Chapter 107

Chapter 107. The Strong One’s Consideration (1)

The start of the council begins with the lord setting the main agenda.

“Our Sephira—”

Basil cuts off his words and makes eye contact with everyone. Only after exchanging glances with the last person does he conclude his speech.

“Has been cowering like a frightened dog.”

“……”

“……”

Some bite their lower lips, others clench their fists. Each recalls the humiliation they’ve endured for so long.

“I thought defense was the best option. But that was my mistake.”

Everyone’s eyes tremble. Among them, Panir, in particular, struggles to contain his overwhelming emotions, his face unable to stay still.

“I was afraid of losing you all. I feared that my wrong choices would erase the centuries-long history of Sephira, the legacy of our ancestors.”

Who could blame Basil? The weight on his shoulders was something no single person could bear.

“My weak heart made Sephira cower. My fear of change whispered that the current peace would last forever, that everything would eventually resolve itself. But I was wrong.”

Flames ignite in his eyes. Basil shares those flames with everyone.

“Our founder left us with these words: ‘If you wish to live, you will die. If you wish to die, you will live.’ I, who wanted to save everyone, was actually killing everyone.”

It’s hot. The subtle chill of autumn is pushed away. The council hall is filled with intense heat.

Basil cools the heated atmosphere with a low voice.

“However, I cannot say that Sephira’s situation is good. Finances, military, resources, politics. In every aspect, we are the weakest among the prestigious families.”

The department heads and knight commanders bow their heads as if it were their fault.

“My realization came late. But I cannot just regret and do nothing. It’s like the beginning of archery. Archery doesn’t start with holding the bow. It starts with the right mindset. Without the mindset to shoot, the arrow will go astray. And even then, you can’t hold the bow. Just as we gradually learned to hold the bow, I believe we must change Sephira from the ground up.”

Basil takes a short breath and sets down the gavel.

“If anyone has objections to my statement, raise your hand.”

Everyone here has sworn not to remain silent if they have something to say.

No one raises their hand.

Even Panir, who always picks fights, and the strict head butler. Everyone agrees with Basil’s words.

A faint smile briefly crosses Basil’s face at the unanimous agreement.

“I will give everyone a chance to speak in order. Please share your opinions and suggestions. Let’s start with the Financial Department Head.”

The Financial Department Head stands up. He is a middle-aged man with a prominent nose.

“Currently, Sephira’s finances are entirely maintained by the salary sent by the royal family. This year, we received a total of 300 million gold. Of this, 250 million gold will be used for military maintenance, and the remaining 50,000 gold will be used for facility maintenance and other expenses—”

The Financial Department Head pauses as if the problem is just beginning, then continues.

“The family’s debt has grown too large to handle. We owe 3 million gold to the Infinite Bank and 420,000 gold to the Ultima Merchant. Including interest, the debt amounts to about 3.5 million gold. With the 300 million gold salary from the royal family, it’s impossible to even maintain the family.”

Murmurs spread throughout the room at the Financial Department Head’s words. The salary from the royal family is excessively low.

Just 20 years ago, Sephira received 500 million gold.

Even that amount was reduced. Originally, they received 8 million gold, allowing for a very comfortable life. They ran orphanages, helped civilians recover from monster attacks, and assisted those affected by natural disasters, spending generously.

But 3 million gold? If this weren’t the sacred council hall, curses would be flying, and Panir would have rushed to the royal family immediately.

The Financial Department Head doesn’t just state the problem but also proposes a solution.

“Like other prestigious families, we need to create our own income source. But this is a difficult task to solve immediately. Our family lacks experts and manpower. The immediate solution is to utilize the territory residents.”

He suggests giving jobs to the territory residents, the families of soldiers living in Sephira’s territory.

The territory residents farm, but it’s not for mass production; it’s for subsistence, minimal labor for self-sufficiency.

“Do we have any resources in our territory that could be turned into a business? We have vast forests and mountains, so there should be something.”

“There’s no confirmed presence of minerals or quarry-worthy stones, so a thorough investigation is needed. The same goes for the forest; we need to check if there are any rare resources.”

“Agricultural Department Head. I ask you. What crops can be cultivated in Sephira’s land that have high sales value?”

The capable Agricultural Department Head answers energetically, as if he had been waiting.

“Olives. Sephira has the perfect environment for olive cultivation. Warm climate, abundant sunlight, and dry soil—everything is perfect. Olives aren’t high-value materials, but they have a long shelf life and are easy to transport. Plus, olives are enjoyed by everyone, regardless of gender, age, or social status, making them very easy to sell.”

“Agricultural Department Head, I entrust you with full authority over olive farming. All department heads, fulfill the Agricultural Department Head’s requests without fail.”

At Basil’s words, the Financial, HR, and Artisan Department Heads all agree in unison.

Finance and agriculture are done. Next is HR.

