I Became A Thief Who Steals Overpowered Skills

Chapter 81 Yes, It’s All a Misunderstanding

‘The problem is, that would require a precondition to be met.’

Hilnider harbored this thought, his smile unwavering as he looked at Kraush.

“Shall we have a frank discussion?”

The moment Hilnider spoke, Kraush gave him a puzzled look.

Seeing his puzzled expression, Hilnider almost let slip his true thoughts.

Yet, he was to be a future leader of Starlon.

Although not as much a prodigy as Sizelry Ephania, born of the Empire, he too had honed countless techniques and sharpness to stand at the pinnacle of politics.

‘He’s deliberately not showing any reaction in front of me.’

As if trying to entice the First Prince himself into action.

Thus, Hilnider decided it was time to stop testing the waters.

It wasn’t just the awakening of his talent that had freed Kraush from being the Balheim halfwit.

“You seem to have something to discuss with me as well.”

Kraush’s response remained calm even to this statement.

Clearly, from the moment frankness was mentioned and even now, Kraush showed no signs of being intimidated in front of the First Prince.

Because he knew exactly what was going to be said.

“It is you, Mr. Hilnider, who came seeking me.”

“Yes, I thought I was the only one with a matter to discuss. But from the look in your eyes, it seems that’s not the case.”

Hilnider smiled smoothly.

“My coming here today was in the hope of forming a good connection. Recently, Rahelrn Academy has become a battleground of many talents, and at the moment, the representative of the Four Kingdoms’ power is your sister.”

“You mean Sister Charlotte.”

Kraush’s response indicated he was already aware.

And if he knew that, he would also understand the current situation.

“If you know that, then you’re aware that Charlotte is unsuited for the role of representative.”

Charlotte lives by her own rules, unconstrained, impulsive, and uncontrollable.

She is powerful as an individual but not suitable for drawing out the strength of a collective.

Therefore, the current power struggle between the Four Kingdoms and the Empire is heading in an unfavorable direction.

The presence of the overly powerful Charlotte prevents the Four Kingdoms from daring to appoint another representative.

Meanwhile, the Empire is rallying actively around Sigrid.

This situation risks upsetting the balance.

“With the academy drawing more talents than expected, frankly, I think it’s dangerous if the Empire takes control.”

“Is it alright to discuss such critical matters in front of me?”

Hilnider chuckled.

“I suppose you already have an idea why I’m bringing this up.”

So, he ceased the probing.

And as expected, Kraush precisely hit the mark with his next words.

“Next year, enter Rahelrn Academy, take the lead of the Four Kingdoms, grapple with the Empire, and Starlon will support you. Isn’t this what you wish to say?”

Hilnider’s eyes curved even more.

Despite being somewhat impudent in front of Starlon’s First Prince, Kraush’s statement only piqued his interest further.

“Isn’t it a bit premature for me, still a prince, to talk about Starlon’s support?”

“It’s a discussion for a year from now.”

Hilnider swallowed a laugh at that response.

Next year, Hilnider’s ascension to the throne of Starlon is all but confirmed, and he will officially begin his royal succession.

His influence and that of the nobles beneath him will change entirely.

Kraush seemed to anticipate this, mentioning a story that’s currently circulating only within Starlon’s royal court.

“…Is that an interpretation from the Balheims’ side?”

“I don’t have a particularly close relationship with my family, so it’s purely my personal opinion.”

Kraush’s smile suggested Hilnider knew this too.

Hilnider swallowed an incredulous feeling.

Though Hilnider’s ascendancy to the throne is certain, the fact that it would happen next year was known only to his closest advisors.

‘With the establishment of Rahelrn Academy, friction between the Four Kingdoms and the Empire is growing. Before this friction escalates and before His Majesty steps down, the succession lessons were hastened.’

Kraush had known this in advance, even before Hilnider broached the subject.

‘Yet he claims it’s a personal view.’

Hilnider labeled that statement as a lie.

Kraush clearly had the support of the Balheims.

And through Kraush, the Balheims indirectly showed Hilnider that they had ears within the royal court.

Thus, he began to reconsider his view of Kraush.

‘…The Balheims have been supporting Kraush all along, not openly showing it, and deliberately framing him as a halfwit.’

