Chapter 278 - 218: Factional Strife (Part 2)

There’s a general rule of thumb in this world that when it comes to Magical Beasts, a larger body often means more Magic Power.

For example, a hamster-like Magical Beast would, at most, know tricks like squirting water, while massive Magical Beasts could readily cast spells like Fireball or the Earth Spike Technique.

This Magical Beast was about the size of a hamster, so it was unexpected that the Healing Magic it cast would be so powerful.

"Of course," Levi praised, rubbing Buji’s little head.

In truth, since Buji couldn’t speak, Levi had no idea what Magic she was capable of.

For now, he only knew she could use Healing Magic and some other kind of Magic that ensured he never went home empty-handed from fishing.

He discovered the former after wrestling with the Barbarians at High Cliff Castle, when the little creature took the initiative to cast a spell and heal him.

As for the latter, it was purely by chance. He’d been fishing for half a day without a single bite. Just as he was about to console himself that it wasn’t his technique but that all the fish in the river had gone home for dinner, she flew over, waved her little hand, and hey presto, a fish was instantly on the hook.

This left him both delighted and frustrated.

Once recovered, Si Kai quickly took his leave, presumably to report to Fulina.

"You did a good job today. That’s what I call a real man."

Levi patted Mier’s shoulder in affirmation.

The kid had taken quite a beating for immediately jumping in to protect Baisitina, even getting a fist to his eye socket.

But these wounds were a worthy trade, as Baisitina hadn’t been injured in the slightest.

"Heh heh, it was my duty, my Lord."

Mier rubbed the back of his head, grinning foolishly.

It was one of the few times the Lord had praised him, making him feel that taking the beating had been well worth it.

"That Knight who hit you? I already taught him a harsh lesson. Without treatment from a high-level Clergy member, he’ll be sporting that swollen pig’s head for a few months. That should be enough to make him lose all face."

Levi had always been vengeful; the fact that he didn’t leave the man bedridden was a sign of his kindness.

However, he made a mental note of that Count named St. For some reason, the man was clearly hostile towards him.

...

It had to be said, the barony of Maple Leaf Lake was quite prosperous. Although the banquet hall couldn’t compare to the Duke’s Mansion in Kolon, it could still be described as luxurious.

Rows of candlesticks hung on the walls, bathing the entire hall in bright light.

Long tables covered in red tablecloths were arranged on the smooth, grey wood floor.

Maids flitted between the long tables like butterflies, presenting delicious dishes on silver platters.

Roasted bread, fresh milk, pine-smoked steak... there was also the Northern Territory’s specialty, honey-stewed pumpkin, and a plate of fresh strawberries.

It could be said that this spread was in no way inferior to what he had eaten in Kolon, and it made Levi’s mouth water.

In a way, this was definitely not a banquet that a new Baron could afford. It was most likely paid for by Lorina.

He had come on an empty stomach. After all, banquets were for eating, drinking, and merrymaking. It would be a waste not to take this opportunity to eat his fill at Fujero’s expense.

"Sir Levi, over here."

As soon as he entered, someone waved with a smile.

Levi strode over. Since this was not a simple banquet, he hadn’t brought Baisitina and the others with him.

"Hasn’t Fujero arrived yet?" Levi plopped down in a seat next to Andao, a Count in the prime of his life.

Fujero was the nominal host of this banquet, yet Levi couldn’t spot him anywhere. On the other hand, most of the other nobles had arrived.

"He’s probably still busy with something," Count Andao said casually, then took the initiative to pour the Lord a glass of fruit wine.

This left Levi feeling incredibly flattered. Despite his recent and excessive fame, he was, at the end of the day, only a Baron, while Andao Tili was a genuine Count.

He had his own fertile fiefdom and castle, with nearly ten thousand soldiers, making him a powerful Count.

The same went for old Count Luke, the one so eager to marry off his daughter. Between the two of them, they commanded at least thirty thousand soldiers.

This was all inside information that Si Kai had privately shared with him.

"Your Lordship is too kind. By rights, I should be the one to pour."

In truth, one thing Levi found very puzzling was why this Count favored him so much.

Writing a friendly letter was one thing, but to speak up for him without ever having met? That couldn’t be explained away by simply wanting to get acquainted with the famous Lion Hunter Knight.

"I’m guessing you want to know why." Andao took a slow sip of his fruit wine. The wine had been heated, and the warm liquid gradually warmed his slightly chilled body.

"I do indeed," Levi nodded, curious.

Though he was famous, he was nowhere near important enough to warrant such courteous treatment from a Count.

For example, of the six or seven Counts present, only two showed him any goodwill, which proved his point.

Count Luke’s motive was obvious—he wanted the Lion Hunter Knight as a son-in-law. But as for Count Andao, Levi had no idea what he was thinking.

"Two reasons. First, to be honest, I greatly admire your feat of escorting a Duke’s heir to the Northern Territory alone." Andao looked at the Lord as if seeing a kindred spirit. "Because I was once in the same position."

He didn’t elaborate, but Levi could almost see that he had gone through something similar.

"And the second reason?"

’The second one must be the most important,’ Levi knew.

After all, people tended to save the best for last.

Besides, the first reason would only give Count Andao a sense of camaraderie; it wasn’t enough to make him side with the Lord.

"Sir Levi, have you noticed anything different about this banquet hall?" Andao asked, pointing with his finger and posing a seemingly unrelated question.

"Anything different?"

Levi looked up and surveyed the room carefully. He hadn’t noticed at first, but with Andao’s prompt, he realized the seating arrangement among the nobles was quite interesting.

About seventy percent of the nobles, led by Count Tess and a few other Counts, were clearly gathered together.

Meanwhile, on their side, a group of lesser nobles had gathered around Andao and Luke.

"Did you know that for the past few years, there have been two major factions within the Northern Territory?" he said, not waiting for Levi to reply.

"Count Andao, from my position, it’s hard to see the full picture," Levi said, shaking his head.

Even though he was a noble, a new Pioneer Noble’s information channels were no match for those of these established aristocrats. He even had to rely on Si Kai for much of his inside information.

He had only been in the Northern Territory for a few months at most and was completely in the dark about the upper echelons here, let alone secret matters like factional strife.

"Don’t tell me there’s a usurper in the Northern Territory too?" Levi asked, alarmed and uncertain.

’If Andao dares to nod, I’ll turn around and report him to Fulina,’ he decided.

’Anyone who threatens Fulina’s position at a time like this is a threat to me. They have to be nipped in the bud.’

"COUGH, COUGH." Andao nearly spat out his wine. He didn’t know whether to laugh or cry. "Sir, your imagination is more vivid than the authors of those Knightly Novels. Our Duke Fulina swept away all her competitors to rise to power. Where would a usurper come from?"

"So what are the two factions?" Levi waved his hand, realizing he’d been overthinking it.

’It seems reality isn’t as dramatic as the novels after all.’

"One is the Traditionalist Faction. They still believe in the Ice and Snow Goddess and want to maintain the status quo in the Northern Territory. The other is the Reform Faction. They lean toward the Holy Light Church and hope the Northern Territory can develop better under new rules."

"Er..."

At this point, if the Lord still didn’t understand, then his brain must have truly been eaten by a Goblin.

"And which faction do you and Count Luke belong to?" he asked anyway, on the principle of seeing is believing.

"The Duke Faction," Andao said with a smile, taking an unhurried sip of his wine.

...