“HR Department Head. As everyone knows, there are many spies hidden in our Sephira. Until now, I’ve let them be, knowing their presence, but now it’s time to clean them up.”

Tension fills the council hall. Cleaning up spies. That is surely a task accompanied by danger.

“If we don’t eliminate spies and traitors at once, unnecessary tragedies will occur. So, for now, create a list of suspects and share it, then capture them all simultaneously on a set date and time. HR Department Head. You must distinguish between spies and traitors, and separate those who can be persuaded. Expel the irredeemable from Sephira, and forgive those who can be persuaded.”

“Understood.”

“Artisan Department Head. Any issues with the blacksmith?”

Vulkanus, the Artisan Department Head, answers with a seriousness rarely seen.

“Yes. There are no issues with the blacksmith’s work. In fact, we can introduce new techniques to bows and arrows.”

“Explain.”

Basil already knows but pretends not to. He has no choice. The technique is a gift from Keter.

“The Empire uses portable artifacts. We are mastering the origin of that technology, shape-memory alloy crafting. If we apply this technology to bows and arrows, both mobility and portability will increase exponentially.”

“The technology to create portable artifacts is a top secret even in the Empire. How did you come to know it?”

“We received the technology through Lord Keter, the fifth son of the lord.”

“……!”

“……?!”

Everyone’s eyes widen at Vulkanus’s words.

Especially Panir, who forces a smile, baring his teeth. Meanwhile, Leganon looks at Basil with a ‘I knew it’ expression.

As Keter’s name is naturally mentioned, Basil speaks to everyone about Keter.

“As you all know, Keter is a problem child. Impulsive, extreme, and ignorant of noble etiquette. But… his love for Sephira is no less than ours. Besides sharing the shape-memory alloy technology with the Artisan Department Head, you all know the story of how he captured the knights of the Baydant family. He protected Sephira’s honor. Not just that? Thanks to him, we received 500,000 gold from the Baydant family as ransom for the knights.”

As Basil lists Keter’s achievements, those who knew and those who didn’t all widen their eyes.

“I’m not defending Keter. But that child grew up in the Lawless City for 18 years, not knowing who his parents were. That child is now helping us save Sephira, pouring out all his skills and experiences without holding back. I ask you not to ignore that fact.”

Silence.

Then, Panir quietly raises his hand.

Basil nods, granting him the floor.

“I acknowledge that he contributes to Sephira, but if he could just learn some manners, we could respect Keter more. I request that the lord strictly discipline Keter.”

Others remain silent, having not experienced it, but Leganon and Subid, who have, nod vigorously in agreement.

Basil doesn’t answer immediately, pondering for a moment before nodding.

“I accept that. If anyone has more to say about Keter, please raise your hand.”

Silence.

Elder Leganon, Head Butler Subid, and the Holy Knight Commander raise their hands.

Basil speaks to Leganon and Subid.

“If it’s about Keter’s personality, I’ve understood enough from Elder Panir’s words. If it’s something else, I’ll listen.”

The two lower their hands with disappointed expressions.

The remaining person is the Holy Knight Commander, who speaks about something unrelated to Keter’s personality.

“Lord, have you heard of a technique called Heavenly Power? It’s a technique that Lord Keter taught to the participants of the Southern Sword Tournament.”

“First time hearing it. What kind of technique is it?”

“According to the vice-commander who learned it, it’s a technique that artificially draws out the power humans emit in times of crisis.”

“I understand. I didn’t give it a name, but I thought surpassing one’s limits was a realm of enlightenment. Heavenly Power sublimates that into a technique anyone can use?”

“Yes. So if we can spread this Heavenly Power technique to our knights, it would greatly enhance our combat power.”

“Hmm.”

Basil frowns and strokes his chin.

Teaching Keter’s Heavenly Power technique to Sephira’s knights?

‘It feels like stealing my son’s technique.’

Keter is also a family member, so sharing good things is right. Refusing would be strange.

But the opponent is Keter. Keter is not within the normal range. At least, Basil thinks so.

There’s no justification. The Heavenly Power technique has no connection to Sephira. It’s too much to arbitrarily take and share it.

But from the explanation, Heavenly Power is undoubtedly an excellent technique. Turning a technique only a few enlightened can use into something anyone can use is a tremendous weapon.

Then, Lunar Knight Commander Gasilious raises his hand, requesting the floor. Basil nods, granting permission.

“I oppose the Holy Knight Commander’s statement.”

“Lunar Knight Commander. Lord Keter’s technique is not just his, but Sephira’s……”

As the Holy Knight Commander immediately rebuts, Basil glares and shouts.

“Insolent!”

The aura emanating from Basil overwhelms the Holy Knight Commander.

The Holy Knight Commander, a 4-star knight, is left breathless by the shout.

“Do not speak without the floor, Holy Knight Commander. Since this is your first council, I’ll let it pass as a mistake, but remember, a second mistake is intentional.”

