Chapter 174

Whether Forlang was throwing another tantrum or not had zero impact on me, so I ignored it and focused on my work.

Of course, managing the knight order was part of my duties.

“Hmm.”

But lately, the atmosphere in the Edelweiss Knight Order had been… off.

“Can’t blame them.”

It made perfect sense, really.

The Edelweiss Count family was a newly risen noble house.

And the man who’d originally been tapped as Forlang’s successor.

In Carman, where men lived and died by the sword, being named a family’s heir meant you had a special bond with that house’s knights—something like family, even.

‘Knights from Forlang are coming…?’

The news had the Edelweiss knights on edge.

They figured since these were knights close to the old family head, they might end up sidelined.

Of course, the Forlang knights hadn’t joined without any vetting.

“They all passed the entry exams, right?”

As the knights whispered among themselves, it was clear the Forlang group had gone through the full process—and aced it.

I hadn’t doubted they would.

They were far too competent for that—Forlang’s gates going haywire made no sense otherwise. Most were top-notch knights.

The leaders, Knights Millisha and Edith, were already brushing A-rank territory.

No way they’d fail the exams.

“They’re said to be skilled.”

“Well… the family head would only bring in the best, obviously…”

Still, the Edelweiss knights were uneasy.

So while I was at the order, I addressed it head-on.

“I have something to say to you all today.”

Normally, we’d just treated the new Forlang knights like any fresh recruits and drilled as usual, but it was time to clear the air.

“Yes, sir!”

The knights snapped into orderly ranks before me.

The Forlang knights were briefly thrown by the unfamiliar formation, but they adapted fast, lining up seamlessly with the Edelweiss crew.

No awkward vibes at all.

Except for the Edelweiss knights sneaking glances at them.

“I know there’s been talk lately with all these new recruits joining.”

My words had the Edelweiss knights pointedly staring straight ahead.

I get it—you’re worried. We all are human.

I held up an open hand.

“Let me make this crystal clear. No matter what history these new knights bring from their past, here in Edelweiss, they’re just rookies.”

I’d already told the Forlang knights the same thing.

‘Of course.’

‘We know nothing about Edelweiss—makes perfect sense.’

Edith and Millisha got it right away—they were sharp like that—and their knights followed suit.

But it seemed the Edelweiss side hadn’t heard yet.

Not with them eyeing the newcomers like threats.

“Edelweiss knights exist to protect Edelweiss. Those who know the territory best naturally become senior knights with command authority.”

I looked each Edelweiss knight in the eye as I spoke.

“So no special privileges for these newbies. No need to worry.”

I didn’t beat around the bush.

These sword-for-life types? Mincing words would just breed misunderstandings.

“…Understood!”

Sure enough, after a split-second pause at my bluntness, the Edelweiss knights shouted back.

“Shall we begin training, then?”

I said, picking up a training sword.

A murmur rippled through the ranks.

“Classic lord.”

“Knew he’d handle it.”

“Always fair.”

Kids, compliments are best whispered out of earshot. Ahem.

While things at Edelweiss smoothed out nicely…

Elsewhere, trouble was brewing.

“What, a gate? Mobilize immediately!”

Hot-blooded Count Baiya of the Miya Alliance had stirred it up.

Not that it was much of a mess.

“It’s not confirmed as a gate, my lord—just a surge of strong monsters from that direction.”

The butler reported, and Baiya’s face lit up as he bellowed.

“The territory’s folk are in danger! Send the knights now! Wipe ’em out!”

If this world had bulldozers, Baiya would’ve been the Bulldozer Count, no question. Lately, his aggressive push had been sealing gates left and right.

His territory’s gate defense rate was nipping at Tenchia’s 92% heels.

But his zeal backfired.

“M-My lord. It was just a wandering monster pack.”

The knights had mobilized, slaughtered them, and realized it was merely displaced beasts roaming around.

Another lord might’ve been embarrassed.

Not Baiya.

He crossed his arms and let out a booming laugh.

“Monsters are monsters! Tell the knights to reassure the nearby folk on their way back!”

With that scale of forces marching in and out, no wonder the locals were spooked.

“Understood.”

Relieved his lord wasn’t red-faced, the butler relayed the order.

Even the cautious butler couldn’t foresee the fallout.

Soon as the rumors spread, Viscount Forlang bit hard.

“Miya moved massive knight forces recently! Even the passing merchants knew!”

Forlang Viscount spat as he ranted.

He’d been buried in reports and estate defense headaches, so this social gathering was a rare breather.

