Chapter 60: Draw Them All (1)
Chapter 60: Draw Them All (1)
“What kind of knight resorts to such petty tricks in a duel?”
“I agree. If you don’t have the skill, you should at least have the grace to admit defeat.”
“Tsk, tsk. To think a man like that is a Knight Captain. It says everything you need to know about the quality of the knights in the House of Valsen.”
Baron Valsen trembled with rage.
Those barbaric, ignorant country bumpkins from the East were daring to insult him, a man from the Central Government.
These were pathetic nobodies he wouldn't have even noticed back when he was in the capital.
Just as he felt he might lose his mind to the sheer height of his fury, a figure approached him.
That person was…
“My soldier went a bit too far. I apologize, Baron Valsen.”
“Baron Schneider.”
“Regardless of the duel’s outcome, Sir Miranda was a fine knight. Please see to it that he receives proper treatment so he may return to duty.”
“You… You…!”
Baron Valsen shook with indignation.
This was a facade. Pure hypocrisy.
‘He’s mocking me. He’s laughing at me for appointing a man who couldn't even beat one of his common soldiers as my Knight Captain.’
The other Eastern hicks might be brainless, but this Baron Schneider was clearly a wickedly cunning politician with ten snakes coiled in his gut.
Why else would he put on such a show of benevolence, pretending to worry about his opponent’s knight in front of everyone?
“You think this is funny, don’t you?”
“…Pardon?”
“Drop the act. Do I look like an idiot to you?”
“…Pardon?”
Baron Schneider looked genuinely bewildered, and that reaction was the final straw for Baron Valsen’s sanity.
“You’re awfully arrogant for a mere Baron. Do you really think you can humiliate me with your sly schemes and walk away unscathed?”
“…I apologize, Baron, but I have absolutely no idea what you are talking about.”
“Shut up! You silver-tongued snake. I still have connections in the Central Government. If I set my mind to it, I could have you buried in noble society… Gwahk!”
In that moment, Baron Valsen saw it.
Something flashed as it flew toward him. The next thing he felt was the impact of a fist burying itself into his face. And then…
“What are you yapping about? You little goblin-sh*t…”
“……”
“You want to die? Huh?”
“K-ghhh…”
Listening to the threats of a common thug, Baron Valsen lost consciousness.
* * *
When Petrick returned after finishing his business, he was greeted by a sight that was both familiar and blood-pressure-raising.
Some obnoxious prick was screaming at Baron Schneider, hurling insults.
“You’re awfully arrogant for a mere Baron. Do you really think you can humiliate me with your sly schemes and walk away unscathed?”
‘That… piece! Of! Sht!’*
He dared to insult his father.
To make matters worse, his father was just standing there taking it, looking like he didn't have a clue what was going on.
The situation triggered a foul, lingering memory in Petrick’s mind.
[Hmph, the Murim Alliance has really gone to the dogs. To think they’d invite the leader of some nameless, third-rate sect to a meeting.]
[Hahaha. I am merely grateful to be allowed a seat despite my lack of merit.]
[At least you know your place. It would be even better if you’d just do us a favor and leave.]
[Hahahaha.]
Those were the words spat by some elder from either the Qingcheng or Kunlun Sect during a strategic meeting of the Murim Alliance’s high-ranking officials.
To be honest, he couldn't remember exactly which sect it was.
They were all treated like small fry within the Nine Great Sects anyway, and their images tended to blur together. But when his Master had bowed his head and laughed it off despite the blatant provocation…
[You little sht, do you want to die?!*]
In an instant, the Radiant Dragon Hero Jincheon had transformed into a literal Rampaging Dragon, grabbing that elder by the collar and burying a fist in his face.
Petrick hadn't given a damn about the fact that they were in the Murim Alliance’s meeting hall or that the man was an elder of a Great Sect.
If he cared about time and place, he wouldn't be the Radiant Dragon.
And that temperament of Petrick’s…
“Who the hell are you? Who do you think you are, digging up my bad memories and pissing me off? Huh? Who are you?”
