「Can we really gather such forces in such a short time?」
One of the nobles voiced his doubt.
Belga responded with a cold smirk.
「I’ve already made arrangements. The moment I saw Henry’s policies, I began preparations. I’ve summoned the strongest mercenaries from the northern continent—『Sword Beasts』.」
The nobles stirred at the name.
Belga continued.
「Their captain, Gordias, is a warrior of unmatched skill. He was once called the Mercenary King of the North. His power is enough to destroy an entire city.」
Belga smiled, convinced Gordias would be the perfect match against Henry.
Tension rippled through the hall.
His words sparked hope.
Then Marquis Rosso raised a concern.
「But hiring someone of that caliber must cost a fortune.」
「I’ve committed half of my fortune,」
Belga said calmly.
「I trust all of you are prepared to make a similar sacrifice?」
The nobles exchanged glances in silence.
Their expressions were a blend of hesitation and resolve.
Belga’s tone sharpened.
「Now is not the time to hesitate. If Henry’s policies are allowed to continue, our wealth will be reduced to worthless paper. Either we risk everything now, or we lose everything later. The choice is clear.」
The hall fell quiet once again.
Then one noble stepped forward in agreement.
A man considered Belga’s equal ―――― Valdin.
He stood and declared boldly.
「I will commit a vast sum as well. Since Belga-dono is hiring the strongest mercenary force, I shall hire the most lethal assassins—the 『Shadow Envoys』!」
――――『Shadow Envoys』.
At that name, the nobles murmured.
A 500-year-old assassin organization, said to never fail once they mark a target.
Nobles, often being their targets, were all too familiar with the fear that name carried.
Belga spoke.
「Hiring the『Shadow Envoys』will be costly. You’re going big.」
「If it’s to take down Henry, no price is too high」
Valdin replied with a grin.
With Valdin’s support, the tide of the meeting was set.
One after another, nobles declared their resolve to invest their personal fortunes.
Belga nodded in satisfaction.
「Then during Henry’s inspection tour, we strike. We’ll take him down and reclaim the age of noble privilege!」
「「「Yes!!!」」」
The nobles roared in unison.
And so, the plan to assassinate Henry was set into motion.
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