Chapter 147: Bindings

“It’s not a large place, and I don’t have much prepared for guests. Sorry for the poor hospitality,” Wang Yu said. The small living room of his house at Redmaple Street felt a bit cramped. Two groups of people sat on opposite sides of the long table. On one side were Avia and Wang Yu, while the other was filled with those who had just stepped out of the carriages parked outside Wang Yu’s house.

Wang Yu’s side had only two people, while the other group was composed of about a dozen nobles and guild representatives. They were squeezed tightly around the table, with a few individuals of lower status standing behind the nobles who occupied four of the six chairs Wang Yu had in his house.

On the table were a few humble teacups filled with plain tea brewed by Avia using magic-heated water. At least there was something to offer the guests.

Wang Yu had had little use for the art of hospitality. He had tried the tea once and never again, having found its taste somewhat off-putting. When this group of uninvited guests arrived, Wang Yu didn’t even think to offer them tea.

Avia, thoughtful as always, had rummaged through the cabinets and pulled out some low-grade tea—likely far inferior to these people’s common fare—just as a gesture of politeness.

The people who had stepped out of the carriages parked outside Wang Yu’s house were clearly together. They had surrounded him just as he was murmuring about trouble under his breath, then congratulated him before politely asking if they could have a moment of his time to discuss something.

Wang Yu was naturally reluctant to waste time on them, but he was familiar with how they acted. Rather than rudely rejecting them now and having them constantly bother him later, it was better to find out what they wanted and avoid future trouble.

The leader of the group was a noble of higher status than Wang Yu himself, and many of the others were equally highly positioned. If Wang Yu were to oppose them openly, it would only bring him no end of trouble.

Wang Yu plastered a stiff smile on his face and stared at the nobles as he waited for them to speak.

He wasn’t skilled with social niceties, but he was a knight who focused on physical conditioning. At the very least, he could school his features to reveal nothing and discomfit his guests instead.

Wang Yu maintained his awkward, clearly forced smile without saying a word. The silence in the room made the scene incredibly bizarre.

Avia sat beside Wang Yu, reading from a magical tome without looking up or making any effort to break the ice. The two groups simply faced each other. Wang Yu didn’t know if the other side felt awkward; he certainly didn’t.

He had anticipated the changes that would come with revealing his abilities to the nobles of the capital. However, he hadn’t expected them to come so quickly, or in such numbers. He didn’t even know what they were congratulating him for when they greeted him at the door. He had nothing to say himself; he simply waited for them to state their purpose.

The leader of the nobles was a gray-haired man with timeless features. He looked mature, but his face lacked the faint wrinkles typical of age. His fighting spirit suggested he was at least an official knight, and the emblem on his chest marked him as a member of one of the kingdom’s major noble houses.

With his ripples, Wang Yu detected two grand knights among their number: one seated beside the leader, and another among the attendants. It was little wonder they dared to travel so boldly—two grand knights made for an impressive entourage even within the capital.

Seeing Wang Yu’s calm demeanor and eerily fixed smile, the leader of the nobles couldn’t help but feel a little uncertain. He didn’t know if Wang Yu was prepared for their arrival or had some hidden leverage against them that would explain his confidence.

In reality, Wang Yu genuinely had no idea what they wanted. He had been busy improving his strength and handling the abnormal incidents the Nightblades were responsible for in the city. Naturally, he had no interest in the power struggles among the nobility.

“Allow me to introduce myself. I’m Clement Hahn, eldest son and future heir to the house of Hahn, and head of the Golden Rain Coalition.

“First, I’d like to congratulate you, Mr. Wang Yu, for your great achievement in resolving the situation at Stevenson Academy and subsequently becoming a universal team leader of the Nightblades. Again, I apologize for the intrusion. I’ve prepared a gift for both of you.”

The gray-haired Klant, with a smile much more natural than Wang Yu’s, took a finely crafted wooden box from one of the attendants behind him and politely placed it on the table.

In the end, the other party had made the first move, though still without stating their purpose outright. Klant’s identity came as a surprise to Wang Yu.

The Hahns were much like the Ryders, though they possessed no unique abilities. Instead, they had achieved their vaunted position through wealth—staggering quantities of it.

The Hahns didn’t hold significant political power in the kingdom, but their influence was among the greatest. The reason was simple: their terrifying commercial empire and accumulated wealth.

It owned roughly 30% of all large-scale industry within the capital. In contrast, the royal family had 15%, while the rest was divided among dozens of other families, large and small.

The Hahns clearly had incredible command over commerce. The fact that its heir was personally paying a visit to Wang Yu was quite unusual—though perhaps not, given that Wang Yu maintained a good relationship with the heir of the Ryders, too…

Regardless, Clement’s personal visit was a rare occurrence. Wang Yu became even more curious about his purpose.

