“Ho-ho. So, you’re Raul?”
“It’s a pleasure to meet you. I’m Raul de Ashton, the third son of the Count Ashton’s family and the lord of the First Estate.”
Marquis Fidel de Greer, whom Raul met for the first time, had a very strong impression. His sunburned bronze skin and white beard gave him a distinctly different feel from average nobles. At 58 years old, his body was a mass of muscle, exuding an overwhelming presence. Moreover, despite it being November and winter approaching, the marquis greeted Raul in a half-open short-sleeved shirt and tight shorts that clung to his lower body.
‘I think I understand why our families get along so well.’
Raul thought that if his eldest brother, Dylan, had come instead of him, the marquis’s laughter would have been even more hearty.
“I’ve heard stories about you stirring up the kingdom lately. Though I haven’t seen it myself, it sounds like quite the exhilarating tale. Hahaha.”
The marquis briefly spoke of the rumors about Raul in the kingdom, to which Raul responded modestly.
“So, how is your father? Since we’ve been isolated, I haven’t heard much news.”
“Thanks for your concern, he has greatly recovered and resumed his training.”
“That’s good to hear. We need strong-willed friends like him to keep this kingdom steady.”
It seemed Marquis Fidel and Count Melvin, Raul’s father, were quite close. Fidel reminisced about his younger days and adventures with Count Melvin before he inherited his family title.
“…I never imagined we wouldn’t see each other for this long. I hope we can arrange a get-together soon.”
“Understood. I will convey this to my father and coordinate a suitable time.”
“Good. You must have had a tiring journey. Please feel at home during your stay.”
“Thank you for your hospitality.”
As the conversation seemed to conclude, the marquis’s eyes momentarily shifted to the knights behind Raul.
“Are those your men?”
“Ah, apologies for the late introductions. They are my academy classmates and friends helping me out. Let me introduce them.”
“Greetings! Dalton de Templeton, senior Knight of the First Knight Order.”
“Oh, Templeton? Are you related to the Sword Sage?”
“He is my grandfather.”
“My, I didn’t recognize such a distinguished guest. The future of the duchy looks promising with you.”
The marquis patted Dalton on the shoulder, exchanging pleasantries.
Next was Ken.
“…I’m Ken. I hold the position of Senior Knight in the First Knight Order.”
“…I see.”
Ken and the marquis shared a brief eye contact before Ken averted his gaze slightly. The marquis hesitated for a moment before patting Ken’s shoulder a few times and slowly turned away.
“You have admirable friends. I hope you strive towards your dreams together.”
Thus concluded the meeting with the marquis.
*
“Do I really have to go out?”
Ken asked Raul, looking slightly disgruntled.
“Yes, you have to go.”
“Haah, you know my situation well. Must it really be this way?”
“Yep, it absolutely must.”
Raul grinned, appearing oblivious to Ken’s protest. For the first time, Ken found Raul’s demeanor quite irksome.
“You know this tournament isn’t just for friendly competition. What if things do turn out the way the rumors suggest?”
Since the territorial wars had halted, attention had shifted towards the marquis’s tournament. According to the information Kane gathered, besides Marquis McNeil’s and Count Randal’s families, many previously dormant powerful families had converged on the marquis’s estate for the birthday celebration and tournament. The reason was a circulating rumor:
The winner of this tournament could become the son-in-law of Marquis Greer.
In other words, they could marry the marquis’s only daughter, Kaylee (Ken). Although this had been confirmed as not entirely true, Marquis Greer stated, “I have never attached such a condition. However, if a tournament winner proves to be a worthy contender, I might consider them as a potential son-in-law.”
Within the marquis’s household, this rumor spread as almost a fact. Ken, upon hearing this, had furiously rejected the notion, saying, ‘That will never happen.’
But, as they say, no one can predict the future. How long she could keep hiding her identity and avoid the marquis’s family was anyone’s guess.
‘The marquis’s wife is certainly a problem.’
Marquis Greer had two wives. His first wife, the legitimate lady, bore him a son, Sean, and a daughter, Kaylee.
However, she passed away from illness when they were young. His current wife, the second marchioness, bore him two sons. The elder was Raul’s age at sixteen, while the younger was fourteen, set to reach adulthood next year.
The issue was that both brothers were subpar in qualities. Though physically gifted, they lacked patience and perseverance, failing to meet even the average accomplishments of their peers. Thus, when the eldest son Sean went missing, there were murmurs that Kaylee should inherit the marquisate instead.
It was likely that Kaylee’s concealment of her identity and running away were linked to this situation.
‘To think they’re still trying to marry off their daughter after all these years. Should I call it tenacious or just stubborn?’
According to Kane’s investigation, the source of the rumors was the marquis’s wife herself, probably aiming to remove obstacles that threatened her sons’ inheritance.
“Foolish move.”
“Excuse me?”
“No, just talking to myself.”
She didn’t realize that she might be bringing a wolf into the house. Even though the marquis would likely intervene, if such an event occurred, it would be a significant blow to their family’s reputation.
Just then, Ken spoke in a slightly sulky tone.
“If you’re that worried, why don’t you just participate yourself?”
“Uh? Me? That would be cheating. Besides, having you step forward would be a better look, don’t you think?”
Raul planned to use this tournament to reveal that the marquis’s lost spear techniques had been restored. If he presented them instead of Ken, a family member, it might create unnecessary complications.
