[{"data":1,"prerenderedAt":-1},["ShallowReactive",2],{"origin-a-knight-who-eternally-regresses":3,"chapter-a-knight-who-eternally-regresses-a-knight-who-eternally-regresses-chapter-335":6},{"origin":4,"title":5},"english","A Knight Who Eternally Regresses",{"chapter":7,"nextChapterSlug":20,"prevChapterSlug":21,"totalChapters":22,"novelImage":23},{"id":8,"novel_id":9,"title":10,"slug":11,"index":12,"content":13,"wordcount":14,"created_at":15,"updated_at":16,"volume":17,"translator":18,"content_hash":19},427860,689,"Chapter 333","a-knight-who-eternally-regresses-chapter-335",335,"\u003Cp>Graham’s lieutenant hesitated before voicing his concern.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\"Can we really just leave him?\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>It didn’t feel right.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>They had just handed Enkrid over to some noble or a merchant guild master or whatever the hell he was.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Sure, they had found the man he was supposed to meet.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>But wasn’t this something the lord could handle himself?\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Of course, he couldn’t say all of that out loud.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>So instead, he kept his question short.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Lord Graham responded while gripping his sword.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\"And what if we don’t leave him?\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>He lowered his blade slowly.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\"I’m still the lord. If they don’t like it, they’ll have to take my head.\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>The lieutenant had a nagging feeling that Graham had been far too willing to gamble his own life lately.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>But he didn’t say anything.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Because honestly?\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>If Enkrid really wanted to, taking over as lord would probably be effortless.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>And more than anything—\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Graham looked like he had already made peace with losing his head.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\"Understood.\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>The lieutenant accepted it.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>There was nothing more to say.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Instead, he simply watched his lord.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>For the first time in a long while, Graham looked completely absorbed in something.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>His eyes were half-lidded, his grip steady as he slowly lowered his sword.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\"A crushing blade?\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Had Enkrid’s swordplay only left an impression on Esther?\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>No.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Graham’s heart was pounding.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>His pulse raced.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>An uncontrollable hunger and yearning coiled within him like a fire spiraling upward.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Emotion became fuel, driving his body into motion.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\"Ah.\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>As his blade sliced through the air, a sudden realization struck him.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Graham thought about the training he had been doing—\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Not just yesterday or the day before.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>But for weeks.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>He hadn’t been neglecting it.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>No, he had trained.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>But had he truly given it his all?\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Had he done his best?\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>No.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>He hadn’t.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>He had let himself stagnate.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>He had settled.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Had he used his duties as lord as an excuse?\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Had he convinced himself that he had nowhere else to go?\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Where had the fire he once had gone?\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Could he say all of that to that kid’s face?\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>To Enkrid?\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>The boy who once dreamed of knighthood.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Who was now walking that path.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>When he first joined the army, people had done nothing but mock him.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Rumors spread that he was selling his body to his own soldiers.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Back then, he was barely a low-level foot soldier.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>But Graham had watched him change.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>And that was enough to shake him.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>This realization, this awakening through the sword, had made him reflect on his entire life.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\"Being a lord doesn’t mean I have to stop wielding my blade.\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Graham had never been particularly smart.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Which was why—\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>He had delegated most of his work to his lieutenant.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>And when even that wasn’t enough—\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>He had started passing things off to Kraiss, the sharp-witted tactician of the Mad Platoon.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>He had cut human interactions to the bare minimum.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Now, all he wanted was to swing his sword.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>His lieutenant couldn’t stop him.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Because he felt the same.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\"Would you care for a match?\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>He was a veteran heavy infantryman.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>A battle-hardened soldier.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Now, he served as Graham’s personal guard.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>And he had seen everything.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>He had seen Enkrid’s growth.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>He had witnessed his battles.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>It was impossible not to be affected.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\"Come. I’ll show you the difference between us.\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Graham nodded.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>But they weren’t the only ones affected.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>It had rippled through the entire army.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Even the Fairy Company Commander was no exception.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Shinar practiced with her twin daggers, repeating the same motion over and over.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Polishing. Refining.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Her inspiration?\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>The back of Enkrid as he faced a knight.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\"He blocks it.\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>That was all she needed to know.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Sensitivity allowed one to read emotions.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>And emotions, in turn, allowed one to glimpse intent.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>The stronger someone’s will, the clearer it became.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Which was why Shinar had felt it so vividly—\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\"Even if I die.\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\"Even if my body is torn apart.\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\"Even if my heart shatters.\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>I. Will. Block. It.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>What kind of madman could be like that?\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Someone who poured every fiber of their being into one thing and forgot everything else.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>And what had lurked beneath that unyielding will?\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>It wasn’t fear.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>It wasn’t the absence of pain.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>It was exhilaration.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>He didn’t lack fear.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>He didn’t ignore pain.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>He simply drowned it in joy.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>The ecstasy of the moment made everything else fade.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>He lived entirely in the present.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\"He’s insane.\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Shinar had no doubt.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>The man had a screw loose.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>But despite that—\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Thinking about him sent a thrill through her.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Fairies were supposed to control their emotions.