Tower of Karma
Vol. 1 - Ch. 34 - Prelude to the Revenge Play (1): Stagnation and Progress

William was attending a victory party to celebrate the war. This war had been a minor skirmish with the Eastern nations, but even as a small country, they had managed to overthrow another, and so this lavish event had been arranged.

The protagonist was Gilbert von Oswald. He had slain the enemy general and earned the undisputed primary accolade. In this instance, due to his positioning, William had been relegated to a supporting role, and while he had certainly accomplished something, it was not quite enough to warrant a promotion on its own.

"Oh, the man in the white mask!"

"Surely the face beneath the mask must be a beauty? Do you have an escort for the evening, I wonder?"

William, not having been addressed by name, discreetly clicked his tongue, hiding his face. This time alone would not be enough for a promotion. He could accept that. However, considering his accumulated achievements thus far, he felt he should have been appointed a centurion long ago. At the very least, he surpassed the minor role who had been named a centurion just moments ago.

He had begun to be accepted by the noble ladies, and while still somewhat of an oddity, he was carving out a place for himself in high society. There was no one who didn't know the White Mask.

The hero of Arcadia's third estate. He commanded immense popularity among the commoners. And yet, this inability to advance was a reality he could not reconcile.

"William, don't be discouraged. I'm sure you'll get promoted next time."

Carl, who had been promoted in the previous battle, was now a senior centurion. Gilbert had been elevated to division commander in this latest engagement. Hilda and Anselm were chief centurions, and Gregor, while not thriving, was a senior centurion, outpacing his peers. William alone remained stagnant.

"I'm not worried about it, Carl. I should go congratulate Lord Gilbert later."

"Yeah! But we can't get close to him right now, he's surrounded by people."

"We'll go when things have settled down."

"Okay!"

After Carl left William's side, William leaned against the wall, alone. Truthfully, not just this time, but he had been expecting a swift promotion, aiming ever upward. By any measure, there was no one who surpassed William's overall capabilities. In raw martial power, perhaps Gilbert exceeded him, but William did not feel inferior in a military context.

'It's true that there haven't been any major battles lately, and I haven't achieved any great feats. Even so, this is—'

That he had not advanced this far must mean there was some hidden agenda. But William had no means to confirm this, and could only continue stagnating until he had accumulated undisputable martial accomplishments that all could see.

While he remained thus, in Garania, Arkland was finally fighting the last nation, the unification a mere matter of time, and Wald's 'Black Mercenary Company' under his command was performing magnificently, earning the first laurels in their war against the weakest of the Seven Kingdoms, Sambart, even being awarded decorations from Sambart.

As the world moved forward, only William remained stagnant.

It had already been a year and a half since the battle between Arcadia and Nederks.

༺༻

"Congratulations, Gilbert! You were brilliant out there!"

Hearing Carl's words, Gilbert turned around. A faint smile graced his features—

"So you were here as well, you lowly wretch."

The moment he laid eyes on William, the tranquil expression in his eyes transformed into a gaze of utter disdain. Though Carl tried to appease him, Gilbert's expression did not change. Outwardly.

William smiled, but inwardly he was cursing, 'Die, you boar-faced warrior! You privileged young master!'

"There was no worthy opponent. The small country that happened to be in the lead simply fell. It's not as if I did anything special. Though I suppose I was more active than you, lurking in the rear."

Gilbert viciously jabbed at William. William's cheek twitched.

"Sorry, I was told to hold back."

Carl began to sniffle, tears welling up. Of course, the fact that William had not participated meant that Carl had not either. He had actually been quite bothered by it, so Gilbert's words struck a nerve.

"Ah, my apologies. I didn't mean it that way. You all, who steadfastly hold the defense, are the reason the vanguard can fight freely. You should be proud."

This was a complete reversal of what he had just said.

"Really?"

"Of course. Isn't that right, William?"

Gilbert asked for William's agreement with an extremely distasteful expression. Whatever was driving him to this, it was certainly advantageous for William, who needed to keep his master's favor.

"Certainly, Lord Carl."

He remembered to use the honorific in public. One must maintain a clear separation between public and private.

