The Mad Spearman of the Northern Front - Chapter 41

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This chapter was translated by Lunox Team. To support us and help keep this series going, visit our website: LunoxScans.com
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The Mad Spearman of the Northern Front (41)

 

Late at night, the inn became chaotic as the dispatched guards arrived.

 

However, thanks to the Imperial Guard that appeared later, Arteon was able to escape the difficult situation.

 

“To think they tried to assassinate someone recognized by the Imperial Family. What audacious bastards.”

 

The Imperial Guard soldier who confirmed the corpse approached Arteon.

 

“I am Beroiton of the Imperial Guard. I came under Taolk’s orders. Are you injured anywhere?”

 

“Yes, I’m fine. But do you know who these people are?”

 

“Hmm… It seems they left no clues for us to speculate on currently. We’ll have to investigate, but since the one we need to identify is dead, it won’t be easy to figure out what group they belong to.”

 

“I see.”

 

Arteon nodded.

 

He had learned information about the organization called Nocturne, but now was the time to keep it hidden.

 

‘I need to make sure they don’t know that I’m aware of their identity.’

 

If word reached the Imperial Guard, it would also reach the ears of those who sent this assassin.

 

“There’s an inn managed by the Imperial Family. Please stay there.”

 

“Thank you for your consideration.”

 

Arteon followed Beroiton to the inn in the Central Area.

 

Since it was managed by the Imperial Family, he had expectations.

 

“…Wow.”

 

He exclaimed in admiration at the tremendous sight that exceeded his expectations.

 

“You don’t need to pay separately, so please use it comfortably. If you need anything, contact the Imperial Guard directly.”

 

“Thank you.”

 

Soon Beroiton returned to the Imperial Palace with the Imperial Guard soldiers who came with him.

 

The top contributor to the merit ceremony attended by the Emperor.

 

Taking care of him until he left the Capital was related to their reputation, so they couldn’t neglect it.

 

This incident would surely spread throughout the entire Imperial Family.

 

Perhaps an investigation had already begun.

 

‘Anyway, this incident will get all the innocent people killed.’

 

But it didn’t matter.

 

They were like parasites hiding in the shadows and corrupting people anyway.

 

Arteon went up to his assigned room.

 

Since it was a place where not just anyone could enter, security was strict and thorough.

 

He was able to sleep peacefully for the first time in a while.

 

But the next morning.

 

“…Excuse me?”

 

Arteon’s eyes shook greatly at the words of a man who visited him from the morning.

 

For a moment, he doubted his ears.

 

“Who did you say wants to meet me?”

 

“Count Adrian Vallenrook wishes to meet you. Prepare to go out right now and come outside.”

 

The man wearing neat clothes spoke to Arteon with an arrogant expression.

 

From his tone and expression, he wanted to tell him to get lost, but.

 

‘…A count?’

 

A noble of the Empire.

 

If he just sent back someone sent by someone with the rank of count, the aftermath would be impossible to handle.

 

He didn’t know what that person was thinking by asking to meet, but…

 

“I’ll get ready and come out shortly.”

 

For now, he had to accept that invitation.

 

Then Arteon put on a neat military uniform.

 

The fancy clothes he wore at the Imperial Palace were nice too, but this outfit seemed to suit him best.

 

When Arteon came out, the man slightly frowned at his appearance.

 

There was nothing particularly wrong with it, but it was quite modest.

 

“Are you aware that you’re going to see Count Vallenrook?”

 

“Is there some problem?”

 

“…No. Please follow me.”

 

Arteon got into the prepared carriage.

 

Soon the carriage raced quickly through the streets, and before long they arrived at the location of the count’s estate.

 

“…”

 

Arteon raised his head to look at the mansion.

 

Northern outskirts of the Capital, Polkerov.

 

Count Vallenrook’s estate built on a hill was extraordinary from its very majesty.

 

Exterior walls decorated with black marble.

 

Coldly carved spires.

 

The iron gate that sat heavily like a sanctuary was impressive.

 

As if it harbored the chill of power.

 

Arteon’s eyes narrowed.

 

‘…I think I can roughly guess what kind of person he is.’

 

Just looking at the mansion, he could tell how important ‘authority’ was to Count Vallenrook.

 

Arteon got out of the carriage and approached the gate. The man who guided him looked at Arteon and said.

 

“I’m sure you’ll do well on your own, but please be careful not to displease the count with your words or actions.”

 

“…I understand.”

 

Arteon deliberately maintained a calm expression as he followed him.

 

He could now sense that there was strangely fear underlying the man’s words.

 

Step by step.

 

Upon entering the mansion, tapestries woven with gold and silver thread depicting the family crest filled the walls along the corridor covered with red carpet.

 

It was a quiet but suffocating space.

 

“This way.”

 

Arteon followed the man’s guidance to the reception room.

 

A reception room without windows.

 

Only the chandelier hanging from the ceiling cast light throughout the room.

 

And in the center of it.

 

“Are you Arteon, who received an award at this Imperial Palace merit ceremony?”

 

Dark brown hair color close to black.

 

He wore a neat silver-white suit with his hair neatly slicked back.

 

Eyes that looked grayish at first glance, but were more like faded steel color.

 

His sharp jawline and thin lips, together with his gaze, completed an even colder impression.

