Chapter 97


    Ohhh! Sir Eugene! Jevin eximed as he hurried towards Eugene and stretched out his hand. There were many watching eyes, and Jevin was the sessor of the nearby regions most influential family. As such, Eugene shook his hand.


    It has been a while, Lord Jevin, Eugene said.


    Haha! Indeed. It has been too long, Jevin responded.


    We are here as well, Sir Eugene! Eugenes eyes widened when he saw the knights who apanied Jevin.


    Kiek?! Arent those the knights who were beaten to a pulp by our Sir Eugene? Mirian eximed. Although the matter had concluded sessfully, it was strange to see the three knights smiling brightly after Eugene had beaten them up only a few months ago.


    They wanted to see you again so badly, Sir Eugene. By the way, I heard about your spectacr performance in Count Winslons knightpetition. I couldnt stand still after hearing the stories! My blood was boiling, so I came. Ah! This is my gift to you. Jevin said before gesturing at a group of well-dressed ves. They came forward holding arge chest.


    Open it, Jevin ordered.


    Click!


    The ves opened therge chest.


    Ooooh! The attendees couldnt hold themselves back.


    Kieeek! Kiek! K-Kiiiuaagh! Mirian was ovee with such intense emotions that she even fainted. Dozens ofrge gold bars were glimmering with an enchanting light inside a chestrge enough to fit a child.


    This is a token of my respect for Sir Eugene. You have glorified our region with your spectacr, wonderful performance in thepetition. I hope you will ept it, Jevin said. Eugene was distracted by the gold bars for a moment, but he quickly came to his senses and stared at Jevin.


    Jevin Evergrove was smiling brightly after drawing the attention of the crowd by suddenly revealing the chest of gold. His appearance was dignified and confident. Anyone could see that he was a proud sessor of a great noble.


    Hmm.


    Eugene squinted. Although Jevin was smiling, his eyes were quivering ever-so-slightly. In addition, his scent was a mixture of perfume and a bodily odor that humans naturally emitted when they were nervous and scared.


    From his experience, Eugene knew the defining characteristic of those who reacted like this.


    They were afraid of him. As such, Eugene became convinced.


    Its him.


    It was Jevin. Eugene was certain that Jevin Evergrove was the one responsible for directing the holy knights to Count Winslons knightpetition. Funnily enough, it appeared that Jevin was unaware that Eugene already knew the truth.


    But why did hee? Ahh


    Eugene turned his gaze towards the royalists. Their gazes were glued to the gold bars, and their mouths were agape with shock.


    Just as Count Winslon said, those who were responsible for sending a letter to the royal city were the royalists of Maren. They were the main culprits behind the letter which caused an influential figure of the royal city to mobilize the holy knights. Jevin Evergrove had simply been the middleman, the deliverer of the message. Regardless of the actual truth and the various circumstances, this was the situation thus far.


    Anyway, Sir Eugene. I was told that you won the twin crown at the knightpetition. Is that true? Jevin asked.


    Hoooh. Im not sure how you found out, but it is indeed true, Eugene responded.


    Oooohh!


    The attendees expressed their admiration. They already knew that Eugene had performed well in thepetition, but the details had not been properly revealed yet. Eugene had purposefully asked the mercenary guild leader to keep the results of the knightpetition a secret for the time being.


    As expected! I heard that there were truly amazing knights who participated in thepetition. Yet, Sir Eugene managed to win both the jousting and the swordsmanshippetition! In addition, I heard that Sir Eugene led an army to victory in the mock battle as its captain! Truly amazing! Jevin eximed while raising his arms somewhat exaggeratedly. His words were enough to astound everyone at the banquet.


    The twin crown!


    And a captain in the mock battle!?


    Doesnt that mean that he swept the floor in the entirepetition?


    The attendees of the banquet started to whisper excitedly.


    Jevin looked around the crowd before speaking even louder. Moreover, its said that even a number of holy knights from the royal city participated in thepetition, right? Sir Eugene didnt just form a unit with the holy knights, but he even took the lead and led the troops to victory as a captain! Everyone, would you not agree that Sir Eugene is a true hero of Maren and our region!?


    What is this nonsense?


    Eugene was left speechless. It was already ridiculous that Jevin was the first to bring up the matter regarding the holy knights, so why was he telling apletely opposite version of the story?


    Regardless of Eugenes puzzlement, the atmosphere of the banquet heated up even more.


    Ooohhh!


    The reputation of the holy knights was almost universal. They were a chosen, select group of elites possessing excellent skills, noble blood, and distinguished faith. Only those who satisfied all three conditions could be holy knights.


    It was shocking for the crowd to hear that Eugene had led such a group of distinguished knights to victory in a mock battle. It was even more surprising than the fact that he defeated a high-ranking monster. Moreover, this fact was sufficient for the royalists to be assured of their belief.


