A Dragonslayer’s Peerless Regression

Chapter 89

At Kali's words, Sieg put on a surprised expression.

"Are you talking about Abel's deal with the Empire?"

She nodded her head.

"Yes. Intelligence reached us that Abel seems to be striking a big deal with the Empire. I'm not sure what exactly the deal entails, but it appears to be related to the card he intends to present to the Elders to win the position of Guardian Knight."

Listening to Kali, Sieg posed a question.

"Is it alright to entrust such an important mission to me?"

"Abel is already on high alert towards our camp. If one of us leaves, he might immediately cancel the deal. Yet, it's difficult to entrust such a crucial task to an ordinary knight."

Sieg fell into contemplation upon hearing Kali's words.

'If I take on this mission, I will unequivocally become one of Kali Draker's people.'

As the victor of the Martial Tournament, Sieg was destined to enter the Four Seasons Castle.

The Four Seasons Castle was the collective assembly of the Draker Blood Alliance—a site filled with nobles from kingdoms across the continent, lords of different families, and high-ranking politicians.

To survive in such a place, strong connections were necessary.

In that regard, Kali Draker, being first in line for the position of Guardian Knight, was a substantial enough protector shield for Sieg.

'The problem is that Big sis Kali is said to die at the hands of the Pirate King in a few years.'

His return to the past had already altered several events from his previous life.

Considering such circumstances, Sieg thought he could intervene in the confrontation between Kali and the Pirate King to keep her alive.

'If Big sis can thwart Abel and safely ascend to the position of head, the Empire's initiation of the third continental war might be thwarted too.'

If that were to happen, Sieg could focus more steadily on his training to become the continent's number one.

Obtaining power beyond that of a black knight and formally challenging Kali to attain the head position would be the cleanest method.

'I have no desire to reign over Atlas, reduced to ruins due to a war with the Empire.'

Sieg ended his deliberation and responded to Kali.

"Understood, big sis. I shall take on the mission."

At Sieg's composed words, Kali looked rather surprised.

It wasn't an easily decided task, yet Sieg had promptly given a response, contrary to her expectations.

"Will you truly take it on?"

Sieg nodded distinctly.

"Yes. When should I depart?"

Kali composed her expression and said,

"There will be a deal at the Dortha Republic casino a week from now."

"In that case, it would be better to leave as soon as possible. Understood. However, I have a favor to ask for this mission."

"What is it? Speak."

"I need an invite from a notable figure in the Dortha Republic. Under the pretense of a victory party for winning the Martial Tournament."

Kali nodded at his words.

"You want to conceal the mission under a formal invitation."

"Yes. If it's the Dortha Republic casino, it'd be hard to sneak in. And moving will lead the information to reach Abel's ears anyway, given my status as the champion. It'd be better to receive an open invitation and head to the Dortha Republic. However, as I've refused all invitations thus far, I need an invitation from a major figure in Dortha."

"Alright. I'll contact someone in Dortha and have a suitable figure invite you."

"Thank you, big sis."

Helen, standing beside them, addressed Sieg.

"Sieg, Dortha may seem like a place filled with splendor and pleasure on the surface, but devils lurk within. Always remain cautious."

Hearing Helen's warning, Sieg chuckled darkly inwardly.

In his past life, when he lived as a hitman for the southern cartel, Sieg had once operated a casino in the Dortha Republic.

To launder the Mechain cartel's funds, he took over several hotels in the Dortha Republic and ran auction houses and arenas there, laundering the proceeds from soma sales.

Sieg, more involved in the underworld than anyone else, knew well what Helen's concern implied.

"Thank you, Dame Helen. I will remember your words deeply."

"One more thing."

"Speak, please."

Helen continued to Sieg,

"...... Be at ease to speak with me."

After saying it, Helen blushed slightly, seemingly embarrassed.

Sieg grinned and nodded.

"Understood, big sis Helen."

Only after receiving his affirmation did Helen wear a satisfied expression.

* * *

The very next day, an invitation arrived for Sieg from the Dortha Republic.

Seeing the invitation, Sieg was stunned.

"The Zayed family? My goodness, the richest family in the Dortha Republic sent a direct invitation?"

The Dortha Republic was not only known for its auctions and casinos but also as a source of magic stones.

The Zayed family owned the underwater magic stone mines in the Dortha Republic to the extent that 70% of the continent's supply came from there.

To think they could move such a Zayed family made Sieg feel the immense influence of Kali Draker anew.

Sieg nodded as he looked at the invitation.

"If it's an invitation from Zayed, the other families who were refused the invitation would understand."

At that moment, Decker approached Sieg.

"Young Master. All necessary documents for portal use have been issued."

Sieg received the Draker-Knight-exclusive entry and exit pass that Decker handed over.

"Thank you, Decker. When do I need to reach the terminal?"

"It activates this evening, so you must depart shortly."

The large portal activated only twice a day.

Moreover, missing today's evening portal to the Dortha Republic meant three additional days of waiting.

In worse cases, it would take longer than traveling by ship.

'Thinking about it that way makes the system's portal function seem like a real cheat.'

Though it had various restrictions and required a substantial amount of karma points, being able to move to any desired location anytime was a tremendous advantage.

Sieg, appreciating the system anew, moved toward the waiting carriage.

Outside, he found Pharel training Liam and Felix in the garden.

"Again! One more time!"

Pharel, a formal knight of the prestigious Thebea Kingdom and a Blue Knight-promoted member of the noble Achilleous family, was a fitting mentor to the Purple Knights.

Sieg had specially requested Pharel for their training.

Felix was panting, sounding defeated.

"Ugh. Sir Pharel. I truly feel like I'll die if I continue."

Then Liam picked up his sword first and charged.

Seeing Liam, Felix shuddered, wailing, but followed.

