Episode 43
Kay’s expression hardened at Zeke’s words.
“The warehouse?”
“Yes, the one where they store the Soma.”
“Why that warehouse?”
Zeke replied with a blank face.
“To burn it down.”
“What?”
Kay’s hands trembled for a moment.
The thought of burning the Mekain Cartel’s drugs was something she had never dared to imagine.
Zeke looked at Kay and said, “That’s the only way to really get under Don Juan’s skin, don’t you think?”
“Are you planning to burn the warehouse and pin it on the Favela gang?”
“Not just that. I’m going to implicate the syndicate’s leaders too. That should be enough to make Don Juan send his hitmen.”
Kay’s face turned pale at Zeke’s audacious plan.
She spoke with a trembling voice, “What if Don Juan finds out it was us?”
“We’ll make sure he doesn’t.”
Kay took another swig of her drink at Zeke’s words.
She wiped her mouth and said, “Well, there’s no turning back now. Alright, let’s do it. I’m trusting you on this.”
Zeke looked at Kay and said, “Let’s do this, partner.”
Not long after their secret conversation, fires broke out in various locations on the outskirts of cities in the Empire and Midland, including Atlas.
Fortunately, there were no casualties, but everything inside the warehouses was completely destroyed, leaving no trace.
The cause of the fires and the contents of the warehouses remained a mystery, and the incidents quietly faded away.
Zeke leisurely read the news about the fires from his mansion.
“This should give that old man Don Juan a real headache.”
He had targeted several key syndicate warehouses, as Kay had mentioned, and set them ablaze.
He had activated portal points in each city in advance, using the railways to travel between them, and on the day of the operation, he used the portals to move between cities and start the fires in a single night.
Though he lost a significant amount of karma points, there was no trace left behind.
Even in the Nirvana family of mages, only a few could use teleportation, and teleportation magic capable of moving between cities didn’t exist in this era.
Only large portal devices operated by the Mage Tower could cover such distances.
Now that the seeds were sown, it was time to wait for them to sprout.
He planned to head south to confront Don Juan once the semester at Valhalla ended and the break began.
Zeke was meticulously planning how to deal with the cartels.
Just as he was deep in thought, someone entered his room.
“Hey, apprentice.”
Duke, who was always wandering around and rarely seen at the mansion, called out to Zeke.
“It’s been hard to catch a glimpse of you lately, Master.”
“Ugh. I don’t know why they keep giving tasks to a retired man.”
“Because you’re capable.”
“Cut the flattery. Pack your bags.”
“What? Why all of a sudden?”
Duke said with a displeased expression, “We’re going to the Four Seasons Castle. The head of the family has summoned us.”
Thud, thud, thud!
Zeke, along with Duke and Andrei, rode a carriage towards the Four Seasons Castle.
He rested his chin on his hand, gazing out the window.
The grand buildings of Atlas and the bustling streets lined with well-kept trees stretched out before him.
As he looked at the civilized city, he recalled Bahamut’s words.
“A city just for humans.”
Perhaps the future Bahamut feared was a world where only humans existed, like now.
Fairies existed only in legends, elves had vanished, dwarves and halflings were driven to the northern continent, and beastfolk wandered the lands like nomads.
Unlike the past, humans built cities for themselves and even fought among themselves to create larger cities and nations.
“In such chaotic times, it’s no wonder there’s a need for greater power.”
Duke asked Zeke, who was staring out the window, “What are you looking at so intently?”
Zeke turned his head towards Duke and replied, “I was just admiring the cityscape.”
It was a stark contrast to the Atlas he had seen in his previous life, now a peaceful sight.
In a city under the influence of the transcendent Draker family, no kingdom could exert force.
The city governed itself autonomously.
Midland wasn’t a kingdom, but it held the central continent together with a stronger bond than any kingdom.
At the heart of it all was the Four Seasons Castle, the central hub of the Draker family.
Though the Draker’s main house was in the Duchy of Troy, all major facilities were in the Four Seasons Castle.
Zeke felt a strange sense of anticipation as he was about to visit the Four Seasons Castle for the first time, a place he had never been in his previous life.
Duke scratched his ear and said, “Good grief. Arthur, as soon as he returns, throws a promotion party out of the blue.”
The reason Zeke was summoned to the Four Seasons Castle was none other than to celebrate his promotion to Blue Knight.
In most of the Draker’s allied families, a promotion party was held when a child became a Purple Knight.
At that time, it was usually when they were past the age of majority, so it was often called a Draker-style debutante.
However, in Zeke’s case, it was a party to celebrate his promotion to Blue Knight at the age of fifteen, making it all the more significant.
In fact, many nobles and prominent figures from the central continent gathered at the Four Seasons Castle to attend Zeke’s promotion party.
The only part of the Four Seasons Castle open to the public was the ‘Spring Garden,’ so the party was scheduled to be held there.
Andrei, sitting next to him, said, “We’re almost there.”
Zeke opened the window and looked outside.
In the distance, the massive walls of the Four Seasons Castle came into view.
The carriage carrying Zeke quickly entered the castle.
The Spring Garden, which maintained the classical style of the central continent while modernizing its facilities, was a building where classical beauty and modern elegance coexisted.
In the grand hall of this building, the scions of noble families from across the central continent, as well as high-ranking politicians and key figures, attended the party, each wearing attire symbolizing their family.
Arthur Draker, as the host of the party, wore a ceremonial robe adorned with the dragon-slaying emblem and greeted the guests.
At that moment, someone approached Arthur Draker.
“Father.”
It was none other than Abel Draker.
With his red hair neatly tied and dressed in formal attire, Abel exuded a noble aura.
Arthur greeted Abel with a warm smile.
“Abel. Welcome. You’ve come to celebrate your youngest brother’s achievement. Well done.”
