◈ Chapter 31 - 7-My Friendly Hometown
*
From the moment I could remember, I had been wandering the streets of Octantium.
That's how Helga described her childhood.
It is said that he was raised by a criminal organization that uses children to make money.
Under a large gangster with a long scar from a knife on his face, he spent all day begging and selling miscellaneous items on the streets, mistaking him for his father.
At that time, he had many younger siblings whose names he did not know, and Runea was one of them.
"Then one day, the security forces came in. Soldiers are basically lazy and don't move well, so those stupid gangsters at the time must have touched something they shouldn't have touched."
The criminal organization disintegrates, and orphans who have nowhere to go flow into orphanages run by the religious order.
There, Helga and Runea learn from the priest that they have an aptitude for Mana.
After that, he joined the Order and rose through the ranks of initiate and squire to become a Knight of the Holy Cross.
In the clattering carriage, I listened to Helga, who was sitting across from me.
"...Is that the limit to what you can tell me?"
"That's it for now. I'm sorry."
"Does your father know all about this?"
"You know everything that Bjern doesn't know."
Those unknown facts may include why a popular Knight of the Holy Cross became an undercover member of the empire, and what happened to him to come to the North.
"You shamelessly deceived me. You said you could become stronger after seeing me grow up?"
"The way to become stronger is not just to increase your dantian."
"Could it have been because you were always hiding around me that you surprised me by appearing at an unexpected time?"
"That's not true. It was after the exams were over that I started following Bjorn in earnest."
Well, if I had followed him before then, there was no way he would have known about the opportunity I had gained.
At least Helga was telling me the truth now.
Still, I couldn't help but say harsh words.
"He said he was busy with his work as a senior engineer, so it looks like he has the energy to use it to follow me."
"It was Kanniel's order."
"...Is it."
The knight followed his lord's orders.
I wasn't narrow-minded enough to criticize that.
Thanks to Helga, we were able to protect Mion, so let's move on.
At the same time, she was not in a very happy mood, as it seemed like she was forcing herself to have a reason to swallow her bitter feelings.
"But you promised Runea in your name that you would hand over the saint. What are you going to do if I don't send the saint?"
"What value is my name? Lunea will hate herself for being swayed by personal emotions. Now she knows for sure where I belong."
"Is that okay? We're close friends, right?"
"We grew up like half siblings. But shouldn't we keep a strict distinction between public life and life?"
"No, I can't tell."
"Yes?"
It won't work.
She was so grumpy that it was hard to bear it.
I threatened Helga, lowering her voice.
"Sir Helga Sentle, you have kept her father's command, but you have betrayed my trust. So prove your loyalty to me."
"How can I prove it?"
Helga adjusted her posture and waited for her lips to move.
Gulp.
The sound of Mion swallowing his saliva, who was sitting next to her and watching the situation, was the only sound that broke the silence of the carriage.
I clearly and clearly presented the only way to regain his trust.
"Tell me of the great evil that Runea committed against His Majesty that day."
"...Is that what you were so curious about?"
"Yes! I can't help it. So hurry up and say it!"
I looked at Helga like a grandson waiting for his grandmother to tell an interesting story, crossing her fingers.
Surely my eyes would shine brightly like stars in the night sky.
"Runea took hold of her sword. From that moment on, she lived only looking forward to inherit the sword castle. Her relationships with the opposite sex took a backseat. Her Majesty made a strong impression on her. "I would have approached you."
"Ah, I have heard a rumor that Your Majesty has truly outstanding eyesight."
"There was a time when Her Majesty had to hide herself without a servant for a while during an unfortunate time before her ascension to the throne. At that time, Runea volunteered to help Her Majesty."
The unfortunate incident Helga is talking about refers to an incident in which the former emperor suddenly died unexpectedly, and the evil woman who was her concubine at the time staged a rebellion using her second prince.
Because it happened so suddenly, His Majesty, who was the crown prince at the time, was trapped in the imperial palace and was in danger of death.
At that time, his sister, the eldest princess, changed her clothes to protect her majesty, disguised as her crown prince, and died instead.
This is where the term 'cross-dressing emperor', used to mock His Majesty, comes from.
In any case, His Majesty, whose life was saved by his sister, stayed outside the palace for a while and suppressed the rebellion.
It seems like it happened in that short period of time.
"So? What on earth did Runea do?"
"You have to keep a secret?"
Helga, who kept her lips on and off for a while, was unable to withstand her lively eyes and ended up exposing Runea's long-standing secrets.
"Lunea caught me holding her majesty's underwear and sniffing her."
"Phew! That Runea?!"
Who is Runea Van Hoss?
In the original work, he was Mion's teacher and the hope of humanity that protected humanity until the saint appeared.
A female leader who led the Knights of the Holy Cross and struggled desperately with the devil.
Her soldiers who saw her on the battlefield praised her for her bravery, her strength, and her beauty.
But she was an 'Oxstantium panty thief'.
It felt like my fantasy was shattered.
Haha! It didn't look like that at all!]
She couldn't hold back her laughter as she rolled around in the air.
"Kkeukkeuk, this is definitely a secret worth giving up on becoming a saint."
I wondered what on earth she had done because she so coolly followed her and ran away, but if it was something like this, I could understand it.
"Has my loyalty been proven to this extent?"
"I proved it! I actually want to give it a reward."
"I feel a little sorry for Runea. She's still like my little sister, so I wanted to protect her..."
"Don't worry. What am I going to do with Lord Lunea Van Horse's secret?"
No matter what you do, you have to be tortured to death.
I'm already looking forward to meeting her again.
"Now then, since I have something to say alone with the saint, will you please leave the carriage?"
"All right."
I let Helga out of the carriage and faced Mion.
I had a lot to say to this kid.
What a saint is, what situation you are in now, how you should act in the future...
But rather than that, let me ask what I am curious about right now.
"Can you see Jin?"
When Jin rolled around after hearing her Runea's secret, I saw Mion's eyes follow her movements.
Mion seemed to be trying to understand what I meant.
"Are you talking about the fireball flying next to Bjorn?"
"Okay. Jin, I see you. Why don't you introduce yourself to the saint?"
[What, can you really see me?! I guess he is a saint?]
"Yes, I can see it. But if Jin is the legendary god?!"
[Okay! I am the Jinn of Flame! As for me, I am in charge of circulation and extinction...]
Seeing how he understands Jin's endless boasts, it seems like he not only sees him but also hears his voice.
Indeed, it is not the person chosen by the Holy Sword who becomes a saint, but the person who can feel the presence of God is chosen by the Holy Sword.
"As you can see, just as you were chosen by the Lord, I was also chosen by the Flame Jinn."
[I never chose you?]
Jin sarcastically spoke in a tone that made it seem like he would open one of his eyes with his hand and stick out his tongue if he had a body.
"Then let's assume Hwajeong chose me. Honestly, you're just a shell and useless, right?"
[Hey, you son of a bitch! Is that something you would spit out in God's face?!]
"Well, the point is that you are not the only one who is special. So I have no intention of giving you special treatment. If you wanted something like that, you should have joined the Knights of the Holy Cross."
"..."
"Instead, I plan to treat you person to person. If I want something from you, I will ask for your understanding and persuade you, and if you refuse, I will not force you to take it. And vice versa."
"To be honest, it still doesn't feel real to me. I'm a saint, and I'm going to Stemwind in a carriage with De Jeevitz."
Mion didn't seem to realize that she was a saint yet.
I understand.
To him, who was a commoner until recently, a saint is a hero from legends.
You will feel a sense of disconnection from yourself.
But then I can't take care of you.
Do you think you should stop the devil so that I don't go out and drink alcohol?
"You'll get used to it soon, I promise."
Don't worry, even if you can't adapt, I'll make you do it.
If you follow me for a few years, you will become more saintly than any other saint in history.
Mion trembled briefly, as if he sensed his own future.
"I see. Thank you."
"Okay then, let's get to the point. There are a few things you need to know before heading to Stemwind."
◈ Chapter 32 - 7-My Friendly Hometown
I spoke about the final meeting currently taking place in Stemwind, the circumstances of the De Jeviets family, and my position within the family.
