Chapter 125 : A Big Deal! Perilous Wilderness City!
Chapter 125: A Big Deal! Perilous Wilderness City!
Leo noticed that Eve’s attitude toward him had now completely changed compared to before.
It seemed… she was no longer putting on airs.
Or rather, she could no longer derive that sense of superiority from him.
In fact, the blow Eve received from Leo was even greater than the one from her younger sister Mia.
…
Following Eve’s instructions, Leo arrived at the Knight Hall, where Laforin seemed to have already been waiting.
“Leo, you’re back.” Laforin went straight to the point. “Let’s talk business. Since you’ve broken through to the knight realm, the next step is your formal knighthood ceremony.
I want to ask you—are you willing to join the Blackstone Knight Order?”
“I am willing.” Leo agreed almost without hesitation.
He had already considered this question.
As a Knight’s Squire from Blackwater City, before becoming a Formal Knight, he had essentially been an apprentice.
But after becoming a Formal Knight, things were different.
He had two choices—
One was to join the Blackstone Knight Order, like Ray, Ross, and Anthony, becoming one of its members and effectively part of Blackstone City’s ruling force.
The other option was to leave Blackstone City.
For other squires or Quasi-Knights, the latter might be viable—
returning to inherit territory or assist their family.
But Leo had no such choice. If he left, he could only return to Blackwater City.
And that would mean the end of his knightly path—he would inherit the lordship of Blackwater City and live out a stable life.
No knight would make such a choice.
“Good.” A smile appeared on Laforin’s face. Although he had already anticipated Leo’s answer, he still felt relieved. “Next, there are two procedures. One is a family investigation, and the other is registration with the Kingdom—just formalities.”
Leo had heard of these processes before.
“After the official knighthood ceremony, you will gain the right to learn two additional Breathing Techniques. You will be granted a fief near Blackstone City, about the size of two villages.
Additionally, I will discuss with the other knights to assign you administrative authority.” Laforin continued, “But don’t expect too much. You’ll likely be like Eve—a specially appointed instructor.”
The six great knights of Blackstone City formed the Blackstone Knight Order.
Laforin was the city lord, Ray handled enforcement, Anthony managed administrative affairs, Ross oversaw logistics, and Clarsen was in charge of instruction.
By the time it came to Eve, there were no real positions of power left.
Laforin had made her a specially appointed instructor, responsible for guiding Quasi-Knights and squires in swordsmanship—essentially sharing part of Clarsen’s authority.
Now, with Leo, there was even less authority to distribute.
Leo understood this clearly, but it suited him perfectly. “I quite like the position of specially appointed instructor.”
This role was like an adjunct professor.
When to teach, how to teach, and how much to teach—all depended on his own preference.
Laforin gave Leo a knight’s salute. “Good. Welcome, Knight Leo.”
…
Half an hour later, Leo was personally invited by Laforin into a private room in the Knight Hall.
“Welcome.” As Laforin entered with Leo, everyone applauded.
He also saw Lady Manta, who greeted him with unusual enthusiasm. “Little Leo, it’s been a while.”
“Lady Manta.”
“Ahem…” Laforin glanced at her. “Manta, you should address him as Knight Leo now.”
“What knight, what warrior? He’s my alchemy student. I’ll call him whatever I like.” Lady Manta looked at Leo, then at Eve beside him, increasingly pleased.
“Welcome, Leo.” Anthony had also come specifically to greet him.
The others still had not quite adjusted.
After all, just a few months ago, Leo had still been a squire.
Laforin stood beside Leo, smiling warmly. “Leo, your knighthood ceremony is scheduled for the Month of Early Summer. But before that, there are some procedures to complete…”
He explained the steps of the knighthood process.
First, someone would be sent to Leo’s hometown, Blackwater City, for a family investigation.
Then there would be registration with the Kingdom and approval from the Church.
These were standard procedures before any formal knighthood.
The family investigation was meant to verify the candidate’s background—whether their family had any history of colluding with heretics or committing serious crimes.
Laforin turned to Ray. “This time, let Ray handle the investigation.”
“Sure thing, Leo—you owe me a drink.” Ray joked with a grin.
With that, the knighthood arrangements were basically settled.
The group shared a lavish lunch before dispersing.
At this point, only Lady Manta remained in front of Laforin, speaking seriously, “I couldn’t say it earlier with everyone present, but I think it’s not suitable for Ray to go alone for this investigation.”
“Not suitable? Why?” Laforin set down his wine glass, seeing her serious expression.
“I heard that the Wilderness Knight Order is active around Blackwater City. It might be dangerous for him to go alone.” Lady Manta seemed to know something.
“How would you know about activities so far away?” Laforin looked at her skeptically.