As for the other thing that Clement had mentioned, the position of “universal team leader,” that was the first time Wang Yu had heard of it. It was likely a reward from the royal family for Wang Yu’s contribution during the recent incident.

As a universal team leader, Wang Yu could now legitimately take command as the leader of any Nightblades team at any time under reasonable circumstances, allowing him to command them during missions and operations.

In truth, his status hadn’t changed much—as a member of the special ops team, he was already able to mobilize the Nightblades on occasion. However, the practical benefits were significant.

He no longer needed any approval to command teams of Nightblades. Regular Nightblades had to follow his orders, and he was now slightly higher in rank than ordinary team leaders.

Wang Yu looked down and opened the wooden box. On a velvet cushion inside was a metal plate about the size of a palm. It was engraved with incredibly complex magical circuits. From the side, the device looked to be a layered composition of thin metal sheets.

“A spatial pouch?” Wang Yu raised an eyebrow. This was one of the Hahn family’s signature products. It was highly sought after in various regions and, naturally, quite expensive.

Due to the complexity of their craftsmanship, they were always in short supply. Offering this as a gift clearly showed Clement Hahn’s sincerity.

The metal construct, made of over a hundred layers of high-quality magical steel, contained a three-dimensional array formed by intricate magical circuits. No lesser craftsmanship would have sufficed to create a portable spatial storage device.

The technology for creating such equipment in this world was extremely rare and advanced. Wang Yu had only the vaguest idea about such technology, and storage rings and the like were something he had only heard of in stories.

“Indeed. This is our latest design: an improved storage pouch that can create a stable spatial rift accessible only to you, with a capacity of about one cubic meter—double the size of previous such pouches.”

Clement explained the specifications of the gift, a friendly smile on his face.

“Thank you.” Wang Yu didn’t refuse the gift. He was prepared to hear them out and see what they intended to request of him in exchange for this remarkable treasure.

“I’d like to make my proposition, but before that, may I ask about your relationship with the Ryders? Are you allied with them in any sense?”

Clement adjusted his posture and glanced seriously at Wang Yu. His tone was respectful and sincere, courteous without being deferential.

“No. I visited the Ryders solely as a colleague and good friend of Charles Ryder. I wanted to confirm that he was doing well. Besides, the Ryders hardly need an ally like me to boost their influence.”

Wang Yu shook his head. Clement Hahn clearly had a mistaken impression of things, likely the reason for the sudden and unprompted visit.

“My apologies. And how is Mr. Ryder doing?” Clement followed up politely. He seemed to agree with Wang Yu’s point.

“He’s doing well, but I’m afraid he won’t be escaping a scolding from Captain Smokes.”

“Ah, is that so? Mr. Ryder is certainly individualistic. It’s normal for him to have his own way of doing things,” Clement replied, a slight hint of teasing in his tone.

“I’ll cut to the chase. In the next few months, the royal family will reconvene the Elder Council to fortify stability and command in wartime. The Golden Rain Coalition hopes to seize the opportunity to secure a seat in the council.

“As a key representative of the Hahns, I hope to form an alliance with you—straightforward cooperation, without any intent in restricting your freedom. You would enjoy special discounts at all Golden Rain establishments.”

Clearly, the Hahns, who had built influence through commerce and wealth, were no longer satisfied with its lack of political influence.

The royal family’s decision to reconvene the Elder Council under the pretext of war was an excellent opportunity that the Hahns intended to seize.

They hoped that Wang Yu would be willing to join the Golden Rain Coalition, an entity that the Hahns had created expressly to secure a seat in the Elder Council. Wang Yu noticed that quite a few influential noble families were represented in the group before him.

“To be honest, even if I were to join your alliance with you, I’m nothing more than a weakling, a noble only in name. I doubt I can be of much help.”

Wang Yu didn’t accept or reject the offer outright. An alliance with the Hahns would inevitably drag in the Nightblades, an organization that had staunchly remained independent in the past.

It would cause the Nightblades no end of trouble, and Wang Yu could hardly explain such a decision to Hugin, the Professor, and even Fang. How could he accept such an invitation?

Neither did Wang Yu think the Hahns had such a simple plan in mind.

It was true that Wang Yu was the most suitable target for recruitment out of all the members of the special ops team: Sieg and Hugin were too highly ranked to be swayed, while Charles and Edward were powerful nobility themselves.

“Please don’t underestimate yourself, Mr. Wang Yu. Your achievements over the past year more than demonstrate your capabilities. Your meteoric rise in such a short time is a clear sign of great personal influence.”

Clement earnestly refuted Wang Yu’s self-assessment.