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>They weren’t supposed to feel this kind of rush.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>But right now?\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>She had forgotten about control.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Her daggers danced.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Precision gave way to fluidity.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>She let the energy inside her move freely.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>She didn’t hold back.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>All she wanted was to swing her blades.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>And it was all because of that damn human’s back.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>***\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\"If he can do it, why can’t I?\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Enkrid’s battles had ignited a fire in the entire platoon.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Especially among the swordsmen.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>There were soldiers who had followed him here from Greenpearl.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Some of them had witnessed his fights firsthand.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Some had even joined the Mad Platoon just to prove themselves.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>One of them was Jansеn.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>And he was running his mouth.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>A border guard soldier finally had enough.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\"You talk a lot. You any good?\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Jansеn turned his head.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\"I can hold my own.\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>He had fought in the last battle.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>He had watched Enkrid every day.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>He had trained harder than ever before.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>His confidence was earned.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\"Bell, go easy on him.\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Another soldier muttered.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>That stung.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Bell, his opponent, simply nodded.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>It was clear—he was ready to fight.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\"You’ll get hurt.\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Jansеn warned.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\"Then let’s both get hurt.\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Bell replied.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Bell was a Mad Platoon soldier.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>He had gone through intense training.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>That afternoon, Jansеn saw stars.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>He took a fist to the forehead, then a hook to the temple.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>He went down.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>A difference in skill.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>But more than that—\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>A difference in mindset.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\"Does it hurt?\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Bell wiped the sweat from his brow.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\"There’s plenty of guys like me here.\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Jansеn looked up.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\"Jansеn.\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\"Welcome aboard.\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>And just like that, he became one of them.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>But he wasn’t the only one.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Those who had witnessed Enkrid threw themselves into training.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Sweat poured.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Even without formal drills, they pushed themselves.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>The camp looked like a gathering of madmen.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Of course, not everyone trained.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Some slacked off.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>No one forced them.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>But they all knew.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\"If I don’t train while everyone else does…?\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>It would show on the battlefield.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>The stimulation kept spreading.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>And Rem was no exception.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>He swung his axe.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Despite the lingering chill of winter, he had shed his heated pelt.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>It was a rare sight.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\"Are you feeling unwell?\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Kraiss, passing by, looked concerned.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\"If you don’t want me to plant this axe in your skull, get lost.\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Kraiss wisely got lost.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>After Rem, Dunbakel also trained like a man desperate to outrun a pursuer.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Rem no longer tormented her as before, but whenever necessary, he sparred, trained, and gave advice.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\"Are all beastfolk as stupid as you?\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\"That’s a racist remark.\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\"So what? You wanna die?\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>At times, it seemed like Rem was just taking out his frustrations on her—\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>But in the end, it was a good thing.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Dunbakel learned everything she needed to—even if it was through beatings.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Audin also noticed the changes.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Ragna had changed.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>His commander had changed.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>And he had felt it.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Deeply.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Thus, Audin, too, was lost in thought for a moment.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>At least it was Ragna.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Because if Rem had been the one to change first—\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>The barbarian would have gone on a rampage, challenging everyone to a fight.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>He would have asserted dominance and reveled in the thrill.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>But Ragna didn’t.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>He was still lazy.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Sure, he now swung his sword and sparred regularly with the commander,\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>But he didn’t provoke them to suppress them.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>More than anything, he had been absent-minded lately.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Just staring into space.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Rarely leaving his barracks.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Even so, Audin was uneasy.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\"He advanced first.\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>He thought to himself.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\"Is it time to break my own restraints?\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>If Rem had been the one to change, he would have had to seriously reconsider everything.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>But for now—\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>It wasn’t the time.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Audin had found his own answer, but he doubted the ones who had placed restrictions on him would accept it.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>So—\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\"Retrace your steps, for within them lies the answer to what blocks your path.\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>He recited scripture and prayed.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Then, in the rest of his time, he rebuilt himself—\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Strengthening his body layer by layer.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>That was the source of Audin’s power.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>From the beginning to the present, he reexamined every step of his growth.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>He went through every change in his body one by one.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Enkrid had advanced.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>And so, those around him also advanced.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>The entire camp was stirred.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Quiet, but heated.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Fiery, yet steady.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>The transformation within the barracks was undeniable.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Before, similar sparks had spread.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>But this time, even the city lord was involved.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>It wasn’t just affecting the camp—\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>It was reshaping the city itself.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>A Merchant’s Proposal\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\"Could you possibly get a better deal than this?!