Pioneer Lord: I Have Conquering System

"Sacrificing an insignificant, fringe prince to probe a Legendary Powerhouse’s personality and limits... even the most incompetent scholar would know what to choose."

"Besides, they likely anticipated your temperament, knowing you wouldn’t let things get too out of hand."

"So you’re saying a bunch of nobodies dare to disrespect a Legendary powerhouse—the *only* Dragon Knight in the Seven Kingdoms, no less—all because I’m good-natured?" The Lord rolled his eyes, utterly speechless.

"Among the few Legendary Powerhouses left on the continent, your temperament is indeed among the best," Filo chuckled.

’Damn.’ It was the first time anyone had ever told the Lord he had a good temper.

But to be fair, he was the type to repay every kindness shown to him tenfold.

"This is something every new powerhouse goes through. Anyone beneath the Legendary rank fears that a newly ascended powerhouse might be a temperamental butcher, making it crucial to figure out your personality. It’s foolish, I admit." Filo shrugged. "After all, you can’t expect cats to bare their claws when facing a Giant Dragon."

"However, I imagine things will improve greatly after this incident.

"That’s also why I said a fight wasn’t necessarily a bad thing."

"If a Giant Dragon doesn’t respond to provocation, then sooner or later, even the cats will dare to claw at it."

"So, Lord Levi, please display a bit of your authority. Teaching a few clueless rats a lesson wouldn’t be a bad thing at all."

"’People are just gluttons for punishment,’ Levi sighed."

He had wanted to be low-key on this trip to Gonda. He never imagined that wouldn’t be enough—that they wouldn’t be satisfied unless he made a scene.

With the official discussion over, Levi found himself agreeing with the prince’s explanation. But the prince’s silver tongue had cost him the mark of valor he could have earned by dueling a Legendary Powerhouse.

"Gonda is a city steeped in history; its prosperity is but a thin veil over its surface. It will likely be some time before the King of Harland summons you, as the delegation from Talisi has yet to arrive," Prince Filo said with a smile. "Lord Levi, why don’t you take this chance to explore? Tour the region and experience Gonda’s local culture."

To be honest, even without the King’s invitation or the need to acquire the Holy Light Church’s Holy Word Treasure Manual, Gonda was well worth a visit from a tourist’s perspective.

The dazzling array of beautiful women from various Races on the streets alone was enough to overwhelm the senses, not to mention the new and exciting street foods that tempted you to try them with a single glance.

"I have some business to attend to at Gonda’s Noble Garden first. If you need to find me, Lord Levi, simply have one of Gonda City’s ’little birds’ deliver a letter there." Prince Filo quickly departed with the nobles from the Northern Territory, paying no mind to Si Kai, who was with Levi.

"Boss, what kind of good food do you think they have in Gonda?" Zat asked, scanning the area with a spyglass.

At his words, the other Barbarians’ faces lit up with anticipation.

’The only thing that could get these gluttons excited was probably food.’

"I heard that there’s a delicacy in Gonda’s food street called ’Elf’s Secret Mushroom Stew,’ and its reputation is quite good," Mier said with a grin.

"’The name sounds pretty good,’ Zat the foodie mused. ’Anything made by Elves has to be delicious.’"

"It’s... decent. The story goes that they have a beautiful Elf maiden with an empty stomach eat pine mushrooms, and then they wait... to retrieve them... to make the stew." Mier grinned mischievously, but his words instantly drew furious glares from Heather and several of the Rabbit People girls.

"’For fuck’s sake,’ the Lord shuddered. ’Don’t ever call me brother-in-law again. The secondhand embarrassment is killing me.’"

A group of burly men from High Mountain Castle, disgusted, cracked their knuckles, ready to show Mier what it felt like to "fly."

The kid, however, knew he’d provoked the entire group and quickly waved his hands in surrender, begging for mercy.

"Mier, I don’t know where you heard that rumor. The dish is called Elf’s Secret Mushroom Stew because the owner is an Elven epicure. Her cooking is genuinely excellent, and I’d recommend you all try it. It’s just a little pricey."

