Chapter 43
Sieg's words made Kay's expression harden.
"The w-warehouse?"
"Yes. The warehouse where Soma is brought in and stored."
"Why the warehouse?"
Sieg replied with a blank expression.
"To burn it down."
"What?"
For a moment, Kay's hands trembled uncontrollably.
Burning down the Mechain Cartel's drug warehouse was an idea she hadn't even dared to imagine.
Sieg looked at Kay and said, "Wouldn't something like that really piss off Don Juan?"
"Don't tell me... You're planning to burn the warehouse and then pin it on Pavela?"
"Not just that. I'll tie in Syndicate's executives as well. That should be enough for Don Juan to send hitmen their way."
Kay's face turned pale at Sieg's audacious plan.
In a trembling voice, she asked, "And what if Don Juan finds out it was us?"
"We'll have to make sure he doesn't."
At Sieg's calm response, Kay grabbed her drink again and downed it.
Wiping her mouth with her sleeve, she said, "It's not like we can back out now. Fine. Let's do it. I'm trusting you with this."
Sieg looked at her and said, "Let's make it work, partner."
* * *
Not long after their secret conversation, fires broke out in Atlas and the outskirts of several cities in both the Empire and Central Continent.
Fortunately, there were no casualties, but the contents of the warehouses were completely burned to ashes, leaving no trace behind.
The cause of the fires and the identity of the items stored in those warehouses were never revealed, and the incidents were quietly shelved.
* * *
Sieg leisurely read the news reports about the fires in his estate.
"This should be enough to make that old man Don Juan feel the burn."
Among the Syndicate's key warehouses Kay had mentioned, Sieg had selected a few and set them ablaze.
He had carefully planned it out in advance—activating portal points after arriving by rail at each city, and on the day of the operation, using the portals to move between cities and start the fires in a single night.
Although he lost a significant number of Karma Points in the process, there was no trace left behind to implicate him.
Even the Nirvana Household, renowned for their arcane mages, had only a limited number of people capable of teleportation. Moreover, teleportation magic allowing movement between cities didn't exist in the current era.
Such distances were only possible through large-scale portal devices managed by the Magic Tower.
With the seeds planted, it was now time to wait for them to sprout.
Once the semester at Valhalla ended and the vacation period began, Sieg planned to head south and meet Don Juan in person.
In the meantime, he began to devise a more detailed plan for how he would deal with the cartels.
While Sieg was in the middle of planning, someone entered his room.
"Hey, apprentice."
Duke, who had been darting around everywhere without staying put at the estate, called out to Sieg.
"It's been really hard to see your face these days, master."
"Ugh. I don't know why they keep asking so much from a retired man."
"It's because you're capable."
"Cut the sweet talk. First, pack your things."
"What? Why do I have to pack all of a sudden?"
Duke, with a dissatisfied expression, replied, "We're going to the Four Seasons Castle. The head has summoned us."
* * *
Thud, thud, thud!
Sieg, along with Duke and Andre, rode in a carriage heading toward the Four Seasons Castle.
He rested his chin on his hand and gazed out the window.
The vibrant buildings of Atlas, the broad avenues stretching through the city, and the neatly arranged roadside trees all passed by in view.
As he looked at the civilized city, Sieg recalled the words Bahamut had spoken.
'A city solely for humans.'
Perhaps the future Bahamut had feared was a world where only humans existed, just like now.
Fairies existed only in legends, elves had vanished without a trace, dwarves and halflings had been driven to the northern continent, and beastkin were scattered across the lands, living as wanderers.
Unlike the past, humans now built cities exclusively for themselves. Moreover, they fought among themselves to create even larger cities and nations.
'Because of such chaotic times, the need for greater strength becomes inevitable.'
Duke, noticing Sieg staring out the window, asked, "What are you looking at so intently?"
Sieg turned his head toward Duke and replied, "The city view fascinates me."
It was a stark contrast to the Atlas he had seen in his previous life. The current Atlas exuded peace.
Within the sphere of influence of the transcendent Draker Household, no kingdom dared to exert any authority.
The city operated autonomously, governed by its own self-rule.
Although Central Continent was not a kingdom, it held a cohesion greater than that of any kingdom, serving as the central axis of the continent.
At the heart of this system was the Four Seasons Castle, the central hub of the Draker Household.
