"Even if they are bandits, we cannot underestimate the strength of the Black Blade Bandits. If we bring them in, Martai will retreat with its tail between its legs." Martai was a city in Naurillia with a convoluted history. Sometimes it was a city under the Eastern Mercenary King, and other times it was a territory of Naurillia. As a result, it was a city where two ethnic groups mixed, but currently, it was a city of Naurillia and a territory ruled by a self - proclaimed general. Half belonged to Naurillia, but the other half was an Eastern city. And Martai had recently declared something akin to a declaration of war against the Border Guard. So such discussions were emerging. The speaker was one of the nobles of the Border Guard. There were several nobles within the Border Guard. Though their power was inferior to that of the central nobles, they were not to be completely disregarded. They had secured significant influence within the Border Guard city. For instance, the person in front of him was one such noble. What was his name again? Marcus didn't even bother to remember his name. 'The guy who took gold from the Black Blade Bandits.' He just remembered him like this. He considered him to be a member of the Black Blade Bandits. He felt like beheading him on the spot, cutting off his head and walking away. The Fairy Company Commander was his subordinate in name, but not in reality. It felt like whatever he did, there would be consequences. Marcus valued his instincts. For various reasons, he couldn't just cut down the person in front of him. After all, Marcus wasn't such a brute. He wasn't the kind of person who solved everything with a sword. Moreover, if he thought a bit more, he realized that killing this person wouldn't be that difficult. Narrow - minded people are always easy to catch. "Though the advance of Martai is troublesome, we can focus on defense." Marcus said decisively. The noble of the Black Blade Bandits pouted and then shut his mouth. If he had said anything more, Marcus might not have been able to resist smashing his head. 'Though I wouldn't go that far.' But he could give that impression. Marcus was nicknamed the War Maniac for a reason. It was an image and nickname he had cultivated for this purpose. Marcus stared at his opponent with a blank expression. It was both a glare and a mere look, but it was effective. The warlike and indifferent gaze of the War Maniac shut the noble's mouth. After silencing him, he said, "Next agenda?" It was a regular meeting. The Border Guard was both a military and fortress city. Just because they had pushed out Aspen didn't mean there was nothing to do. There were reports of a large group of monsters moving up from the south because some southern nobles hadn't properly dealt with the monsters and had driven them northward. If they left the monster horde alone, it would become a problem. Therefore, it was an issue that needed to be addressed. The fact that the monster movements in the south were affecting the northern Border Guard was, well, quite troublesome. 'Those damn bastards.' Nobles were always corrupt. They only cared about their own land and wealth. This was why people said the country was doomed. The same went for the nameless noble in front of him. He was really disgusting to look at. Thinking about this kind of stuff would shorten his life. So, Marcus deliberately redirected his thoughts. His thoughts then turned to Encrid. While he didn't want to remember the noble's name, he couldn't forget Encrid's name. 'Jumping into the knoll horde to save the pioneer village?' Wow, that was a story that made one sigh in admiration. They said he single - handedly slew a thousand knolls. It was probably somewhat exaggerated, but it was certain that his skills had improved. The 4th Company Commander had confirmed it. "In actual combat, no one can easily guarantee a victory." Marcus had a vague sense of the Fairy Company Commander's abilities. She was better than most renowned warriors. Her achievements on the battlefield proved that. Encrid was someone she acknowledged. 'He used to be considered unskilled and just a training maniac.' There was even talk that he was just a soldier with good luck. Nonsense, it wasn't luck, it was skill. He had the right personality too. Even if it wasn't obvious on the surface, one could tell by his attitude and the results of his actions. Most of all, the image of Encrid talking about his dreams was imprinted on Marcus's mind. The battlefield, the sword, and something shining. Could he really become a Knight? Marcus, who had seen many people over the years, could say rationally that it was impossible. But if he were to speak based on his personal impression of Encrid. 'I don't know if he can, but I hope he does.' Day and night were the same. Even with changing weather, nothing changed. He was consistent. Each day was the same. He lived each year as if it were today. Such a person he was. Suddenly, Marcus felt a desire to support his journey. A gentle smile appeared on Marcus's face as he thought this. Seeing this, the Black Blade noble abruptly spoke again. "I think it's unreasonable to appoint him to a Company Commander position without proper organization. Even if he proved himself in his mission, there are widespread rumors that it's exaggerated…" It was regarding Encrid's appointment. The words made Marcus's previously indifferent and cold gaze turn into a frown, and the corners of his lips turned downward. He scowled. "That's enough. It's my decision. If you don't like it, why don't you become the Battalion Commander?" While Marcus had previously left room for negotiation by rejecting the idea of involving the Black Blade Bandits, he was adamant when Encrid's name came up. He was clearly unwilling to entertain any rebuttals or opinions. It was obvious that opposing this decision would result in severe consequences. The Black Blade noble found this most irritating. However, there was nothing he could do to kill Marcus. 'Damn it.' All his anger was directed at Encrid. If someone receives cheers, trust, and love from others, they can also draw hatred. The Black Blade noble, a core member of the Border Guard's power structure, felt this way. He hated Encrid. He truly hated him for no apparent reason and even thought about killing him. After the meeting ended and all the nobles had left, the Fairy Company Commander looked at Marcus and spoke. "Who gave you the nickname 'War Maniac'?" The Fairy was perceptive, and Marcus didn't bother to deny it. "I did." "You're clever." "I take that as a compliment." Marcus wasn't actually someone who loved the battlefield or was crazy about fighting. He had crafted that image for outward appearances. Why? It served as an excuse not to be heavily involved in central politics and was useful for lulling the enemy into a false sense of security. In reality, Marcus wasn't particularly skilled at waging war. While he knew how to deploy troops effectively, his real talent lay elsewhere. For example, in his keen taste for finding good tea. "Well, you don't make jokes with me, do you?" The conversations between Encrid and the Fairy Company Commander were somewhat famous within the barracks. This thought prompted Marcus to ask. "I don't care much for jokes." The Fairy Company Commander said this and turned to leave. Marcus pondered the meaning behind those words and then let out a dry laugh. "Well, that's difficult. A Fairy - style joke." It was indeed a Fairy - style joke. It was a natural statement since Fairy loved jokes.
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