VOLUME 10: CHAPTER 19

VOLUME 10: CHAPTER 19

“Reginald, I’m sorry, but we can no longer continue working with you.”

The merchant who visited Reginald’s office in the Merchants Guild cowered as he uttered those words. Still, despite his pallid face, he remained firm with his decision to finally cut off ties with the Vont Family.

“Isaka,” said Reginald, his calm voice a stark contrast to Isaka’s trembling voice. “Your caravan had been working for our association for more than a decade. I’m disappointed you’re willing to cut off ties this easily with our family.”

Reginald meant it.

Although he could understand Isaka’s decision as a merchant, Reginald still found it disheartening that one of the core members of his merchant group had decided to cut off all affiliations with him. It had been more than half a year now since King Lark rose to the throne, and Big Mona had been amassing power over the Kingdom’s trade and commerce since then.

The merchants under Big Mona gained tremendous freedom with their trades, while the merchants under the Vont Family started to become restrained in their activities.

“It’s a hard decision for me too, Reginald,” said Isaka. “But what can I do? I have a family to feed! Employees that need to get paid! It’s not just Behemoth City! Big Mona had already monopolized all of the trades coming in and out of Blackstone City, together with the entire southern region of our Kingdom!”

Blackstone City was a former town located in the middle of the wilderness. A territory located near the Endless Forest. After Lark Marcus became its lord, the town prospered and became self-sustaining. Not only did the town own massive farmlands, it also became the trading hub between the Kingdom and an unknown group of merchants. This unknown group of merchants sold high-quality fabric that could be made into armor. They also sold black metals that could be forged into either swords, spears, or arrowheads. According to the soldiers who’d been equipped with such weapons, the black metal was capable of paralyzing a full-grown man with just a graze. The black metal was so potent that it easily became a coveted item among the soldiers.

Power was truly an auspicious thing.

Not only did Blackstone Town become a fortress after becoming enclosed by a massive wall, a few months after King Lark ascended the throne, it was also officially declared a city. It was a decision that was given approval even by the Water God’s Temple.

And now, Blackstone City had become the trading hub of the southern region of the Kingdom. It was gaining power at a frightening pace. At this rate, it would only be a matter of time before it became one of the major cities of the Kingdom.

The unknown groups Blackstone City was trading with were elves – this was the report Reginald received several months ago from one of his most trusted men. Although Reginald believed that this was highly likely, he did nothing to sabotage the relationship between Blackstone City and the elves of the Endless Forest. He simply watched in silence and did his best to retain his authority over the trades in the other parts of the Kingdom.

Blackstone City held a special place in the heart of King Lark. Only a fool would carelessly lay their hands on it.

The last thing Reginald wanted right now was to become King Lark’s enemy. He knew he wouldn’t survive such a battle, even if he mustered the entire strength of the Vont Family. Just the mere thought sent shivers down his spine.

“You are the third one,” said Reginald.

Isaka looked at him blankly.

Reginald continued, “You are the third merchant this week who wished to cut off ties with our family.”

Normally, merchants like them wouldn’t easily cut off bridges with their associates. But Big Mona had been openly showing hostility to everyone affiliated with the Vonts, and the smaller merchant groups started feeling tremendous pressure.

Isaka frowned and lowered his head in shame. “I’m… sorry, Reginald. Unlike you, a small group like ours could be easily snuffed out by Big Mona if we continue serving under you. You know it, don’t you? After Count Boris regained his health, he started to actively show his support to the crown. He even went as far as removing the tariff for all the merchants affiliated with Big Mona. The trades in Daxton City are basically his by now. Even One Stop Clop has been gaining traction and authority these days. We are left with no choice but to do this to survive!”

Reginald smirked. “It’s funny, isn’t it?”

Reginald looked at Isaka coldly as he continued, “You fear a sprout like Big Mona who hadn’t even fully spread his wings, but—” he let out a growl. “—You don’t fear the wrath of the Vont Family?”

“T-That’s—”

“—I’ve heard enough, Isaka,” said Reginald in a spiteful voice. “But remember this. No matter what schemes Big Mona orchestrates, The Vont Family shall never fall. Did you forget? My daughter is one of King Lark’s disciples. Do you think the King will simply do nothing but watch as the family of his beloved disciple falls? Mark my words. I’ll make you regret getting on the wrong side of our family.”

Isaka’s face turned even paler upon hearing Reginald’s words. The current Head of the Vont family sounded really convincing. For a moment, Isaka started questioning if cutting off ties with them was the correct decision.

