Chapter 186


    Delmondo gave a long exnation regarding his disposal of the territory, but unfortunately, Felid only understood less than half of what Delmondo had said. Meanwhile, Prisci listened intently, nodded every once in a while, let loose surprised gasps, and pped while bursting into an exmation once he concluded.


    After hearing your exnation, I can only say that you made the right call, Sir Delmondo. Besides, the duke can repurchase it whenever he wants, so theres not much to lose either, Priscimented.


    Delmondo responded, The Marquis of Archivold is a massive fan of the great one. Of course, Im certain she has her own goals to achieve through this transaction, but from the great ones perspective, the Carls Baggins Penins will be better off being under the marquis.


    Thats for sure. The new king of Brantia is His Excellencys aide. As long as Maren and Moffern continue to trade with Brantia, the Marquis of Archivold would not want her rtionship with His Excellency to sour, Prisci said, nodding.


    <em>As expected...</em>


    Delmondo was inwardly impressed by Prisci. She was a woman with an attitude, loyalty, as well as a brain.


    I think I know why the great one continues to conduct his business with you, Delmondo remarked.


    <em>Ah,</em> you tter me! Prisci waved her hands while suppressing a grin. She continued after taking a cautious expression, So youre here to warn us personally?


    Thats half the reason, Delmondo responded.


    Then what is the other half? Prisci asked.


    Please get me a ship leaving for Mungard, Delmondo replied.


    Will you be heading there personally? Couldnt you have gone there straight from Maren<em> Ah!</em> Prisci realized the crux of the matter while she was speaking, and she couldnt help but exim.


    Thats right. The fact that even a holy knight can sneak in, theres no one I can trust, Delmondo said, nodding.


    And that is why you came via one of our merchant ships. All right. I will find a ship that is set to depart in the shortest time, Prisci responded.


    Thank you. I will surely mention your loyalty to the great one, Vice Executive, Delmondo said.


    Thank you, Prisci said. She felt as if all her prejudices regarding vampires were falling apart. ording to the clergy, vampires were sneaky, evil monsters who had always treated human lives like flies. However, after meeting with the vampire administrator, she found him to be a well-spoken, elegant individual.


    <em>Well, Sir Eugene can be a little scary as well, but he has never done any harm to his own people. Anyway, I cant see any weaknesses or openings in this man. No wonder Sir Eugene chose to appoint him as the territorys administrator. Just what I would expect of Sir Eugene.</em>


    Prisci continued to dig herself into an illusion in her own mind, and Delmondo was doing the same.


    <em>As expected from the great one. I was wondering why he continued his rtionship with the Palin Association, but it turns out they have a person who can best realize and represent his interest.</em>


    In reality, Eugene never had such profound implications behind his choices. They had simplye to be.


    Two dayster, Delmondos coffin was once again loaded on a ship that Prisci found for him. After passing through the Rodrick Archipgos, the merchant ship arrived in Mungard in five days. The casket was immediately delivered to Lord Markuss mansion.


    ***


    Eugene headed to a farmhouse located near the mountain range after crossing over to find Silion. He paid a moderate amount of silver for taking good care of his steed, then immediately left for the new royal capital, Brighton.


    The chaos had subsided considerably in Brantia, and as such, Eugenes first solo journey had been quite uneventful andfortable. Of course, it wasnt without any problems.


    Eugene traveled alone in a long robe with a hat. His appearance was no different from an ignorant, nave noble traveling alone. And since there was no reason for Eugene to use his Fear during his travels, various bandits and roamers mistakenly recognized him as easy prey. Unsurprisingly, they were no match for Eugene, and he continued to travel South while ying such groups about once per day.


    Five dayster, when Brighton was just around the corner, Eugene came across a strange group.


    <em>Kieeehh?</em> Sir, sir. They must be nobles. Their armor looks expensive, and their carriage is huge and gorgeous, Mirianmented. Her eyes shone brightly as she stared intently at the unknown group while hiding in Silions mane. When it came to matters regarding money and wealth, she was more perceptive and sensitive than anyone else.


    You stay inside, just in case. Dont mess around, Eugene responded.


