Chapter 147: Restraint

(992951443, the author's chat group. Feel free to join if you'd like to grill the author or keep up with update news. Today’s chapter is around 8,000 words. In the future, for story arcs that I believe should be told in one go, I will choose to add more content rather than splitting it up, haha.)

"The place is small, and I haven't prepared anything to host guests. Please forgive the lack of hospitality." Inside the modest house on Red Maple Street, the long table in the living room felt cramped. Two groups sat on opposite sides: Avia and Wang Yu on one, and the people who had just descended from the carriages parked outside Wang Yu’s door on the other.

Wang Yu’s side consisted only of two people, while the family members and guild representatives crowded the other side of the table—which was no larger than the room itself. There were a dozen of them; it was a wonder they all fit. Several individuals of clearly lower status had to settle for standing behind the nobles, who occupied four of the six chairs in Wang Yu’s home.

The table held a few meager teacups filled with clear tea, made from hot water Avia had conjured with magic. At least it was something to offer guests.

As a native Chinese from Earth, Wang Yu hadn't really picked up the customs of social reciprocity. After trying the tea once and finding the taste off, he never touched it again. With this group of uninvited guests arriving, it hadn't even crossed his mind to serve them.

Fortunately, the girl was more thoughtful. She rummaged through the cupboard and brought out some low-end goods that the people opposite her had likely never tasted in their lives, just to keep up appearances.

The people from the carriages were clearly one faction. Just as Wang Yu was grumbling to himself about the trouble, they had swarmed the doorway, offering congratulations while simultaneously asking if they might intrude for a moment to discuss some business.

Wang Yu was loath to be bothered, but he knew exactly what kind of people these were. Rather than giving them a blunt refusal now and dealing with their constant harassment later, it was better to find out what they wanted and nip the trouble in the bud.

To be honest, the noble crest on the leader’s attire indicated a rank significantly higher than Wang Yu’s own nominal title. The few others who seemed to be in charge held similar status. If he were to openly antagonize them, it would bring him nothing but grief.

Fixing a stiff, artificial smile onto his face, Wang Yu stared at the opposite side, waiting for them to speak. He couldn't help but feel strained.

Wang Yu lacked the skills for social maneuvering, but he was a knight—a knight focused on physical conditioning. Micro-expressions were impossible for him, and his eyes remained the same unreadable, dead-fish gaze as always.

He maintained this deathly rigid expression, saying nothing, keeping that unnatural, obviously fake smile plastered on his face. Combined with the heavy silence in the room, the scene appeared utterly bizarre.

Avia sat beside Wang Yu, reading a magic tome. She didn't look up, nor did she make any move to break the deadlock. The two groups simply stared at each other. Wang Yu didn't know if the others felt awkward, but he certainly didn't.

He had long anticipated the changes that would come with stepping onto the stage and entering the view of the "upper crust," though he hadn't expected them to arrive so quickly. Truth be told, he didn't even know what they were congratulating him for when they met him at the door. He had nothing to say; he would just wait for them to state their business.

The leader of the group was a gray-haired man whose age was hard to pin down—he looked mature, yet lacked the faint wrinkles typical of middle age. It was unclear if he was well-preserved or simply young. His aura suggested he was a formal knight, and the crest on his chest belonged to one of the kingdom’s major noble houses.

Using his ripple perception, Wang Yu realized that one of the men sitting next to the leader was a Great Knight, and another was hidden among those standing in the back. No wonder they traveled so brazenly; with a luxurious lineup of two Great Knights, it was virtually impossible for anyone to successfully attack them within the capital.

Seeing Wang Yu’s unhurried, bizarrely expressionless demeanor, the leader felt a twinge of doubt. He couldn't quite read Wang Yu’s game. He wondered if Wang Yu was prepared for their objective or if he had some hidden reliance that made him fearless.

In reality, Wang Yu had no idea why they were here, as he had been busy improving his strength and handling abnormal incidents for the Night’s Edge.

He had no interest in the power struggles of nobles, and his current posture was simply a way to conserve energy while waiting for them to reveal their purpose.

"Let me introduce myself first. My name is Klant Hahn. I am the eldest son of the Hahn family patriarch, the future heir, and the leader of the Golden Rain Merchant Alliance."

"First, I would like to congratulate you, Lord Wang Yu, on your great achievement in the academy incident and your appointment as a team leader of the Night’s Edge. Again, I apologize for the intrusion. We have brought a gift for you both."

The gray-haired man named Klant wore a smile far more natural than Wang Yu’s. He took an exquisite wooden box from one of his subordinates and placed it politely on the table, sliding it toward Wang Yu.

The other side had spoken first, yet they still hadn't revealed their true intent, opting instead to explain the congratulations and offer a gift for the "interruption." The identity Klant had revealed surprised Wang Yu slightly.

The Hahn family held status comparable to the Reid family in some respects, but they weren't valued by the royal family for special abilities; they had achieved their position through their own means: wealth.