Mion, who was far from aristocratic society, often looked at me with an expression that was difficult to understand.
"So, you are saying that you are trying to purge the eldest son, de Jeviets, because he is a member of the imperial family and has the potential to hand over the kingdom to the empire?"
"Yes, on the other hand, Aidan is of Haenrel family blood, so if he is chosen as the successor, he will definitely be able to stabilize the kingdom."
The next most powerful and dangerous family after the De Jeevitz family was Haenrell.
If Aidan was confirmed as the successor, it would have been a satisfactory result for both the De Jeviec and Haenrell families, as well as the North.
Mion asked me back as if he couldn't understand no matter how much he thought about it.
"But isn't that strange? As far as I know, the De Jevitz family has already married several princesses and princesses. But I don't think there has ever been any trouble over the succession issue."
"Well, that's true. But times have changed."
I explained it as kindly as possible so that Mion could understand.
"The power of the empire has become much stronger than in the past, and they no longer want the North to go astray. They are determined to eliminate the latter country. Using that, the Haenrell family is siding with the imperial family and putting pressure on the De Jeevitz family."
Make Aidan your successor.
Otherwise, I will break away from my kingdom and join the empire.
The Haenrell family is threatening the De Jeevitz family like that.
"That can't be possible!"
"The King of the North must win over Haen Rel's family to his side in order to protect his kingdom. That is why he wants to marry Haen Rel's daughter and make her child her successor."
"That means that the marquis will definitely..."
"You are sacrificing a cow for the greater good. I think your political insight is excellent. The problem is that I am the 'cow' who is being sacrificed."
Of course, the story does not proceed as Kanniel intended.
That's not to say that Canniel's political judgment is trash.
The problem was that the Haenrel family had gone crazy.
"I don't plan on sitting back and letting it happen to me either. I'm going to make a big deal out of this meeting. To do that, I need your help, Mion."
"My help? What can I do?"
"You must completely hide your existence. We have thoroughly cracked down on knights joining, but it is only a temporary measure. Soon, all nobles with sharp ears will notice. We must delay that moment even just a little."
This is an absolute prerequisite for my plan to come true.
The moment the saint comes out, the succession battle that I managed to surface will be completely over, and if that happens, no one will be interested even if Canniel changes it to whatever he wants.
Now, as much as possible, attention should be focused on the succession battle rather than on sainthood.
The situation went crazy due to Lunea's trolling.
Even if this panty thief didn't have a fit when she saw the saint, it wouldn't have gotten to this point.
If I had just calmly known that he was a saint, I would have been able to take Mion in more ways.
Shouting on the street that a saint had been born was something that could not be rationally understood.
Mion said, nodding her head.
"I think I can do that."
It was my first time hearing Mion's confident tone.
'Well, if that's the case, I can do it too.' I could just read his thoughts on his face.
Judging from the looks of it, it seems like he thinks he can just keep his mouth shut.
Well, is that really the case?
I felt like I was going to burst out laughing at Mion's future fate.
Jin, who realized that I was planning something, sighed softly.
Before Jin could finish sighing, her carriage slowed down.
It was a time when the horses were so rough that it could be heard inside the carriage.
As the sound of the horse's hooves clattered, I looked out the window.
From a distance, I could see the old castle built into the hill and the brick houses gathered around it.
I mumbled involuntarily at the disgustingly familiar scenery.
"Stemwind..."
When I returned home after a long time, my hometown was still welcoming me in the same place.
However, it was strangely more lively than the Stemwind I remembered.
The road was crowded with people, and merchants were setting up shop next to the originally empty road.
People wearing clocks with symbols I had never seen before were also seen here and there.
The once quiet square was filled with merchants raising their voices to promote their products, bards playing unknown instruments, and city street performers performing in circuses.
The smell of alcohol and meat, which is difficult to smell normally, and the dancing of the women who took off their clocks despite the falling ash were also worth seeing.
It seems that when a lot of people gather, they want to do something.
Whether it's a fight, boasting, or a festival.
But what these people don't know is that this is the last moment in the North where they can smile without worry.
Last meeting.
The moment that decided the fate of the North had come to Stemwind.
"This is my first time seeing such an incredibly huge building!"
Barton's jaw dropped when he saw the true nature of the De Jeevitz family.
This is understandable, because the main palace used by the De Jeevitz family was also the palace of the old kingdom built by the first king.
During the Revolution, the symbol of the old kingdom was torn apart by angry farmers and most of the annex palaces were demolished, but its grandeur remained and is still established as a symbol of the north.
"I have been waiting for you, Bjorn de Jeviets. The Marquis has ordered you to come to the great hall."
As soon as we arrived at the De Jeevitz family headquarters and got out of the carriage, the servant said to me:
It was Purim where no consideration was found.
At any rate, he must be planning to weaken my position by making me tell the story of my failure in the entrance exam in front of the nobles gathered in the great hall.
The obvious trick made me feel like I was back in my hometown.
Amber couldn't stand the gap and sarcastically said.
"Do you love Bjorn so much that you call me as soon as you arrive?"
"Ember, stop making lame jokes and come with Barton. Helga, cover Mion's face with a cloak and take him to my room. And make sure no one comes in until I get there."
Helga nodded her head briefly and unlocked Mion's clock.
The gamble with Canniel de Jeevitz, with my life and the fate of the North at stake, had begun.
Faced directly with the beam of light leaking through the gap in the door of the great hall, I hastened my steps.
*
The inside of the great hall was filled with faces I had never seen before.
But it wasn't that difficult to figure out who they were.
No northerner would be able to recognize the family emblem decorated on the clock.
There are three counts in the North.
Count Haenrell, the second most powerful person after the De Jeevitz family.
Count Soran, who swears absolute loyalty to the De Jeevitz family.
And Count Yak Hok, famous for his violent temper.
However, although all three would have been invited, Count Haenrel was not in the great hall.
Instead, at the head table where the vassals of the Haenrell family were located, sitting the Haenrel family's maid and my stepmother, Eileen de Jevietz.
It was obvious on her face that she was in a difficult situation.
When I opened the door to the great hall and entered, everyone in the great hall glared at me.
"Is that kid your Excellency's eldest son? Did he cheat on the entrance exam and fail?"
It was Count Yakhok who spoke to Kanniel, who was sitting at the head table.
He was wearing a fur vest with a wolf's face on it, showing off his thick forearms.
With a long beard and brown hair slicked back to reveal his forehead, his appearance seemed to be somewhere between a Viking and a Dwarf.
The land ruled by the Yakhog family was where the infamous Keldarin fortress was located.
It is said that in order to protect the territory from frequent monster invasions, the Yak Hump Spirit has been ruled by a tough leader for generations.
The same was true for this generation's Count Yakhok.
Canniel spoke in an indifferent tone, without showing his emotions on his face.
"That's right. It's a shame, but I am the one who carries on the name of the De Jeevitz family."
Haha! That's right! After all that effort, the child has gone astray, hasn't he? It looks like he's been spreading false rumors. Would you use it if the child who will lead the North in the future is already thinking of deceiving others like this?"
Canniel's brows gathered at Count Yakhok's words.
Either way, he poured the drink in front of him down his throat in one go and got up.
The chair he was sitting on fell back, leaving a brief noise in the quiet great hall.
"You arrogant bastard. Not only did you fail the entrance exam and tarnish the name of the De Jevietz family, you deceived the people with false rumors."
Every time Count Yakhok moved, the floor screamed.
"You fought against Kwarha? The Great Demon of Plague, who built a temple of corruption out of skin and made rivers flow out of pus? And then you came back alive? Where are you trying to mock the North?"
"I have a witness."
"Witnesses?! If I tell you that the eldest son of the De Jeviets peed his pants, how many witnesses do you think there will be?!"
Yakhok scolded me and pushed me away.
It was still difficult to determine whether he was simply vicious in nature, as rumored, or if he was after something.
I stopped Amber from stepping in front of me and looked at her.
"Then how can I prove it?"
"Hmph! Can you prove it? Okay, from the looks of it, the rumor that you have a talent for swordsmanship is also false. If you defeat my guard knight, I will admit that the rumor is true."
