Chapter 116 Even in the face of violent storms, Thunder City remains calm

In the wealthy area of ​​Thunder City, the Andes family's manor, there is a busy bustle of traffic in front of the towering marble gate.

The elegant gentleman and the graceful lady walked towards the carriage under the guidance of waiters in tuxedos, and walked on the dozens of meters long red carpet to the magnificent mansion.

There was a hustle and bustle outside the manor, and inside the manor it was already bustling with people and the scene was in full swing.

Magnificent murals cover every wall of the banquet hall, and colorful jewels and legendary treasures from all over the world are displayed under the marble columns engraved with reliefs.

Among them are lizard skins from the New World, demon horns from the depths of hell, jewelry made by elven craftsmen, and marble sculptures polished by dwarf sculptors... The decoration here is extremely luxurious and solemn, just like the royal palace of the Kingdom of Llane.

The gorgeous candlelight, accompanied by the melodious music, refracted dazzling light through the magical crystal chandelier.

The light shone on the guests who were well-dressed and elegant, making their rosy faces look even more radiant and sparkling.

What is surprising is that the owner of this "palace" is actually just a lord of the kingdom.

Standing on the edge of the dance floor in the banquet hall, Edward Campbell couldn't help but feel emotional.

No wonder my father wants to raise the business tax in Thunder City. These citizens are really too rich...

He is the eldest son of Grand Duke Campbell, heir to the duchy, and the undisputed protagonist of the banquet.

Just as the future Grand Duke was thinking this, Jan Andes, holding a glass of wine, walked gracefully to Edward's side, greeted him politely, and clinked glasses with the latter.

"Your Highness, are you satisfied with the banquet prepared for you?"

The purpose of this party was nominally to celebrate the full-month birthday of Edward's youngest son, but in fact everyone knew that the purpose of this party was far more than that.

The old duke's failing health was an open secret in the upper classes of the Duchy of Campbell, and the rumor had been circulating since the end of the triumphal ceremony that day.

According to the tradition of primogeniture in the Kingdom of Lane, the title of Grand Duke of the Duchy of Campbell will be inherited in full by Aaron Campbell's eldest son, Edward Campbell.

The purpose of holding a banquet at this time was, on the one hand, to allow the future monarch to meet his vassals, and on the other hand, to allow the vassals to see the face of the future lord.

The reason why Edward was standing here was actually because of the old duke's instructions.

The only variable was that the banquet was originally scheduled to be held in the Governor's Palace, but the Andes family suddenly came to the door and offered to bear all the expenses of the banquet, and even donated their newly built manor that they had not yet had time to live in.

Since the banquet was for nobles from the entire principality and even neighboring regions, the cost of the banquet was not small.

Someone was willing to take the initiative to bear the expenses of the banquet, and Edward Campbell gladly accepted the Andes family's hospitality.

In addition to saving the cost of the banquet, he also planned to take the initiative to establish a good relationship with this wealthy family.

Even Governor Wilson advised him not to get too close to these businessmen, but to keep a proper distance.

But Edward had his own ideas.

As a brave man who defeated the Demon King, it was impossible for him to surpass his father in military achievements. The only way for future generations to remember his name was to seize this hard-earned peace and develop the territory of the Principality of Campbell into the most prosperous territory along the Whirlpool Sea.

The Andes family made a fortune in colonial trade, and it was clear that none of the nobles present knew how to run a territory better than they did.

Since they chose him, Edward felt that they should have seen that he had the potential to become a wise ruler.

He decided to continue to develop his strengths.

Facing the courtesy of the head of the Andes family, Edward responded elegantly yet with dignity.

"…You are so thoughtful, Sir Andes. This banquet is simply amazing, but it must have cost a lot of money."

Jan Andes smiled slightly and spoke calmly.

"It's just a small amount of money. It's an honor for our Andes family to entertain such a distinguished lord as you."

"Small money?" Edward raised his eyebrows slightly and said with a smile, "Such a luxurious specification, I dare say, this is not something that ordinary nobles can afford... Tell me honestly, so that I can have an idea in my mind, otherwise I really can't rest assured."

"Well, please excuse my intrusion..." Yang Andes looked towards the gate in the distance and said with a smile, "I don't know the exact number, it's mainly the servants who are in charge, but if I were to estimate, it should be five million Austrian silver."

Five million Austrian silver! Hearing this number, Edward took a deep breath in his heart.

Even for him, the heir to the principality, this amount of money is a considerable sum, more than enough to arm an army of 5,000 people!

