Chapter 165: I’ll Have to Take This a Bit Seriously (1)
Chapter 165: I’ll Have to Take This a Bit Seriously (1)
Patrick’s single remark brought a heavy silence over the crowd.
‘What did this crazy bastard just say?’
That was likely the collective thought of everyone present.
In that silence, Count Spike was the first to speak.
“Do my worst…?”
He wore a smile that shimmered with murderous intent as he looked at Patrick.
“Do you really think I won’t?”
“I think you can’t.”
“And why is that?”
Count Spike growled ferociously.
Patrick let out a smirk.
“Well, you see, for some reason, I’ve ended up making quite a few enemies in my life.”
For some reason?
He really didn't know.
‘I’ve only known him for thirty minutes, and even I can tell why,’ Count Spike thought, staring at him with a look of utter disbelief. Patrick ignored the gaze and continued.
“But out of all those people, not a single one succeeded in ripping me open. Instead, every last one of them got their own heads smashed in.”
“So you think I’ll be the same?”
“Why? You think you’re special?”
“……”
“Then go ahead. Let’s take this all the way to the end.”
Patrick stepped forward, twirling the swords in both hands.
Count Spike’s soldiers and knights flinched. Having already faced Patrick, they recoiled at even his smallest movement.
Count Spike inwardly scowled at his men’s display before turning back to Patrick.
“This could escalate into an international incident.”
“Oh, so the stakes are getting higher. Nice.”
“Do you truly desire war?”
“If it happens, I’ll be at the vanguard smashing everything to bits.”
“……”
“And while I’m at the front of the battlefield, I’ll be screaming at the top of my lungs: ‘This is all because of that old fossil Count Spike’s petty temper tantrum!’”
“……”
“I’ll really do it.”
And he wasn't lying. He really would.
* * *
Back when Patrick lived his past life as the Radiant Dragon Hero, most of his achievements were accomplished by beating someone into submission.
However, that wasn't all there was to him.
Sometimes he had to negotiate, and other times he had to play a game of tug-of-war with his enemies.
In those moments, the Radiant Dragon Hero Jincheon had one core principle. Negotiation was simple:
[If you flinch, you’re dead.]
It was the typical mindset of a back-alley thug.
But the effectiveness of that mindset depended entirely on who was using it.
Just as a single mountain could not hold two tigers, a single territory could only have one madman. When a legendary lunatic like the Radiant Dragon Hero decided to go all out, it worked surprisingly well.
Even Patrick’s friend, the Dragon-Chasing Scholar Zhuge Hyeon, had once offered high praise for the Radiant Dragon Hero’s style of negotiation… in his own way.
[They say even dog dung can be used as medicine if you’re desperate enough.]
Regardless, that was exactly what Patrick was doing now.
Go all the way? Or back down?
Pick one.
The choice is yours.
* * *
‘What kind of lunatic is this?’
Count Spike was genuinely flustered.
Originally, he had intended to use the lives of his own soldiers to wash away his side’s faults and then turn the tables to hold the other side accountable. But…
‘This guy seems dead serious.’
“What are you waiting for? If we’re going to see this through, let’s get on with it. Come at me.”
As Patrick beckoned him with a finger, Count Spike bit his lower lip hard.
“First… let’s calm down.”
“Oh? Really? We’re not fighting?”
In the end, Count Spike took a step back.
No matter how he looked at it, he couldn't start a war over a matter like this. Even if the Caesar Kingdom wouldn't necessarily lose a war against the Atronia Kingdom, becoming the spark for a war with such flimsy justification would be a massive political disaster.
‘I can’t let that happen.’
He might be a 7-star knight, but as long as he remained within the boundaries of the world’s logic, Count Spike was ultimately just an adult with too much to lose.
He spoke softly, as if trying to soothe himself.
“We cannot go to war over such a trivial matter.”
“Aw, who said anything about war…?”
Of course, Patrick had no intention of starting a war either. He had held his ground, 99% certain that the opponent would flinch and back down. War wasn't child’s play; that was taking things too far.
But even if there had been a 1% chance the opponent didn't back down, he still wouldn't have gone to war.
‘In that case, I would have just cleanly killed everyone here to silence them….’
[Jincheon, you scoundreeeeel!]
“Hey, I can at least think about it. It’s just a thought….”
Patrick muttered a quiet excuse to the auditory hallucination of his Master’s scolding.
“What are you doing?”
“Nothing…. So, what now?”
Count Spike frowned and looked at Patrick.
“State your purpose for coming to my territory and then get lost.”
“I told you, I came for a fight.”
“……”
“Did I not mention that?”