Count Yak Hok beckoned, and a knight approached me with a frown on his face.
"This guy is a low-ranking Sword Expert. Rumor has it that you are also a low-ranking one, so give it a try and win! However, if you lose, you will have to kneel here and apologize for mocking the North!"
Indeed, it was clear what Count Yakhok was aiming for.
I accepted Count Yakhok's offer.
"If only I could prove my innocence with that."
"I like the distribution. Hey, make room!"
◈ Chapter 33 - 7-My Friendly Hometown
The great hall was large enough for two knights to engage in martial arts.
However, some time was needed for preparation.
I asked Amber and Barton who were close by to escort me.
"What do you think of the situation in the North? Do you feel anything?"
"Now do I have to feel in the North, where I am not of the opposite sex? I guess that would be a bit difficult."
"Ugh, shit."
When she regained her dazed senses and glared at Amber, she declared the series of events taking place in the Great Hall.
"Fuck, I don't think any further evaluation is necessary."
"What is the basis for that judgment?"
"The Marquis de Jeviet has lost his confidence. The proof is that Count Haenrell did not attend the meeting and Count Jaquehog is not able to say a word even though he is being so unruly."
"I feel the same way. Even I, who am not a noble, feel that way, so there is no need to say more."
No matter how much of a feudal system it was, Yakhok's behavior was not something that should be seen in front of the head of the kingdom to which he had sworn allegiance.
I nodded and continued speaking as Barton added.
"You both know the purpose of this meeting, right?"
"Now that the devil's invasion has become apparent, aren't you trying to find a solution?"
Amber's summary was accurate.
Canniel de Jeevitz wanted to improve the constitution of the North to prepare for the war against the devil.
There were many discussions on various aspects, including expansion of military budget, maintenance of military stations, and securing tax revenue.
It was a story worth telling now that the temperature was dropping and the devil's southward advance was certain.
At the same time, it also expanded the influence of the de Jeevitz family.
"So do you think this meeting can achieve that goal?"
"Wouldn't it be difficult since Count Haenrel was absent?"
I looked at Eileen de Jewicz, who was sitting in the seat where Count Haenrell should have been.
The pale skin, originally a symbol of the Aryan people, looked particularly blue today.
Her green eyes were seeing something, but it seemed like she had lost her bearings and was out of focus.
Well, I understand.
Eileen is currently being forced to make a political sacrifice by Count Haenrel.
I'm sure Count Haenrell made it happen with the bullshit that 'there is a child from a family that entered into a marriage relationship with the De Jeviets family, so that child will represent the Haenrell family.'
Without giving any authority.
She set up her children, who inherited the Djeevitz family name, as her shield and prevented them from doing this or that.
It was a cruel tactic that would make even Kanniel de Jeevitz cry.
In any case, it was not a hopeless situation for me.
Amber seems to have noticed that too.
"Still, it looks like the rice cake sprinkled on it did its job."
"I don't know if the fish hook will bite. Now I have to go check."
The stage is ready, so it's time for the actors to go up.
The driver I faced glared at me with an excited expression.
Is it joy that she has the opportunity to put pressure on the Djeritz family, or is it confidence that she can prove her own skills?
Either way, it will be difficult to achieve.
"Arken Konta of the Red Basilisk Knights, may I beat up the lying master?"
"How long have you been in charge of Count Yakhok's guard?"
The idiot named Arken tilted his head at the unexpected question.
"It's been a little less than a year. Why do you ask that?"
"Then you must be the youngest of the guards. It must have been a while since you became a Sword Expert. Right?"
The idiot knight nodded briefly instead of answering.
With that, I was able to read Count Yakhok's numbers clearly.
I chose a child whose reputation would not be tarnished even if he lost.
Being taken advantage of doesn't suit my temperament, but I can't help it.
I spoke as if declaring to the knight I was facing.
"Five sum."
"Yes?"
"Originally, I was planning to kill you with just one sum, but then the vassals who live in isolation from swordsmanship will suspect that I have used a dirty trick. So, I am trying to provide something to see for the audience who are not familiar with swordsmanship."
I spoke slowly, as if making a declaration.
"I will shatter your sword within five sums."
The idiot knight snorted.
"Haha, did you earn the reputation of a swordsman genius with such bravado? Even though you are a low-ranking sword expert as rumored, how can you cut my sword, which is of the same level, for five sums?"
"The rumors are wrong."
"That's right. A low-ranking sword expert at that age..."
"I am intermediate. And I can destroy your sword with five swords combined."
The idiot knight pulled out his sword and plucked his ear as if he was no longer worthy of listening.
The sword aura settled smoothly over the sword body.
The auror clearly belonged to a sword expert.
[I know your skills are superior to that knight, but how do you cut the sword of a knight wearing a sword aura within five sums?]
Jin's concerns were valid.
Even if I was an intermediate level, it was absurd for me to be able to cut the sword of a knight of similar level in less than five rounds.
Wouldn't it be great if the sword was wrapped in the pure magic of Hwajeong?
That too was currently impossible.
But I keep forgetting that my setting is a swordsman genius?
'Well, you'll see it soon, so just wait patiently.'
I grabbed the handle of the sword with a leather strap tied in a knot and wrapped it around Mana.
Then, laughter broke out everywhere.
"Well, the Sword Expert's Sword Aurorchi... It's swinging around too much."
Arken looked like he didn't know how to react anymore.
This is because the sword aura flowing through my sword body was shaking as if it belonged to a sword user.
Haha! It looks like our young master is surrounded by nothing but pampered people! So I guess he mistakenly thought he was a sword expert!"
"That's right! Even at the age of 15, I thought becoming a sword expert made no sense!"
Ridicule leaked from everywhere, regardless of affiliation.
The Yakhok family laughed arrogantly first.
The Sorang family followed suit and said a few words.
The Haenrel family only had a smile on their faces.
But they didn't know.
The vassals of the De Jeevitz family did not laugh along.
"It's the sum of one first."
"So, bluff..., Ugh?!"
The moment sword and sword met, Arken must have sensed something was wrong.
The moaning that came out was the proof.
"Whoops! This is ridiculous!"
At the second encounter, Arken could not hide his embarrassed expression.
Originally, a sword user's aura should have been damaged by its sharpness as soon as it came into contact with an expert's aura.
However, it was Arken who was ruined.
"A knighted person looks down on the level of the opponent he is facing and does not look at the sword auror properly. Are your eyes hollow?"
A person who has reached the level of Sword Expert uses his magical power more precisely and delicately.
The sword aura attached to the blade was proof.
By condensing magical power without wasting it, it was stronger than that of a sword user and could be maintained for a long time.
That meant that if you gave up delicacy and durability, you could use incredible auras, even if only for a moment.
As long as we can take into account that the Aurors are somewhat fluctuating.
So when the third sum was exchanged, no one in the great hall laughed at me.
Even if you were not skilled in swordsmanship, it was clear who was being pushed behind.
"In a short-term combat situation such as a duel, if you have an advantage in mana reserves, you can use this move. Did you study?"
"A knight would use such deceptive tactics! Don't you think it's mean?!"
"I'm not a knight, am I? I failed the entrance exam. And did I make it clear? I'm a sword expert. It's my fault for mistaking that."
"Wow! How shameless!"
Arken had a lot of things he wanted to say, but he seemed to be forced to swallow them as he knelt before the shackles of his status.
"Hmm! Indeed, it wasn't just a rumor. But even if I lose, I won't be able to shatter my sword within the remaining two sums."
Because my pride won't allow it.
Arken spoke quietly and breathed mana into his sword.
His smooth sword body trembled like the aura of a sword user.
Arken's judgment was not bad.
If your opponent uses aurors excessively, you can do the same accordingly.
But there was one thing he failed to consider.
Ta-ta-tat, the moment Aura and Aura touched, light bounced like welding.
The mana that had been hit ignorantly for the sole purpose of firepower tangled together and released waves of air around the area.
"What are you going to do?! There's only one left left! My sword hasn't even cracked yet!"
"Stupid, it's not me who shatters your sword, it's you."
Arken desperately blocked the fifth sum that followed the fourth sum.
At that time, Arken would have realized the meaning of what I said.
