ALL NOVEL Chapter 63
Chapter 63: The City of Desire and Despair (2)
“This is the first time I’m meeting you in person, Elder Heinz Schwarzenbeck. It’s an honor to meet a legendary adventurer like yourself.”
“Legend? It’s all just old, dusty tales from decades ago.”
“Twenty-three years ago, you led your comrades and defeated the Cyclops King, a Monster Lord. Sixteen years ago, you beheaded a wyvern that appeared in the city, successfully defending it. I’ve only heard these stories from the previous head of my family, but even hearing them made my heart race.”
Heinz Schwarzenbeck’s achievements didn’t stop there.
Nine years ago, he and his comrades reached the 69th floor of a dungeon, a feat no other adventurer had since matched.
For this achievement, the Emperor had granted him the title “Crimson Reaper.”
In addition to these, he had solved countless other incidents and built an incredible reputation. Martin listed all of the most significant ones.
Naturally, Heinz was genuinely pleased.
“Haha! To think someone remembers all of that… seems like I haven’t lived in vain after all.”
“The greatest duty of a noble is to hunt monsters as an adventurer. And slaying monsters requires mastering the accumulated knowledge from the past. Remembering the accomplishments of one’s seniors is simply something juniors should do.”
“Given your rising fame that’s shaking the Empire, now I understand why. It all makes sense.”
“You flatter me.”
“No need for modesty. You’re only 18 years old, and yet you’ve already accomplished several remarkable feats. If my story is a legend, your path will one day become a myth.”
“I’ll do my best to live up to those expectations.”
Both Martin and Heinz Schwarzenbeck smiled warmly.
The two continued to engage in conversation, radiating such a sense of camaraderie that one could hardly believe they had just met.
Jerome Metzelder looked on with satisfaction.
“Haha! To witness both a hero of the past and a hero of the future in the same place, I must be a very lucky man.”
“Thank you for arranging such a wonderful meeting, Mayor Metzelder.”
“To hear thanks from the young lord himself makes hosting this event truly worthwhile. Shall we proceed to the dining table?”
“Indeed. If we stay here much longer, the food you’ve prepared will get cold.”
At Martin’s reply, Jerome Metzelder confidently led the way to the dining hall.
Martin and Heinz followed closely behind, soon settling down at the table.
The food that was served was exceptional.
Martin found it to be even better than what was usually served at the Adalbert estate.
The conversation at the table flowed smoothly as they carefully avoided any sensitive topics.
However, this peace didn’t last long.
Just as the dessert was about to be served, Jerome Metzelder finally broached the subject.
“I have no intention of stopping the young lord’s mission to root out criminals. But I must admit, there is one concern I have.”
“Hmm. I don’t recall doing anything that would cause you concern, Mayor.”
“Haven’t you already dissolved five noble families, including the Brightner family?”
“That’s right.”
“Many nobles, myself included, worry that the young lord might annex all five territories into the Adalbert family’s domain, just like in Varehein City. While it would make sense for Rustal’s territory, the other families are still independent forces, are they not?”
“Ah, that? You needn’t worry about it. As soon as I find individuals I deem suitable to take over as lords, I’ll hand over the territories. Varehein City will be no different. Whoever takes over as lord will still be guaranteed half of the city’s rights.”
Martin replied in a calm, relaxed tone.
But Jerome Metzelder’s gaze remained sharp.
“Isn’t that selection criteria entirely subjective to the young lord?”
“If you put it that way, I suppose it is. But does that really matter?”
“What?”
“I didn’t punish those criminals for my personal ambitions. They were the ones who gave me the justification, and I punished them strictly according to the laws of the Empire. Dissolving the families was well within my granted authority.”
In the Empire, three great noble families held unmatched authority.
The Adalbert family ruled the north, the Ferdinand family ruled the east, and the Klaus family ruled the south.
These three houses had power equivalent to that of kings within their respective regions, a status acknowledged by the first Emperor himself. Because of this, neither the Imperial Family nor any other authority could directly influence their territories.
“But you haven’t officially been recognized as the head of the Adalbert family yet. You haven’t even been granted a title.”
“When the position of family head is vacant, all authority is delegated to the young lord. In other words, I’m the official acting head of the family. It’s clearly written in Imperial law, so the concerns of other nobles are of no consequence to me.”
“That’s…”
“In fact, there’s one thing I’m concerned about as well.”
Just as Jerome was about to raise his voice, Martin cut him off.
He looked between Jerome and Heinz before continuing.
“The power struggles within the Imperial Capital are accelerating the Empire’s decline. The real problem, though, is that many nobles see this situation as an opportunity. Some, for instance, are trying to seize control of free cities that have no connection to their families.”
“…Isn’t that exactly what the young lord has done?”
“As I said earlier, I’ve only used the authority granted to me, and even then, I haven’t fully taken control. But certain high-ranking nobles, without any justification, are trying to extend their influence here and there. That’s what I consider a serious issue.”
Heinz smiled, as if finding the conversation amusing.
Jerome, however, suddenly lost his composure, his face going expressionless.
‘Does he know something?’
The fact that Jerome had received support from the Royce Marquisate was a closely guarded secret.
Only Nicholas von Royce, the current head of the family, and Heinz, who was seated next to him, knew about it.
But now Martin was directly bringing it up out of the blue.
Was he actually aware of something, or was he just fishing for information?
Jerome couldn’t tell, and that only made him more uneasy.
At that moment, Heinz stepped in to ease the tension.
“It’s getting late. Perhaps it’s time to call it a night?”
“That might be for the best.”
Jerome quickly nodded.
The conversation was heading into dangerous territory, and he needed to pull back before he got swept up in Martin’s pace.
Swish.
