Chapter 366 - 261: Investigating the Situation in the South

Levi had seen the sketch this painter had done for him, and it was, without a doubt, exceptionally detailed and meticulous.

Combined with the artist’s previous works, his style was clearly realist, a world apart from those who pursued abstract art.

But he was, in fact, a bit *too* realistic.

The center of the painting depicted a human, a Beastman, and a Zor Elf playing cards. It even went so far as to sketch out the most perfect orbs in the room, making it impossible for one to tear their eyes away.

"And the Lion Hunter Knight?"

"He’s overlooking Kolon City," Liya said brightly, pointing to the upper-left corner of the painting.

A thumb-sized figure was holding a spyglass, seemingly observing a distant scene, in stark contrast to the vividly rendered trio playing cards beside him.

"Excellent," Levi said with a smile. "Liya, can you contact that painter for me? Tell him the Lord of High Cliff Castle needs a personal artist to chronicle his future epics. I think he has a lot of potential and would be perfect for the position."

His smile was the epitome of a knight’s demeanor—the kind generally seen as affable and warm, perfectly embodying the eight knightly virtues.

However, any of Levi’s lieutenants from High Cliff Castle would have known that someone was about to be very, very unlucky.

"Alright, I’ll tell him to find you at the High Cliff Castle encampment in a few days." Liya stifled a giggle behind her hand. After all, it wasn’t often she got to see the famous Lion Hunter Knight look so flustered.

That was precisely why she’d decided to bring the painting over herself—she wanted to see his reaction.

As for the painter? Knowing Levi, the worst the man would get was a good thrashing. And if he played his cards right, this could even be his ticket to fame and fortune.

After all, while being a painter was considered a noble profession, commoners couldn’t afford their services, and nobles usually had their own personal artists.

As a result, the artist was barely scraping by. Many people would kill for a chance to get into the Lion Hunter Knight’s good graces, but to no avail.

Liya knew for a fact that many apprentice knights had gone to High Cliff Castle in the past, only to end up scurrying back with their tails between their legs.

The painting was a minor issue; none of them gave it much thought. After all, compared to the lavish rewards that were just around the corner, any problem seemed insignificant.

"Liya, how did the negotiations with Fulina go?" Levi asked.

’Fulina helped them conquer the Southern Territory, but surely not just to rescue Onaya. Forget anyone else believing it; she probably didn’t even buy that excuse herself.’

"Aunt Fulina wants control of White Harbor."

Levi thoughtfully poured her a drink. Liya took a sip before sighing.

Although she had never managed the finances of the Southern Territory, she knew that White Harbor was its largest port. A castle built upon a sheer cliff bay, the daily docking taxes from merchant ships alone were enough to fill a massive treasury.

That was why successive Dukes of the South had always kept it under their direct control, stationing only their most trusted people there. To prevent any issues, they would even personally visit every so often to govern it.

If the Martel Family hadn’t already been established in Kolon for several hundred years, they would have moved their seat of power to White Harbor long ago.

"Not surprising," Levi nodded.

’Honestly, her situation is just like mine. If she were to demand a fief in the Southern Territory, she’d face two problems. First, her power base isn’t here, which would make governing a nightmare. Second, the King would never just sit back and let that happen.’

’So, asking for administrative control of a major port was a very clever move.’

’It completely sidesteps the issue of one Duke acquiring territory within another Duke’s fief, which would be a violation of Debei law.’

’Plus, she’d gain control over the vital sea route connecting the Northern and Southern Territories.’

’Truth be told, Levi had initially wanted a port in the Southern Territory as well, with White Harbor being the ideal choice. He’d seen on a map that High Cliff Castle’s eastern border was also coastal, meaning he could build a port there to trade with the South.’

’But he quickly realized he was just daydreaming. First off, given White Harbor’s importance, there was no way he could get it—not unless he sold his body for it. And even if he did get it, holding onto it would be another problem entirely.’

’In the end, he could only bury the idea deep in his heart.’

"And what is Lady Onaya’s opinion on the matter?" Levi asked, turning to the Noble Lady beside him, who had once again adopted a prim and proper expression.

’Even though Liya was on the verge of ascending to the rank of Duke, it was her mother who was currently making most of the decisions.’

"Her contributions were immense. Even if she demands White Harbor, we have little choice but to give it," Onaya said, looking at the Lord with a cryptic smile. "However, if you were willing to contend for it, there might still be room for negotiation. After all, your own contributions are hardly negligible."

The moment the words left her mouth, Levi felt a cold sweat break out on his back. He declared righteously, "I believe that thanking Duke Fulina with White Harbor is entirely reasonable and justified. After all, she also suffered heavy losses in this war!"

"Lady Onaya, perhaps we should discuss the matter of my ennoblement instead."

Seeing the knight forced to swallow his bitterness, Onaya couldn’t help but let out a cheerful laugh, like a child whose prank had just succeeded.

Liya, completely missing the subtext between them, just asked curiously, "Mother, have you already spoken to Levi about his ennoblement?"

"I have. It just seems a certain someone isn’t very satisfied," Onaya said with a nod.

"It’s not that I’m unsatisfied. Liya, I’ll be frank with you," Levi said softly. "I can’t stay in the Southern Territory forever. You knew that back when my title was conferred. Once everything here is settled, I’m going back to High Cliff Castle."

"That’s why neither a fiefdom nor a permanent position here would be suitable for me."

Liya finally understood why he was dissatisfied, her thoughts drifting back to the time she had spent at High Cliff Castle.