I Became a Mythical Knight King

Chapter 52: Lords Meeting Ⅱ (1)

Inside the carriage heading to Lushen were Yoo Seong, Rene, and Jillian.

Ruan led the group at the front, and Robin guarded the rear of the carriage.

The combat priesthood was stationed at the Omphalos Monastery, as it wasn’t appropriate to bring troops to the lords’ meeting.

“Officially, it’s a lords’ meeting, but there’s a high chance that senior retainers will represent the Baltois and Artois counties.”

Inside the carriage, Rene, seated next to Jillian, spoke, while Yoo Seong, sitting alone across from them, nodded in agreement.

“That’s likely. The real purpose of this meeting is probably just information exchange and laying groundwork for cooperation, which hasn’t really existed until now.”

Neighboring territories wouldn’t assist even if another territory was under attack. Take Lothian, for instance—despite repeatedly seeking help from surrounding territories during invasions, it had never received any aid.

But that was only when the attacks were sporadic.

With several territories, including Lothian, facing ongoing assaults, locking oneself away to survive was no longer a wise approach.

For territories further within the borders, the disappearance of buffer zones meant they would be next.

This meeting aimed to change this situation.

A gathering to share the gravity of the crisis and promise to help each other moving forward but in the end, it was just that—a gathering.

Since it wasn’t an official event hosted by the kingdom but more of a social meeting organized by Count Carian, the counts of Baltois and Artois had no real reason to attend personally, especially not when the organizer was Count Carian, who was neither above nor equal to them.

Moreover, this was a semi-wartime situation.

Rene smiled with satisfaction at Yoo Seong’s response and nodded.

“That’s right. As expected from our Successor! Not only are you skilled in combat, but you also have great insight!”

Though the compliment was blatant, it was genuine rather than flattery, making Yoo Seong feel slightly embarrassed and causing him to smile awkwardly.

Seeing this, Jillian, as if understanding his feelings, laughed gracefully and elaborated.

“Just as the Successor said, it is a nominal meeting, but the attendance will likely be quite large. Barons from independent territories around here will attend in person, and barons under the counties will also participate.”

Sending representatives was something only Count Baltois and Count Artois might do.

Like Yoo Seong attending in person, it was highly likely the barons themselves would come.

“Jillian is right. Altogether, there will probably be around a dozen attendees, making it a fairly significant gathering.”

These were all barons with their own territories.

Though not rulers of large territories like Baron Latus, who had passed Lothian to Yoo Seong, or the late Baron Volano, having over ten barons gather in one place was no small matter.

Recalling the information about the local lords he had reviewed earlier, Yoo Seong asked Rene.

“Rene, do you have any idea who might come from the counties? Like notable barons or influential figures?”

“If it’s Baltois County…Baron Varian is likely to come.”

“Baron Varian?”

“Yes, he’s the head of a vassal family that has served my family since the previous generation.”

As the daughter of Count Baltois, Rene was the most knowledgeable person about her county.

“He’s one of the top three in rank among the count’s vassals. Informally, he and my father are close enough to call each other brothers.”

In short, he was a confidant of Count Baltois.

“Then he must be someone you’re close to as well.”

“Yes, he’s very strict and serious in public, but he’s playful and mischievous in private. He’s been fond of my siblings and me since we were little.”

“Hmm…I think I get the picture.”

From her description, Yoo Seong could easily imagine what kind of person he was.

At Yoo Seong’s response, Rene gave a slightly complex smile and glanced at Jillian.

Jillian took a deep breath and turned to Yoo Seong.

“If it’s Artois County…Normally, Sir Charles, the count’s heir, would come, but there’s a chance someone else might attend this time. The recent battle probably makes it difficult for him to leave his territory, especially given his significant role in the victory.”

The archbishop wasn’t merely someone who stayed cloistered in a monastery praying. With Omphalos followers throughout the west, she inevitably had insight into the western lords.

Charles Artois, the heir to Count Artois and a prodigy who reached the second stage of chivalry at a young age.

“If Sir Charles doesn’t attend, it’s likely Baron William, a longtime vassal of the count, will represent him. In fact, even if Sir Charles attends, Baron William might accompany him.”

“What kind of person is he?”

At Yoo Seong’s question, Jillian frowned and made a slightly displeased face.

“He’s a greedy man overly fond of money and women…but he’s competent.”

Her expression suggested she had firsthand experience with his unpleasantness or had witnessed it directly.

After observing Jillian briefly, Rene resumed her explanation.

“Among the independent lords, apart from you, Successor, Baron Ober and Baron Anjou seem the most noteworthy.”

Rene unfolded a map she had taken out and pointed to small territories between Carian County and Artois County.

“Baron Ober has amassed great wealth through his own trade operations. Baron Anjou’s family and territory are small and relatively powerless, but he himself is strong. Rumor has it he recently reached the second stage of knighthood.”

Although a few more independent lords would attend, none were particularly notable.

