Chapter 128
Al and Jeff gasped as they watched the bubbling flask.
"Gasp! Hey, Jeff, is that...?"
"Oh my God! Hyung! Yes, it is! That's the fermentation reaction we've been wanting! Quickly, get ready!"
Al and Jeff snatched the flask from Sieg's hands, placing it on the lab table before donning safety goggles and masks.
They gestured for Sieg to step back.
Although it wouldn't have affected him due to Immunity to Thousand Poisons, Sieg stood up and moved back, watching the twins bustling around with excitement.
The twins began mixing various reagents into the soma that Sieg had fermented. The original ingredients of the soma mixed with various chemicals as they went in and out of the distillator repeatedly.
About an hour later, Al carefully took out a test tube emitting a blue light from the incubator. He then conducted a reaction test by placing it into a beaker.
Al and Jeff created a sample and examined it under magnification. Suddenly, their faces turned stone-like, causing Sieg to tilt his head in confusion.
"Did it fail?"
Al and Jeff exchanged a glance and spoke.
"You saw it, right?"
"Yeah, you saw it too, right?"
Then, suddenly, the two let out a shriek of joy, jumping up and down.
"Success! It's a success!"
"Damn! We really are geniuses! We did it!"
Al and Jeff successfully developed an antibiotic using the soma that Sieg had fermented. They shouted out to Sieg.
"Sir Sieg! How did you manage to ferment that soma earlier?"
"Yeah, we've tried to ferment it in any which way, but it never worked!"
Sieg contemplated how to explain the Power of Corruption before speaking.
"I can't tell you. It's a secret."
Neither Al nor Jeff had the courage to pry further into something described as a "secret" coming from the pure-blooded Draker.
Sieg asked them, "Does the commercialization of this antibiotic require continuous fermentation of the raw materials?"
Al shook his head in response.
"With this sample, we can cultivate it to ferment the raw materials."
Jeff added, "It might take more time than what Sir Sieg did, though, since cultivation takes a while."
Though they were lucky to have succeeded with fermentation this time, it was uncertain how larger volumes would turn out.
Sieg felt assured after hearing their words. It was more stable to safely ferment and produce antibiotics even if it took longer.
Sieg observed Al and Jeff and remarked, "If the antibiotic sample is ready, doesn't that mean you don't need the additional budget anymore?"
To this comment, both Al and Jeff's faces turned pale, and they protested with spit flying from their mouths.
"Si, Sir Sieg! What we made is just a sample! A sample!"
"Yes, right! We still have many tests to conduct! Clinical trials, and... well, lots more!"
Sieg grinned at them.
"I'm just joking. I'll keep supporting your budget."
Al and Jeff displayed expressions of disbelief at Sieg's words. Lifelong prank players had finally been caught off-guard by Sieg.
In any event, having achieved their results, Al and Jeff carefully stored the antibiotic sample and organized their toolboxes.
As Sieg saw them off, he said, "Next time, I'll visit your lab."
Upon hearing this, Al and Jeff hiccupped.
"You don't really have to..."
"Yes, we can just communicate from a distance."
As soon as the carriage arrived, Al and Jeff quickly stashed away their toolboxes and made off hastily.
Decker, who was observing from behind, was quite astonished upon seeing the twins fleeing in such a hurry.
"You managed to handle those brats in a single go, remarkable indeed, young master," he said.
Sieg offered a wry smile at Decker's comment.
"If you think they're just kids, they're even harder to control. By the way, Decker, there's something I'd like to discuss."
* * *
"Are you suggesting I take charge as the commander of the Knights?"
Decker was taken aback by Sieg's proposal.
Sieg nodded while sipping aromatic tea.
"You probably heard that I didn't choose a knight order during my induction ceremony."
Decker nodded in agreement.
"When I heard that from Duke, you can't imagine how surprised I was. When you stopped by the estate before heading out on a mission, he said it was nothing special. But then, you took on an A-rank mission all by yourself..."
"I'm sorry if I caused you concern. But if I were to join an order, I'd lose my freedom because I'd be tied to it."
For Sieg, training alone was a quicker path to becoming stronger, so there was no need to be bound by a knight order.
Decker, displaying a troubled expression, spoke to Sieg.
"Young master, managing a knight order isn't an easy task. Above all, if you don't have sufficient financial support, it's difficult to maintain."
"You don't need to worry about that; I have plenty of money."
"If you're counting on the family head's black card and the estate's taxes, that's a misconception. Those alone aren't enough to run a knight order..."
"Are you familiar with the Reinhardt Trading Company?"
Reinhardt was rapidly growing to become the biggest trading company in Alencia, so Decker had indeed heard its name.
"Yes, I know it."
"I'm a major shareholder there."
"What?"
Sieg continued, "You've probably heard the news that the Mithril Mines, which Graham Bank invested in, struck it big?"
"Yes, I've heard, but..."
"I'm a major shareholder there too."
Speechless and with his mouth agape, Decker was visibly shaken. It was unusual to see him, who was always composed and dignified, showing such an expression.
'It's probably best I keep quiet about running the Syndicate too. Decker might pass out.'
What Sieg just mentioned alone placed himself among the top wealth owners on the continent. Decker wiped away his cold sweat and spoke to Sieg.
"Ugh, I knew you were exceptional compared to your peers, but... I understand. However, no matter how sufficient the funds, running a knight order isn't just about the money."
"I've already found someone to handle the management."
"Who might that be?"
"The elders of Agamemnon have agreed to help. Families like Achilles, Hector, Ajax, and Graham have also offered full support."
"My word..."
If Agamemnon's elders, who used to run one of the largest knight orders in past Central Continent history, were to oversee operations, there wouldn't be a problem.