A clear, pleasant female voice rang out.

Levi turned his head and saw Fatir, who had appeared behind him at some point.

Today, she was dressed in a simple Nun’s Robe with a white wimple that covered everything above her nose, revealing only a small, cherry-like mouth.

"I heard from the Priests that someone was causing trouble at the Gonda City Gate. I had a feeling it was you, Levi, and I was right."

As Fatir spoke, the corners of her mouth quirked up in a barely perceptible smile.

"Why does it always have to be me causing trouble? Couldn’t it be a drunkard, or a noble who got jostled by a farmer?" Levi felt terribly wronged. "Fatir, you’re far too prejudiced against me."

"No one has dared to cause a scene at Gonda’s city gate for decades. Other than the famous Dragon Knight, Lord of High Cliff Castle, and exceptionally powerful Marquis Levi... I really can’t imagine who else would have the guts."

"Alright, I admit it was me." The Lord gave his hair a suave flick and added, "But you forgot to add ’and handsome’ to my list of titles."

Had anyone else said that, they would have been ridiculed by the young nuns behind Fatir.

But coming from Levi, it instead made the young nuns blush, their wide eyes stealing glances at the Lord.

’This was the great Dragon Knight who had ended the Demon plague! They’d also heard he was a Holy Knight personally recruited by Lady Fatir, with an incredibly profound Holy Light Cultivation.’

...

The magnificent cathedral of the Holy Light Church stood at the heart of Gonda. It was not merely a center for religious activity but a masterpiece of architecture. Its spire pierced the clouds, and its golden dome glittered in the sunlight, symbolizing the sanctity and eternity of the Holy Light.

The cathedral’s interior was vast and solemn. Enormous Crystal Chandeliers hung from the soaring vaulted ceilings, and when sunlight streamed through the stained-glass windows, the entire space was bathed in a sacred glow.

Exquisitely carved stone pillars lined both sides of the nave. Inlaid with gold and silver filigree, they depicted the deeds of the Holy Light Church’s Twelve Saints. Each pillar stood as a monument in itself, telling stories of holy war and sacrifice.

The walls were adorned with magnificent frescoes and stained-glass windows. Every brushstroke of the frescoes was meticulously detailed, the figures’ expressions so lifelike they seemed to breathe, all narrating the history and tenets of the Holy Light Church.

Fatir arranged separate lodgings for the party from High Cliff Castle: a three-story side chapel with a central courtyard filled with flowers, sculptures, and fountains.

After they had settled in, Fatir excused herself, having other matters to attend to. The Lord closed the door and began giving orders to his Barbarians, who were already inwardly buzzing with excitement.

It was the first time these country-bred Barbarians had ever been in such a bustling city. Though they didn’t show it, the Lord knew they were dying to get out and explore.

"Here’s one Gold Coin for each of you. Be careful how you spend it. And remember: we don’t start trouble, but if someone starts trouble with you, you all jump in together. Beat them down first, then come find me immediately."

The Barbarians from High Cliff Castle lined up, standing ramrod straight as Levi went down the line, placing a Gold Coin into each of their palms while delivering his instructions.

"’Yes, Chief!’ With each clink of a coin, the Barbarian receiving it grinned like a child getting pocket money."

Normally, Levi, who preferred to keep a low profile, wouldn’t have let the Barbarians go out on their own. Without his supervision, they were guaranteed to get into some kind of trouble.

But after hearing Prince Filo’s advice, he understood that sometimes, you had to make a statement.

That was the only way to earn their respect—and their fear.

"Brother-in-law, where’s mine?" Mier asked, looking at his empty palm and then at the Lord, who was already tying up his coin pouch.

"Gonda is too corrupting a place. Your sister was worried you’d get into trouble if you had money, so she told me not to give you any. Just go tag along with them and freeload." The Lord waved a dismissive hand.

With a look of utter grievance on his face, Mier was quickly dragged away by the Barbarians, their arms slung over his shoulders.