“Reginald—”

“—Get out,” said Reginald.

Isaka didn’t dare make the man repeat himself twice. He closed his eyes, bowed his head, and uttered, “I didn’t have a choice, Reginald. I need to survive too. I’m sorry.”

After Isaka left, Reginald fell weakly on his chair. Despite his show of outrage, he could understand why the merchants in their association were starting to leave him one after another. Had he been in their shoes, he would have done it too. He would have done everything he could to gain Big Mona’s favor.

But alas, for the current him, that was impossible. He was Big Mona’s biggest enemy, and had it not been for the status of his daughter as King Lark’s disciple, Big Mona would have probably already ordered his assassination.

“The heavens haven’t abandoned me yet,” mumbled Reginald. “At the very least, my daughter has gained His Majesty’s favor. If I play my cards right…”

These past several months had taken its toll on the Vont Family. Without remorse, Big Mona had been openly moving to take away all of the assets and power their family held. Unfortunately, Reginald Vont was helpless to stop it, as Big Mona was being protected by the royal family itself.

Moreover, even the two remaining ducal houses declared their support to the crown. Currently, the power King Lark held in this kingdom was unshakable. Reginald believed that King Lark held even more power than the Tyrant King two generations ago.

While Reginald was contemplating his next plans, several knocks were heard on the door.

“Lord Reginald, it’s me.”

It was the voice of his assistant.

“Come in.”

The assistant entered the room and said in a hurried voice, “L-Lord, a guest has come to see you.”

Reginald had gotten used to this by now.

Did another coward come to submit his resignation again?

Reginald scornfully laughed, “Who is it this time? Another merchant?”

“N-No, that’s not it, Lord,” said the assistant. “H-His Majesty! His Majesty, King Lark, has come to personally visit you!”

Reginald’s eyes widened and he abruptly stood up from his chair, almost toppling it in the process.

“The King is here?” said Reginald in disbelief. Since he’d ascended the throne, King Lark openly showed favor to Big Mona only. This was the first time he was visiting the Vont Family.

“Yes! I’ve already escorted him to the sitting room on the grou—”

“—You should have informed me sooner!” bellowed Reginald.

The assistant flinched. “I-I apologize.”

“Quick! Lead the way!” said Reginald.

Reginald looked at himself in the mirror and quickly fixed his garb. After the quick inspection, without wasting any time, he went down and met with King Lark.

King Lark was looking out of the window by the time Reginald arrived. Inside the room with him were Chryselle, Anandra, and Captain Symon.

Reginald knelt on one knee and greeted Lark. “This loyal servant greets His Majesty, King Lark!”

The Vont Family had already lost a lot of its power due to Big Mona. Reginald didn’t hesitate to show his submission to the crown.

“I find it uncomfortable to see the father of my disciple kneeling before me,” said Lark as he turned around. “Stand up, Reginald.”

Reginald slowly stood up and bowed his head. “I am grateful, Your Majesty. May this humble servant know the purpose of this visit?”

Lark’s gaze moved from Reginald, to Chryselle, then back.

“I came here to ask for your permission, Reginald,” said Lark.

“My permission, Your Majesty?”

Lark nodded. “You must have heard of it already by now, but portals have opened in the Empire and the United Grakas Alliance.”

Indeed, Reginald had already heard of it. The news had yet to spread throughout the entire Kingdom of Lukas, but it would only be a matter of time before everyone came to know of it. According to his intel, it seemed that a portal connecting this land to the realm of demons had opened. Fortunately, it opened not in the Kingdom of Lukas, but in a different nation.

“I am aware, Your Majesty,” said Reginald.

“I plan on bringing these two disciples of mine with me to the United Grakas Alliance,” said Lark as he looked at Chryselle and Anandra.

Reginald immediately understood King Lark’s intentions. Chryselle had a family, unlike Anandra, who was an orphan. Since the United Grakas Alliance was far from the capital, it seemed that King Lark came here to ask for Reginald’s permission. This single move greatly showed how much Lark cared for Chryselle as his disciple.

“The United Grakas Alliance must have turned into a battlefield by now,” said Lark. “I plan on using this opportunity to give these two real battle experience against the demons. It’ll contribute tremendously to their growth.”

“I see,” said Reginald. He looked conflicted. Although he wanted to take advantage of this opportunity to become closer to the King, he was uncertain if he should send his daughter to such a battlefield. No matter how desperate he was, he couldn’t bring himself to risk the life of his precious daughter.

