[Translator - Pot ]

[Proofreader - Kawaii ]

Chapter 286: Those Who Will Leave and Those Who Will Stay

While the banquet was being prepared, I wasn't just sitting idle either.

"Well, well, young master. It's been a long time since we've had a private meeting like this, hasn't it?"

After a long while, I visited Venion for tea. Of course, drinking tea between us usually meant one of us was about to make a request.

"As a swordsmanship instructor, isn't this neglecting your duties?"

But instead, I boldly acted irritated.

"Then why don't you just leave the mountain? There's nothing more for me to teach you. It seems like you'll surpass my skills soon enough."

When Venion spoke as if he found it bothersome, I snorted.

"Not a chance. I plan to suck you dry to the bone marrow before I leave this mountain."

"That's frightening."

Venion shrugged his shoulders.

"To say you've sucked my bone marrow dry, you've always done well on your own, young master."

"Have I?"

"Mordecai, Nepherus, Huten, Schelde, Gelberich... There were countless other enemies as well. But you never yielded to any of them."

Now that I think about it, they were all enemies who were stronger than me at the time.

Except for that fake collector bastard Mordecai.

"However, this time we don't know what kind of powerful enemies will appear. Duke Montera and the Grand Commander Royal Guard, of course, but the Black Society will also send their finest warriors."

"...Like that Ivan fellow we met?"

"Yes. If that happens, run away as much as possible."

It was hard to believe those words came from Venion's mouth.

"Run away? Not a chance. Whose son am I, and whose disciple am I?"

Then Venion chuckled, his shoulders shaking.

"That's true as well. By the way, regarding martial arts, I don't have much more to teach you..."

Venion gave me the choice.

"If you need any help, please let me know."

"Of course that's what I'm thinking."

"As expected, you came here with something in mind."

I nodded.

"It's nothing else, but please give me some spirit medicine."

"So you came to extort me after all."

"Of course."

"That's not a difficult request. How much do you need?"

"As much as possible."

"?"

I grinned and resolved Venion's confusion.

"Tonight, at the gathering with everyone, I plan to serve stew laced with spirit medicine."

"Ah, you mean to help everyone break through their blocked tiers together?"

"They're comrades who will go to the battlefield with me, so it's proper to show them that much courtesy. They need to become even slightly stronger."

Venion stood up from his seat.

"It's a reason I approve of, but the amount stored in the Shadow Division might not be sufficient."

"It doesn't matter. I plan to scrape together more from other places."

I had already sent word to the Godfather of the Red Mist Alliance, Nagan, and Damien to buy up all the high-grade spirit medicines circulating in the underworld.

"With whose money?"

"The ducal funds, of course."

"You're emptying the entire treasury."

Venion shrugged.

"Very well. The cause is clear and your achievements are outstanding, so it's only right to provide it."

"Good. That's how my master should be."

Venion, who had smiled slightly, placed his hand on my shoulder and spoke in a serious voice.

"Young master, as your teacher, I've always felt embarrassed that I couldn't do more for you."

I shook my head and replied.

"Over the years, I know you've made tremendously arduous efforts in the shadows. Without Venion, Grunewald's present wouldn't exist."

"It's been a life where no one acknowledged my efforts, but hearing recognition from my disciple's mouth doesn't feel bad."

"You've lived your entire life in the Shadow Division as an intelligence officer, so live the rest of your life more comfortably and honorably. I'll make efforts toward that as well."

"Your words alone are enough."

"When have you ever seen me speak empty words?"

"Hahaha!"

Even though we had a somewhat mischievous master-disciple relationship, I had no intention of joking around until this moment.

"You're truly reliable. From now on, please protect Grunewald's future, young master."

"I'm still active, so what are you talking about? We should do it together."

Therefore, these words were undoubtedly sincere.

"Well, well. Retirement isn't easy."

Venion smiled.

"That's how it should be. But since I must protect Grunewald, please understand that I cannot accompany you."

"A student can't receive help from their teacher during an exam, can they? I'll win and return, so don't worry."

This was a war where the fate of the kingdom and duchy hung in the balance, but privately, it was also a fraternal confrontation between me and Verdzig.

"...We don't know what variables there might be when you go to the royal palace. For instance, if the Dark King decides to deploy his elite forces, there would be no way to survive."