"I see... But William needs to start making a name for himself soon, or it'll be a shame. I wonder if there's something we can do?"

The thought of William's own accomplishments never crossed Carl's mind. As the one who knew William's capabilities best, his desire to see William promoted was growing by the day.

"...I see. Yes, let me borrow this one for a bit."

"Huh? I don't mind, but what's this all of a sudden?"

"I have something I need to discuss. You don't mind waiting here with the ladies, do you?"

"No, I'll accompany you."

Leaving the bewildered Carl behind, Gilbert and William departed the scene.

༺༻

The victory party was being held at the private residence of the Commander-in-Chief for this campaign, Commander Konrad. Commander Konrad was also an aristocrat, a count from the storied Arcadian aristocracy. His mansion was not extravagant, but well-appointed, and even the garden they were observing had an air of nobility about it.

Gilbert and William were walking through the courtyard.

"...I'll tell you the reason why you can't get promoted. And the solution to it, as well."

Sudden words. William looked at Gilbert with a suspicious gaze. He thought Gilbert's expression couldn't be discerned behind the mask, but it was probably meaningless to Gilbert.

"In return, there's one condition. Well, you don't have the option to refuse, though."

"If you don't tell me the condition, I can't very well agree to it, can I?"

"It's not something that concerns your life. Nor is it about money."

He didn't seem inclined to state the condition, so he was probably planning to force William to accept it unilaterally. That was the presumption of their exchange, and while that was true, William still found this situation, where the outlook was unclear, a little frustrating.

"I suppose I have no choice but to accept whatever the condition is."

"That's right. Whatever you say, I know you're aiming for the top in your heart. You want to be promoted and command your own century. That's why you won't refuse."

Gilbert sat down on a chair placed alone in the courtyard. Prompted, William also took a seat.

"First, the reason you can't get promoted... As you've probably guessed, it's a simple matter. You're a foreigner, and you're excellent. That's the two points. Aside from some specific reason for inviting a foreign guest to Arcadia, Arcadia has never granted the rank of century commander to someone of foreign origin. In other words, there is no precedent. And the fact that you are excellent. The rank of century commander is awarded by recommendation from the upper echelons of the military. They don't like you. Rather, they fear you. You've been judged as uncontrollable."

It was almost exactly as William had imagined, a situation where he was powerless. Even if he tried to bribe them, he had no connections to convey it, and even if he did, there was no guarantee they would accept it. No, it would be foolish to think they would accept it in this situation.

"Taylor was able to rise up the ranks quickly because his father lavishly distributes money in secret, without Taylor's knowledge. And Taylor is a nobleman, rotten as he may be. Not just any nobleman, but a nobleman with money. There are plenty of nobles eager to curry favor, and the nobles focused on the military tend to be relatively poor."

A Recommendation was necessary. And for William, who lacked such connections, the situation was hopeless. The stark reality lay there, inescapable.

"The options available to you now are: to achieve great military exploits, or for your patron Taylor to attain an appropriate position. Either way, luck is involved, and it's a distant prospect. Moreover, it's inconvenient for me. This time, I'll cooperate with you."

Gilbert stood up and approached William, looking down on him.

"Rely on Kruger. He's cooperative with you. He'll probably demand a suitable reward, but deal with that on your own. I'll also put in a word for you with him."

Anselm von Kruger. Gilbert is telling William to rely on this brilliant young man.

"Unlike me, Kruger is the next head of the Kruger family. If I were to move Oswald, there might be some backlash, but if Kruger moves the Krugers since he's eventually going to be at the top, it won't be an issue."

William couldn't see Gilbert's expression, but he could imagine what it might be like.

"I gratefully accept your advice. So, what is the condition?"

Since Gilbert said he would put in a word, Anselm probably couldn't dismiss it outright. A path to a solution was now visible. It was just a matter of Gilbert's condition. Of course, Anselm's situation would also need to be considered, but that was a separate matter.

"It's a deal that won't be a loss for you. And no matter what you say, the condition will be fulfilled."

