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Chapter 170

“What brings you here, Ray Hatzfeld?”

The visitor was none other than Ray Hatzfeld.

“I had to come in person since you cut off contact.”

“Didn’t I tell you to wait?”

“You’re not the only one with pressing matters.” Ray stood his ground against Kane.

“What’s the issue?”

“I made a promise to Barbarian Lord. I said I’d settle them on fertile land, and the most suitable place happens to be within the Fresia Empire.”

Ray turned his head. Barbarian Lord stepped forward and greeted Kane warmly.

“It’s good to see you again, brother.”

Brother? Since when did an alliance formed in Medi Island turn into brotherhood?

“I didn’t think you’d still have lingering attachments.”

“He’s the only one who trusted me and stood by my side. I’d feel too guilty breaking my promise. So, I’m asking for your help.”

Kane looked at Barbarian Lord.

His goal was clear:

To integrate the so-called “barbarians” into the continent as recognized members.

One essential element for this was land. Without land, they couldn’t farm or live self-sufficiently, leading to peace instead of raiding others.

The reason Barbarian Lord’s tribe resorted to plundering was simple—they lived on barren land and lacked food.

It was a choice born out of survival. For them, it was the best option available.

“Why not just give them Hatzfeld’s land instead?”

“We don’t exactly have the luxury of time.”

“That’s true.” Kane nodded at Ray’s words.

“Still, we should have at least a month to figure it out.”

“Sure, we could forcibly seize the land and settle them there. But there’s no guarantee of safety afterward. Hatzfeld won’t just sit quietly. But with your influence, wouldn’t the Empire accept Barbarian Lord’s tribe more easily?”

After some thought, Kane turned to Barbarian Lord and spoke.

“To settle in Fresia, your tribe will need to be part of the Empire. An independent nation won’t be permitted.”

“As long as we’re not enslaved, that’s fine.”

“Who would dare enslave Barbarian Lord’s tribe?”

Barbarian Lord was one of the Twelve Star Lords—no one would dare to recklessly lay a hand on them.

“I’ll speak to the higher-ups. There happens to be unclaimed land that might suit your needs.”

Kane summoned a maid and instructed her to call someone.

Shortly after, Gillip entered the room.

“Did you call for me?”

Gillip had been leading a very busy life lately. He was working alongside Yoshua, the head priest, to change the negative perceptions surrounding vampires.

The first thing Gillip tackled was altering the mindset of the nobility. He sold jewels while promoting an admiration for vampires, painting them as beings of nobility and grace.

He emphasizing that vampires were originally high-ranking nobles unfairly cursed in the past.

Gillip’s smooth talk started to take effect, and the nobility began seeing vampires as extraordinary beings.

As nobles began to treat vampires with respect, the common people’s attitudes shifted as well.

All of this had happened just a few days ago. Despite that, Gillip never stopped his persuasive efforts, aiming to fulfill the mission Kane had given him.

It was amidst all this that he was summoned by Kane.

“There’s something I need your approval on.”

“What would that be?”

“I’m considering speaking to His Highness Isaac about allowing this gentleman to survey the northern lands of Tegelo. What are your thoughts?”

Gillip turned his head. Upon seeing the rugged, wild-looking man, he instinctively felt intimidated.

“And this gentleman is…?”

“Toland Orcas. He’s better known as Barbarian Lord.”

“Wha—! B-Barbarian Lord?!”

“One of the Twelve Star Lords.”

“My apologies for not recognizing you sooner! I am Gillip.”

Gillip, though not a blood relative of Tegelo, bowed as the leader of the Black Crow Exchange before Barbarian Lord.

“It’s a pleasure. But don’t grovel too much—I dislike those without a warrior’s pride.”

This was one reason why Barbarian Lord called Kane his brother. Most people bowed and scraped before him like Gillip, but Kane stood tall, even displaying a sense of competitive spirit.

Barbarian Lord respected that.

Moreover, Kane was the one who had defeated First Star, the strongest of the Twelve Star lords.

To achieve such a feat at his age was no small thing.

“Well, I’ve always been like this... But, my lord, why are you asking for my opinion on this matter?”

“Isn’t the northern land of Tegelo yours?”

“That’s absurd! I’m only in charge of Philaec, am I not?”

Ignoring Gillip, Kane turned to Barbarian Lord and explained, “This guy is the rightful heir to Tegelo.”

“Hm.”

“He may not look impressive, but his business acumen and judgment are exceptional. If you ever need help, feel free to rely on him.”

Kane’s praise left Gillip deeply moved. Having Kane publicly acknowledge his abilities was proof of his trust.

“Gillip.”

“Yes, sir!”

“Barbarian Lord’s tribe will be settling in the northern part of the Empire. It’ll be a busy time, but do your best to assist them.”

“Of course, sir!”

Gillip beamed with delight, basking in Kane’s boundless trust.

Barbarian Lord, however, regarded Gillip with a doubtful expression.

“He looks like an opportunist to me….”

Barbarian Lord’s skepticism made Kane chuckle.

Turning to Ray, Kane said, “Just as you still have ties to this place, so do I. Give me one month.”

“If it means I can leave this world, I can wait a month.”

“I’ll arrange temporary lodging for you.”

“I’ll take care of it!” Gillip volunteered eagerly, leading Ray and Barbarian Lord out of the room.

***

Kane headed straight to the Rehinar Military Academy to meet the Second Princess, Charlotte.