You know, this is not the value of assets, but real silver coins! How can a family of citizen origin make so much money? ! Edward felt both envious and a little uneasy.

Perhaps he and his family have always underestimated the power of these businessmen.

But even though he was frightened, Edward still had a relaxed expression on his face and said what was in his heart in a joking tone.

"Five million... Honestly, you scared me. It's just a banquet. Is it worth spending so much money?"

"It depends on who it is for," Yan Andes said with a smile, "If it is for your Majesty, I think any additional investment is worth it."

The word "Your Majesty" made Edward's mouth curl up.

Although he quickly set his face straight, the change in his micro-expression still did not escape Yan Andes's eyes.

"For the sake of our friendship, I forgive your rudeness... My father is still alive, and he is the lord of the entire duchy."

"I am sorry for the intrusion," said Jan Andes, nodding respectfully.

Honestly speaking, Edward's feelings towards his father were quite complicated. On the one hand, he had lived under the glory of his father since he was a child and worshipped the great Chosen One from the bottom of his heart. However, on the other hand, he was unwilling to live under his wings forever.

He longed to do something worth remembering! This was impossible when his father was still alive.

Therefore, he was sometimes confused. When facing his bedridden father, was there more sadness or joy in his heart?

In order to prevent others from seeing through his inner hesitation, Edward turned his gaze away from the upstart who was stained with the smell of money and looked around at the guests present.

At this moment, a baron standing not far from the dance floor caught his attention.

The man was wearing a dark blue suit with gold edges. The fluffy outline covered his bloated beer belly, and his mustache was slightly raised, which was very much like the aesthetic of country aristocrats.

But what was noticeable was not his expensive yet rustic suit, nor his signature beard, but the white silk on his legs.

The thing looked like pants, but also like seamless stockings, so much so that Edward stared at it for a long time and couldn't guess what it was.

It was obviously not just Edward who noticed the strange clothes. Even Sir Andes who was standing nearby cast a surprised look at the man.

How strange.

There are actually treasures in this world that he has never seen.

"Oh my God, what is that?" A lady in a long dress couldn't help but exclaim softly, her eyes never leaving the baron's legs.

She knew it wasn't nice to stare at someone's legs like that, but it was just too weird.

Every time she wanted to look away, she couldn't help but take another look.

"I heard him say that he got it from a merchant from the colonies. It's called silk stockings, and they've just become popular in the imperial court." A man in a red off-shoulder robe and riding boots answered in a low voice. His rough and powerful voice was half disbelief and half envy and jealousy.

He is also a noble of Leiming County, and even a baron. Why doesn't such a treasure appear in his territory? It seems that he needs to patrol his territory more often and check the wardrobes of his subjects regularly! "Such a close-fitting fabric can actually show such beautiful leg lines... This, this is simply a work of art!" Another young noble not far away couldn't help but sigh, with obvious admiration and appreciation in his eyes.

Baron Gus held his chin high, enjoying the admiring looks of the people around him. His expression was exactly the same as that of the big goose in the pond in his backyard.

The nobles present were truly impressed by his performance.

Everyone claimed to be noble people, but they had never seen such a novel thing.

Even a lazy guy can show off his leg muscles, and when paired with an inverted triangle top and a wide shoulder collar, anyone can look like a well-trained warrior.

Edward couldn't help but wonder what that thing would look like on his legs.

Um.

I'll find out where this guy got this thing from later.

Recently, he was planning to form another order of knights that would be completely loyal to him as a check and balance on the Order of the Trident.

If all the knights of this order wore this thing, it would undoubtedly show his majesty! Sir Andes had been observing Edward's expression and keenly caught his interest in the new thing, but he didn't show it too obviously because of his status.

Thinking of this, he immediately said with a smile on his face.

"I recognize that gentleman. He is the baron of Thunder County, named Victor Gus. I met him once at the banquet held by the Governor before."

"Then do you know where that novel outfit came from?" Edward seemed to realize that it was a bit inappropriate to ask this question, and added, "I'm just curious... There are things in my territory that I haven't seen before."

Sir Andes said with a smile.

"Excuse me for being frank, I have never seen such a novel thing, but I can help you find out... in my name."

Edward smiled approvingly and nodded.

This is the best.

As the eldest son of the Grand Duke of Campbell, it was not appropriate for him to show excessive interest in such fancy decorations, and it would be inappropriate for a duke to get close to a baron.