…Exploded once again in this world.
“Um, Young Lord…”
Sanson approached the fuming Petrick and spoke cautiously.
“Did you punch him without even knowing who he is?”
“Yeah.”
‘Why? Is that a problem?’
Seeing the expression on Petrick’s face that clearly broadcast those thoughts, Sanson let out a deep sigh.
What on earth was he supposed to do with this man?
Meanwhile, Petrick was grabbing the unconscious Baron Valsen by the collar, looking ready to pummel him some more.
“Hey, stop him!”
“Young Lord, please calm down!”
“At least listen to what happened first!”
“Aaaagh! Hold him tighter!”
Even with dozens of soldiers hanging onto him, Petrick continued to drag them forward. The surrounding nobles watched with horrified expressions.
There, right before their eyes, was a raw, unadulterated madness they had never encountered in their lives.
“Petrick Schneider!”
“What?! …Oh.”
Petrick, who was about to snap back sharply, shut his mouth. Because…
“You brat! You finally went and did it. You finally caused a disaster.”
…A very angry Baron Schneider was standing there.
“No, Father, it’s not like that… Didn't you see? This… uh… Hey, what’s this guy’s name?”
“He is Baron Valsen.”
“Right, Valsen or Foot-wrap or whatever. He was the one being a disrespectful prick first…”
“Silence!”
A short while later.
Once the situation had calmed down, Baron Schneider offered a polite apology to the surrounding nobles.
“I am terribly sorry. My son has caused a great deal of trouble in front of so many distinguished guests.”
As he apologized, the Baron was pressing down on the back of Petrick’s head, forcing him to bow along with him.
“I didn't even do anything wrong…”
Of course, Petrick was grumbling under his breath, but he didn't push away his father’s hand.
Count Parmas spoke to Baron Schneider.
“That is enough, Baron.”
“Count.”
“In the first place, it was Baron Valsen who failed to accept his defeat in the duel and insulted you first. If this is the price he pays… well, I suppose it’s fair enough.”
In front of all the nobles of the East, he had been beaten unconscious by a young lord—not even a fellow head of house—and then dragged away like a sack of potatoes.
This story would be told and retold among the Eastern nobility for years to come.
Before even mentioning his honor, Baron Valsen’s basic dignity had been shoved into the gutter. From now on, he would be nothing more than a laughingstock among his peers.
‘But Baron Valsen isn't the important one here.’
Count Parmas turned back to Baron Schneider.
“No one will doubt the soldiers of your house anymore. And certainly, no one will question the merits your family has achieved.”
“You flatter us too much.”
“Hahaha. You are far too humble.”
At that moment, Petrick chimed in.
“I missed the middle part so I’m not sure what’s happening. What exactly is going on?”
“Can’t you just keep your mouth shut for once?”
“Nooooope.”
“……”
‘Wow. He’s my son, but he’s really getting on my nerves.’
Petrick’s expression was so punchable that even the virtuous Baron Schneider felt his fists itch.
Count Parmas gave a wry smile and spoke.
“I shall explain what happened. First…”
The Count proceeded to explain the events that had transpired during the awarding of merits.
“So, they questioned the achievements of our soldiers and complained that the rewards were unfair?”
“That is correct.”
“So you had them spar with knights to prove their skill.”
“Indeed. And they won.”
Having grasped the situation, Petrick spoke dismissively.
“Why did you handle it in such a complicated way?”
“Hmm?”
“I’m saying, why did you twist a simple problem into such a knot?”
“Simple? What do you mean?”
“Haaa… Sanson.”
“Yes, Young Lord.”
“Draw them all.”
Sanson blinked for a moment at Petrick’s command, but once he realized the intent, he drew the longswords at his waist. And then…
Vroooooom…
A vivid Aura began to ripple across his blades. And that was only the beginning.
Clang! Shing! Schwing!
All around them, the soldiers of the Schneider fief drew their twin swords. And then…
“Oh…”
“Heavens…”
“Is… Is this for real?”
