“…..”

The two people maintained their silence as they sat facing each other on the second floor of El Pasa’s access center.

One was a duke of the empire, the most reputable and promising young nobleman as of late, and the other was the practical representative of the empire and the royal family in the South.

However, as the two silently observed each other, they understood that status and fame were unimportant in the upcoming conversation. After a long moment of silence, Count Cedric was the first one to break the silence.

“It must have been quite troublesome for you to have travelled all this way.”

“I would not call it troublesome. All I have done is to put rabid dogs in their place, they simply did not know their place. Troublesome... Hmm, however, some trouble definitely might be on the way. For me, and for you as well, governor-general.”

“…..!”

Count Cedric’s gaze shook slightly at Raven's words. However, Raven continued while maintaining a calm expression.

“I do not know what others may be thinking, but I do not think I have to apologize to you for hanging Toleo Arangis’ head on my ship, would you not agree?”

“Of course. Rather, I should be thanking you for taking care of the Orc Eater.”

Count Cedric nodded without hesitation, and a thin smile appeared around Raven’s mouth.

“I thought you would think as such, especially as the governor-general of El Pasa. Now that we have confirmed each other’s thoughts, why don’t we have a heart-to-heart conversation?”

‘I had suspected as much, but the rumors are true. Huh…! How could you be so calm and deep when you are not even twenty…?’

Count Cedric was deeply impressed.

During his meeting at the residence with the nobles and the leaders, he deeply contemplated what Duke Pendragon intended by openly displaying Toleo Arangis’ decapitated head.

One had to be insane to kill the second son of Duke Arangis, the ruler of the south, and display the decapitated head on the ship’s bow for all to see.

But Duke Pendragon was neither a madman nor a fool.

Even though the mainland was far away, Count Cedric was familiar with the incidents that occurred in the empire and the Pendragon Duchy. Duke Pendragon had proved his strength several times as a knight, and also proved his capabilities as a monarch by rebuilding the duchy from the brink of collapse.

In addition, he had established himself politically through his relationships with the emperor, Prince Ian, and the young nobles.

Why would such a man come to the South and act in such a manner? Was it simply a display of power, or to provoke Duke Arangis and the south?

It did not make any sense.

Hence, the only available explanation was that Duke Pendragon had a deeper, unknown reason for causing such a massive incident.

Count Cedric was able to see that his guess was right on. Duke Pendragon had explicitly brought up the matter of not having to apologize over openly displaying Toleo Arangis’ head.

“Since you say so, I would like to ask you without beating around the bush.”

“I could not hope for anything else.”

Once the two people had confirmed each other’s intentions, there would be no need for needless pleasantries and empty rhetoric.

Count Cedric took a breath before speaking.

“Does Your Excellency desire to rally forces against the Arangis Duchy with El Pasa as the center?”

“That is correct.”

“…..!”

Count Cedric had expected the answer, but he was shocked at the nonchalant manner in which the opponent responded.

“May I ask… Why El Pasa?”

It was a silly question.

Count Cedric had already guessed the opponent’s reasoning. In any case, however, he wanted to directly confirm the reason.

“There are two reasons. First, El Pasa is the only place in the South that can avoid the breath of the Arangis Duchy.”

“There is Gapusa and Agadir as well.”

“They have a relationship with the empire, but they are still considered foreign countries. Of course, it may well be possible, but I do not have the time to slowly build up power and rally forces in those places, not to mention it would be very difficult as well.”

“Hmm, that is very reasonable.”

Count Cedric nodded in response, and Raven continued.

“Second, only Your Excellency and I can reduce the influence of the Arangis Duchy in the south.”

“Hm…!”

Even though it was expected, it was still quite impactful to hear the words directly.

“I am sure that Your Excellency knows that I did not destroy Toleo Arangis, the island orcs, and the three pirates because I had nothing else to do, or to display my strength.”

“As Governor-General of Leus… Were you fulfilling your responsibilities?”

“That’s half of it. But if I was carrying out my duties as the Governor-General of Leus, I would have only cleaned up the area around the Sea of Merlade, isn’t that right?”

“…Yes.”

As the conversation continued, Count Cedric felt his hair stand on end.

And finally, the young, cool, and calm duke spoke of matters that Count Cedric had approximated. It was something he had roughly guessed but dared not to bring up with the other nobles and the leaders.

“I will build a supply route through the sea. In order to have a proper match with the Arangis Duchy and the southern lords, we need a safe supply route.”

“T, then you brought gold coins on the ship to…”

Count Cedric stuttered involuntarily, and Raven smiled while replying.

“It would have taken ages to take care of them one by one. It’s best to get rid of the scumbags in one go.”

“…..!”

It was as he thought.

Duke Pendragon had not done it to show off or to make a great contribution.

The incredibly beautiful young man in front of his eyes was painting a huge picture, a picture so large that it would be impossible for ordinary people to even imagine.

“With this, we have completed the supply routes connecting York Town, Leus, and El Pasa. Of course, the public is going to think that I created a safe trade route. Southerners who still have reservations about my character or don’t know me will definitely think so. It holds especially true for people like Karl Mandy, the Gold King.”

“Ha….haha…”

Count Cedric forgot his dignity and burst out into vain laughter at Raven’s smile. To think that the young duke had even considered Karl Mandy in this situation…

This was truly catching three birds with one stone.

In addition to gaining the favor of the public, in both the mainland and the south, he would secure a supply route required to contend with the Arangis Duchy in the south. In addition, he would attract Karl Mandy, a giant figure in the south.

