Ch 64 - The Neighboring Nobles

Jester did not spend too much time exploring the deep cave. Before long, they headed back after conquering its depths, carrying an experience that was no less extraordinary than everything he had encountered before.

Jester once again entered Sliora's body as the woman activated her ability. Both of her hands transformed into monstrous claws, complete with razor-sharp talons that could dig effortlessly into solid rock. Her legs changed as well, becoming those of a predatory beast with curved claws that gave her an incredible grip against the cave walls.

With that monstrous form, Sliora climbed the vertical surface as if gravity barely existed, while Jester simply relaxed inside her body, enjoying the effortless ride without lifting a finger.

Igrio... at last, Jester was finally able to witness how the man managed to climb to such unbelievable heights. He wielded a pair of double daggers, moving with surprisingly graceful agility. Time and time again, he leaped through the air, driving one dagger after another into the stone wall to create his next foothold before launching himself upward once more. Every movement flowed naturally into the next, making the dangerous climb look almost effortless.

Igrio really was an incredibly capable man. It seemed Jester should promote his personal attendant as soon as possible. Perhaps the title of Knight Commander would suit him much better. Then again, judging by his ability, Igrio might even have the potential to become a Royal Knight someday.

Even so, someone like Igrio was probably more valuable if he remained hidden from everyone's sight. His talents were better suited for becoming a silent weapon, the kind that appeared from the shadows to strike down an enemy from behind before they even realized he was there.

Some time later, Jester returned to the lord's manor. On that very day, the group he had been waiting for finally arrived. It was a delegation of nobles from a neighboring city, traveling in a grand procession of more than ten luxurious noble carriages, escorted by dozens of fully armed knights.

The extravagant parade immediately drew the attention of countless people as it passed through the streets of Necroton, a city that looked rundown, neglected, impoverished, and painfully underdeveloped, making the contrast between the visitors and their surroundings impossible to ignore.

Not long afterward, Jester, already in Caelan's appearance, waited in the audience chamber with Igrio and Lucia standing behind him. Before long, the delegation was escorted into the room.

There were three nobles in total. Two of them looked so utterly incompetent that it was almost amusing, while the third possessed a sturdy, well-built physique that gave him a far more dependable appearance.

Even so, none of them carried the presence of someone truly remarkable. A Knight Commander who served as their escort entered the chamber shortly afterward, taking his place behind the three nobles.

For simplicity, Jester immediately gave them nicknames. The broad-shouldered one would be Stone because of his solid build. The painfully thin one would be Twig, as his gaunt frame and bulging eyes made him look as though he had not eaten in weeks. As for the last one, with his neatly groomed black hair and refined appearance, Jester decided to call him Silk.

Silk stepped forward first before lowering his head respectfully.

"Your Highness, the Eighth Prince, Prince Caelan, it is the greatest honor for us to finally stand in your presence. Ever since we learned that Your Highness had taken residence in Necroton, we have eagerly awaited the opportunity to pay our respects in person."

He paused briefly before continuing with a flattering smile.

"As neighbors of this city, we have witnessed Necroton's transformation with our own eyes. The changes have been nothing short of extraordinary. It is clear to anyone who sees them that only a ruler blessed with exceptional wisdom and vision could have accomplished such remarkable progress in so little time."

Jester merely remained seated where he was, one leg casually crossed over the other. His expression did not change, nor did he offer any response.

Twig stepped forward next with an equally respectful bow.

"Your Highness, we have also prepared several humble gifts as a token of our admiration. We sincerely hope they will be worthy of Your Highness's acceptance."

Several servants immediately entered the chamber, each carrying large trays covered with luxurious golden cloth. They carefully placed the gifts on one side of the room before stepping back in perfect order.

"Among them is the purest mithril ore extracted from the richest veins within our territory. We have also brought refined mana crystals, enchanted gemstones, and several rare alchemical materials that are difficult to obtain elsewhere. We hope these offerings will be of some use to Your Highness."

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Stone stepped forward next.

"Your Highness, our territory has long taken great pride in the training of our knights. Through years of careful discipline and high standards, we have successfully raised many outstanding warriors, even producing a Knight Commander worthy of leading them."

He placed a hand over his chest before continuing.

"Because of that, I have every confidence in the quality of the men we have brought today. We humbly present ten of our finest knights to serve under Your Highness here in Necroton. It is our sincere hope that they will prove worthy of your command and contribute to the continued prosperity of your domain."

He lowered his head respectfully.

"Please accept them as a humble token of our respect and admiration for Your Highness. It would be our greatest honor to serve you in whatever way we can."