“We also understand that it would be difficult to bring the Nightblades to our side. We intend to clearly distinguish between you and the Nightblades as a whole. You, an individual, are forming an alliance with us personally. However, how others interpret this is beyond our control.”

Clement tilted his head at Wang Yu, undisguised cunning in his eyes.

If Wang Yu agreed to the alliance, Clement would clarify that Wang Yu was acting in an individual capacity, rather than as an agent of the Nightblades.

However, just as Wang Yu’s visit to Charles had been interpreted as an intention to forge an alliance with the Ryders, despite this distinction, other nobles would invariably think that the Nightblades were siding with the Hahns.

It wasn’t a small concession, but neither was it particularly meaningful. The underlying intent being telegraphed remained unchanged, and there would only be slightly less impact on Wang Yu.

“How do you anticipate that I will respond?” Wang Yu replied coolly, throwing the question back to Clement.

There were certainly some benefits to allying with the Hahns. Fewer nobles would approach Wang Yu with such requests in the future, for one. However, Wang Yu didn’t think this choice was particularly advantageous.

“We would greatly appreciate your assistance, Mr. Wang Yu, and would naturally take action to show our sincerity as an ally.

“I’ve done some research on you and your close companion, Ms. Dovan—I hope you won’t mind. I learned of injustice that you had both suffered, and hope that I can provide modest recompense.”

With that, Clement placed a second item onto the table. It was a deed, accompanied by a certificate of sorts.

Wang Yu glanced at the documents with a spark of genuine surprise. They held special significance to both Wang Yu and Avia.

Wang Yu gently patted Avia on the shoulder, drawing her attention to the parchment. Her eyes widened.

On the table was a deed for a castle and a fief in the Misar Province, the same castle and fief that had once belonged to Avia’s father, Viscount Dimas. Beside the deed was a certificate that signified that the holder of the deed would inherit the same title as Viscount Dimas.

“Land in the Misar Province is much cheaper than in the capital, and it cost us little to acquire these documents. Acquiring an ally like you in exchange, Mr. Wang Yu, would be a great deal for us.”

Clement was clearly flattering Wang Yu: even for land outside the capital, the title of viscount and its attendant lands represented an astronomical sum of money far beyond Wang Yu’s worth.

Clement Hahn was confident that Wang Yu would agree in light of such temptation. After all, all Wang Yu had to do was join the alliance: a symbolic promise, and nothing beyond that.

To be honest, Wang Yu was tempted. The offer boasted astronomical value. Misar Province was a relatively wealthy region with a developed economy and abundant transcendent resources. The income generated from the fief would likely exceed the value of the deed itself.

Most importantly, this was the castle Avia had always wanted to reclaim. It wasn’t just a piece of property; the land was tied to her childhood and family.

Once, while lying on the grass in front of the cabin in the woods, Avia had shared her dreams with Wang Yu. One of them was to earn enough money to reclaim her castle.

The cost would have been astronomical, and Wang Yu hadn’t expected to realize it anytime soon—but the opportunity to do so was now right in front of him.

Given Wang Yu’s relationship with Sieg and Hugin, he was sure they wouldn’t object. The distinction that Clement had promised to make meant that the formal impact on the Nightblades would be minimal.

Moreover, Wang Yu could use the Hahns’ influence to avoid other noble houses pressuring him for alliances. The value and significance of the offer was beyond substantial.

Clement’s smile grew wider. This offer had cost the Hahns a significant sum, but Wang Yu’s influence was certainly worth more. If Wang Yu were to accept…

“I—” Wang Yu began, having made up his mind.

“I’m sorry, but I refuse. I don’t believe I was treated unfairly. My grandfather paid a fair price to obtain this property from my mother. She is living well now, and I intend to respect her choice.”

Avia’s clear voice interrupted Wang Yu before he could speak. He turned toward Avia with slight surprise, only to receive a playful wink from her.

“Well, I think I should respect my companion’s decision. As she said, there was actually no unfair treatment involved—it was just a normal exchange between nobles. We have both accepted this outcome.”

With a straight face, Wang Yu went along with Avia’s words, smoothing over the coercion and indignity that the Dovans had suffered. His sincere gaze rendered his outlandish words surprisingly believable.

“I apologize, but I cannot immediately accept your offer regarding the alliance. Please allow me some time to consider it. I will contact the Hahn family later, and promise not to form an alliance with any other family in the meantime.” Wang Yu met Clement’s gaze and delivered a surprisingly tactful rejection.

Clement Hahn inclined his head. “I understand. I look forward to hearing back from you, Wang Yu. Of course, we shall prepare a new offer in the meantime.”

Despite his confidence, Clement struggled to maintain his composure in the face of rejection. Though his tone grew slightly more pointed, he quickly recovered.

