Chapter 176: Lancelot

When Max returned, it was just in time that the view of the Imperial Capital was within their sights.

Max saw the majestic and yet quite older city than the Dunmarrow Capital.

It was the Aurelion Prime.

Max couldn’t help but smile. It was definitely an achievement for him.

Not even in his past life was he granted an Imperial Summon, nor was he given a chance to travel the Aurelion Prime.

Suddenly, he noticed Joel’s expression when staring at the majestic city.

He was as thrilled as he was.

Max couldn’t help but smile as they proceeded to the south gate.

When they arrived, Max was surprised that a Blade Saint, wearing an Imperial uniform, seemingly belonging to a noble family rather than coming from the military waved at Max with a bright smile.

It was not because a Blade Saint was waiting for him that surprised Max, it was the fact that the Blade Saint was as young as he was and possessed an extraordinary looks that blinded Max for a second.

Blonde long hair, sharp jawlines, and a handsome face that seemed to convert a man to another gender—he was the very definition of a gorgeous man like those men in greeks mythology.

At the same time, Max had a feeling that the Blade Saint might be belonged to one of the Imperial Sword House.

Every Imperial Sword House possessed the bloodline of the Emperor. However, the main house continued to possess the throne after the Second Emperor followed the tacticians path.

The Imperial Sword Houses didn’t complain and didn’t seek for the throne, anyway.

The main house was the brain of the Empire, the Imperial Sword House, which were the branch houses were the sword of the Empire.

Although there were minor conflicts, it was not enough for the Imperial Sword House to instigate a rebellion.

The conflict only manifested when a swordsman got into conflict with a tactician when it came to decision making.

The former was egoistic driven and subjective for their decision while the latter was completely opposite.

Thankfully, both were willing to reconcile and always had a middle ground in every conflict.

Max jumped off his horse and greeted the Blade Saint.

He asked, "May I ask the identity of this esteemed individual?"

The Blade Saint was taken aback. He laughed.

"So polite, aren’t you?"

Max smiled, as well.

Thankfully, the Blade Saint introduced himself first.

"I’m Lancelot from the House of Drakemont."

Max’s eyes widened. House of Drakemont, huh? As expected, he’s truly extraordinary.

When Lancelot saw Max’s reaction, he couldn’t help but sigh.

"I’m the son of the current patriarch, but I hope you won’t show too much respect for me. I prefer casual."

Max laughed. He’s not as arrogant as the other swordsman.

Max tried to restrain his killing intent from rising whenever he recalled Spencer.

He immediately discarded such thoughts at the back of his mind as he introduced himself to Lancelot.

"I’m Maximus, short for Max, an Imperial Demon Vanguard and is currently being summoned by the Emperor."

Lancelot nodded. "I was ordered by the Emperor to welcome you since I’m here."

Lancelot raised his hand and flicked his fingers. Suddenly, an Imperial uniform replaced his previous casual clothes, taking Max by surprised.

When he saw the insignia and a star above it, Max didn’t know how to react.

Lancelot was an Imperial Demon Vanguard with one star.

Lancelot chuckled. "Seeing your reaction elated me. I really was planning to do that, you know."

Max shrugged. "It’s so obvious. I was already surprised that a noble from the House of Drakemont personally welcomed me.

Though, I was relieved that you are also an Imperial Demon Vanguard."

The House of Drakemont was the oldest and most prestigious of the Sword Houses.

Entrusted with defending the Empire’s northern frontier, the family has maintained a continuous military presence along the frontier settlements in every province for centuries.

Its members were renowned for disciplined command, unwavering resolve, and mastery of traditional swordsmanship.

Their military doctrine emphasized direct leadership from the front lines and the maintenance of fortress defenses.

Give by their military doctrine, it was indeed surprising that one of their family members became an Imperial Demon Vanguard.

Lancelot sighed. Judging by his reaction, Max’s surmised that Lancelot was the type of noble who did not want to rely heavily on his family’s background.

He obviously wanted to make a name for himself.

He certainly wanted to be known without mentioning his family—and his glory was comparable to them because of his achievements.

Max swept his gaze around and saw not a single horse in sight that Lancelot could possibly own.

Lancelot noticed his reaction and before he could explain, Max already turned around and ordered Joel to gather information on the capital. Max hesitated for a while and finally decided to not to summon Jeremiah.

He did not want to attract heavy attention to his identity. In the end, he gave his spare short communication device to Joel.

At the same time, he handed a gold coin for Joel to use while he was waiting for Max.

Joel was filled with emotions. He did not expect Max to treat him better.

He was about to bow deeply and express his gratitude when Max already ordered him to complete his order and Joel could only salute in response.

Joel soon departed after bidding farewell to Max.

Watching his back, Lancelot couldn’t help but improve his impression on Max.

Max turned around and invited Lancelot to use his other horse for now.

Lancelot didn’t dilly dally and proceeded to his female horse.

While caressing her mane, Lancelot couldn’t help but speak what he noticed from the horse.

"A Marshwalker breed but a Grade 1 horse, huh? How unusual."

Max smiled. Marshwalker breed was a horse born in the Mirefall Province, who adapted to the muddy terrain.

They were not a military horse, but when Lancelot graded it as Grade 1 simply meant it was a Rune-Branded Horse.

"And the runes planted on these horses did not hold back at all.

I’m really surprised that the horse has survived until now."

The female horse scoffed, causing Lancelot to laugh to his heart’s content.

===

A/N: Thanks for reading! Don’t forget to show your supports by giving golden tickets, powerstones, gifts, and reviews! It means a lot since this is participating for WSA.