They all call me Great Master

Morning, Port Pult.

Today is a sunny day, and the lingering chill has completely dissipated under the sunlight, leaving only a very gentle spring breeze.

Neither cold nor intense.

Like a mother's hand caressing everyone.

The Marquess of Ainhars, who hadn't slept all night, sat straight-backed on horseback, gazing out towards the port.

Behind this marquis was Lady Windsor.

Further back were young Yakaz, young Larya, and young Leonides.

These nobles, whose fathers had died in battle, smoothly inherited their father's titles.

As for those whose offspring also died after the fathers' demise, the line of succession continued further back—of course, this was a long and drawn-out process, requiring careful consideration and investigation, and during this time period, these families' debts would inevitably surface, and when the real heirs emerged, they would likely receive the ancestral home and some shops.

The ancestral home was naturally empty, the kind that even rats would cry upon seeing.

Shops?

Also the least valuable kind.

However, no heir would refuse.

For these heirs, who originally had no chance of inheriting, obtaining these was like a pie from the sky.

Just selling one of the shops could maintain a respectable life, and if they had a bit of a head for business, they might even revive the glory of their ancestors.

The return of ancestral glory as touted by the nobles mostly comes about like this.

Naturally, there were also those who were dissatisfied and resentful.

Well then...

Just pick another heir.

At this moment, Lady Windsor was doing exactly that—

'No issues with the Yakaz Family, the Lalia Family, or the Leondsey Family.

As for the Darnel Family...

A complete cleansing is needed.'

Lady Windsor contemplated.

As for the name 'Ainhars Territory's Four Heroes'?

That's all in the past.

Since it's in the past, let it completely fade into the dust of history.

'As for the Tami Family, the Kama Family, and the Harlan Family, there are still quite a few prior heirs in line; let them fight it out first, and then I'll make my move.'

Lady Windsor thought to herself.

This behavior was somewhat reckless.

Yet Lady Windsor was not worried in the slightest.

It wasn't just because she had that spirit medium standing behind her.

It was also because of the Marquess of Ainhars' tacit approval.

With the alliance between the spirit medium and the marquis, they were even going to open an area to serve as a church district for the 'Inland River Church,' which informed Lady Windsor that the Ainhars Territory had completely embraced the spirit medium behind her. This wasn't to mention that Kalal had already become the primary heir of Ainhars Territory.

Kalal had sworn allegiance to Arthur.

And it was a 'Lionheart Ceremony' allegiance.

With the 'Lionheart Ceremony' in place, although Ainhars Territory was still known as Ainhars Territory, in truth?

It should be called Kledos.

Lady Windsor, being well aware of this, naturally knew what to do.

After all, she had sworn allegiance too.

And with the 'Lionheart Ceremony' as well.

So, at this time, while the lady's mind was sorting through everything within Ainhars Territory, she was contemplating how to ensure her lord's smooth departure from Inner Bay.

No!

To ensure a smooth departure from Inner Bay!

As for the transportation of Kledos Family guards?

Fifty-some people weren't a problem.

But her lord wishing to safely and smoothly depart from Inner Bay was extremely difficult.

The old lion wouldn't easily let go of the fat meat at his doorstep.

'Should I persuade my lord to return to South Los?'

This thought had just emerged when the lady shook her head and dismissed it.

The lady wasn't sure how long her lord had been planning, but she knew well enough that if this journey was abandoned halfway, it would be extremely detrimental to the Kledos Family's reputation.

Furthermore, it would leave everyone with an impression of 'cowardice' and 'bluster.'

That would be a huge blow to the Kledos Family.

Moreover, was her lord cowardly? Was he just all talk?

No!

Her lord was a true strongman.

He would absolutely not worry, nor would he posture.

Woo! Woo woo woo!

The horn sounded——

It's here!

Lady Windsor, who was deep in thought, immediately raised her head.

On the docks of Port Pult, everyone was anxiously waiting.

When the white 'Oriental' appeared, cheers immediately erupted.

These people were all members of the 'Inland River Church.'

Following the High Priest's orders, they had been waiting here early.

Next came the common folk.

Once they confirmed their lord's friendliness towards the Southern Lost spirit medium, they naturally expressed friendliness,

Of course, among the crowd, there was no shortage of Peeping Toms.

They closely observed everything at the scene, documented it, and passed it on to their higher-ups.

The Marquess of Ainhars clearly locked onto these guys.

The marquis silently gestured with a wave.

The hidden guards behind him quietly took action.

'These guys are even more numerous than locusts; you can never kill them all.'

Count Bernaken sighed in the heart of the Marquess of Ainhars.

'But still, they must be killed.

Otherwise, the territory will turn into a mess.

Especially that old lion.'

When the Marquess of Ainhars mentioned the old lion, he subtly furrowed his brows.

'That guy...

really is a troublemaker!

I wonder if our young collaborator can handle him—I myself am quite eager to see a showdown between the Southern Lost spirit medium and the Old Lion of Inner Bay!'

The old earl's words still carried a teasing tone.

But the Marquess of Ainhars was different.

'That guy really took that step?'

Inquired the marquis.

Even in mental communication, the old earl could feel the other's gravity.

The old earl wanted to say no, that it's just overthinking.

But lies cannot face reality.

'Yes!

During the chaos after the Seven Years' War, he chose to solve it in a softer way, not because of weakness, but restraint.

That bastard must have had some revelation in that fight.

Otherwise, he wouldn't be acting like this.

And after more than thirty years, with that bastard's talent, he must have taken that step.

Perhaps even... taken it further!'

When the old earl reached this point, his voice was full of bitterness.

In that battle, nearly all the Demon Hunters of South County were slaughtered.

Not only did his teacher Zeppelin die, but numerous Master Demon Hunters perished as well.

But...

What was the final outcome?

A complete and total rout.

They all fell for it.

Tricked by that bastard.

That bastard was not the old lion.

Compared to that bastard, the old lion was a saint.

'What exactly happened that year?

Who exactly was that bastard?'

Inquired the Marquess of Ainhars.

The marquis was also deeply concerned about what happened that year.

Because his father was gravely injured and never recovered due to that battle.

'Do you know why your father never told you until his death?

Not that he didn't want to.

He couldn't.

And...

didn't dare!'

When the old earl reached this point, he couldn't help but think of the old lion again.

Why was the old lion feared by others?

Because the old lion broke through the 'dilemma' left by that bastard, not only able to speak but dared to speak, and nothing happened after he spoke.

And precisely because of this, the old lion became a symbol of the 'Pioneer Era' in the truest sense.

The conversation between the two fell silent.

And in the distance, the 'Oriental' docked.

As the gangway lowered, Arthur stepped down.

The old earl, seeing this scene through the eyes of the Marquess of Ainhars, was taken aback—

Huh?!