Chapter 180

Taylor Ferret was a man who respected his father: the achievements he made as the Sword of the Empire, the mindset of never becoming arrogant, despite being the strongest warrior in the Empire, and his unwavering loyalty.

In fact, for anyone in this land, except perhaps for thieves and the like, respect for Duke Ferret was pretty much a given.

But respect aside, Taylor had a slightly different set of values from his father.

"Father was born with the talent of a warrior. There has been no swordsman in this continent, not just within our Camilton Empire, who has reached his level."

"I've heard that even in other countries, many admire his martial prowess."

"That's only natural. So much so that even I, who have never held a sword, feel overwhelmed by his aura when he wields one."

It was said that Duke Ferret's talent became apparent from a young age. By the age of ten, he had already surpassed his tutors.

With overwhelming support and attention, he grew up knowing nothing but the sword.

"As a warrior, father is indeed admirable, but as a family head, the answer is difficult. The world is constantly changing. Even his legendary prowess… won't always be the same."

Other noble families were already quietly expanding their influence. Not to oppose the emperor, but simply to look after their family's interests within the bounds permitted by the emperor.

Duke Ferret considered such behavior unbecoming of nobility, but Taylor Ferret thought differently.

"It's a natural action. We're the only family whose fame and reputation depends solely on one person. Other nobles act the way they do, and that's only natural. I am sure that's why His Imperial Majesty allows them to act freely."

"You speak rightly. It is as you estimate, young lord."

"I thought so!"

Taylor's face brightened. His worries, which had only been internal, now seemed to have the emperor's backing. And Duke Ferret would do anything for the emperor's word.

"His Imperial Majesty is worried for the same reason. Right now, His Grace stands firm, but as you said, it won't last forever."

"Exactly! May I ask why His Imperial Majesty doesn't speak directly? Even if he's my father, a word from His Majesty would—"

"His Majesty truly cherishes Duke Ferret," Seojin cut in abruptly.

To Grand Emperor Kalus, the Sword of the Empire was more than a weapon, and he worried about tarnishing his honor. He gave an excuse on those lines, and naturally, Taylor, who respected his father, had to agree.

"That's why he's approaching so cautiously. But he can't just leave it be."

"Exactly."

"He does not expect outsiders to do anything. His Majesty is sure Duke Ferret's honor will fall the moment he listens to an outsider. So…"

Seojin looked straight into the eyes of Taylor Ferret, the son of a duke who respected his father.

"His Imperial Majesty decided to give the opportunity to those closest, especially those who respect the family head. They will share the concern for that honor."

"…I see. Now I understand what you mean."

"This is all His Majesty's will."

"I'm truly grateful. Then…"

"You must make an effort, young lord. To balance honor and benefit. Even those in the family who dared not speak will open up to you."

Surely they would. Taylor was already picturing who would say what and what they would want to say.

"But, just one thing."

Seojin added, while Taylor, preoccupied, let his guard down.

"Not everyone's opinion is necessary."

"…I'm having trouble understanding."

"I heard that the second young lord declared he'd become a knight. Following the path Duke Ferret walked."

"He lacks talent compared to father, but fortunately, father is guiding gun wholeheartedly."

"Then the second son wouldn't want change."

"That's… yes, I see."

"Right."

The implication was clear: consult the direct family members, but ignore the second son's opinion.

The emperor wanted change. But the second son, likely similar to Duke Ferret, would surely have an "opinion" that didn't align with the emperor's own.

"It's regrettable to exclude someone from the family. But if His Imperial Majesty says so…"

"It's necessary."

"Yes. We must proceed as His Majesty suggests. Don't worry. Many are concerned about the direction the family should take."

Seojin had set the stage, and Taylor was determined to follow through.

Seojin concluded his conversation with Taylor Ferret.

With lighter steps than when he arrived, he left and then met Morrison Tucker.

"His Majesty must have something in mind."

"Of course. Everything happening now is for the future of Valaran."

Morrison didn't ask further.

As someone working in an enemy nation, he was familiar with the existence of secrets.

He just wanted to confirm that the king was directly involved.

And he needed assurance that he was finally doing something meaningful for his homeland, Valaran.

"Work hard. Honor those who have gone before you."

"You, Sir Morrison, will stand in that honor, too."

Morrison asked for no more. He left with a smile, returning to his assigned role. There was still work for him to do.

