25-219

EP.219 [Antoine de Sel Oblaing, Who Killed Vivian’s Father Alexis.] 

“What????” 

When Vivian revealed that Alexis Saint-Pierre’s death was connected to Antoine de Sel Oblaing, Eugene’s eyes widened in shock. 

‘I can’t say I never considered the possibility. I’d heard that the power struggles to make Louis XVI or Alexis emperor were intense. Antoine was a major figure at the time. Realistically, there must have been all kinds of intrigue going on.’ 

After accepting Vivian into his harem, Eugene made an effort to truly understand her and studied the political background of that era. If Vivian were to harbor resentment toward Jeanne, it would make sense to consider the possibility that Alexis and Antoine had been bitter political rivals. 

‘But as far as I know, Grand Duke Antoine was a candidate for Imperial Knights Commander and maintained neutrality. In terms of personal relationships, he was close to Alexis Saint-Pierre. Of course, being in the Imperial Knights meant he had to have ties to the royal family as well.’ 

About twenty years ago, after becoming a Sword Seeker, Antoine’s influence in the Imperial Knights was at its peak. That was when the political struggle for the next emperor began to intensify. Naturally, Antoine’s actions drew attention. During this period, he attended the nobles’ council and made a direct declaration: as someone who wielded military power, he would remain neutral in the succession struggle. He followed through on this, earning the trust of the council and eventually becoming the Imperial Knights’ Commander, the Kaiser. 

“Yes, I know. Grand Duke Antoine declared his neutrality to the nobles’ council at the time, and even now he’s praised for it.” 

Vivian, seeing Eugene’s shifting expression, realized what he was thinking and commented. Though she was young, Vivian had been very interested in her father’s affairs and knew the situation in detail. In her memory, Antoine had maintained neutrality, which she found admirable and surprising. Alexis was a strong candidate for the throne and close to Antoine, so it was remarkable that Antoine stayed neutral. If Antoine had sided with Alexis, they could have easily seized hegemony together. But Antoine gave that up, and Vivian had thought of him as a true man of honor. 

“But after my father died, I heard it directly from Grand Duke Antoine himself. He told me he killed my father.” 

That idea was shattered soon after Alexis’s death. 

‘Directly from the Grand Duke…??’ 

Vivian had no reason to lie to Eugene. If she’d known from the start he was the adopted son of the ducal house, maybe-but she’d only just learned that, and what she was saying now was something she’d prepared to say for a long time. Eugene figured she must have some basis for such a claim. But Vivian said outright that Antoine himself told her he killed her father. The shock of her confession left Eugene’s mind blank. 

“It was my mistake.” 

Alexis sat with his advisors, blaming himself for being pushed out of the succession and facing a major political crisis. 

“In a power struggle, there is no room for sentiment, but I entrusted my cause to friendship. I trusted Antoine de Sel Oblaing too much.” 

He’d learned that his friend and political ally, Antoine, was supporting Prince Louis in the succession battle. Alexis had been betrayed by Antoine. 

“But this is too much. Was Antoine really that kind of person? How could he do something so cowardly?” 

His advisors were indignant. 

Antoine and Alexis had been close. Alexis was a progressive politician, and Antoine was a progressive swordsman and knight. In the early days, Alexis’s reputation was far greater, and he paved the way for Antoine to rise in the Imperial Knights. Alexis was essentially Antoine’s patron. 

‘I can’t help but feel hurt. I thought I was doing my best for his abilities, but now my heart aches.’ 

They were friends and mentor and protégé, but the result was betrayal. 

Antoine’s betrayal was cunning. He even explained his position to Alexis directly, saying that the Imperial Knights had always influenced the succession struggle, which led to the politicization and secularization of the order. As the next Kaiser, he would maintain neutrality to break that cycle. Alexis needed Antoine’s support, but since Antoine’s reasoning matched Alexis’s own ideals, he accepted it. As a result, Antoine slipped off Alexis’s radar and was able to secretly collude with Prince Louis. 