    Theres no doubt! The royal city sent holy knights topletely win over Sir Eugene!


    Do they expect us to believe that those proud folks allowed him to be their captain without reason? It would have been impossible unless he swore to be a royalist!


    They had no reason to doubt Jevins words since he had acted as the intermediary for their message. The royalists couldnt hide their smiles as they approached Eugene.


    Thats amazing, Sir Eugene! I cant believe you formed a unit with the holy knights!


    The holy knights are a symbol of noble faith and ardent loyalty, right? They are a sword of the church and His Majesty the King. The royalists started to freely express themselves while currying favor with Eugene.


    Did you know, Sir Eugene? We were actually the ones responsible for requesting the presence of the holy knights.


    But we would have never thought that holy knights would actually be mobilized. Anyway, I am d to hear that they were a valuable contributor to your amazing achievements. Would you not agree that this is proof that both God and His Majesty the King greatly favor you? Hahaha!


    ...! The expressions of a great number of attendees changed in an instant after hearing the words of the royalists. If what they were saying was true, didnt it mean that the hero of Maren, an unrivaled, unprecedented knight, had already aligned himself with the royalists?


    Hahahahahaha! Hahaha. Haha


    The royalists burst intoughter with proud expressions while looking around at the attendees. However, the sound of theirughter gradually decreased. The one who should have praised and thanked them wasnt showing any reaction.


    Sir Eugene? One of the royalists called out.


    Eugene stared at them while maintaining his silence for a while, then slowly parted his lips. It is indeed true that the holy knights were participating in the knightpetition. Are you saying that you were the ones who requested the holy knights?


    Of course! Haha!


    I see. However, Eugene interrupted.


    Hmm?


    He continued while looking around at the banquet.


    Im not sure why, but the holy knights were extremely hostile toward me. They were trying to keep me in check, and in addition, they attempted to kill me in the jousting and the swordsmanshippetition.


    What!? The royalists eximed. However, Eugene didnt spare them a nce as he calmly continued. I am a knight. No matter how honorable and noble the holy knights may be. I could not tolerate their unreasonable behavior. They were trying to harm me for no reason, so I fought back as hard as I could. And as a result Eugene paused, and his red eyes skirted over the attendees before stopping at the royalists, who were trembling like sailboats facing a storm.


    Two of the holy knights died in an unfortunate ident during their match against me, and the other fled with hispanions at dawn on the day of the mock battle, Eugene said.


    ...!


    The royalists stiffened as if time had stopped.


    What dishonorable, underhanded fellows! How dare they try to harm the hero of our city!? It was the mayors cry that broke through the momentary silence.


    And that was under the instigation of those viper-like men? Sir Eugene! As the mayor representing the City of Maren, I apologize on their behalf! The mayor eximed before giving a slight bow to Eugene. Then, he turned towards the trembling royalists and roared fiercely. All of you must know how serious a crime it is to conspire a murder against a noble, right? Arrest those men immediately!


    Arrest them! Trevik repeated the mayors words as Marens mercenary guild leader and the citys recruiting officer.


    Yes! The guards, who were participating as the mayors escorts, immediately answered.


    Ahh!


    T-this is The royalists could not hide their shock.


    One of their members gritted his teeth and shouted.


    This is a trap! They got us! What are you all doing!? Protect us!


    Theres no helping it!


    Fight! Protect me! The rest of the royalists quickly came to their senses and shouted at their servants and guards.


    Shuack!


    But before their guards could react, Eugene took Madarazika from inside his cape and threw it vigorously.


    Uagh!


    Keugh!


    The famed spear passed by the attendees like a ck meteor before piercing two guards who were starting to draw their swords. After cleanly passing through the two men, the spear embedded itself in the wall.


    Uaggggh!


    Hes dead!


    Whoosh!


    Eugene crossed the chaotic banquet hall in an instant like lightning while swinging Wolfughter. The guards copsed while spewing blood and their attempts to protect the royalists were nullified.


    R-run away!


    Hurry!


    In the meantime, some of the faster royalists hurried to the exit of the hall under the escort of their ves.


    Shhhuack!


    Kuagh!


    Two beautiful silver lines were drawn through the air, and two sturdy ves fell with holes in their heads and chests.


    Heuk!? The royalists gasped.


    And where are you going? I am under orders from Sir Eugene, so I ask for your understanding. Lanslo shook the blood off his de with a beautiful, dazzling smile. If not for the current situation, it was certain that his smile would have enchanted countlessdies.


    You you dare to plot against Master!? Luke didnt stay still either. The young ve respected his master the most in the world, and as such, he rushed toward the royalists guards without hiding his fury.