Jester smiled faintly as he slowly lifted his chin, looking down at the three men before him. It was painfully obvious they were trying every trick they knew to appear sincere and respectable.

He still had no intention of saying much. For now, he wanted to see exactly what game they were playing.

"Tell me," he said, "what brings you here?"

Those simple words caused Silk's expression to stiffen for a brief moment before he quickly recovered and offered another respectful bow.

"Your Highness, the lands surrounding Necroton have endured harsh conditions for many years. The weather has become increasingly unforgiving, crops struggle to grow, and countless families have been forced to live through one difficult season after another. We have watched these hardships with heavy hearts, knowing full well how difficult it is for any ruler, no matter how capable, to reverse such deeply rooted problems."

He paused, looking like carefully choosing his next words.

"For that reason, we wish to extend even greater assistance to Your Highness. If Necroton requires experienced farmers to restore the fields, skilled builders to strengthen its infrastructure, engineers to improve its roads, or craftsmen to support its development, our territories would gladly provide them. We seek nothing in return beyond the privilege of helping a fellow city within the Kingdom flourish once again."

The man continued speaking with a humble smile.

"Even so, the challenges facing Necroton remain greater than those of most cities. Lord Opopo has governed these lands for many years and understands the difficulties better than anyone. We have always respected his experience, and because our cities have long been neighbors, we have frequently visited and offered whatever aid we could. After all, we all serve under the same Kingdom and share the responsibility of supporting one another."

He bowed once more.

"However..."

Silk slowly raised his head.

"Your Highness possesses talents that are truly exceptional. It would be a terrible shame if such brilliance were spent struggling against a city burdened by endless hardships. A prince of Your Highness's wisdom and ability deserves a stage worthy of those gifts. Perhaps the Royal Palace, or another prosperous domain better suited to your talents, would allow Your Highness to accomplish even greater things for the Kingdom."

His voice grew softer, almost as though he were sharing a confidential concern.

"There is also another matter that troubles us greatly. The people of this region have long suffered from disease. Illness spreads quickly through these lands, and the death rate remains alarmingly high. We would never forgive ourselves if such a dangerous place were to endanger someone as precious as Your Highness."

He lowered his head deeply.

"Your Highness's sacred hands were never meant to be stained by the filth of this forsaken land, nor should your noble feet tread upon soil that has brought nothing but suffering for generations. We only wish to see Your Highness in a place befitting your dignity, where your extraordinary abilities can shine without being burdened by the misery of Necroton."

Jester's faint smile lingered.

"And then?" he asked.

Silk's smile widened even further. The confidence in his eyes became impossible to hide, as though he believed his carefully chosen words had finally reached the prince.

"Your Highness, as fellow nobles and the neighboring lords entrusted with governing this region, we simply wish to offer our perspective regarding the unfortunate situation surrounding Lord Opopo. We fear that, amid the many rumors and accusations, Your Highness may have received information that lacks proper context."

"We have known Lord Opopo for many years, far longer than most. If Your Highness would allow it, we would be honored to clarify any misunderstandings and provide a fuller picture of the circumstances. It is only because we worry that misleading reports, perhaps spread by irresponsible individuals with hidden motives, could lead to conclusions that do not reflect the complete truth."

"So..." Jester said. "You want Opopo to be released?"

Silk let out a small, awkward laugh before bowing again.

"Your Highness, our intention is only to demonstrate our sincerity and commitment to assisting Necroton. That is precisely why we have brought twenty additional knights with us today. We wish to strengthen the city's defenses and prove that our offer of support is genuine."

He continued in a careful tone.

"As for Lord Opopo, we merely hope he will be given the opportunity to continue serving this city in the ways he knows best. He has always been an exceptionally kind and forgiving man. Too often, he chose to ignore malicious slander rather than defend himself. We warned him that such generosity could one day be misunderstood, and perhaps this unfortunate outcome is the lesson fate has chosen for him."

Silk sighed softly.

"Still, a man who devoted so many years to governing Necroton possesses experience that cannot easily be replaced. Managing a city like this demands extraordinary patience, wisdom, and perseverance. It would be a great loss to the Kingdom if such experience were allowed to disappear."

Jester cut him off before he could continue.

"Bring me that traitorous and corrupt Opopo."

His smile remained unchanged.

"I'm sure he'll be delighted to reunite with his fellow corrupt nobles."

The moment those words left his mouth, all three nobles froze.

For the first time since the meeting began, none of them could hide the shock written across their faces.