The Eastern nobles were struck with awe.
Every single one of the 100 soldiers had Aura coating their twin blades.
Amidst the spectacular sight, Petrick spoke.
“That should settle the matter of skill. As for merit…”
Petrick brought something forward and held it out to the Count.
Wrapped in a cloth was a human head.
“I believe this should suffice.”
“Young Master Petrick. Is this perhaps…”
“It’s the head of the Dark Mage.”
“…Did you do this?”
“He tried to run away on his own, so I tracked him down and killed him. If we’re talking about family merits, I think this covers it.”
“……”
“Is it not enough?”
There was no way it wasn't enough.
In that single moment, the House of Schneider became the family with the greatest contribution to this subjugation campaign.
* * *
“Hehehehehehe…”
Petrick laughed.
He couldn't suppress the deep joy welling up from within, and a constant grin played on his lips.
“Hehehe. As expected of the Count. He’s got style.”
The House of Schneider received a greater reward than anyone else in this campaign.
A ten-year tax exemption.
A reward of 200 gold.
Mithril ingots and 50 warhorses.
Furthermore, the Count promised to officially report the Baron’s achievements to the Central Government and recommend him for a promotion in rank.
Taking the head of a Dark Mage was a monumental feat.
On top of that, there was a separate reward promised for Petrick saving Count Parmas’s daughter.
Technically, Petrick should have been punished for caving in Baron Valsen’s face, but…
[Baron Valsen insulted Baron Schneider first. Petrick Schneider’s attack was an act of defense for his insulted father, so we shall let the matter rest.]
With that one statement from Count Parmas, the issue was swept under the rug.
Objections? There were none.
In the first place, no noble in the East was going to criticize the House of Schneider after this.
Part of it was Baron Valsen’s lack of popularity in the region, but more importantly, it was because the House of Schneider had revealed its true strength.
The moment 100 soldiers simultaneously unleashed their Aura.
The House of Schneider was no longer a mere Baronial family.
They were now a power that could easily swallow two or three neighboring territories if they so desired.
Even if they found Petrick’s actions violent and distasteful, no one was foolish enough to pick a fight after seeing that kind of power.
Instead, most of the Eastern nobles began to approach Baron Schneider with newfound friendliness, and everyone unanimously agreed to the Count’s exceptional rewards. So…
“Hehehehe. Hihihihi. Muhahaha!”
It was only natural that Petrick’s mouth was stuck in a grin.
Though he did look like he’d lost his mind a little.
“Kaaa, I was just thinking I needed some capital to start a new business. This worked out perfectly. Just perfectly.”
Seeing Petrick in such high spirits, Sanson spoke up.
“Young Lord. This is no time to be so happy.”
“What are you talking about? We just hit the jackpot.”
“Are you really asking because you don't know?”
“I’m asking because I don't know. Why would I ask if I knew? Do I look like an idiot?”
Sanson’s face crumpled.
He spoke through gritted teeth, glaring at Petrick.
“Other nobles have been approaching our soldiers lately.”
“Hmm? Ah… right. I suppose they would.”
“It seems they are offering quite attractive terms. Knight titles, high salaries, full sets of armor, and horses.”
“Ho, then I bet you got even better offers, Sanson. How much did they offer you?”
“Young Lord!”
Sanson barked at Petrick’s nonchalant remark.
Indeed, several nobles had approached Sanson, asking him to join their fiefs as a knight.
The conditions offered to him were far better than those offered to the other soldiers.
Some promised him the position of Knight Captain, and others even offered to marry him to their daughters to make him a member of a noble family.
But Sanson had rejected them all.
[I am a vassal of Baron Schneider. Even if you offered me the national treasury, my loyalty would not waver.]
The other nobles were disappointed by his firm refusal.
However, they didn't give up.
They were now busy trying to recruit the other soldiers, offering them lavish terms to come to their territories.
For Sanson, it was a situation that made his blood boil.