Chapter 116 Even in the face of violent storms, Thunder City remains calm
In the wealthy area of Thunder City, the Andes family's manor, there is a bustle of traffic in front of the towering marble door.
The elegant gentleman and the graceful woman walked to the carriage under the reception of the waiter in a tuxedo, and walked on the dozens of meters long red carpet to the splendid mansion.
There was a lot of traffic outside the manor, and the inside of the manor was already bustling with people.
Magnificent murals cover every wall of the banquet hall, and colorful jewelry and legendary treasures from all over the world are displayed under the marble columns carved with reliefs.
There are lizard skins from the New World, devil horns from the depths of hell, jewelry made by elven craftsmen, and marble sculptures polished by dwarf carvers... The decoration here is extremely luxurious and solemn, just like the palace of the Kingdom of Lion.
The gorgeous candlelight is set against the melodious sound of music, and the dazzling light is refracted through the magic crystal chandelier.
The light shines on the well-dressed, elegant and decent guests, making the rosy faces look even more radiant and sparkling.
What is sad is that the owner of this "palace" is only a lord of the kingdom.
Standing on the edge of the dance floor in the banquet hall, Edward Campbell couldn't help but sigh.
No wonder his father wants to raise the business tax in Thunder City, these citizens are too rich...
He is the eldest son of Grand Duke Campbell, the heir to the duchy, and the undoubted protagonist of this banquet.
While the future Grand Duke was thinking this, Jan Andes, who was holding a wine glass, gracefully walked up to Edward, greeted him politely, and then clinked his glass gently with the latter.
"Your Royal Highness, are you satisfied with this banquet prepared for you?"
The purpose of this banquet is nominally to celebrate the full moon birthday of Edward's youngest son, but in fact everyone knows that the purpose of this banquet is much more than that.
The old Duke's health was failing. It was an open secret in the upper class society of the Principality of Campbell. The news spread after the triumphal ceremony that day.
According to the eldest son inheritance tradition of the Kingdom of Lane, all the Grand Duke titles of the Principality of Campbell will be inherited by Edward Campbell, the eldest son of Aaron Campbell.
Hold a banquet at this time not only to allow the future monarch to see his vassals, but also to allow the vassals to see the dignity of the future lord.
The reason why Edward is standing here is actually under the instruction of the old Duke.
The only change was that the banquet was originally scheduled to be held at the Governor's Palace, but the Andes family suddenly came to the door and offered to bear all the expenses of the banquet. For this purpose, they donated the manor they had just built before they could live in it.
Since the banquet targets nobles from the entire principality and even neighboring areas, the banquet is expensive.
Some people were willing to bear the expenses of the banquet, and Edward Campbell readily accepted the Andes family's hospitality.
In addition to saving the cost of the banquet, he also planned to take the initiative to build a good relationship with this wealthy family.
Even if Governor Wilson advised him not to get too close to these businessmen, he should keep an appropriate distance.
But Edward had his own ideas.
As a brave man who defeated the Demon King, it was impossible for him to surpass his father in military achievements. The only way for future generations to remember his name was to seize this hard-won peace and manage the territory of the Principality of Campbell into the most prosperous territory along the Whirlpool Sea.
The Andes family has made a fortune in colonial trade, and it is obvious that no one among the nobles here knows how to run the territory better than them.
Since they chose him, Edward felt that they should also see that he had the potential to become a wise king.
He decided to continue to develop his strengths.
Faced with the solicitude of the head of the Andes family, Edward replied elegantly yet dignifiedly.
"...You are interested, Sir Andes, this banquet is simply breathtaking to me, but it will cost a lot of money."
Jan Andes smiled slightly and said calmly.
"It's just a small amount of money. It is an honor for our Andean family to entertain such a distinguished lord as you."
"Little money?" Edward raised his eyebrows slightly and said with a smile, "Such extravagant specifications, I dare say, this is not something ordinary nobles can afford... Tell me honestly, let me know, otherwise I really can't feel at ease."
"I'm sorry, I'm presumptuous..." Yan Andes cast his gaze at the distant door and said with a smile, "I don't know the specific number. It's mainly managed by the servants, but if I had to estimate, there should be five million Austrian silver."
Five million Austrian silver!
Hhearing this number, Edward took a deep breath in his heart.
Even for him, the heir to the principality, this amount of money is a lot of money. It is more than enough to arm an army of 5,000 people!