“Troop movements that size should’ve been reported to His Majesty first! And they call it ‘preemptive action’? What if those knights harbored treasonous thoughts against the throne?!”

He wailed his loyalty to the emperor before the crowd.

Perfect fodder for someone always crying foul on Miya’s movements.

Hearing about Forlang Viscount’s flailing via Shin Jae-heon’s intel network, I clicked my tongue.

“Treasonous thoughts? He’d be ash before he could blink…”

Vaporized by the Flame Sword, bones and all…

Rebellion ain’t for amateurs, pal.

Shin Jae-heon, ribbed even by the rare straight-man Hunter Yian, went radio silent—probably stunned.

Meanwhile, the rumor trickled through high society.

No one blabbed openly—it was sensitive—but Shin Jae-heon’s planted agents spread it quick.

“Miya really moved troops with ulterior motives?”

“So they say.”

“Count Edelweiss isn’t the type.”

“But where there’s smoke, there’s fire. Must be something to it…”

Smoke without fire? Or three liars make a tiger? Folks love gossip over truth.

Forlang’s tale spread like wildfire under the surface.

But we weren’t worried.

Why?

“Shin Jae-heon’s play is about to land.”

After years hounded by the press, per Shin Jae-heon? He’d have S-rank mental if he folded to this.

And sure enough, response came fast.

Stabbing facts into messengers without penalty? Tyrant perks.

Playing dumb on Forlang’s smears, the emperor shoehorned them into Miya.

Can’t spit in your own face now—Miya affiliation neutered Forlang’s “suspicious activity” claims.

Bonus: if Miya did act shady, it’d be exposed.

“Did His Majesty stick Forlang Viscount in Miya knowing the rumors?”

“Makes sense—insider view catches real proof.”

Dumb nobles speculated.

But Shin Jae-heon’s intent was simple.

Suspicious moves? Dig for proof yourself!

Or quit badmouthing your own team.

Poking the unrivaled troll-master? Forlang Viscount tied his own noose tight.

While flabbergasted Forlang Viscount holed up, forgetting to spin more tales…

This plan had one tiny snag.

“His Majesty’s high regard for our Miya Alliance is truly an honor. However…”

“That Viscount Forlang doesn’t even know gate management basics.”

A rare Miya conclave.

Miya nobles muttered.

In short: parachuted deadweight in their elite club irked them.

Made sense.

Miya was a tight-knit alliance of proven aces, sharing troops no less—they couldn’t abide low performers.

No outright rebellion in this monarchy, but discomfort showed.

Shin Jae-heon brushed off my warning of grumbles with that, but no friend enjoys their buddy catching heat.

Appreciate your pals, Jae-heon.

“Ahem.”

I cleared my throat, drawing eyes around the grand round table.

Count Baiya asked.

“What say you, Count Edelweiss? We know Viscount Forlang is your father, but you’re famed for your objectivity above all.”

Murmurs and nods rippled.

Why’s everyone trying to put me on a pedestal lately? Gonna unlock flight skills at this rate.

“Truth is, Viscount Forlang’s level doesn’t match the caliber of Miya’s members.”

No noble house was clueless—Forlang was my dad.

“Ahem.”

My bold “doesn’t match” shocked some nobles.

But the system stayed quiet—no penalty ping.

Senia can speak her mind when it counts.

I knew it!

“But Forlang Viscount’s shortcomings mean suffering fief folk—Carman citizens.”

“…!”

Nobles exchanged glances.

“Aiding Forlang means other houses’ troops and supplies, but isn’t this all for Carman?”

Am I a hunter or an orator…?

My reality check was brief.

“Oh…!”

Baiya smacked his knee and forehead like a stock-limit-up trader spotting a winner.

That guy’s igniting!

“Indeed!!!”

And boom—he shot to his feet.

All eyes on him.

“My vision was narrow! Just as you say, Count! Forlang’s folk are Carman citizens—Carmar’s future! Who knows how those suffering souls might grow to lead Carmar’s tomorrow?!”

I didn’t say “future,” but…

Waste of talent in a monarchy, Baiya swept the room with his punchy speech.

“All for Carmar’s future!”

“Hooray!!!”

Sword-jock nobles leaped up in standing ovation.

Embarrassingly, amid the cheers, eyes locked on me, not the speaker.

Guess I’m the one getting a stan now?

Couldn’t drop this update in chat.

Ten years of snacks fodder!

Dealer instincts screamed it.

“Contact Forlang House at once!”

“Welcome to Miya!”

“Send gifts too!”

Gifts why?!

Miya folk, hyped, popped up like meerkats.

Baiya’s hot-blood virus had infected the alliance.