While the main family of the Drakers resided in the Troy Duchy, all key facilities were located in the Four Seasons Castle.
Sieg felt a strange mix of emotions as he prepared to visit the Four Seasons Castle for the first time, a place he had never reached in his previous life.
Duke, scratching his ear, grumbled, "Seriously. That Arthur brat. As soon as he comes back, what does he do? He suddenly throws a promotion celebration party."
The reason for Sieg's summons to the Four Seasons Castle was none other than a celebratory party for his promotion to Blue Knight.
In the Draker Household's key allied families, it was customary to hold a promotion celebration party when a child became a Purple Knight.
Since this typically occurred when they were well past their adolescence, such events were often referred to as the Draker-style debutante ball.
However, in Sieg's case, the situation was different. At the age of fifteen, he was not being celebrated as a Purple Knight but as a Blue Knight, making the weight of the occasion exceptional.
Indeed, many nobles and dignitaries from prominent families across the central continent gathered at the Four Seasons Castle to attend Sieg's promotion party.
As the only part of the Four Seasons Castle open to the public, the event was scheduled to take place in the "Spring Garden".
Andre, sitting beside Sieg, spoke.
"We'll arrive soon."
Sieg opened the window and looked outside.
In the distance, the massive walls of the Four Seasons Castle came into view.
The carriage Sieg rode swiftly passed through the gates into the fortress.
* * *
The Spring Garden, which maintained the classical style of the central continent while modernizing its facilities, was a building where traditional beauty and contemporary sophistication were harmoniously blended.
In the grand hall of the Spring Garden, prepared for the occasion, attendees included the heirs of noble families invited from all corners of the central continent, as well as high-ranking politicians and prominent figures.
Each wore ceremonial attire representing their respective families.
Arthur Draker, as the host of the party, wore a ceremonial outfit adorned with the Dragonslayer Crest and greeted the guests.
At that moment, someone approached Arthur Draker.
"Father."
It was none other than Abel Draker.
Abel, with his neatly tied red hair and immaculate ceremonial attire, exuded a noble aura.
Arthur greeted Abel with a radiant smile.
"Abel. Come in. You're here to celebrate your youngest brother's achievement. Well done."
Arthur and Abel shared similar smiles as they embraced.
Looking around, Abel remarked, "This is the first promotion party I've seen with so many attendees."
"Indeed. The continent's youngest-ever promotion to Blue Knight—everyone must be curious about Sieg."
Hearing Arthur's words, Abel smiled.
Before Sieg's promotion to Blue Knight, the record for the youngest Blue Knight on the continent had belonged to Abel himself.
However, with Sieg breaking that record, Abel had been relegated to the status of just another ordinary promotee.
Soon after, Arthur left Abel's side to warmly greet a politician from another kingdom.
Watching Arthur, Abel clenched his teeth.
"Try to control your expression, Abel."
His cousin, William Zimmens, approached him.
"What's wrong with my expression?"
"If you're going to smile, then smile properly. If you're annoyed, then show it clearly. This half-and-half face isn't doing you any favors."
At William's words, Abel erased the smile from his face.
William clicked his tongue.
"Come on, you can't just drop it like that. Today, your role is to be the gracious older brother who wholeheartedly celebrates his youngest sibling."
At that moment, fanfare sounded from above.
All eyes turned toward one side of the room.
The doors opened, and someone stepped forward.
The youngest Blue Knight in the continent's history and the Draker Household's Pureblood Awakener—
Sieg Draker had arrived.
"My goodness, is he really a Blue Knight at that age?"
"I can't believe it."
"Even if it were a Purple Knight promotion, it'd be hard to believe."
Under the gaze of countless onlookers, Sieg stepped onto the red carpet on the second floor and slowly descended.
Having never attended such a party and unfamiliar with the formalities of noble etiquette, Sieg felt nothing but awkwardness.
'I understand the need for a performance, but this really isn't my kind of thing.'
Sieg walked down the carpet toward Arthur Draker, who stood at its end.
Reaching Arthur, Sieg knelt on one knee and bowed his head. In a solemn voice, he spoke.
"Before the great Arthur Draker, leader of the illustrious Dragonslayer Household, I, Sieg Draker, humbly announce my first step as an honorable knight. I also pledge to stand against injustice, aid the weak, and bring peace to this land."
