Chapter 223

Chapter 223

The next day, Baek Mu-Gun prepared for his journey to Count Stonias fief, which was near Venatias. When he headed out of his residence afterward, he found the Golden Lion Order lined up and waiting for him.

Greetings, Lord Argon. Schwartz put his hand on his chest and bowed.

Please raise your head.

Thank you.

As instructed, Schwartz and the Golden Lion Knights straightened up. The Golden Lion Knights looked at Mu-Gun like he was their idol. Witnessing his formidable power last night seemed to have made them admire him.

Feeling weighed down by the knights gazes, Mu-Gun cleared his throat and asked Schwartz, Why are you all here?

Please allow us to come with you, my lord.

You want to join me?

Yes. Please let us help you.

I appreciate how you feel, but I honestly do not need your help. On the contrary, you all will only hinder me on my journey, Mu-Gun bluntly replied.

We are well aware that we are not strong enough, but as a knight tasked to protect the kingdom and its citizens, it would be a dereliction of duty to do nothing. We want to avenge our brothers that the Wolfkans killed, so please allow us to join you. Schwartz looked determined to do whatever it took to go with Mu-Gun.

I cannot guarantee your safety when my battle against the Wolfkans starts, Mu-Gun warned.

We are all knights. We protect ourselves, not rely on others to protect us. Thats why even if you do not keep us safe, we will not resent you at all, so you shouldnt resent yourself either, Lord Argon.

Do you all feel the same?

Yes, my lord, the knights answered in unison.

Have you gotten Fathers permission?

I have.

Fine. Come with me.

Thank you.

We will depart right away.

Mu-Gun and the Golden Lion Order headed to the central hall of the Venatia Castle, where a portal was installed.

The Pantheon Kingdom had four Counts serving under the King, each one occupying a cardinal direction of the Royal Capital to serve as its final stronghold. It had Count Venetias fief to its north and Count Stonias to its west.

Even with horses, it would take more than five days of nonstop traveling to reach Count Stonias territory. At the speed the Wolfkans were advancing, their invasion in the south would likely begin tonight. If Mu-Gun and the Golden Lion Order arrived later than that, they would have problems stopping the monsters. If they traveled on horseback, the fief would already be gone by the time they arrived.

They were not worried at all, however. After all, they had a portal that allowed them to freely move to and from its starting and target coordinates. It worked the same way as the dimensional door that Mu-Gun used to cross over from the Central Plains to Avalon.

Portals connected the four fiefdoms surrounding the Royal Capital, allowing them to immediately reach any of them whenever needed. However, the portals required Mana Hearts, considerable magic knowledge, and at least a Fifth Circle Mage to operate it properly. That was why House Venatia put Head Wizard Alcain in charge of it.

Ready?

Yes.

Since the portal had to be simultaneously operated from both ends for it to open, Alcain used communication magic to request cooperation with the Head Wizard of House Stonia, who willingly agreed.

Who knows? I would not dare put words in Gods mouth. I just follow their commands as their representative, Mu-Gun nonchalantly replied.

I take it you can stop the Wolfkans invasion, then? Count Henrik asked.

I killed all the Wolfkans that tried to harm House Venatia last night. I left not a single one alive. Those invading your territory will suffer the same fate.

Count Henrik nodded.

As the head of House Stonia, I would like to begin by expressing my sincerest gratitude for your kindness, which has compelled you to come all the way here to save us from the Wolfkans threat. If we can help you in any way, please do not hesitate to tell me. We will support you with everything at our disposal.

I do not really require anything. However, the battle would be much easier if the Crimson Rose Order fought with us, Mu-Gun requested.

That goes without saying, isnt that right, Harold? Count Henrik asked Harold, the commander of the Crimson Rose Order.

Of course, Your Excellency. The Crimson Rose Order will put our lives on the line to protect Stonia, Harold replied, resolve in his voice.

Do you need anything else?

I would like to get some rest before the Wolfkans invasion begins.

I see. Isaac. Guide Lord Argon to the guest hall and see to it that he gets some rest. Make sure he does not feel any discomfort during his stay with us.

Understood, Isaac heeded Count Henriks orders with a dissatisfied expression. Come with me. I will take you to the guest hall.

Then, I will take my leave now, Mu-Gun bid the count farewell, then followed Isaac to the guest hall, where the Golden Lion Order was already waiting.

Isaac did not say anything to Mu-Gun as they walked, feeling furious and unfairly treated because God chose Mu-Gun instead of not him.

Mu-Gun easily guessed what Isaac was thinking. He thought of picking on him by pretending not to know, but there was no need to cause any strife. Hence, he simply followed him in silence.

Were here. Make yourself comfortable, Isaac said, then immediately left.

Mu-Gun chuckled at his childish behavior. He entered the guest hall.

The Golden Lion Knights who had already gotten themselves comfortable got up as soon as they saw Mu-Gun and greeted him courteously.

Its fine. Please relax. Mu-Gun waved his hands, asking them to be at ease.

Schwartz approached Mu-Gun. How was your meeting with Count Stonia?

It went well. The Crimson Rose Order will be joining us on the battlefield tonight. For now, just get some rest.

Understood.

Also, Sir Schwartz[1], I would like to speak to you in private.

In private?

Yes. This way, please.

Understood.

Mu-Gun and Schwartz entered a room in the guest hall.

1. Mu-Gun is referring to Schwartz formally, calling him Sir as he is a Knight.