They all call me Great Master

Old Charlie never cared how much money he spent pursuing women, he freely gave away an entire gold mine if he felt like it.

Even, it seemed he would gladly exchange his life for it.

So, as Old Charlie's grandson, Arthur believed he should not mind having several grandmothers.

After all—

They were the wings his grandfather had traded his life for.

Wings that helped him soar to great heights!

'Thank you for the gift, Grandfather!'

Arthur sincerely shouted in his heart, his eyes looking at Madam Susan with genuine sincerity.

Arthur certainly knew who Madam Susan was.

The housekeeper for the Countess of South Los.

The most trusted person of the Countess of South Los.

And the most trustworthy person there was.

Whether it be the Countess of South Los herself, the subordinates of the Earl of South Los, or even the members of the South Los Family, they all maintained the due respect towards this lady.

Because it was this lady who had single-handedly pulled the South Los Family back from the brink of a cliff, not to mention stabilizing and reviving the then-fragile South Los into prosperity once more.

In the words of the Female Swordsmanship Chief Julie, without Madam Susan, South Los would have long since been divided and swallowed up.

Thus, after confirming the identity of the lady before him, Arthur showed great sincerity.

It was a visibly deep sincerity, just like when Arthur called her 'Grandma Susan'.

What Madam Susan?

This was Grandma Susan!

And as this Madam Susan listened to how Arthur addressed her, she immediately felt an unparalleled sense of comfort—she had overtaken everyone else.

Except for…

That guy.

Whenever she thought of that guy, Madam Susan couldn't help but let out a sigh.

Even she had no chance against that guy.

How could she possibly win against someone who had already died?

She didn't have the means to go to 'The Eternal Resting Land', did she?

Furthermore, even if she went there, it would be useless.

That place belonged to 'Death'.

To barge in there uninvited would only invite death itself.

Beyond that?

It was a more tragic death.

Since ancient times, there have been far too many examples to prove that mortals have no chance against 'Death'.

Even those known as demigods, the 'Ascend Steppers', are the same in their early stages.

But even if an 'Ascend Stepper' reaches the intermediate phase, or even high ranks like the 'Seventh Order' and above, their chances against 'Death' are still slim.

All they have is a faint ability to protect themselves.

The essence of gods and demigods is distinct.

"How has Charlie been doing recently?"

After letting out a sigh inwardly, Madam Susan asked directly.

"Grandfather went to Barny a while back, and now, he should be traveling around," replied Arthur frankly.

As for covering for Old Charlie?

There was no need.

He believed his grandfather could handle everything.

Indeed, it was so.

Madam Susan was not surprised to hear about Barny, she even smirked disdainfully, clearly not taking Selina of Barny seriously at all.

"Hmmph, barbarian."

Madam Susan snorted softly.

Then, with a raise of her hand, a box appeared in it.

She did not hand it to Arthur personally but placed it on the table in the Spirit Medium Parlor instead.

"Inside this box is the 'Cat Faction. Orange' initiation ritual map: Great Orange!

And also included are the corresponding base materials 'Phantom Stomach' required for using the map.

Lord Count originally wanted to exchange this entry-level atlas for your voyage— The recent appearance of three unfamiliar 'Ascend Steppers' had made the Lord Count vigilant once more.

The South Los House was not truly prepared.

So they needed time to develop and leave a way out.

Conveniently, the previous pirate's appearance provided Lord Count with a perfect excuse, and Arthur, you're sufficiently 'inconspicuous', which is why Lord Count is very keen on having you go there.

Of course, the public proclamation is that it's a test for your impending role as head of the '16th Staff Group'."

Without the slightest concealment, the lady revealed the original plan directly.

And Arthur, who was listening attentively, couldn't help but admire this lady's astuteness within his heart.

It wasn't that the plan mentioned by the lady was particularly astute, but the conversation technique of the woman before him—using Old Charlie as the medium to create a chain that linked them together and then employing a 'genuine' conversation technique based on sincerity—was truly impressive.

Not to mention anything else, the sheer 'sincerity' was enough to conquer most people.

Moreover, Arthur was certain that the lady must have done her homework on him before coming, knowing from minor details about the part of his personality that 'dislikes trouble', which is why she chose this straightforward conversation technique.

Of course, this did not mean the lady's feelings for Old Charlie were false.

On the contrary, it meant that the lady truly loved Old Charlie.

And it was because of such love that the lady chose this kind of sincerity.

Even more so, this part was the key.

Without Old Charlie, this lady would definitely not have made such a 'concession'.

Knowing this in his heart, Arthur's eyes shone with even greater sincerity.

The young 'Spirit Medium' did not speak but waited for Madam Susan to continue.

Because the young 'Spirit Medium' knew that a turning point was coming.

In fact, it was indeed the case—

"However, the news you had Julie bring back caused Lord Count much distress.

For this reason, our Lord Count had no choice but to change the original plan.

Just before I left, Lord Count was so angry that he kicked the table leg with his foot."

Madam Susan said this and began to laugh.

Kicking the table leg with his foot?

Is that some childish behavior?

Arthur, in turn, showed his astonishment to camouflage his own puzzlement.

The news he had the Female Swordmaster bring back was about Marinda's 'pregnancy', and her intention to drop out of the Inner Bay Swordsmanship Competition—a message that Arthur would not think was influential enough to make the Countess change her original intentions, unless...

Arthur suddenly had a guess in his heart.

But he spoke aloud.

"Lord Count is full of surprises. I've seen the letters of employment drafted by Lord Count, and the rounded, ornamental script left a deep impression on me, very delicate, calm, and gentle."

"Lord Count does have a secretary."

Madam Susan laughed.

"I see."

Arthur suddenly said.

"Lord Count's temper may not be good, but she's not a bad person. She has the innocence of a young girl and all the goodness that a young girl should have.

So when confronted with such unexpected events that she shouldn't have to deal with, she always resorts to childish ways to express her anger.

If possible, I would take you to meet Lord Count."

Madam Susan's smile became even more amiable.

But Arthur began to feel uneasy.

For some reason, he got the impression of being set up for an arranged meeting.

'Could this lady be trying to match me with Mother Tigress?

I do have Marinda publicly though, don't I?'

Thinking this, Arthur immediately said.

"Of course, I look forward to meeting with Lord Count. Marinda has mentioned Lord Count to me more than once, and she admires her immensely—apart from praising me, no one else has received such admiration from her."

An arranged meeting is out of the question.

Even if it's the master of South Los.

It's a good thing I have Marinda as a shield.

Madam Susan's smile widened a bit more.

The lady did not dwell further on this matter and directly said.

"The news just came that His Highness, the Grand Duke of the Inner Bay, has announced that the champion of this 'South County Swordsmanship Competition' will receive a title and lands."

Arthur appeared startled on the surface, but deep down he breathed a sigh of relief—

"So that's it!"