What effect does overpowering aura have on the sword, something I've never tried before?
-Kakakat!
The sword, which could not withstand Arken's magic, shattered like glass.
"W-what?! Did you really expect me to spend too much mana to protect the sword?"
"For that, you said you would shatter your sword within five sums. Do you think it was a self-fulfilling prophecy?"
When my well-groomed Sword Auror touched Arken's neck, the words he could say were decided.
"...It's my defeat."
I walked through the quiet great hall, dozens of rolling eyes watching the sparring match between winners and losers, and the alcohol and meat cooling down.
At the end of the steps stood Count Yakhok.
"I came to get what I promised."
Haha! Yes, make sure to get the loot!"
With a loud laugh, Count Yakhok placed his hand on my shoulder and shouted:
"I, Pahyul Jakhok, hereby certify with my name that there is not an iota of truth in the rumors about Björn de Jevič! From now on, if you want to question those rumors, you will have to fight me!"
Yakhok shouted coolly, as if he had wanted to make this declaration from the beginning.
His voice was booming, and as he shouted, spittle flew out and formed on his beard.
"Thank you for your consideration."
I thanked him in a low voice that only Count Yakhok could hear.
Yakkuk whispered in my ear in a soft voice, different from his harsh cries.
"Kid, I helped you, so I'll get some in return."
"We'll talk about it later."
They say he has a vicious temperament, but you can't trust rumors from the public.
There is no other snake wearing a bear mask.
Still, the harvest is great.
I thought at most a viscount or a baron would contact me, but it turned out to be Count Yakhok.
The rice cakes sprinkled brought about even greater results.
Looking over Count Jakhok's arm around my shoulder, I saw Canniel de Jeevitz.
He was looking down at the great hall without showing any emotion on his face.
The person sitting at the head of the table is my hated enemy.
The one who will lead me to death.
Master of the North and Swordmaster Canniel de Jeevitz.
But he probably didn't know either.
Who would have thought that the aftermath of the entrance exam would pour down on him like waves like this.
The blade of my sword aimed at him drew the first trajectory.
I spoke to Canniel de Jevietz.
"Father, I, Bjorn de Jevietz, have returned from the lighthouse village. I apologize for not being able to greet you right away because there was a bit of a commotion. I heard you were looking for me."
◈ Chapter 34 - 7-My Friendly Hometown
"Yes, I urgently called you because there is an urgent matter. Since the matter is urgent, we will conclude today's meeting at this point."
The nobles who had filled the great hall flowed out like the ebb.
Only after sending Eileen out did Canniel come down from the head table.
"I heard that a saint appeared. Is this true?"
Ah, was it that way?
So I told Eileen to go out too.
Although they stopped the Knights of the Human Lighthouse from joining, they probably couldn't hide it from Kanniel.
"Yes. Sir Runea Van Hoss, Vice-Captain of the Knights of the Holy Cross, has personally declared it. I have currently ordered Lord Sentle to stay in my room."
"The Knights of the Holy Cross would not have easily retreated and left the saint behind."
"The person who became a saint was the child I personally adopted as a companion on the way to the lighthouse village. Although there were a few conditions, we decided to take him in until His Majesty sent an official letter."
Khan Niel slowly stroked his chin.
"What are the conditions?"
"The plan was to hide the fact that the saint was born until His Majesty sent an official letter, and to cooperate as much as possible so that the saint could safely go to Octantium after the official letter was sent."
It's okay to use the birth of a saint politically, but don't try to keep it to yourself.
Do not even entertain the thought of using a saint.
I answered Lunea's requirements as best as I could.
Even if this happens, Kanniel will understand.
"A saint is a double-edged sword. You know that if anything happens while serving a saint, our family will have to bear the blame."
"I intend to serve you with all my heart until His Majesty's official letter comes. That's why..."
I trailed off and then stated my requirements.
"To prevent unpleasant incidents, we need trustworthy people. I would like to organize a knight corps that I can personally command."
"The saint will be protected by the elite knights of the Lighthouse of Humanity. It is not your job."
I was distracted by Kanniel's words.
"Father, can you trust the elite knights of the Lighthouse of Humanity?"
"Are you saying there are some of my knights who are disloyal?"
Kanniel's words were calm and without any pitch, but the meaning behind them was to be careful about your next words.
I tilted my head and spoke to Canniel.
"The lighthouse captain of the lighthouse village showed me my father's letter. I think the content of the letter was to make sure there are no problems with my entrance exam."
"..."
"Would there be one or two such disloyal people in the Lighthouse of Humanity? On the contrary, do you trust me less than the elite knights of the Lighthouse of Humanity, father?"
I'm sorry to Lord Ragnar, but from the moment you showed me the letter, you already crossed an irreversible river.
If I tell Kanniel like this, his options will be narrowed down to me.
If you find a weakness and don't take advantage of it, that's stupid.
It was some time later that Canniel's lips parted.
"Then?"
"Yes?"
"Then what are you going to do? What are you going to do? Are you going to challenge me with that sword?"
Mana spread like a haze from Kanniel's body.
I was suffocated by the Sword Master's intimidation.
"You arrogant bastard. You're acting like you've caught a weakness just by reading that letter. That's right, I interrupted your entrance exam. So are you planning on rebelling?"
As far as I know, Canniel was the best at saying sharp words without emotion.
The only thing that could read his emotions was the mana that was fluctuating and pressing against me.
If I wanted to use mana, I could.
With self-defense, you can push away Kanniel's mana and protect yourself.
But it didn't.
Because it is still time to move on, and because there is something I want from Canniel.
"I don't mean to rebel...But, Your Excellency, is there anyone in the North you can trust as much as me?"
"Where does that faith come from?"
"It comes from the blood. It's thicker than water, and so they attract each other."
That's why you can be more cruel than others.
Kanniel collected the mana that was overflowing in the great hall.
"Assemble a cavalry unit of trustworthy people to assist the saint. Mistakes will not be tolerated."
"Thank you."
Show respect by gently pulling his chin.
The hatred and contempt at the end of that vain act. And can Kanniel be able to read the desperate desire for revenge?
Canniel added a word to me as I left the great hall.
"But half of your blood belongs to the royal family. Don't think about fooling around."
Then of course.
I have no intention of doing anything to you with the power of the imperial family.
Because I will personally crush you.
*
Outside the great hall, Amber and Barton were waiting.
"Count Yakhok..."
"Stop."
I covered Barton's mouth.
"There are many ears listening. Here, a word or a gesture could cost you your life. Follow me quietly."
He quickly stomped his feet and headed towards my room.
Standing at the door were the senior knight of the Human Lighthouse, Helga Sentle, and the head maid.
Helga, who had been yawning profusely, stretched when she saw me.
"Bjorn, you arrived faster than I thought."
"Thank you for your hard work. Come into my room and we can talk."
"Now, wait! Wait a minute! Is this the door to the room?"
Amber's eyes widened.
It makes sense, because each door will be about 2m wide and 3.5m high.
When I was young, it was difficult to open it by myself.
"Is this a black oak tree? The griffin is even decorated with the symbol of the Lighthouse of Humanity engraved on it. If you tear off just one door, a commoner can live intoxicated for three months."
"Why are you having such trouble with the door?"
When she opened the door and entered, Amber's jaw felt like it would drop.
"Is this Bjorn's room?! Are you using it alone?"
"Are there people who share their room with others?"
"Isn't this the entire western section of the first floor of this huge castle to yourself?"
"Is this the life of a nobleman? Oh my God. How can it be this luxurious!"
Amber muttered, looking around her room as if she were possessed by something.
It seemed like Amber's eccentricity and her hatred of nobility were rising.
The muttering that started with 'People outside the castle are worried about food even if they work all day' continued with 'How can we understand and govern the common people when they live like this?'
I cleared my throat because I felt like I was going to shout 'Let's stab all the nobles to death!' Any moment soon.
"To be exact, this is the master room of this castle. However, since my mother passed away, my father has not used this place, and I have it all to myself."
"Oh my god. How many rooms are there in the room?"
"This is the first time I've seen ceramics like this since my hair has grown! How can they have such a mysterious color?"