His recent growth, even by Balheim standards, was abnormal.

But if it was all about concealing his real capabilities, everything made sense.

‘And they showed recent movements to attract my attention. Not just mine, but that of any power that could approach the youngest Balheim.’

What does the Balheim gain from others approaching Kraush, who has the power to connect with them?

It means that even if the Balheims build power with the royal family, they won’t be checked by other nobles.

The Balheims, reigning as the strongest family in Starlon, had to subtly endure the envy of other nobles.

Even the royal family of Starlon has been maintaining a delicate balance, fearing the Balheims might surpass their power.

Not to mention the other nobles.

They were busy checking, fearing the Balheims’ power might grow further.

‘The Balheims created the halfwit Kraush.’

And by recently reviving him, they induced Hilnider, and not just him but other kingdoms and even the Empire, to reach out to him.

Just as Hilnider initially intended to turn Kraush into the royal family’s pawn.

Those aiming for the Balheims, a big fish, will undoubtedly approach Kraush.

Those who came to manipulate Kraush as they wished would instead find themselves entangled in the net of the Balheims.

‘After all, through Kraush, many things will ultimately fall into the hands of the Balheims.’

The kingdoms and the Empire will recklessly fuel the fire that is Kraush, not knowing that their fuel will only strengthen the house of Balheims.

And Kraush, with a nonchalant expression, watched Hilnider.

‘I can hear the gears turning in his head.’

Hilnider is intelligent.

Despite having the Balheims, he managed to withstand a war against the Empire with just one kingdom and eventually persuaded other kingdoms to push the Empire out.

Discovering the Empire’s internal issues through intelligence and diplomacy, then drawing power from other kingdoms, was purely Hilnider’s ability.

Of course, even Hilnider couldn’t escape the world’s end.

Nonetheless, Kraush had a high regard for him.

‘And that’s the trap.’

Being smart means what?

With only a snippet of information, a brilliant mind can deduce the source of that information by drawing out the series of events leading to its emergence.

This would undoubtedly aid in running a country.

His ability to deduce outcomes, while not quite on Sizelry’s level, has a high accuracy rate, having been proven right countless times.

That’s why, despite his young age, his succession to the throne was almost certain.

Thus, Kraush used this to his advantage.

Hilnider wouldn’t have guessed that a 14-year-old boy would fearlessly divulge significant information based on memories from before his return.

‘My backing, naturally, must seem like it’s from the Balheims in his mind.’

Kraush admitted he wasn’t up for a battle of wits at the level of Hilnider or Sizelry.

Getting involved in a battle of wits with real geniuses would only get him tangled.

‘So, I boldly make my move.’

Let Hilnider’s brilliant mind interpret it as he wishes.

Just as a genius cannot understand a commoner.

A commoner also can’t grasp the thoughts of a genius.

“Sigh.”

Hilnider covered his face, taking a deep breath.

‘Not sure if I should be glad I fell for it or relieved I came in person and figured it out.’

As Kraush predicted, Hilnider had swiftly tidied up his thoughts.

“You deliberately let me know. Does this mean the Balheims aren’t hostile towards Starlon?”

“The Balheims, residing within Starlon Kingdom, would not be hostile towards Starlon.”

“Good to hear that. I too admire the Balheims, who have produced many heroes.”

With a reassuring smile, Hilnider asked,

“So, what do you think of my proposal?”

It was the proposal Hilnider had made earlier, which Kraush himself had mentioned.

Despite being aware that the Balheims were using Kraush, his offer remained unchanged.

Kraush tapped the armrest with his finger before smiling broadly.

“How about this for your proposal?”

“…Do you have another idea?”

Kraush’s intention was essentially that of the Balheims.

So, as he waited calmly, Kraush spoke,

“Kraush Balheim is, after all, just a halfwit. The Hardenhartz’s butcher dog was in shambles, chased by the Empire, and Nakcheon was barely defeated with the collaboration of a master-level talent, Lakradiyon, and the Pendalords.”

Hilnider’s eyes widened with perplexity.

“…You can’t cover the sun with your hand, you know?”

