Chapter 364 - 260: One Unmarried, One Unwed

Just as Levi had openly declared from the very beginning that he would wield his sword only for Liya, he knew where he stood. It was true that Fulina had also helped him a great deal, but the most dangerous thing a man could do was try to sit on the fence.

The only fate for a fence-sitter was to be attacked by both parties.

Onaya smiled. Levi couldn’t tell if she was satisfied with his answer, but he didn’t particularly care.

’If anyone dares call me, the Lord of High Cliff Castle, disloyal, I’ll show them what absolute loyalty is.’

"Levi, to be honest, when the Old Duke chose to grant you the title of Baron of Exploration, it was for two reasons. First, you were already a noble, even if from a fallen line. Second, your display in the arena was impossible to ignore."

Onaya steepled her hands on the table and revealed a little-known secret. "However, I was the one who pushed for Liya to oversee your enfeoffment."

"Oh."

Levi raised an eyebrow, his gaze lingering on the noble lady for a moment longer.

"Although the Old Duke intended to make Liya his heir, very few of the Southern Nobles supported her. That made it crucial to bring new, rising nobles into the fold." She sighed before continuing, "We just never expected the Old Duke’s health to deteriorate so quickly. No one had time to react, and that’s what led to all of this."

"Indeed." Levi nodded, pouring himself a glass of that red wine from the Golden Garden. He took a sip. It tasted just as it had at that first banquet.

’The only thing missing is that Attendant who was so amusing. It makes things a little less interesting.’

"Fortunately, through all of this, we have you. My Knight, your deeds are immeasurable. To Liya and me, you are like Diaylot, who single-handedly rescued the Saintess from her prison in the dark lands."

Onaya stood and walked over to the Lord, her jade-white fingers lightly brushing across his shoulder.

However, before the Lord could let his imagination get the better of him, she walked straight to the balcony to gaze out at the brightly lit Kolon Inner City.

The southern capital clearly had a vibrant nightlife. Though the bright moon hung high in the sky, the streets below were still bustling with merchants and pedestrians.

"My lady, you praise me too highly," Levi said humbly, unable to figure out what she was planning.

"There’s no need for modesty."

She leaned against the carved marble railing, raising her wine glass. She was the very picture of grace and nobility. "Levi, please don’t stand on ceremony. Think of this as your home. Shall we have a drink?"

"As you wish."

Levi gave a slight nod. Their glasses clinked together gently, and the deep red wine glistened under the moonlight, its color all the more brilliant.

"To tell you the truth, it was my idea to summon you here. Liya doesn’t know about it."

Levi nodded slightly, sensing she was finally done with the pleasantries and about to get to the real topic. He waited for her to continue.

"Kolon may have been taken, but Liya’s power base in the Southern Territory remains incredibly small. Even counting the neutral factions, she controls maybe thirty or forty percent at most. A time like this calls for a figurehead, someone to lead the way."

Levi nodded in agreement. ’Taking Kolon doesn’t mean it’s truly ours. We still need to appoint people to all sorts of positions to run the city. The Southern Nobles have to be summoned back to Kolon to witness Liya inherit the title of Duke and swear their fealty.’

’In a situation like this, they obviously needed a heroic figure with enough prestige to command respect.’

’Someone like Damon, whose status and prestige alone were enough to compel the submission of the Southern Nobles. That was how Penny managed to seize control of most of the Southern Territory so quickly.’

"Levi, I’ll be direct." Onaya gazed deeply at the Knight before her, a man whose looks and martial skill were both second to none. Her lush, crimson lips parted. "I intend to name you Marquis of the South, and for you to also hold the position of Duke’s Hand. You will be granted the most fertile and expansive territory in the Southern Territory."

"This..." The Lord was taken aback.

’To be honest, even though I’m always talking about becoming a Marquis, a noble title isn’t some prostitute you can buy on the street for two copper coins.’

’Especially since I’d be skipping ranks to get it.’

’Look at the famous general Cross—it took him countless battles to be named a Marquis. Compared to him, I only have a few noteworthy victories to my name.’

’It would be a tremendous honor.’

Before the Lion Hunter Knight could respond, Onaya placed her slender, jade-like fingers on his chest, a smile playing on her lips. "Surely you know that this is an honor that would be nearly impossible to obtain under normal circumstances. And all you need to offer in return is something small... insignificant, really."

"Now, the choice is before you. She is unwed, and you are unmarried."

"Make the choice, and all of this can be yours."

Her meaning was crystal clear. ’Even a complete idiot would understand what she’s getting at, let alone a Lord like me.’

’It’s a marriage alliance, a way to solidify their rule. It’s hardly an original tactic—it was common in my past life and it’s common in this world. Simple, but effective.’

He couldn’t help but sink into thought. ’Marrying Liya... it’s a complicated proposition. This isn’t just a pie falling from the sky; they’re shoving it right into my mouth! It’s a "sweetheart cake" that actually comes with a sweetheart!’

The suddenness of this "pie from the sky" admittedly left him reeling, but after thinking it over and weighing the pros and cons, he already had his answer.

’If I agree to this marriage, I’ll have to abandon my foothold in the Wilderness and build my future in the Southern Territory. I might even have to stay in Kolon for the rest of my life.’

’Forget about any Beast-eared Maidens or the Elf Queen; they’d be completely out of the picture. After all, Liya is a Duke. In a sense, she would be marrying me, not me marrying her.’