First Knight Order’s intervention had put an end to the territorial wars that had plagued the Ruben Kingdom for a while. Ambitious schemers who had taken advantage of the royal family’s chaos were forced to abandon their desires while swallowing their resentment due to First Knight Order’s support of the weaker side in the territorial wars.
Moreover, interest in the players had started to increase. Previously deemed unreliable outsiders, players were now seen as somewhat valuable fighters. However, this did not mean that players were immediately welcomed with open arms.
Most of the useful players were already under the influence of First Knight Order or Raul, and nobles had little knowledge about these outsiders to consider direct employment. The undeniable fact was that there was a growing presence of other nobles’ servants in the free city.
“Yesterday, it appears that the servants of Baron Perez arrived in the free city of Jusek.”
“Baron Perez?”
“The estate located in the northern plains of the kingdom. They are classified under Marquis McNeil’s faction.”
“I see. So, most of the prestigious families have now set foot in the free city?”
“Yes. Everyone seems to be moving about busily. But, is it really okay to leave things as they are?”
Kane asked with a slightly worried expression. Among the members of First Knight Order, there was no doubt about the players’ skills or their necessity. Conversely, there was a growing trend of concern about the safety if players were to switch allegiance to other nobles.
However, Raul seemed completely unconcerned.
“For now, it’s better to let things be. So far, we’ve been pulling them along by force, but we can’t keep doing that forever. The players need to learn to judge for themselves.”
“What do you mean?”
“Do you think the nobles of this kingdom will treat players as well as we do? Do you think they can understand what players want and provide it?”
To Raul, this seemed impossible. The nobles of a medieval hierarchical society and citizens of a modern democratic one did not make for a compatible mix. Considering the inherent conflicts, the answer was obvious.
‘Even in the past life, there were many conflicts because of this issue. Nobles just thought of players as useful mercenaries.’
Even Bae Dohyun, who ranked 1st, rarely remembered meeting nobles of higher ranks than barons. It was an indicator of how nobles viewed players.
It was only after a significant amount of time had passed that guild leaders with considerable power were treated as quasi-nobles. It was clear how the nobles would handle players now.
“I understand. I will report back if any special circumstances arise.”
“Yes. Make sure not to take your eyes off the guilds I told you to monitor.”
“Yes, master.”
By now, First Knight Order had firmly established control over the players’ domain. However, there were undoubtedly many factions displeased with this situation, especially the large guild alliance that had controlled Connect in the past life.
Though currently lying low, there was no telling when they might reveal their claws and incite the players again.
‘But this time, things won’t go as they wish.’
Unbeknownst to them, Raul had been subtly steering them in a certain direction. If their impatience led them to take the bait,
‘They will suffer quite the painful consequence.’
Raul’s lips curled up slightly.
*
Clip-clop, clip-clop.
Raul was seated inside a carriage heading somewhere. Inside the carriage were individuals with a slightly unusual composition.
“Ken, how long has it been since you returned to your hometown?”
“About two years, I believe.”
“A long-awaited return. Are you not nervous?”
“Well, I wonder how many will welcome me back.”
As Raul and Ken began their conversation, a man who had been itching to talk immediately interjected.
“Surely, given that it’s been a long time, your parents will welcome you with open arms, won’t they?”
Josh, with his innocent demeanor, exclaimed. Having run away from home at 18 and becoming a C-rank mercenary within three years, Josh’s fortunes had completely transformed after meeting Raul.
His exceptional potential had brought him to the mid-tier Expert rank, and he was now a team leader in the First Knight Order. After his formal knighting, he returned to his hometown in splendor, bringing his tenant farmer parents and six siblings to the First Estate.
Thanks to Raul’s consideration, his parents were running a well-placed grocery store, and his siblings were receiving education suitable for their ages.
“That’s just Josh’s luck. Everyone has different circumstances. Ken, well, his family situation is a bit complicated.”
Dalton said cautiously, observing Ken’s expression.
“Oh dear, I’ve spoken out of turn again. But don’t worry too much. The bond between parents and children doesn’t break so easily. If meeting them directly is hard, this ‘living messenger’ Josh will be your bridge!” Josh’s boast made Ken crack a smile.
“Every time I see you, Josh, I realize how cheerful you are. You really are bright.”
“Haha, who else but Josh can light up the world? We must live brightly! Feeling down? Don’t hesitate to call Josh! Ready to go anywhere, anytime for the master….”
Thanks to Josh’s non-stop chatter, the carriage trip was not boring.
The group was en route to the Marquis Greer’s estate, one of the kingdom’s five great martial families. In a few days, Marquis Fidel de Greer would be hosting his 59th birthday celebration.
Despite the household’s general reclusiveness, most of the kingdom’s prominent families had sent congratulatory envoys. Additionally, many knights were gathering for the marquis’s knight tournament associated with the celebration.
Some media speculated that this event signaled a return to public activity for the marquis’s family. Raul, posing as a representative congratulatory envoy of Count Ashton, was headed to the marquis’s territory.
