From sailboats to star destroyers (Source: Web)

Chapter 46 The Invitation of Lord Kingsby

Kingsby City is only a stone's throw away on the map from West Limit City, where Count Bartholomew once held sway, and belongs to the kingdoms of Herrest and Senist respectively.

However, a precipitous mountain range, rising abruptly from the ground like the spine of a giant dragon, abruptly separates the two places. Crossing this natural barrier is far more difficult than sailing around by sea.

Upon entering the somewhat bustling gates of Kingsby, a sense of tension and desolation immediately hit me, a far cry from the lively atmosphere of Westminster that I remembered, with its salty sea breeze.

The first thing Miao Meng did was to send the swordsmen and shieldmen under the Black Earl, who were good at blending into the streets, to the taverns and markets to find out about the current situation in Xixian City.

Of course, they only dared to enter after concealing their true nature with armor and robes.

However, the news that returned was tinged with the dust of time, leaving one feeling disoriented. The assassination of Count Bartholomew, who died in West Limit City, was actually old news from more than a decade ago.

That harbor has long since changed hands, and it is said that it has become even more prosperous and thriving under the management of the new city lord.

In contrast, Kingsby, just across the mountain, is shrouded in the shadow of the precarious Kingdom of Seneca, where several princes and princesses are vying for the blood-stained crown, and war clouds loom over the place.

The heavy war taxes piled up like millstones, pressing down on the backs of ordinary people, making it difficult for them to breathe. The sparks of resistance flickered in the silent fields.

As Miao Meng listened to these words, a strange, indescribable feeling of unease washed over him.

The conscience instilled in him by Dongxia Education made him instinctively sympathize with these ordinary people struggling to survive, but reason and the desire for power, like a pair of cold hands, firmly suppressed this slight emotion back into his heart.

Right now, he has a more pressing goal.

"Soul Crystal." He tapped the table, his voice low but carrying an undeniable directive, giving the order to the crew.

"No matter what channel you use, whether it's rumors in taverns, secrets in the black market, or bounties from the mercenary guild... find out where this thing came from."

News, recipes, even the most unsubstantiated clues—anything related, as long as it's connected, the price is negotiable.

His generosity and clear demands quickly stirred up waves in the intelligence network at the bottom of Kingsby City.

News of this mysterious "Black Knight" spending money like water and searching for noble treasures spread like wildfire among mercenaries, brokers, and spies.

When the members of the Black Beast Mercenary Group, who had just finished escorting slaves and were boasting about their "adventure in the forest" in the tavern, heard this, they were even more excited.

The novel vividly portrays the encounter with the heavily armored, imposing noble entourage on the road, whose stewards all held high esteem.

How gleaming the armor, how arrogantly the steward tossed away gold coins, how chilling the shadowy guards in the forest.

All these descriptions have elevated the mystery and power of Miao Meng's team to new heights.

If it weren't for the fact that Count Black's memories of his past on land were completely blank, Miao Meng wouldn't have needed to go to such great lengths.

The soul crystals used to forge the Sword of Wind have a clear origin—they come from the royal treasury of the Kingdom of Herest.

However, this connection was completely severed with the fall of the Black Count and the passage of more than a decade.

Even if the Black Count were to be resurrected, it might not be able to rekindle their past relationship. Moreover, the one standing beside Miao Meng at this moment is ultimately just a "Frankenstein's monster" carrying most of the fragments of his memories, a special undead bearing the name of the Black Count.

Miao Meng's high-profile actions naturally reached the ears of the true master of Kingsby City—Earl Alaric Grey.

This elderly nobleman, now over fifty, is deeply mired in the dual quagmire of kingdom turmoil and territory governance.

Under the shadow of war, every bit of strength adds to one's bargaining power.

According to intelligence gathered by his staff, this "Black Knight" is young and quite capable, as evidenced by the size of his guard and the descriptions of the mercenaries. He seems to be someone worth recruiting.

After much deliberation, Earl Grey did not choose to send a formal invitation to the city lord's mansion, which symbolized the core of power. Instead, he sent a well-mannered butler to deliver an elegantly worded parchment invitation to the fine inn where Miao Meng was staying.

He was invited to dinner at a beautiful private estate outside the city.

This is a tacit test among nobles: if the conversation goes well, they can be formally introduced to the city lord's mansion in the future.

If they don't see eye to eye, a meeting at a private estate can lead to a falling out without making things too awkward for either party in a formal setting.

Miao Meng was well aware of the intricate etiquette of the nobility, so naturally he would not refuse.

But he was also aware of his shortcomings—he was not a true Galtilan nobleman, and those complicated court etiquette and social skills could not be mastered in just a few days of cramming.

So he chose to play to his strengths and avoid his weaknesses. Under the careful management of the professional Earl Black, Miao Meng's image quietly changed.

Dark-colored scholar's robes with subtle patterns replaced the overly flamboyant aristocratic attire, becoming more understated and refined.

What's most striking is his youthful face, full of boyish charm, followed by the 'Sword of Wind' hanging at his waist.

The ancient scabbard concealed its sharpness, but the hilt and guard shimmered with a subtle, almost living light.

The soul fluctuations emanating from the sword, perfectly integrated with Miao Meng's aura, silently revealed the wielder's identity and profound knowledge, like a lighthouse in the night.

On the continent of Galtilan, a soul weapon closely connected to its owner's bloodline and soul carries far greater weight than any emblem or document.

It is the most irrefutable proof of ancient bloodlines and powerful heritage, and the cornerstone for a fallen noble family to revive its reputation.

It is also a highly valuable investment for other ambitious families—if they can acquire it through marriage, this weaponry will eventually become part of their family's heritage.

The Black Earl, in the manner of an impeccable butler, always stood half a step behind Miao Meng.

His pale face was calm, and his demeanor was meticulous, perfectly compensating for Miao Meng's unfamiliarity with social details.

Whenever Miao Meng needed to think about his words, or encountered some overly aristocratic probing,

The Black Earl would then subtly step forward, responding with his calm words, tinged with the air of an old-fashioned maritime nobleman, while subtly guiding the conversation.

The consistent official explanation is that His Excellency the Black Knight is engrossed in the mysteries of knowledge and alchemy and is somewhat unfamiliar with worldly affairs, so his personal butler handles some matters on his behalf.

Count Alaric Grey was tall and, despite his advanced age, his hawk-like eyes remained sharp.

He seemed to quite admire Miao Meng's "scholar" image, especially when his gaze swept over the wind sword, a barely perceptible glint flashed deep in his eyes—a glint of shrewdness assessing value and possibility.

The banquet was held on the tranquil garden terrace of the manor, where candlelight flickered and silver cutlery gleamed coldly in the moonlight.

Under the skillful guidance of the Black Earl, the atmosphere between the host and guests was quite harmonious.

The old count was witty and his words revealed a deep interest in the Black Knights' family tradition of learning and alchemy.

After a few rounds of drinks, the conversation deepened, and the two sides exchanged their needs.

Miao Meng frankly expressed his desire for the crystallization of the soul—a reason that seemed perfectly reasonable to a noble "scholar" who possessed soul-armored weapons and was an expert in alchemy.