Chapter 423
Episode 423. The Maritime City Clayton (1)
“Why…?”
How to Survive Among Villains, the novel.
Within that story, Kamel was a villain who owned a very famous Divine Name.
[The Greedy Lord Who Walks Two Paths.]
As the Greedy Lord, he chose the path of the Butcher, a main villain who walked the road of slaughter.
Yet in Reruze, Arthur could not see the trace of that Divine Name from Kamel.
No matter how great Kamel was, it was impossible to conceal a Divine Name itself.
Step, step—
Arthur looked at Lochter approaching through the dust.
The Knight of Betrayal…
He had once wondered why Lochter’s Divine Name had remained unchanged.
In the novel, Lochter’s Divine Name was depicted as a symbol of vengeance, destined to end only by killing Kamel.
Lochter Felice, the hero of the story who stood against Kamel.
That his Divine Name still remained as The Knight of Betrayal meant that Kamel still existed in this world.
Which means… that bastard is…
Arthur did not bother considering the possibility of it not being Kamel.
He focused on the Divine Name, The Greedy Lord Who Walks Two Paths.
There were two methods to become the Greedy Lord.
In the novel, Kamel chose the “Fate of the Butcher” and walked the path of a Conquering Lord.
Then what about the other path?
“There was no mention of that in the novel.”
It was a new fate.
A new path for Kamel to become the Greedy Lord.
Having personally seen his own Divine Name change from The Hermit in the Rift to Divine Name Hunter, Arthur could not rule out the possibility that Kamel’s new fate had caused his Divine Name to disappear altogether.
It wasn’t certain yet, but—
“At least one thing is clear.”
Kamel’s Divine Name had vanished.
That meant the ability of a Divine Name Hunter might not work on him.
Arthur would need to grasp more about Kamel in detail.
For he might prove to be a natural enemy.
Arthur put aside his thoughts at the sound of Lochter’s presence.
“When did you arrive?”
“I just got here.”
“From your expression, it looks like something’s wrong. Did something go awry?”
At that, Arthur touched his face and gave a bitter smile.
Is my expression that easy to read?
“No, the plan succeeded. However…”
If he told Lochter that Kamel had returned alive, what kind of expression would he make?
He’d be shaken, no doubt.
The same would be true of the other companions.
For they all had deep ties of enmity with Kamel.
It would be better to reveal Kamel’s return not here, but before them all.
“How are the results of your training?”
“Not bad.”
“From that look, the results must be good.”
Lochter smiled, patting Reyna and Belin lightly.
His expression alone showed there had been great progress.
It seemed he had fully adapted to the Voice of the Sword.
“It looks like matters in Aintrier are wrapped up now.”
“Planning to leave?”
Arthur nodded and glanced toward the fortress wall.
Toward the port where the Ship Gridment was docked.
With the mountain of problems he had to contemplate during the journey, it would feel like the trip ended in the blink of an eye.
But for Arthur, it was necessary time.
6 p.m.
Just as the maid had said, when Arthur visited the first-floor dining hall, he saw Lily piling food high on a tray and heading somewhere.
“More!”
The dining hall was spacious, but it wasn’t hard to find her.
A beast resembling a Shiba Inu loitered around her.
Those who had come to eat kept their distance, waiting until the girl and her little beast sat somewhere.
“Their gazes are strange.”
Numerous eyes fixed on Lily.
No fear, only tension.
They weren’t afraid of her, but they were wary.
“I heard she caused quite a stir while wandering around the city.”
Arthur had learned things about her through Lochter.
She had taken charge of Aintrier’s public order for a time in his stead, for a simple reason.
Because she was bored.
The influx of Black Market members had thrown the city’s security into chaos, but now it had been neatly resolved.
All thanks to Lily’s work.
“Woof!”
Before Arthur could approach, Keros noticed him first and barked cheerfully.
Lily, happily eating with a fork in both hands, spotted Arthur and widened her eyes.
“Arthur!”
At her shout, the people’s gazes shifted to him.
The noise in the hall quieted.
Arthur smiled faintly at the stares.
Fearful, wary gazes.
Watching his expression, full of tension.
It was the weight of being the Lord of the fortress.
Arthur placed his cup of water on the table and lightly greeted Lily.
“It seems the food here suits your taste.”
“Yeah! I like it a lot.”
“Did you do well while I was gone?”
“It was fun!”
Gulping down the water, Lily looked at him with an expectant expression.
“So, where’s my gift?”
“Gift?”
“You said you went to Prime Root. Did you bring me something? I guarded the city hard, waiting for my gift.”
Arthur hadn’t expected this flow. Perhaps he had underestimated Lily.
“I heard from Lord Lochter that thanks to you, security in Aintrier improved greatly.”
“Mmhm. Some buildings got broken, but Lochter said it was fine.”
He had heard that over a hundred buildings burned down and collapsed into ash. She had torched them trying to catch a pickpocket.
“All the troublemakers are gone now. Hehehe.”
He had heard they turned into frogs if they caused a ruckus. Most had returned to normal, but some still hadn’t.
The Witch of Ordor Forest.
Here, Lily had regained her notorious reputation.
How many in Aintrier wished for her to leave?
Even the executives flinched at her name, so it wasn’t hard to imagine.
It seemed time for Arthur to play mediator.
“Lily, shall we go see Lady Natasha?”
“Natasha??”
“Yes. She’s probably waiting for us in another city right now.”
“Okay! But what about my gift?”
She was persistent with such things.
Arthur immediately thought of a solution.
“Karl will bring it.”
“Karl? Where is he?”
“You’ll meet him once we’re on the ship. We’re heading to the port right away. Do you have any luggage?”
“Right now? This instant?”
