LIGHTNOVELONLINE Chapter 110
Chapter 110: Noble Duty (2)
“Young Master.”
“What is it? Were you waiting for me?”
“You tend to come around this time, so I timed my arrival accordingly.”
“Impressive.”
“As your secretary, this is just basic.”
“Oh, right.”
Kurt replied calmly. Martin almost retorted but shook his head instead.
He knew Kurt was efficient, yet at times like this, he found it a bit unsettling.
“Anyway, what brings you here this early?”
“I came to report. The leaders of the three main factions in the capital, including the First Prince, have all entered the dungeon.”
“I didn’t expect them to go on the first day of the new year. Must have been urgent.”
“It couldn’t be helped. The dissatisfaction of citizens in Raize City and the western regions has been mounting. To appease the public, they need to show active efforts in subduing the monsters.”
“Ah, now that I think about it, they were out on the front lines, weren’t they?”
“Yes.”
From the Third Circle on, magicians are recognized as official mages. As soon as the capital was threatened, Kurt was drafted to the front.
However, it didn’t seem like a pleasant memory; his expression showed clear distaste.
“Honestly, thinking back on it still makes my blood boil. There’s never been such a mess.”
“I heard the three factions clashed over command, failing to coordinate properly. They ended up fighting separately, which only increased the casualties. Is that right?”
“That’s correct. The commanders often squabbled, each trying to earn credit for themselves.”
“Sounds like a real disaster.”
“The worst part was the lack of proper support, including supplies. This naturally lowered the morale of the soldiers, and as the defense line crumbled, the damage grew worse.”
“At that point, a revolt wouldn’t be surprising, would it?”
“Actually, there were a few. They were suppressed harshly, though, so no one died, though there were many injured.”
“The media? Though I think I already know the answer.”
“As you’d guess, they turned a blind eye to the truth. Fortunately, the First Princess managed to pacify the people enough to prevent an outright uprising.”
“Tsk.”
Martin clicked his tongue lightly.
Unperturbed, Kurt continued.
“Aside from the sentiments of the capital’s citizens, both the First Princess and Second Prince need to achieve something significant this time.”
“Indeed. The First Prince has already etched an image in the people’s minds as the one who resolved the monster wave, so for the First Princess and the Second Prince, gaining renown through achievements in the dungeon is their only option. Though it won’t be easy.”
“The difference in skill is quite clear.”
“Exactly.”
Unlike the First Prince, who reached the Seventh Circle, the Second Prince and First Princess remained in the Sixth.
While impressive for their age, the problem was that their competitor had progressed too far ahead.
No matter how hard they tried, it wouldn’t be easy to close that gap.
“How are the Klaus and Ferdinand families faring? I imagine they aren’t entirely unscathed, even if it’s not as bad as the capital.”
“Just as you guessed, both family heads have publicly declared their intent to break records on the dungeon’s lowest levels.”
“That’s quite daunting. The Tenth Circle is more than capable of such a feat.”
The current record stands at 69 floors, achieved by Heinz Schwarzenbeck, the Crimson Reaper.
Though there were stronger individuals on the continent, their high ranks kept them from leaving their posts for extended periods, making record-breaking a rare occurrence.
“But this time is different. There’s more to gain than just public approval, isn’t there?”
“The Klaus family head desires independence and thus must prove his greatness.”
“The Ferdinand family head, aiming to devour the other three noble families, needs to display his strength far and wide. Honestly, I think stepping down from the family head position was the right choice.”
After the establishment of the Fairy Cradle and the Dwarven Iron Citadel, there was public support for Martin to ascend as head of the family. Some vassals even directly requested it.
Yet he refused.
“If I had taken the family head position, I’d constantly be compared to the other two family heads.”
“I agree. At the level of the three great noble families, age becomes irrelevant. They’ll always draw comparisons, and any shortcoming would lead to criticism.”
“I think the same. It’s not that I don’t want the family head position, but giving people reason to find fault with me while lacking sufficient power is unnecessary.”
The true priority was real power, which he undoubtedly wielded. There was no need to strain for the family head position at the risk of jeopardizing his control.
“Once I reach around the Ninth Circle, I won’t be disrespected as the head of the three noble families. Until then, staying quietly as the young master suits me.”
“A wise decision.”
“Thank you. So, are we done with the report?”
“One last item. The head of the Bitenfeld family has expressed a desire to join you in the dungeon.”
“Why? Isn’t this the time to display their authority as the family head?”
Martin voiced his doubt.
Even as a branch, the head was still the head. Displaying authority would mean going down personally; why follow him?