These people don't even listen to me.
What would I do if I sighed? I shot myself in the foot.
As Amber and Barton were walking around and looking around for a while, Mion, who had arrived first, came out to meet them.
"Monsieur de Jeviets! Monsieur de Jeviets!"
"Why, did you want to start a revolution when you saw this room?"
"No, that's not true, I'm sorry! I touched something and it shattered."
"Mion, what do you mean?"
Are you already putting material shackles on yourself because you want to somehow come under me?
Even though she's a child, she's too quick to make an accident!
"Well, something black was coming out of it, so I touched it with my hand and it shattered."
"...Please bring that item."
What Mion brought was a small piece of a vase.
An item that the maids always take care of and change every time, so you don't have to worry about it.
No matter how much I turned it, to my eyes it was just an ordinary piece of glass.
"Mion, let me teach you something about becoming a saint."
I told Mion why the saint was so feared by the devil.
"A saint can sense the power of the devil and has the ability to eliminate it at the same time."
"Yes?"
"The black energy in the vase must be the power of the devil. The moment it touches you, the black energy disappears and the vase breaks, which is proof of this. Someone serving the devil was playing a prank on me."
This is why the saint is the devil's natural enemy.
No matter how powerful the devil is, he cannot have any influence on the saint.
It is unlikely that the rumor that a saint was born has already spread throughout the Devil Church.
Rather than that, it would be more appropriate to judge that I was checking to see if the true flame was really with me.
The moment the vase breaks, the demon cultists will think that Jin helped me.
Jin, who had been wandering around the glass pieces for a while, said.
[It's probably a listening device. The Devil Cult guys are already watching you.]
"No matter how much of the devil's power you borrow, if it's this big, the eavesdropping distance won't be that long. The culprit will be inside this castle. Jin, can you track him down?"
[It's impossible. Now I have no anger or body. It's difficult to stay more than a certain distance away from you.]
"You seem like a useless god. Isn't there anything useful other than tits!"
[Please enter my realm once more. This time, I'll even burn your bones!]
I asked Mion, who looked at the glowing Jin and didn't know what to do.
"Are there any other objects besides this vase that give you a similar feeling?"
"I didn't look closely, but at least I can't feel anything in this room."
"Okay. Everyone gather around."
We created a circle in the living room with chairs and tables brought in from all over.
Six people gathered in this space: me, Helga Sentle, Ember Cutter, Barton Wigner, Mion, and Jin of Flame.
"First of all, I have something to tell you. I was given permission by the Marquis to form a separate knight corps under the pretext of assisting the saint. As of now, the members here have been assigned to my knight corps."
"Yes? Me too?"
"Yes, Sir Helga Sentle. Please put aside your duties as senior knight and focus on serving as my assistant."
"You're not the saint's helper?"
"The words came out in vain."
I was thirsty, so I called the head maid standing outside the door.
"Nanny, bring me a bottle."
"What would you like to get you today?"
"It's a southeastern specialty and a regular drink in the Queer region."
Helga touched her forehead at the mention of a baby bottle, and Amber and Barton tilted their heads.
"It's okay for an aristocrat to have an unusual taste or two, but isn't it a shame that you haven't been able to wean the bottle yet?"
"Men suck on bottles their whole lives."
"More than that, the Queer region is not famous for milk..."
Soon, Amber and Barton also hit their foreheads at the 'baby bottle' brought by the head maid.
"Ah, it was alcohol. How far have you gone astray at that age? How far do you plan on going astray?"
"It's not just alcohol, it's brandy, and it's also XO grade from the Queer region?"
"Yes, it is a concentrated solution without a single drop of water extracted from one barrique where it was confirmed that it caught fire when dropped into gunpowder."
I, who died in my mid-20s due to drunkenness, couldn't possibly hold back from drinking in another world.
I'd rather the dog stop pooping.
As I poured the drink into my special glass and savored the scent, I continued speaking.
"Barton, what were you trying to say?"
◈ Chapter 35 - 7-My Friendly Hometown
"Count Jakhok told me to tell Bjerne that he would see me separately tonight."
"Isn't this actually a confession? The Count must have been very upset."
"It must be very hot. What do you think Count Yakhok is after?"
As the knight who saved humanity in the original work, Ember was unstoppable.
"It looks like you want to protest with Bjerne at the forefront. The rumors going around the North are scary, but Count Haenrel has no intention of leaving the castle with the scarecrow up, and your Excellency is indecisive."
"In short, aren't you using Bjorn to bring Count Haenrel to the meeting, or to induce His Excellency to make a bold decision?"
"But will the Haenrel family cooperate at the meeting?"
"I think it's a long way off."
Haenrel has no reason to be cooperative in the first place.
This is because the Haenren family is currently the richest family in the North.
Haenrel territory is bordered by a river and adjacent to the empire's capital, Octantium, so it became wealthy as the empire grew.
From Haenrel's point of view, he would not want to cooperate because even if he attended the meeting, he would only get more money.
This is also why it was difficult for the northern nobles to complain even if the Haenrel family dragged on the meeting for over two months.
"But it's strange. Then shouldn't you just not attend the meeting or actively protest the contents of the meeting? Why are you setting up a scarecrow and not doing anything?"
"That's because he wants something. Count Haenrel is going crazy right now. I don't know his intentions."
She opened her lips with a cold face that made Helga, who was watching the situation with her mouth shut, feel cold.
"At this meeting, announce the successor as Aidan. That is what House Haenrel wants."
"...Is that official?"
"No, but even a fool would know if he were a vassal of the De Jevietz family."
Even a fool can tell.
Well, it's being blatant enough to say that.
I took a sip of the brandy from my glass.
For the first time in a few months, I felt like drinking alcohol.
The alcohol heated by body temperature shyly released its hidden scent.
"If that's the case, I don't understand it even more. Didn't His Excellency say that he wants to get rid of Master Bjorn? You can just throw him away at this opportunity."
"Hey, is that something you would say to the person's face?"
After playing with Amber, we're starting to resemble her more and more?
"You're called the knight of wit, but aren't you getting more and more witty? You're not saying that because you're stupid, right? Half of Bjerne's blood belongs to the imperial family. If you break the principle of primogeniture succession without a proper reason, you will be punished by the imperial family. "It's like creating a justification for intervention."
She sure feels comfortable with Amber around.
Although her personality is like a dog, her brain works well so I don't have to explain it in detail.
"As Ember said, my father is in the position that more time is needed, and Count Haenrel is urging us to deal with this matter quickly."
However, in the biography of Esteria, at this meeting, Canniel nominates Aidan as the successor to the family.
In the end, Haenrel won.
The reason why this meeting was called the last meeting in the setting is because after this meeting, the De Jevicz family and the Haenrell family joined forces to purge those who opposed them and destroyed the northern force.
I poured out the remaining brandy in the glass and got to the point.
"So what am I supposed to do here?"
The first to speak was Barton.
"Shouldn't we buy time by using Count Yakhok first? He may seem vicious, but he doesn't look like someone who would break an agreement. It doesn't feel good to be used, though."
"Well, it's an answer to think about, but..."
"It's a shame. If you just get taken advantage of, you won't be able to buy time and you won't be able to solve the problem."
Amber told me exactly what I was thinking.
However, it is necessary to ask what process led to that conclusion.
"What is the basis?"
"Lord Björn has no cards worth showing to Count Jakhok. Unless Count Jakhok enjoys sodomy. At best, you will be beaten to the punch in the great hall. And you will only get a fitting reward."
There is no way Count Yakhok would actively intervene in the successor issue unless he sacrificed his poop.
It's not wrong, but is it really necessary to say something like that?
"So Amber, what do you think is the best option?"
"Assassination of Aidan de Jewicz."
"Stop playing around and speak straight."
I guess I'm now used to Amber's random jokes.
She clicked her tongue briefly and then spoke.
"Originally, it was said that if someone called you a traitor, you should start a rebellion as you wish. So, we must first contact the imperial family, solidify our base, and take control of the north. In any case, half of Bjern's blood belongs to the imperial family. Isn't that true?"
"Well, it's much better than Barton. But there's something I didn't take into account."
