--Somewhere on the waters around Baymard--

.

The waters were can and still, and the night was summer night was as glorious as ever.

A 46-year-old man stood on his chamber balcony and watched the starry sky silently.

Unlike the calm night sky, his mind was in turmoil.

He couldn't wait to unleash his anger at those ignorant fools that somehow managed to cause so much disorder in his world.

Knock knock knock.

"Master, it's Panjo."

"Enter." He responded loudly. 

Soon, a man in an inky blue actor stepped in.

"How long before we arrive?"

"Master, it won't be long.

We should arrive sometime between 7~8 A.M.

Also, I've also relayed your message and informed everyone else about your orders.

All 12 ships will now stay here while we advance further.

And if we don't come back within three days at most, then the men will bring hell to this puny empire."

"Good.

You may retire for the night.

I want you in tip-top shape for tomorrow."

"Yes, master."

With that, the man vanished somewhere within the room to join the other hidden bodyguards.

As for their master, even though he spoke calmly, they more than anyone knew how angry he was at the moment.

They could only say a silent prayer for those who angered their master.

Their master was here for a fight!

.

Time raced swiftly, and before Landon knew it, the morning had come again.

Right!

Today, he had an important meeting to attend.

But it was scheduled for 2 P.M, so he had a lot of time before that.

So he could handle other pressing matters as well.

With that in mind, Landon went straight to his office.

It looked like today would be another peaceful day.

He stayed in his office till 9:40 A.M before receiving a phone call from his secretary.

"Your majesty, someone is here to cause trouble."

Landon got up and left speedily.

And just as he was told, someone was causing a loud commotion at the gate.

The was the first time that someone had ever tried to force themselves into the palace.

And Landon wanted to know who they were and why they wanted to fight with him.

From what his secretary said, it appears that the man blamed him for something he knew nothing about.

Apparently, the man also claimed to be famous as well.

The moment he saw the man's face, he instantly knew who he was.

Wasn't this the most famous painter and sculptor, Marcus Perquo.

His works were within all three continues; Pyno, Veinitta and Morgany.

All royal palaces in all empires in these continues had his works there.

And several nobles also had his works too.

His waitlist was several years long, and his fame was the highest within the Arts society.

Yes!

Within the Capital cities, there were art societies there that focused on the fine arts.

The society was made up of the finest art critics ever, so anyone who belonged to it was seen as prestigious.

And he ranked first in the list when combining all members from all empires within these three continents.

For many art lovers, he was a genius way ahead of his time.

And his works were indeed beautiful and breathtaking.

He was Marcus Perquo.

And Landon had accidentally seen him before when he painted several portraits of Alec way back.

How could he not know him?

Landon couldn't help but wonder what he ever did to the guy to make him raging mad.

.

Marcus looked at the son of a b**ch coming his way and felt like running over and strangling him now.

Of course, he hasn't been fighting this whole time.

He just refused to go in and wanted Landon to leave the palace and meet him outside instead.

He felt like his status was way higher than this puny ruler.

Even great kings and rulers around the continent dared not embarrass him.

So why should he have to humble himself in front of this unworthy king?

Yes!

He was still shocked by everything within Baymard, but he would never show it because he remembered his mission.

If he showed any signs of getting impressed, then the other side might feel high and mighty.

So how could he give others a chance to mock him?

He had already unleashed most of his excitement and shock after leaving the Coastal port.

The moment he arrived in front of the palace, he literally pinched himself hard to bring him back to reality and remind him of his purpose.

He had to come hard and strong to get what he wanted.

He came with 100 men and left the rest in the ship at the docks.

If he didn't return, then they would go and call for backup.

He wasn't scared because he always moves with an army of his own.

As someone famous who was constantly travelling from continent to continent, his safety was a must.

So he wasn't scared of anything.

When he saw Landon coming out, he felt even prouder.

Look!

Even the little king had to run over to kiss his feet.

But little did he know that it was just curiosity that brought Landon over.

.

Landon stood before the proud man, and the duo scrutinized each other silently.

Landon only felt it funny.

He only went out of his way to greet those that he was very close to, like the grannies in the palace, those at the industries and so on.

But he wasn't close to this Marcus guy.

So no matter how high the person's position was, he was Baymard's ruler and should be greeted first!

As the duo continued to stare at one another, their men were also getting excited as well.

The guards stood beside Landon in perfect formation.

And even though they were furious at tge lack of disrespect, they didn't say anything because Landon hadn't given out his orders yet.

It was part of their training to always stay calm and obey orders.

So they were just waiting for their chance. 

As for Marcus' men of 100, some were silent while others just sneered and began throwing in a few degrading sentences here and there.

They looked at the guards in disdain and wished to pay them back for their earlier actions.

"You see, even your ruler knows how powerful our master is.

So how dare you lowly vagabonds stop him?"

"Tch!

You should be glad that you didn't do anything drastic, or else today would be your death days."

"Hahhahahahhahaha!

Look, they're scared silly by us that they can't even move."

"Hmph!

Serves them right.

Who asked them to go against people they shouldn't?"

.

Marcus smirked and felt overly confident again.

Yes!

Even more prominent nobles and rulers begged for his attention.

So what more of this little runt.

If he pleased him well enough, he might even give the runt a portrait of himself as a keepsake.

Hey!

Maybe he could sign it as well.

He heard that many people liked this thing called autograph.

The runt will probably treasure it like gold.

Marcus chuckled as he pictured Landon's excited expression once he gave an autographed portrait to him.

Landon just smiled back at him playfully instead.

"Me. Marcus.

I'd like to believe that you're a learned aristocrat, right?"

"Of course!

How dare you doubt me?"

"Well, it's not that I don't believe you.

But, if you're genuinely one... then shouldn't you of all people be aware that when standing before a monarch, one must show their respect.

Sigh... Who would've known that you'd drop all your manners once you left your home?"

Marcus' smile was quickly replaced with a fierce glare.

Was this bastard born from a lowly maid actually insulting him to his face?

This was outrageous!

How dare he?

Marcus' eyes turned colder as his short fingernails dug into palms.

"Heh.

Why should I salute you?

Do you know how many people beg for my favours?" Marcus said before sneering coldly.

Why should he do so to Alec's small brat?

Even if he were the child of some other ruler, he still wouldn't do it.

Eli Barn used to bow to him and greet him respectfully, and even the current Queen Penelope had bowed when she was 13 years old.

That's how high his status is.

He's someone who, because of his fame, had also gathered an army of his own.

And his influence is so great that if he were to get into trouble, several people would rush to save him just to get in his good books.

He had seen several royals who were this brat's age.

And they dared not piss him off.

What a joke.

Shouldn't the brat call him uncle instead?

"Mr. Marcus, I take it you don't want to?"

"Yes!"

"Too bad your opinion doesn't count.

Now kneel!!"

Plop.

--silence--

('0')

What just happened?