Chapter 91

Ganzus, the traveling merchant, was also heading to the central city of Klaan, and since their destinations coincided, Lambert decided to travel with Ganzus in his carriage.

Originally, the Nightmare could not be ridden freely in areas near cities where there were more people, which was a relief for Lambert.

Moreover, Ganzus, who had been lamenting his own carelessness for not hiring a guard after being attacked by a band of thieves, found Lambert’s company fortunate.

According to Ganzus, “There’s no one else who would have business in such a remote place other than the major city of Klaan.”

From Ganzus’s perspective as a traveling merchant, even Klaan was not a particularly interesting place. The territory was not thriving due to the unreasonable policies of the lord, Viscount Lagar, and as a result, the territory was poor, leading to a decrease in tax revenue from the people.

“Occasionally, he implements policies that are ill-conceived, leaving behind a large number of unemployed people and useless land. For example, he set up a town for coal mining, but the operation turned out to be unprofitable, and the mining town of Tetmberg was quickly abandoned.”

Ganzus said this with a wry smile.

In Ganzus’s evaluation, Viscount Lagar was among the worst of the nobles in the Regius Kingdom. While there were many ruthless and greedy rulers, what made Viscount Lagar stand out as the worst was simply his lack of intelligence.

“Even if there are suspicious rumors, many lords are cunning. But the one who repeatedly engages in bizarre behavior, turning his domain into a poor comedy, is Viscount Lagar, as far as I can think.”

“So bad, huh? I’m surprised you even decided to come here.”

Lambert was genuinely taken aback.

During the Eight Nations Unification War, there was no room for incompetent heirs among the nobility. The royal family did not have the luxury to delve into individual noble’s rights issues, and they either had their territories and rights plundered by other nobles or were quickly killed by foreign enemies.

It could be said that Viscount Lagar appeared only because the kingdom was now peaceful, the royal family’s influence was strong, and there was no need to constantly worry about enemies.

“Hehe, there are always rich people around. Since resources don’t circulate well in many areas, it’s a feast for me. But... the security was worse than expected, and I almost lost my life. I need to hire a guard.”

Ganzus shuddered.

“Still, you’re strong. To take on five people and kill them all... Could you be one of the royal auditors?”

Since the attack on the city of Baraila by the Eight Sages Mancie, the Regius royal family had increased its vigilance against the ‘Flute Devil.’ Rumors among the traveling merchants suggested that the royal family was secretly investigating suspicious activities among the various lords, especially after it was revealed that Count Obock had invested in the ‘Flute Devil.’

Ganzus, having witnessed Lambert’s overwhelming strength, speculated that a top-tier swordsman like him would only be sent to such a remote area if he were part of the royal family’s investigative force.

“...No.”

“Hahaha... Even if it’s true, you can’t say it. Don’t worry, I’ll keep our meeting a secret. You’re my savior!”

“No, that’s not it.”

“Ah, I see! Let’s leave it at that. You see, merchants live by their word. Especially me, I’m very good at keeping my mouth shut.”

“...Mm.”

Lambert was not convinced, but in Ganzus’s mind, the fact that Lambert was a master swordsman associated with the royal family was already set in stone. After all, Lambert had once been one of the Four Demon Generals, the peak of Regius Kingdom’s military power during the most brutal era of the Eight Nations Unification War, so it was not entirely unfounded.

“...The private soldiers of Viscount Lagar walk around the city as if they own it, and theft and violence are common even during the day. I don’t plan to go there, but the slums of the viscount’s territory are said to be even worse. There are rumors that some of the soldiers, who are mentally unstable, kidnap people and beat them to death for fun. I don’t believe everything, but... where there’s smoke, there’s fire. If you are, or even if you were, a royal soldier... could you do something about Viscount Lagar’s fools?”

Ganzus, who had been talking cheerfully, lowered his tone and spoke quietly.

“...”

Lambert did not respond to the request, but in his mind, the investigation of the slums was at the top of his list.

(Nobles who are supposed to protect the people, yet engage in murder and kidnapping... This cannot be tolerated. If it’s true, Viscount Lagar must be executed.)

His plan was set: to investigate the private soldiers’ misconduct in the slums. However, there was a disappointing aspect.

(My original purpose for coming here was to find the base of the ‘Flute Devil’... but it might not be related to this place.)

Based on the bad reputation he had heard so far, it seemed more like the problems were due to Viscount Lagar’s incompetence and tyranny rather than any connection to the ‘Flute Devil.’ Cutting down corrupt rulers and reforming the Regius Kingdom was also one of Lambert’s goals. However, the ‘Flute Devil’ was a problem that could not be postponed. If left unchecked, their influence would spread over time.

The attack on the city of Baraila had caused significant damage. Lambert was not afraid of the Eight Sages Mancie themselves, but the magic book left by the worst alchemist of the Eight Nations Unification War, Gailof, had given him a tough fight. If he had failed to defeat Laumpup, the city of Baraila would have been completely destroyed. If a higher-level spirit had been summoned before, Lambert would have had no chance of winning alone.

“Hey, you can see it now. That’s the central city of Klaan.”

Lambert stopped his thoughts at Ganzus’s call.