Gilbert then slipped past William and headed back towards the party venue. The left-behind William looked up to the sky and--

"Haha, haha, haha. Finally, I can move forward. Thank you, young master."

The condition was probably as William had imagined. Otherwise, Gilbert wouldn't have gone through this roundabout process. Gilbert also probably wanted to set things in motion. However, eventually, he would come to regret this. Because the two of them could not both stand at the peak.

༺༻

William had come to Kruger's mansion. Arriving right on time. Anselm himself was already waiting at the gate.

"It's been a while. I never imagined you would be waiting here in person."

"No, the pleasure is mine. I thought there would be some matters to discuss. That's why I took the liberty of waiting for you here. Well, it's not much of a house, but please come in."

Anselm was being modest, but the gate of the Kruger estate was befitting of their status as a renowned noble family. The unadorned, sturdy interior design was simply the Kruger family, who had produced Anselm - austere yet with a touch of nobility mixed in, as befits a military house.

"This area was decorated by my sister's taste. The items used to be in my elder sister's room, but now they are displayed in the hallway. She has already married, so I suppose my sister is feeling lonely."

"I see. So you have a sister as well. I shall greet her later if you don't mind."

"No need to bother. She's a bit... wild to be presented in society yet... Though I suppose I should start considering such matters, given her age."

William had a bitter expression behind his mask. This Anselm, unlike Gilbelt, Gregor, Hilda and the others, never showed his true face. His openings were so few that William himself didn't particularly try to get close to him. It was impossible to tell whether he was liked or disliked.

An elderly man in a well-tailored tailcoat appeared before Anselm and William. He gave a well-angled bow and made eye contact with the two.

"Young master. I've warmed the drawing room. Lady Anneliese is also waiting."

"I see. But I apologize, today we'll be using my private study."

"Your private study, you say?"

"Allow no one to approach. Of course, that includes Anneliese."

"Understood, as you wish."

The elderly man's expression changed upon hearing that they would be using the private study. Whether it was surprise or some other emotion, William couldn't quite discern, but he could tell it was not a normal reaction. It would be prudent to be on guard.

"This way, Lord William."

"Yes. About the matter from before--"

Exchanging inconsequential small talk, William carefully scrutinized his opponent. But Anselm never let his guard down. He was a troublesome adversary, and William was quietly sweating behind his mask.

༺༻

The mansion of the Kruger family. As expected, it had a garden, but in the corner of the garden stood a lone, small cottage. It had an air of earnest simplicity, with no signs of play.

Upon entering, one candle flickered in the dimness, the darkness likely caused by the cloth draped around the room, blocking the sunlight. In the center was a small round table, and in the back, an ornate chair that seemed out of place in this space. There were no other furnishings.

'... A faint scent of oil'

This was the odd-looking cottage. Likely, this was the detached room that Anselm had mentioned.

Anselm closed the door, sealing them off completely from the outside world.

"No one else can approach this place. It has been managed by the head of the household for generations... You could call it a secret room. It was apparently often used for clandestine meetings. And even if one is a member of the household, they cannot approach it."

A soft touch brushed William's cheek.

"I had expected to address you sooner... But of course, that would not have been allowed by William Livius' pride. I understand. I understand completely."

In the dim light, only the candle's glow was visible. William could not see what Anselm was doing behind him. But the atmosphere had changed.

"Please, have a seat. That chair is yours."

A thud came from behind William.

"No, that is your chair. Please, have a seat."

A sloshing sound. An ominous atmosphere permeated the space.

William cautiously sat in the chair. It fit him perfectly, as if custom-made. The comfort alone indicated it was an expensive, high-quality piece.

"I believe you have already been informed by Gilbert. On this occasion-"

William sensed an unpleasant aura emanating from Anselm, who was likely present in the darkness.

"You addressed me with an honorific, William-sama. But this is a place sealed off from the outside world, a space that belongs only to us. So why must I use an honorific for someone as insignificant as Gilbert? Even if it is Eichholt... It is unlike you."

William could not hide his surprise at Anselm's transformation. As a warrior, as a general, Anselm had always seemed to be a paragon. But now, his true nature was revealed.