    Got it! Mirian saluted before shooting into her leather pocket. Eugene slowly headed toward the unidentified group.


    <em>Most of them are knights. But judging from their armor, they arent from Brantia.</em>


    The dozen-or-so knights were armed with te mail. However, the style of their armor was slightly different from those belonging to Brantia or the Caylor Kingdom. They looked tougher.


    <em>Theyre not from Caylor, so where are they from?</em>


    Eugene approached the group with such thoughts. As soon as the riders spotted Eugene, they began to move.


    <em>Hooh? Are they trying to protect someone?</em>


    Given that the movements of the riders were very concise yet unhesitating, they were obviously quite disciplined. The knights moved into a formation that would allow them to protect the figures located in the middle, but would also allow them to charge out at a moments notice. Their wary eyes remained on Eugene.


    Eugene stopped Silion once he was close, then ced a hand on his chest before announcing hisck of any hostility, I do not know where you areing from, but I have no intention of moving against you.


    ?! The knights flinched.


    <em>Do they not speak the Caylor Kingdomsnguage?</em>


    After deducing that the knights couldnt be from Brantia, he had purposefully spoken in the Caylor Kingdomsnguage, which was more widely known.


    Eugene repeated himself in Brantian, and a voice came from inside the knights formation.


    Sir, are you a knight from the Caylor Kingdom? Or are you a knight of the church?


    The voice had answered in Caylorian, but with a distinctive ent. What was quite unusual was that the voice was rather thin and soft, even though they were trying to mask it. It was clear that the voice either belonged to a woman or a little boy.


    Eugene answered, Neither. And if you want to know who I am, isnt it customary to reveal who you are first?


    The knights looked a little angry after hearing Eugenes words.


    <em>As expected</em>


    Eugene realized that whoever was inside the formation possessed a high status from the knights reaction.


    <em>Ah,</em> I see. That was rude of me. Unfortunately, however, I cannot reveal my identity to you, sir. However, I can tell you that Ie from the Roman Empire, the voice responded.


    Eugene was quite surprised, though he looked calm on the outside. He had never imagined that he would encounter a noble and knights of the Roman Empire in Brantia, as he had never seen them in the Caylor Kingdom either.


    Then, will you tell me who you are, sir? the voice asked in return. Whoever they were, they kept on making their voice sound thicker.


    Eugene responded, I am not obliged to reveal my identity to someone who wont even show their face. However, I can also let you know that I am a knight from the Caylor Kingdom.


    XXXX! XXXXXXX!


    XX. XXXX, XXXXX, the knights began to converse in an unfamiliar, foreignnguage after hearing Eugenes answer. Naturally, Eugene was able to decipher their words from the ability he gained from consuming the drakes red mana stone.


    <em>Imperial prince? Did they just say imperial prince?</em>


    It didnt matter that the knights were voicing their intent to force the cheeky opponent to his knees or wanting to subdue the arrogant man in an instant. What mattered was the two words that Eugene managed to make out.


    An imperial prince was the son of the emperor. Someone as important and distinguished as the imperial prince had personallye to Brantia?


    I apologize. My knights are extremely loyal. Anyway, you have a point, sir. Then let us go our separate ways, the voice remarked.


    Understood, Eugene responded. He was very curious about the Roman Empires imperial prince and his entourage, but his priority was to get to Brighton as soon as possible. As such, Eugene began to resume his journey after giving them a small nod.


    <em>Ah,</em> by the way, where are you headed? The voice called out.


    Eugene responded, Brighton.


    <em>Oh!</em> Is that so? The imperial prince eximed with joy. He continued, We are on our way to Brighton as well, so why dont you apany us? As you can see, it is our first time here, and it took us quite a while to get to this point.


    <em>Hmm.</em> Eugene was about to refuse. He didnt need more baggage on his way to Brighton.


    However


    I willpensate you well. Sir Kerkan Tar.


    One of the knights came forward with a dissatisfied expression at the call, then threw a leather pouch toward Eugene. Eugene felt a pleasing, familiar weight when he received the pouch.


    Sir! Gold! Its gold! Mirian eximed after poking her head out of her pocket. She had gained the ability to distinguish the identity of coins just by their sounds due to her obsession with money. In any case, there was only half a days journey remaining until Brighton, and Eugene had no reason to refuse free money.


