An Eye-Opener!

Before long, under Boris's guidance, Nalant arrived at the baron's castle in this territory.

At that moment, the castle gates stood wide open. To Nalant's surprise, an elderly steward and two manservants were actually waiting at the entrance.

The three were clearly there to welcome the king and several earls.

Could this fantasy world have turncoats too?

Nalant was immensely curious. He immediately followed Boris forward, wanting to hear what was going on.

But when the two drew closer and heard the conversation ahead, Nalant was even more astonished.

"Your Majesty, the esteemed King of the Onyx Principality, this humble one is Baron Belom's steward. It is a great honor to welcome you!"

"Mm. We'll settle here for lunch today. We'll be borrowing your baron's castle for the time being!"

The king's attitude toward the castle steward was unexpectedly cordial. He did not seem like an invader at all, but rather a guest who had traveled from afar.

"Your Majesty, you are most welcome. In addition, the one hundred gold coins in protection money our baron prepared this year are ready. Please inspect them!" As the elderly steward spoke, he waved to one of the manservants behind him.

The manservant immediately presented a small wooden treasure chest with great respect.

When the wooden chest was opened, more than a hundred gleaming gold coins were revealed inside.

"Very good. We'll continue our journey after lunch!" The king nodded, even more satisfied. He then had an attendant take the chest before leading the earls and guards into the castle. The elderly steward followed them inside as well.

"This..." Having witnessed everything from start to finish, Nalant still had trouble processing it.

"Well, Nalant? You'd never heard of this before, had you?" Boris had finally found a sliver of superiority. "This is the