Chapter 146: Stalking or Investigating? (1/2)

Since he was in his hellish days in the academy this time of his previous life, Nikolai knew very little about the gossip and young masters of the kingdom. However, there was one man that they grew up admiring him and Shon.

The Strongest.

Long ago, the Rosia kingdom was at the brink of collapse against the Bestial Kingdom. The nearby nations decided it was best to choose the victor's side, so they sent aid to the Bestial Kingdom.

This was almost thirty years ago, so the Strongest was nothing but a young soldier at that time. The previous king was incompetent, and the future looked bleak.

His name was Griffin, after the legendary beast, and he was even stronger than that monster. As the war was nearing its end, the future looking bleak, the man appeared from the midst of despair.

The might of his wind became the bard's favorite topic; all fighters pursued the strength of his body. Finally, his heroism saved the kingdom from extinction, and the war ended.

After that day, he was known as the world's strongest fighter. From a commoner soldier with no title to a duke, the man's rise was akin to a fairytale. However, the man was the only one said to be half a step into divinity, making him a demigod.

It was hard to imagine that a man as ancient as Griffin had a bastard son, not to mention one hated by many. It could only be explained that the house of Griffin was the one behind the discrimination, as the bastard was an outsider.

”Lyle, you are just like others,” the princess sighed. ”You would be hooked as soon as you know it's related to the man known as the strongest.”

”Can I even refuse your command?” he asked with helplessness. Even if he were interested, Nikolai would prefer to prepare for his plans of invading Celestia.

”Hehe,” she gave a bashful laugh, and Nikolai wondered how such a person would turn to be the Bloody Saint. A ruthless commander with nothing to stand in her way and one who would later be the saint of a religion.

They were crossing the flowerbed and going into the city, following the princess's plans. The reason for her interest in the bastard was a mystery, but Nikolai could use this plan to make use of this bastard's misdeeds.

'If I can blackmail the son of such a man, then I can gain access to countless secrets,' Nikolai almost let a smirk appear on his face.

”Since this rogue is the half-brother of the Griffin House's current head, then it made things quite complicated. This bastard son of his is dotted on by Griffin and taken into the family under his direct commands, so it raises the question of who would become the house's heir.”

”Thus, the discrimination,” Nikolai realized. ”However, even if a reason for his reputation to be blemished existed, that doesn't mean he is innocent. A son of such a powerful man is bound to be quite arrogant.”

”You are just like my uncle, even though he acts respectfully on the surface. Cynicism is truly the main trait of you two. How about believing in the good in people?”

”You do realize that to believe he is a good person means that everyone who spread the rumors is bad. You are the cynical one for believing that everyone is lying about him.”

”... I understand why my uncle likes you, now,” the princess pouted as they crossed the river. ”I still want to investigate the matter. You can't refuse, as my retainer.”

'Such a selfish brat,' Nikolai almost kicked her into the water. However, it was interesting to uncover such rumors. If this man indeed became the next Griffin, then Nikolai would benefit from learning more about him.

Fishers started appearing on the river's bank as they walked into the inner parts of the city, where houses of beastmen surrounded each side of the road.

They stared warily at the two strangers, who made their way through the city without worry. Nikolai wanted to go into stealth lest they get attacked, but the princess was with him.

”From here!” she suddenly pointed to an alley and jumped into it. As Nikolai followed, he saw the princess take out an umbrella. His confusion was answered when she stood close to him and infused the artifact with mana, making them disappear.

”Where did you get this from?” Nikolai was worried because if this artifact was a part of the nation's treasury, it should be tracked.

”A gift from a friend,” she mysteriously said as she grabbed into his arm and pulled him toward the end of the alley. ”I received information that he frequents this street at this time of the day.”

”You are stalking him?”