The Hahn family didn't hold much political sway in the kingdom, but their influence was second to none. The reason was simple: their terrifying commercial reach and accumulation of wealth.

In the vast capital today, thirty percent of all large-scale industries belonged to the Hahn family. The royal family held fifteen percent, and the rest was divided among dozens or hundreds of other families.

The Hahn family’s commercial power was evident. For Klant, the heir to such a behemoth, to visit in person was strange. Wait—perhaps it wasn't so strange. After all, he seemed to have a good relationship with that unreliable heir of the Reid family...

Regardless, Klant’s personal visit was a rare occurrence. Wang Yu was more concerned with what they were actually after.

As for the title of "Night’s Edge Team Leader" they mentioned, Wang Yu had just learned of it. It was likely a reward from the royal family for his contributions during the recent incident.

This position meant that from now on, Wang Yu could legitimately command any Night’s Edge team during operations and missions whenever it was deemed reasonable.

His status hadn't changed much—he could already mobilize Night’s Edge members as part of his special operations unit—but the utility was far greater.

He no longer needed approval to command standard Night’s Edge teams; regular members had to obey his orders directly, and the leaders of those teams were now technically his subordinates.

Wang Yu looked down and opened the wooden box. Inside, resting on a velvet cushion, was a metal plate the size of a palm, engraved with incredibly complex magic circuits. Viewed from the side, the craftsmanship of layered, pressed metal sheets was exposed.

"A space bag?" Wang Yu raised an eyebrow. This was one of the Hahn family’s signature products, selling well everywhere, and naturally, it came with a high price tag.

Due to the manufacturing process, it was almost always in short supply. Offering this as a gift showed the sincerity of their intentions.

The metal plate, cast from high-quality magic-conductive steel over a hundred layers thick, contained a three-dimensional array of precision magic circuits. Only such craftsmanship could produce a portable space-storage device.

The technology for creating spatial magic devices in this world was extremely rare and advanced. Wang Yu had barely seen any; he hadn't even heard of storage rings.

"Exactly. This is our family’s latest improved space pocket. Once you inject mana, it creates a stable spatial rift of your own, about one cubic meter in size—twice the capacity of previous models."

Klant introduced the generous gift with a friendly smile.

"Thank you." Wang Yu didn't decline. If they were willing to give it, it meant the cost was something they were prepared to pay for their objective.

"Now, let’s discuss the matter we hope to reach an agreement on. Before that, I’d like to ask, if I may, about your relationship with the Reid family. Have you already formed an alliance or similar partnership?"

Klant adjusted his posture and looked earnestly at Wang Yu, whose expression remained unchanged. His tone was solemn and sincere, expressing respect without sacrificing his own composure.

"No. My visit to the Reid family was only because I am a colleague of Shale Reid, and we are good friends."

"He seemed to be having some trouble, so I visited him as a friend. Besides, with their special status, I don't think they need an ally like me to boost their influence."

Wang Yu shook his head, denying any alliance with the Reid family. It seemed they had assumed his visit meant he was aligning with the Reids, so they had chosen to confirm it early and establish contact.

"Ah, my apologies for the presumption. Is Mr. Shale doing well?" Having received the answer he wanted, Klant used a trivial point from Wang Yu’s words to make a polite, perfunctory closing. It seemed he agreed that the Reids didn't need allies to secure their position due to their unique abilities.

"He’s fine, though he’s likely to be reprimanded by Captain Shugin for the trouble he caused," Wang Yu replied casually to the meaningless question.

"I see. Mr. Shale is quite the maverick; it’s only natural he has his own way of doing things." A slightly teasing remark ended the topic.

"The situation is this: in the coming months, the composition of the royal council will be reorganized to provide better stability and decision-making during the war. Our Golden Rain Merchant Alliance hopes to seize the opportunity to secure a seat."

"Therefore, I hope to represent the Hahn family in forming an alliance with you. It would be a simple partnership, with nothing to restrict your freedom. At the same time, you would enjoy special discounts as an ally at all businesses under the Golden Rain Merchant Alliance."

Once Klant confirmed that Wang Yu hadn't allied with any other family, he naturally laid out their request. Clearly, the Hahn family, having built their power on commercial influence and wealth, was no longer satisfied with their lack of political clout.

The royal family’s reorganization of the council for the sake of the war was the perfect opportunity for the Hahn family to increase their influence, and they wouldn't let this chance to extend their reach into the kingdom’s affairs slip by.

The Golden Rain Merchant Alliance—the organization the Hahn family created to secure a seat on the council—was the group they wanted Wang Yu to join. Wang Yu recognized the crests of several families among the members; they were all high-ranking nobles. It seemed many were willing to board the Hahn family’s ship.

"In truth, even if I were to form an alliance with you, I could only represent myself. A weakling with only a nominal noble title wouldn't be of much help in your competition for a council seat, would I?"

Wang Yu didn't give a direct refusal or acceptance. If he allied with the Hahn family, it would implicitly drag the Night’s Edge—an organization that remained outside the major factions and avoided such competition—into the Hahn family’s camp.