    Kill them!


    Run!


    Kieeek?! The bloods going to dirty the gold bar!


    Dont let them get away!


    Uagggh!


    You human scum!


    Kieeeeeeek! My gold!


    The hall was thrown into a great turmoil, and even strange shouts could be heard from time to time amidst the chaos.


    ***


    It did not take too long for all of the royalists to be put under arrest, and the long-standing headache of Maren was finally cleared up. Eugene and Lanslo were far too strong that the ves and guards of the royalists quickly surrendered after witnessing their colleagues fall like autumn leaves. Even though the banquet turned into such a mess, the remaining attendees raised their sses to praise Eugene and congratte him for driving out the royalists.


    Hes the kings godfather, so I cannot believe that the cardinal was involved in such a disgraceful affair!


    Thats what I am saying. I can only say how relieved I am that our city had already cut ties with the central church and the royal family.


    Those despicable royalists dont know what honor is. The central church is no better.


    Mister Mayor, you must strongly protest regarding this situation in the quarterly correction report.


    The attendees of the banquet strongly voiced their opinions.


    There is no need to worry, everybody. I will take responsibility and cut off all ties we have with the royal family. The mayor responded. He was inwardly overjoyed at the oue. The royalists had been removed at once, and the entire city was unified in its will. He tried his best to hide his smile as heforted and assured the attendees.


    Eugene watched the situation y out from a distance. He turned his head and spoke to the figure who was stealing nces at him. Dont we have something to discuss as well, Young Master Jevin? Ah, before that, should Ipliment you on your brilliant n?


    Well Jevin quivered before letting out a long sigh. Then he approached Eugene before continuing. So you already knew everything, sir.


    I would have been a fool otherwise. Anyway, I think I did an adequate job participating in this little game of yours. Are you satisfied? Eugene said.


    Thank you, Sir Eugene. And I apologize, Jevin responded.


    Why would you apologize? If anyone heard you, they might misunderstand and assume that you havemitted a grave crime. For example Eugene said before looking around their surroundings. Then, he inched closer to Jevin before whispering in his ear. Asking for the dispatch of holy knights from the central church through tampering with the royalists letter or something simr, wouldnt you agree?


    ...!


    Can I be assured such things wont happen again? Eugene asked.


    O-of course. I swear on the honor of my name, my title, and my family, Jevin responded.


    Thats only natural. Anyway, it seems a littlecking to leave it as a promise between just the two of us, Eugene continued.


    What Jevin was about to reply when Eugene interrupted him by shouting at the attendees of the banquet. Sirs!


    Oh! Sir Eugene! Do you have something to say? The mayor immediately responded with a delighted expression. His impression of Eugene was close to that of a deity after all he had done for the city. Eugene continued after cing his hand on Jevins shoulder. Young Master Jevin here has contributed greatly to destroying the royalists dirty plot, would you not agree?


    Well yes, the mayor agreed. Even though it felt rather strange, he wouldnt refute the words of Marens hero.


    However, it is also true that Young Master Jevin failed to properly confirm the contents of the letter that called for my murder. As such, Young Master Jevin feels very apologetic about the matter. Isnt that right, Lord Jevin? Eugene shouted.


    O-of course! Even though it was a mistake, I have no excuses to make! Jevin was flustered as well, but he eagerly agreed with Eugenes statement. The swordy in Eugenes hand after all.


    And as such. Young Master Jevin swears to actively cooperate in anything I do from now on, and I am sincerely grateful! Eugene continued.


    ...!


    Hooh?!


    Jevin flinched, but the mayor and others widened their eyes with interest and surprise.


    As an apology, he is willing to open the evilnd of his territory for subjugation whenever I want, and he wants to leave the disposal and trading of all mana stones and materials gained from the evilnds to the City of Maren. In addition, he stated that he will never confront anyone who holds the crest of Eugene, including myself. Finally, he swears on the honor of the Evergrove County and his own honor that he will abide by all these. Hahaha Eugene gave a dryugh while strongly pulling Jevins shoulder.


    Jevin managed to open his lips while sweating heavily. He could feel the murderous intent in Eugenes red eyes and the incredible strength from his hand.


    T-thats right. I, Jevin Evergrove, swear before all of you that I will do everything Sir Eugene had just said. I swear it on my honor and my family.


    Wuaaaaah!


    Marens dignitaries were amazed by the deration, and the city''s mayor and guild leaders could not hide their shock. Eugene also felt satisfied. He would have control over the Evergrove County in the future.


    Ptooey! Ptoooey!!! My gold! My gold bars! My Hing! Uwaaaaah! Ptooey! Huaaaaah. But tonight was a heartbreaking evening for the spirit, and the spirit only, as she continued to spit and wipe the blood-stained gold clean.