You must know that this is not the value of an asset, but the actual silver coins paid out! How can a family from a citizen's background make so much money? !
Edward felt both envy and a hint of uneasiness in his heart.
Perhaps he and his family have underestimated the power of these merchants.
However, even though he was startled, Edward still had a calm expression on his face, and said what was on his mind in a joking tone.
"Five million... To be honest, you shocked me. It's just a banquet. Is it worth spending so much money?"
"It depends on who is right," Jan Andes said with a smile, "If it's your Majesty, I think more investment is worth it."
The word "Your Majesty" made Edward's mouth corners rise.
Although he quickly straightened his face, the slight change in expression still did not escape Jan Andes's eyes.
"For the sake of our friendship, I forgive your rudeness... My father is still alive, and he is the lord of the entire principality."
"I took the liberty." Jan Andes nodded respectfully and said.
To be honest, Edward's feelings towards his father are quite complicated. On the one hand, he has lived under the glory of his father since he was a child, worshiping the great God's Chosen One from the bottom of his heart. However, on the other hand, he is not willing to live under his wings forever.
He is eager to do something worthy of being remembered!
This was never possible while his father was still alive.
Hence, sometimes he was confused. When facing his bedridden father, whether there was more sadness or joy in his heart.
In order to prevent others from seeing through his inner hesitation, Edward moved his eyes away from this newly rich man who smelled of copper and looked around at the guests present.
At this moment, a baron standing not far from the dance floor caught his attention.
The man was wearing a dark blue dress trimmed with gold. The fluffy outline covered his bloated beer belly, and his beard was slightly raised, resembling the aesthetics of country nobles.
But what is concerning is not his expensive and tacky dress, nor his trademark beard, but the white silk fabric on his legs——
That thing looks like pants or seamless stockings, so much so that Edward stared at it for a long time and couldn't guess what it was?
It was obviously not just Edward who noticed the strange attire. Even Sir Andes standing aside cast an unexpected look at the man.
It’s really strange.
There are actually treasures in this world that he has never seen before.
"Oh my God, what is that?" A lady in a long skirt couldn't help but exclaimed softly, her eyes never leaving the Baron's legs.
She knew it was not good to stare at someone's legs like this, but it was just too weird.
Every time she wanted to look away, she couldn't help but take another look.
"I heard him say that he got it from a businessman from the colony. It is said to be called silk stockings, which have just become popular in the imperial court." A man wearing a red sloping robe and riding boots answered in a low voice. The rough and powerful voice was half disbelief, half envy and jealousy.
He is also a noble from Thunder County, and even a baron. Why does such a treasure not appear in his territory?
It seems that he needs to patrol his territory more and check the wardrobes of the citizens regularly!
"The fabric that fits so well can actually show such exquisite leg lines... This, this is simply a work of art!" Another young nobleman not far away couldn't help but sigh, with obvious admiration and appreciation in his eyes.
Baron Gus raised his chin high and enjoyed the admiring glances of the people around him. His expression was exactly the same as that of the goose in the pond in his backyard.
The nobles present were indeed impressed by him.
Everyone considers themselves to be noble people, but they have never seen such a novel thing.
Even a lowly person can show off the lines of his leg muscles. Coupled with an inverted triangle top and a broad shoulder collar, anyone can look like a warrior who is diligent in exercising.
Edward couldn't help but wonder what it would look like if it were worn on his legs.
Hmm.
Let me find out where this guy got this thing.
Him Recently, he happened to be planning to form another knighthood that was completely loyal to him as a check and balance to the Trident Knights.
If all the knights of this knighthood wear this thing, it will undoubtedly show his majesty!
Sir Andes has been observing Edward's expression and keenly caught his interest in that novel gadget, but he did not show it too obviously due to his identity.
Thinking of this, he immediately said with a smile.
"I recognize that gentleman, he is the Baron of Thunder County, his name is Victor Gus. I met him once before at a banquet held by the Governor."
"Then do you know where that novel set of clothes came from?" As if realizing that it was inappropriate to ask, Edward added later, "I'm just curious... there are things in my territory that I haven't seen before."
Sir Andes said with a smile.
"With all due respect, I have never seen such novel things, but I can help you find out... in my name."
Edward showed an approving smile on his face and nodded.
This is the best.
