Episode 68
“The Superhuman’s Disciple?”
“A disciple of The Flame Sword.”
“That hillbilly got it.”
With people casting envious glances and making noises here and there.
“Your Excellency. Please give me a chance to prove my martial arts skills!”
“I think I’m just as talented as anyone else!”
“Give me a chance too!”
Men shouting jealously.
They all looked like knights or nobles with knightly skills, with their muscles bulging under their flashy, tight-fitting tailcoats.
but.
“Was there one among you who became a mid-level knight at the age of just around 20? Or did you have the strategies and tactics to win both battles where the fate of the family depended on it?! Above all….” The
Count’s shouting The voices that were shouting here and there have quieted down.
“Even with that kind of skill! You have the courage to endure shame for your family, bow down and do business in the capital yourself! I would like to give greater marks to that action than to Logan McLane’s skills.”
With that last word, the banquet hall became quiet.
And even the way I looked at Logan felt a distinct change.
‘Why do you say that…’
It was a ridiculous overestimation… but it was all true.
But I couldn’t respond to those words now.
The moment you show even the slightest positive hint, your nose will be pierced, and if you forcefully refuse, it will give Vipros a reason to attack.
But fortunately, Logan had a strong defense shield.
“I am grateful and grateful, but I already have a teacher whom I have decided to serve.”
“Huh? Wasn’t your father, Baron Padric McLane?”
“No. Fortunately, I was able to meet a great person and have him become my teacher.”
“…Still, it’s the same. They say the more teachers you have in life, the better. Isn’t the same true for a martial arts teacher? I wouldn’t object if your teacher, Yeolhwageom, a famous auror user in the kingdom, becomes your new teacher.”
Of course, it was an impossible story.
The knights had in their hearts the maxim that all knights should regard their monarch, teacher, and father as one.
This originally meant serving one’s teacher as one would a monarch, but it was also seen as a maxim not to serve two teachers.
The cultures of knights and wizards were similar in this respect.
There were also masters who mistreated their disciples, thinking that serving more than one master was leaking their vision.
There was no way the Count wouldn’t know that, so in fact, it was a complete far-fetch.
“I’m sorry, but I still refuse. It’s obvious that Master won’t allow it.”
The count’s face turned cold at Logan’s sharp refusal, and the heated atmosphere in the audience suddenly quieted down.
But the Count soon opened his mouth again with a smile on his face.
“As expected, you are young, so your decisions are clear and quick. However, since Yeolhwageom is scheduled to visit the castle in the near future, why not take some lessons from him? I intend to give you and all the noble successors ‘under my command’ a chance. Yes, if anything, you can call your teacher too.”
“Oh…”
“As expected, Count. You’re big.”
The earl secretly formalized McLane’s joining and even decided on the stay of his successors.
Only then did Logan clearly realize the Count’s purpose.
He was planning to somehow create an excuse to get McLane involved.
Regardless of whether the method was subjugation or invasion, McLane’s options were narrowed the moment Logan himself arrived here.
However, in this situation, I couldn’t say no again.
‘They’ll immediately grab you and lock you up or point a knife at you, saying it’s an insult or something.’
From the beginning, it was like suggesting only one option.
‘I’m glad I took measures in advance.’
Logan simply bowed his head, hoping it wasn’t too late.
“Thank you for your kind words. If you say that much, I can’t help it. I’m looking forward to it.”
Let’s take a step back from his complicated thoughts.
“Thank you for accepting my offer, Prince Logan.”
The Count looked around with a smile on his face.
“McLane’s decision will be the starting point for our southwestern region to become one again. And…”
The Count expertly paused for a moment to draw concentration with a much more relaxed expression, and then continued speaking again.
“Actually, there has already been a lot of discussion before this meeting was prepared. Viscount Geoff Percival and Baron Derek Lufman, who have been friends for a long time, have already pledged to unite under the banner of Bipros.”
Since everyone in their family already knew, they were all nodding their heads, and even Logan knew in advance, so the only ones with a hard look on their faces were Ferretta and his companions.
“I would like to give a suitable gift to the successors as a way to repay their willing loyalty.”
Clap clap.