It would be most appropriate to let Sir Andes go.

Although he was very rich, his title was only the lowest level of lordship without feudal estate.

"I'll wait for your news."

"I am happy to serve you, my lord." Sir Andes bowed slightly and then walked towards the banquet hall.

As Sir Andes entered the center of the banquet hall, he immediately replaced Baron Gus and became the focus of the entire venue.

Including Baron Gus himself, everyone couldn't help but reveal an expression of flattery on their faces... although they quickly returned to normal.

This may be the power of money.

As a noble in the vicinity of Thunder City, no one knows the strength of the Andes Family better than him. It is no exaggeration to say that they are the uncrowned kings of Thunder City.

Standing in front of this nobleman, all Baron Gus could offer was his aristocratic pride and the feudal estates passed down from his ancestors.

And all of those things combined may not be as valuable as a ring on the finger of this uncrowned king...

Edward, who was standing not far away and watching, couldn't help but smile as he watched Baron Gus trying to act superior but unable to help but please Sir Andes.

He admired the knight more and more.

Both the latter's strength and elegance.

If he could have the help of this wise minister, the Duchy of Campbell would surely have a bright future, and his position as Grand Duke would be as solid as a mountain.

Speaking of which, the title of Sir Andes seemed to be bestowed by the Kingdom of Ryan.

It would be better to find an opportunity to give him the title of baron and turn him into your vassal completely.

Just as the future Grand Duke of the Duchy of Campbell was thinking this, a dusty knight walked in from the back door led by the butler.

Seeing the inquiring expression on Edward's face, the old butler said with fear and trepidation.

"Your Highness... This knight must see you, so I can only bring him here."

"I am Charles, a knight of the Order of the Trident."

Charles said respectfully with a solemn chivalric salute.

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"Your Highness, I have something important to report to you. May I take up a little of your precious time?"

Edward did not recognize the knight, but he recognized the emblem of the Order of the Trident.

"Is it inconvenient to talk here?"

Charles shook his head and said seriously.

"This concerns the honor of the Campbell family and the safety of Thunder City. I don't think it would be convenient to let a third person know."

Edward looked at the butler beside him.

"Take us to the lounge."

The butler immediately bowed and said.

"Yes, sir."

After saying that, he walked ahead and took the two of them to an empty room next to the banquet hall, then considerately closed the door.

Edward took out his pocket watch and checked the time, then looked at the dusty knight and said.

"There's no one else here, you can speak now."

"It's about the Miranda incident that Grand Duke Campbell had previously commissioned Knight Commander Mel to investigate. According to our investigation, we finally found that the incident was related to the corruption of Chaos..."

Looking at the eldest son of the Grand Duke with a look of astonishment on his face, Charles took a deep breath and continued in a heavy tone.

"While investigating this incident, Knight Commander Mel was unfortunately corrupted by Chaos... Vice Captain Verne and the remaining 37 knights have been killed."

He originally planned to report this matter directly to Grand Duke Campbell, but Alex said that the Grand Duke's eldest son Edward was in Thunder City recently, and it would be more appropriate to report to that person.

Alex didn't say why, but he strongly suggested that he do so.

Considering that Alex was the second son of Earl Spinore and knew much more about aristocratic affairs than himself, Charles finally came here with a skeptical attitude.

At worst he can report it twice.

It was a pity that he didn't even have a decent dress, and he almost had a conflict with the guards when he came here, so he could only come in through the back door of the banquet hall.

After listening to Charles' report, Edward was stunned at first, then there was a long silence, and finally he sighed softly.

"Knight Commander Meier... My father always had high hopes for him. I am very sorry for his death."

Having said that, he paused for a moment and continued.

"But you and I both know that now is not the time to be sad. The corruption of Chaos is approaching, and I am worried that our world will soon face a greater threat, even one that will far exceed everything Hell has done to us..."

Charles always felt that he was not very worried, and he became more and more doubtful about whether he should be here today.

However, at this moment, His Royal Highness Edward, who was standing in front of him, changed the subject and solemnly placed his right hand on his shoulder.

"Mr. Charles, you are the only person I know who has fought against Chaos and successfully defeated it. I believe you must be blessed by Saint Sith."

Charles said humbly, lowering his head.

"I don't deserve it. I did get the blessing of Saint Sis, but that's for later—"

"It doesn't matter whether it was before or after. I believe you are the one chosen by Saint Sith... In addition, I am very happy that you thought of reporting this to me at the first time."