Ah, right. He had mentioned it. He had, but…
“After doing all this, did you really think I would accept a duel?”
“You’re not going to?”
“Obviously not.”
“I see.”
“There is a limit to insolence. Someone like you, who has caused such a scene in my territory—”
“Fine, I get it.”
“……”
“Then I’ll be going.”
Wait, what?
Is that it?
Count Spike was caught off guard by how cleanly Patrick turned his back.
Regardless, Patrick sheathed his swords, turned around, and walked toward his companions.
“Let’s go. He said he won’t do it.”
“He won’t?”
“Yeah. He’s chicken.”
Count Spike’s blood boiled again at Patrick’s words. How dare that brat spout such nonsense about him? But Patrick and Matthew just kept talking to each other, ignoring him completely.
“Then there’s nothing we can do. Let’s move on to the next one.”
“Who’s next?”
“Count Beretto Zigler’s territory is the closest.”
“Is he any good?”
“He’s a heavy hitter. He actually uses a mace.”
“A literal heavy hitter, then. I like it.”
As he watched Patrick and his party walk away while chatting amongst themselves, Count Spike’s insides felt like they were on fire.
Finally unable to contain himself, he roared.
“Stop right there!”
“Ugh, what now?”
“Are you mocking me right now?”
“Mooockiiiiing?”
“……”
“Meeeeeeee?”
Wow, look at that face. He must be really pissed, Matthew thought as he watched from the side.
Patrick, on the other hand, acted as if he had no idea what was wrong.
“What kind of fresh nonsense is this? You told me to get lost. You said you wouldn't fight.”
“Ahem… that is…”
“I’m leaving because you told me to leave, so where does the mocking come in? I’m doing exactly what you asked, aren't I?”
“……”
How should he put it?
The boy wasn't wrong. He wasn't wrong, but…
‘For heaven’s sake…’
Where did he get that talent for making every single word so infuriating? That mouth was more terrifying than his swords.
Regardless, this was a problem.
Was he really just going to let the brat walk away like this? And then let him go duel Count Beretto Zigler?
‘If Count Zigler happens to win that duel…’
Count Beretto Zigler. He was of the same generation as Count Spike and had reached the 7-star realm around the same time. Within the Caesar Kingdom, the two were constantly compared, and they were acutely aware of each other as rivals.
Everyone has someone they absolutely do not want to lose to. For Count Spike, that was Count Zigler.
If he let Patrick go now, that big mouth of his would spread rumors all the way to the other side of the continent that Count Spike had run away in fear. He was certain of it.
He could ignore that as mere nonsense. But if Count Zigler went on to defeat Patrick after that…
“Dammit….”
The mere thought was horrifying. Count Zigler would take it upon himself to back up Patrick’s words.
[I have restored the honor and pride of the kingdom that Count Calvin Spike threw away.]
He would say something like that.
Just thinking about it made the back of Count Spike’s neck go stiff. It was something he could never tolerate.
Ultimately, he decided he couldn't let Patrick leave like this.
“I’ll do it.”
“Huh? Do what?”
“I will accept the duel.”
“All of a sudden?”
“……”
“Man, your whims change like boiling water. Why are you so back-and-forth?”
“……”
“Is it male menopause?”
“Shut up and decide if you’re doing it or not.”
He had realized one thing for certain: continuing to talk to this brat was detrimental to his mental health. If he kept listening, his aura would probably go haywire and make him cough up blood.
Patrick scratched his head and spoke.
“Hmm, I’m not really feeling it anymore….”
“……”
“Well, I guess I have no choice. I’ll do it on one condition.”
“A condition? You’re setting conditions now?”
“Why? Is that weird?”
“Weren't you the one who came here specifically to duel me? And yet you’re setting conditions?”
“Hey, that was the situation three minutes ago. Right now, the situation is that the Count is pleading with me to fight him even though I said I wouldn't.”
Pleading? Is that what this is?
Is that how he’s interpreting this?
“Cough…”
Count Spike, feeling something rising in his throat, forced his mouth shut and spoke.
“What is this condition?”
“If you win, I’ll take full responsibility for all the chaos that happened in this city.”
“It is your responsibility.”
“Well, there might be some differing perspectives on that.”
How exactly would you interpret it otherwise? Count Spike was speechless with exasperation, but Patrick continued with a smile.
“Instead, if I win, you’ll take responsibility for failing to manage your subordinates and pay for all the repairs for the damage here.”
“Repair costs?”
“Yeah. Don't you see? The homes of innocent people were destroyed in the aftermath of the battle.”
“……”
“Don't tell me you were planning to just wash your hands of it? Wow. How can a Lord be like that? My father would never even dream of doing something so shameful.”