The doors to the banquet hall opened again, accompanied by applause.
Soon, about a dozen knights, not servants, entered the banquet hall with a cart in the middle, as if guarding it.
Grumble.
The cart they pulled in had a display stand covered with silk cloth, and on top of it were two transparent glass boxes.
What caught everyone’s attention were the items inside the glass box.
A beautiful long sword with a brilliant brilliance flashing on its elegantly straight silver blade.
A huge warhammer as tall as an adult man, with a strangely luminous blue color that matches its rugged appearance.
Their unique brilliance, not seen in ordinary weapons, revealed their identity.
“Artifact?!”
“If the color of the magical power is that strong, it must be at least 3 classes or higher…”
“Of course it is. The Count has his reputation, so it must be a treasure worth at least tens of millions of gold.”
“A treasure collector indeed….”
Artifact.
A magic tool that produces a semi-permanent magical effect using materials that contain magic power themselves or have magic power injected in a special way.
Circle wizards with elemental attributes also create artifacts, but the artifacts of class wizards, commonly called the Wizard School, are more versatile.
Therefore, it was common for artifacts to be classified into class levels according to the magic with which they were enchanted.
Of course, even though it has high versatility, the production cost is enormous, so it was usually custom-made according to the special request of the person who requested the production.
Among the materials used, the cheapest was mithril, so even without considering the wizard’s labor costs, it was an inevitably expensive treasure.
Therefore, in order not to waste the materials, weapon artifacts were usually enchanted with at least 3 classes of magic.
And to make a class 3 artifact, a class 5 wizard, two levels higher, was needed, so the price was bound to skyrocket.
‘You’re just giving something like that as a gift? Indeed…’
Logan was impressed, but smiled bitterly inside.
It would be a lie if I said I wasn’t envious of the wealth of Bipros, who had become one of the three richest men in the kingdom.
Because it was a family that developed by swallowing up the land of their ancient ancestors.
“Everyone be quiet!”
Despite the yelling, the Count had a smile on his face.
I am satisfied with the loud reactions of people.
“Ramon Percival. Come forward.”
“yes!”
With the name being called, a sharp-looking brown-haired man who looked to be around thirty walked in front of the Count.
“Will you swear allegiance to me?”
“Yes. On behalf of the Percival family, I pledge allegiance to Count Roger Vipros.”
“Very well. I, Roger Vipros, accept that oath and hand down this sword in return for your loyalty.”
“I will serve you with all my heart!”
“This Rampton sword is a class 3 artifact, a treasure that adds strength to the user’s body and maximizes the sword’s cutting power. This will make your swordsmanship even sharper. Protect your family with it and serve Biphros!”
“Thank you for the favor!”
The Count smiled as he watched Ramon Percival lie face down and raised his voice again.
“Eric Rufman come forward!”
“Yes! Your Excellency!”
“Will you swear allegiance to me?”
“Yes. On behalf of the Lufmann family, I too swear allegiance to Count Roger Vipros.”
“Very well. I, Roger Vipros, accept that oath and give you this Warhammer in return for your loyalty.”
“I will serve you with all my heart!”
“This Hammer of Saxony is a class 3 artifact, and is a powerful weapon that amplifies the impact several times. With this, destroy the enemies that stand in the way of your family and Vipros!”
“Thank you for the favor!”
The heirs of a family knelt before the count as if they were being ordained knights.
The sight that most people in the room took for granted by nodding their heads brought great pressure to Logan.
furthermore.
“I am not stingy when it comes to giving. In the future, the families that join Bipros will receive appropriate compensation!”
It is definitely not an illusion to look at yourself while saying that.
It was a time when the count’s blatant gaze added to the pressure in my heart.
“For something like that, don’t you think Prince Logan’s sword would be better?”
Ferretta’s idiot, who had already approached the side, suddenly struck the candle.
He came close to me and spoke as if he only wanted to say it to Logan, but his voice was too loud.
“Confucius?!”
The knight next to him was astonished.
“You bird… haha.”
Logan’s expression also became distorted, but Flon smiled wryly and raised both hands in a joke.
“No, I think the Count is being too condescending. Isn’t that right? Prince Logan’s sword looks better to me.”
