Chapter 89
When Kali spoke, Zeke showed a surprised expression.
“You mean the deal between Abel and the Empire?”
She nodded.
“Yes. We received intelligence. It seems Abel is making a big deal with the Empire. I’m not sure exactly what kind of deal it is, but it appears to be related to the card they’ll present to the elders to obtain the Guardian Knight position.”
After hearing Kali’s words, Zeke asked.
“Is it alright to entrust such an important mission to me?”
“Abel is already on high alert regarding our faction. If any of us slip out, they might cancel the deal immediately. However, it’s difficult to entrust such an important task to an ordinary knight.”
At Kali’s words, Zeke fell into contemplation.
‘If I take on this mission, I’ll officially become Kali Draker’s Confidant.’
As the winner of the martial arts tournament, Zeke’s entry into Four Seasons Castle was confirmed.
Four Seasons Castle was the collective body of the Draker blood alliance.
It was a place filled with nobles from various kingdoms, lords of households, and high-ranking politicians who gathered from across the continent.
To survive here, strong connections were necessary.
In that respect, Kali Draker, as the first in line to succeed as family head and receive the Guardian Knight position, was sufficient as a solid shield to protect Zeke.
‘The problem is that sister Kali dies at the hands of the Pirate King in a few years.’
There were already quite a few things that had changed from his previous life due to his regression to the past.
Considering such circumstances, Zeke judged that he could intervene in the battle between Kali and the Pirate King to save her.
‘If sister stops Abel and safely succeeds as family head, we might be able to prevent the Third Continental War that the Empire will start.’
If that happens, Zeke could more stably focus on training to become the continent’s strongest.
The cleanest method would be to obtain power beyond that of a Black Knight, then formally challenge Kali to receive the family head position and become the absolute ruler.
‘I don’t want to rule over an Atlas that’s been reduced to ruins by war with the Empire.’
Zeke ended his contemplation and answered Kali.
“I understand, sister. I’ll take on that mission.”
At Zeke’s calm words, Kali instead showed a surprised expression.
It wasn’t a mission to decide on easily, but contrary to expectations, Zeke gave an immediate answer.
“Will you really take it on?”
Zeke nodded.
“Yes. When should I depart?”
Kali composed her expression and said.
“There will be a deal at a casino in the Dorta Republic in a week.”
“Then it would be better to leave quickly. I understand. However, I have a request for this mission.”
“What is it? Tell me.”
“I need someone from the Dorta Republic to invite me. Using the pretext of a victory tour party for the martial arts tournament winner.”
At those words, Kali nodded.
“You mean to hide the mission under an official invitation.”
“Yes. For a casino in the Dorta Republic, it would be difficult to enter with a hidden identity. If I move, since I’m the martial arts tournament winner, it will reach Abel’s ears anyway. In that case, it would be better to openly receive an invitation and go to the Dorta Republic. However, since I’ve rejected all invitations so far, I need an invitation from a major figure in Dorta.”
“I understand. I’ll contact Dorta to select an appropriate person to extend an invitation.”
“Thank you, sister.”
Helen, who was beside them, said to Zeke.
“Zeke, while Dorta appears glamorous and full of pleasure on the surface, demons dwell within. You must always be vigilant of your surroundings.”
At Helen’s words, Zeke inwardly gave a bitter smile.
In his previous life, when he lived as a hitman for the Southern Cartel, Zeke had experience running casinos in the Dorta Republic.
He had acquired several hotels in the Dorta Republic to launder the Mekein Cartel’s funds, operating auction houses and gambling dens to launder money from soma sales.
As someone who had been more deeply involved in the underworld than anyone, Zeke well understood what Helen’s concerns meant.
“Thank you, Lady Helen. I’ll take those words to heart.”
“One more thing.”
“Please speak.”
Helen said to Zeke.
“…Speak comfortably to me as well.”
Helen’s face slightly reddened, seemingly embarrassed after speaking.
