Evan and his companions arrived at the heart of the Holy Kingdom, in the center of Aethelan Kingdom.
The streets were overflowing with members of the Order and pilgrims, befitting the Holy Kingdom.
“Most of the people here are either travelers or followers of the Order.”
Alan and Reynold were following behind Evan, looking around at their surroundings.
At that moment, Rozi, who was leading the way, spoke to Evan.
“Aethelan Kingdom is basically under the Holy Union of Bellium, serving as a vassal for their expansion into the Central Region.”
“I see.”
Rozi explained it lightly, but Evan didn’t feel that way at all.
In other words, it meant the Order’s forces were gradually eating away at the Central Region.
“Of course, on the other hand, the Holy Kingdoms closer to the North are all part of the North Holy Union. The North also wants to increase its influence, so there are frequent clashes between this place and the northern forces.”
Upon hearing this, Evan felt that he shouldn’t just keep his eyes on the Central Region.
‘If two whales fight, we might just get caught in the middle…
I don’t know much about the North Holy Union yet, but if they’re powerful enough to contend with the South, their influence on the Continent must be considerable as well.’
“It’s really a territorial war, isn’t it?”
“Exactly. That’s why the principle is for the Central Region to maintain neutrality. If not, it’s hard to survive. You don’t know which side will end up on top, and you could accidentally make an enemy out of the winner.”
What Evan was even more concerned about was the dominance over the Continent.
If either side unified everything, it would only bring about destruction in the end.
“We’ll need to build a breakwater strong enough not to be swept away by the waves from either side.”
Rozi gave a bitter smile at that.
“If you want to be a force unshakable even when both sides close in, you’d have to grab hold of the entire Central Region.”
He said it jokingly, but it seemed like there really was no other way.
But Evan replied seriously.
“That’s exactly what we need to do. If we want to survive.”
Rozi paused for a moment and turned to Evan.
“…Do you really think that’s possible?”
Evan met his gaze and replied without a hint of hesitation.
“There’s no choice. And the reason I’m risking so much in this business is to make that possible.”
Rozi, after hearing Evan’s reply, stood silently for a while before a smile spread on his lips.
“Haha, you’re bold indeed. To be honest, since I’ve started this, I’m also aiming for the entire Central Region’s Market. The goal is to break free from the centralization focused on the Southern Region.”
Evan clicked his tongue.
“So you’ve set an even greater goal than I imagined, Count.”
“Haha, it just means I have that much confidence. This venture will never fail.”
Rozi laughed heartily, but then gave a warning.
“Here, since they use the Magic Transmission Device connected to Bellium’s Magic Tower, you’ll have to be careful with every move. Make a mistake there and it’s over. Got it? This business rides on your reputation, so you really need to be careful.”
“Yes. I’m well aware of that.”
Rozi turned forward again and resumed walking.
But barely had he spoken when Evan could already feel the attention from those around them.
“Isn’t that Lord Evan over there?”
“Evan?”
“The hero has come here?”
“Oh my! I know that face!”
“Wow, he looks even better in person!”
Murmurs and gazes from the people on the street focused intently on Evan.
“…Something’s not right here.”
Evan felt a bit embarrassed at the intense stares from the crowd.
It felt like he was being watched like a star hunter or a celebrity, but there was a strange sense of mania in their eyes.
Rozi explained to Evan,
“I told you, your reputation in the South is massive right now. Since these are Holy Kingdoms connected to that region, they’ll definitely recognize you.”
“I didn’t think it would be to this extent…”
“The Order’s influence is enormous. Once your face became known there, you were already considered a hero throughout the Southern Region.”
“On top of that, you stand out because of your appearance. To them, you’re the ideal hero. And the Order seems to be actively welcoming the birth of a hero.”
“Don’t tell me, all of this…”
Rozi nodded.
“If you look at the bigger picture, the Order might be planning to use you as their poster boy.”
Evan felt dumbfounded at those words.
“They’re just making up stories among themselves without the main person even knowing.”
“Being the Young Lord isn’t a bad thing. For now, just put up with it. The more they do that, the more we can use it for massive profit from behind the scenes.”
Evan nodded.
“Guess the one holding the sword is still us. We have more to gain, and it’s the Order that stands to lose out.”
“Right. That’s why I’m even more confident in this business.”
Evan frowned.
“Still, what could they have said to gather so many people?”
Whether it was by word of mouth or not, the streets were already packed to the point of congestion.
“Lord Evan! Please look over here!”
“Hero of the era!”
Eventually, there were even pilgrims waving and shouting.
Just how much did the Order advertise to get people this riled up?
Evan waved lightly in greeting as he walked on.
Then Rozi grinned and spoke to Evan.
“This is the perfect time. Take out that Rozi Currency I gave you and show it off discreetly.”
“Huh?”
“In the South, everyone either uses Guild Currency or knows about it. They’ll recognize it at a glance. It’s all part of the promotion. I’ll be spreading rumors with my people anyway, but this’ll give it even more power.”
At Rozi’s meticulous marketing, Evan shook his head.
He pulled out the Rozi Currency from his pocket and flicked it lightly in his hand, showing it to those around him.
The effect was immediate.
“Wh-what’s that?”
“Which Guild is that from?”
“Wait, I need to contact the Guild Master right now.”
“Hurry!”
“Damn it! Why did it have to drop yesterday… I don’t have any money on me right now.”
