Dark Clouds

The next day.

Inside Wolf Castle.

Duke Frank looked at Sulu:

"Sulu Potter ... Your bravery is delightful, but your kindness and compassion are even more precious qualities... Please allow me to express my gratitude. I grant you permission to make one request!"

As soon as he said those words, Sulu felt many burning gazes on him, his jealousy almost undisguised.

To many knights' squires and guards, this was a shortcut to becoming a nobleman.

Anyone with half a brain would choose to claim territory!

"I have an extraordinary thirst for knowledge, and if I could freely peruse all the books in the Duke's study, it would bring me unparalleled joy..."

Sulu was actually quite annoyed with the Grand Duke who had sent Mars to capture him and bring him to Wolf Castle early in the morning, but he still made his demands.

This is somewhat unfortunate.

After all, in this era, knowledge was mostly in the hands of the nobility.

"That's... an unexpected request, but I've agreed."

Frank remained silent, and amidst a chorus of regretful or perhaps gloating glances, he agreed.

Of course, although he agreed, he would definitely not be allowed to see some truly precious books, such as those that recorded extraordinary professions or knight training.

But Sulu wasn't particularly interested in those things either.

He bowed, followed the servant to the study, and immediately pulled out a book, "The History of Witch Hunting: The Rise and Fall of Forest Witches," and began to read it standing up.

'So there are Wizard in this world too!'

'However, their position is delicate; they are both feared and desired... Even the court of the Dragon Kingdom maintains a group of court Mage.'

In folk tradition, there are various evil legends about Wizard, and occasional witch hunts...

"He... completely missed my hint... That country bumpkin! That stupid pig!"

Inside the hall, after the many servants had left, Lady Monfali's face was somewhat distorted.

She was surprised that what she thought was a sure thing to win them over had turned into this situation.

"My sister, you're going to be disappointed... They seem to have no interest in the fiefdom at all..."

Frank shrugged. "He's quite an interesting little fellow."

His level is very high; having one more or one less Black Iron Rank knight doesn't matter at all.

However, the group of people following them, especially Mars, were very indignant about this.

This was an offer from a duke, an olive branch extended by the kingdom's top nobles. How could a mere commoner dare to refuse?

Although the other party was Black Iron Rank knight, which was equivalent to a quasi-lord, he was not a true nobleman after all!

Watching this scene unfold, Mars Gil, after seeing Grand Duke Frank off, hurried a few steps to a knight. "Sir Andrews, it's been a long time!"

Sir Mars... I heard you were defeated by that little brat with a single sword strike?

Knight Andrews was tall and strong. Although Mars was already tall for an average person, he was a head taller than Mars. He had a face full of scars and a very rude and cruel personality.

Mars's facial muscles twitched. "He's a speed-type knight..."

"An excuse... If you advance to become Bronze Knight, your defense will increase dramatically, and his sword will only tickle you..."

Andrews laughed loudly, then suddenly clenched his fist, his knuckles cracking, and a bronze-like light appeared on his skin.

"You... you broke through?"

Mars Gil asked, full of surprise.

In this world, nobles rely on their knightly orders as their strongest military force and have a unique hierarchical system.

The lowest rank is the knight's squire, also called a knight's attendant. These are ordinary people who have mastered some power-generating techniques and have trained diligently, but have not yet advanced to the professional level.

Then there are the Black Iron Knight, also known as formal knights, who can earn the title of knight after fighting their way to victory.

Next up are the Bronze Knight. They are stronger, faster, and can temporarily harden parts of their bodies, making them able to withstand swords, spear thrusts, and even crossbow bolts!

A Bronze Knight, regardless of which noble faction he joins, will be immediately granted a knighthood, without needing to establish merit to prove himself.

Above them are the Silver and Gold Knight.

The Silver Knight's battle aura defense can cover his entire body, making him a killing machine in war even without heavy armor.

There is currently only one such person in the entire North, who serves as the vice-commander of the Northern Knights, overseeing most of the order's affairs.

Because the nominal lords of the Knights Order were all Grand Dukes in succession, the other party was actually the true Grand Master of the Knights Order.

The last Gold Knight has become a legend.

Perhaps there are one or two in the kingdom's Royal Capital, but that's just a rumor.

"Yes, I've broken through."

Andrews laughed loudly, "I'm already a captain in the Northern Knights. Next time you see me, remember to call me 'Sir'! And... keep your little schemes to yourself. I may look reckless, but I'm not stupid. You want to instigate me to deal with that kid? What's in it for me?"

In the Twilight of the Gods era, how could someone who could train to a level comparable to a second-tier professional be a fool?

Mars's expression shifted. He had initially wanted to back out, but for some reason, the thought of Sulu's age and his carefree smile in the face of anything made him unable to control himself, "I won't pay too much... After all, he's not a nobleman, just a commoner!"

A somewhat difficult negotiation suddenly began.

night.

Sulu returned to the inn and enjoyed the cooking of the innkeeper's daughter.

The woman wasn't particularly attractive, but she was a very dedicated cook; the pork sausages with sauce looked especially delicious.

Although Wolf Castle treated him to a meal, the thought of that lunch made Sulu's face twitch.

By chance, he saw the Duke's kitchen.

Dark, damp, and filthy... Various kitchen utensils were scattered haphazardly, and the ground was covered with the droppings of livestock such as chickens and ducks, almost right next to the vegetables and grains.

The cook, with her thick waist and grime, handled the grill and cleaver with crude movements, while also flirting with the servants.

In short, the visuals are quite offensive.

"It's said that even the palace kitchens in this world are of similar quality... It's truly despairing."

Sulu soon noticed that the innkeeper had become more respectful, which was probably why he had been invited into Wolf Castle.

This directly resulted in fewer Greed eyes eyeing his money.

"Never mind... I'll rest a bit and head to the Royal Capital in a few days."

Sulu secretly made a plan. "No matter what, I have to try to raid the Dragon Tomb!"

This is what I learned from reading today: after the death of Dragon I, his successor built him a rather magnificent mausoleum, and it seems that he also buried the fallen Great Dragon around it.