"Ugh! Senior Liam! Please stop already!"

Watching the duo, Sieg instructed Decker.

"Tell Sir Pharel to push Felix a bit more."

"Very well, Young Master."

Sieg, observing Decker's polite response for a moment, added.

"Also, reconsider returning as a knight, Decker. I need reliable and excellent talent."

At that, Decker lowered his gaze and replied.

"Thank you for saying so, Young Master. But I'm too rusted to be called a knight now."

"Hm."

Far from being rusted, his sharpness was still visibly evident.

However, Sieg nodded upon seeing Decker's persistent refusal.

"Alright. But when it gets urgent, I'll need you to step forward, Decker."

"Understood."

Sieg received Decker's send-off and seated himself in the carriage.

Having been almost raised by him since the past life, Sieg found himself inadvertently craving the comfort provided by Decker.

'I wonder why he insists on giving up the sword despite showing signs of attachment. Could there be circumstances I'm unaware of?'

Reflecting on various things, Sieg made his way to the terminal through the carriage.

Upon arrival at the terminal, someone awaited him.

"Welcome, master."

It was Feynon, dressed in a suit.

Sieg had designated Feynon as his companion for this mission.

The two went through the VIP process at the terminal and waited briefly in the lounge.

"Sir Feynon, is this your first time in the Dortha Republic?"

Feynon shook his head.

"I often visit Dortha to find items necessary for research. Though it's my first time traveling via portal."

Just then, an announcement came.

"The portal to the Dortha Republic is about to open. Passengers, please proceed to the portal shuttle and take your seats."

Sieg and Feynon used the connecting path from the lounge to sit in the first-class seats of the portal shuttle.

They were provided with the finest leather seats, wine, and various services.

While munching on the provided peanuts, Sieg felt the surrounding magic surge.

'How intriguing.'

Soon, magic spread around the array surrounding the shuttle, and a large-scale portal opened.

The shuttle slowly moved into the portal.

Vrrrrrr!

A slight vibration was felt.

Eventually, the shuttle stopped, and the portal gradually closed.

"We have arrived at the Dortha Republic. We wish you a pleasant journey."

As people started moving busily, Sieg and Feynon too disembarked the shuttle and exited the terminal.

Outside the terminal, a magnificently decorated carriage was waiting.

A golden carriage drawn by six twin-humped camels adorned with various ornaments had been prepared.

At the sight of the carriage, a shadow of doubt crossed Sieg's face.

'Could it be?'

"Sieg Draker!"

At that moment, a person who fit every cliché of a Dortha local—dressed in a turban and white clothing adorned with expensive magic stone jewelry—approached, embracing Sieg.

"Welcome! Welcome!"

He spoke the common tongue of the continent quite naturally.

Sieg replied to him in Dortha.

"Thank you for the warm reception."

The Dortha man was surprised when Sieg spoke in Dortha.

"My word! You know Dortha! The God of Earth will bless you, Sir Sieg!"

He cheerfully offered prayers and guided Sieg into the golden carriage.

After they settled inside, the Dortha man introduced himself.

"Forgive the late introduction. My name is Muhammad bin Abuda Zayed. I am the second son of the Zayed family."

Sieg was taken aback by this revelation. He had guessed from the grandeur of the carriage, but he hadn't expected a direct meeting with a direct descendant of the Zayed family.

He addressed Sieg, saying,

"First, congratulations on winning the Draker Martial Tournament. With Sir Sieg accepting our family's invitation, the honor of our family will shine even brighter."

"The illustrious honor of the Zayed family must be known across the continent."

"Indeed, Sir Sieg is truly an honorable knight. I am moved, as is this Muhammad."

After the formal introductions, Muhammad's expression suddenly shifted.

"I received a word from Kali Draker."

Hearing this, Sieg also adjusted his posture.

"So, there's no need to go into detail. I'd appreciate it if Mr. Muhammad could arrange the casino where the deal is to take place."

Muhammad smiled, waving his hand dismissively.

"Sir Sieg, forgive my impertinence, but there's no need for that."

"What do you mean?"

Muhammad responded with a gentle smile.

"In Dortha, no casino can operate outside of the Zayed family's influence."

Sieg partly understood Muhammad's words.

'True, during my cartel days when operating a casino, the constant attacks from those under Zayed's orders made things difficult. It culminated when I hung them outside the Zayed mansion after eliminating them.'

This was also the reason Don Juan sent Sieg to Dortha's casino.

When Sieg was deployed, he exterminated all assailants until Zayed offered a truce.

With a wealth outweighing even the Emperor of the Empire, it seemed fitting for the Zayed family to display such confidence.

Sieg informed Muhammad,

"Very well. This is Feynon here, an excellent mage. He plans to set up eavesdropping magic at the venue where the Empire's meeting will be held."

Sieg wasn't merely bringing Feynon along.

He intended to gather evidence that Abel, by making deals with the Empire, sought to break the Draker family's neutral pledge.

This was to be accomplished by installing listening devices and securing proof of such actions.

Muhammad beamed, showing his teeth.

"Such a thing poses no issue at all. Rest assured."

"And there's one more favor I'd like to ask."

"What is it? Please, go ahead."

With a lowered voice, Sieg whispered to Muhammad.

Muhammad was taken aback upon hearing what Sieg requested.

"That, that is......."

"Please. It's crucial."

With a slightly troubled expression, Muhammad nodded.

"Understood. Since it's Sir Sieg's request, I shall strive to fulfill it."

"Thank you, Mr. Muhammad."

Sieg then turned his gaze out of the carriage window.

The elaborate carriage proceeded along the roads of Dortha's wasteland, entering the dazzling city.

Dortha, known as the place without night, was ablaze with vibrant lights.

As Sieg admired the splendid scenery, he sharpened his focus mentally.