Edward looked at him approvingly and continued.

"Tomorrow I will return to Fort Campbell to personally report the situation here to my father. As for you, I hope you will stay here and take over the job of Knight Commander Meier."

"But I—"

"From now on, you are the branch leader of the Campbell Knights. The official appointment letter will be delivered to you later... But my requirements for you are more than that. This chaos crisis has exposed our internal flaws. When the corruption comes from within the Knights, we are helpless. I hope you can make up for this flaw for me."

Looking at those flattered eyes, Edward patted Charles' shoulder hard, then took his hand back and expressed his thoughts.

"I plan to promote a group of loyal and reliable young men from within the Trident Knights, and then recruit some talents with special experience from adventurers to form a separate special force dedicated to dealing with chaos crises."

"On the one hand, it will monitor the corruption spreading in Thundershire, and on the other hand, it will keep a close eye on our interior to prevent our fortress from collapsing from within—"

"This unit will be temporarily stationed in Thunder City and will be directly responsible to me... Let's call it 'Demon Hunters' for now."

"As the only commander with experience in fighting Chaos, I hope you will serve as the leader of this group of 'demon hunters'."

His Royal Highness Edward's voice made Charles freeze in place.

He had no doubt that the eldest son of the Grand Duke could accomplish this task, but he did not expect that such an important matter could be decided in just a few words.

His Royal Highness Edward seemed very anxious and couldn't wait to achieve some results immediately.

Charles' intuition told him that this was not a good idea, but from his point of view he had no reason to refute it, and His Royal Highness Edward had no intention of asking for his opinion.

What shocked Charles even more was another thing——

All this seemed to be the same as what the Demon King said, and he was indeed highly valued by the Campbell family... Although at this moment he was still some distance away from being the top military official in Thunder County, seeing His Royal Highness Edward's expectations for this new force, this distance did not seem to be as far as he imagined, and might even be within reach.

That man guessed every move of the Campbell family, as if everything was under his control and going as planned.

A chill ran down Charles' spine.

For some reason, he always felt that the corrosion from Hell would reach here before the corrosion from Chaos.

What was even more terrifying was that he could clearly feel himself being deeply corroded, but he could not see where the signs of corrosion were.

From the tacit understanding between the Glorious War and the Safe Zone to the appointment by His Royal Highness Edward... everything he encountered was something he could not refuse.

Taking a deep breath, Charles said seriously.

"Thank you for your trust... I will definitely not let you down."

Edward gave the loyal knight an appreciative look and spoke encouragingly.

"I'm looking forward to your performance... By the way, this is a rare opportunity, so don't leave so quickly. Why don't you walk around the banquet and make yourself familiar with other people here?"

Charles said awkwardly.

"But I'm afraid my clothes will embarrass you."

"It's no big deal, just change it." Edward laughed and clapped his hands to call in the butler who was waiting at the door.

Then he ordered.

"Take Mr. Charles to change into a suitable suit. He is my guest, please treat him well."

"As you command, Your Highness," the elderly butler looked at Charles and said respectfully, "Master Charles, please follow me."

Faced with His Royal Highness Edward's enthusiasm, Charles was too embarrassed to refuse and could only follow the butler.

In comparison, he still preferred the banquet last night...

Of course, this doesn't mean that he prefers the Demon King's style, it's just that he doesn't need to act pretentiously in front of the enemy.

Charles shook his head vigorously, trying to drive out the blasphemous thoughts and the corruption of hell that had inexplicably emerged from his mind.

However, at this moment, he suddenly caught a glimpse of a figure out of the corner of his eye.

The man was wearing a blue suit with gold edges, and he looked like a proud rooster with his chest and head held high.

What was interesting was not his condescending expression, but the two legs under the bloated dress. When Charles saw it, he couldn't take his eyes off it.

Unlike other guests in the banquet hall, he was not moved by envy or jealousy, but simply felt that the person looked familiar.

I feel like I saw something similar on a demon not long ago. "…Is this an illusion?"

Charles slowed down his pace unconsciously and watched the nobleman walk away, muttering something to himself.

It must be an illusion.

It was a very foggy day, and the light on the battlefield was dim, so it was not surprising if I saw it wrong. After all, the corruption of Hell would not have spread here so quickly...

Shortly after Charles followed the butler out of the corridor, Baron Gus, who passed by him, snorted softly.

Someone actually came to attend the future Grand Duke's banquet wearing armor.

"How vulgar!"

(End of this chapter)