The Count's Gun-Shooting Scoundrel

Chapter 46

‘There are rankings?’

Arthur asked with an interested expression.

“Then what was Yakim’s rank?”

“He was the 15th Sword Master.”

“15th? There are that many Sword Masters? Didn’t you say it’s a level only those chosen by the gods can reach?”

“That is correct. However, not all Sword Masters are recognized equally.”

“What do you mean by that?”

Arthur tilted his head in confusion.

Skevin nodded as if he understood his reaction.

“Only when one reaches the intermediate level are they recognized as a true Sword Master. You can consider that to be from the 10th rank onwards.”

“So that means Kapo is at least an intermediate Sword Master.”

Arthur’s expression hardened.

Indeed, while Yakim was a Sword Master, he was steeped in arrogance, showed many openings, and couldn't utilize his abilities to their fullest.

Thanks to that, he was able to defeat him.

According to Skevin, Kapo would likely have no such openings.

However, unlike when he faced Yakim, he was now in an awakened state.

Moreover, he now had Teheran’s helmet and pistol.

He didn't know what stage he had reached, but he wouldn't go down easily.

“What are my chances of winning if I fight Kapo?”

“Hmm…”

Skevin pondered carefully.

Millerf also examined the circle formed on Arthur’s abdomen, checking his awakening stage.

Four stars!

He could be considered to have reached the level of a Sword Master.

However, he couldn't feel the strong aura unique to a Sword Master.

‘Not yet? Well, just a few months ago…!’

Suddenly, Millerf’s eyes flashed.

He felt a foreign yet powerful energy from Arthur.

Right now, it was as calm as a placid river, but it felt like it could become a raging tsunami at any moment and sweep everything away.

Something suddenly came to mind.

Teheran’s provision!

He was curious about the ‘absolute power’ that Teheran said he would give him upon reaching four stars.

“My lord.”

“Yes.”

“Could you tell me what Lord Teheran’s provision was?”

“You look very curious.”

“Yes.”

Millerf honestly confessed his thoughts.

Skevin’s face was also full of curiosity.

Without a moment's hesitation, Arthur thought of the ‘Sig Sauer’.

Millerf and Skevin watched as a golden liquid suddenly flowed from Arthur’s right hand and transformed into a mysterious object.

“What is this?”

“The power I received from him.”

Arthur gave a meaningful smile and aimed the gun’s muzzle out the window.

Skevin noticed that it was a weapon similar to the one Van had made.

“This one must be incredible as well.”

“It will be a great source of strength for me.”

Contrary to Arthur’s confident expression, Millerf spoke with a grim face.

“I believe the chances of you winning a fight against Kapo are about thirty percent.”

“Is that all?”

“Reaching four stars and having that special weapon brought it up that high. Without them, you wouldn’t be able to withstand a single strike from Kapo.”

“A single strike…”

Arthur smiled bitterly.

He thought he had gained considerable power, yet there were still so many powerful individuals he had to look up to.

But there was one fact he had overlooked.

Because of this recent event, the man who had risen to 15th in the Oscar Empire’s rankings was none other than himself.

In other words, he had instantly joined the ranks of the powerful.

Skevin, who had been lost in thought, nodded in agreement with Millerf and added.

“Even if you were to enter the ranks of the Sword Masters, Young Master, it would be difficult to face him.”

“Why?”

“Because of the difference in combat experience.”

“An intermediate Sword Master must be a veteran of a hundred battles.”

Arthur gave a meaningful smile.

There was something Skevin didn't know.

He had roamed hellish battlefields for over a decade.

Therefore, when it came to battlefield experience, no one could match him.

For now, the only way was to become stronger.

He had to become a Sword Master before the next territorial war.

He didn't have much time, but with the fortunate opportunities he had gained and with their help…

‘I can do it.’

Arthur made a firm resolution and brought out his final plan.

“We need to expand our forces. I plan to hire mercenaries while we train a Knight Order.”

“I agree with training a Knight Order, but I hope you will think carefully about hiring mercenaries.”

Skevin told him about the unpleasant incidents that had occurred in other territories after hiring mercenaries.

They would harass the estate’s people or constantly clash with the Knight Order.

It was virtually impossible to control a military group like them with words alone.

There was even a case where a lord who hired mercenaries was imprisoned by them.

It was truly a double-edged sword.

After Skevin finished speaking, Arthur tilted his head.

“What does that have to do with us? Are you afraid the estate will be taken over by mercenaries?”

“Absolutely not.”

“But?”

“Each mercenary group has a different system. Therefore, before hiring mercenaries, we need to check if their system aligns well with ours.”

“I see.”

It seemed to be the same everywhere.

Before being deployed on a mission while leading Tier 1, he would always assess the characteristics of the units they were being deployed with.

Maximizing their strengths could increase the mission's success rate while minimizing casualties on their side.

“Then find out if there are any mercenary groups that can fight alongside us.”

“Are you really going to hire them?”

Skevin’s expression hardened.

“The territorial war with Count Yarve is just a stepping stone. Our real enemies are in the western mountains, aren't they? And there’s Teheran’s last will, too.”

“...!”

Millerf’s eyes shot wide open.

When Arthur gave a quiet nod at his reaction, his eyes trembled uncontrollably.

“The Demon King…”

“It is the destiny of the House of Count Julius.”

“Destiny?”

A look of bewilderment crossed Skevin’s face.

He was already worried just thinking about the monsters, and now the Demon King was suddenly mentioned.