It was unclear whether representatives from the remaining western counties would come, but even if they did, none seemed particularly significant.

“Is there anyone noteworthy on Count Carian’s side?”

“There are several, but if I had to name one, it would be Baron Montfort, who has been mentoring the count since he was a child. Not to criticize, but his nickname is ‘Old Viper.’”

Rene awkwardly laughed, and Jillian subtly nodded, indicating the nickname was well-earned.

‘The rigid Baron Varian of Baltois, the greedy Baron William of Artois, the wealthy Baron Ober, the knightly Baron Anjou, and the cunning Baron Montfort of Carian.’

Having etched these key figures into his memory, Yoo Seong looked out the window.

The carriage, which had been moving slowly, had come to a complete stop.

“We’ve arrived in Lushen. Sir Ruan is currently speaking with the guards, so we’ll be moving shortly.”

Robin approached the carriage window and informed them.

When Yoo Seong stuck his head out the window, he saw the tall city walls and large gates, the lines of travelers waiting their turn, and Ruan conversing with what appeared to be the captain of the guards.

The onlookers, surprised to see Yoo Seong’s carriage, murmured among themselves. Some seemed to recognize him.

“The Black Knight of Lothian?”

“Is the Black Knight here?”

Though their voices were hushed, Yoo Seong’s heightened hearing picked them up.

“There’s a big meeting happening; is that why he’s here?”

“May the blessings of the gods be with the Black Knight.”

“Contrary to rumors, he doesn’t have horns or a tail.”

“I heard he breathes fire. Was that nonsense?”

Horns and tails, breathing fire—he sounded like some kind of demon.

“Don’t talk nonsense. Do you know how many lives he’s saved?”

“That’s right. If not for the Black Knight, we’d all be dead.”

Among the travelers, there seemed to be people from the late Baron Volano’s territory.

“Heheh.”

Rene smiled pleasantly, having heard a story of advocacy.

Jillian, too, had a warm smile on her face.

The carriage began to move again.

Yoo Seong, leaning out the window, looked back at those bowing in respect toward the carriage.

Among them were some familiar faces.

Some of the hundreds of people he had saved while traveling through the Volano Barony with Rene.

Seeing them praying for him, Yoo Seong felt both relieved and slightly shy. He turned his head back, and Rene, as if understanding why he was making such an expression, smiled like a cat.

As a city developed through trade between the Volano Barony and the Artois County, Lucien was quite large.

Houses were densely packed along both sides of the well-paved central road. Inside the city walls alone, the number of houses seemed to easily exceed hundreds.

‘Its population is probably more than double that of Lothian.’

As always, but especially in this era, population was synonymous with national power.

The more people, the more abundant the labor force and the greater the number of soldiers that could be drafted.

This was why, when the Volvo Barony fell, Count Carian, who initially didn’t accept refugees, quickly absorbed them as soon as stability was achieved.

Though Volano was also quite a developed city, by the time Yoo Seong visited it, it had already fallen into ruin. For Yoo Seong, this was his first visit to a flourishing commercial city.

‘The smell is unavoidable.’

Perhaps it was a natural problem in a place with so many people.

Still, the closer he got to the inner city, the less offensive the odor became.

“Welcome, Black Knight of Lothian. I am Hexen, the mayor of Lushen.”

As soon as they reached the entrance to the inner city and stepped out of the carriage, a middle-aged man with a polite demeanor greeted them with a smile.

The Black Knight of Lothian.

Even the mayor, who was responsible for an entire city, called him that because Yoo Seong didn’t have an official title to be addressed by.

Yoo Seong had inherited Lothian and the entire Latus Barony from Baron Latus and had gained some recognition from neighboring lords, but he was not officially acknowledged by the Silatein Royal Family.

In other words, Yoo Seong was not yet a formal baron.

Thus, his nickname, the Black Knight of Lothian, was used in place of an official title.

“Thank you for the warm welcome. This is my mage, Lady Rene Baltois, and the High Priest of the Omphalos Order, Sir Jillian.”

When Yoo Seong introduced the two, Hexen once again greeted them with a friendly smile.

“Count Carian is expected to arrive the day after tomorrow for the meeting. You must be weary from your travels, so I will guide you to your accommodations right away.”

It seemed Yoo Seong’s party had arrived first.

Since the meeting was scheduled for the day after tomorrow, it was likely that the other lords would gather by tomorrow.

“Thank you.”

As befitting a large city, the guest quarters were splendid.

Rene, Jillian, and Ruan each received rooms near Yoo Seong’s, and all of them were excellent.

After settling in and resting for several hours, the group shared the information they had gathered during a dinner with Mayor Hexen.

“It seems certain that the entire kingdom is under attack. Particularly, the south appears to be facing heavier offensives than the west.”

“It seems to be the same in other kingdoms. Though still rumors, there are stories of a prince from the Kingdom of Basil falling in battle after leading a campaign. There are also reports of large-scale monster attacks in the northern part of the empire, throwing it into chaos.”