"Oh, pardon me. I became a bit too excited. Now, about our discussion. Of course, I understand. The Kruger family will fully support you."

William was taken aback by how easily the path to becoming a centurion had been secured.

"However, there is one condition."

William steeled his expression. He had expected there would be a condition. The trading company had the funds ready, and he was prepared to do whatever was necessary.

"And what might that condition be?"

The darkness seemed to creep closer to William. A faint, flickering black flame, like a mirage, wavered in the gloom.

"It is simple. I, Anselm von Kruger, wish to be your closest servant."

William swallowed hard.

"I desire to be your shadow. You are a shining existence. Now, you shine mysteriously like the moonlight, but one day, your light will consume the sun and illuminate the world. I wish to serve as that shadow."

Anselm's words were beyond William's comprehension. He could declare that the man before him was insane. If that were true-

"You expect me to believe this? A deal with no downsides for me. As Lord Taylor taught, there is nothing more expensive than free."

William saw that there must be a hidden agenda in this offer. Anselm must be trying to use William for some purpose. It was the only logical conclusion.

"It is unfortunate that you do not believe me, but it is understandable to be doubted. That is precisely the William Livius I admire. That is my lord, my master."

The shadow moved. The sound of a sword being drawn from its sheath. William stood up, reaching for his own weapon. Several slicing sounds followed. The glint of silver was visible, but it was not aimed at William; it had targeted something else.

"Let me show you a glimpse of my loyalty! Behold, my king!"

Light flooded the room. Anselm had cut the cloth that had been covering the walls. And it had not been blocking sunlight.

What emerged from behind the cloth left William speechless.

"I had an artist depict all the scenes I know of your trajectory, from Laconia to the present. Now, I wish to witness the future with my own eyes. That is my only desire."

The room was filled with light, revealing the numerous paintings covering the walls, all depicting William's exploits. The battles in Laconia, the sieges, the northern battles, the duel with the 'White Bear', the fight with the assassin at the Valdias mansion - there were countless scenes, from portraits to various action poses.

"This... is far too much work for a setup."

"Honorifics are unnecessary for a shadow. Please, treat me without formality, my lord."

Somehow, Anselm had knelt at William's feet and begun licking his shoes. The wet spots on the floor indicated he had likely been licking William's footprints earlier.

"Is that... the mask I used before?"

Carefully displayed was the mask William had chosen with Rutgard's help, the first one he had used. Half of it was likely from the assassin he had killed, and the other half was the one he had submitted as evidence. The thoroughness indicated Anselm's sincerity.

Anselm held the mask reverently as if displaying a precious treasure.

"That's correct. That moment when I encountered the assassin. I was captivated. It was the first time my heart was moved, beyond simply living as the heir of the Kruger family. That dazzling silver hair reflecting the moonlight, that beautiful face - I fell for it."

Anselm dramatically collapsed, but he was extremely careful not to damage the mask in the slightest.

"I am fully aware of my inadequacies in serving as your shadow. I know I must improve myself further. In that light, my impertinent request for an exchange condition... Please, allow me to stay by your side. I will surely be of service to you, far beyond that of someone like Carl von Taylor."

The moment Anselm mentioned Carl von Taylor, his voice trembled slightly. William did not miss that, and it allowed him to gauge the truthfulness of the situation.

"Of course, Anselm von Kruger. I am grateful to have you as my shadow."

Hearing those words, Anselm reeled back in delight. "Such generous words, I am most honored and humbled."

William wanted to bury his head in his hands, but given the current circumstances, he maintained his smile, though he was honestly taken aback.

'Well, he'll likely calm down after a while. I certainly don't want to deal with someone this intense all the time going forward.'

William had paved the way to becoming a centurion. But at the same time, he had welcomed a dark shadow into his life - a presence that could be both poison and medicine. The black flame that had revealed Anselm's true nature. William had no choice but to accept it, but he could not even imagine how the consequences of this decision would unfold.

༺༻

"Kukuku. You've managed to get your hands on something rather interesting," said Nyx, the Night King, as he nibbled on the sweets that William had brought as a gift. The snacks were meant to be a souvenir, but Nyx had already devoured most of them in the past hour.