However, Ken was not pleased with Raul’s response.
“Ah, you’re just too much!”
Ken stormed out, her face flushed with anger. Raul looked bewildered.
“Did I do something wrong? Did I tease her too much?”
Josh sighed deeply and remarked, “Haah, it seems even perfect people have flaws. Not understanding a woman’s heart means you’re living without knowing half the world. I’ll take my leave as well.”
With Josh also leaving the room, Raul scratched his head in confusion.
“What on earth was that about?”
*
The issue of Ken participating in the tournament was settled quickly the next day, due to the identities of some of the participants in the main tournament.
“Count Randal’s fourth son, haphael, has registered for the tournament.”
“Haphael? The same Haphael I know?”
“Yes, the one we met in Thurium.”
The qualifications for participating in the tournament were being under 30 years old and a Ruben Kingdom national. Preliminary rounds for general participants had been conducted earlier, and prestigious families in the kingdom had received direct entry recommendations for the finals.
“As far as I know, isn’t he already married?”
“Yes, he has two wives already.”
“What a scumbag.”
Raul cursed without realizing it. The head of the Randal household was said to have nearly ten wives and dozens of children, and it seemed the son was following in his father’s footsteps.
Furthermore, haphael had once faced humiliation at the hands of Raul’s eldest brother, Dylan, during the capital’s bloodline rebellion incident and had fled.
‘Who would have thought I’d meet him here again.’
“The McNeil Marquisate has fielded two participants, one of whom is Favian de McNeil.”
“Is that true?!”
Before Raul could even react, Ken shot up and shouted.
“Favian de McNeil, currently 24 years old. He is the youngest son of the current head, Marquis Clifford. He’s highly favored by his father. Notably, he was an academy classmate of Sean de Greer, the heir of the Greer Marquisate…”
“That’s enough. I know what type of person he is.”
“How… how could this be…!”
Ken clenched his fists, trembling with what could only be fury.
“This is way worse than Haphael; we’re dealing with a real villain here.”
Sometimes life feels stranger than fiction, and this was one of those moments. The man who had driven Ken’s brother Sean to his death was now shamelessly trying to claim Ken as well.
‘This is a plot right out of some third-rate drama.’
Favian might be participating in the tournament just for entertainment, all while mocking the unsuspecting family members for not realizing the cause of Sean’s demise.
“I will participate in the tournament.”
Ken’s growling voice echoed in the room.
“Well, that was the plan. …Just don’t kill him. This isn’t the place for that.”
Ken met Raul’s gaze and nodded quietly.
“And Sir Josh.”
“Yes, master.”
“I have also registered you for the tournament, so make sure you’re ready.”
“Oh, I get to participate as well? Leave it to me!”
Raul allocated the two entry slots given to the Count Ashton’s family to Ken and Josh. He had no intention of meddling in a children’s skirmish at this point, and a nagging premonition pushed him to stay close to the marquis. Additionally, having his knights gain fame was akin to elevating his own status.
‘This is going to be an interesting tournament.’
Raul’s eyes sparkled as he looked at his two knights, each projecting contrasting auras.
*
Before the tournament finals, a celebration banquet for Marquis Fidel’s birthday took place. The grand hall of the marquis’s castle was more than sufficient to accommodate hundreds of guests.
“I am Jeremiah, the second son of Baron Teln. A heartfelt congratulations on your birthday, Your Excellency!”
Representatives from various families approached the marquis, who was seated at the head of the hall, to offer their congratulations and gifts. Despite not having sent out specific invitations, numerous prestigious families had gathered, highlighting the marquis’s reputation.
Just as with any event, the greetings proceeded starting with families of lower ranks. It was clear that the value of the gifts might differ, and starting with expensive ones would burden the families presenting later.
‘It makes sense; the value of the gifts should increase gradually to avoid making the latecomers uncomfortable.’
Enjoying the banquet while observing rare treasures and specialties from various estates was an interesting experience. Raul’s turn soon came as the endless line progressed.
Raul, accompanied by Josh, who carried the gift, walked to the center of the hall.
“Representing the First Viscountcy and Count Ashton’s family, I, Raul de Ashton, extend my sincerest congratulations on your birthday, Your Excellency.”
After some brief pleasantries, Raul’s gift was revealed.
Click.
A splendid box opened to reveal a collapsible trident.
“Oh, what is this?”
“It is a specially crafted trident, commissioned from our family artisans. It’s made from a blend of Armored Scorpion tail from the Gates, mithril, and red steel.”
Raul picked up the central trident shaft and gently infused it with mana, causing the disassembled trident to automatically merge into a single weapon. The combined trident emitted a faint blue aura, garnering everyone’s attention.
“It carries a faint water affinity, making it a fitting weapon for a household that borders the sea.”
Handing the two-handed trident to the marquis, Raul watched as Marquis Fidel admired it with an impressed expression.
“This is magnificent. Truly a masterpiece.”
The fact that it represented the marquis’s symbol, the trident, made it even more appealing to him.
Raul then quietly approached the marquis and whispered, “The real gift will be presented after the tournament.”
The marquis seemed puzzled but couldn’t inquire further due to the ongoing event.
‘He’ll be quite surprised.’
The real gift Raul had prepared was actually a portion of the lost spear techniques of the marquis’s family.
(To be continued)