Thanks to Yoo Seong’s strong defense of the west, the situation hadn’t escalated there. However, if Lothian had fallen to the Kobold Prince or the trolls had regrouped and advanced with the goblins, the west could have been in turmoil as well.

“There are rumors that His Majesty the King has fallen ill. Judging by the royal family’s disorganized and inadequate responses, the rumors seem likely to be true.”

Following Jillian and Rene, Ruan shared the information he had brought.

The story came from merchants who had traveled down from the capital where the royal palace was, and the details seemed credible.

“Well, I have a slightly different story…Apparently, there have been minor earthquakes near Lushen recently.”

“Earthquakes?”

“Yes, they were brief and barely noticeable, but there were reportedly one or two incidents in the past week.”

Robin, who had hesitantly brought up the topic, explained the details she had heard as Yoo Seong showed interest.

It was at that moment.

There was a knock, followed by the voice of an attendant outside the door.

“Black Knight, Baron Varian has come to see you.”

Baron Varian.

A trusted confidant of Count Baltois, close enough to be like brothers.

Surprised by the unexpected visit, Yoo Seong exchanged glances with Rene before addressing the door.

“Let him in.”

The large guest quarters were divided into separate areas for the sitting room and bedroom, so the door didn’t immediately reveal the sleeping quarters.

As Yoo Seong adjusted his outfit and stood, the door opened to reveal a towering man entering the room.

Nearly two meters tall, with broad shoulders and a face hardened with a beard that resembled a rock, the man’s imposing figure was matched by his deep-set eyes.

Accompanied by only one escort knight, Baron Varian looked directly at Yoo Seong, slightly furrowing his brows as he spoke.

“So, you’re the Black Knight of Lothian?”

Since both Yoo Seong and Varian were barons, they were of equal rank. However, as Varian was older, Yoo Seong respectfully replied.

“Yes, I am Cheon Yoo Seong.”

His foreign appearance and unique name, unheard of in the region, didn’t seem to interest Baron Varian, who stared at Yoo Seong intently for a long time. Yoo Seong met his gaze unflinchingly.

After nearly a minute, just as Yoo Seong considered breaking the silence, Baron Varian suddenly smiled broadly.

“Good, you pass!”

“Pardon?”

To Yoo Seong’s bewildered response, Baron Varian chuckled heartily and said:

“Haha, the rumors weren’t lies. You’ve got guts, and I like that. Most people shrink under my glare. Anyway, when are you planning to marry our Rene?”

“Pardon, what?”

At first, it seemed like he was praising him, but the latter part of the statement caught him off guard.

When Yoo Seong stammered, Baron Varian, looking equally confused, asked:

“What? You haven’t already held the ceremony? Or spent your first night together? Don’t tell me there’s already a child—”

“Uncle! What are you even saying?”

Rene, her face bright red, grabbed Baron Varian’s arm and shouted. However, Baron Varian remained unshaken, instead pulling Rene closer as he continued:

“You’re not getting married? But your letters were full of praises about how dashing, handsome, and kind the Black Knight is—”

“Excuse me, successor, I need to have a quick word with my uncle. Is that okay? Yes?”

“Uh, sure.”

When Yoo Seong gave a bewildered answer, Rene quickly dragged Baron Varian out of the room while shouting:

“Quickly, Uncle! Let’s go!”

“Haha, no need to be so shy.”

“Uncle!”

Her cries, almost like screams, faded as Baron Varian laughed heartily and left. His escort knight, who had been quietly smiling, followed him out.

Robin, hesitating for a moment, spoke up.

“I, um, will follow them for now.”

“Uh, okay.”

As Robin hurriedly left, only Yoo Seong, Jillian, and Ruan remained in the room. The three exchanged awkward smiles before Jillian cleared his throat and spoke:

“Well then, successor. We’ll take our leave as well.”

“Yes, have a good rest.”

“Goodnight.”

Once Jillian and Ruan had left, Yoo Seong sat down, covering his mouth with his hand as a smile crept up at the thought of Rene’s letters.

After about ten minutes, Rene returned, her face and neck completely flushed, bowing deeply.

“I’m sorry, successor. My uncle can be…a bit much…”

“Well, uh…Do you want to sit for a bit?”

At Yoo Seong’s suggestion, Rene flinched momentarily but then shook her head.

“No, um, I think I’ll head back for now. Goodnight, successor.”

“Alright, sleep well, Rene.”

“Yes, successor.”

After Rene left, Yoo Seong sat alone, his slightly flushed face breaking into a smile.

‘Baron Varian, huh…’

He was a bit different from what Yoo Seong had imagined, but not in a bad way. Perhaps even better.

‘I’m curious about what Rene wrote in her letters.’

Scratching his cheek, Yoo Seong dismissed his idle thoughts and lay on the bed.

The next morning all the lords participating in the meeting arrived in Lushen.