Chapter 333: Recreate The Kingdom (2/2)

”I summoned them, so they should be here at any moment.” The duke said with a frown.

”Impudent peasants.” One of the gathered nobles spat.

”No need to get angry. That Gardener won't be this disrespectful in the Royal Court.” The Knight of Nobility said with a smile. It was then that the door opened, and the three guests entered along with the Knight of Courage.

The Knight turned to look at the 'Seika' that he was here to pick up. The man looked different than before, as he had changed his clothing into formal attire. His left arm was nothing but an empty sleeve, but it only served to make him look more threatening.

The Seika has combed his hair back and tied it into a short ponytail. The average features he had, which the Knight found irksome, seemed more prominent now.

”You seem relaxed for a prisoner, Gardener.” The Knight of Nobility mocked. He didn't refer to him as the Seika but as his previous status.

”You seem well for someone who took a beating.” The Seika rebuked without a moment's delay, with a tongue more venomous than serpents.

”As disrespectful as ever.” The duke grabbed the armchair tightly. ”Are you aware why you are here?” He asked with disdain.

”Naturally.” The Seika nodded. ”You think I killed another one of your nobles. If you can prove it, then I'll gladly accept any sort of punishment.”

”There's no need to prove anything, as the only suspect is you.” The duke said with a smile. ”Yesterday, you left the mansion and left toward an unknown place. You've escaped from your imprisonment, which was also for the crime of killing a noble.”

”Then, for the lack of other suspects, I'm the culprit?” The Seika smirked. ”Are you all idiots?”

”Your insolence shall be tolerated no longer!”

The Duke of Contracts waved his hand, and a giant spirit appeared behind him. Arthur looked with interest at the uncommon ability of manifestation.

”Seika, please restrain yourself.” The Knight of Courage turned to look at him with a frown.

”How about they restrain their idiocy?” The Seika said nonchalantly. ”I won't admit to anything.”

”You...” As the duke pointed his finger at him, the doors suddenly opened as a servant rushed in. ”Speak.” The duke commanded.

”Sir, I think it's best if I inform you in private.” The servant said with labored breathing.

”I think not,” The Knight of Courage glared at the servant. He shivered under her icy glare and revealed what he had.

”The new shop, Hidden Gems, is selling a new artifact.”

”How is that of importance?” The duke waved his hand. ”If there's nothing else,” He was about to dismiss the servant, but the latter continued talking.

”The artifact is an improved version of the Vegetation Artifact!” The servant said before he was punished. The news made the hall turn chaotic, and even the Knight of Nobility stood up from his seat.

”What kind of improvement?” The duke asked with gritted teeth.

”Five times the area of effect for a fifth of the previous mana consumption.” The servant said, and this time, every noble stood up from his seat.

”Five... times? A fifth?” The duke's body shook. ”This can't be. Impossible.”

”I fear this matter has turned grave enough for the kingdom to intervene.” The Knight of Nobility stood up with a frown. ”As for your matter, we'll discuss it in the royal court.”

”Whatever you say.” The Seika grinned.

It happened in a few moments. The duke and the nobles, along with the Knights, all rushed toward Hidden Gems shop. It was unprecedented for guests of this level to visit the shop personally, but the new artifact was this important.

The guards made way as the Duke of Contracts arrived on the scene. The farmers looked at him with both fear and a bit of resentment. They were the ones who would benefit the most from such an artifact, but there was nothing they could do against the nobles.

”Why did you want to come here too?” The Knight of Courage turned toward the Seika, who looked at the shop with a grin.

”I'm interested in this shop.” The Seika said without hiding it. ”If there's a way to accomplish what we have discussed earlier, this is a good start for it.”

”It's the opposite.” The Knight shook her head. ”The runemaster, Ghost, must have foreseen this. The Duke of Contracts will be the one to outbid everyone and obtain the artifact.”

”Is that so?” The Seika said without looking worried. The Knight of Courage squinted her eyes at him, wondering what kind of scheme he was up to now.