The Dreamer's POV

Chapter 113: Grand Knight

[00 Months: 12 Days: 05 Hours]

"May I attend the meeting as well?" I asked, casting a sideways glance at Seraphina.

Drius' eyes widened in surprise, his mouth parting as if to protest, and I saw Eugene, Seraphina's uncle, frown, his eyes dark with disdain.

'I know this is going a bit too far, but if I have garnered enough goodwill from the sisters, this shouldn't be a problem…' The thought flowed in my mind.

Drius, the knight, blinked at me in surprise, his stern face softened by his confusion. "I... well, that is..." he stammered.

"I think it's only fair," I added, feeling an unexpected sense of daring rise within me. "After all, I am a part of this mission."

'Of course, it's not fair in the slightest. But as someone who can claim to be a commoner and not know noble ethics, I can get away with this very easily.'

Even if I was refused, it wouldn't really damage my reputation among the ladies. After all, I just didn't know any better.

'I hope they accept, though.'

Eugene sneered from where he stood, arms folded across his chest. "Know your place, Luke," he scolded, his voice dripping with disdain.

'Tch! This guy…'

But before the tension could escalate, however, Seraphina stepped in, her voice calm and composed.

"I don't mind if Luke joins us. Sisters, what do you think?"

One by one, her sisters chimed in, each expressing no objection to my presence. The unanimous support from the Lyma sisters was much appreciated, timely too, and I could see Drius struggling to maintain his composure.

"I... Very well, then," Drius conceded, casting a wary glance in my direction. "If the Lady Seraphina and her sisters approve, I see no reason to object."

The knight's eyes met mine, his gaze intense. It felt like he was trying to analyze me, figure me out.

I responded with a soft smile, a non-verbal reassurance that his worries were misplaced.

'Looks like I have one other person to be wary of here…'

Out of the corner of my eye, I noticed Uncle Eugene's glare. The man was livid, his nostrils flaring as he struggled to contain his frustration.

Seeing this, I couldn't help but smirk, a touch of satisfaction coloring my expression. The look on the uncle's face was priceless, and it felt good to stand up to him.

As I followed the Lyma sisters and the knight to the location of our meeting, I couldn't help but feel a sense of accomplishment. Today was proving to be full of surprises, and it felt like things were only just beginning.

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[00 Months: 12 Days: 05 Hours]

Drius began to explain the results of their efforts in recruiting adventurers.

"It was a tough negotiation, to say the least. The adventurers at the stations within our territory were hesitant, but in the end, we managed to secure twelve A-Rank adventurers, and an S-Rank Party, 'Iron Spider'. But it came with a price; we had to offer them triple their usual fees."

My brows rose slightly at that.

Paying triple seemed a bit overboard, and to me, it felt like a veiled insult to the Lyma family. But it was also clear the family was desperate enough to agree to these terms.

"Including the eight members of 'Iron Spider', the Young Master managed to bring twenty people on board," Drius added, then turned his attention to the sisters.

"What about you ladies? How were your own negotiations?"

Within the Lyma Territory, there existed several Adventurer Stations, though only one Guild existed; Terrance.

Terrance could be said to be the hub, or headquarters of the Adventurers in the Lyma Region, and from what I heard, there were four other Adventurer Guilds in other major territories in the Southern Kingdom.

Compared to the Terance, stations were like branches connected to the Guild, and so they existed in pretty much every town or city.

The Lyma sisters, as well as Theo, all went to various stations to try to convince the Adventurers there.

'One would think Theo would go to Terance himself, considering the prestige of the Terance Adventurers Guild, but since Benard is more understanding than most people, and he has an established relationship with the Lyma Family, Theo decided to deal with the most problematic station of all.'

It was a station closest to the Region of the rival Noble Household of the Lyma Family. Not only were they not particularly intimate with the Lyma Household, but they were obviously friendlier towards the rival Household. Read exclusive adventures at mvl

Unfortunately, there were many powerful Adventurers there since that place was close to the Grand Southern Dungeon, which was the biggest Dungeon in the Southern Kingdom.

'I'll need to go there after this is all over…' I promised myself.

Listening to this discourse had enlightened me in more ways than one. I was immensely grateful I decided to speak up and attend.

One by one, the sisters recounted their experiences in the stations they visited. While none of them had managed to bring as many adventurers as the Young Master, they had all contributed significantly to the cause.

The lowest number, unsurprisingly, was Seraphina, who had only recruited me and Benard.

I watched as she shifted uncomfortably under their collective gaze.

"I... I know it's not much..." she began, a hint of shame in her voice.

"Hey, don't beat yourself up," Beatrice interjected, her tone light. "Getting Benard to come along is a feat on its own. He's a force to be reckoned with."

At this, Seraphina's face lit up. "Yeah, and he even told me that Luke here is pretty strong, too. He said that with Luke on my side, I wouldn't need any other adventurer in Terance."

The sisters' eyes widened in shock. "Really?" asked Anastasia, her gaze sharp on mine. I merely shrugged, trying to seem nonchalant.

Then Seraphina dropped the real bombshell. "Benard even said that Luke is as strong as a Grand Knight."

For a moment, the room was dead silent. Drius's eyes twitched, his gaze becoming a penetrating stare.

Feeling the weight of his gaze, I managed a small, bemused smile. 'What's his deal?'

Sensing the sudden tension, Seraphina quickly added, "B-but don't take offense, Drius. I mean, I think that's a little exaggerated too..."

"It's not." I swiftly interjected, cutting short Seraphina's flustered reaction.

And there we were, all eyes on me once again. As if this mission wasn't already interesting enough.

A broad smile formed on my face as I continued. "If Benard says it, then it must be true."

"Hey, you realize what you're claiming, right?" Beatrice whispered to me, her eyes filled with concern.

'I know the Grand Knights are the most powerful Knights in the Southern Kingdom. If Benard rates me to such an extent after seeing a bit of what I'm capable of, then I have no doubt in my mind…'

"Yes, I do." I smiled ruefully at Beatrice.

"I should at least be as strong as a Grand Knight." With that declaration made, I folded my arms and took in a short breath.

"Oh? Is that so?" The voice of Drius echoed out, having a deep undertone that made it seem slightly dangerous.

'He's been glaring at me for some time now. Especially after the whole Grand Knight claim. Could it be—?!'

"My name is Drius Xander. 15th Seat among the Grand Knights of the Southern Kingdom." He declared, his voice still low but threatening.

His piercing gaze did not leave me for even a second.

"Luke… would you mind repeating what you just said?"

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[A/N]

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