Chapter 179

The Ferret House. It was the most renowned noble family in the Camilton Empire, surpassing the reputation of other ducal families.

The reason was because of Lucas Ferret. As the Sword of the Empire, and the man who contributed most to the current emperor's rule, his presence as the head of the family was significant.

The enemies of the emperor faced the Sword of the Empire, and none survived. Back then, the slightest hint of rebellion against the emperor meant a swift execution.

And now, Raul wanted Seojin to enter such a place directly.

Sub-Quest: Where the Sword Has Swept

*Lucas Ferret is the Sword of the Empire. To him, the emperor is the Empire, a doubtlessly upright warrior. However, not everyone in the family shares Lucas Ferret's views.

*The family of a loyal and incorruptible warrior faces many constraints. The family members dare not leverage the duke's name, ending up without any backdoor earnings.

*Unfortunately, Lucas Ferret is not adept at keeping his family's house in order. Gather their small grievances. There is an ally waiting for you.

Lucas Ferret was a loyal and incorruptible warrior. The name of the duke's house ensured its members were respected everywhere, but his privileges stopped there. The duke, Lucas Ferret, desired nothing more.

'The key is to uncover people's greed.'

It sounded simple, but it wasn't easy. The members of the house lived under the watchful eyes of the head of the house, and would not dare to take bribes. So, getting them to speak their true feelings, especially to an outsider like Seojin, was almost impossible.

Unless there was another clue.

'An ally waiting for me.'

The quest message read. An ally waiting for Seojin.

Raul didn't mention it, so it must be an arrangement by the system.

"They're meticulous. Even becoming a servant is difficult. They check several generations back, and the slightest suspicion means instant rejection," reported Flappy, who had scouted beforehand.

Excluding the protections on the duke's personal spaces, nothing hindered Flappy, ensuring reliable information.

"And after getting in?"

"There's no better place than the Ferret household for servants. Those who got in are very satisfied."

"Any hidden discontent?"

"Even behind his back, they're busy praising the great duke."

Seojin had expected this. To the lower servants, there could be no better master than Duke Ferret. Adequate pay, reasonable workload, and even work benefits were provided.

'So that's why he looked so taken aback by the betrayal back then.'

He remembered the duke's gaze when he looked down at Seojin, filled more with disbelief than anger.

"And the knights?"

"Maybe because the duke himself is a knight, there are a lot. All of them are high-level too. An ordinary adventurer will be cut down with a few strokes on the spot."

"Not that. Their perception of the duke."

"Loyal as can be. That's what a knight is."

A figure like the Sword of the Empire, failing to command his knights' admiration, would be the true anomaly.

So, Seojin's target had been set from the start.

"Then I guess our only shot is some of the few in the top ranks. The structure doesn't allow for discontent in mediocre positions."

"At best, direct descendants. Even the youngest son follows his father's footsteps as a knight. Exclude him."

"Then, about what I asked separately?"

"They're all there."

"Really?"

Seojin's face brightened. That information was the most crucial.

Flappy, fluttering in front of Seojin, folded her fingers one by one.

"Keane's there, Dett's there, and so is Tyren. All three are knights."

These were the names Duke Ferret himself had mentioned when Seojin knelt before him. Tyren had held Seojin captive. Keane and Dett stood beside the duke, his trustworthy confidants.

"What about Morrison Tucker, then?"

Morrison Tucker was a spy from Valaran and the main character in the role Seojin had to play.

At that name, Flappy nodded nonchalantly.

"He's there. He's a wandering knight."

* * *

Morrison Tucker was under the patronage of the duke's family. The duke trusted him enough to allow him into his domain. Alone and tranquil, Morrison strolled through the garden. He knelt in a corner, pressing his index finger into the dirt. He drew a simple sword and shield. Staring blankly at the drawing, Morrison placed a white flower before it.

'May you find peace in the afterlife.'

He had only recently heard the news. The king had passed, and Heinrich Valaran, his son, had ascended the throne. The troublesome Ironblood had been completely ousted. As someone who deeply cared for the kingdom's wellbeing, the news left him unable to cry or smile.

Knowing the kingdom's direction was a relief. He scattered the drawing, leaving the flower nearby – so it wouldn't raise suspicion. His brief mourning ended. Just as he was about to stand, poised to return to his duties, he froze.

-My deep regrets for the shadow of the royal family. Waiting at the Blue Pearl on 11th Avenue.

These words materialized in the air.