"Isn't that exactly why you're staying here to prevent such a situation?"

"Of course that's true, but..."

Venion smacked his lips.

"I can't help but feel anxious. I'll speak to the lord and raid the treasure vault for you."

"Good. The lord's closest aide really does have different influence."

As I rose from my seat, Venion asked.

"Where are you going now?"

"This time I need to visit sister Ulbhild. The Visquera clan promised their support, so I plan to take full advantage of their help at a time like this."

"The Visquera clan's wealth is among the highest of all the vassals. It's a good idea, but..."

Venion tilted his head.

"Will it be alright? Spirit medicines all have different energies and properties, so just throwing them together randomly isn't the answer. It could actually be poisonous."

"Don't worry. I have the duchy's greatest expert in pharmacology by my side."

"Ah!"

Venion exclaimed in admiration.

"You plan to ask the Fourth Lady for help?"

"Correct."

My mother Lusatia had deeply studied spirit medicines and herbalism from Eisenach.

She would be able to properly combine the spirit medicines I had gathered to bring out the best effects.

.

.

.

"...So this is the stew made from spirit medicines gathered through everyone's contributions."

When my explanation ended, Knut smacked his lips.

"This is truly magnificent. I've never seen such a treasure."

"Neither have I."

Balthazar, who was both my Granduncle and teacher, and who had taught that very mother, nodded.

"Peter, distribute one bowl to everyone gathered here."

"Yes!"

Under Peter's command, who had gained the experience of a chamberlain, all of us received a bowl of spirit medicine stew: myself and the personal guard members, Ulbhild and Rudgarda, their Special Operations Division members, and our underworld comrades.

"It's fine even if you haven't learned martial arts. It contains ingredients that are very good for your health."

I said, looking at my mother, Friederun, Peter's mother, and others.

"Now, don't be modest and please eat up."

As soon as I gave permission, everyone devoured the stew like they were hiding it from crabs.

'Whoa. Wait a minute.'

Even I was amazed by its efficacy.

The moment I ate it, I felt like my blood was full of mana flowing through it.

I had picked up precious spirit medicines here and there, but this contained mana that was second to none.

"Hmm, this is..."

"Wow..."

"My body feels like it's heating up."

"My lower abdomen feels heavy?"

"Isn't that just needing to shit?"

"Shut up."

Exclamations mixed with admiration erupted from everywhere.

"Thank you, young master."

"To share such precious spirit medicine with us..."

"I'm giving it to you so you can eat it and gain strength, so you don't need to be too grateful."

"Hahaha!"

Everyone burst into laughter at my words.

Perhaps because they felt good, they seemed to laugh generously even at trivial remarks.

'This is why warriors are like this.'

The essence of a warrior is to be more attracted to a single drop of spirit medicine than expensive gold and silver treasures.

"Everyone, you can do your mana circulation breathing when you return, so there's no need to rush."

I said, looking at several people who were eager to start their mana circulation immediately.

"Before that, I'll tell you a very important story, the reason I had to gather everyone here."

"!"

Then people's eyes changed.

"My brother Verdzig and I have only the final test remaining to become the next Duke of Grunewald. That final trial, and news that affects the fate of the entire kingdom..."

I conveyed everything without omission.

The royal family's situation I heard from the 8th Prince's mouth, the Black Society's conspiracy, and all the stories.

"Hmm..."

"This is absurd."

"Is all of this really true? How can such things happen?"

The shocked people murmured with eyes full of disbelief.

"Duke Montera is doing something insane. For the one who guards the borders to hold his sword backwards."

"Duke Montera's daughter and the 3rd Prince must also be out of their minds. How could a prince's wife with her own brother-in-law..."

"Absurd. I've spent my entire life in the underworld, but this is the first time I've seen such a thing. How could such a dog's spawn be born from the noblest bloodline?"

Among them, I spoke to Balthazar, who was maintaining the most composure.

"Granduncle. As I just mentioned, I plan to strike and subjugate Grimnar Angantyr on the way north."

"...Finally, the time for revenge has come."

Balthazar nodded heavily.

"Knut and I will rightfully stand at the vanguard. To avenge our clan's enemy, I don't care if this old body perishes tomorrow."

People became solemn at his tragic resolve.