She was just an alchemist—how could she know about such distant matters?
“What do you mean how would I know? I know quite a lot. I even know that when Leo was young, he liked a girl from a bakery.”
Lady Manta indeed knew quite a bit about Blackwater City. She had spent money hiring people to investigate for half a month.
Every detail had been uncovered.
Laforin was speechless, but her words did remind him of something. “Then I’ll have Ross go along as well. The two of them together should be safe.”
“What if they argue on the way? You need someone reliable.”
“Then Clarsen can go too. He’s steady and experienced.”
Lady Manta frowned, thinking carefully. “I think the most important thing is—you should go. And take me with you.”
“Then why not bring the entire knight order while we’re at it and abandon Blackstone City?” Laforin replied, but then paused to think. “Actually… you might be right.”
“I’ll go prepare some suitable clothes.” Lady Manta hummed a tune and skipped out of the room.
In the end, however, due to the long journey, it was inconvenient for her as an ordinary person.
She failed to go to Blackwater City and sulked for several days because of it.
…
Five days later, Blackwater City.
The night was dark and the wind high. The city was eerily empty, yet the lord’s residence was bustling with people.
“Young Master Leo, it’s been so long—you’ve grown so strong. I heard you’re highly valued by the lord of Blackstone City. Congratulations!”
“Young Master, remember when I took you fishing in the Blackwater River? Time flies—you’ve really made something of yourself.”
Leo sat at the main table, greeting elders who came to toast him.
His father moved between tables, offering drinks.
Only one table beside Leo remained silent, its occupants eating without a word.
“Leo, how long will you stay this time?” Jenny from the bakery, her hair in two braids, held a cup of fruit wine with both hands.
This Jenny had been the original owner’s childhood crush.
Looking at her now—long face, small features. Her figure and skin were decent, but compared to Eve or Shia, she fell far short.
“Probably leaving soon,” Leo replied casually.
“Then I’ll toast you.” Jenny tilted her head back and drank a full cup of fruit wine.
Leo also took a sip.
He had feelings for these townsfolk, though they mostly came from the original body’s memories.
Still, he would not dampen their spirits.
After all, today was a joyful occasion.
In the distance, Rang Laide had finished making rounds and returned to Leo’s side.
“Leo, you said there’s an important announcement. What is it?”
Rang Laide was in high spirits. His son had done well in Blackstone City, earning a fortune.
This time, Leo had brought back several servants, over a hundred silver coins, and a large amount of meat.
This would help Blackwater City get through its current difficulties.
Combined with the five gold coins sent earlier,
Leo had already sent back over a hundred silver coins in total.
It showed he was thriving in Blackstone City.
With this money, Rang Laide could repair the old city gate,
and even purchase weapons and armor to strengthen defenses.
When Leo eventually took over Blackwater City, conditions might not be as harsh.
Leo glanced at the Shared State of the eagle Fulei and smiled. “Father, wait a bit longer. The guests haven’t all arrived yet.”
…
On a hillside several miles outside Blackwater City, several figures stood together, looking toward the distant city.
A cold wind howled across the hilltop, sending gravel skittering.
“Reno, why did you call me here so urgently?” the Wilderness Knight James had rushed over from dozens of miles away.
He glanced at the thin man beside Reno, suspicion in his eyes. “Is this your new attendant?”
Reno gritted his teeth. “No. Same one as before.”
James recalled the last time he had seen him.
“Last time he was fat like a boar—what was his name, Tommy? Why is he so skinny now?”
Tommy looked miserable.
For some reason, ever since collecting money last time, he had suffered from severe diarrhea.
At its worst, he couldn’t even wear pants.
More than ten days had passed, and it had not improved.
He had lost a lot of weight.
Worse still, he had become incapable in certain matters.
Any intimate thoughts brought sharp pain, and over time, he had even developed a psychological block.
It was as if he truly could not function anymore.
He suspected he had a serious illness and might not live long.
Unfortunately, there were no alchemists in the wilderness.
“Enough nonsense.” Reno waved his hand. “This time, there’s a big deal. You know that Blackwater City over there?”
“Of course. That poor territory of yours, right? I heard the lord has started hunting to make money.” James seemed well-informed.
“You bastard, I knew you’ve been eyeing my territory.” Reno glared.
“Come on. Haven’t you been sneaking into mine too? I’ve found your footprints several times.”
Clearly, the two had long had designs on each other.
That was the rule of the wilderness—
there were no rules. The strong ruled.
“Enough! This time I’m treating you like a brother. The lord’s son of Blackwater City has returned from Blackstone City. He’s hosting a banquet for the entire city.” Reno gestured with his hands, a fierce glint in his eyes.