'The shadow of the royal family' – a clear call to Morrison's true identity.

'Could it be a trap?'

His thoughts spun rapidly. The sense that had saved him in crises remained still.

It couldn't be a trap. Duke Ferret wasn't a man to pull tricks like this.

"I'm going to step out for a bit. I'll be at 11th Avenue. Send someone if I'm needed."

Morrison informed the gatekeeper and left the mansion.

11th Avenue was a fitting place for a knight to visit. Filled with upscale but unpretentious restaurants.

Particularly the Blue Pearl, out of reach for commoners.

"Good day, Sir Knight! You're early today."

The familiar owner greeted him. Morrison politely responded and chose a seat, waiting for further instructions.

"What would you like to order?"

"I'll decide later."

"Understood. Call me if you need anything."

The owner left. Morrison quietly looked out the window. Then he heard a voice.

"What a joyful, yet sorrowful day."

There was a sentence piercing Morrison's heart. The voice's owner held a single white flower.

* * *

Morrison Tucker finally put down the long letter he had been reading.

"This is… unquestionable."

"The king has given you a special order. You may doubt an adventurer, but I hope you can understand his intentions."

What more was there to understand? A golden envelope sealed with a red insignia. This was undoubtedly a manifestation of the king's will.

Could it have been forged?

Not a chance. If it were, it couldn't have escaped his discernment.

The adventurer before him had eradicated the cancer named Ironblood and had even ventured into the Empire.

And at last.

"I need your help."

For the first time, Morrison Tucker felt he could accomplish something meaningful.

"If Duke Ferret is the Sword of the Empire, then I shall be the Dagger of the Valaran royal family. Speak freely. If it serves His Majesty, there is nothing I would not do."

"I want to know about the Duke Ferret's household. In detail."

"I can tell you many things."

"Also, I need a verified identity. I entered here through the thieves. If things go awry, the Valaran name must not be tarnished."

"I can arrange that too. I have a gatekeeper friend who can vouch for me…"

Being active as a spy, Morrison had cultivated many connections. Of course, this was possible due to his image as a capable wandering knight.

Not only Duke Ferret but other nobles also courted him, and if he wished, he could go to anyone, except for the Emperor.

Thanks to this, Seojin could glean more information from Morrison Tucker.

"I am ultimately a guest here. I have the skills but keep a friendly, approachable image, even towards servants. Duke Ferret's fondness for me partly plays into this."

No one in the duke's household would be uncomfortable around Morrison.

He hadn't sworn fealty to the duke, so he wasn't entirely his man. He could say things to Morrison that he couldn't say to other knights.

"Simple complaint isn't enough. Something more blatant and clearer…"

"Then the eldest son would be suitable."

Finally, a crucial response came from Morrison.

The Duke Ferret's second son aspired to follow his father to become a knight, but his eldest son held other thoughts.

"He mistakes his parents' halo for his own, is full of vanity and ambition, yet also lacks ability. His discontent with Duke Ferret… I believe you'll be able satisfy it, adventurer."

"Let's proceed with that. The identity isn't as urgent."

"You could enter as a wandering knight like me."

"I won't impose that far. Just arrange a meeting with the eldest son, and I'll handle the rest. But… he must see me as someone of value. Is that possible?"

Seojin had confirmed the presence of a wastrel. The question was whether or not he could lay the groundwork to manipulate him.

"I can do that."

Morrison's confident assertion quickly bore fruit.

* * *

"I am Taylor Ferret."

Duke Ferret's eldest son was a portly man. Not unsightly, just seemingly distant from his knightly father. His demeanor was pleasant, and unexpectedly polite for someone of his standing.

As soon as Seojin shook hands with Taylor, he exhibited overt friendliness.

"I am so pleased to meet you. It's rare these days to be invited to such an occasion…"

"To proceed with matters, it's natural to meet you, the eldest son. His Grace must be busy with orders from His Imperial Majesty, and anyone lower wouldn't handle significant affairs, right? Ha-ha."

"I heard from Sir Morrison. Golden King Alio has a lot of interest in our family."

Taylor brought up Golden King Alio.

Using Morrison Tucker's connections, Seojin had sold the name of the Golden King, and Taylor saw Seojin as a high-ranking official with considerable authority.

Furthermore,

"I have something to tell you, just between us."

Pulling out a fake letter from the emperor that Morrison Tucker had, "This matter also has the keen interest of His Majesty."

Seojin also bundled the emperor's name as part of his offering.