“So, you’re really going to hide your identity? Is it necessary to go that far?”
Raul asked, puzzled, which made Ken tense up.
“How can I face them proudly after running away without a word? Just seeing them healthy from a distance will be enough for me.”
“Ah, as I said, the bond between parents and children isn’t like that….”
Josh clutched his chest in frustration, but Ken’s resolve remained unchanged.
“Moreover, revealing myself now wouldn’t be good for the marquis’s family either.”
Though he didn’t elaborate, Raul had a good idea of the situation, thanks to Kane’s detailed reconnaissance.
‘Some things need to be realized personally.’
No matter how much a third party interfered, it was meaningless if the person involved couldn’t find the answer.
“Alright, Ken can handle that matter as he sees fit. But stick to the promise we made.”
“Of course. I will follow the master’s orders.”
This trip to the marquis’s estate was not just about congratulating the marquis on his birthday. Raul needed the marquis’s cooperation to prepare for and prevent the kingdom’s impending civil war.
Though he had thoroughly prepared, Ken’s assistance was still necessary because of potential unforeseen circumstances.
‘I have a feeling something significant might happen at this celebration.’
The history of Connect, which Raul was familiar with, had already been significantly distorted. The nature of upcoming variables was unknown, making his presence at critical events essential.
‘No matter what happens, I’ll crush anything blocking my path.’
The time for caution was over. Each step he took now would carry the fate of not only himself but also countless followers. Determined to live up to their trust, he would proceed both prudently and boldly.
As Raul reaffirmed his resolve, the carriage continued toward Marquis Greer’s estate.
*
“We have arrived.”
As Kane’s voice announced their arrival, the carriage door opened. Raul stepped out to take in the view. Below the hill, the enormous three-tiered walls surrounding the estate and the endless expanse of blue ocean came into sight.
Despite the ongoing gate crisis, the sea was bustling with large and small sailing ships coming in and out of the port.
“This is the capital of the Marquis Greer, 『Port Dacia』?”
Just as Raul was about to admire the rare sight of the blue ocean,
“Oh, oh my! Is this the so-called ‘sea’? My goodness, how does so much water gather? What if it overflows?”
Josh, claiming to be a genius born inland, was making a fuss upon seeing the ocean for the first time. Dalton, also seeing the sea for the first time, gazed at Port Dacia with curious eyes.
“Master, I’ll go ahead and gather information. I’ll see you at the mansion this evening.”
“Alright, Kane. I’m counting on you.”
Kane bowed to Raul before turning to Josh.
“Josh, make sure to safeguard the master thoroughly.”
“Of course. Don’t worry. This Josh will ensure not a single hair on the master’s head is harmed!”
Kane gave a skeptical glance at the confident Josh before disappearing like a shadow.
“Now then, let me ensure the master’s utmost comfort and luxury! Think of this as a sightseeing trip and relax!” Josh exclaimed.
Raul and his party, who chuckled at Josh’s enthusiasm, boarded the carriage, and the twenty-strong armored user escort, led by Josh, headed confidently towards the city gates.
*
“Welcome. We will do our utmost to ensure your stay is comfortable.” said the welcoming attendant as Raul’s group arrived at the guest mansion provided by the Marquis.
Several servants were waiting by the mansion gate, bowing in unison as the carriage pulled up.
“Please convey my thanks to the marquis for his generous hospitality.”
“Understood, sir Baron.”
Historically, the Count Ashton’s family and Marquis Greer’s family had been on good terms. Located in the southwestern and southern regions of the kingdom respectively, their geographical proximity and similar temperaments of their heads of households had resulted in frequent interactions.
Though their relationship had cooled slightly due to the rebuilding efforts post-imperial war, they still maintained a friendly neighborly bond. After Raul had roughly unpacked, an interim butler approached him.
“The celebration is scheduled to be held in the mansion’s banquet hall in two days. Additionally, the marquis has conveyed that he would like you to visit him briefly this evening, if possible.”
“Is that so? Please inform him that I will visit after dinner.”
“Yes, and he also requested that you bring two of your guard knights with you.”
“I will do so.”
Though Raul was in disguise, it was natural that the marquis would see through it. Raul was well aware that an unseen shadow had always been watching over Ken, harbored at the consent of both parties.
“You heard that, Sir Ken? Make sure to prepare and join me this evening.”
“Ah, but wouldn’t it be better if Sir Dalton and Sir Josh went instead?”
Ken responded, visibly uneasy.
Raul smiled wryly at Ken’s discomfort.
“Sorry, but that’s not possible. Josh has another task to attend to. Right, Josh?”
“Exactly! Even though I desperately want to accompany the master, I have urgent tasks that I must handle first. Please ensure you take good care of the master in my stead.”
Josh replied, quick-wittedly turning Raul’s comments into an imaginary duty.
“See you later then.”
“M-Master, wait a moment….”
Ken’s face fell, but his plea was ignored by everyone.
(To be continued)