Chapter 116: Even in the face of a raging storm, Lei Ming City remained calm and tranquil

In the wealthy district of Lei Ming City, before the towering marble gates of the Andes family estate, there was a bustling scene of heavy traffic.

Elegant, well-mannered gentlemen and graceful, noble ladies, received by waiters in tailcoats, walked toward the carriages, stepping onto a red carpet dozens of meters long that led into the magnificent mansion.

Outside the estate, the traffic was heavy; inside, the place was already teeming with people, vibrant and bustling.

Magnificent murals covered every wall of the banquet hall, and beneath marble columns carved with reliefs, colorful jewelry and legendary treasures from all over the world were on display.

Among them were lizard skins from the New Continent, demon horns from the depths of the Netherworld, jewelry crafted by Elven artisans, and marble sculptures polished by the hands of Dwarven carvers... The decor here was extremely luxurious yet solemn and dignified, looking almost like the Royal Palace of the Ryan Kingdom.

Brilliant candlelight set off the melodious music, refracting dazzling rays through crystal chandeliers enhanced with magic.

That light shone upon the well-dressed, elegantly poised guests, making their flushed faces look even more radiant and sparkling.

And what was truly remarkable was that the owner of this "palace" was merely a Viscount of the Kingdom.

Standing at the edge of the banquet hall's dance floor, Edward Campbell couldn't help but feel a sense of emotion.

No wonder his father wanted to increase the commercial tax in Lei Ming City; these citizens were simply too wealthy...

He was the eldest son of Grand Duke Campbell, as well as the heir to the Duchy and the undisputed protagonist of this banquet.

Just as the future Grand Duke was thinking this, Yan Andes, holding a wine glass, walked elegantly to Edward's side, offering a polite greeting before clinking glasses lightly with him.

"Respected Prince, are you satisfied with this banquet prepared for you?"

Nominally, the purpose of this banquet was to celebrate the full-month birthday of Edward's youngest son, but in reality, everyone knew the purpose of this banquet went far beyond that.

The old Grand Duke's failing health was already an open secret in the upper society of the Campbell Duchy, and rumors had been circulating ever since the victory ceremony that day.

According to the Ryan Kingdom's tradition of primogeniture, the title of Grand Duke of the Campbell Duchy would be inherited entirely by Aaron Campbell's eldest son, Edward Campbell.

Holding a banquet at this time was, on one hand, to let the future monarch meet his vassals, and on the other, to let the vassals see the face of their future lord.

And the reason Edward was standing here was, in fact, at the behest of the old Grand Duke.

The only variable was that this banquet was originally scheduled to be held at the Viceroy's Mansion, but the Andes family had suddenly taken the initiative to approach them, offering to bear all the expenses of the banquet and even donating their newly built estate that they hadn't yet had the chance to live in.

Since the guests invited were nobles from the entire Duchy and even the surrounding regions, the cost of the banquet was not small.

With someone willing to voluntarily cover the banquet's expenses, Edward Campbell naturally accepted the Andes family's hospitality with pleasure.

Besides saving on the banquet's costs, he also had the intention of building a good relationship with this wealthy family.

Even though Viceroy Wilson had advised him not to get too close to these merchants and to maintain an appropriate distance.

However, Edward had his own ideas.

As a hero who had defeated the Demon King, it was impossible for him to surpass his father in military achievements; there was only one way to make future generations remember his name, and that was to seize this hard-won peace and manage the territory of the Campbell Duchy into the most prosperous territory along the coast of the Vortex Sea.

The Andes family had made a fortune in colonial trade; clearly, none of the nobles present understood how to manage a territory better than they did.

Since they had chosen him, Edward felt they must have also seen the potential in him to become a wise ruler.

He decided to continue to carry forward his strengths.

Facing the hospitality of the head of the Andes family, Edward replied elegantly without losing his dignity.

"... You have a kind heart, Viscount Andes. This banquet is simply breathtaking, but this must have cost a lot of money."

Yan Andes smiled slightly and said with composure, "It is but a small sum of money. To be able to host such a noble lord as yourself is the honor of our Andes family."

"A small sum?" Edward raised his eyebrows slightly and said with a smile, "With such a luxurious scale, I dare say this is not something an ordinary noble could afford... Tell me honestly, so I can have an idea in my heart, otherwise I truly cannot feel at ease."

"Then please forgive my presumption..." Yan Andes cast his gaze toward the distant gate and said with a smile, "I am not too clear on the specific figures; it was mostly the servants handling it, but if I were to estimate, it should be around five million Ao Silver."

Five million Ao Silver!

Hearing this number, Edward gasped inwardly.