Karl Mandy was as important as the governor in El Pasa.

The most important thing in a war was supply.

Even the strongest of armies could not fight if they were not fed and clothed. Moreover, this was the south.

Even El Pasa had very few allies, let alone the Pendragon Duchy. There was no way to secure a steady, local supply of food and equipment. This was the reason why the Arangis Duchy was able to have such a large influence in the south. It was also the reason why the imperial family was forced to tolerate the Arangis Duchy’s behavior. They simply could not send a large number of troops due to the lack of supplies.

But now, the problem was solved.

The peace would not last forever, but for now, the pirates and the orcs would not dare to show their fangs in the inland sea. They would surely run with their tails between their legs once they saw the flag of the Pendragon Duchy.

In addition, the young duke had gained the hearts of the islanders. Now, he would be able to place soldiers from the Pendragon Duchy or the 7th regiment on various islands.

“Your Excellency… Have you ever engaged in a war?”

Count Cedric asked. His throat was feeling dry for some reason.

After a moment of silence, Raven answered with a heavy expression.

“There was a period when… every single day was a war. And… from the moment I boarded the ship to cross the inland sea, the war in the South already began.”

“Do you think… we can win?”

“I would not have started if I did not think I could win.”

“Was El Pasa already involved in the conviction?”

“Of course.”

Raven gave a dazzling smile, then continued.

“I promise you, governor. Within three months, a 60-mile radius outside El Pasa will be cleaned up. Within a year at the latest, El Pasa will become the center of the south.”

“…..!”

Count Cedric’s black eyes shook visibly.

The past flashed before his eyes. All these years, he had protected El Pasa on land from the wolf-like lords, and from the shark-like Arangis Duchy in the sea.

And now, his city, El Pasa, would become the center of the south.

As Raven had said, El Pasa was the only stage where this massive plan could be achieved, and the young duke was the only one who could make it happen.

“…..”

Count Cedric slowly lifted himself up.

Raven also followed suit.

“Your Excellency Pendragon.”

Count Cedric, the descendant of the Gapusa Royal Family, held out his hand in a rugged manner, his tall stature towering over Raven.

The two men grasped each other’s hands.

“From this moment on, El Pasa and the 11th imperial regiment will be blood allies of the Pendragon Duchy and Leus. In El Pasa, the residents of the Pendragon Duchy will be guaranteed the same status as the local residents, and the duchy’s knights and soldiers will also be guaranteed the same status as the 11th regiment. Moreover, the direct line of the Pendragon family, including Your Excellency…”

Count Cedric paused briefly, then continued after taking a big breath.

“Even if Duke Arangis comes in person, they will be protected as honored guests. I swear on the name of the great city of El Pasa.”

“…Thank you.”

The two men gave a powerful shake of their hands. With their hands still held, Raven pulled Count Cedric closer and bumped shoulders.

Count Cedric’s eyes filled with astonishment at Raven’s knowledge of the southern greeting. Soon, the two separated, then left the office in an atmosphere of harmony that was incomparable to when they had entered.

“Your Excellency the Duke.”

“Your Excellency the Governor.”

When the two men exited, those waiting outside hurriedly greeted them. Count Cedric nodded lightly, then turned to Raven.

“Let us go down for now.”

“Let’s do that.”

Recognizing Count Cedric’s intentions, Raven descended the stairs alongside Count Cedric. There were already a countless number of people in the crowd outside the building.

All had come after hearing about the head of Toleo Arangis, or about the count and the duke’s meeting. People of all races and ages could be seen. Their eyes were filled with curiosity.

Raven and Count Cedric climbed to a small platform in front of the access center. Thousands of pairs of eyes watched the two men while holding their breath.

Count Cedric and Raven met each other’s gaze, then held their hands before raising it into the air.

“With the authority granted to me by his majesty and the citizens, I declare as the lord of this city! El Pasa welcomes Duke Pendragon and the 7th regiment!”

“Woaaaahh!”

A giant roar shook the entire harbor.

“Long live the liberator of the sea!”

“Honia’s blessings to El Pasa and Pendragon!”

“The free city of El Pasa welcomes Pendragon!”

“Long live El Pasa, the great city!”

Befitting their reputation, the enthusiastic southerners cheered loudly and threw their hats and handkerchiefs high into the sky. Wine and beer seemed to appear out of thin air, and the citizens, both men and women, hugged and kissed the knights and the soldiers of the 7th regiment.

‘Hap! Ugh!”

Isak was struggling with a red face. He was being kissed by a voluminous girl who seemed to weigh twice as much as himself, and he wildly flailed his arms.

However, even the Ghost Blade of the sea seemed to be helpless in front of a southern woman’s passion, and he fell helplessly to her attacks(?).

Smiles appeared on the faces of Raven and Count Cedric as they observed the port, which had quickly taken on a festive atmosphere.

Suddenly, Count Cedric turned to Raven. It seemed something had caught his mind.

“Excuse me, Your Excellency, but did you happen to receive advice from a southern man before you arrived?”

“Hmm? Why do you ask?”

“Including the matter of southern greeting, you seem quite knowledgeable about the south in general.”

Raven gave a mysterious smile and shrugged his shoulders at Count Cedric’s question.

“Well, I have a pretty competent raccoon back at my house.”

“What? Raccoon?”

“That is right. You will be able to see him soon, Your Excellency.”

A bright smile hung around Raven’s mouth as he recalled Vincent Ron, the genius of the Pendragon Duchy.