They all call me Great Master-Chapter 722 - 719: United V
The sun rose as usual, and life went on.
Even for Port Doldot, which had just experienced a hair-raising event, it was no exception.
Of course, some changes were inevitable—
"Extra! Extra!"
"Cultists attack Port Doldot, the Docklands suffer significant damage!"
"Southern Lost Spirit Medium lends a hand, the Marquis is immensely grateful!"
"It is understood that the weapon explosives supplier for the cultists is the docklands revenue officer Beileitz!"
...
True or false news began to spread among the cries of newspaper boys.
Like the special force of the Earl of South Los, Seberlin also had one, but yesterday's commotion was simply too loud.
So loud, in fact, that it could not be completely covered up.
Therefore, the only thing to do was to 'downplay' the incident, and swiftly define the entire event.
Then?
Naturally, the entire incident was concluded in a 'happy for all' manner.
Conveniently, there were too many people who could take the blame for last night's event.
Not just the cultists, but also officials from the Seberlin Territory.
The latter, in particular, aligned with the speculations of the civilians within Seberlin.
"Damn it!"
"Do these people care so little for their lives, all for the sake of money?"
To thoroughly divert everyone's attention, by noon, the local newspapers within Seberlin added a special edition dispatching an investigation on the family wealth of the docklands revenue officer Beileitz.
When an enormous sum of 30,000 gold coins was found in his house, curses towards the deceased tax official filled the entire Port Doldot.
"Good riddance!"
"If that guy hadn't been killed by that young fellow Chette, I would have finished him myself!"
"Well done, Chette!"
In contrast to Beileitz was the young man Chette.
Having eliminated Beileitz, Chette was viewed as a hero by everyone in Port Doldot, and several merchants' associations jointly petitioned, hoping that the dignified, benevolent lord would not punish this young man.
The Marquis of Seberlin naturally acquiesced.
Not only did he immediately release Chette, who had been detained just that morning, but he also appointed Chette as the new docklands revenue officer.
"I believe in Chette's integrity, which will make our docks thrive even more, and his bravery, which will better protect every civilian at the docks.
Perhaps his professional knowledge isn't sufficient, but I believe he can learn.
So, let's wait and see!"
The high-sounding words brought tears to Chette's eyes.
"I will guard this honour with my life!"
Chette vowed.
And immediately, he headed to the Docklands.
The young man couldn't wait to get started on the reconstruction of the docks.
At the same time, the young man kept praising the mercy of the Marquis of Seberlin.
And that was exactly what the Marquis wanted.
Once everything had settled down, what the Marquis wanted was a reputation—only a good reputation could allow him to govern the entire Seberlin Territory more effectively.
It's just that...
Even though the Marquis acted as well as he ever did,
the effect was still mediocre.
Because someone did even better—
"Those accompanying Miss Caesar have been telling stories in taverns, restaurants, and inns about the Southern Lost Spirit Medium's clever mind and swift reactions.
Moreover, the stories they tell are intriguing.
Now within Port Doldot, it's all about this Spirit Medium."
Gergis reported truthfully.
As the Marquis's Guard Commander spoke, he gauged his lord's expression.
Not noting any displeasure from his lord, Gergis let out a small sigh of relief.
After all, he had heard those stories too.
They were truly captivating—to the point where he couldn't help but want to applaud at the exciting parts.
Faced with such a complete and riveting story, Gergis was all too aware of his limitations.
Creating a similar story was an impossibility for him.
Fortunately, his lord had no such command.
Moreover, a smile appeared on the lord's face.
"Lord Kledos is a gentleman in the truest sense.
Spread the word to the outside—
Arthur Kredos is an indispensable secret friend of the West Berlin Family!"
The Marquess of West Berlin said.
Although the Marquis was extremely distressed when he had to give up four-tenths of the revenue from Doldot Port, he immediately felt content upon hearing such news.
Clearly, Arthur was diverting the attention of the Old Lion of Inner Bay and the surrounding jackals and wolves.