Among the crowd, those sensitive to Guild Currency stared intensely at the Rozi Currency Evan was spinning.
They were desperate to figure out its origin.
One by one, people’s whispers started focusing on Evan’s Rozi Currency.
Rozi watched with a grin spreading to his ears.
“Looks like it’s working even better than I expected.”
Evan nodded quietly.
“Indeed… Even the most excited ones move quickly at the sight.”
Evan’s party pushed through the crowd and headed for the Magic Guild where the Magic Transmission Device was located.
Upon arrival at the Magic Transmission Device, a mage dressed in attire resembling a priest’s robe approached.
“Lord Evan. Thank you so much for visiting our Remd Guild.”
Someone who looked like a high-ranking executive from the guild came out to greet Evan politely.
Rozi went to pay the usage fee.
But the mage stopped him and made a courteous request.
“The fee is unnecessary. Instead, we would like to sponsor you, Lord Evan, with Remd Guild Currency worth 100 Remd. Would you please use that in place of the fee for the Magic Transmission Device?”
He produced a small pouch containing brass coins shaped like staves.
Rozi could see the obvious intention behind it.
‘Trying to use this chance for promotion, huh. 100 Remd is about ten gold coins, I think?’
It was a good deal for a little travel money for the Young Lord.
Of course, considering Evan’s popularity, it was a bit on the cheap side, but they decided to let it slide.
With so many watching, it wouldn’t do to show any behavior that could be seen as a flaw.
“Understood. I’ll gratefully use this for our journey.”
Rozi took the coin pouch and handed it to Evan.
“They want to sponsor your travel expenses, so you should personally use these coins for everyone to see.”
All Evan could do was let out a hollow laugh at that.
“Sure. It’s not a difficult task.”
They used the guild just for the Magic Transmission Device, and they ended up getting money.
Since it was free money, Evan had no intention of refusing.
Evan used 1 Remd to pay the fee and, together with everyone, activated the Magic Transmission Device.
Cross—the largest commercial city in Bellium.
Evan’s party moved to the Magic Tower here.
Unlike the Magic Tower they’d seen before in the Ruphes Kingdom, this one was white, adorned with splendid cross patterns.
All around it were rows of temples.
It felt like the Order’s influence was deeply rooted here.
It was refreshing, as if seeing a distinct culture unique to the Southern Region, unlike anything in the Central Region.
Reynold’s eyes grew wide as he looked around.
“It’s my first time in the South. Here…”
He pulled out a piece of Guild Currency from his pocket.
It was made of iron, full of scratches, and looked cheap.
“They say the main branch of Haren Guild is here, so you can get limited edition currency.”
Alan sighed and scolded Reynold.
“Still getting swept up in that stuff after all this time?”
“I heard a rumor. Apparently, Haren Guild successfully conquered a Crimson Oath, and a promising mercenary joined them. The price is rumored to go up soon. Why not buy a little before Alan?”
“I’ll pass. No comment.”
Just then, Ayra, who had been listening nearby, joined in.
“You should sell what you’re holding as soon as possible. Haren Guild—they say there’s internal strife and rumors of dissolution.”
Ayra recalled a piece of information Rozi had shared and told Reynold.
Reynold’s pupils shook as if an earthquake had hit him.
“…I, I don’t like jokes like that. Why hasn’t that info spread around?”
Ayra shook her head.
“I don’t know the details either. It was in the information from Count Rozi.”
||
“
Reynold’s face turned pale as a sheet, and his body stiffened.
Evan approached Reynold and spoke.
“We’ll stop by the guild soon. Sell it then.”
“…Y-yes, sir.”
As Evan conversed with the group, a woman who appeared to be an Order official approached from the direction of the Magic Transmission Device.
“Welcome, pilgrims. What brings you to this place?”
As she spoke, her eyes widened the moment she saw Evan’s face.
“Are you Lord Evan? It’s an honor to meet you. O righteous hero!”
She stared intently at Evan, her eyes beginning to shine.
“You look even better in person. To think the Order’s records couldn’t capture your true appearance—it’s astonishing.”
Evan responded with a light nod and stated his business.
“Thank you for the compliment. We’re here on business with the Adela Guild.”
“Adela Guild?”
She looked completely surprised.
“Is there a problem?”
“No, it’s just that, according to the Sacred Maiden’s Oracle, Lord Evan would appear here. She instructed us to escort you to Seiram. So we were waiting.”
“Oracle?”
“Yes. The rumors are already widespread in the South.”
Upon hearing this, Evan narrowed his eyes.
‘So they already knew I’d be meeting the Sacred Maiden?’
He couldn’t guess the Sacred Maiden’s intentions.
And, as if to prove the woman’s words, more and more officials from the Order began to gather.
At that moment, Rozi interrupted.
“Before that, we have a bit of business to attend to. May we stop by first and then visit?”
“Ah, yes, of course.”
From Rozi’s perspective, the order of events couldn’t be reversed.
They needed to handle some guild stock business in Adela with Evan first before meeting the Sacred Maiden.
Just as Rozi was taking the lead—
Evan’s expression stiffened.
The conditions for the appointed time and place have been satisfied.
A mysterious message window suddenly appeared before his eyes.
It was as if someone had been waiting for him to show up right here.
And right next to Evan, a Gate began to open.
‘A Gate, out of nowhere? The timing is uncanny.’
Evan drew his sword from his inventory.