Zeke nodded with a grin.
“I understand, sister Helen.”
Only after hearing his response did Helen show a satisfied expression.
* * *
The next day, an invitation from the Dorta Republic arrived for Zeke immediately.
Zeke was shocked when he saw the invitation.
“The Jayed family? Good heavens, an invitation directly from Dorta Republic’s wealthiest family?”
While the Dorta Republic was famous for its auction houses and casinos, it was also famous as a mana stone production site.
The Jayed family owned underwater mana stone mines in the Dorta Republic, producing 70% of the mana stones supplied to the continent.
The fact that such a Jayed family could be moved showed the tremendous influence of Kali Draker.
Zeke nodded while looking at the invitation.
“If it’s an invitation from Jayed, other families who had their invitations rejected would understand.”
At that moment, Decker approached Zeke.
“Young master. All documents needed for portal use have been issued.”
Zeke received the Draker Knight-exclusive immigration papers from Decker.
“Thanks, Decker. When did you say we need to get to the terminal?”
“It operates this evening, so you need to leave soon.”
Large-scale portals only operated twice a day.
Moreover, if they missed tonight’s portal to the Dorta Republic, they’d have to wait three more days.
With bad luck, it could take longer than going by ship.
‘When I think about it that way, the system’s portal function is really unfair.’
While there were various restrictions and it required a large amount of karma points, being able to move to any desired location at any time was a huge advantage.
Zeke moved towards the waiting carriage while marveling at the system anew.
Outside, Farrell was training Liam and Felix in the garden.
“Come on! One more time!”
Farrell was an official knight of the historic Thebea Kingdom, a Blue Knight qualifier, and a direct descendant of the prestigious noble Achilles family.
As he was also a famous traditional swordsmanship master, he was perfect for teaching the two Purple Knights.
Zeke had specially requested Farrell to train them.
Felix panted heavily while complaining.
“Ugh… Sir Farrell. I really feel like I’m going to die if we do more.”
Then Liam charged forward first with his sword.
Felix followed after him while wailing and shuddering.
“Ughh! Liam! Please, let’s stop now!”
Watching the two, Zeke said to Decker.
“Tell Sir Farrell to push Felix a bit harder.”
“Yes, young master.”
Zeke stared at Decker who answered politely and said.
“And Decker, reconsider returning as a knight. I need reliable talented people.”
At those words, Decker bowed his head and answered.
“Thank you for your words, young master. But I’m already too rusty to be called a knight.”
“Hmm.”
Far from being rusty, his edge was still visibly sharp and blue.
But seeing Decker reject his request again, Zeke nodded.
“Alright. But when things get urgent, you’ll have to step up too.”
“Understood.”
With that final exchange, Zeke got into the carriage with Decker seeing him off.
Perhaps because he had practically raised him since his previous life, Zeke found himself unconsciously acting spoiled in front of Decker.
‘Still, he seems attached to the sword, but I don’t understand why he’s being so stubborn. Is there something I don’t know?’
Zeke headed to the terminal while thinking various thoughts in the carriage.
When they arrived at the terminal, someone was waiting for him.
“Welcome, Master.”
It was Feinan, dressed in a formal suit.
Zeke had designated Feinan as his companion for this mission.
The two completed VIP processing at the terminal and waited briefly in the lounge.
“Sir Feinan. Is this your first time in the Dorta Republic?”
Feinan shook his head.
“I often go to Dorta to obtain items needed for research. Though this is my first time going by portal.”
Just then, an announcement came on.
“The portal to the Dorta Republic will open soon. Please proceed to the portal shuttle and take your seats.”
Zeke and Feinan used the passage connected to the lounge to sit in first-class seats on the portal shuttle.
Premium leather seats, wine, and various services were provided.
Sitting in his seat eating provided peanuts, Zeke felt the surrounding mana fluctuate.
‘Oh, interesting.’
Soon mana spread through the magic circle surrounding the shuttle and a large portal opened.