As the eldest son of Archduke Campbell, it was really inappropriate for him to show excessive interest in such fancy decorations, and it seemed unworthy of a duke to stand next to a baron.
It is most appropriate to let Sir Andes go.
Although he is very rich, his title is only the lowest level of lord and he has no feudal real estate.
"I am waiting for news from you."
"I am happy to serve you, my lord." Sir Andes bowed slightly and then walked towards the banquet hall.
As Sir Andes entered the center of the banquet hall, the former immediately replaced Baron Gus and became the focus of the audience.
Including Baron Gus himself, everyone couldn't help showing a flattered expression on their faces... although they quickly returned to normal.
Perhaps this is the power of money.
As a nobleman around Thunder City, no one knows the strength of the Andes family better than him. It is no exaggeration to say that they are the uncrowned kings of Thunder City.
Standing in front of this noble man, all Baron Gus could offer was the pride of the nobles and the feudal real estate passed down from his ancestors.
And all of those combined may not be as valuable as a ring on the finger of the uncrowned king...
Seeing Baron Gus trying to show condescension to Sir Andes but unable to help but please, Edward, who was standing not far away and watching, couldn't help but smile on his face. He admired the knight more and more.
Whether it is the strength or elegance of the latter.
With the help of this wise minister, the Duke of Campbell will surely have a bright future, and his position as Grand Duke will be as solid as the Ten Thousand Ren Mountains.
Speaking of which, the title of Sir Andes seems to have been bestowed by the Kingdom of Lane.
It would be better to find an opportunity to give him the title of baron and completely turn him into his vassal.
While the future Grand Duke of the Principality of Campbell was thinking this, a dusty knight walked in from the back door under the leadership of the butler.
Looking at the questioning expression on Edward's face, the old housekeeper said with fear.
"Your Highness... This knight must see you, so I can only bring him here."
"I am a knight of the Knights of the Trident, Charles."
Made a solemn knight's salute, Charles said respectfully.
"Your Highness, I have something important to report to you. Could you please take up some of your precious time?"
Edward did not recognize this knight, but he recognized the symbol of the Trident Knights.
"Isn't it convenient to say it here?"
Charles shook his head and said seriously.
"It concerns the honor of the Campbell family and the safety of Thunder City. I don't think it's convenient for a third person to know about it."
Edward looked at the steward beside him.
"Take us to the lounge."
The butler immediately saluted and said.
「遵命。」
After saying that, he walked ahead and took the two of them to the empty room next to the banquet hall, and then closed the door thoughtfully.
Edward took out his pocket watch and glanced at the time, then looked at the dusty knight and said.
"There is no one else here, you can say it."
"It is about the Miranda incident that Archduke Campbell previously commissioned Knight Commander Mel to investigate. According to the conclusion of our investigation, it was finally found that the incident was related to the corruption of Chaos..."
Looking at the eldest son of the Grand Duke with a look of astonishment on his face, Charles took a deep breath and continued in a heavy tone.
"While investigating this incident, Knight Commander Mel was unfortunately corrupted by Chaos...including Vice-Captain Verne and the remaining 37 knights, who have been killed."
He originally planned to report this matter directly to Archduke Campbell, but Alex said that the Archduke’s eldest son Edward was in Thunder City recently, and it would be more appropriate to report to that person.
As for why, Alex did not say, but only strongly suggested that he do so.
Considering that Alex was the second son of Earl Spinol and knew far more about aristocratic affairs than himself, Charles finally came here with doubts.
At worst, he can report it twice.
It's a pity that he didn't even have a decent dress. When he came here, he almost had a conflict with the guard, and in the end he could only enter through the back door of the banquet hall.
After listening to Charles' report, Edward was stunned at first, then fell silent for a long time, and finally sighed softly.
"Knight Commander Mel... My father has always thought highly of him, and I am very sorry for his death."
At this point, he paused for a moment and continued.
"But you and I both know that now is not the time to grieve. The corruption of Chaos is approaching, and I fear that our world will soon face a greater threat, even one that will far exceed anything Hell has ever done to us..."
Charles always felt that he was not very worried, and he became more and more doubtful about whether he should be here today.
However, at this moment, His Royal Highness Edward, who was standing in front of him, changed the subject and solemnly placed his right hand on his shoulder.
"Mr. Charles, you are the only person I know who has fought against Chaos and successfully defeated it. I believe that you must have the blessing of Saint Sith."