Jerome wasted no time standing up.
“Thank you for spending the evening with us, young lord. I’ll be sure to invite you again in the future.”
“I look forward to it, Mayor Metzelder.”
With Martin’s reply, Jerome left the dining room.
Though Jerome tried to appear dignified, Martin couldn’t help but smirk inwardly at his facade. He made sure not to show it on his face.
“Well then, I think we should retire as well.”
With that, Martin stood up, followed by Sien and Fritz.
At that moment, Heinz spoke up.
“Hold on a moment, young lord.”
“What is it?” Martin asked.
“If you don’t mind, how about exchanging a few blows with this old man?”
Slight flinch.
The moment Heinz finished speaking, both Sien and Fritz visibly tensed up. A sparring request from a legendary adventurer was, in itself, an extraordinary challenge.
“A spar, huh…”
Martin smiled slightly at the unexpected proposal.
—
“That’s a bit sudden.”
“People like myself, who’ve dedicated our lives to the martial arts, can’t help but wonder about the true potential of the young lord of the Adalbert family.”
“Isn’t reaching the 7th Circle at this age proof enough of my talent?”
“Of course, no one doubts that your talent is among the greatest in the history of the continent. That’s exactly why I’m curious—to see how far you can grow.”
“We’ll know with time, won’t we?”
“I agree with that, but true genius often reveals something beyond the passage of time. And that’s what I wish to confirm.”
Martin tried to decline gently, but Heinz didn’t back down so easily. Sien and Fritz immediately stepped in.
“The young lord is currently the only direct heir of the Adalbert family,” Sien said. “As the one bearing the future of the family, I don’t think he should engage in a meaningless spar.”
“I agree with Miss Sien,” Fritz added. “Even if it’s just a spar, when two powerhouses of the 7th and 8th Circles clash, it’s never going to be a light match. And it’s not like there’s an official referee to oversee the duel. There’s no reason for the young lord to indulge someone’s personal curiosity.”
“Then how about just a light exchange of techniques? No need to take it to a conclusion. Wouldn’t that be acceptable?” Heinz responded, slightly retreating in the face of their fierce opposition.
Martin inwardly laughed at Heinz’s transparent intentions.
‘He really wants to see my skills, doesn’t he?’
It made sense. While there was a significant gap between the 7th and 8th Circles, it wasn’t so vast that victory was guaranteed either way. Abilities like Martin’s Spatial Domination or Sien’s enhanced physical prowess could easily bridge, or even overcome, that gap.
Heinz gazed steadily at Martin.
‘Spatial Domination is considered one of the strongest abilities. I must see it for myself.’
If Heinz were a typical 8th Circle knight, he wouldn’t need to make such a bold proposal. However, martial artists, especially those relying on physical abilities, are heavily affected by age. Heinz had failed to reach the realm of the 9th Circle, where aging would no longer be a limiting factor. Now, well into his 80s, he could no longer unleash the full extent of his peak power.
Because of that, he had to approach this matter carefully.
But Martin had no intention of revealing his full strength.
‘Why would I?’
It would be foolish to expose his abilities so easily, especially when he knew Heinz’s background well. Martin understood Heinz’s combat style and his Liquid Manipulation ability thoroughly.
While Heinz might have the upper hand in overall power, Martin was confident he could win if they fought seriously.
‘Now is not the time.’
There would be only one reason to reveal his full strength—to kill Heinz.
“I’m sorry, Elder Schwarzenbeck. As my retainers have said, I see no reason to invite unnecessary risk.”
“Is the one claiming to be the head of one of the three great noble families afraid of sparring with a mere Elder of the Adventurers’ Guild? Don’t you think that tarnishes the name of Adalbert?”
“Of course, protecting the honor and legacy of my family is my duty. But I don’t believe this one action would tarnish that in any way.”
“Mm.”
Heinz fell silent.
Martin’s words were perfectly reasonable, leaving Heinz unable to press further.
Still, something nagged at him.
‘Does he know something?’
Martin had subtly threatened Jerome Metzelder earlier, suggesting that he knew about his ties to Nicholas von Royce. If Martin wasn’t aware of that connection, such remarks would have been impossible to make.
It was hard to believe, but Martin’s intelligence network might be more advanced than Heinz had expected.
‘Even so, he shouldn’t have any information about me.’
Outwardly, Heinz had always lived as a dedicated adventurer, with no public ties to the Royce Marquisate. Even in his role as the “King of Men,” a ruler of the underworld, he had maintained complete discretion.
His ability to rise as the master of Akela City’s slave market had been solely due to his own efforts.
No matter how skilled the Adalbert family’s intelligence network was, Martin had no reason to suspect him.
However, Martin’s next words brought an end to Heinz’s inner turmoil.
“I have no desire to damage my relationship with the Adventurers’ Guild.”
Heinz frowned slightly.
“…Are you implying that you’d win if it weren’t for the Adventurers’ Guild? Or is that just my misunderstanding?”
“Oh, come on. Surely not. I wouldn’t be so confident, considering the obvious difference in our power.”
“Your expression says otherwise.”
“I’d rather not get caught up in pointless arguments. We’ll take our leave now.”
Martin turned lightly, and Sien and Fritz followed behind him.
Heinz watched Martin’s retreating figure and couldn’t help but chuckle.
‘He says otherwise, but his expression was full of confidence.’
Even though Heinz had lost much of his peak strength due to age, he was still superior to most 7th Circle knights.
Yet, Martin showed no sign of being fazed at all.
‘It doesn’t matter. Whether that confidence is justified or not, I’ll find out soon enough.’
And Heinz was certain it wouldn’t take long to learn the truth.
TL Note: Rate us on NOVEL UPDATES