Even for him, the heir to the Duchy, this was not a small amount of money; it would be more than enough to arm an army of five thousand!

You must know, this wasn't just asset value, but actual silver coins paid out! How could a family of citizen origin earn so much money?!

In Edward's heart, there was both envy and a hint of lingering unease.

Perhaps all along, he and his family had underestimated the power of these merchants.

However, even though he was startled, Edward still wore a composed expression on his face and spoke his inner thoughts in a joking tone.

"Five million... Honestly, you startled me. It's just a banquet; is it worth spending so much money?"

"It depends on who it is for," Yan Andes said with a smile. "If it is for Your Majesty, I think no amount of investment is too much."

The word "Your Majesty" made the corners of Edward's mouth lift involuntarily.

Although he quickly straightened his face, the change in his micro-expressions still did not escape Yan Andes's eyes.

"For the sake of our friendship, I forgive your rudeness... My father is still alive; he is the lord of the entire Duchy."

"It was my presumption." Yan Andes bowed respectfully and said.

Honestly, Edward's feelings toward his father were quite complex. On one hand, he had lived under the glory of his father since childhood, worshipping that great God-Chosen One from the bottom of his heart; yet on the other hand, he was unwilling to live under his shadow forever.

He longed to do something worthy of being remembered by people!

And this was absolutely impossible while his father was still alive.

Therefore, sometimes he was also confused; when facing his bedridden father, was there more sadness in his heart, or more joy?

In order not to let people see through the hesitation in his heart, Edward moved his gaze away from this nouveau riche who was covered in the stench of copper and looked around at the guests present.

And it was at this moment that a Baron standing not far from the dance floor caught his attention.

That man was wearing a dark blue dress suit with gold trim, the fluffy silhouette covering his bloated beer belly, and his two mustaches were slightly upturned, looking very much like the aesthetic of country nobles.

However, what was interesting was not his expensive yet tacky dress suit, nor his perfectly groomed mustache, but the white silk fabric he was wearing on his legs—

That thing looked like pants, and yet like seamless stockings, so much so that Edward stared at it for a long time and couldn't guess what it was.

Clearly, it wasn't just Edward who noticed that strange attire; even Viscount Andes, standing to the side, cast an surprised look at that man.

Truly rare.

There was actually a treasure in this world that he hadn't seen before.

"Heavens, what is that?" A lady in a long dress couldn't help but exclaim softly, her eyes never leaving the Baron's legs.

She knew it wasn't good to stare directly at someone's legs like this, but it was just too strange.

Every time she wanted to move her gaze away, she couldn't help but take another look.

"I heard him say it was something he got from a merchant from the colonies; it's said to be called silk stockings, and it's just become popular in the Empire's court." A gentleman wearing a red diagonal-shoulder robe and riding boots on his feet answered in a low voice, his rough, vigorous voice filled half with disbelief and half with envy and jealousy.

They were both nobles of Lei Ming County, and even both Barons; why hadn't such a treasure appeared in his territory?

It seemed he would have to inspect his territory more often and check the wardrobes of his subjects regularly!

"Such form-fitting fabric, to be able to show off such exquisite leg lines... This, this is simply a work of art!" Another young noble not far away couldn't help but exclaim, his eyes filled with obvious admiration and appreciation.

Baron Gus held his chin high, enjoying the admiring gazes of those around him, his demeanor exactly the same as the big goose in his backyard pond.

The nobles present were indeed shown up by him.

Everyone prided themselves on being noble people, yet they had never seen such a novel thing.

Even a good-for-nothing could show off the lines of their leg muscles, and paired with an inverted-triangle top and broad shoulder collars, anyone could look like a warrior diligent in exercise.

Edward couldn't help but wonder what that thing would look like if worn on his own legs.

Hmm.

He would inquire about where this guy got this thing in a while.

Recently, he was just planning to form another knight order completely loyal to him, as a check and balance to the Trident Knight Order.

If the knights of this knight order all wore this thing, it would undoubtedly highlight his majesty!

Viscount Andes had been observing Edward's expression and very keenly captured his interest in that novel thing, only he didn't show it too obviously due to his status.

Thinking of this, he immediately said with a smile.

"I recognize that gentleman; he is a Baron of Lei Ming County, named Victor Gus. At the banquet held by the Viceroy previously, I had a brief encounter with him."

"Then do you know where that novel outfit came from?" Seeming to realize that asking this was a bit inappropriate, Edward added a sentence at the end, "I'm just curious... that there are actually things in my territory that I haven't seen before."

Viscount Andes said with a smile.

"Forgive my frankness, I haven't seen such novel things either, but I can help you inquire about it... in my name."