“The Bitenfeld family head responded, saying that while she technically became head due to circumstances, she’s only a Fifth Circle. She would rather go down with you and reach the lowest possible level than show weakness by being a hindrance to her vassals.”
“Her situation is similar to mine.”
At the Fifth Circle, she would be respected in most places.
However, in the noble Adalbert family, where branch heads like Vincent and Wilhelm are powerhouses, Adel would inevitably face comparisons.
For her, going down with him was a safer option.
“Well, no issue there. I haven’t found anyone else to accompany me besides Sien.”
“Then I’ll convey to the main house to have her join you by this afternoon.”
“Do that. I’ll rest for a bit.”
“Understood.”
With that, Kurt bowed. Martin nodded and headed to his room.
A thought passed through his mind.
About Sien and Adel’s relationship.
“I remember one always teased the other for getting ahead first.”
The two were essentially equals in talent. Constantly challenging each other, they inspired each other to ascend to greater heights.
The problem was the commotion that arose from it.
“Well, I’m sure it’ll work out.”
Everyone knew they were rival friends. He figured they’d handle it themselves, choosing not to dwell on it further.
“Even if I go down into the dungeon, for now, let’s get some sleep.”
Once he descends, sleeping in a bed would be a luxury. So, he decided to rest as much as possible today.
—
Jurgen Ferdinand found the current situation fascinating.
“For a member of the Ferdinand family, it’s a first. Not only did I enter the dungeon through Varehain, but I’ve reached the 50th floor.”
The three great noble families and the imperial household generally used only their own areas of the dungeon for access. With strong rivalries and the risk of confrontation, they preferred not to tread on each other’s turf.
So, while Jurgen had been to Varehain City several times, this was his first time entering the dungeon.
Of course, it wasn’t easy.
He had to use a polymorph artifact to alter his face and build, and a mana drain artifact to constantly reduce his presence.
“I avoided even approaching the Adalbert estate.”
No matter how cautious he was, he couldn’t guarantee he’d deceive an Eighth Circle’s senses entirely, so he proceeded with utmost caution.
Fortunately, he managed to reach the desired floor without issue.
“Graaaah!”
A menacing growl made Jurgen glance sideways.
There stood a large monster.
Its body and face resembled a lion, but its hide was flame-red. Muscles bulged out like iron plating, with each claw as sharp as a blade. Its back was covered with long spikes, and its tail was a scorpion-like stinger.
The Manticore.
A monster lord guarding the 50th floor, considered the mightiest among non-dragon monsters.
“Graaaah!”
The Manticore roared, but its eyes held a hint of wariness.
It sensed instinctively that this opponent wasn’t easy prey.
In contrast, Jurgen nodded in satisfaction.
“A suitable specimen for testing.”
With a firm grip on his greatsword, his right hand surged with power.
A violet aura blade enveloped the sword, vibrating fiercely, resonating with both the blade and aura.
Wave Dominion.
A unique ability exclusive to the direct lineage of the Ferdinand family.
“Graaaah!”
Sensing something amiss, the Manticore lunged with a frenzy.
Jurgen swung his sword, sending a violet slash toward his opponent.
Crack!
Flesh tore, and bones shattered with an eerie sound.
The Manticore rolled on the ground, deeply slashed from shoulder to torso.
Approaching leisurely, Jurgen held a syringe in his left hand filled with a glowing blue liquid.
“Consider it an honor. Among monster lords, you’re the first to receive this power.”
Without hesitation, he plunged the syringe into the Manticore’s wound.
The blue liquid seeped into the beast’s body, emitting a dazzling light as soon as it entered.
As it absorbed the liquid, the Manticore’s wounds healed quickly, its size growing, and its mana rising at a terrifying rate.
But it wasn’t merely enhanced.
Its eyes lost all reason, replaced by pure madness and rage.
“Graaaaaaah!”
The creature stood up and roared again.
Jurgen watched with satisfaction
.
The berserk experiment had succeeded.
Now, only one thing remained—to verify if this could artificially trigger last year’s monster wave disaster.
“This time, I can’t help but agree with the prince’s words.”
The Ferdinand family, the Klaus family, and the Altarian royal family all suffered greatly from the monster wave.
In contrast, the Adalbert family emerged unscathed.
How could such injustice be tolerated?
Boom!
The berserk Manticore, driven mad, kicked off the ground, heading for higher floors and eventually, the surface.
“I hope this helps you understand our pain, Martin Adalbert.”
With those words, the Ferdinand family’s young master departed.