Arthur drew the sword at his side.
Lightly touching Sieg's shoulder with the blade, Arthur spoke.
"May the name of Draker bless the path ahead of Sieg Draker as he advances as an honorable knight."
With the head's blessing, Sieg was officially recognized as a Blue Knight.
As Sieg began to rise from his position, Arthur spoke again.
"Furthermore, I hereby appoint Sieg Draker as an official knight of the Draker Household and confer upon him the rank of full-fledged knight."
Arthur's words shocked not only Sieg but everyone present.
To be promoted to Blue Knight at fifteen and officially knighted at sixteen was an unprecedented event.
Moreover, to receive an official Knight Order in the Draker Household, known as the knights among knights, was nothing short of extraordinary.
Momentarily flustered by Arthur's sudden conferral of title, Sieg quickly composed himself and recited the oath of appointment.
"I, Sieg Draker, pledge to devote my loyalty and dedication as a knight of the honorable Draker Household."
Arthur, satisfied with Sieg's oath, sheathed the sword he had placed on Sieg's shoulder.
He then personally helped Sieg to his feet and introduced him to the many attendees at the party.
"I am immensely delighted to introduce my youngest son to the distinguished guests gathered here. Sir Sieg Draker is an exceptional knight who has inherited the Draker bloodline more deeply than anyone else. Let us bless this talented young man's future and pray for the peace and well-being of the continent."
As Arthur raised his glass, the others followed suit, lifting their glasses high.
At Arthur's toast, everyone joined in a cheerful celebration.
The party itself had been unexpected, and now, the surprise knighting ceremony on top of it all.
Sieg still wore a somewhat bewildered expression.
"I'm proud of you,"
Arthur said, patting Sieg on the shoulder.
Sieg raised his head to look at Arthur.
It was an expression he had never seen on Arthur's face in his previous life.
Sieg bowed his head slightly.
"All of this is thanks to you, head of the Household."
Arthur chuckled softly and said, "What's with the formality? When it's just the two of us, call me Father."
In a gentle tone, he continued, "So, how is your plan to become the continent's strongest progressing? Judging by how you've become the star of today's party, it seems to be going smoothly."
Sieg replied calmly, "I am doing my best."
Arthur let out a hearty laugh, clearly entertained.
Then, Arthur Draker's tone suddenly shifted.
"I heard you met Kali."
In that instant, Sieg felt as though a sharp blade had pressed against his neck.
'Not even the slightest gap should be allowed.'
Sieg nodded.
"Yes. Elder sister visited Valhalla for a special lecture. I happened to attend it and later had tea with her."
"Ho, is that so? Now that I think about it, it's been quite some time since I last saw Kali myself. We've both been so busy."
Arthur placed a hand on Sieg's shoulder and said, "We should have a family meal together sometime soon. But more importantly, I'd like to give you a promotion gift."
Arthur reached into his pocket and took something out.
Curious, Sieg watched as Arthur revealed the item.
Surprisingly, it was an ordinary-looking piece of paper.
However, what was written on it was anything but ordinary.
〈 Draker Household Report 1-Time Exchange Voucher 〉
Handing the piece of paper to Sieg, Arthur said, "Go into the household's vault and select one thing you desire."
Arthur placed an arm around Sieg's shoulders and leaned in closer as he spoke.
"Keep your eyes wide open and watch carefully. Among the countless items, there are treasures, but also completely useless junk,"
Arthur said.
Sieg nodded at Arthur's words.
"I'll keep that in mind."
Arthur smiled, stepping back, and patted Sieg on the shoulder.
"Good. Now, go and enjoy the party. A true knight should stand out even at a celebration."
With those parting words, Arthur left Sieg's side.
Despite exchanging only a few words, an intense sense of fatigue overcame Sieg.
'Arthur Draker... I can't let my guard down for even a moment.'
Letting out a sigh internally, Sieg suddenly noticed someone approaching him.
"Sir Sieg Draker."
Sieg turned his head.
A woman in a dress that appeared simpler than those worn by other noble ladies, yet exuding elegance, stood before him.
She spoke to Sieg.
"It's a pleasure to meet you for the first time. I am Melissa Alencia, first Princess of the Kingdom of Alencia."