“Your Majesty,” said Reginald carefully, “must you bring my daughter along with you to that dangerous place?”

“It’s my decision, father,” Chryselle replied in Lark’s stead. “Master was originally going to bring Anandra only with him, but I begged him to let me come along.”

Reginald frowned.

“And…” Chryselle’s voice trailed off. “I thought that I should at least say goodbye to you, since I might be away for long.”

“If Alecto hears of this….”

“What does brother have to do with any of this?” said Chryselle, clearly annoyed upon hearing her brother’s name. “Before becoming King Lark’s disciple, I was already an Elder of Wizzert Tower, father. I can fend for myself. There’s no need for you to worry about me any longer.”

Reginald sighed. He realized that his daughter had come here not to ask for his permission. She was simply informing him that she would be accompanying the King on this journey.

In the end, Reginald was helpless in stopping this.

“I understand,” said Reginald in resignation. “Then, Your Majesty. I have one request.” He looked at Lark straight in the eyes. “Please protect my daughter.”

Lark replied in a heartbeat. “That’s a given.”

Reginald closed his eyes. “Then I, as a father, can rest easy.”

Lark studied Reginald’s face for several seconds. The dark circles around the merchant’s eyes were vivid. The creases on Reginald’s face had become more noticeable. Since the last time he’d seen him, Reginald seemed to have aged several years.

“You should sleep more,” said Lark.

Reginald let out a shallow laugh, “I wish I could, Your Majesty.”

A momentary silence followed those words.

“I’m aware of what Big Mona has been doing behind my back,” said Lark. “I’m aware that he’s been abusing some of his authorities, but as long as his activities align with my goals for this Kingdom, I have no intention of stopping him.”

It was Lark’s way of indirectly telling Reginald that he had no intention of interfering with the fight between their two factions. It was also his way of telling him that should things go south, as long as Big Mona didn’t betray him, he would side with the fat merchant.

“But for the sake of my beloved disciple,” said Lark.

Chryselle’s face flushed upon hearing the words ‘beloved disciple.’ She averted her gaze and lowered her head.

“I’ll be giving you an opportunity to regain your family’s glory,” said Lark. “I heard that your ancestors were originally subjects of the Empire.”

Reginald’s eyes glimmered. His intuition as a merchant was telling him that he shouldn’t miss the next words that would come out of Lark’s mouth.

“Listen. I’ll be sending half a thousand Blackstone Knights as military aid to the Empire,” said Lark, “and I want you, Reginald, together with Captain Symon, to command that army on my behalf.”

Reginald realized why Captain Symon was escorting His Majesty. It seemed that this was the King’s goal from the start.

This King, despite his young age, was truly cunning. He must have felt that Big Mona was gaining too much power recently. And to keep him in check, he decided to bestow this opportunity to the Vont Family.

“It will be dangerous,” said Lark. “Even with the protection of the Blackstone Knights and Captain Symon, I cannot guarantee that you’ll be able to return to this country safely. So, what will be your decision?”

It didn’t take long before Reginald came to a decision. If he successfully completed this task, he would garner more authority and connections not only in the Kingdom of Lukas, but also in the Empire. He couldn’t possibly let this opportunity pass, no matter how dangerous it was.

“I shall gladly accept this task, Your Majesty,” said Reginald.

Lark nodded in approval upon hearing this.

“You are a seasoned merchant and the Head of the Vont Family,” said Lark. “I expect you to act appropriately in the Empire, as my representative. Although the Blackstone Knights are powerful, they need someone to lead them during the war. I am giving you full authority over this army of knights. Your word shall be my word, and your command shall be my command. I expect great things from your Reginald. Do not let me down.”

“I shall not let you down, Your Majesty,” said Reginald. “But… if may ask. Who will be your proxy during your absence, My King?”

“I’ve already spoken with the former King Alvis and Secretary Irene regarding this matter,” said Lark. “They’ll take care of things while I am away.”

Reginald bobbed his head. “I see. If it’s those two…”

Secretary Irene was terrifyingly well-versed with administrative affairs. And with the help of the former King Alvis, it should be possible for her to run this country while King Lark was away.

Lark took out a royal plaque from his pocket. “Take this.”

Reginald respectfully received the plaque from the King. It was made entirely of gold, and engraved on it was the insignia of the royal family.

“It shall be the proof of your authority,” said Lark.

“I understand,” said Reginald. “I shall make use of it appropriately, Your Majesty.”