The shuttle slowly entered the portal.
Drrrrr!
There was a slight vibration.
Soon the shuttle stopped and the portal gradually closed.
“We have arrived in the Dorta Republic. Have a pleasant journey.”
People began moving busily, and Zeke and Feinan also got off the shuttle and went outside the terminal.
Outside the terminal, an incredibly luxurious carriage was prepared.
It was a golden carriage pulled by six double-humped camels adorned with various ornaments.
Zeke’s expression darkened when he saw the carriage.
‘Don’t tell me?’
“Sir Zeke Draker!”
Just then, a typical Dortan wearing a turban and white clothes with various expensive mana stone ornaments approached Zeke.
He confirmed Zeke’s identity and embraced him.
“Welcome! We welcome you!”
It was quite natural continental common language.
Zeke replied to him in Dortan.
“Thank you for your hospitality.”
The Dortan was surprised when Zeke spoke in Dortan.
“Goodness! You know Dortan! The God of Earth will bless you, Sir Zeke!”
He led Zeke into the golden carriage while making elaborate prayers.
Only after sitting in the carriage did the Dortan introduce himself.
“I apologize for the late introduction. My name is Muhammad bin Abuda Jayed. Second son of the Jayed family.”
Zeke was surprised at those words. While he had guessed from the lavish carriage, he hadn’t expected a direct descendant of the Jayed family to personally come greet him.
He spoke to Zeke.
“First, congratulations on winning the Draker martial arts tournament. Our family’s honor will be elevated further now that Sir Zeke has accepted the Jayed family’s invitation.”
“The shining honor of the Jayed family is known by all on the continent.”
“Indeed, Sir Zeke is an honorable knight. I, Muhammad, am touched.”
After finishing the formal greetings, Muhammad’s expression suddenly changed.
“I heard from Kali Draker.”
At those words, Zeke also straightened his posture.
“Then I won’t need to explain at length. It would be good if you could arrange the casino where the deal will take place in advance, Mr. Muhammad.”
Muhammad waved his hand with a smile.
“Sir Zeke. Pardon my words, but that won’t be necessary.”
“What do you mean?”
Muhammad said with a slight smile.
“No casino in the Dorta Republic can escape the Jayed family’s influence.”
Zeke understood Muhammad’s words to some extent.
‘Well, even when I ran casinos during my cartel days, they caused a lot of problems. Their people kept attacking so much.’
This was actually why Don Juan had sent Zeke to the Dorta casinos.
After Zeke killed all the attackers and hung them in front of the Jayed mansion, they finally proposed a ceasefire.
It was understandable for the Jayed family to show such confidence, given they were said to be richer than the Empire’s emperor in terms of wealth.
Zeke said to Muhammad.
“Very well. Sir Feinan here is an excellent Mage. He plans to place eavesdropping magic in advance at the meeting place where the Empire’s side will proceed.”
Zeke hadn’t brought Feinan for nothing.
He wanted to catch evidence that Abel was trying to break the Draker family’s neutrality oath by dealing with the Empire.
The plan was to install eavesdropping devices in advance and keep them as evidence.
Muhammad showed his white teeth in a smile.
“That won’t be a problem at all. Don’t worry.”
“And I have one more request.”
“What is it? Just say the word.”
Zeke whispered to Muhammad in a low voice.
Muhammad was surprised to hear Zeke’s story.
“T-that…”
“Please, I must ask this of you.”
Muhammad showed a slightly troubled expression before nodding.
“Alright. Since it’s Sir Zeke’s request, I’ll do my best.”
“Thank you, Mr. Muhammad.”
Zeke turned his head to look out the carriage window.
The luxurious carriage was entering a splendid city after passing through the road laid across the Dorta Republic’s wasteland.
The brilliant lights characteristic of Dorta, known as the place without night, flickered abundantly.
Zeke sharpened his mind while looking at the spectacular view.
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