* * *

Raul, a respected vegetable wholesaler in the imperial capital of the Camilton Empire, stared at the adventurer before him with a face of incredulity.

"Does this make any sense?"

"Nothing's impossible to achieve through talking."

"Right. You've proven it with results. You had an insider?"

"Yes."

"But there was no time to find one."

"I was lucky."

"That darn luck." Raul shook his head in resignation.

Luck wasn't something to be taken lightly. It was elusive when needed, and popped up unexpectedly when it was the least useful.

"More like it appears when you least expect it, perhaps some kind of divine jest?"

"Temples always preach that if you earnestly wish, it will come true."

"Well, if you really want something badly enough, you're going to have to work for it, and most of us don't go that far."

"So, you didn't expect to have an insider?"

"I did."

"Wait, what…?"

Raul frowned. It was a paradoxical statement.

But Seojin had his reasons for saying what he did.

"It was the result of a price I paid. I had expectations because of the things I have done."

"So this isn't your first time in the Empire?"

"That's not entirely true…"

"Gosh, forget it. I won't ask."

"Adventurers are a secretive lot. Living above the rules of the world."

"That's my complaint. Why am I not an adventurer?"

Raul grumbled, but his face wasn't too dark.

He had already completed eight sub-quests.

As the tasks progressed, his fondness for Seojin grew, and now, just two more would make Seojin eligible to work together with him.

"What's next, Raul? Where to this time?"

"It's about time you started asking too. What's your guess?"

"Staff of Faith Harry."

"And why do you think that?"

"It seems like your goal is to make rounds with famous Imperial figures, and it's going to be tricky."

Raul's sub-quests were increasingly challenging.

None were "easy," but there were certainly levels of difficulty.

"That's a timid statement for someone who handled the Grand Admiral and the Sword of the Empire so easily."

"I never had to deal with those figures directly, so naturally."

The situations with Golden King Alio and The Rat Muedron only required targeting and manipulating someone of the lower ranks. The level of his targets then kept escalating, and in the last mission, he was at the point he was talking to the eldest son of Duke Ferret.

Taking into account his potential targets, the objective of the quest, and the extent of his involvement, Seojin was able to reach a clearer conclusion.

"I probably won't meet Harry directly this time either. Maybe I'll have to reach his closest aide. The temple's atmosphere won't be too friendly towards me either…"

"Very accurate."

Raul clapped, satisfied.

Having someone who could figure things out and prepare even before being instructed was rare.

"Saint Aikora. The gateway to meeting the Staff of Faith. Even the emperor can't enter without Aikora's permission."

"He allows that?"

"The emperor isn't a tyrant drunk on power. Respecting religion is seen as beneficial for the Empire's future."

If Grand Emperor Kalus had decided so, there should be a reason for it.

Seojin, convinced by Raul's explanation, asked,

"Just meeting her is enough?"

"Just meeting."

"Then that must be the challenging part."

"Very. So, this time, I won't send you alone."

"What, you're coming with me?"

Raul shook his head. He wasn't ready to step in, nor did he see the need.

His plan was to offer Seojin some small help.

"The only way to prove your worth as a member of the temple is one. To show your devotion."

"This is…"

"An item that will make you appear as a devout believer."

Raul handed him a pure white ring.

Purification Ring

*Transforms the wearer's energy into holy power. Not very powerful. May be damaged by demonic energy.

*No requirements to wear.

*No requirements to use.

*Tradable item.

'No requirements?'

Equipment like this was new to Seojin. He had reached the point where he thought that Silver Tongue's items were entirely comprised of exclusive equipment.

"Do I have to return it after the job?"

"It's yours. You deserve something for getting this far, even if you fail. Just don't bother me again."

Raul's words made it clear.

This was a mid-task reward.

Moreover, it wasn't bound to Seojin; it could be sold to other players.

"I must succeed then."

"Moved by a little help?"

"I received a gift before even completing the job. If I finish successfully, who knows what more you'll give me…"

"If it serves as motivation for you, then good."

Raul didn't deny it.

To him, such a ring was trivial, and he had prepared a much more substantial reward for success!

And Seojin didn't dislike such promises.

"I'll be back soon."

"You're going right now?"

"I should be able to finish it within the day. It's a waste to invest multiple days into this."

Leaving the stunned Raul behind, Seojin exited his warehouse.