As I savored the lingering scent left in the glass, I slowly pointed out Amber's mistakes.
"First, although the blood of the royal family flows through my body, it is the blood of the duke's collateral line. Even the duke's family is currently opposed to the war with the Kingdom of Junta and is at odds with His Majesty. They can intervene in northern affairs, but the two of them have no power. "We won't merge."
"What is the second?"
"Second. The reason Your Majesty has been interested in the North recently is because the war with the Kingdom of Junta is not going well. You must be upset because the imperial forces called the Lighthouse of Humanity are stuck in every corner of the Northern countryside. Even with the help of the Imperial Family, Your Majesty will ultimately "We will take the Human Lighthouse out of the North and engage them in a useless territorial war."
If that happens, it's a complete reversal.
Their lives will be at stake right now, but they will lose the trust of the North, and even if they take over the North with the help of the imperial family, they will become puppets and all of the northern power will be sucked into the imperial family.
If the devil attacks, it will just fall, embracing the northern part, which is now just a shell.
"Then what are your plans, Bjorn?"
"I have a card that is better and more useful than the imperial family. It is a terrifying card that can turn not only the issue of the heir, but also the entire North, upside down."
I pointed at Mion with my finger.
Everyone in the room tilted their heads and fell into contemplation.
"I know this child is a saint, but what are you going to do with him?"
Unable to contain her curiosity, Amber asked first.
I showed the broken glass bottle in front of Amber.
"This is an item imbued with demonic power. Mion found it in this room. They must have been keeping an eye on me since the Great Demon Plague incident."
"Are you saying the Devil Cult is in this castle?"
"Yes, and just like this vase, since Mion is a saint, he can hunt down that demon cultist."
"How does that help solve the problem we face now... Wow!"
Amber held her breath as if she had guessed something.
"I will use Mion to find the demon cultists hiding in the castle."
"...At the end, there will be the Haenrel family."
This was the moment when my plan to plunge the entire North into a sea of blood was revealed to the world.
"Are you trying to frame me?"
The person who expressed the opposite opinion was the saint, Mion.
Of course I understand his uncomfortable feelings.
Because it means accusing complete strangers of false sins.
But I shook my head.
"It's not a false accusation, it's probably true. The Haenrel family is behind this."
"Could the Haenrel family do that?"
Helga seemed like she couldn't believe what I was saying.
"Then let me ask you the opposite: Besides the De Jeevitz family, is there any other family that can change the vase in my room at will?"
"...There is no other family than the Haenrel family. When Madame Eileen Djewicz came here, she brought those gasols with her."
In essence, being a spy is something that permeates you.
My guess was reasonable enough.
Jin asked me in a tone as if he had seen it again.
[When you saw the vase, did you think about it in that short moment?]
'Because I'm used to this kind of fighting.'
That's what I said to Jin, but of course my brain isn't so sharp that I can think this far based on just a broken vase.
The reason I pointed out the Haenrel family is because I saw it in the biography of Esteria.
They colluded with the devil religion and stabbed humanity in the back.
The betrayal of the Haenrel family was behind the fact that the North was unable to unite and the Lighthouse Corps of Humanity was destroyed in vain, and the Sword Saint was killed in a whirlwind near Lothric Village.
They stuck together here and there to create divisions in the North, shook up the De Jeviets family over the issue of successor, and allowed the Lighthouse Corps of Humanity to be destroyed by tricking them into sending reinforcements after the devil's invasion.
During the great battle that took place near Lothric Village, when I was making a final attack against the Sword Saint Landeros, Count Haenrel shouted as he slaughtered the Magic Brigade and the Knights of the Holy Cross from the rear.
He joined hands with the devil to avenge the Aryan people's long-standing enmity.
Without knowing anything, he took charge of the rear guard, and felt refreshed as if he had fulfilled a long-held wish by digging up the corpse of a dead wizard.
The Knights of House Haenrel, who borrowed the power of the devil, swept the battlefield as if venting their anger, and the Magic Brigade and the Knights of the Holy Cross, who were on the verge of death due to the Great Fire of Octantium, suffered enormous damage.
The only reason it ended up causing damage rather than destruction was because Ember Cutter, the crazy bitch in front of me now and the last knight of the Human Lighthouse in the original, noticed Haenrel's betrayal.
"...Why are you looking at me like that?"
"No, it doesn't look like that at all. Well, the power of time is scary."
How a kid like this grew up to be such a great knight, life is truly unfathomable.
Is that why it's fun?
Helga still stroked her chin in disbelief.
"But we cannot rule out the possibility that there are impure people within the De Jevietz family."
"That may be so. If you check, you will soon find out. We have a saint."
This is why a saint was absolutely necessary.
Even if you know that the Haenrel family is in collusion with the Demon Cult, it is useless unless you can prove it.
If Mion had been kidnapped by Lunea, a much more complicated method would have been required.
Hehe, Mion, you don't have much luck.'
Of course, not everyone can recognize Mion as a demon cultist.
However, through a contract, anyone who has traces of Moloch on their body can be captured without fail.
That was enough.
Mion seemed to have read my thoughts and trembled briefly.
Let's have another drink with the saint as a snack.
Gurgling, gurgling, the liquor bottle made a choking sound, spitting out brown liquid through the neck of the bottle.
If you are a heavy drinker, the moment you hear this sound is the happiest.
"Okay, here's my plan."
After quenching my thirst with alcohol, I explained my specific plan.
◈ Chapter 36 - 7-My Friendly Hometown
First, use the public support gained during the entrance exam to recruit several nobles.
Then, through the saint, they hunt down the demon cultists who have infiltrated the castle, and then follow them to find out who they are.
And he uses the nobles he has recruited to publicize this fact.
If it is the Haenrel family that is behind it, the issue of the successor will be resolved automatically unless Kanniel is a fool who joins hands with the demon cultists to fight demons.
It doesn't matter if you're not from the Haenrel family.
The moment the fact that demon cultists have infiltrated the North becomes public knowledge, it will become even more difficult to purge me without justification for revealing it.
Of course, the person who will reach the end of tracking down the demon cultists is undoubtedly Count Haenrel.
And the moment this fact is revealed, the blood that has been delayed for so long will be shed throughout the North.
Instead, I will survive, with the North in my hands.
Amber, who heard my plan, asked why I was going to such trouble.
"Your Excellency, aren't you aware of the existence of the saint? If so, the saint's testimony alone would be enough to prove that you are a demon cultist. Is it necessary to recruit nobles?"
"The saint is young and I am helping him, so he can be considered deceived. And if Count Haenrel is really a demonic cultist, blood must be shed to purge him, but there is no need for the Human Lighthouse to use it alone. It would not be fair if everyone in the North sheds it together. Uh?"
And everyone should bleed together to shed as little blood as possible.
When the devil comes down, they have to stop it, but the number of knights who will protect humanity cannot be reduced.
Only then will I be able to enjoy the forest safely from the rear.
To do that, we need proper evidence that the northern nobles can understand.
Amber nodded briefly as if she agreed with what I said.
"Your strategy is as good as the way you sexually harassed me. As expected, my lord."
"What kind of vassal praises his lord like that?!"
You should be fortunate to know that I am truly your lord.
If it were any other noble, the rope would have been tied around their neck dozens of times.
"Hmm, anyway, when Mion hunts down the demon cultists, Helga, you'll have to follow in her footsteps. Let's check who's at the end."
"I follow the orders of the De Jeevitz family."
Helga, from the shadows, who can hide herself with magical power, is perfect for this mission.
If I didn't know, I wouldn't have known, but I knew I should use it.
While enjoying the liquor flowing in my glass, I made a promise to Mion.
"Mion, all you have to do is weed out the people in this castle who have a dark vibe. I promise you on my name. No one will be wronged because of your actions."
"In that case, I will do my best to help."
"But I have one question."
Barton said, tossing and turning in a chair that did not fit his body.
"All the assumptions made by Master Björn are ultimately possible only by relying on the power of the saint. But shouldn't we hide the saint as much as possible? The same goes for Lord Van Hoss' promise..."
"The moment the saint appears in the world, the political situation will become chaotic."
Even for Barton, it was a very sharp question.
