Chapter 124: Going Out to Sea

Chapter 124: Chapter 124: Going Out to Sea

Vili suppressed his excitement and went back to his room to rest.

He had no intention of announcing his promotion to Middle Knight just yet. After all, his rate of advancement was simply staggering.

To put it in perspective, even the Genius Knight Jarvis had taken a full ten months to make the leap from Junior Knight to Middle Knight. Vili had done it in just two, making him nearly five times as fast.

If word of this got out, Vili would undoubtedly be thrust into the spotlight and might even attract the attention of Count Lumbar.

Vili wasn’t yet confident he could handle such uncertainties. He preferred to bide his time and hide his true capabilities, waiting until he had accumulated enough strength and the time was right to reveal his power to the world.

...

「The next day.」

After breakfast, Vili hurried to the Personal Guard Bureau in Blue Whale Town.

Ever since Blue Whale Town had gone on high alert, the key members of each Personal Guard Team were required to attend a morning meeting personally convened by Baron Enton to receive his latest directives.

As the lead reinforcement from Diamond Town, Vili was naturally required to attend as well.

When Vili entered the meeting room, he found that nearly everyone was already there; only Baron Enton and Jarvis had yet to arrive.

It was understandable for Baron Enton to be late. He was currently swamped with work, often not getting to rest until late at night. He was the very model of a diligent Baron, so it was only natural for him to wake up a little later.

But Jarvis arrived later than Baron Enton almost every day. ’If this were a company from his past life, Jarvis would have been told to pack his bags and get lost long ago.’

A moment later, Baron Enton walked in, his expression stern.

He scanned the room, and upon not seeing Jarvis, he couldn’t help but shake his head with a resigned smile.

He had raised Jarvis since childhood and thought of him as a son. He knew Jarvis’s personality, so he paid these minor transgressions little mind.

"Good morning, everyone."

Baron Enton had just sat down and was about to speak when Jarvis sauntered in.

Baron Enton ignored Jarvis, merely pursing his lips.

Jarvis, seemingly unbothered, walked over and sat down next to Vili.

"You’re looking well."

Jarvis felt that something was different about Vili today, but he didn’t give it much thought. He had no idea that Vili had advanced to become a Middle Knight.

The only reason he had been able to discern Vili’s strength as a Junior Knight at a glance before was that his own Realm had been a level higher. Now that Vili was also a Middle Knight, Jarvis could no longer perceive Vili’s power as he once had.

Vili simply nodded without a word.

"Everyone, let’s start with your reports from yesterday."

This was the first order of business in every one of Baron Enton’s daily meetings.

Over the next ten-odd minutes, everyone present gave a detailed report of their work to Baron Enton.

Baron Enton listened thoughtfully, asking follow-up questions about any particularly complex issues.

"Good work."

After listening to all the reports, Baron Enton offered his usual word of encouragement.

Baron Enton then issued further orders. About ten minutes later, the meeting concluded.

"Knight Vili, Jarvis, a moment, please."

Just as the two were about to leave, Baron Enton suddenly called for them to stay.

"Viscount Babila has brought me new intelligence."

As he spoke, Baron Enton unrolled a nautical chart and hung it on a stand. He circled four small islands near Blue Whale Town. "Small Pirate Gangs have been spotted on these four islands. On average, none of them have more than a hundred men."

Vili listened intently. ’He knew that Viscount Babila wouldn’t bring this kind of intelligence to Baron Enton out of mere friendship. Baron Enton must have conceded some of his own interests in return.’

’Otherwise, Viscount Babila would never use his own scout ships to help Baron Enton for free.’

"The Pirate Gangs on these four islands have been holed up there for about half a month. Barring any surprises, they’ll launch a raid on Blue Whale Town soon. I believe that rather than sit here and wait, we should strike first and eliminate them."

At this, Vili had already guessed what the Baron was thinking.

As expected, the Baron’s next words confirmed Vili’s suspicion. "As for how to eliminate them... I’d like the two of you to handle it personally. After all, a Knight acting alone is far more efficient than a squad of Guards. Moreover, at this critical juncture, we must ensure we have enough Guards spread out to protect the town. What do you think?"

Baron Enton’s gaze fell on Vili. Jarvis was his confidant and would surely follow his orders. Vili, however, was outside help. Asking him to undertake such a personal mission required his consent, so the question was directed solely at him.

"No problem. I will follow your arrangements, Baron Enton."

Vili naturally had no objections.

The Baron’s arrangement was quite reasonable. A Knight’s individual combat ability was immense, but they were less suited to defending a large group. Their value in launching an offensive against a targeted enemy far exceeded their value as a defensive force in town.

"In that case, I’ll be counting on you, Knight Vili."

Baron Enton expressed his gratitude once more.

"Next, I’ll have someone deliver a detailed report on the situation on the four islands. You can set out tomorrow or the day after."

Baron Enton added.

After a brief exchange, Vili and Jarvis left the room together, leaving Baron Enton by himself.

Alone in the empty room, Baron Enton was suddenly overcome with a sense of fatigue.

He used to be one of the most leisurely Lords, and now he had become this busy.

He rubbed his eyes, stared blankly at the ceiling for a moment, and then let out a long sigh. "I hope this ends soon..."

...

Not long after leaving the Personal Guard Bureau, Vili received detailed information about two of the islands.

According to the documents, both islands were temporary rallying points for a small Pirate Gang. They had traveled from distant islands to lie in wait for an opportunity to plunder. Based on their current location, Blue Whale Town was their most likely target.

This was why Baron Enton wanted to nip the danger in the bud.

"Dane!"

Vili called over to Dane, who was in the distance preparing to set sail. He gave Dane a quick rundown of the situation and tasked him with managing the men from Diamond Town in his absence.

After giving his instructions, Vili wasted no time. He changed into a fisherman’s garb, arranged for a fishing boat through the Personal Guard Bureau, and set off toward the target island.

With his Junior Sailor title, he could naturally pilot a fishing boat with ease.