This Bastard is Too Competent

Chapter 79: Have You Gone Bananas?

The Third Prince’s unexpected condition. 

Upon hearing the condition, the First Princess looked shocked, which was unlike her. 

“You must be out of your mind to make such a risky promise, Louis.” 

He was just outright reckless.

At the same time, the First Princess couldn’t help frowning. 

It was because she also remembered making a similar promise. The promise with the Second Prince. Those bad memories resurfaced in her mind.

But Louis, the Third Prince, was calm. 

“Sister, you may leave if you don’t have confidence. Because that is what I need.”

“Ugh…” 

But the First Princess didn’t think she had lost yet. 

She had a reason to think so. What she proposed to Ian was the position of deputy commander of the Northern Expedition; at least, he had an independent right to command.  

It was incomparable to having insurance thinking it might be dangerous in the future. 

Besides, it’s only for once.

‘After saving her, Louis can order his subordinates to kill him.’

By contrast, the proposal of the First Princess was realistic. No matter how threatening the Third Prince was, the most pressing issue at hand now was the Northern Expedition.

It was because it could bring an overwhelming advantage in the competition directly related to the selection of the throne.  

‘Even if he wins the Battle of Ranking, if he loses in the competition, he will be considered unfit to ascend to the throne.’

Even if he ascended by force, not only would he not gain support, but he also would not inherit the crown and seal, the symbols of the king of Kaistein. 

That’s how it was according to the contract. 

In any case, the competition was just as important. 

However, if it was her proposal, it would be enough for Ian even if he did not take part much in the competition. As long as he was given the qualifications of second-in-command, just joining her would earn him a piece of land.

Thus, the First Princess glanced at Ian. 

“Now, let’s choose. Is it Louis’ absurd condition? Or is it my reasonable condition?”

“Well.” 

Ian gave a vague smile. The First Princess frowned slightly at his smile. 

‘He is troubled over this?’ 

Intuitively, she felt a sense of foreboding.

And at times like this, the best move was to block the other person’s thoughts.  

“Answer me quickly. I bet you think that the position of second-in-command in the Northern Expedition is inferior to such a ridiculous promise.”

“That’s not true, but…” 

“Don’t forget what you brought up earlier. My proposal is valid only at this moment. There will be no next time.”

The eyes of the First Princess with a dazzling smile were unusual.  

If he waited longer, she would not hesitate to just go back.

Ian replied to her remarks with a smile. 

“Then I’ll take Brother’s proposal.” 

“What?” 

The First Princess’s eyes shook. 

She never imagined that Ian would make such a choice.

Not expecting to be chosen as well, the Third Prince shouted in surprise. 

“Are you serious?” 

“Of course, Brother. It was quite an interesting proposal.” 

To be honest, Ian didn’t find the position in the Northern Expedition very attractive. After all, if he did his mission, it would naturally follow. Therefore, he couldn’t help being attracted to the Third Prince’s proposal.

‘My brother had pierced through tens of thousands of troops alone and thrust his sword right in front of Duke Garcia’s neck.’

If it was insurance from such a person, he was willing to accept it.

The Third Prince looked pleased that Ian accepted his proposal rather than the position of deputy commander of the Northern Expedition. 

And as a reward for it. 

“Then, instead of exchanging small pieces of paper like that, I’ll give you my Oath here.” 

“!” 

The Third Prince immediately pulled out his sword.

Then he cut his hand lightly and drew some blood. He simultaneously drew a cross near his heart. 

Surprised by his actions, the First Princess raised her hand. 

“An Oath is made with heart! Have you really lost it? You need to take such things with more caution!”

“It doesn’t matter, does it? I am your competitor after all.”

The First Princess was displeased by the Third Prince’s words. She then crossed her arms back at once, not caring whatever he was doing. 

The Third Prince smiled and opened his mouth. 

“I, Louis Kaistein, swear upon my heart that I will save Ian Kaistein’s life once, even if I put my life in danger!” 

At that moment, a beam of light burst inside the Sapphire Palace. It’s the light from the Third Prince’s body. 

Ian smiled at this rare sight. 

Despite his identity as royalty, the Third Prince was a high-ranking knight who could use Oath.