There was no point in pushing Wang Yu further. He had already agreed not to form another alliance in the meantime. It remained to see whether another offer would be more tempting to Wang Yu—a man who, in some sense, represented the Nightblades.

“In that case, allow us to take our leave. We shall disturb you no further.” Cordially, the nobles of the Golden Rain Coalition left Wang Yu’s small home.

“Why refuse? It was quite a good offer. You know the Professor and the captain—they would understand. Isn’t this your dream?”

Wang Yu turned to Avia, having adopted a much more relaxed posture now that the others had left. There was no need to keep up appearances anymore.

“Wang Yu, you would have been irrevocably bound as an ally of the Hahn family. No matter what you do, you’ll have to consider whether your actions might conflict with their interests.

“The Hahn family’s vast influence in the capital means that you’ll be affected in many ways—and I know that sort of thing bothers you.”

Avia scooted her chair closer to Wang Yu until their shoulders touched. Her voice was soft yet serious.

“I don’t think it’s such a big deal. It was an unavoidable outcome the moment I revealed myself. I hate dealing with all these complications, but it isn’t as if I have a choice. Besides, your dream…”

“I understand, but no.” Avia shook her head.

Wang Yu scratched his head, unsure how to respond.

“I’ve been thinking—what do I truly miss about that castle? Is it just my beautiful memories of the past? When you first asked me that question, I told you it was the people who raised me, the indelible memories of my childhood. Since my time with you, however, I believe I’ve found a better answer.

“I long for things I never want to lose—the treasure of the present.

“Mother is doing well. She often writes to me about the minutiae of the estate. Life in the capital is chaotic, but rather fulfilling. I often see Uncle Garcia. Wendy is very warm-hearted. Your colleagues—though unreliable—are quite interesting. I’ve learned a lot at the academy. I met the ‘goddess’ you spoke of, Lady Darkness.

“And most importantly, I have you by my side. That’s what truly matters! I’m content with what I have, and I wouldn’t give it up for the world.”

Avia gently rested her head against Wang Yu’s chest, feeling its firm warmth and strong, steady heartbeat. A faint, peaceful smile appeared on her face as she closed her eyes. This was her true dream.

Wang Yu scratched his head again. He thought about it some more, but still didn’t know just what to say. However, his underlying frustration about having to deal with the nobles of the capital seemed to quietly fade away.

He gently ruffled the young woman’s soft golden hair. “Thank you…”

“Clement, aren’t you putting too much effort into recruiting Wang Yu? The value of that deed and title would be enough to secure the loyalty of a mid-sized noble house or multiple grand knights. Wang Yu isn’t worth this price.

“Besides, the major houses are no fools. Even if he allies with us, his influence among the Nightblades isn’t all that significant. Would he really be worth it?”

Inside the carriage, one of the three nobles sitting beside Clement voiced his doubts.

“If you had studied his growth, you wouldn’t be saying that now. His potential alone is worth as much as the support of the Nightblades.

“Despite his lack of background, he was personally recognized by Fang Stuart. As a squire, he entered the capital and became an official knight in less than a year. Few know of his involvement with the blessed vampire and the dark dome that sprung up out of nowhere during the Hellgate invasion.

“And this time, he single-handedly dismantled the entire scheme against Stevenson Academy, even with the strategic-class Silent Forest curio in play. His achievements speak for themselves, don’t you think? He might be lacking in strength at the moment, but I’m investing in his future potential.”

Clement spoke with surety and confidence.

“And doesn’t he remind you of someone?”

His companion blinked. “You mean—the Grand Marshal of the imperial guards, Uller?

“But Uller was simply too outstanding. He completely freed himself from the faction that originally supported him—and Wang Yu, as an outsider, seems to be heading in the same direction.

“Now that you mention it, he does seem to be the next coming of Uller, doesn’t he? That wouldn’t be good for us…”

Clement’s companion frowned at this new revelation.

“Precisely. That’s the point. Uller was only able to break free with the backing of the Grand Duke of the North and his lack of restraints. What I must do is shackle Wang Yu.

“His companion, his possessions in the capital—they’ll all become things that tie him down. Once bound, he’ll never be able to become another Uller. He’ll remain our asset in perpetuity.”

Ambition flickered in Clement’s eyes. One day, he would realize the grand aspirations of his family.

“But the Nightblades…”

“They don’t matter. Remember, the Nightblades aren’t like a noble family. They’re individualistic and don’t share a common goal. In essence, they’re no different from mercenaries or soldiers. No one can mobilize the Nightblades in full—not Fang Stuart, not Sieg Wilsbach, not Hugin Smokes, and certainly not Wang Yu.”

“I-I see…”

The chilling indifference in Clement’s words sent a shiver down the spine of the man beside him.

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