Moreover, with support from prestigious noble families like Achilles, Hector, Ajax, and Graham from the Central Continent, there was nothing more to wish for.
In the end, Decker was utterly won over by Sieg's meticulous preparation.
"I can't outdo you, young master."
"Thinking you could just relax by my side was Decker's mistake. I don't let talented people idle around."
His previous life was a literal wasteland for talent. War often claimed the lives of many great talents every other day.
Once the war ended, Sieg had no one left by his side, forcing him to wander the ashes of the continent alone.
'Compared to that time, this is a paradise of talent.'
Decker questioned Sieg, "What's your plan for assembling the order? While Liam and Felix are impressive individuals, they lack the experience to be full-fledged knights."
"I plan to keep those two as squires. You'll soon meet members who'll become the official knights, so you needn't worry."
True to Sieg's words, a week later, two knights arrived at the mansion.
"Whew! Sieg is rich, yo."
"Ugh, Diego, keep it down. My head is pounding from a week's lack of sleep."
These were Diego and Aster, who had completed their graduation exams at Valhalla.
Both had declined all other knight orders' recruitment offers after graduation and headed straight to where Sieg was. They were greeted by Sieg at the mansion.
"Diego, Aster. It's been a while."
As soon as they arrived, Sieg loaded them into a carriage.
"Sieg, bro! Where are we going, yo?"
"Just get on."
Sieg took them to the Troy Duchy.
Upon arriving in the north region of the Troy Duchy, which Sieg owned along with his Knight Order, Diego and Aster marveled as they saw the lord's castle.
"Wow, is this castle yours?"
"Yes, although it's not that big, it's quite comfortable."
It was only small by Sieg's standards; in truth, it was quite sizable.
As Diego and Aster continued to explore the castle in awe, Decker approached them from a distance.
"Welcome, young master."
Decker, clad in formal armor, was no longer a mere servant but a true knight.
Diego and Aster realized at a glance that Decker was no ordinary knight.
Sieg introduced Diego and Aster to Decker.
"These are Diego and Aster. They both graduated from Valhalla."
Decker regarded the pair with a satisfied expression.
"You've brought some promising raw talent."
Possessing extensive experience, Decker immediately recognized their potential.
Sieg, Decker, and the two men proceeded to the training grounds.
"Wow."
Diego and Aster were taken aback.
In contrast to the ancient design of the old castle, the training grounds were utterly modernized and renovated anew. In the training grounds, Pharel, the knight of the Achilles family, was vigorously drilling Liam, Felix, and dozens of other men.
Diego and Aster recognized these individuals.
They were none other than the Delfoa 8th Knight Order, whom Sieg had previously hired in Delfoa and sent to the south.
Sun-kissed by the southern continent's relentless sun, the Delfoa Knight Order exuded a much stronger presence than before.
Through relentless battle with the harsh southern cartels and rebels, their eyes now burned with fierceness, and their bodies bore numerous scars.
Upon noticing Sieg and Decker, Pharel approached them from his training.
"Lord Sieg, commander. Welcome."
Pharel, who had fully transferred from the Achilles Order to Sieg's, was appointed as the vice-captain of the knights by Sieg.
Pharel observed Diego and Aster with satisfaction.
"So these are the knights you mentioned, my lord."
Renowned knight and former league champion across the Central Continent, Pharel's presence humbled Diego and Aster.
Sieg said to Decker and Pharel, "We'll strengthen and organize the order here for the time being. Should you need anything for training, let me know."
"Understood, my lord."
Subjected to Pharel's fiery gaze, Diego and Aster deeply contemplated whether they might have regretted their choices.
Sieg's establishment of the '8th Knight Order' had finally begun in earnest.
* * *
For a month, Sieg concentrated on laying the groundwork for the 8th Knight Order in Troy's domain.
Once the foundation was in place, he called for Felix.
"Eugh. You called, master?"
"I told you to call me 'my lord'."
"Ugh. I'm struggling to change it. What is it that you need, my lord?"
Sieg addressed Felix, "You're originally from the Troy Duchy, aren't you?"
"Yes, right. That's why I was taken to guide you here, wasn't it?"
"Is your grandfather's place far from here?"
Felix snacked on some refreshments on the table as he replied.
"Not too far. It takes about half a day on horseback."
Sieg stood up from his seat.
"Let's go."
"Where to?"
"Your hometown."
Felix inquired with a bewildered look on his face.
"Why do you want to go there?"
"When I met Golyn, I heard a story about a paladin believed to be your grandfather."
"My grandfather's story?"
"Yes. There was a paladin who requested Golyn to make a sword out of Orichalcum. Does that ring any bells?"
Felix shook his head at this.
"No, I haven't seen an Orichalcum sword... My sword was made in the village's forge. It's not high-quality, but I've grown attached to it."
Sieg stroked his chin and speculated.
"Perhaps your grandfather left behind some clues. If he risked his life to defect from the Holy Kingdom after being discredited as an arch-paladin, there must be something significant."
"Are you saying it wasn't just political strife that led to his downfall?"
"There's a high possibility. The Holy Kingdom appears peaceful and prosperous on the surface, but it's completely decayed underneath."
The Holy Kingdom was known for its extreme disparity between rich and poor throughout the central continent. The ruling class enjoyed wealth rivaling that of royalty, while the common people lived harder lives than those of any other place's impoverished communities.
Despite the rampant corruption within the religious orders being common knowledge, it had persisted for over a century, leaving no known solutions.
Felix, now unusually focused, stood up eagerly.
"For my grandfather's honor, we must go. Let's go, my lord."
"Your enthusiasm is commendable, but wipe those crumbs off your face first, Felix."
"Oops. Yes, ha ha."