Chapter 322: Duke of Contracts (2/2)

”You did,” Dia chimed in as she was playing with her food. However, Arthur ignored her.

He was only curious about the artifacts the knights made, and he was sure that they were genuine artifacts. This result confirmed that Solomon was indeed the inheritor of the Scholar Guardian. However, many problems arise because of this.

”It's alright, but why did you kidnap this guy?” The Knight asked with a frown as she looked at the dwarf. ”It seems he's not Freda's native.”

”Yes! He's a dwarf. And I didn't kidnap him, Gala made him pass out, and I had to take care of him.”

”Then why aren't you waking him up?” The Knight asked, and Arthur's eyes darted left and right. Seeing him unresponsive, the Knight simply sighed. ”Whatever you want from him, you can ask him in the duke's house.”

”The last time I went into a duke's house, things didn't go well for me.” Arthur shrugged but stood up nonetheless. ”Hopefully, things will be smooth.”

”I doubt.” Gala smiled. ”After all, the duke of this city is none other than the Trading Lord, Duke of Contracts. I heard that he's the older brother of someone you know.”

”Who?” Arthur tilted his head curiously. Gala looked at the Knight of Courage, who sighed and answered Arthur's question.

”He's the Knight of Honesty's older brother.”

***

”Get out of my city.” The scarred man in front of Arthur said coldly as soon as Arthur arrived.

”Huh?” Arthur blinked. The man in front of him didn't even greet him but simply summoned him here to kick him out.

”You dare hurt my people and attack my knights. The only reason you're still alive is that you're his Majesty's guest.” The Duke of Contracts was as headstrong as they portrayed.

”Your Grace, we still need to resupply and secure the road from here to the capital.” The Knight of Courage said with sweat beads on her face. ”To make the Seika leave this city is...”

”Seika?” The duke rose with a frown. ”This man is nothing but a child with a knife. I've heard what you did to my brother back in Shades City.” The man's eyes were furious.

”That's a bit harsh. Your brother can reattach his hand. I wouldn't teach him this lesson if I didn't know that.”

”Teach him?” The duke spat. ”I spent half of my life raising him to be a true man. He's no other than the Knight of Honesty, and you want to teach him?”

”Ah, I see now.” Arthur nodded in understanding. ”No wonder he's such a fool. the apple doesn't fall far from the tree.”

”Preposterous!” One of the nobles stood up. ”How dare you insult our Lord after the chaos you brought to our city?”

”Your lord gives zero fucks about your city, you idiot.” Arthur spat. ”The captain from earlier was wiser. As for your lord, he's just a petty, self-centered person.”

”Guards!” The duke roared, and the knights hurried to surround Arthur.

”Seika, please!” The Knight of Courage pleaded. ”You're just making this more difficult.”

”I know,” Arthur sighed. ”I apologize. However, I'm not leaving anytime soon.”

The only reason Arthur was apologizing was that the Knight of Courage always helped him until now. She was the most reasonable of these Knights.

”By His Majesty's orders, I command you to step back.” The Knight of Courage too out a royal decree. She then turned toward the duke of contracts. ”Whether you like it or not, we'll be staying here. This city isn't yours. You are only his Majesty's vessel.”

Arthur smiled at the duke, who looked like he ate a fly. The scarred man glared at Arthur as if he wanted nothing but to rip him apart, but Arthur didn't care. Until he helps the dwarf awaken his affinity, he won't be leaving this place.

After that, no one opposed the Knight of Courage. Arthur and his followers were given a suite in the mansion along with the unconscious dwarf.

”Seika, don't you think you're a little too overbearing regarding this?” Gala tried to warn him. ”I understand that these two brothers are morons. I also think they are. However, royal courts need one to be a diplomat.”

”I know, but the duke wouldn't have backed down if things didn't escalate that much.” Arthur sat on the couch beside the dwarf. ”I think he's hiding something.”

Slap!

Arthur slapped the young dwarf, who woke up like a startled kitten. He looked around the room in panic and found Arthur's smiling face beside him.

”Hi there! Do you want to live the life of your dreams now?”