Chapter 43
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Translator: Ace
Chapter: 43
Chapter Title: Elberra (4)
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“Huh!”
“Ugh!”
The brothers flinched in surprise.
Albert was no stranger to the Grime family’s ties with the Blue Veil Knights or Roderick Swent’s standing within their ranks.
And with that, he could also grasp why his father had come all this way.
“I’ll handle it. Leave it to me, Father.”
“Of course you will.”
Gilmore Grime nodded with a satisfied smile.
There was no need to worry if it was his eldest son, Albert.
Not just because he was his own flesh and blood—Albert’s skills were among the finest among Elberra’s young knights.
Beyond his swordsmanship, he was sharp-minded too, so Gilmore had no doubt he’d lead the family well even after his own retirement.
‘This is a golden opportunity.’
Albert glanced back and forth between Annrose and the letter, clenching his fist before turning to his father.
With a tacit understanding, Gilmore Grime, thinking the same, nodded as well.
The Grime family was one of Elberra’s leading houses, but it lacked one key element compared to the others.
Pure noble blood.
Without noble lineage, they could never truly represent the city as a prestigious house.
That was why Gilmore Grime wanted his heir to marry into the most renowned noble family—one everyone acknowledged as the best.
It was the final piece needed to surpass Viscount Slayer and claim the top spot in Elberra.
Of course, Michelle Jade, who trailed after Albert daily, wasn’t a bad match either.
Linking with the Jade family—which owned over a dozen shops and inns centered on the Second Harbor, plus several large merchant ships—would solidify their influence in Elberra even further.
But for the family heir, she somehow fell short.
Gilmore saw Michelle Jade as the perfect match for his second son, Darren.
As he mulled over such concerns, Annrose Veniard—direct descendant of the Count Veniard family—arrived in Elberra.
It was an unexpected stroke of luck.
It was well-known that she sought a promising groom under favorable terms to revive her declining house.
Though recent scandals had tarnished it somewhat, the Count Veniard family remained the pinnacle of nobility, carrying the blood of ancient royalty.
If Albert married the sole direct heir of House Veniard, and Darren wed Michelle, every gap in the Grime family’s foundation would be perfectly filled.
Just as one of Gilmore Grime’s long-held wishes neared fulfillment, another major opportunity arose.
An urgent dispatch from Roderick Swent, the frontrunner for next commander of the Blue Veil Knights.
It was just about capturing one man, but handling it successfully would surely catch Roderick Swent’s eye.
Albert and Roderick Swent were of the same generation.
Resolve this well, and one day Albert could become the knight commander’s right-hand man, positioning the Grime family at the head of all houses under the Blue Veil Knights.
‘If Albert marries Annrose Veniard and earns Roderick Swent’s full trust... It won’t just be about becoming Elberra’s top house. We might even vie for dominance in the midwest.’
Gilmore Grime gazed at his eldest son with eyes brimming with satisfaction, as if that brilliant future were already in view.
“Shall we get started right away?”
Albert asked, reading the intent in his father’s eyes.
“We should. I hear they’re off for a boat ride? Head to the Second Harbor first and pass the word to their crew. With Michelle Jade along, it’ll be much easier.”
“Understood. I’ll also reach out to the inns near Elberra’s gates and the harbors.”
“Good. I trust you. And don’t forget to charm Lady Veniard.”
Gilmore Grime patted his eldest son’s shoulder, turning toward the tent with a kindly smile.
“Then, I’ll take my leave as the rude intruder. We’ll prepare a ship right away, so enjoy your time.”
“Thank you, Sir Grime.”
Gilmore Grime departed with just two knights, while the rest—forewarned—waited for Albert nearby.
“Hmm. A giant over 190 centimeters tall, carrying a freakish greatsword as long as he is... Shouldn’t be too hard to track down. Heh!”
Albert read the meaningful letter his father had left behind, then swiftly schooled his expression and turned.
“My deepest apologies, ladies. As you saw, it was a matter so pressing that even my father had to come himself.”
“Not at all. It’s a vital mission for you knights. I’m fine.”
Michelle shook her head with a deliberately gentle smile.
To become the lady of a promising house like Grime, she needed to embody the image of a wise and gracious wife.
“That said, Lady Veniard, are you sure you won’t join? The Bran River is truly stunning at this time of year.”
Albert spoke politely, shooting a subtle glance at his sister Jenny.
“Yes, my lady. Come with us. Enjoy the breeze on our ship and some delicious food. Our family’s new chef is incredible.”
Jenny quickly took Annrose’s hand.
“Well... I’m not sure...”
Annrose furrowed her brow, as if pondering.
Seeing her face, Albert and Darren’s hearts raced anew. No matter her expression, she was breathtakingly beautiful.
“I’m a bit tired, but it wouldn’t be polite to keep refusing Sir Albert’s hospitality. Very well. You insist it’s so scenic...”
“Hahaha! Excellent choice. You won’t be disappointed. Let’s hurry. We’ll have lunch on our family’s dragon ship.”
The dragon ship was the Grime family’s prized vessel, with a prow carved like a dragon’s head—three sails and twenty-four oars.
“Riding the Grime family’s dragon ship? I can’t wait!”