“Yes. We don’t have time.”
“But tomorrow morning they’ll serve my favorite bread…”
Lily pouted.
But since it was with Arthur, she decided she could give up bread.
“I only need to pack that.”
She pointed at a corner where cookies, chocolates, and other snacks were piled up.
When Arthur nodded, she ran to grab as many snacks as she could.
Arthur looked down at Keros, sprawled under his legs yawning.
“How’s your body, Keros?”
“Ruff…”
“Good. That’s a relief.”
Seeing his lazy stretch, Arthur figured the wounds from the Sword Demon had all healed.
Though he had been nearly decapitated by the Sword Demon’s strike, he was fine—proof that he truly was a beast formed of spirit.
Through the window, Arthur saw the red sun sinking.
It was nearly the time he had promised Samuel.
“Lily, let’s go.”
“Just one more…”
“There’s no more room.”
“Nooo!”
Arthur grabbed her by the scruff and dragged her from the dining hall, while she squirmed, still yearning for the snack corner.
At the entrance, Arthur waited for the carriage.
Lochter, having things to pack, was set to meet them separately at the port.
News of Lochter and Lily leaving Aintrier had already spread quickly through the fortress.
By now, likely everyone in Aintrier knew.
Soon, the sound of hooves echoed, and a splendid carriage stopped before Arthur.
Neigh!
The carriage carried them outside the fortress.
With the Lord’s crest engraved upon it, no one dared block its way.
It swiftly left the inner walls and headed toward the city square.
Then, as it entered the grand boulevard leading to the outer gate—
“Hm?”
Arthur sensed a restless air outside.
The commotion grew louder the farther the carriage went.
What’s going on?
Opening the window wide, Arthur’s face appeared—and the people on the boulevard raised their arms and shouted.
“Long live Lord Arthur!”
“Long live the Lord!”
The carriage halted.
Crowds gathered from both sides of the road.
A throng stretched endlessly, all shouting cheers toward the carriage.
Arthur, not knowing the reason, wore a baffled expression.
At that moment, Lily stuck her head out and waved energetically.
“Take care, everyone!”
At her farewell, the people closed their eyes tightly and raised their hands even higher, shouting louder.
Long live the Lord!!
Seeing their faces toward Lily, Arthur let out a hollow laugh.
Now he understood why they cheered.
Beyond relief, various emotions crossed their faces.
It was clear at a glance—it was joy at Lily’s departure.
“Arthur, you’re popular. They’re all shouting your name.”
“Indeed. Almost as if I were their savior.”
“Savior?”
At Lily’s gaze, Arthur quietly waved to the people.
The carriage passed safely out the gate amid thunderous cheers and support.
It quickly made its way to the port.
By the time the salty sea smell stung his nose, the carriage stopped at the docks.
Outside, a colossal ship loomed, moored near the pier with overwhelming presence.
The magic ship, Ship Gridment.
As Arthur appeared on the pier, guests already waiting came to him.
Samuel and Lochter.
The two had only light packs on their backs, prepared for departure.
Lochter, Samuel, Lily, and Keros.
With everyone gathered, Arthur waved toward the Ship Gridment.
Soon, a small boat dropped from the side and rowed swiftly toward them.
From it stepped a middle-aged man, short in stature but dressed smartly. Crewmen supported him at his side—clearly the captain.
Arthur recognized him immediately, having met him days before.
“Captain Raymon, at your service, my lord. It is an honor to escort you personally.”
“Yes, Raymon. I’ll be in your care.”
Raymon guided them onto the small boat. Soon, it was tied to the Ship Gridment and raised slowly aboard.
Upon reaching the deck, Lily ran about the vast space gleefully.
“Wow, it’s just us!”
“Woof!”
The only passengers on this voyage were Arthur and his party.
Arthur had given orders himself, not wanting disturbances.
As Lily and Keros played on the empty deck, the captain approached Arthur and bowed.
“I’ll guide you to your private cabin.”
“Before that, I’d like to ask something.”
“Anything at all.”
“Have you been in contact with the other magic ship?”
“Other magic ship…?”
“The one moored near Demtor’s port.”
“Ah, that one is still docked at the same place. I heard it’s waiting for an important guest who hasn’t returned yet.”
That guest must be Karl.
He should be crossing over soon to report, but not yet?
The information Karl had personally gathered was likely critical about Demtor. Arthur wanted to hear it before making plans.
“How long from here to that ship’s location?”
“Three days’ time.”
“Three days…”
Not too long.
Hopefully Karl would return by then.
Arthur nodded and gave the captain instructions.
“When the important guest returns to the ship, inform me immediately.”
“Understood.”
“Ah…!”
Arthur, on his way to the private cabin, clapped his hands and turned with another question.
“When you last visited the city of vagrants, what was the atmosphere like?”
“Very good. Preparations for the festival were in full swing. I myself intend to stay there during it.”
“Good.”
Arthur smiled. At that, the captain looked surprised and said,
“By the way, my lord, were you not informed that the city’s name has recently changed?”
“The city’s name?”
“Yes, it was recently renamed. It is no longer the City of Vagrants.”
Arthur recalled Lenon asking permission before leaving—that he wanted the city to shed the image of vagrants and be renamed. Arthur had agreed, telling him to decide with Notura, who was in charge there.
“The Maritime City Clayton?”
“Yes. The city is now called ‘Clayton.’ Though not yet widely known, after the festival it will surely become famous everywhere.”
“Clayton…”
“They say the name was taken from a great hero.”
A great hero.
Arthur let out a hollow laugh.
It was said the city’s core members had chosen the name unanimously.
He had told them to choose a new name—and they had done so with utter obviousness.
Arthur Clayton.
They had simply taken his family name.