Of course, his real skills were beyond what he let out, but he was still hiding it. 

Therefore, his Oath could not have been light. It was an irrevocable Oath that truly put one’s life on the line. 

Even in such a situation, the Third Prince raised the corner of his mouth while looking at Ian. 

“I’ll make sure you won’t regret your choice.”

A hint of madness was mixed in his voice. At the same time, he was warning Ian. 

The difference in their power, the position of the hunter and its prey.  

They would form an alliance for a while now, but they would end up fighting unless Ian gave up. In the end, he flashed a smile, confident that he would save Ian’s life once. 

However, Ian spoke rather confidently as he saw the smile on the Third Prince’s face. 

“Don’t worry, Brother. There will be no reason for me to beg for my life.”

“!” 

It was just insurance anyway. 

If he overwhelmed the Third Prince with his own power, such an Oath would not be important. 

Rather, Ian liked his military strength along with this insurance.

‘My brother’s knights and 1,000 archers. They are definitely necessary for this mission.’

Of course, their individual abilities might not be on par with Galon, Nathan, and Fiosen. However, this time, it was a mission that would require a lot of hands. 

‘Although the military strength of the First Princess is good, there’s another way.’

And at that moment, the First Princess frowned. 

She didn’t like the idea of these annoying guys joining hands.  

However, she couldn’t do anything because the moment she interfered with the two here, their first target would be her. 

‘Do I have no choice but to prepare to use them?’ 

She was going to leave it behind just in case. It seemed that the moment had arrived.

But right at that time, Ian seemed to read the First Princess’s eyes.

“Don’t worry, Sister. My first target will not be you.”

“Then who are you after?” 

Instead of answering, Ian fished out the Ring of Promise from his neck under the First Princess’s wary eyes.  

The First Princess jolted.  

Whenever Ian touched the ring, the First Princess’s eyes turned fierce. 

But soon Ian laughed. 

“Don’t worry. I don’t intend to threaten you with this like somebody else.” 

“…” 

From the moment the Second Prince was humiliated and the Third Prince’s nanny was saved, the Ring of Promise had run out of its usefulness. 

He had no intention of using anything that would cost her life.

‘She isn’t aware of that fact except for the Second Prince and me.’

“I’ll put it in this box to show that I don’t wear the ring.” 

“!” 

“Well, I don’t think you’ll do that, but I’ll leave it to my knights because I’ll be at a loss if it gets robbed. The person who will take care of it is…” 

Fiosen immediately prepared himself to receive the goods.  

Only the reliable Galon or Lavaltor, who specialized in defense, could take charge of the goods. 

But.  

“Sir Nathan.” 

“!!” 

The unexpected name surprised everyone. 

But Ian smiled. 

“Sir Nathan will be keeping this. Don’t ever forget.” 

“What? Me?” 

“I trust you, so I leave it to you.” 

Ian’s words made Nathan’s pupils tremble. Of course, the First Princess was as surprised. Nathan had a very close relationship with her, too. 

But Ian uttered calmly. 

“He will be simply watching over it to make sure the ring isn’t worn. Although Sir Nathan is my knight, from my sister’s point of view, wouldn’t Sir Nathan, a man of Adelas, be more trustworthy than Sir Fiosen or Sir Galon?”

“…”

“If you don’t like it, you can choose who by yourself.” 

The First Princess seemed quite confused. 

To tell the truth, she didn’t expect Ian to do this much. 

‘What is your true intention?’

Ian smiled at her shaking eyes. 

“I just don’t want to be like the despicable Second Prince. I want to return the ring, but compared to you two, I have to grab at least one lifeline. I’m sorry I can’t return it because I have a deal with the Third Prince.” 

The First Princess, who tried to grasp the youngest’s intention, remained silent. 

“Is there anyone else in mind you want?” 

“…No. Let Sir Nathan keep it.” 

“!” 

The First Princess rose from her seat feeling refreshed. And she seemed to see Ian in a new light.

A little change occurred in her expression.

“I’m a bit embarrassed to feel suspicious of you and have only been seeking benefits.” 

“!” 