Moreover, judging by Millerf’s reaction, he seemed to know something.

It felt like the two of them were hiding something from him.

“Please tell me as well. For me, who was once called the guardian deity of the House of Count Julius, to not know of matters related to the family…”

Skevin wore a hurt expression.

“I wasn't trying to hide it, I just didn't have time to tell you. So I hope you don't misunderstand. Even now, the guardian deity of the House of Count Julius is Skevin Maximus. It’s you.”

“Y-Young Master…”

“So don’t be shaken.”

“...!”

For a moment, Skevin’s heart was touched.

He might have become stronger than Skevin himself, but he was so grateful that Arthur trusted him without change.

“Our enemy is neither Count Yarve nor the monsters.”

“Then…”

Arthur said resolutely.

“It’s the Demon King.”

***

“How on earth did those things get here?”

“It’s so strange how they’re as meek as lambs.”

“Well, they’re monsters too, after all.”

“But isn’t that one over there mysterious every time you see it?”

The knights’ gazes were fixed on Khan.

It was the Britanniker Arthur had ridden, and unlike the others, it exuded an intense yet noble dignity.

Moreover, unlike the other Britannikers that were huddled together, it occupied half the training ground by itself.

From its appearance, one could feel the presence of an absolute being.

In any case, the Knight Order couldn't let their guard down due to the uninvited guests.

The members of the Devil’s Corps also stood at a distance in the training grounds, watching the Britannikers, lost in deep thought.

Mullan broke the silence.

“What do you think the Captain is thinking?”

“Seeing as he brought them all the way here, perhaps he intends to tame and ride one?”

At Peri’s words, Latale shook his head.

“I’ve never heard of anyone taming a monster before.”

“Then what about the Captain?”

As Dark gestured towards Khan with his chin, everyone’s gaze fell upon him.

They couldn't forget his majestic appearance when Arthur rode Khan into the castle.

It was like seeing a hero from a legend.

The intense aura that made it impossible to meet his eyes, combined with the immense energy radiating from Khan, made him feel like a great mountain.

If he were an enemy, they would have lost their will to fight just by looking at him.

He had left that strong of an impression.

Everyone was silently staring at Khan.

Just then, Arthur appeared in the training grounds with Skevin.

Everyone snapped to attention to greet him.

Arthur gave them a single nod and walked towards Khan.

Khan, who had been as quiet as a mouse, cried out loudly upon seeing Arthur.

Hee-hee-hee-hing—!

Then, something unbelievable happened.

Thud—!

The Britannikers all stomped their front hooves in unison and bowed their heads to Arthur.

“What?”

“Why are they doing that?”

“They just greeted the Young Master, right?”

Despite the bewildered voices coming from all around, Arthur maintained a calm expression.

He stood before Khan and met its eyes. With a disciplined movement, Khan bent its legs, lowered its posture, and bowed its head.

Anyone could see it was a gesture of welcome for Arthur.

“Whoa~.”

“It’s practically a mythical creature.”

“How did he ever meet a creature like that?”

Everyone looked at Arthur with faces full of envy.

A slight smile touched Arthur’s lips as he stroked Khan’s head.

“What’s with this all of a sudden?”

Hee-hing~.

Khan let out a low whinny, as if it were acting cute.

“Did you want to let me know that your family is not in danger? Is that why you wanted to show me that you follow me?”

Khan nodded its head repeatedly.

“You silly creature.”

Arthur, a smile on his face, shifted his gaze to the other Britannikers.

They were still bowing their heads.

“That’s enough.”

At his single phrase, Khan let out a low cry.

Only then did the Britannikers raise their heads and look at Arthur.

The jaws of Skevin and everyone else who witnessed the scene dropped open.

“N-No way…”

“What on earth happened to the Young Master?”

“What happens now?”

Though everyone’s face was filled with curiosity, one thought came to their minds.

‘Could it be?’

‘If that happens…’

‘Is that even possible?’

Anticipation appeared on everyone’s faces.

Skevin wore a serious expression.

“I doubt they will follow orders easily.”

“Khan will talk to them, but capturing their hearts will be up to each person’s ability.”

“When can we start?”

Seeing his eager reaction, it seemed he already had one picked out.

When Arthur followed Skevin’s gaze, there was one that stood out.

It had brown hide and a blond mane, and its body overflowed with resilience with every movement.

But its eyes were very cold and haughty, looking as if it wouldn't open its heart easily.

“Are you confident?”

“When an opportunity comes, I will seize it unconditionally.”

“You’re right. I’ll tell Khan, so you can start right away.”

“Understood.”

Skevin grinned and went to the knights to relay the news.

Waaaaaaaaah!

The knights erupted in cheers.

They became busy, extremely excited.

The Devil’s Corps also carefully observed the Britannikers, preoccupied with choosing one that would suit them.

The once quiet training grounds began to heat up with swelling anticipation.

When the atmosphere was ripe.

Arthur spoke to Khan.

“We’re going to choose partners now. Tell them to choose someone they like as well. However, they are not allowed to attack. A certain level of intimidation is permitted.”

Khan bowed its head as if it understood Arthur’s words.

Then, it looked at the other Britannikers and cried out loudly.

Hee-hee-hee-hing—!

The Britannikers, who had seemed like meek lambs, emitted a murderous aura and powerfully stomped the ground with their front hooves.

Kuuung—!

At the same time, Arthur grinned and shouted to Skevin.

“Begin!”