 

Arteon answered.

 

“That’s correct.”

 

“Nice to meet you. I am Adrian Vallenrook, the owner of this mansion. Please sit.”

 

Adrian slowly rose from his seat and moved to the sofa in front.

 

When Arteon sat down, he looked at him from the head seat and said.

 

“Clothing that carries the rough air of the north. Would you like a glass of wine?”

 

The natural informal speech was irritating, but there was currently an insurmountable class barrier.

 

No, if it were the Arteon of the past, he would have had to kneel before a noble.

 

Arteon looked at him silently.

 

At that, Adrian chuckled and said.

 

“No need to be nervous. I just called you because I was curious about you.”

 

When Adrian lifted an empty glass, a maid standing beside him carefully filled it.

 

Lightly swirling the glass filled with brilliantly red wine, Adrian continued.

 

“I heard that with this merit ceremony, you can move to a different posting location other than the north… Have you thought about where to transfer?”

 

“…I haven’t thought about it yet.”

 

“Oh? Normally, upon hearing such words, one would immediately think of leaving the Northern Region. I can’t tell if you’re dull or just thoughtless, hehe.”

 

Adrian took a sip of wine and set down his glass as he spoke to Arteon.

 

“I’ll speak straightforwardly without beating around the bush. Come to this place. Then I’ll use my discretion to get you admitted to Karseia Knight Academy.”

 

Karseia Knight Academy was the Empire’s premier knight academy, and graduation from there virtually guaranteed one’s future.

 

Most members of the Empire’s finest knight orders were graduates of Karseia Knight Academy.

 

Adrian’s lips curved upward.

 

No matter how much of a country bumpkin stuck in the Northern Region, he would have at least heard of Karseia Knight Academy.

 

But Arteon spoke decisively without needing to think.

 

“I’m very grateful for the Count’s proposal, but I think I need to give some thought to my residence.”

 

“…What?”

 

He hadn’t even considered the possibility of being rejected.

 

Rather, he thought Arteon would jump up from his seat saying “Thank you! Really?” and bow deeply.

 

Adrian frowned slightly and asked.

 

“Did you properly understand what I said? I said I’d get you admitted to Karseia Knight Academy.”

 

“Of course. But regarding my assignment, I think I should discuss it with Division Commander Belkain as well. And… above all, I still have things to do in the Northern Region.”

 

“…Hah.”

 

Adrian’s eyes grew calmly cold.

 

To think there would be a madman who had things to do in the Northern Region.

 

No, but more than that…

 

“Are you rejecting my proposal right now?”

 

“I apologize.”

 

“It would be wise to think carefully once more before answering. That answer could change your life going forward.”

 

His menacingly changed gaze flew toward Arteon like a hidden blade.

 

A threat disguised as a proposal.

 

That his life could change meant.

 

‘It could be rosy, but…’

 

When the proposal was rejected, he felt the will to turn it muddy.

 

But… even so.

 

“I apologize.”

 

Arteon politely declined Adrian’s proposal.

 

At that, Adrian rose from his seat.

 

“I was going to take in a guy with decent skills… I had forgotten. That everyone in the Northern Region is completely insane.”

 

With those words, Adrian left the reception room.

 

The man who had guided Arteon came in belatedly and flew into a rage.

 

“What kind of rudeness is this!”

 

“I haven’t committed any rudeness. You gave me a good proposal, but it didn’t match my intentions, so I simply declined.”

 

“How dare a mere soldier who trembles like a worm in the Northern Region reject the Count’s proposal? Do you think you’ll be safe after this?”

 

“Are you going to kill me on the day I received a reward directly from the Emperor?”

 

Arteon no longer remained still either.

 

Soon, mana rippled around his body along with the thick killing intent that could only be seen in the Northern Region.

 

“Huh, huk!”

 

At the overwhelming pressure that seemed to cut off his breath with just a look, the man unconsciously collapsed to the ground.

 

Arteon looked down at him and said.

 

“I’ll leave on my own when I go, so no guidance is necessary.”

 

With those words, Arteon left the reception room and immediately exited the mansion.

 

Those who appeared to be guards looked at Arteon as he came outside, but.

 

‘…Right now, they can’t openly do anything to me in the Capital.’

 

That’s why those who tried to eliminate me sent assassins instead.

 

Rejecting the Count’s proposal could become a problem later, but that was a matter for later anyway.

 

However, if there was one thing that bothered him…

 

―I was going to take in a guy with decent skills…

 

Those words the Count said at the end.

 

‘What does that mean…’

 

Did he judge that his skills were decent because he had achieved merit in recapturing Helikel Gorge?

 

‘If not that…’

 

Could it possibly be related to this assassination incident…?

 

Arteon shook his head.

 

“No way, it must be my imagination.”

 

There would be no reason to try to win over someone they tried to kill…

 

―A guy with decent skills…

 

Damn, Count Valenluke’s words wouldn’t disappear from his head.

 

If it really was related to that…

 

‘I’ll have to find out.’

 

It seemed he would need to visit that guy sooner than expected.

 

And at the place Arteon had left.

 

“…”

 

Someone was secretly following behind him.

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This chapter was translated by Lunox Team. To support us and help keep this series going, visit our website: LunoxScans.com
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