Chapter 144
Chapter 144
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Translator: crow
Chapter Title: EP.36 – The Knight Hates Love Triangles (2)
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Lee Han had almost no experience with fishing.
In his past life or this one.
'An expensive hobby.'
Fishing was more costly than one might think.
Not just the rods, but all the other gear was ridiculously pricey. Renting a boat cost money, and fuel wasn't cheap either.
To Lee Han, fishing was a luxury pastime, and coming to this world hadn't changed that view.
If anything, it felt even more expensive here.
And for good reason.
"...So, this is a private fishing spot... no, a private fish farm?"
"Yes. You can't just fish in regular rivers or lakes, or you might get attacked or eaten by monster-mutated fish. That's why nobles build their own farms. But it takes serious wealth—maintenance, upkeep, and construction costs are astronomical, from what I hear."
"......"
"Is fishing really that fun? I don't get why they'd go to the trouble of building a whole farm."
"...Yeah."
...He agreed, but his eyes were wide with disbelief.
This had to be the epitome of wasting money.
'This is seawater, right?'
The salty sea scent was unmistakable, even for someone without a keen nose.
And then...
"...No way that's a sea bream?"
Fish that belonged in the ocean swam into view.
Red sea bream, black sea bream, squid, octopus, and even...!
Splash!
"Whoa, a shark!"
"......"
...They were raising sharks too.
Lee Han realized this massive lake was an artificially created 'sea' and was utterly floored.
'I guarantee no one else has a man-made ocean like this.'
Even if other nobles had fish farms, nothing could compare.
It was an artificial sea, and the species living in it were no joke.
Many had probably been airlifted straight from the real ocean.
'Gold coins melting in real time... melting away...'
The thought of the gold required to maintain this pseudo-sea made Lee Han queasy already.
But there was more to overwhelm him.
"Welcome, miss."
"Oh, it's Elsa."
The fish farm—no, fishing spot—was lined with countless servants waiting in formation.
Maids and butlers numbered over a hundred, with knights and soldiers interspersed.
It rivaled the crew of a luxury cruise from his past life, but all these people were waiting for just one person. That was astonishing enough.
"Hm, fewer servants today?"
"Her Highness dislikes unnecessary crowds."
"True, mobilizing two or three hundred each time is a bit much."
"Still, considering Her Highness's status, twice that many would be appropriate, in my opinion."
"Nah, that's overkill."
"Heh, if you say so."
"........."
...What was this insane conversation?
Lee Han felt oddly alienated, like a chick among strangers.
Like witnessing a neighbor—who seemed perfectly ordinary—casually summon a private jet and call it their 'personal ride.'
'Hits me anew, but...'
The world was so unfair. Lee Han shook his head.
Passing dozens of servants, he finally faced...
"-You've arrived at last."
"......"
...A familiar face.
A man in his fifties who looked impossibly young and handsome. But appearances deceived; inside lurked hundreds of sly foxes. A cunning politician and one of the kingdom's most powerful figures, second to none.
And that man.
"It's been half a year, Knight Lee Han."
"...Why bother greeting me personally? It's embarrassing."
"Of course. As your host, a little sincerity is the least I can offer."
"......That sincerity has them all glaring daggers at me."
"Their loyalty runs deep. Bear with it."
"......"
...Greeted Lee Han warmly, and for once, Lee Han broke a sweat.
'I'd understand if my whole body wasn't prickling...'
From the moment the duke appeared, a hundred soldiers and knights radiated intense pressure. Lee Han wondered.
...Maybe bolting now was the smart move.
Blake Vivian de Galahad, the Duke.
The kingdom's sole duke, its greatest swordsman, the finest inheritor of the demonic sword lineage, the greatest Galahad ever.
His titles were endless.
The noble among nobles, rumored to change one's life with a single conversation...
'Some even squander their fortunes just for a chat with him?'
Recalling an unintended rumor, Lee Han scratched his cheek.
True or not, facing such a titan uncomfortably was awkward. Enviable to others, perhaps, but to him.
'Ugh, I just wanna go home, eat, and sleep.'
It was a tiresome ordeal.
"Hm, irreverent thoughts."
"What do you mean?"
"No lies. Your face is an open book."
"......"
"More nonsense brewing. I can't read minds."
"...Telepathy?"
"Haha! That would be useful. Alas, your expressions are just that readable."
"...Ugh."
Everyone he met said the same.
His face was easy to read.
...Should I wear a mask?'
As idle thoughts swirled, the duke personally guided him.
"Sit."
"...?"
Before questioning why, Lee Han blinked at the opulent fishing scene.
Splash!