“Yes, you can’t cover the sun with your hand. But if that hand belongs to the royal family of Starlon, it’s quite large, isn’t it? And it wouldn’t hurt to add a bit more from the Balheims.”

“Hmm, but such rumors won’t last a year.”

The world is vast.

Thus, amidst the truth spreading, falsehoods also thrive.

That’s why the kingdoms and the Empire rigorously verify the truth of information.

No matter how much one tries to conceal information, once it spreads, its truth eventually comes to light.

The one year Hilnider mentioned meant just that.

“That’s fine. That should be enough until I enter the academy.”

Hilnider’s eyes sparkled.

“…If by the time you enter the academy, rumors that were once considered falsehoods start to be widely acknowledged as true, the attention of each kingdom and the Empire will naturally focus on you, placing you at the center. Students will cause a commotion trying to associate with you.”

Rumors are like fire.

They blaze brightly and then extinguish just as quickly.

Thus, Kraush is intentionally trying to dampen that fire now.

So that later, it can blaze more brilliantly, captivating everyone.

Even more so if Starlon and the Balheims were to secretly block information, lending credibility to those truths.

Hilnider laughed brilliantly.

“Ha, what irony. I was thinking of nurturing you with the royal family’s active support, but you’re already a hidden tiger.”

This essentially meant everything was already prepared.

Starlon would just be adding a spoon to it.

“It’s fortunate that the Balheims side with the Starlon Kingdom.”

“The Balheims always consider it fortunate to be alongside the understanding royal family of Starlon.”

Kraush joked modestly.

“Alright. I’ll see what I can do. Today’s meeting was very memorable.”

Hilnider stood up to conclude their conversation, having many tasks awaiting him back at the royal court.

“Are you sure you won’t stay for a meal?”

“Rumors are best caught quickly at the start, aren’t they?”

“I cannot disagree.”

Hilnider smiled at Kraush’s frankness.

Then, he suddenly remembered something and turned back to look at Kraush.

“By the way, how strong are you, really?”

Utilizing rumors is fine, but to stand at the center of Rahelrn Academy, actual strength matters most.

So when he inquired, Kraush just laughed briefly.

“There won’t be anyone in the academy who can beat me.”

In him, Hilnider glimpsed a hint of Charlotte’s arrogance.

Her arrogance was matched by her capabilities, but as an individual force, she fundamentally couldn’t collaborate with others.

But what about Kraush?

Not only did he freely utter bold statements like Charlotte, but he also made remarks that surprised even Hilnider.

Perhaps the real star of the Balheims was quietly biding its time.

“…Perhaps it’s time to revise our assessment of the Balheims.”

He made a remark filled with expectation to Kraush and then turned to leave, engraving the figure of Kraush Balheim vividly in his mind.

After Hilnider left, Kraush slumped in his chair, visibly relaxed.

Then, wrapping his hands around his forehead, he sighed quietly.

“…Crimson Garden.”

[Oh, I really don’t have a taste for this kind of thing.]

Crimson Garden, appearing suddenly, took the recent place of Hilnider.

“Let’s see how far that man will let his thoughts wander.”

[Why don’t I just tell you?]

“Then I’d be nothing without you.”

Crimson Garden stared at Kraush for a moment, sensing what he had gone through to be so fixated on handling things on his own.

[Child, how many have you lost by now?]

What Kraush was doing was clearly a preparation for the occurrence of problems whenever someone was lost.

So, when Crimson Garden asked with a heavy heart, Kraush didn’t respond.

In the Skyborne Generation, he stood at the forefront against annihilation with everyone and swallowed curses as if to save those people.

For Kraush, the concept of ‘how many’ was meaningless.

“I’m just spending time trying to keep up with those geniuses.”

[Sigh, you stubborn child.]

Kraush began to review the conversation with Hilnider along with Crimson Garden.

Hilnider could deduce processes instantly.

But Kraush had to walk through the context of their conversation from the beginning to understand.

As mentioned earlier, just as a genius cannot grasp the thoughts of a commoner,

The opposite is also true; a commoner can’t comprehend a genius’s thoughts.

[Later.]

Crimson Garden continued,

[Even when you have nothing left to lose, give it some thought.]

Kraush laughed bitterly,

Thinking that seemed like a very distant concern.