The number of whispers increased as the count continued to behave indecently, and the Count’s expression hardened, but he did not seem to even be aware of the fact.
“Well, seeing as how you don’t recognize even really talented people, it could be so… Eup! Eup!”
“Lord Confucius. You are a little drunk.”
The driver belatedly tried to cover his mouth, but the atmosphere in the banquet hall had already become cold.
Logan, who had suddenly and strangely become involved, also found it absurd.
‘Is this bastard digging a grave just because his pride is hurt?’
It is true that he hoped the rumor about Hamar’s sword Lux would reach the earl’s ears, but he did not expect this situation.
The method of obtaining proper dwarven work is simple once you know it, but the greedy nobles never changed their minds in that direction.
‘I wouldn’t have thought of it if I hadn’t seen it in person.’
In the worst case, if the move he came up with didn’t work and the count tried to force it, he would use that clue to make a deal or try to bide his time.
however.
‘This rotten bastard…’
Some thunder-naked beast broke in and turned the game upside down.
“Oh. Are you saying that Prince Logan’s sword is that good?”
The Count’s eyes were fixed on Logan’s waist.
It was not the look in the eyes of someone who had been talking about the unity and great cause of the southwest just a moment ago, but the eyes of a treasure collector full of greed.
“…I was just lucky enough to get a dwarf’s work.”
“Huh? It’s a dwarven work. If it’s a true dwarven work, its rarity alone makes it comparable to an artifact. The enslaved dwarves have long since lost the skills of their ancestors.”
If you just promised liberation, you could get it right away. I
laughed inside, but for now, getting over this moment was the priority.
“I need the sword of Confucius. Can you see it?”
The moment I handed it over temporarily, I was confident that it would never return to my hands again.
So.
“Although I am young, I am also a knight, so it is difficult for me to carelessly entrust my pet. “I’m sorry.”
No matter what happened, I could never pass it up.
– It would be much better than the low-quality artifact weapons. It’s the first luxury item I’ve ever made. Have you ever heard a rumor about a luxury item with the soul of a dwarf? I want to make it again. It’s not something that’s made.
Hamar’s proud words rang in my ears.
A luxury product with the soul of a dwarf.
Even if you don’t think about the false legend that often comes with its name, it’s a look that Hamar custom-made for him, taking into account his body shape. were already soul mates.
But despite his euphemistic rejection, the count did not give up.
“The sword is your companion… hehe.” You really talk about old times, not for your age. Okay then, how about showing it with sparring like a knight?”
“Sparring?”
“There are people here who have received my artifact, so we can compare them. Ramon Percival, are you intermediate?”
“Yes, Count. Although it was not enough, I managed to reach that level a few years ago.”
Contrary to his humble words, becoming an intermediate Force user around 30 was not slow at all.
Moreover, Ramon’s eyes were full of confidence as he held the Sword of Rampton that he had just been given.
” ruler! Let’s take a look at the dance of the talented people who will lead the future of this land through the party entertainment!”
Clap clap.
As the Count clapped his hands, the center of the banquet hall naturally became empty and space was created.
‘Oh, by the way. I never said I would… ‘
The other person was already wearing armor that he had brought from somewhere over his party clothes.
Logan’s expression was distorted as he got caught up in something completely unplanned and troublesome.
“But just sparring alone won’t be fun, so I’ll put a condition on it.”
The count’s eyes sparkled mischievously, and everyone’s eyes focused on him.
“If Ramon wins, I will keep the dwarf’s sword, and if Prince Logan wins, I will give him a suitable artifact separately. What do you think, Ramon?”
“I will follow your orders.”
“What do you think, Prince Logan?”
It was a series of unexpected events, but if it happened like this, the story would be much different.
“I like it
too.” “As expected, you are generous .”
There is nothing to say without losing your sword.
“I was truly impressed by the Count’s distribution.”
You. Indeed,
although it was difficult to say it in a different way, the Count and Logan both confirmed each other’s true feelings and smiled at the same time.
‘What kind of rice cake is this?’
The irritation caused by Flon had long since disappeared, and
in Logan’s eyes, the idiot in front of him was already starting to look like a free artifact.