"Is this about Anselm? As fearsome as ever, I see. I wonder how the information leaked out."

Nyx did not place much importance on surface-level courtesy. He had his own rules for day and night. Honorifics and the like were meaningless to him, and he spoke casually, understanding that this was how he conversed.

"It didn't leak out. Everything that happens in Arcadia reaches my ears. Hmm, it's not enough. Next time, bring more," Nyx said with a chuckle.

"As you wish. By the way, Nyx, I'd like that ruby back now," William said, placing a bag filled with gold coins in front of Nyx.

"You've already prepared, have you? You're quite the shrewd one," Nyx said, laughing. Despite his feigned surprise, he had likely known that William would have the funds ready at this juncture.

"It was a battle I was destined to win from the start. That's all there is to it. Well, let's have an enjoyable contest from here on out," William said, his mind already contemplating his next business venture. He was aware of his own insatiable greed - no matter how much he acquired, it never seemed to be enough.

"I quite like this, you know. Give it to me," Nyx demanded.

"I refuse. I like it too. I'd consider giving it to you if it were something similar, but not this," William replied.

"I want this one. This is what I desire," Nyx insisted. William couldn't help but think that Nyx was similar to him in that regard - they both coveted things that others didn't want, as the true value lay in the envy it evoked.

"I can't do that. I'll need it for my own adornments going forward," William said, taking the ruby back from Nyx. Nyx reluctantly let it go, muttering, "How stingy."

"The daytime seems quite interesting. You should stir things up as well. I'm bored," Nyx said, yawning lazily. It was a sight that perhaps only William had witnessed.

"And don't forget about Vlad," Nyx added.

"Of course. But I haven't found a good opportunity yet," William replied.

"You have three years left. If you break the agreement, I'll kill you. I'll even strip the ruby from your corpse. Hmm? How about it? Shall we die?" Nyx said casually, but the weight of his words was evident.

"I won't die. I'll kill you properly. I'm starting to make my move soon. I've laid the groundwork," William said. As a captain of the Arcadian army, he would now have the standing to actively pursue his goals among the nobility.

"Good, as long as you haven't forgotten. I've planted the nail, but I don't doubt you at all. Isn't it an interesting paradox? You're the most cunning man I know, yet you're also the most trustworthy," Nyx said, rolling around on the bed.

Suddenly, Nyx sat up, as if remembering something. "Ah, now that I think about it, I haven't given you a celebratory gift yet."

Whether the "celebration" was for William's promotion to captain or something else, was unclear.

Nyx abruptly appeared in front of William and kissed him on the lips. "Gah?!"

This was perhaps a formal gesture of some sort, though William had never been kissed by anyone other than his sister.

"Pah?! What are you doing? Suddenly... how improper!" William exclaimed, his face flushed with embarrassment, looking very much like 'Al' in that moment.

"That is death. Some call it love. Well, get used to it. You may need to use it in the future, whether you want to or not. People die, and people love. Enjoy this mortal world," Nyx said, yawning and returning to his usual spot on the bed.

William pouted, but seeing Nyx's amused expression made him regain his composure. He knew that angering Nyx would only make him more of a plaything.

"Next time, I request even more sweets. Well then," Nyx said.

"Yeah, I'll poison you and kill you," William muttered.

"Kahaha. If you have a poison that can kill me, that would be quite interesting as well," Nyx replied, as the meeting ended as usual.

Standing in front of the firmly shut door, William glanced at the white dragon beside him.

"How about serving me instead of that guy? I'll make it worth your while."

"Don't get carried away. I'll kill you," the white dragon responded, as always. William wasn't being serious either. The white dragon was devoted to Nyx, and couldn't stand the fact that William, who enjoyed Nyx's favor, was allowed to live.

'How constraining. I'm different,' William thought, clasping the ruby he had reclaimed around his neck. The familiar sensation reminded him of the feeling of having regained something. The path ahead was still long, but he would expand his business further and earn even more. He would fight with both sword and gold.

'This is starting to get fun,' William Livius thought, finally beginning to move forward.