“It’s a foregone conclusion that Duke Antoine will become Imperial Knights Commander. There’s even talk of creating a direct line between the Knights and the royal family.” 

More information about the succession struggle kept coming in, and after Louis XVI’s coronation, Antoine’s bold moves stood out. In fact, Louis XVI’s rise was essentially Antoine’s doing. By leaking to the most influential nobles that overwhelming military power was on Prince Louis’s side, he quickly shifted the balance. Antoine was the one who actively created that atmosphere. 

‘If it’s to this extent, Antoine must have been preparing for a long time. It’s dangerous. Being pushed out of the succession isn’t the end-now it’s even more dangerous.’ 

This was not just a change of heart or a political choice, but a calculated plot. Alexis sensed a grave threat. 

But- 

“Alexis’s preparations for military action could not be ignored.” 

Alexis’s response came too late. Antoine struck first. 

“Cunning, Antoine… Was this your trap all along?” 

Alexis’s closest aide, Naphaelo, who was stabbed by Antoine, glared at him. 

After Louis XVI’s coronation, it was Antoine’s side that leaked news of his betrayal, prompting Alexis’s side to show military movement. The plan was to use that as a pretext to wipe out Alexis’s faction, and it happened swiftly. 

“Of course. When eliminating an opponent, you must make them create their own pretext. In fact, I learned this from Alexis himself, who was a skilled merchant.” 

Even after losing the succession, Alexis’s very existence was a threat to Louis XVI. Alexis was competent, popular, and still had many followers. Antoine, who knew this better than anyone, did not hesitate to eliminate Alexis. 

“Why… why did you betray Alexis? The world you spoke of-Louis XVI is unfit. Alexis was the right one. Was it selfish ambition, Antoine?” 

It made sense logically, but emotionally it was incomprehensible. The Antoine he’d known before and the ruthless power-seeker now seemed like different people. 

“Ambition? Well, for me, power is just a means. But Alexis was too smart and had too noble a dream to be used as a means.” 

Antoine’s vision was the expansion of the Imperial Knights. That could only be realized if Prince Louis became emperor, creating a kingdom for Antoine. To Alexis, Antoine was an ally; to Prince Louis, he was the creator of the throne. 

“Please, at least don’t kill the young lady. You cared for her too, didn’t you? I beg you.” 

They’d been thoroughly outmaneuvered. Naphaelo, eyes flashing with hostility, finally knelt, begging that at least the young Vivian be spared from Antoine’s rampage. 

“Well, that depends on what she does.” 

-Slice!! 

With a completely emotionless face, Antoine cut down Naphaelo. 

“I killed your father, Vivian.” 

What Antoine did when he appeared before Vivian was truly cruel. 

“Duke Antoine… killed my father…?” 

Vivian’s pupils shook as she looked at Antoine’s expressionless but somehow mocking face. 

“You’ve heard some of the story already, haven’t you? It’s all true. I betrayed and killed your father.” 

Antoine shattered Vivian’s mind. He didn’t kill all of Alexis’s followers-only those absolutely loyal, while converting those he could. Through those he’d converted, he let Vivian gradually learn the truth. Then he appeared himself to confirm it. 

“Ah… ah… ahhh…” 

Vivian’s face went pale and her body froze. She was consumed not just by fear but by terror. After her father’s death, she spent her days in grief. Now, the one who caused that grief stood before her and admitted to it, and she was powerless. 

“Do you want to live? Of course you do-that’s human nature. Never forget that fear. The moment you do, you’ll lose your head.” 

Smile…! 

Swoosh… 

Antoine met Vivian’s terrified gaze with a smiling face, burning his chilling words into her mind. 

In this way, Antoine erased the sun of the Pierre family, heirs to royal blood, and trampled the new sprout, leaving her crippled. 

“Vivian! It’s been so long, I’m so glad to see you!” 

After that, Vivian met Jeanne. 

‘A demon… she’s a demon.’ 

Jeanne’s face was so lovely and innocent, but to Vivian, she looked like a demon who inherited Antoine’s blood.