Chapter 189 - 183: The Banquet and Lady Anita

Chapter 189: Chapter 183: The Banquet and Lady Anita

"Mr. Fidel was just here."

Count Lumbar seemed to be changing the subject.

"The guards already told me."

Kirk replied to Count Lumbar.

Count Lumbar nodded. "This time, Mr. Fidel came primarily to remind me of my obligation to conduct humane warfare."

Kirk nodded, as if he had expected as much.

The Holy Light Knight Order wouldn’t stop any war between nations. That would be a pointless endeavor.

However, they would severely punish any inhumane tactics used in warfare.

If a nation was discovered using inhumane methods in war, such as the large-scale slaughter of innocent civilians or mass torturous executions, such actions would be met with a severe strike from the Holy Light Knight Order.

The Holy Light Knight Order would impose military sanctions on these nations. Generally speaking, given the Order’s power and influence, the sanctioned party would be almost certain to lose the war, and might even pay a far more grievous price.

In truth, most of the outside world couldn’t understand why the Holy Light Knight Order undertook such thankless tasks.

They were more like envoys of peace, upholding the scales of Justice—almost like the Hanged Man.

However, despite their confusion and skepticism, everyone chose to comply in the face of the Holy Light Knight Order’s immense power.

But as for their true motives, no one knew.

"During his visit, I had a friendly chat with Mr. Fidel. And from our conversation, I discovered something quite interesting."

Count Lumbar explained with a smile, "According to Mr. Fidel, the members of the Holy Light Knight Order aren’t just Knights who practice the Light Attribute Knight’s Breathing Technique. There’s another, more unique group among them."

Curiosity flickered in Kirk’s eyes.

"Individuals who embody two Extraordinary Professions, Knight and Hanged Man, seem to be held in higher regard within the Holy Light Knight Order."

The moment Count Lumbar finished speaking, Kirk’s thoughts immediately turned to Vili.

"Baron Vili seems to fit that description perfectly," Kirk added quickly.

Count Lumbar nodded. "Exactly. That’s what I was thinking as well."

Someone being both a Knight and a Hanged Man was exceedingly rare. The fact had left a deep impression on Count Lumbar when he first heard Kirk’s report about Vili.

"If Baron Vili can attract the attention of the Holy Light Knight Order, it would be excellent news for us."

Count Lumbar continued explaining with a smile, "A Baron who has the attention of the Holy Light Knight Order would inevitably bring certain advantages to Dawei Province."

"So, you mentioned Vili to Mr. Fidel?"

Kirk looked at Count Lumbar.

Count Lumbar shook his head. "No, that would have seemed too deliberate. Mr. Fidel will be staying in Golden Flower City for a few more days. During that time, we can introduce Vili to him more naturally."

Kirk’s expression cleared with understanding. ’So that’s why His Lordship wanted Vili to stay in Golden Flower City first. This was his real goal.’

If Count Lumbar had recommended Vili directly to Mr. Fidel, it might have seemed a bit too opportunistic. On second thought, it probably wouldn’t have been a major issue. However, Count Lumbar, who always preferred to control every detail, opted for a more natural approach.

"Spend some time talking with Baron Vili over the next few days. And when the banquet comes, remember to bring him along. With his talent, it’s only a matter of time before he establishes a firm foothold in Dawei Province."

Count Lumbar’s tone was casual as he said this, but Kirk grasped the deeper meaning behind his words.

After killing the leader of the Green Shell Pirate Gang and successfully turning the tables on the ambushing cavalry from the Wata Duchy, Baron Vili, with his dual status as a Knight and a Hanged Man, had finally caught the eye of Dawei Province’s supreme ruler, Count Lumbar.

Kirk knew his prediction had been correct. From the very first time he met Vili, he had known the man would be anything but ordinary. The only surprise was that Vili had begun to shine far sooner than he had imagined.

Kirk was glad he had forged a good friendship with Vili from the start.

"Yes, my lord."

Kirk replied to Count Lumbar.

...

Vili wasn’t housed in Count Lumbar’s manor for the night. Instead, he was given his own private manor in Golden Flower City.

While the manor couldn’t compare to Count Lumbar’s own, it was decorated far more lavishly. It was built in the imitation "Past Life Baroque" style, currently in vogue among the younger nobility.

The manor came complete with a professional staff of servants and guards. Vili could tell at a glance that this was a residence Count Lumbar reserved specifically for his esteemed guests.

’From these arrangements, I can tell I’ve caught Count Lumbar’s attention,’ Vili thought. ’After all, the level of hospitality here is nearly on par with what some Powerful Viscounts would receive.’

Over the next two or three days, Kirk introduced Vili to many new faces.

They were mostly dignitaries of Golden Flower City, or visiting Viscounts and powerful Barons. Kirk’s intention was clearly to help Vili start building his network of connections.

Vili keenly understood this and thus conducted himself with appropriate grace and friendliness.

The noble dignitaries, in turn, also gleaned a great deal from Kirk’s attitude toward him.