In truth, Patrick was responsible for about 90% of the city’s destruction. However, Count Spike, who had arrived late to the scene, had no way of knowing that and bit his lip.
No matter what he said now, he would just look like a villainous Lord who tried to ignore the suffering of his people.
Then Patrick spoke.
“It’s a good deal, isn't it? No matter who wins, the people of the territory get compensated for their losses. Right?”
“Fine. Let’s do that.”
“Now you’re finally making sense. So, when should we duel? Now?”
Patrick’s attitude suggested that he didn't care when he fought someone like the Count. And in reality, that was exactly how he felt.
‘Arrogant brat.’
Count Spike bit his lip and said, “In two days.”
“And the location?”
“The training grounds of the inner castle.”
“Oh, you like things private. Got it. I suppose at your age, you’d be quite embarrassed to be beaten in public.”
“……”
Count Spike thought to himself: If I could just crush that mouth, I would sell my soul to a demon.
“Everyone, this is how scary middle-aged menopause can be. Everyone should make sure to get proper exercise and eat healthy—”
“I will open the training grounds so that everyone can watch!”
“Great. Then I’ll see you in two days.”
Count Spike gritted his teeth and turned away sharply. His knights and soldiers followed him, casting wary glances.
The injured were helped away by their comrades, and soon the broad street was empty. Patrick shrugged his shoulders.
“Hmm, so this is what the Daoists call ‘Wu Wei’—natural action.”
No. No, it’s not.
“No matter where the rain falls, the water flows and flows until it eventually reaches the sea, so in the end… what was it again?”
It seemed he couldn't even remember the original quote properly.
“Anyway, I guess I’ll be able to achieve my original goal… Huh? Who are you?”
Patrick looked to his side and saw a young boy approaching him. The boy bowed his head deeply toward Patrick and spoke.
“Thank you.”
Suddenly? And to this demon?
Matthew and Isabella, who were watching the situation, couldn't understand what was happening. But this was only the beginning.
“Haha… Hahahaha!”
“You’re amazing, young man.”
“I feel so refreshed. It was so satisfying to see those bastards get sent flying.”
“You’re going to crush that bastard Count Spike too, right?”
Other people began to approach Patrick, patting him on the shoulders and back in celebration. Among them were people Patrick had been drinking with earlier, as well as people he had never seen before.
They were all delighted by Patrick’s actions and even expressed their gratitude.
Isabella and Matthew were dumbfounded by the scene.
‘This is strange.’
‘Is it usually like this?’
It didn't seem like Count Spike was a particularly benevolent ruler. But he was the Lord of this land and one of the representative knights of this country. Was it normal for people to shower praise and gratitude on someone who had just smashed the Count’s soldiers and was planning to fold the Count himself in half?
Seeing their confusion, Patrick let out a smirk.
“Tsk, tsk, tsk. This is why you greenhorns who don't know the ways of the world are so…”
“What?”
“Why are they like this?”
“Didn't you see how those soldiers were acting earlier?”
“The soldiers?”
They had seen it, of course. Coming to a tavern during work hours to drink and threaten the people around them… Wait, hold on.
A thought flashed through Matthew’s mind.
Even before the soldiers had picked a fight with Patrick, the citizens of this city had clearly been wary of and disliked them. That meant…
“This land hasn't been integrated. It’s being held by force.”
“Hmm….”
This city had once been the capital of the Kreutz Kingdom, and the citizens living here were the people of that nation. He didn't know how the Caesar Kingdom had ruled after conquering it, but looking at the soldiers’ attitudes and the citizens’ reactions, it certainly hadn't been through peaceful means.
The people of a defeated nation, forced to submit to an enemy.
To them, Count Spike and his soldiers were not an allied army protecting them, but invaders who oppressed and monitored them.
In the midst of that, Patrick had appeared and shown them an overwhelming display of power by blowing those soldiers away.
‘It must have been cathartic.’
The woman who owned the tavern where Patrick had been eating and drinking earlier shouted loudly.
“The beer at my place is free today! Everyone, drink until you drop!”
“Wooooooo!”
“Hooray!”
Just looking at the people’s reactions now, one could tell how much they had been exploited and suppressed.
Then Patrick spoke.
“The heart of the people is the heart of heaven, and the heart of a child is a heart of goodness….”
“……”
“If someone is shunned by both, I think I know exactly what kind of man Count Spike is.”
Since Patrick was speaking with unusual seriousness, neither Matthew nor Isabella could easily respond.
Then, with cold eyes, Patrick said:
“I’ll have to take this duel a bit seriously.”