At Basil’s warning, the Holy Knight Commander nods. The pressure on his body disappears as if washed away.

“Gasp, gasp……”

After the minor incident, the Lunar Knight Commander continues.

“The reason I oppose is that the method and cost of learning Heavenly Power are astronomical. Lord Keter didn’t hide his training process, so I saw everything firsthand, and I judged that Sephira’s knights could never handle it. Even if we select a few who can, it would still be unfair.”

To learn Heavenly Power, one must first face death. Creating such a situation artificially is not easy. Especially in voluntary training, it’s even more impossible.

That’s why Keter set himself on fire, instilling the fear of death if the fire wasn’t extinguished. Applying such methods to Sephira’s knights is problematic in many ways.

The trio had the elixir Keter prepared, so they could recover immediately, but Sephira currently lacks the resources to obtain expensive elixirs in large quantities.

Even if funds were sufficient, elixirs aren’t something you can get just with money. Connections are needed.

Gasilious explains these points and presents the decisive reason at the end.

“The Heavenly Power technique requires extreme physical exertion to draw out hidden human potential. With our already insufficient manpower, sidelining many knights is unthinkable. Instead, I suggest applying a running exercise method in the training grounds to all knights for physical enhancement.”

Archers’ physical enhancement.

In terms of war, it’s not significant, but in local battles, it’s different. Strong stamina, comparable to archers’ strong muscles, is needed.

Basil understands and accepts this.

“Those who oppose the Lunar Knight Commander’s statement, raise your hand.”

It’s a simple statement.

Learning Heavenly Power isn’t feasible with Sephira’s current conditions. Instead, let’s prepare for local battles by enhancing stamina.

No one opposes. Even the Holy Knight Commander is convinced after hearing Gasilious’s words.

“From now on, include running in the knights’ training schedule. Don’t push them to the limit like Keter. We don’t have enough potions and elixirs.”

At Basil’s words, the three knight commanders respond in unison, accepting the order.

From administration to military. The order has gone around once, but there’s still much to say and solve. The council, which started early in the morning, remains heated even after lunch.

Despite skipping meals, instead of tiring, they exchange opinions more passionately.

Knock knock.

A knocking sound comes from outside the council hall. As the council’s flow is interrupted, those deeply focused frown.

Soon, the door opens, and a knight who has become all too familiar to Basil appears. He bows and speaks.

“Lord. It’s Nabakin of the Holy Knight Order. I have urgent news.”

Basil lets out a hollow laugh. Then, with a ‘surely not’ feeling, he speaks.

“Is it Keter?”

“Ah……”

Nabakin hesitates. In front are the council attendees, and behind are the Lunar Knights listening.

Basil, wanting to show how harmless Keter is, speaks generously.

“It’s fine. Speak.”

“Well, mercenaries have arrived at Sephira’s main gate. They say they came in response to a request from Lord Keter.”

“Keter requested mercenaries?”

Mercenaries.

A word utterly unrelated to Sephira. Not an uncomfortable relationship, but not one to be at ease with either.

“Keter must have his reasons for calling mercenaries. But what’s the problem?”

“The number is a bit… no, it’s a lot.”

“Haha, it’s probably around ten or eighteen, right? Isn’t it?”

“It’s a bit more……”

“Twenty? That’s definitely a lot.”

“A, a bit more……”

Those watching from the start also sense something unusual.

Basil feels his lips dry. Calling mercenaries is good, but it seems he called too many.

Better to face the music first, Basil boldly increases the number.

“Fifty?”

“Just a bit more……”

“Enough. Stop joking, how many came to cause such a fuss?”

“82, my lord.”

“Cough, cough.”

Eighty.

A lot. Excessive. Just a bit more, and it’s enough to form a squad. Calling this many, it’s hard to grasp the purpose.

But Basil calmly handles it.

“It’s a lot, but it shouldn’t be a problem. We have plenty of empty rooms in Sephira.”

“Lord. The number is one thing, but their rank is the issue.”

“What about their rank? If there are so many, they must be mostly Bronze or Silver.”

No matter the number, Bronze, Silver, or Gold ranks aren’t a problem.

But the reason Nabakin urgently interrupted the council soon becomes clear.

“No, my lord. There are no Gold ranks. All are Platinum or higher. 67 Platinum Class, 11 Diamond Class, and, uh, 4 Amantium Class have arrived.”

Even the Lunar Knights in the hallway, who always face forward, turn their heads, and the council attendees, maintaining decorum, jump up.

Platinum Class is equivalent to a 2-star knight.

Diamond is 3-star, Amantium is 4-star.

The mercenaries Keter called aren’t soldier-level. They’re all knight-level.

At Nabakin’s words, Basil, momentarily stunned, mutters.

“Is he planning to wage war……?”

No one can maintain composure at Keter’s class, having hired a force capable of crushing a small to medium-sized city.