"That won't happen. I'll make sure as little blood flows as possible."

Now I had the confidence to take the lead and minimize my comrades' sacrifices.

"I'd like everyone to accompany me, but it won't be as easy as it sounds."

I looked at my siblings.

"Allen, I plan to follow you no matter what happens."

Ulbhild said.

"This time it's a fight where you have to bring out 'everything you have.' As a comrade, I naturally intend to help you."

Ulbhild, a genius who had surpassed the 7th tier wall, a master of ice techniques, and rich in combat experience as a Special Operations Division member.

She was equivalent to the second-in-command in my faction, so there was no reason to leave her behind.

"Sister, we'll finally coordinate our breathing on the battlefield."

"I had to yield to Rudgarda until now, but not this time."

I looked at my sister, who had always been on my side, with a smiling face.

"...I need to take a closer look again. I can't just let any woman into the family."

Ulbhild muttered quietly.

"Excuse me?"

"It's nothing."

Next to her, Karl also raised his hand.

"I plan to go too."

"Young Duke, you should think carefully about that."

Then the Godfather of the Red Mist Alliance Bazalo interjected.

"It's presumptuous of me to say, but I think at least one person should remain at the main house."

Even though the other party was a man from the underworld, Karl showed respect for the Godfather of the Red Mist Alliance's experience and skills as he asked.

"May I hear the reason?"

"As you know, it will be a very dangerous battlefield. Because of the underworld's power, the royal family's strength, and the Duke Montera clan's desperation. What if Verdzig, Allen, and Young Lady Ulbhild all meet with misfortune there?"

"...!"

"From the clan's standpoint, we must consider the worst-case scenario. Even in the worst situation, shouldn't someone continue the clan line?"

The Godfather of the Red Mist Alliance had the insight of a leader who had led a faction for a long time.

"Fortunately, the Young master's martial prowess and character are solid, so even in the worst case, he could revive the clan."

"..."

When the possibility that everyone could fail and die came from such a man's mouth, the atmosphere in the room became much heavier.

"...It's frustrating, but you're right."

Karl nodded heavily.

"I also want to go together, but I need to be more careful in this matter. I'm also worried about how disappointed mother would be if we lost both of us at once."

Ulbhild said.

"Brother, I also think it would be better for you to stay. You've already achieved merit by capturing the Black Society's execution squad."

"...I'm pathetic. If I were stronger than you, I could have made you stay."

"Don't say such things."

After their positions were settled, Barclava spoke next.

"I want to serve under my sister's command."

"Shouldn't one of you and brother Verdzig stay?"

"...Because mother would want brother to return more than me."

The boy's voice as he said this was tinged with heavy melancholy.

"Don't be so gloomy, come and achieve some merit."

I deliberately spoke bluntly.

"Now your skills have become quite useful too, so you won't get hurt easily. If you achieve merit, the Second Lady's perspective will change too."

"...Really?"

"Really."

Finally, I looked at Somerset and said.

"Let's talk separately after this is over, our third brother."

Somerset nodded with a complex expression.

"Alright."

After roughly finishing the arrangements, I turned and asked.

"Granduncle, what kind of person is Grimnar Angantyr?"

"...He's strong and cunning. His schemes run deep. Above all, he's a master of poison techniques."

Balthazar began his testimony.

"He's absolutely not someone you can dismiss as merely 'an intermediate bridge to pass through for greater trials.'"

* * *

The usurper Grimnar Angantyr.

This man, who possessed both ambition and skill, had reached incredibly high tiers by combining the abundant spirit medicines and poisonous herbs of the Virgenhrid Mountains, the martial arts manuals remaining in Eisenach's storehouse, his natural physique, and intelligence.

"You said Allenvert is coming to strike me soon?"

"That's correct, Lordstir."

"How absurd."

He showed little agitation even after hearing the intelligence sent from the Agrippa clan.

"But if the young lion returns to reclaim his throne, receiving him is the way of a king."

Even though it was a usurped throne, he had pride as a king.

"Watch, Black Serpent Duke. I'll personally sever those clever arrangements of yours."

Hatred toward Duke Georg, who had seen through all his schemes and instead shackled him.

The time to burn that flame was finally approaching.

[Translator - Pot ]

[Proofreader - Kawaii ]