Divers—male ones—were hauling up seafood.
Seaweed, shellfish, shrimp, and crustaceans surfaced, while the rod...
"A big one."
A gold-plated—no, solid gold—rod reeled in a massive tuna in an absurd spectacle.
...The Old Man and the Sea would feel cheated seeing this.'
Having admired the old man's epic struggle for tuna, reeling one from a fish farm felt ridiculous.
And what river housed tuna anyway...?
"Tuna. Tried it?"
"Uh, once or twice?"
"Ho? Rare inland. Lucky you. No qualms eating it then. Butler."
"Yes."
"Butcher and bring it."
"As you command."
The butler caught the 300kg-plus tuna one-handed, as if it were nothing.
No ordinary servant—a knight proficient in Fighting Technique.
But his skill wasn't surprising because...
'Everyone here masters Fighting Technique?'
...The duke's retainers were all formidable.
Maids, butlers, laborers—everyone exuded presence.
'At least quasi-knights.'
Soldiers were one-man armies, knighted anywhere.
The knights proper?
'Top tier, even in Blood Hawk?'
Matching Tristan's elite eagles.
Vice-commanders or commanders in the making, overflowing.
'White Silver Lion Knights? More like pampered kittens.'
They were leagues apart.
In Taechang terms, the royal average was barely Lv. 4; Galahad's was Lv. 6.
One level separated sparrow from eagle.
'Without Commander Baltar, the royals would've been devoured.'
The kingdom's name could swap to Galahad anytime. No wonder she was wary of them.
With such power, royals had every reason to fear.
As these uncharacteristic shocks piled up.
"Food's here. Eat."
"......"
"Rare inland delicacy. Savor it."
"...Looks delicious, but the seating's intimidating."
Despite tantalizing tuna carpaccio, ceviche, and seafood, his appetite waned.
For good reason.
"Forgive them. Excessive loyalty."
The retainers bristled at the duke's kindness. Hard to swallow food amid that.
"...I'll manage somehow. ...Hey, it goes down easy?"
"...Ever the unflappable one."
Surprisingly tasty. Ignoring glares, Lee Han devoured the sashimi.
'Whoa, tuna tastes like this!'
His prior tuna was all-you-can-eat slop. Fresh like this? First time. He ate voraciously.
Stuffing his face shamelessly before the duke might shame some.
"Our instructor eats so heartily, right?"
[Men shouldn't pick at food. That's how you do it!]
...The smitten mage chick and ghost girl just enjoyed the show.
"Tea. Aids digestion."
"Digestion's fine. More cake, please. Delicious."
"...Want some to go?"
"Even better. Thanks, butler."
"Haha..."
The elderly butler nodded, flustered by the brazen request—but polite enough not to annoy.
"...You'll win over elders."
The duke, barely touching his food, marveled.
Devouring twenty man-portions plus cake and fruit? Extraordinary.
"I'm picky, but your kitchen suits me. Chef's a master."
"...He'd be thrilled."
Lee Han lied effortlessly.
He ate anything. Slave, mercenary, soldier—picky? No chance.
But the praise? Sincere.
'Best meal of my lives.'
Past and present.
'Money and power mean fine dining, any era.'
Too pricey for his wallet ever again. Grateful for the lavish lunch, he cut in.
"So, what do you want from me, Duke, for all this?"
"What do you mean?"
Time for business.
"No free lunches from you. Why the royal treatment?"
"Hm, maybe I like you?"
"Nah. Not calling me for that."
"Ho? Why think so?"
"Umm, you match the power players I know...?"
"...Evaluating me boldly."
"Overthinking."
Lee Han shrugged.
Not rude enough to bite the hand feeding him—but now? Okay to push.
Because.
"Power players get nice when they want something. You do too."
"......"
"Just saying."
Today, he held the upper hand.
"...Sharper than you look."
"......What do I look like?"
"Haha."
"Serious question..."
"I am in a hurry."
The duke seemed to reflect on his approach.
Admitting his urgency showed.
Then.
"Indeed, three requests. Two can slide, but one must be granted."
"...?"
"...Pier, was it? That young heretic inquisitor girl with you."
"......"
"Hand her to me."
"......"
"...Why that look?"
"...Duke, rethink your words."
"Hm? What's wrong?"
"......"
Didn't he realize how criminal that sounded?
Lee Han was baffled, but meeting the duke's eyes revealed it.
Now he saw...
'This guy's eyes are crazed too?'
The black guy, now this one.
'Why do murder threats sound so sweet?'
Sip...
'Redhead's got a savage fan club.'
......Popularity's weird.
Truly.
A murderous love triangle if there ever was one.