Chapter 131

“Is your mouth closed?”

“I didn’t torment anyone.”

“Eh? Really now. With skills like that, you shouldn’t be messing around with kids.”

“It was the duel trial; there was nothing I could do.”

“Hmm? I know that much. That’s why I’m saying… Should a knight really be toying with nobles like this?”

In his tone of speaking, there was a slight sense of discomfort.

Does he really believe I’m a knight who participated in a duel trial?

“I am not a knight.”

“Huh? What… what?”

“Yes. I am a noble.”

At those words, the old man slowly approaches me.

“Ho… Too extraordinary to be just a knight, indeed. I misjudged you. My apologies.”

“That one over there is a knight under the Marquis Multein.”

The knight, whose arm has been severed and is trembling in fear, is named Min.

The old man glances at the knight briefly before losing interest and turning his attention back to me.

“Ah… What is it? Are you Baron Meolone?”

“Yes.”

“How much better must your melons be grown to earn such skill not with a sword but through melons? Are you planning to save the nation with melons?”

The old man chuckles softly as he says this.

Meanwhile, the atmosphere around him gradually calms down.

Was this stillness caused by him?

The heavy breathing and ragged breaths prove that the tension I felt was real.

“To what purpose does the Sword Master come here…?”

“My granddaughter kept pestering me, so I came to see. Looks like something interesting is going on.”

Though Multein spoke, the old man doesn’t even respond.

He simply continues talking as if no one else exists.

His interest remains firmly fixed on me.

“What’s your name?”

“My name is Minho.”

“Ho. As I said earlier, don’t mess around with kids with skills like that. Even if it’s a duel trial or whatever, it’s still children’s play, isn’t it? Isn’t that right?”

“It was beyond my control from the receiving end.”

“That much I understand. Sometimes when ants gather together and bite, you feel like stepping on them, right? You’re the same, aren’t you?”

The old man smirks slightly as he surveys the surroundings.

Wherever his gaze lands, a shallow gasp can be heard.

“Sword Master,”

What kind of person could evoke such reactions?

From the way he speaks, it feels like he looks down on everyone.

His abilities and actions seem unrestricted, infinitely free.

“Have I ruined your mood?”

“Not at all.”

“You owe me your life once. If you don’t trust me, go challenge them again.”

The old man points at me with his chin while giggling.

Multein struggles to maintain a forced smile, caught in an awkward situation.

“Since you won’t believe me, let me show you. Let’s see…”

Saying this, the old man pats his waist and picks up the rapier dripping with blood from the severed arm, then swings it a few times in the air.

The old man’s aura changes.

A clearly colder and more oppressive presence.

A chilling edge spreading through every corner.

Together with that, a heavy weight presses down on me, making it impossible to approach.

“Come first.”

It was a sudden declaration from the old man.

* * *

“Hmph. This is disappointing.”

Multein mutters this with a look of resignation.

Who exactly is this person?

Just as the Sword Master said, how could someone with such skill be given the title of Baron Meolone unless it’s some sort of deception against the world?

The title “Weapon Expert” should belong to this fearsome swordsman wielding a blade, not that guy flailing around with a missing arm.

“Do you feel a bit bitter?”

Marco sneaks closer and taunts Multein.

The Marquis Multein, always hostile towards the rising nobility.

Marco knew this would eventually explode, though he never imagined it would happen now.

“Just disappointment.”

“Of course.”

“I merely dislike those without qualifications. If they prove their abilities, there’s no reason they can’t enter the path of nobility.”

“No one will enter a package already torn apart, no matter how late you try to wrap it nicely.”

“I merely spoke the truth.”

“Breaking the truth with coercion and manipulation? What truth is that…?”

“I merely followed conventions and customs.”

“Suddenly calm? Is your tail on fire? Hehe.”

“Watch your words.”

“Sure thing. Sure thing.”

It was a satisfying moment.

How delightful to see the Marquis Multein’s expression twist.

Marco’s joy comes from his friend’s incredible prowess.

Even if the Sword Master is watching, Baron Meolone’s performance matches him evenly.

I imagine this was the Sword Master’s intention.

Though detached, he was once passionately involved in the noble society in his youth.

With just this act, Baron Meolone’s worth is proven instantly.

Even if it wasn’t desired by his friend, Minho, it’s unavoidable.

After all, who told him to hide his skills so well?

When we were rescued from the ruins, I sensed he was quite skilled, but I never expected him to be this overwhelmingly powerful, able to duel evenly with the Sword Master.

Multein’s mistake was believing a truly absurdly talented individual was just a quiet melon farmer.

“Whatever… Hahahaha.”

This was the most entertaining initiation ceremony ever.

Especially unpredictable in its direction.

“You’ve got some wild friends.”

“Nah. It’s finally meeting a friend worthy of me.”

Saying this, Multein’s mouth shuts tight.

I wanted to provoke him further, but this is enough.

“My friend has become the center of attraction for this banquet?”

“Hmm. So hot that no one can swallow him.”

“Heehee. A gem reveals its value only to those who recognize it.”

Multein silently observes the combat from his seat before muttering,

“I want him.”

“That’s quite an honest statement.”

“You know it, and so do I. The light show when new nobles rise.”

“Cutting off arms and splashing blood?”

“Sometimes such intensity adds sincerity to the show and strengthens unity.”

“Sounds like something an agitator would say. Very trustworthy.”

“However you twist it, wanting capable individuals is a natural desire among nobles.”