Arthur and Abel shared a similar smile and embraced.
Abel looked around and said, “I’ve never seen so many people gathered for a promotion party.”
“Indeed. It’s the youngest Blue Knight promotion on the continent, so everyone is curious about Zeke.”
Abel smiled at Arthur’s words.
Before Zeke’s promotion to Blue Knight, Abel himself held the record for the youngest Blue Knight promotion on the continent.
But with Zeke breaking that record, Abel was left as just another promoted knight.
Arthur soon left Abel’s side to greet politicians from other kingdoms.
Watching Arthur, Abel clenched his teeth.
“Keep your expression in check, Abel.”
His cousin, William Siemens, approached him.
“What’s wrong with my expression?”
“If you’re going to smile, smile properly. If you’re going to be annoyed, be annoyed properly. Trying to do both makes it neither.”
At William’s words, Abel wiped the smile off his face.
William clicked his tongue.
“Don’t do that right away. Today, your role is to be the magnanimous brother who wholeheartedly congratulates his youngest sibling.”
At that moment, a fanfare sounded from above.
Everyone turned their attention to one side.
The doors opened, and someone appeared.
The youngest Blue Knight on the continent and a pure-blooded awakener of the Draker family.
Zeke Draker made his entrance.
“My goodness, is he really a Blue Knight at that age?”
“Unbelievable.”
“Even if it were a Purple Knight promotion party, it would be hard to believe.”
Zeke descended the red carpet from the second floor, under the gaze of many.
It was his first time at such a party, and unfamiliar with noble etiquette, he felt awkward.
“I understand the need for some performance, but this is really not my thing.”
Zeke walked down the carpet towards Arthur Draker, who stood at the end.
He knelt on one knee before Arthur Draker, bowing his head, and spoke in a solemn voice.
“I, Zeke Draker, humbly present myself as an honorable knight, taking my first steps. I vow to stand against injustice, aid the weak, and bring peace to this land.”
Arthur Draker drew the sword he wore and lightly touched Zeke’s shoulder with it before speaking.
“May the name of Draker bless the future of Zeke Draker as he advances as an honorable knight.”
With the head of the family’s blessing, Zeke was officially recognized as a Blue Knight.
Just as Zeke was about to rise, Arthur spoke again.
“Furthermore, I hereby appoint Sir Zeke Draker as an official knight of the Draker family and bestow upon him the title of official knighthood.”
Zeke, along with many others, was taken aback by Arthur’s words.
Being promoted to Blue Knight at fifteen and receiving an official knighthood at sixteen was unprecedented.
Moreover, it was the official knighthood of the Draker family, known as the knights of knights, making the impact indescribable.
Caught off guard by Arthur’s sudden conferment of title, Zeke quickly regained his composure and recited the oath of appointment.
“I, Zeke Draker, pledge my loyalty and devotion as a knight of the honorable Draker family.”
Arthur listened to Zeke’s oath, a satisfied smile playing on his lips as he sheathed the sword he had rested on Zeke’s shoulder.
Then, helping Zeke to his feet, he introduced him to the many guests gathered at the party.
“Ladies and gentlemen, it is my great pleasure to introduce my youngest son to you all. Sir Zeke Draker is a remarkable knight, bearing the Draker blood more strongly than anyone. Let us bless this talented young man’s future and toast to the peace and prosperity of our continent.”
As Arthur raised his glass, the others followed suit, lifting their glasses high.
The toast was met with joy, and the party, though unexpected, was in full swing, complete with the surprise knighting ceremony.
Zeke still wore a bewildered expression.
“I’m proud of you,” Arthur said, patting Zeke on the shoulder.
Zeke looked up at Arthur, seeing an expression he had never witnessed in his previous life.
He bowed his head slightly. “It’s all thanks to you, my lord.”
“None of that formality. When it’s just us, call me Father,” Arthur said gently.
“So, how’s that plan of yours to become the strongest on the continent coming along? Judging by today’s celebration, it seems to be going well.”
Zeke replied in a calm voice, “I’m working on it.”
Arthur chuckled, clearly amused.
Then, suddenly, Arthur’s tone shifted. “I heard you met Carly.”
Zeke felt a chill, as if a sharp blade had grazed his neck.
‘Not a moment’s lapse in vigilance,’ he reminded himself.
He nodded. “Yes. My sister came to Valhalla for a special lecture. I happened to attend and we had tea together.”
“Ah, I see. It’s been a while since I’ve seen Carly myself. We’re both so busy,” Arthur said, placing a hand on Zeke’s shoulder.
“We should have a family dinner sometime soon. But before that, I have a gift for you to commemorate your promotion.”
Arthur reached into his pocket and pulled something out.
Zeke watched curiously as Arthur revealed a simple piece of paper. But the words written on it were anything but ordinary.
Handing the paper to Zeke, Arthur said, “Go to the family archives and choose something you desire.”
Arthur leaned in, wrapping an arm around Zeke’s shoulder. “Keep your eyes wide open. Among the many items, there are treasures, but also things that are utterly useless.”
Zeke nodded at Arthur’s advice. “I will remember.”
Arthur smiled, stepping back and giving Zeke’s shoulder a reassuring pat. “Now, go and enjoy the party. A true knight must stand out even in celebration.”
With that, Arthur left Zeke’s side.
Despite the brief conversation, Zeke felt an overwhelming fatigue wash over him.
‘Arthur Draker. Not a moment’s rest around him,’ he sighed inwardly.
Just then, someone approached Zeke.
“Sir Zeke Draker.”
He turned to see a woman in a simple yet elegant dress, standing out among the more extravagantly dressed noblewomen.
She introduced herself, “It’s a pleasure to meet you. I am Melissa Alencia, the first princess of the Kingdom of Alencia.”