Charles lowered his head and said humbly.
"I don't dare to take it seriously. I did get the blessing of Lord Saint Sith, but that is what happened after -"
"It doesn't matter whether it was before or after. I believe you are the one chosen by Lord Saint Sith... In addition, I am very happy that you thought of reporting this to me as soon as possible."
Edward looked at him with approval and continued.
"From now on, you are the branch leader of the Campbell Knights, and the formal letter of appointment will be delivered to you later... But I ask more of you. This crisis of Chaos has exposed our internal flaws. When the corruption comes from within the Knights, We were helpless at that time, and I hope you can make up for this flaw for me."
Looking at those flattered pupils, Edward patted Charles's shoulder hard, then took his hand back and expressed his thoughts.
"I plan to promote a group of loyal and reliable young men within the Trident Knights, and then recruit some talents with special experience from the adventurers, and establish a separate special force dedicated to dealing with chaos crises."
"On the one hand, it will monitor the corruption spreading in Thunder County, and on the other hand, it will keep a close eye on our interior to prevent our fortress from collapsing from the inside -"
"This force is temporarily stationed in Thunder City and is directly responsible to me... let's call it 'Witcher' for the time being."
His Royal Highness Edward's voice directly made Charles freeze on the spot.
He had no doubt that the eldest son of the Grand Duke could do this, but he did not expect that such an important matter could be settled in just these three words.
His Royal Highness Edward seemed to be very anxious and couldn't wait to make some achievements immediately.
Intuition told Charles that this was not good, but from his standpoint there was really no reason to refute it, and His Highness Edward had no intention of asking his opinion at all.
What shocked Charles even more was another thing -
All this seemed to be as the Demon King said, he was indeed reused by the Campbell family... Although he was still some distance from the military leader in Thunder County at the moment, but seeing His Highness Edward's expectations for this new force, the distance seemed not as far as he imagined, and might even be within reach.
That man guessed every move of the Campbell family, as if everything was under his control and was proceeding as planned.
A shuddering feeling spread down Charles' back.
For some reason, he always felt that the corrosion of hell would arrive here before the corrosion of chaos.
What's even more frightening is that he can clearly feel that he is deeply involved in corrosion, but he can't see the traces of corrosion.
From the tacit understanding between the Glorious War and the Safe Zone, to the appointment of His Highness Edward... everything he encountered was something he could not refuse.
Taking a deep breath, Charles said seriously.
"Thank you for your trust... I will definitely live up to your expectations."
Edward glanced at the loyal knight with admiration and said encouragingly.
"I'm looking forward to your performance... By the way, this opportunity is rare, so don't leave in a hurry. Why not hang out at the banquet? It will be good for you to become familiar here."
Charlie said awkwardly.
Then he ordered.
"Take Mr. Charles to change into a suitable dress. He is my guest, you must treat him well."
"As you command, Your Highness," the old butler looked at Charles and said respectfully, "Master Charles, please come with me."
Faced with His Highness Edward's enthusiasm, Charles was too embarrassed to refuse anymore, so he could only follow the butler.
In comparison, he still preferred the banquet last night...
Of course, this does not mean that he prefers the Demon King's style, it is simply because he does not need to stand up in front of the enemy.
Charlie shook his head vigorously to drive away the inexplicable blasphemous thoughts and the corrosion of hell from his mind.
However, at this moment, he suddenly caught a glimpse of a figure out of the corner of his eye.
The man was wearing a blue dress with gold trim, and he looked like an arrogant rooster with his chest raised and his head raised.
What is concerning is not his lofty expression, but the two legs under the bloated dress. When Charles saw it, he couldn't take his eyes away.
Unlike other guests in the banquet hall, he was not out of envy or jealousy, but simply felt familiar.
It always feels like I saw something similar from a demon not long ago?
"...Is it an illusion?"
Charles, who slowed down unknowingly, kept watching the nobleman walk away, muttering something to himself.
It should be an illusion.
It was very foggy that day and the light on the battlefield was very dim. It would not be surprising if I saw it wrong. No matter what, the corrosion of hell would not have spread here so quickly...
Not long after Charles followed the butler and left from the corridor, Baron Gus who passed by him snorted softly.
Some people came to the banquet of the future Grand Duke wearing armor.
"How vulgar!"
(End of this chapter)