Personal Might and Collective Interests

Torey Columbus ultimately emerged victorious from this magnificent battle.

This royal descendant had won the battle in a stifled, frustrating manner, because the Hot Spring Marquis had sternly demanded that he not disgrace the Columbus name. Moreover, that fellow called Ashton had been trembling all over, unable to bring even half his strength into play.

His opponent had held back throughout, while he had struck in furious rage.

However, Ashton had not been killed in the duel. Instead, he received the duty of a sword-bearing knight mentioned by the Hot Spring Marquis and smoothly became the Marquis's personal guard.

Whether it was because he wanted to win people over, or because Ryan's devilish questioning had deliberately guided him into saying that everything he had came from the Marquis...

This banquet had originally been arranged by the Hot Spring Marquis to ceremoniously welcome Ryan and secure what he wanted in exchange for buying people. Yet it ended hastily. The Marquis dismissed everyone, leaving behind only the two nobles.

"Do you know how many people I'll offend by doing this?"

His hand nearly crushed the silver wine cup in his grasp. Suppressing his anger, the Hot Spring Marquis spoke in a low voice.

"Even you're afraid of offending people, Marquis?"

Ryan asked with a curious smile.

The Hot Spring Marquis said nothing. It was not a pleasant memory.

Once an Elector, he had been a complete failure in that regard, losing his chance at the throne. Even his descendants had been left without an opportunity. Naturally, this was a pain for the Hot Spring Marquis. Perhaps it was the passage of time, perhaps it was a sign of maturity, but he no longer possessed his former sharpness. He did not wish to become the enemy of the nobility.

"How many knights is