Chapter 77.

At first, Seon-Hyeok thought it was an optical illusion caused by the distance. However, this was not the case.

Why did you shrink so much?

The brilliantly shining scales and proud appearance remained the same, but the intimidating size was nowhere to be found.

[The huge size was a desperate measure in case I lost my sense of self and became a monster.]

Seon-Hyeok had wondered whether the sea dragon had completely forgotten human language, but the serpent spoke to him.

[In addition, maintaining that form requires significant water attribute energy, so it would only be a burden at this time.]

Ah

Whether or not the sea dragon could expand and shrink his body at will, Seon-Hyeok felt discouraged by the current smaller size. Of course, it was true that the sea dragon in his current state was still large enough to tear through most monsters without problem, but he no longer had his originally overwhelming presence.

[Take me with you. Our relationship has not been solidified yet, so it could revert at any moment.]

Seon-Hyeok had been planning to in the first place. It mightve been different if the sea dragon was his original monstrous size, but it was possible to take him in his current, smaller state. It would just require some time and money to bring him back to Rheinperle.

Okay. Lets go.

Bluegon seemed somewhat taken aback at Seon-Hyeoks blatant disappointment, but those reservations didnt last long. The sea dragon soon forgot language once again and began to roar.

Ugh, theyre all tiring.

It was clear that exchanging conversations with dragons or their subspecies was an exhausting task.

Well have to get a wagon and horses since this big guy wants to come with us.

Jonasson and Jackson turned their horses back towards Rugenburg.

Though the sea dragon had shrunk, he was still almost 10 meters long from head to tail. It wouldnt be an easy task to haul such a monster back to Rheinperle. They would need to commission a giant wooden frame to hold him and cover the accommodations in cloth while paying special attention so that it didnt leak or dry out on their journey. Moreover, the party had to spend a significant amount of time acquiring oxen and horses to carry the heavy cargo.

However, thanks to their efforts, the group was able to reach the tributary of the Rheinperle River safely.

Pull!

The party lacked the strength to pull the sea dragon out of the wooden frame, so Seon-Hyeok drove the entire cart into the riverbank.

Flop. Flop.

Bluegon burst out of the wooden tank before flopping in and out of the water. He soon dove deep into the river and out of sight.

While Seon-Hyeok waited there to allow Bluegon to recover his strength, Jackson and Jonasson stopped by the nearest village to sell the cows and horses used to pull the cart.

Ugh. Its still a loss for us. That cart was so expensive.

Of course, Bluegons value was such that Seon-Hyeok couldnt truly lament the cost of a mere cart, but it was nonetheless heartbreaking to see the money equivalent to paying two soldiers salaries for a year disappear into nothing.

Lets get going. Weve wasted too much time.

Seon-Hyeok pushed back his feelings and urged his party on. His plan was to make up the time lost while moving the sea dragon up to this point. Bluegon poked his head out of the water before chasing after the galloping horses.

The party had left prior to the harvest, and after spending two months on their journey, they returned to see the territory beginning to show its bare skin once again. Seon-Hyeok was deeply moved at the sight, having returned after a long time away.

Were finally back.

When they arrived at the entrance of the village, the 1st squad, led by Adol, was patrolling the area. Noticing the group, the squad captains eyes grew wide before he hurriedly gathered the troops.

M, my lord? Salute!

It seemed as though the soldiers hadnt been lax with their training while he was away. Seon-Hyeok entered the village while receiving the salutes of his now more dignified soldiers.

Youre doing well.

Inform the mansion! T, the lord has returned!

Seon-Hyeok was fascinated by the sight of Adol and the soldiers making a fuss, as well as that of the villagers looking at their lord curiously. He looked on fondly.

Its home! Home!

Seon-Hyeok finally felt he was home when he saw the old scholar, Antoine Montaigne, waiting for him at the entrance of his mansion.

***

Thats all I have to report. Ive kept a meticulous record of the daily events and ledgers for your return. If you take a look when you get a chance, I am sure it will be beneficial in managing the territory.

Antoine Montaigne had flawlessly managed the land while his lord was away, and he calmly reported on the main points. Seon-Hyeok had always left the territorys management to Julian while he was present anyways, so all he could do was offer his thanks.

So I get the sense that operations within the territory have been smooth, but has there been anything else of note?

Ah. I was going to say that you had visitors while you were away.

Seon-Hyeok looked puzzled, wondering why guests would come seek him in this remote location.

First and foremost, Knight Laylark visited towards the end of last month. He left as soon as he heard that you were away, but it didnt seem to be particularly pleasant business.

Ugh.

It was obvious why Raiden Laylark visited, even if he hadnt disclosed the reason. He must have stopped by to avenge his loss in their previous duel. It was understandable the loss itself must have been frustrating, but he must have been even angrier and more upset to see the Gradus of his enemy rise due to his own successes.

He said he would return, so I believe well hear from him soon. There have been several other knights who visited besides Knight Laylark.

Antoine Montaigne expressed his admiration, saying that while he knew Seon-Hyeok had a high reputation, he didnt realize it was at the level where knights would repeatedly come to seek him out.

However, contrary to the beliefs of the old scholar ignorant about swordsmanship, the knights hadnt come to this remote place out of respect for Seon-Hyeoks reputation.

That damned Gradus.

They would have come because Seon-Hyeok was the knight with Gradus 89, and defeating him in combat would mean immediately becoming included in the ranks of the kingdoms 100 most powerful individuals. Knights had few opportunities to increase their reputation by participating in wars, so they would have been fired up by this chance.

I explained your absence to them and sent them away. Was that disrespectful of me?

No. You did well. Please continue to do so in the future. I have no desire to play along in their quest for fame.

Antoine Montaignes eyes grew wide at Seon-Hyeoks cynical response. The administrator didnt think it was something a reputable person, like the Drake Knight, would say.

However, there was another reason why Seon-Hyeok expressed his disgust. It was plainly evident why those knights came all the way to this remote location, rather than the capital, where Gradus owners were plentiful.

Theyre looking down on me.

Seon-Hyeok had defeated the Sword of Lightning, but he was still a foreigner, and few recognized him as a true knight. Moreover, the Drake Knight was unable to use his most powerful weapon, his drake, in a duel, further suggesting his weakness in such environments. Those jackal-like men had come to Rheinperle because they felt the Drake Knight would be the easiest pickings out of the knights with Gradus.

Is that so? Im sorry to say that two of the visiting knights still havent left. They found accommodations in the village, so its possible they heard about your return by now.

My lord. You have a guest.

A servant came to inform him of a visitor the moment the scholar finished speaking. When Seon-Hyeok frowned, Antoine Montaigne stepped up in his place.

The lord is very tired from his long journey. He went to his quarters right away, so ask the knight for his understanding and let him know the lord will see him at a later date.

The servant bowed his head in admiration at the scholars refined manner of speaking, which was subtly reprimanding the guest for his rudeness.

I hope I wasnt being presumptuous just now.

No, not at all. To be honest, I never asked for this Gradus, and I find this pretty unpleasant.

Seon-Hyeok sighed, feeling as these bothersome incidents would continue to occur.

***

Bad feelings always became reality. The two knights that