A look of approval appeared on Edward's face, and he nodded.

This was the best way.

As the eldest son of Grand Duke Campbell, it was truly inappropriate for him to show excessive interest in such flashy decorations, and for a Grand Duke to approach a Baron would also seem to lose status.

Letting Viscount Andes go was the most appropriate.

Although he was very wealthy, his title was only the lowest rank of Viscount without feudal land.

"I await your news."

"Happy to serve you, my lord." Viscount Andes bowed slightly in salute, then walked toward the direction of the banquet hall.

As Viscount Andes entered the center of the banquet hall, the former immediately replaced Baron Gus as the focus of the entire venue.

Including Baron Gus himself, he couldn't help but show a flattered expression on his face... although he quickly returned to normal.

This was perhaps the power of money.

As a noble around Lei Ming City, no one understood the strength of the Andes family better than him. It was no exaggeration to say that they were the uncrowned kings of Lei Ming City.

Standing in front of this noble person, what Baron Gus could bring out was nothing more than the pride of a noble and the feudal land passed down from his ancestors.

And all of that combined might not be as valuable as a ring on the finger of this uncrowned king...

Watching Baron Gus try to appear superior to Viscount Andes while unable to help but curry favor, Edward, who was watching from not far away, couldn't help but smile.

He appreciated this Viscount more and more.

Whether it was the latter's strength or elegance.

If he could have the help of this wise minister, presumably the Campbell Duchy would have a boundless future, and his position as Grand Duke would be as solid as the Ten Thousand Swords Mountain.

Speaking of which, Viscount Andes's title seemed to have been bestowed by the Ryan Kingdom.

Why not find an opportunity to give him a Baron title and make him completely his own vassal.

Just as the future Grand Duke of the Campbell Duchy was thinking this, a knight covered in dust and dirt was led in through the back door by the butler.

Looking at the questioning expression on Edward's face, the old butler said with fear and trepidation.

"Prince... this knight insists on seeing you; I had no choice but to bring him over."

"I am a knight of the Trident Knight Order, Charles."

Solemnly performing a knight's salute, Charles said respectfully.

"Prince, I have an urgent matter to report to you; may I occupy a little of your precious time?"

Edward did not recognize this knight, but he did recognize the emblem of the Trident Knight Order.

"Is it inconvenient to say it here?"

Charles shook his head and said earnestly.

"It concerns the glory of the Campbell family and the safety of Lei Ming City; I think it is not convenient for a third person to know."

Edward looked at the butler to the side.

"Take us to the lounge."

The butler immediately bowed and said.

"As you command."

After speaking, he walked in front, leading the two to an empty room next to the banquet hall, and then thoughtfully closed the door.

Edward took out his pocket watch to check the time, then looked at this knight covered in dust and said.

"There is no one else here; you may speak."

"It is about the Miranda incident that Grand Duke Campbell previously entrusted Knight Commander Meier to investigate. According to the conclusion of our investigation, it was finally discovered that the incident is related to the corruption of Chaos..."

Looking at the eldest son of the Grand Duke who showed a look of astonishment, Charles took a deep breath and continued in a heavy tone.

"In the process of investigating this incident, Knight Commander Meier unfortunately suffered the corruption of Chaos... including Vice Captain Verne and the remaining 37 knights, they have all perished."

He had originally intended to report this matter directly to Grand Duke Campbell, but Alex said that the Grand Duke's eldest son, Edward, was recently in Lei Ming City, and reporting to that person would be more appropriate.

As for why, Alex did not say, only strongly suggesting he do so.

Considering that Alex was the second son of Count Spinor and his understanding of noble affairs far exceeded his own, Charles finally came here with a skeptical mood.

At worst, he could report it twice.

It was just a pity that he didn't even have a decent dress suit, and he almost had a conflict with the guards when he came here, finally having to enter through the back door of the banquet hall.

After listening to Charles's report, Edward was first astonished, then there was a long silence, and finally he sighed lightly.

"Knight Commander Meier... My father always thought highly of him; I am very sorry for his death."

Speaking of this, he paused for a moment and continued.

"However, you and I both know that now is not the time for sadness. The corruption of Chaos is approaching; I worry that our world will soon face a greater threat, and that will far exceed everything the Netherworld has done to us..."

Charles always felt that he was not very worried, and he became increasingly suspicious about whether he should have appeared here today.

However, just at this moment, Prince Edward standing in front of him changed the subject and solemnly placed his right hand on his shoulder.

"Mr. Charles, you are the only person I know who has fought against Chaos and successfully defeated it; I believe you must have the protection of Saint Xisi."

Charles lowered his head and said humbly.