As for why?
He was obviously buying himself time to recover.
The Marquis was confident that his performance had convinced the Southern Lost Spirit Medium that he had sustained serious injuries and needed time to recuperate.
To better handle upcoming direct and insidious attacks, it was essential for the Southern Lost Spirit Medium to step forward during this time.
But in fact?
His injuries were far less severe than imagined.
For ordinary people, being stabbed through the heart with a sword is undoubtedly fatal, not to mention the blade being coated with poisons and curses.
But he was not an ordinary person.
He was the Marquis of West Berlin.
A true "Ascend Steper."
His heart was merely pierced by an ordinary blade, not shattered.
This little injury was hardly a challenge for an "Ascend Steper."
And what of the poisons, the curses?
For the wealthy West Berlin Family, they truly meant nothing.
In fact, by this moment, his injuries had already mostly healed.
Otherwise, how could he have summoned Gergis?
Even with the presence of the "Lionheart Ceremony," he could trust Gergis, but what about those beyond Gergis?
It's well known—
The more loyal a person is, the easier they can be exploited.
This was a truth many nobles understood.
The Marquis of West Berlin did not wish to be used by others in such a way.
So...
"Caution, that is the key to victory."
The Marquis of West Berlin thought to himself, his mind then turning to another of his loyal subordinates: Sweat.
The moment he thought of his Swordsmanship Chief, whom he had spent countless resources and time to cultivate, dying just like that, the Marquis's face darkened.
"Miller."
The Marquis of West Berlin called out softly.
"Present."
The Head Hunter stepped out from the shadows.
"How was Sweat killed?"
The Marquis of West Berlin inquired.
Even though Sweat was dead, the Marquis could not accept the result in confusion.
At the very least, the Marquis needed to understand how Sweat died.
"Sweat was slain by his own Sword Qi."
Miller reported his findings.
Suddenly, the Marquis of West Berlin and Gergis narrowed their eyes.
Gergis in particular was full of disbelief on his face.
But as the Guard Commander of the Marquis of West Berlin, even with all the surprise and curiosity inside, this knight who revered the ancient rites would not interrupt and waited for the Marquis of West Berlin to speak.
To the Guard Commander's surprise, his lord did not ask any questions but instead laughed coldly.
'Are you so cautious to this extent?
Not even willing to show your face in truth!
Humph!'
The Marquis of West Berlin already knew who had struck the killing blow on Sweat.
The Old Lion's eldest son!
As the first in line to inherit from the Old Lion, this figure was much watched by all territories, and the Marquis of West Berlin was no exception—even to the point of collecting some information about the other party at a great cost through extremely secretive channels.
It was because of this information that the Marquis of West Berlin made a true judgment—
'Using your own son as a chess piece, it seems like stirring up trouble, but in fact, it's a test against us!
Humph!
You could have killed me, but you spared me...
You don't really think I'm unaware of your true strength, do you?
How could you be so weak!
I won't be fooled!'
With that in mind, the Marquis of West Berlin clenched his fist tightly.
They are important!
But he is more important!
That is about his daughters, after all!
But now...
A strategy laid out over many years, gone in a single day.
'Damned Old Lion!'
The Marquis of West Berlin immediately gnashed his teeth in anger.
Meanwhile, Miller by his side suddenly appeared as if he wanted to say something but hesitated.
"What is it?"
The Marquis of West Berlin looked curiously at his Head Hunter.
He knew too well that his Head Hunter was not a person to hesitate.
"My Lord, please come with me to see for yourself," Miller replied with a wry smile.
Immediately, the curious Marquis followed his Head Hunter out of the hall.
And upon realizing their destination was the rooms of Jacqueline and Catherine, the Marquis grew more curious.
Hadn't his twin tools left?
What could have possibly happened?
About three minutes later, a roar from the Marquis echoed throughout West Berlin Castle—
"Who has stripped the plaster off my castle walls?!"