If the saint's birth is revealed, not only the North but the entire empire will be turned upside down.
Mion is a new saint who has appeared for the first time in 250 years, and that is why no one is currently preparing for the birth of a saint.
In this situation, if it were revealed that there was a saint in the north, the political situation in the north would fall into such chaos that even the owner, Canniel, would be helpless.
Even though Kanniel could use the saint to throw the political world into chaos and change the succession structure, that is why he did not try it, calling it a double-edged sword.
And I also do not wish for confusion due to the birth of the Son.
Because I want to lead the chaos, I don't want to be swept up in it.
Risking your life while playing a game in an unpredictable game is gambling.
I am far from a gambler.
"There was a lot of snow in Lothric Village that day. Even if we tried to crack down on it, the word would have leaked out. No matter how much we keep our mouths shut and dismiss it as a rumor, if Bjorn takes a saint with him, it wouldn't be like fanning the flames of the rumor. Do you understand?"
There is certainly some truth to what Barton said.
To track down the devil cultists, Mion must see them with his own eyes.
However, Mion, who is neither a noble nor a knight, cannot wander around the de Jeevitz family castle alone.
You definitely needed my help.
This is where a problem arises.
If De Jeevitz's eldest son was carrying around a kid he had never seen before, nobles with sharp ears would easily connect the rumored saint with the kid next to me.
"So what you're saying is, in the end, how are you going to take a saint around without raising suspicion?"
"Exactly."
At that moment, the nanny came into the room.
When I brought her alcohol, I packed a small box with the items I had separately requested.
"Of course I thought of everything. Now, Mion! Stand in the middle."
Mion, who was buried in a chair that was large compared to her body, got up from her seat at my words and went to the center.
"Amber, since you are the only woman here, tell me. What does our saint look like?"
"Well, I'm not sure because you're still young, but I think you look just as good as my fair-haired lord."
Brown hair that looks red at first glance, delicate facial features that show through even though it looks messy, a sharp jawline and a small head that seems to be completely covered by the palm of your hand, and kind eyes like those of a puppy.
He had the perfect appearance befitting the protagonist of the biography of Esteria.
He hasn't gone through his secondary sexual characteristics yet, but if he continues to grow like this, he will become a perfect saint that women on the continent will envy.
Secondary sexual characteristics, this is important.
"The news of the saint's birth must have included Mion's facial expressions. Because Mion's appearance is so outstanding. For example, all the characteristic features, such as a 12-year-old boy, height in the early 160's, and reddish-brown hair, must have been spread. We took advantage of that. Do."
"Use the station?"
"Okay, open the box."
"...This is this?!"
What was inside her box was a gold wig, a maid's uniform, fake breasts, and heeled shoes.
"Mion, have you ever dressed up as a woman?"
Mion seemed shocked by the items in her box and was unable to speak for a while.
"D... Mr. Yeviets, I said you respect my opinion... Right?"
"I'm sorry. There's nothing I can do about this."
Mion lifted her head from her box and cried.
She was a little shaken by that sight, but she held firm.
"Well, I must say it's ingenious and at the same time very Björn-like. It's amazing how you can come up with such perverted ideas."
"It's been a while since we've agreed on one another. I also agree."
[A truly extraordinary pervert.]
"Hmm! Bjorn, you're going through puberty! Everyone goes through that period!"
As I listened to Helga's unhelpful words, I became more concerned about my daily behavior.
"Well, if Mion disguises herself as a maid, she can follow me around without being suspicious! Then come up with a better idea!"
Mion's body lines are not yet masculine.
If you wear women's clothing with her fake breasts and her heels, anyone who sees you will believe you are a woman.
Also, since your voice has not yet changed, you may need some practice, but if you raise your tone a little, there is less risk of being caught.
Seeing as there are no other rebuttals to my protest, it seems like everyone thinks the idea itself is great.
Your eyes are cold, right?
I grabbed Mion's shoulder and persuaded him.
"Think positively, Mion. If you can endure just a little bit of shame, you can save the North from the clutches of the Demon Cult."
"Well, I know that, but..."
"Hey! Even His Majesty dressed as a woman in times of emergency! If you, a saint, also dress as a woman, this world will become a world where cross-dressing is natural!"
[Hey, you pervert idiot! Don't try to fill this world with crazy culture!]
The process of persuading Mion continued until the sun went down, and in the process, I had to endure the cold gaze of my knight corps that I had just formed.
*
Count Jakhok was in the guest room at De Jeviet Castle.
I took only Helga, Nanny, and Mion to see Count Yakhok.
"Are we abandoning ourselves?"
"Don't make me a dog. I'm the only dog here."
Even though Amber and Barton are a proven duo, there is a reason why they left them behind.
"You two, achievement is just around the corner."
Ember Cutter, who ate the heart of a basilisk, had surpassed the advanced level of a sword user and was on the verge of becoming a sword expert.
It is true that the effect of the elixir is amazing, but it is also because the talent of the person who took it is amazing.
Although Barton is late, he will soon grow into a sword user as his Danjeon skills, which he had been struggling with until now, will settle down.
I couldn't waste this important moment with useless work.
I took care of both of them so that they could focus on their training.
"You mean this is a private garden?! It's this big?! Oh my god, they've blocked all the upstairs windows so we can't look down on the things below?!"
When Amber, who had gone out into the garden, screamed that the aristocratic switch had been turned on, I hurriedly left the room.
"It's been a while since I took on a security mission, so I'm impressed. Björn's strides have grown over time."
Helga followed behind me, and the nanny came slightly behind me.
It's been like this whenever I go somewhere ever since I can remember.
The difference is that there is Jin, who flies around wildly looking around, and Mion, who dresses up as a woman.
"Ugh, the wind is blowing down..."
Mion blushed and her body trembled.
It seems that my body was reacting against the strange sensation of air passing under my crotch, something I had never felt before.
However, Mion's crossdressing was so perfect and beautiful that even her appearance was lovely.
The nanny's makeup skills, Mion's striking appearance, and simple maid clothes combine to create a beautiful maid who can make any noble man imagine a naughty night.
"Why do you look at me like that?"
Mion was eventually persuaded, but it seems her resentment remains.
The proof was that she was looking at me with cold eyes that seemed to have slightly lowered her favorability rating.
But does Mion know that even such actions can tug at the heartstrings of men?
I'm a heterosexual who can't relate to the saying, 'It's okay as long as it tastes good,' but looking at Mion, I felt like she could understand that.
Let's focus on work before waking up to a new love affair.
Helga, walking with her steps, whispered in my ear.
"But is there any need to respond to Count Jakhok's call? Don't you have any intention of being taken advantage of, Master Viern?"
"Of course. Why am I acting like a clown?"
"Then why..."
"I will use Count Yakhok."
As Amber said, Björn de Jeviet has no cards to throw at Jakhok.
However, I, who know the Esteria electric settings, are different.
There's a book of prophecy stuck in its head, and you have to suck out even the marrow.
That's probably what the writer, who is somewhere watching, wants.
'Not much time left now. 'You fucking piece of shit.'
If you clean up the northern part and find Jin's body, I'll block your peep hole with my thick glans.
At the entrance to where Count Yakhok stayed, the idiot knight who had sparred with me during the day was standing guard with a serious look on his face.
"I was waiting, master."
◈ Chapter 37 - 7-My Friendly Hometown
At the entrance to where Count Yakhok stayed, the idiot knight who had sparred with me during the day was standing guard with a serious look on his face.
"I was waiting, master."
"You were able to make other facial expressions besides the frowning expression."
"There was an order from the Count to provoke as much as possible."
Arken knocked on the door to let me know that I had come, and soon after hearing a voice telling me to come in, he opened the door.
A yak was sitting on his chair and drinking tea.
I'm not an expert on tea, but judging from the sweet smell of rocks and the faint scent of sulfur that harmoniously fills the room, I guess he drinks a lot of black tea.
Perhaps due to preconceptions, it didn't look very suitable.
"Welcome. I've been waiting for you. Take a seat."
After all, I am also an aristocrat who is familiar with tea time culture.
However, the tea ceremony utensils on the table were overly professional even by my standards.
There's no need to guess. He probably brewed the tea himself.