Michelle—who’d been silently glaring daggers at Annrose, grinding her teeth—suddenly made a fuss, jiggling her ample chest exaggeratedly.
Her own family had a grand ship rivaling the Grime’s dragon vessel, but to divert the attention from Annrose, she had to play up her one standout asset.
And it worked—the brothers’ gazes snapped straight to her plump bosom.
‘How utterly vulgar.’
A flash of contempt flickered in Annrose’s large eyes but vanished in an instant.
She was far too shrewd to let her feelings show openly.
“Not coming?”
“Oh? Oh! Yes! Of course. Ha, haha! Coming right now. You won’t regret it.”
Albert startled, flashing an awkward smile as he started walking.
“Eee! This is going to be amazing! Let’s go!”
Michelle plastered herself to Albert’s side, breezing past Annrose.
‘What a tacky little tramp...’
Annrose suppressed her emotions, watching their backs with composed eyes as she followed at a leisurely pace.
That was when someone who’d stayed silent until now spoke up cautiously.
“Weren’t you planning to refuse?”
It was Baron Baran, one of the few knights from Count Veniard’s house who’d accompanied Annrose.
“I was. But I changed my mind.”
“May I ask why?”
“Did you see the letter Lord Grime brought?”
“Yes. It came in such haste, and it seemed to carry important news. But what does that have to do with...?”
Baran tilted his head.
“It bore the Blue Veil Knights’ seal—and the name Roderick Swent.”
“What?”
Baran’s eyes widened.
“I do have a good eye for details.”
“The Blue Veil Knights...”
“And Roderick Swent.”
Annrose added with a bright smile, but Baran was visibly shaken.
The Blue Veil Knights, surging ahead with unstoppable momentum for over a decade, now hailed as the midlands’ premier order. And Roderick Swent, one of the top young knights.
Annrose had come here precisely because the Grime family was the most promising among the Blue Veil’s vassal houses.
Otherwise, no matter how faded, there’d be no reason for the ancient royal-blooded Veniards to consider allying with a house like Grime.
“This might be our chance to forge a direct connection with the Blue Veil Knights. Well, even if not, being too icy to that blond chickenhead over there wouldn’t do.”
“Pfft!”
A few Grime family maids struggled to stifle their laughter at the unrefined words from such a highborn lady.
“Still, he’s your master now—chickenhead might be a bit harsh. If you tattle, just say I called him a pheasant, okay?”
Annrose said with a smirk.
The maids jumped, bowing even deeper.
“N-no, my lady.”
They’d already sensed this beautiful yet enigmatic and sharp-tongued beauty was the frontrunner to become the Grime family’s next mistress.
A poor impression now would bring nothing good.
“Let’s go, then.”
“Yes, my lady.”
Annrose descended the hill alongside Baron Baran and the Veniard knights.
‘Someone Roderick Swent urgently seeks himself? Who could it be? What’s going on?’
Her eyes, fixed on distant Elberra’s streets, gleamed with deep curiosity.
After washing up and grabbing a light bite, Blake changed into the rust-colored hooded cloak the clerk had fetched.
The clerk had a good eye—the garment was plain as ordered and fit Blake’s massive frame surprisingly well.
Buckling his iron rod at his waist, Blake stepped out with Lindelmann to scout boats at the harbor.
“Guard the room well.”
“Yes, sir. Go without worry. Um, Blake?”
“Hm? What is it?”
Rubens hesitated briefly, then steeled himself with a resolved look.
“Uh, well... Could I ask a favor?”
“Speak.”
“Right. I was wondering if you could spare some coin. Three or four gold should do...”
“Th-three or four gold?”
Lindelmann gaped in disbelief.
Not pocket change—a sum to sustain a household for months, called “should do.”
“Why?”
To Blake, the purpose outweighed the amount.
Rubens’s eyes sparkled like a child awaiting allowance.
“Ah, yes! I want to craft some emergency magic scrolls—something useful.”
Lindelmann stepped in with a incredulous look.
“Ruby, do you grasp how much three or four gold is? There are countless who’d risk life for one.”
“R-really?”
“Absolutely. And since we’re on the topic—our circumstances aside, few carry gold around. Transactions rarely demand it, so nobles stick to silver or notes. Gold’s that precious. And you’re asking for half a year’s living expenses...”
“Here. Five gold. Make something worthwhile.”
Blake cut him off, handing over five gold coins.
“Gasp!”
Lindelmann clamped his mouth shut mid-rant.
“Th-thank you! I’ll do my utmost.”
Rubens’s darkened face lit up instantly.
“N-no, five whole gold for magic that might not even see use...”
Lindelmann’s hands trembled as he spoke.
Blake merely squinted one eye and shot back.
“What nonsense? You’re the one who said magic’s worth its weight in gold when buying anything valuable, Sir Zaroph.”
“Eh? W-well...”
“One spell against that troll proved a mage’s magic justifies it. Now, to the harbor.”
Blake turned sharply and strode off.
“W-wait, even so... Ah, let’s go!”
Lindelmann hurried after him.
“Safe travels!”
Rubens watched their backs with a beaming smile.
(To be continued)