their military power to the point where they could defeat our adversaries and developed a network of connections and information that could counter any strategy. I trained them to have the strength to survive even in isolation.
Carefully and discreetly, I improved the power of Foranada’s territory without being detected by other forces.
In the final year, I heavily relied on Noma’s assistance, and there may have been some sloppy aspects to our concealment operations, but it no longer matters. The time for lurking in the shadows ends today.
“The palace underestimates us. They try to manipulate the will of Caron and Orca, harm Shion, and now they seek to tarnish our reputation. Now that we are prepared, should we continue to silently endure? The answer is a resounding no!”
Voices of agreement rise from my subordinates.
After a brief pause, I declare once again.
“Let me make it clear: Foranada is moving. From this day forth, I will sit in the position of Count of Foranada. We shall step onto the stage and show those palace faction troublemakers who have caused us so much trouble that they will regret it!”
“Oooooooohhhhhhhh!!!”
The resounding cheers of my subordinates and the shouts of my name echo.
The voltage of Foranada has reached its peak.
We will no longer hide in the shadows. The time for enduring has come to an end. The time for our triumphant advance begins now.