Chapter 115

The chancellor’s knights and the Red Knights stood facing each other with a tense atmosphere.

“So you won’t cooperate? Is this the Chancellor’s will?”

“Please wait a moment.”

The chancellor’s knights were flustered. The Red Knights were claiming that an assassin who attacked the emperor had come to this place.

“Did the chancellor’s residence send an assassin to His Majesty? If not, what is stopping you from opening the gate?”

When the Red Knights shouted sharply, the chancellor’s knights all thought to themselves, Aren’t you the ones who want to frame us with that accusation?

The chancellor’s knights countered, not willing to back down.

“Are you sure this is an order from His Majesty? We have not received a formal dispatch.”

“So you are going to disobey His Majesty’s order?”

The Red Knights were being unreasonable, pushing forward with a supposed imperial order without the imperial seal. However, if their claim were true, the chancellor’s residence would be in a difficult position for refusing. They had to at least feign compliance while verifying the truth, but there was no time. If they opened the gates, what would the knights, with their ominous presence, do? Would they really search for an assassin? Or would they use another excuse to harm Chancellor Ameris?

The chancellor’s residence had never sent an assassin, nor had one ever entered the estate.

“Why is the chancellor not giving an answer when this matter is so urgent?”

“It seems the chancellor is taking some time to properly receive the order from His Majesty.”

They were actually trying to determine the authenticity of the order, but the knights were clever enough to respond this way. The chancellor was surely aware of the situation, as many servants had already run upstairs in fear. Just as they thought the chancellor would give some sort of answer, something else appeared instead.

“Alright, everyone, look this way.”

Who was that with such a leisurely voice?

Everyone’s heads turned at the nonchalant tone that was unfitting for the situation. Of course, Latine Modilac stood there. He walked slowly and leisurely, as if he hadn’t just jumped out of a window. He carried no weapon and showed no sign of tension, as if he didn’t feel the murderous intent emanating from the Red Knights.

“…!”

The Red Knights flinched, and the chancellor’s knights were also surprised. Why is Sir Modilac coming from inside?

A strange tension began to spread among the Red Knights. They had brought this force to use violence in an emergency. But… could they handle Latine Modilac?

“What’s the matter, Red Knights? Why the grim faces at the chancellor’s residence?”

Latine’s voice broke the silence.

“…”

The Red Knights exchanged glances again. In truth, Latine’s reputation as a fighter had faded slightly since the war. Specifically, it had been intentionally devalued by certain groups within the Red Knights who had not witnessed his prowess firsthand. This was further compounded by the presence of Aivert Royden, the destructive force within the Azure Knights, and Latine’s own lack of opportunities to fight while serving as commander.

“The rumors during wartime tend to be exaggerated, you know.”

In short, this was the general sentiment among the Red Knights.

“…”

‘They’re thinking.’

Latine, who noticed their hesitation, shrugged. He knew the Red Knights were desperate to undermine him, but he hadn’t expected them to be so audacious. He could even hear someone whispering nonsense like, “He hasn’t had real combat experience in a long time. Be careful not to inflict a fatal wound if something happens.”

Latine felt a subtle irritation. Even if his skills had dulled from lack of practice, he was still more than a match for them. And he had a secret he couldn’t reveal: his side job as the “Nameless Mercenary” had only sharpened his combat senses.

“So, Sir Latine Modilac, are you blocking the Red Knights’ way?”

“No, I want to talk.”

Latine replied.

“I hear an assassin who harmed His Majesty has come here? If it’s such a serious matter, where is the Red Knight Commander? Why did only you come?”

Latine knew that the Red Knight Commander was a man who enjoyed the spotlight during decisive moments. He wouldn’t miss a chance like this. Even if the commander had come, Latine had felt no suspicious presences, so he would have questioned the Red Knights’ troop movement. More importantly, the Red Knights’ murderous intent was directed not at some specific person, but at the entire residence. Their purpose was clear: to use this as an excuse to harm Ameris.

“We are not obligated to tell you. Step aside.”

However, as Latine didn’t budge, the one who seemed to be their leader raised his eyebrows.

“But why are you here, Latine Modilac?”

He didn’t use the honorific “sir,” which made it clear he was being disrespectful because of Latine’s suspension. Latine smirked.

“I came to see an old friend after a long time.”

The Red Knights exchanged glances.

“It was said that your friendship had been severed recently. It seems that was not the case?”

‘Look at these guys.’

Latine could clearly see them trying to link him and Ameris politically. He immediately responded.

“Not true.”

The brazenly natural response made the Red Knights frown.

“But you said ‘an old friend’—”

“That’s my side of it.”

Latine cut them off.

“Our relationship was severed. I came to whine and see if I could get my commander position back based on our old friendship.”

“Whin…!”

The Red Knights were speechless. Was this not a statement from a nobleman that would tarnish his own honor? But Latine was unfazed.

Meanwhile, Latine’s words quickly reached Ameris via the swift-footed servants. Unaware that Ameris was holding her forehead, Latine spread his hands.

“Anyway, I understand your concern. You believe a traitor who dared to target His Majesty has come to this residence, right?”

“That is correct.”

The Red Knight seemed to think they were getting somewhere and immediately responded. Latine looked him in the eye and said,

“Then I will catch and beat that guy. You may all return.”

“That…”

The Red Knights hesitated. Latine tilted his head.

“‘That’? Are you saying you can catch him better than I can?”

Even with the damaged reputation, their opponent was Latine Modilac. A frantic exchange of glances passed between the Red Knights. This was completely different from their original plan.

“…”

Latine watched them with his arms crossed. If there were a real assassin, they wouldn’t be talking so leisurely. It was becoming increasingly clear that this was just a pretense. Therefore, they must have already discussed a backup plan in case they couldn’t enter.

“…!”

Sure enough, the movement was instantaneous. He saw one of them discreetly give a signal with his chin. Immediately, some knights at the far end moved and ran toward the chancellor’s wall.

“What are you doing!”

“Block them!”

Before the chancellor’s knights could shout, Latine moved.

—Bang!

As soon as he moved, a thick cloud of dust rose in front of the men who were trying to climb the wall.

“Aack!”

As the dust settled, what was revealed was none other than stones. The knights looked back at the stones that had hit their legs, their faces contorted in pain.

In the meantime, a heavy voice, devoid of any playfulness, rang out.

“From now on, anyone who makes a suspicious move will be disarmed.”

As he said that, Latine recalled Rodella’s words.

“‘They will surely try to do something after suspending the commander. If it’s a military action, they might target the chancellor.’ Dame Syveric started by saying the chancellor would be worried, but she probably meant this all along.”

At the time, Latine had thought it would be too extreme for things to go that far. Now, as he looked at the Red Knights, he thought, ‘Ah, they chose the next chancellor well.’

Just as he was thinking this to himself, the Red Knights quickly exchanged glances.

“Break through!”

The Red Knights charged at him all at once.

It was a very foolish choice.