"I dare not accept such praise; I did receive the blessing of Lord Saint Xisi, but that was a later matter—"

"Before or after is not important; I believe you are the person chosen by Lord Saint Xisi... Additionally, I am very glad that you thought of reporting this matter to me at the first opportunity."

Edward looked at him with an approving gaze and continued.

"Tomorrow I will return to Campbell Castle to personally state the situation here to my father. As for you, I hope you stay here and take over Knight Commander Meier's work."

"But I—"

"From now on, you are the branch commander of the Campbell Knight Order; the formal appointment letter will be delivered to your hands later... However, my requirements for you are more than that. This Chaos crisis has exposed our internal flaws; when the corruption came from within the Knight Order, we were actually helpless. I hope you can fill this flaw for me."

Looking at those flattered pupils, Edward patted Charles's shoulder hard, then withdrew his hand and spoke his thoughts.

"I intend to promote a group of loyal and reliable young men within the Trident Knight Order, and absorb some people with special experience from the adventurers, and establish a separate special unit specifically to deal with the Chaos crisis."

"On one hand, it will monitor the corruption spreading in Lei Ming County; on the other hand, it will keep a close eye on our internal affairs to prevent our fortress from disintegrating from within—"

"This unit is tentatively stationed in Lei Ming City and will be directly responsible to me... Let's just call it 'Witcher' for now."

"As the only commander with experience in fighting Chaos, I hope you will serve as the chief of these 'Witchers'."

Prince Edward's voice directly stunned Charles on the spot.

He did not doubt at all that this eldest son of the Grand Duke could accomplish this matter, but he did not expect such an important matter to be decided in just these few words.

Prince Edward seemed very anxious, eager to make some achievements immediately.

Intuition told Charles that this was not good, but from his position, there was indeed no reason to refute, and besides, Prince Edward did not intend to ask for his opinion at all.

And what shocked Charles even more was another matter—

Everything seemed to be as the Demon King said; he was truly valued by the Campbell family... Although at this moment he was still some distance from being the number one person in military affairs in the Lei Ming County region, seeing Prince Edward's expectations for this new unit, this distance seemed not as far as he had imagined, and perhaps even within reach.

That person had guessed every move of the Campbell family, as if everything was under his control, proceeding as planned.

A feeling of chilling fear spread along Charles's spine.

For some reason, he always felt that the corruption of the Netherworld would arrive here before the corruption of Chaos.

And what was even more terrifying was that he could clearly feel himself deep in the corruption, yet he couldn't see where the traces of that corruption were.

From the tacit understanding of the Glory War and the safe zone, to Prince Edward's appointment... everything he encountered was something he could not refuse.

Taking a deep breath, Charles said earnestly.

"Thank you for your trust... I will definitely not live up to your expectations."

Edward looked at this loyal knight with appreciation and said encouragingly.

"I look forward to your performance... By the way, the opportunity is rare; don't be in a hurry to leave. Why not walk around at the banquet? Getting familiar with faces here will be good for you."

Charles said awkwardly.

"But this outfit of mine will probably lose your face."

"What a big deal; just change into one." Edward laughed, clapped his hands, and summoned the butler waiting at the door.

Then, he ordered.

"Take Mr. Charles to change into a suitable dress suit; he is my guest, so you must treat him well."

"As you command, Prince," the elderly butler looked at Charles and said respectfully, "Master Charles, please follow me."

Facing Prince Edward's enthusiasm, Charles didn't have the heart to refuse again and could only follow behind the butler.

By comparison, he still preferred the banquet last night...

Of course, this didn't mean he preferred the Demon King's style; it was purely because there was no need to put on airs in front of the enemy.

Charles shook his head hard, driving this inexplicably surging blasphemous thought and the corruption of the Netherworld out of his mind together.

However, just at this moment, the corner of his eye suddenly caught a glimpse of a figure.

That person was wearing a blue dress suit with gold trim, his head held high like an arrogant rooster.

What was interesting was not his superior expression, but the two legs under the bloated dress suit; as soon as Charles saw them, his eyes couldn't move away.

Unlike the other guests in the banquet hall, he wasn't out of feelings like envy or jealousy; it was purely because they looked familiar.

He always felt that not long ago, he seemed to have seen something similar on some demon?

"... Is it an illusion?"

Charles, who had slowed down his pace unconsciously, kept watching the noble walk away, muttering to himself.

It should be an illusion.

It must be an illusion.

Just as Charles left the corridor following the butler, Baron Gus, who brushed past him, snorted lightly.

Someone actually wore armor to attend the future Grand Duke's banquet.

"Truly vulgar!" ===== CHAPTER 117 =====

"How truly vulgar!"