    He nodded after immediately pocketing the money, Let us do that. Follow me.


    Yes. sirs, the voice called out, and the knights quickly dispersed from their formation. Eugene gawked, curious about the appearance of an imperial prince who could afford to just throw away gold coins, and the knights sniggered.


    <em>Hmph!</em> This country boy from Caylor must be a curious little brat.


    Sir Ortimas, thats because hes from the countryside, right? Theres no way he can find real knights like us where hes from.


    Hes probably lying about the fact that he is a knight. What kind of a knight would go around by himself without any servants or aides?


    He must be a mercenary, a knight wannabe.


    <em>Hahahha</em>


    The knights continued to mock Eugene in the empiresnguage,pletely unaware that Eugene could understand their words.


    <em>Should I just beat them up?</em>


    Eugene was tempted, but he quickly shook his head. He could obtain more information if he continued to feign ignorance of the Roman Empiresnguage. Moreover, Eugene was more interested in the two people the knights were protecting.


    <em>Is he the imperial prince?</em>


    There was a young man wearing fancy clothes and a hat decorated with many jewels. His outfit basically screamed Im a high-ranking noble~. And next to the imperial prince, who looked to be around 17 or 18, was another young man of simr age. He appeared to be a servant.


    Then I look forward to our journey, sir. You can call me Localope.


    You can call me Jan, sir, It was obviously an alias, so Eugene responded by simply giving his first name. The name Jan was quitemon, so they shouldnt recognize him just by his first name.


    <em>Well, it doesnt matter even if they recognize me.</em>


    Then I will call you Sir Jan. Localope nodded with a solemn expression, then turned to the boy beside him and whispered, His attitude is a bit bad, but he doesnt look like the type to have other motives, Your Highness. He doesnt look as strong as our knights either.


    I agree. Anyway, dont reveal anything and pay attention to what you say and do, the other boy whispered.


    Yes...


    Although the two were whispering in the empiresnguage, it was easy for a vampire to eavesdrop. However, the two peoples actions and words seemed contradictory.


    <em>Hooh. Whats this?</em>


    Eugenes eyes glimmered when he discovered that the one wearing the simple gray robe and a hat was the real prince. He didnt know why, but the imperial prince of the Roman Empire had concealed his identity and was on his way to Brighton, the new royal capital of Brantia.


    That meant


    <em>I dont know what purpose they have, but they must be trying to meet Luke, right?</em>


    There was no other reason for the Roman Empires imperial prince to head to another countrys capital.


    <em>I can sense trouble brewing.</em>


    Eugene thought hard for a minute with a frown, then shrugged. Whatever the case, Luke was the new king of Brantia, and Eugene had put him on the throne to take care of such troublesome tasks.


    <em>Im going to go around evilnds and collect red mana stones.</em>


    Eugene nned to travel leisurely while removing his tattoos. And when he recalled the pouch of gold coins he had received, he felt happy. However, the dukes good mood quickly faded away before even ten minutes had passed.


    Sir. Do you know the one who calls himself Brantias king? Can you tell me about him?


    <em>Ah,</em> it would be even better if you can tell us about the Dark ns duke, the one who is said to be the kings guardian.


    I heard that the duke is quite strong. How does hepare to my knights?


    By chance, is that duke a servant of the Caylor Kingdoms king?


    Eugene regretted his decision to apany the prince as he was bombarded with one question after another.


    <em>ng!</em>


    Im not as shameless as to ask you for answers without a reward. I would appreciate it if you could tell me anything you know.


    Eugene reflexively snatched another bag of gold out of the air.


    Did they think of him as a beggar? Why


    Sir! Gold again! He must be filthy rich! the spirit excitedly whispered.


    Eugene stared at the prince with a frown. I was thinking about something else earlier, so I missed your questions. Please ask them again. I will answer to the best of my knowledge.


    Eugene felt extremely motivated. The additional ie was much toorge to be treated as a simple allowance.


    It appeared that he hadted an innocent, ignorant-of-the-world customer.


    He could only take advantage.