“Let’s play fair and not pull underhanded moves from now on, as you said.” 

When the First Princess smiled and was about to go out.  

Ian whispered softly to the Third Prince.

“Oh yeah, Sister. I may have handed over the management rights of the Sapphire Palace to Brother, but you must give me everything you promised me earlier.”

“!” 

“I never said I wouldn’t take it. Oh, don’t worry about the ring. Sir Nathan will keep it safe.” 

Grit.

The First Princess’s face was filled with anger as well as bewilderment. 

But then she shook her head as if it couldn’t be helped and left. The youngest was difficult to deal with in a different sense from the Second Prince.

If she stayed any longer, she would only blow herself up out of frustration.

It was when only the Third Prince and Ian were left in the room. 

Galon opened the door and came in. 

“Your Highness. She has passed the critical stage.”

At his words, the Third Prince sprang up from his seat. 

Ian also said. 

“Let’s go, Brother.” 

Now was the winner’s turn to take what he wanted.

***

“Nanny!”

“Prince… Louis?” 

At the Third Prince’s cry, the woman who was being treated opened her eyes with difficulty. Fortunately, they recognized each other. 

Although separated for nearly 10 years, they recognized each other at once. 

It was truly a great affection they had for one another. 

‘He must have thought of her like his own mother.’

In Louis’ case, his mother passed away early, thus he stayed with his nanny for a long time. It was only natural in a sense. 

Ian suddenly realized how scary the royal strife was. 

‘The Second Prince, who tried to take advantage of the relationship between a mother and child, and the Third Prince, who cut off his leash and killed his brother in order not to be taken advantage of… They really are something.’

Ian walked out first so as not to disturb the two. 

But then Nathan approached him carefully. 

“Your Highness, can you really leave this ring with me?” 

Because Ian already knew that he was in contact with the First Princess. 

It looked like he was really going to leave this to be used as a leash for the First Princess. 

But Ian replied calmly. 

“Yeah. What’s the matter? I just believe in you.” 

“…” 

The look of trust left Nathan speechless for a moment. But Ian meant it. 

‘Believe it, believe it. My sister who has infinite trust in Sir Nathan.’

Ian smiled discreetly.  

Indeed, his predictions were spot on. 

‘Just by putting it in Nathan’s hand, my sister’s hostility reduced a lot.’ 

That alone was a huge boon to him. The First Princess was first in the ranking anyway. 

That was how much his sister believed in Nathan. 

But did Nathan really think that, too? 

‘Even in my previous life, Nathan refused to be in the First Princess’s camp and took the side of the Third Prince who was her enemy. There must be a reason he couldn’t side with the First Princess.’

Looking at the women he had dated, it’s not like the First Princess was not his type. Of course, the future could deviate beyond his imagination. Unlike the previous life, not just one or two things had changed in this life. 

Thus, he needed to ascertain some things a little bit. Entrusting him with the Ring of Promise this time would be a great opportunity to look into Nathan’s true heart. 

Yet, Ian found Nathan regrettable.  

On one hand, he wanted Nathan to be on his side.

But if he tried to betray him.

‘That’ll be unforgivable.’

Ian had been sparing no mercy when it came to betrayal ever since dying after being stabbed in the back. Therefore, he intended to be ruthless against traitors. 

Come to think of it, someone came to his mind. 

‘Duke Garcia…’ 

The person who stabbed him in his previous life. The man who claimed to be his guardian in this life as well but secretly supported the Second Prince.

It was time to send him a reply. 

Ian began writing a letter to Duke Garcia to commemorate his alliance with the Third Prince. 

Afterward, he called Karan. 

“Karan, pass this on to the Duke.” 

“You’re finally thinking of answering.”  

Ian was asked who he would choose as his guardian. 

But Karan, who was about to receive the letter, flinched. 

“Wait a sec, why didn’t you put it in an envelope…”

“You are also a Garcia, Karan, so you may take a look.” 

“What?” 

He flinched. However, the next second, Karan froze upon seeing the letter. 

“Excuse me, Your Highness.” 

“Speak.” 

“…Are, are you really going to send it like this?” 

He stared at Ian as if he had gone bananas. 

But Ian only grinned.