"Do you like tea? Are you sure you're not one of those idiots who dismisses tea as something women only drink when socializing?"
Yakhok placed a tea table in front of me as I sat across from him and placed a tea cup.
When he tilted the teapot, black tea flowed down his spout.
Even though there was a significant height difference between the teacup and the teapot, the water flow filled the teacup smoothly without splashing.
"No, but if I drink anything, I prefer alcohol."
"Wow, I must have already drank something like that at such a young age."
It feels like what we're doing is reversed.
Yakhok seemed to have been unable to hide his expression and spoke with a wide smile.
"Everyone thinks it's out of character for me to drink tea, just like you."
Anyone who sees the small handle of a teacup held in a pincer-like shape with a thick hand would think so.
I looked at the yakhog and was lost in thought.
Nobility is essentially a being made up of pretense.
Yakhok may also be acting delicate in front of me like a noble... I looked at him with such suspicion, but the skill of unloading a car was not something that could be achieved by imitating it for a day or two.
And what benefit would there be for me by playing the role of a delicate man?
Delicacy is not acting.
However, there is some intention behind the fact that he, who played a violent character, suddenly reveals his delicate nature.
For example, it could be to embarrass me and make it easier for him to ask for what he wants.
Yakhok sipped his tea and shook the water droplets from his beard.
"As you know, the Yak Ghost has been plagued by monsters coming from the Gray Mountains for generations."
Yakhoknyeong was the only place in the north that bordered the Gray Mountains.
The Gray Mountains are a large mountain range that extends from the southwest to the north.
The mountains were famous for being high and rugged, so much so that they were likened to the spine of the continent of Esteria.
It is so high that it plays a role in filtering the ash falling from Red Hill so that it does not fall directly onto the Oxburg Empire.
Of course, there were not only good points.
This is because, under the influence of the enormous mana gushing out of Red Hill, many of the animals living in the Gray Mountains have become mutants and monsters that can handle mana.
Therefore, the North built the Keldarin Fortress at the only pass in the North that could cross the Gray Mountains to prevent monsters from crossing the Gray Mountains and threatening humanity.
"At the same time, the Yakhok spirit's main income was also the by-products from the corpses of monsters. The Yakhok family grew by distributing these by-products to the warriors according to merit for generations."
Monsters are beings that can manipulate magical power.
In order to properly dismantle the by-product, someone with a high understanding of magical power was needed.
This was also the reason why butchers were given preferential treatment in Yak Hokryeong.
This is because they are basically those who have received the blessing of mana.
And the Yakhok family was also a knight with an outstanding talent for butchery.
Power comes from distribution.
That is why the Yakhok family became the owners of the territory.
"Hunting requires bravery, but applying flesh and skin requires delicacy. To leave no flesh on the bones, not damage the hide, and distribute it fairly among the warriors. Bravery and delicacy. Yak. "These are the two axes that lead the family."
While listening to Yak Hok's story, I also sipped some black tea.
I feel sorry for him, but the tea tasted like licking moss off a rock.
I quickly passed the topic.
"We were thankful in the great hall during the day. Thanks to you, we got over the difficult situation."
"No nobleman says thank you twice."
"I was wondering if I could reduce the price for the help you gave me by doing this."
"Is there any way you can give me a discount?"
Although nothing important has been discussed yet, it is true that we took a hit at tea time led by Yakhok.
If so, wouldn't it be natural to return it?
If it's something that embarrasses the other person, I have a knack for it.
And over there, they have a knight with genius talent as their vassal.
"But it's strange. All I can give to Count Yakhok is anus. Do you enjoy sodomy?"
"Fuuuuup!"
The black tea spewed out by the yak hog created a small rainbow in the room.
"When did I say I would accept sexual favors in exchange?! Did you even bring that maid for that?! If so, get out now! I have no intention of talking to the pimp!"
Yakhok responded with a reaction that only a sensitive man could.
Let's skip over the fact that the maid he pointed out was Mion.
Because men have no choice but to be conscious of their appearance.
"So, this is even more strange. You hate sodomy, but why do you accept the reward with your own body? It doesn't make sense."
"..."
"There's nothing else for the Count to do but belittle him. Didn't he achieve his goal just by my presence here?"
How many people are in this castle?
How many people saw me go to Count Yakhok's room, and how many people would make a fuss about it?
"In short, the Count wants to raise me up to protest to His Excellency, right? I don't know what the Haenrel family is doing behind the scenes, but hurry up and get this sorted out and end the meeting... Don't you need a jester to deliver that message?"
Me and Count Yakhok meeting at night was enough to cause a misunderstanding.
For example, it is a delusion that he even got his feet wet in the battle for successor.
From the perspective of the Haenrel family, especially Eileen, it must have felt like their feet were on fire.
Perhaps he would have heard the news by now and prepared to come here.
At those words, Yakor cleared his throat once and spoke.
"Your Excellency is a man without balls."
"This is a very difficult proposition for a child to agree to."
Then what am I, a cuckoo?
"Your Excellency does not want to go against the imperial family, and he is not prepared to criticize the unruly Haenrel family. He seems like a greedy kid who wants to grab something else with his hands full. The only way to move a man like that is to mess with his wife."
Yakhok brought the tea, which was no longer steaming, to his mouth.
"To be honest, I don't care who the successor is. You, who have imperial blood, are the same as Count Haenrel, who will abandon his kingdom and stand on the side of the imperial family if he does not appoint his grandson as his successor. The only difference is whether it is too late or too early, in the end. The North will fall into the arms of the empire."
I have no intention of going against the flow of the times.
As Jakhok said this, he looked out the window at the garden of the De Jeviet family.
"The only thing I worry about is monsters."
"..."
"Recently, the movement of monsters has been unusual. I don't know if something is wrong with Red Hill, but the monsters are coming towards Yak Hump as if they are being driven out by something. I don't know, but something is happening beyond the Gray Mountains."
Yak Hog's guess was wrong, but his worries were correct.
It is true that there is a problem at Red Hill.
However, the reason why monsters suddenly run rampant is not because of the volcano, but because the Great Devil intervened.
Because the Great Beast Demon has gathered intelligent monsters beyond the Gray Mountains and is waiting for the Demon King's orders.
"Now that the territory is in danger every day, there is no time to waste on useless meetings like this. In particular, the Yakhok family is so foolish that they just stand by and sit idly by on the issue of the successor to the De Jeevitz family and the Haenrell family."
Our family is not as foolish as Sorang.
He stroked his beard and spoke.
"Yes, as you said, I have been rewarded. Just because you have met with me, Mrs. De Jeevitz will push you hard. Aidan will soon become the heir. If the Haenrell family cooperates, the meeting will proceed quickly, and I will use this useful tool. "You can get away from things that don't exist."
If I keep dragging my feet, I could fall at the stake.
Even if Count Yakhok sends such a message, the Haenrel family will work hard to persuade them.
Canniel can't hesitate any longer.
"I feel sorry for you."
He was indeed a man who looked more like a furry snake than a bear.
But there is something Yakhok did not see.
I put my mouth to the lukewarm tea once again.
The scent was more refined than when it was hot, so it was still drinkable.
"There is no need to be sorry. After this meeting, you will meet the same fate as me."
"It sounds interesting. Please continue."
Yakhok asked me back with a relaxed expression.
Will I be able to relax even when this story is all over?
"As the Count said, monsters are the problem. The number of invading monsters will increase in the future. For now, the goods that can be acquired as a by-product are greater than the damage, so it is bearable, but in the end, it is people who kill monsters."
The only people who can hunt monsters are those who are blessed with mana, especially knights who have been trained for a long time.
"People will continue to get hurt and die. The more people become unable to fight, the less goods they can acquire, and the more damage they cause as they cannot subdue monsters. The Yak Hump Spirit will fall into a vicious cycle."
"That's an excessive guess. Although the number of monsters is increasing, it may suddenly decrease at some point. There have been several instances like this in the past."
"But now, isn't it too late? It's reaching a critical point. That's why they're trying to get me to end the meeting as soon as possible."
Yakhok's hand, which was heading towards the car, stopped as if he had hit the nail on the head.