Since her class hadn’t finished yet, he decided to wait.

“That’s all for today. Remember, the plant magic test is coming up, so make sure to practice diligently.”

The advanced magic class had ended, and the instructor stepped out of the classroom.

“Your Highness! What brings you here despite your busy schedule?”

The advanced magic instructor greeted Kane warmly.

The hero who had saved the continent had arrived, and the academy was abuzz with stories of his feats.

Kane, who had helped Crown Prince Isaac defeat the Death Fiends, had become a legend. His actions had skyrocketed the Rehinar Military Academy’s reputation.

Now, not only nobles but also commoners were petitioning to be admitted to the school.

Those who had come from the Imperial Military Academy took great pride in the transformed and prestigious Rehinar Military Academy.

To the students, Kane Rehinar was nothing short of an idol.

“Sir Kane is here?”

“It’s really him!”

“We haven’t seen him in a while; he must be back now!”

A crowd of students rushed toward him, quickly surrounding him.

Then Joseph appeared and roared at them.

“What do you think you’re doing?!”

Chief Instructor Joseph, the legendary "Tiger Instructor," was feared among students.

He was also known as the "Hell Commandant."

His classes were infamous for their difficulty, leaving most students failing miserably. Only a handful ever passed his courses.

“What a disgrace for the students of the Rehinar Military Academy! Stand in an orderly fashion immediately!”

At Joseph’s scolding, the students froze on the spot. Just the sight of him was enough to make them stiffen with fear.

Even the most unruly noble brats were tamed under his command.

“I was planning to meet you soon, but it’s good you’re here now,” Joseph said, his stern tone softening when he addressed Kane.

“You needed something from me?”

“As the founder of this academy, I hoped Your Highness might spare some time to address the students. A word from you would mean a great deal.”

“That’s not difficult. But I have business with the Second Princess right now. Let’s do it afterward—it won’t take long.”

“Understood. I’ll gather the students on the training grounds.”

When Kane mentioned Charlotte’s name, all eyes turned to the Second Princess.

“May I have a moment of your time?” he asked her politely.

Charlotte readily agreed.

“Of course.”

Kane and Charlotte left the school together, heading somewhere.

The students continued to watch their backs as they walked away.

“Aren’t they heading toward the dormitories?” one of them murmured.

“Was that rumor true?”

“Sasha! Is it true that the Young Duke is dating the Second Princess, Charlotte?”

“You’re his sibling, so you’d know, wouldn’t you?”

Under the intense stares, Sasha shook his head vigorously.

“I don’t know! I’m just like all of you, stuck inside and unable to go out. I know nothing about my brother’s personal life!”

Sasha wasn’t the only one under fire.

His twin sister, Rose, faced the same barrage of questions.

The crowd bombarded both of them, eager for answers.

When neither could say anything, the instructors stepped in to restore order.

“Everyone, gather on the training grounds! Young Master Kane will be giving you invaluable advice shortly.”

“Hurry to the grounds and prepare yourselves with proper decorum to receive his wisdom!”

At that, the students dashed down the hallways, racing to secure spots in the front row for a closer look at Kane.

Once the students had cleared out, Sasha and Rose finally caught their breath.

“Thank you, Chief Instructor Joseph.”

“Think nothing of it,” Joseph replied.

Now alone with the twins, Joseph adopted a more respectful tone toward them.

He was part of the Rehinar household, and while he held the rank of Chief Instructor, Sasha and Rose were members of the very family he served.

Though he couldn’t show favoritism publicly, he paid them proper respect in private.

“You two should head over as well,” Joseph said.

“But is it really true? Is Brother in a relationship with Sister Charlotte?”

“Affairs between men and women are their business. Until they say something themselves, we can’t jump to conclusions.”

“What does it matter anyway? Let’s just go quietly.”

Rose, annoyed, tugged Sasha by the ear and marched toward the training grounds.

Her lips were slightly pouted for some reason.

* * *

Meanwhile, Kane had gone to Charlotte\'s dormitory room and immediately contacted Isaac.

Charlotte, who had been brimming with anticipation, now spoke in a curt tone.

“Should I just give you the communication device? So you won’t have to come to see me anymore?”

“Would that be okay?”

At Kane\'s question, Charlotte’s beautiful eyes narrowed. Her expression clearly conveyed annoyance.

She intended to make her displeasure obvious, but Isaac happened to answer the call unusually quickly.

- “It hasn’t even been that long, and you’re already calling? Can’t you wait a little?”

“How are things on your end?”

- “You really want an answer, huh? The underground of the floating city is piled high with gold. With this amount, we could revive the faltering empire.”

“That much?”

- “It’s staggering. No matter how much we dig, there’s no end in sight.”

“That’s good to hear.”

- “I need to finish up quickly and come see you, but there’s so much work to do.”

“That’s the nature of being in a high position—you’re always busy.”

- “You don’t seem busy.”

“I have competent people by my side to take care of things.”

By "competent people," Kane was referring to Daniel Lindemann.

Having entrusted the development of his territory to Daniel, Kane found that everything was taken care of seamlessly.

Daniel, whose talents had been too valuable to let retire, had returned to his duties and was utilizing his skills to their fullest.

- “If you have someone that talented, introduce them to me. Don’t hog all the good help for yourself.”

“That’s why I’ve recruited someone new.”

Kane got straight to the point.