“Trying to bury them in the noble society and now coveting talent. Your mouth must be tearing itself apart from all the eating.”

“Is that a flaw?”

“A big seed of distrust, indeed. Contradictory Marquis Multein?”

“Say whatever pleases you.”

Multein picks up the cocktail in front of him and takes a sip.

Baron Meolone.

I thought there was no need to investigate further, considering him just another new noble starting from humble beginnings as a mere farmer.

Recently, however, interesting news arrived.

The fruit leading the trend supplied to the royal palace.

It turns out it originated from Baron Meolone.

Still, there was no plan to stop the initiation ceremony.

One cannot halt traditions and customs just because of something like that.

Considering the royal protection he enjoys.

The exclusive contract might have been a minor concern.

But how significant is a lowly farmer?

Anything happening at the banquet is implicitly approved.

The plan was simple: sever an arm, intimidate with pressure.

That was supposed to be the entirety and entertainment of the initiation ceremony.

If one lacks ability, it’s only natural not to aspire for a noble position.

Truly despising farmers, seeing common blood intertwine with nobility is genuinely disgusting.

Though tolerating it silently due to royal involvement.

To begin with, the very idea of promoting someone like this to nobility is problematic.

Thus, whenever such opportunities arise, unleashing pent-up anger is natural.

Many nobles gathered here intending to witness the process.

Everything was considered.

The princess not attending the banquet.

No connection to the royal family.

Even if there are friendly nobles, the outcome wouldn’t change.

All factors were calculated.

Until now, everything seemed to flow smoothly as usual.

“Birth of a new era, huh.”

“The Sword Master is neutral.”

“I’m talking about another person shining brilliantly on stage.”

“Connections aren’t built easily.”

“First, I’m interested in your side.”

“Don’t nobles of your rank have any pride?”

“Hmm. Our princess, who values ability, probably won’t leave my friend buried as a baron, right?”

Marco’s roundabout speech makes Multein smirk.

What’s causing all this chaos?

This year’s banquet was the worst.

Next year, I’ll release this fellow.

Anything unfinished this year will be postponed until then.

Same toys.

Same theme.

I wanted to create a situation where someone unworthy of nobility rises and is forced to step down.

Nobles cannot mingle with inferior blood.

If dirty blood dares to trespass, they should naturally relinquish their status.

Moreover, royal-appointed nobles.

For them to abandon their positions would tarnish the integrity of the royal court.

Next time, I’ll aim at that.

“Looks like I’ll have to wait till next year.”

“Oh ho. Is the banquet cleaner leaving now?”

“This year, the one who practically cut off the arm was you, wasn’t it?”

“Well, I wanted to try it once.”

“Your reckless nature hasn’t changed.”

“Would you call it bravery?”

Multein stands silently from his seat.

“I must see the promotion ceremony and appointment.”

“My interest is gone.”

“Burnt feet, huh?”

“Behave appropriately, beast. Before I leash you.”

“My, how scary.”

Marco laughs as he watches Multein retreat.

Creating all bad habits and turning them into personal entertainment,

ultimately paying the full price today.

Although the royal approval existed,

originally, this banquet started as a gathering of nobles.

Even with the princess’s abrupt decision to elevate commoners to nobility,

the silent consent of the nobles demonstrated the immense power of the current royal court.

A small rebellion against that.

Killing new nobles.

Using initiation ceremonies to make them quit voluntarily or shock them mentally.

Unpleasant and dishonorable, but somehow Multein turned it into a game and culture,

eventually gaining royal approval and making the banquet his own.

Only those who endure qualify as true nobles, they say.

Quite amusing how many nobles agree with that ridiculous statement.

“Some idiot fell off the tree once.”

The culture may not disappear, but cautious ones will emerge.

Especially since the target they tried to devour wasn’t a lamb but a small tiger.

That tiger shines brightly alongside the Sword Master on stage.

Ironically, the initiation ceremony meant to eliminate nobles became the grandest platform showcasing Baron Meolone.

“Funny stuff. They say you never know how things will turn out.”

When dragging Baron Meolone into the duel trial, it was quite nerve-wracking.

Such a meticulously planned setup.

Due to slightly underestimating Multein’s design, I got a proper scolding.

So, I thoroughly teased the defeated Multein.

Even though I lost once, thanks to my friend, I gave him a big serving back.

Ultimately, it counts as successful revenge, doesn’t it?

“Are you sulking alone here?”

“Go away.”

“You were quietly observing, weren’t you?”

Marco flops down beside Lord Petri with a grin.

“Such behavior doesn’t suit high-class conduct.”

“Wow, how noble of you.”

“At least this training match was more noble and beautiful than the initiation ceremony.”

“Ah, very noble insight.”

“Rarely hearing something correct from you.”

“Who would expect a young baron to duel swords with the Sword Master?”

“Yeah, funny indeed. Especially since that baron made his name known through melons.”

“Ho ho ho… Hard to believe story, isn’t it?”

Petri drinks his cocktail without moving.

Even this drink passed through his hands.

How much more capability does he intend to display?

It’s somewhat frightening.

If the royal court couldn’t possess him, they could destroy him.

Either manageable or complacent.

Those who stand out too much get stoned.

I can only hope it doesn’t end that way.

“Getting stoned seems unimaginable given that power…”

Watching him clash swords with the Sword Master, such thoughts easily shatter.

Looking forward to what happens next, Petri starts organizing in his mind what stories to tell the princess.

It was quite an entertaining initiation ceremony.

---