\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Enkrid had already forgotten the man’s name.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>He considered glancing toward Graham—\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Only to remember he wasn’t there.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>During Count Molsen’s visit, Graham had at least bothered to show his face.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>But now?\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>He had just dumped this merchant noble on him.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\"Is this how you treat a war hero?\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Even if it felt embarrassing to call himself one—\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Wasn’t dumping people on him like this a bit much?\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Wasn’t he the city lord?\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Enkrid suddenly felt the urge to spar with Graham.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>There was a lot he could learn from him.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Like how to fall properly, how to take a hit, and maybe even how to pass out painlessly.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\"She’s my daughter, but she’s also the most beautiful woman in our territory!\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>The toad-like noble-merchant exclaimed.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>His daughter—more human than toad—gave him a shy smile, making brief eye contact before looking away.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Should I kill them?\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Of course, he couldn’t.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Beating them up?\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\"Are you Rem? Are you the commander or is Rem?\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Kraiss’s nagging echoed in his mind.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>To make matters worse, Shinar was busy today, leaving him with no backup.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>And Esther was locked away in meditation.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Should I have brought Rem?\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>At least he could have let Rem go berserk and ended this quickly.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Not to mention—\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>He was supposed to spar with Rem this morning.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>The delay annoyed him.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>But taking it out on these people would have been pointless.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Instead, Enkrid spoke politely while his mind was elsewhere.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>He was already mentally sparring with Rem.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Imagining the arc of his axe.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\"So he’s using a sling now?\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>How should he dodge it?\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>He didn’t know.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>All he could do was face it head-on and learn.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>The process of experience and realization awaited him.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>And he was desperate to engage in it.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Regardless of his patience, Enkrid was already done with this conversation.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>He had wasted enough time.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>More than a cup of tea’s worth.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Not that he had sipped it slowly.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>He had gulped it down.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\"So? Hm? What do you think?\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>The noble grinned, expecting a response.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\"I’m leaving.\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Enkrid stated bluntly as he stood.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\"Huh? Hey! I’m a noble! I run all the trade in this region!\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>The man started listing his credentials.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Enkrid didn’t even spare him a glance.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>He was too busy imagining the moment his sword clashed against Rem’s axe.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Who cared if he controlled regional trade?\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Wasn’t that the city lord’s problem?\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>If this man were truly important, Graham would’ve dealt with him.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Thus, Enkrid bore no responsibility.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>It was a ridiculous justification.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>But not incorrect.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>As Enkrid walked away, the noble-merchant sat in shock.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>No—\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>He wasn’t just shocked.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>The man had been outright rejected.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>And he wasn’t the first.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>How many people had Enkrid brushed aside?\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Too many.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Some of them had even begun harboring grudges.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\"That bastard.\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>The noble gritted his teeth.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>His jaw muscles bulged beneath his skin.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>His daughter, meanwhile, was on the verge of tears.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>This man—\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Had never even looked her in the eye.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>It was humiliating.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Kraiss watched it all from the doorway.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>The unwelcome visitors finally stormed off.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Kraiss sighed.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>He already knew where this was going.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>A mess was bound to follow.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Why wouldn’t it?\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>It was obvious.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>But the ones who were supposed to handle this?\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>They were all insane.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>It should have made him furious.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>But instead—\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Kraiss was ecstatic.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Because when things got messy—\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>That meant gold.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\"Let’s see how this plays out.\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>The noble shouted in frustration.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>But Kraiss wasn’t worried.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>As he turned away, a woman peered out from behind him.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\"Are you saying you want someone to act as a shield for the merchants?\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>She asked.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Kraiss blinked his large eyes.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\"Huh? What are you talking about?\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\"Playing dumb?\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Her lips twitched.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>It was clear she was holding back a curse.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Kraiss ignored it.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Because she was right.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>The merchant groups were getting restless over control of Border Guard’s trade.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>It was a power vacuum.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>And if someone filled it—\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>The problem would be solved.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>The most suitable candidate had arrived in the city last night.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>The Gilpin Guild’s sources were faster than the gate guards.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Kraiss turned back and gave a formal greeting.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\"I should introduce myself properly. I apologize for the delay, Lady Leona Lockfried.\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\"Oh, you’re so quick with greetings.\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Leona smirked.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Both of them had something to gain.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Thus—\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Negotiations began.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>And neither side intended to make it easy.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Of course—\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Kraiss wasn’t planning to waste too much time on this, either.\u003C\u002Fp>",2308,"2026-05-30T08:27:55.568Z","2026-06-01T04:30:45.896Z",1,"novelbin.me","bc5aa88f51cb3714f68eb09a91ba01fb27246a8c14a715998cb5838677c8cd9e","a-knight-who-eternally-regresses-chapter-336","a-knight-who-eternally-regresses-chapter-334",882,"https:\u002F\u002Fnovelzhen.com\u002Fimages\u002Fcovers\u002Fa-knight-who-eternally-regresses-cover.jpg"]