They all call me Great Master

Words of Arthur echoed from within the Messenger Stone.

And Hayes?

His eyes lit up.

Just as Arthur had guessed, the previous inquiry had been an extremely covert probe by Hayes—regardless of Arthur's answer being yes or no, Hayes would choose to stand by Arthur's side.

But in a way that concealed his own brilliance, going with the flow.

After all, Hayes didn't think a person who responded 'along with the thoughts of others' was a suitable leader, someone worth following.

As for Jimte and Kalal?

Hayes was confident that after convincing both that he had dealt with the hidden dangers and became content with enjoyment,

everything would become reasonable, should Manta become pregnant.

And Jimte and Kalal's recognition of Arthur?

What did it matter to him?

He had no idea why Jimte and Kalal needed to recognize Arthur.

However, without passing his test, he would not acknowledge Arthur.

Of course, had he passed...

He would follow wholeheartedly.

In the next moment, Hayes kneeled on one knee.

Even if it was just before a Messenger Stone.

The voice of the Earl's nephew became extremely reverent—

"My three cousins have, to varying degrees, been in secret contact with Gleisa. When you arrive in Bert Territory with the reputation you've gained from South Los, Seberlin, and Ainhars, even if you do nothing, they will undoubtedly be filled with panic.

At that moment, Gleisa, having faced two failures, will certainly make a move.

Gleisa is not someone who accepts defeat lightly.

He will give everything he has within Bert Territory.

Maybe even...

Enter the fray himself!

And that will be our opportunity!"

As Hayes spoke, a cold light flickered in his eyes.

He would create a deadly trap, waiting for the eldest son of the Old Lion.

"Hmm.

It's easy to kill Gleisa.

Even killing the Old Lion isn't hard.

What's important is, what can I gain?"

Arthur nodded, not objecting to Hayes's words, and what followed shocked everyone, including Hayes, Jimte, Kalal, Lady Windsor, and Manta.

'Killing the Old Lion isn't hard?

Does the lord have an even more meticulous plan?

Yes!

It must be so!

Otherwise, why would the lord cause such a stir in Seberlin and Ainhars after setting sail from South Los?

The lord is devising a strategy!

A strategy against the Old Lion!'

Hayes thought subconsciously.

Then, the Earl's nephew once again marveled at his lord.

He had only been focusing on Gleisa.

But his lord was already focusing on the person behind Gleisa.

This was utterly disregarding Gleisa!

'Worthy of my lord!'

Hayes thought.

Jimte and Kalal thought the same.

Their thoughts were largely in alignment with Hayes's.

However, Lady Windsor and Manta were different.

'Indeed, swearing loyalty to the lord was the right choice.'

Lady Windsor felt full of relief in her heart.

She couldn't fathom what would happen if she hadn't pledged loyalty.

Even if the lord was merciful and compassionate, in the face of the upcoming turmoil, how could she possibly remain uninvolved, surely she would be swept into it.

And then?

To be utterly destroyed!

'Thank goodness! Thank goodness!'

Lady Windsor exhaled deeply.

Whereas for Windsor, who had put her mind at ease, Manta was filled with worry.

As Hayes's woman, Manta knew all too well Hayes's style of conduct.

To immerse himself in the game!

It had always been so.

This time would be no exception.

Only...

This time's opponent was not like those of the past.

Those guys are just lackeys compared to Gleisa.

Not to mention the Old Lion.

They're not even on the same level.

'What to do? What to do?'

Manta thought to herself.

The lady was pondering how to help Hayes get through the tough times.

As for persuading Hayes?

Unless she really wanted to leave Hayes's side, otherwise, it was simply impossible.

The five of them had different reactions.

Arthur just shrugged to himself.

The words he spoke were not for those five, but for the listener.

The eavesdropping demigod.

Or rather...

'Lady of Sorrow'!

Yes!

The 'Lady of Sorrow' inside the Lead Box Coffin hadn't stayed put but had started to move again.

Arthur had had a premonition of this right after he had slain the 'Devourer' Imola.

And Arthur didn't stop her because, naturally, he wanted the news to spread.

As long as it reached the Old Lion, it would certainly make the Old Lion doubtful—and once it got to this point, Arthur's plan would be successful.

He needed an opponent who harbored apprehension towards him.

Only then could he operate with an advantage.

As for the Bert Territory?

He wouldn't let it go, of course.

And the 'Lady of Sorrow' wanting to pass the message to Gleisa?

Impossible!

Only by passing it to the Old Lion could the benefit be maximized.

The lady knew this point.

Arthur knew it deeply as well.

So, without waiting for Hayes's response, he continued to ask—

"Have you discovered anything in Inner Bay these days,

or have you set up... anything?"

"There have been some unusual movements at St. Joan of Arc Girls' College, and I've sent Lemo under the guise of studying there. I believe we'll have an answer soon.

With the special status of St. Joan of Arc Girls' College in Inner Bay, just a little manipulation from us, like organizing a 'college inventory,' will surely bring all those young nobles from Inner Bay to participate.

They, appearing idle, will definitely not resist such a temptation,

and they will be caught in our net.

And after that?

Everything will follow naturally."

Hayes said immediately.

The plan of the Earl's nephew was bold and a bit mad.

But without a doubt, it had a high return.

However, Arthur did not stop speaking.

He continued to listen—

"Many unfamiliar faces have recently appeared on the docks of Kilg Harbor in Inner Bay, which my scattered men have been watching closely.

They are likely...

Pirates!

Pirates in disguise!

Their number is not large, but it's enough to draw the attention of Inner Bay's secret detectives.

Indeed, they are doing well, as many people's attention has been drawn to them—and this could be a trap.

A trap set by the pirates for Inner Bay.

But for us, it's an opportunity.

If cults can run rampant in Seberlin, why not in Inner Bay,

Your arrival, my lord, brings forth light.

The light that dispels the shadows of the cult."

Kalal said loudly.

Kalal hadn't abandoned those subordinates who had grown up within Ainhars Territory; instead, he had sent them to Inner Bay as a vanguard before he had left Port Pult.

Especially the docks and gang strongholds were the focus.

And his subordinates had not disappointed him.

'Well done.'

Arthur silently commended in his heart.

A capable subordinate would never let one down.

And just as Arthur commended, inside the suite of the Storm Hotel, Kalal and Hayes, having finished speaking, were now looking at Jimte, who smiled shyly.

Facing the gaze of the two, Jimte scratched his cheek and said in a low voice—

"My lord, I have found three of Gleisa's mistresses, one of whom is also a mistress of Baro Hamlet."