This would bring a lot of trouble to the Night’s Edge. Furthermore, he wouldn't be able to answer to Zieg, the Professor, or Father Fang. The moment he agreed, he would inevitably have a significant impact on the organization as a whole.

Wang Yu didn't believe the Hahn family would expect him to make such a clearly detrimental choice so easily, even if he was the most suitable target for recruitment.

Shugin and Zieg held positions too high to be swayed. Shale and Edward were members of the special operations unit, and the forces behind them were giants. Only Wang Yu stood alone—he had a certain status, but little power and no background, making him a unique target for recruitment.

"Please, Lord Wang Yu, do not sell yourself short. Your achievements in the capital over the past year are enough to prove your ability. You went from nothing to your current status in such a short time; in reality, your personal influence is likely far greater than you imagine."

Klant earnestly denied Wang Yu’s self-assessment, affirming his influence.

"We also know it is difficult to get the Night’s Edge to stand on our side. Therefore, we will clearly distinguish between you and the organization as a whole. We are seeking an alliance with you personally, which does not involve the Night’s Edge. As for what others think, that is beyond our control, isn't it?"

Klant’s mature words carried a smile, the cunning in his eyes undisguised.

His meaning was clear: if Wang Yu agreed, he would frame it as Wang Yu’s personal support for the Hahn family’s bid for the council, not the Night’s Edge entering the political fray.

But just as Wang Yu’s visit to Shale had been interpreted as an alliance with the Reid family, even with this distinction, Wang Yu—a high-ranking member of the Night’s Edge—publicly aligning with the Hahn family would inevitably create the illusion that the Night’s Edge was backing them.

It was a minor concession, but the underlying intent remained unchanged, and the impact on Wang Yu was only slightly mitigated.

"How do you think I will choose?" Wang Yu didn't answer, tossing the question back to Klant.

Although the impact was reduced, and an alliance with the Hahn family could have some benefits—such as preventing other families from coming to him for alliances later—it still felt like a choice with no real upside.

"I believe that if you were to form an alliance with me, it would certainly bring us great help. It would be remiss of us not to take some action to show our sincerity."

"Although it may be impolite, I have learned a bit about you and your close companion, Ms. Avia. I discovered some injustices that occurred to you both. We have contacted the family responsible and, at no small cost, secured some items. Perhaps you would like to take a look."

With these words, Crant slid a second item across the table. It was a land deed, accompanied by a document that appeared to be a certificate of nobility.

Wang Yu cast a glance at it, and a spark of genuine astonishment flickered within him. Though his expression remained unchanged, this object held a significance for him and Elvia that transcended mere material value.

He tapped Elvia’s shoulder to draw her attention to the table. As the girl lifted her head and her gaze fell upon the documents, her pupils dilated and trembled involuntarily.

The item on the table was a deed to a castle in the Misar Province, along with its surrounding fief—the very land once held by Elvia’s father, Viscount Dimas. The certificate beside it signified that whoever possessed this deed was granted the same status as the late Viscount.

"Compared to the capital, land in the Misar Province is far more affordable. Securing these items did not cost us much. If we can gain an ally like you, Master Wang Yu, then we have truly struck a bargain."

Crant’s words were clearly intended to elevate Wang Yu, downplaying the value of the gift. In reality, even for land outside the capital, the status of a Viscount combined with a castle and a fief was a staggering sum—more than Wang Yu would ever be worth, even if he were sold outright.

It was evident that Crant Hahn intended this as a bribe to secure an alliance with the Hahn family. He knew the true worth of the offer and was confident that Wang Yu would accept. After all, it was merely a decision to form an alliance...

To be honest, Wang Yu was tempted. The reward was astronomical. The Misar Province was a prosperous region with a developed economy and abundant extraordinary resources; the wealth the territory could generate would likely far exceed the price of the deed itself.

More importantly, this was the castle the girl had always dreamed of redeeming. It was not just property; it was a vessel for her memories.

Once, lying on the grass before a cabin in the woods, she had told Wang Yu of her ideals. One of them was to earn enough money to buy back that castle. Wang Yu had never forgotten.

It had been an impossible sum, one he never expected to achieve in the short term. But now, the opportunity lay before him. Perhaps the condition of an alliance was not so difficult to accept after all.

Given his relationship with Sieg and Shugin, he knew they would not hold it against him, and a clear division of interests would ensure it had little impact on the Night’s Blade.

Furthermore, he could leverage the Hahn family’s influence to deter other houses from pressuring him into unwanted alliances. Should he agree? After all, the value and meaning of this reward were sufficient.

The smile in Crant’s eyes deepened. His goal was to trade coin for support. It was a significant sum, but if he could...

"I think—" Wang Yu began, no longer hesitating in his intent to accept.

"I am sorry, but I must refuse. I do not believe this is an unfair price. My grandfather exchanged these things from my mother for a sufficient cost. My mother is living well now, and I believe we should respect her choices."

The clear, resonant voice cut off Wang Yu’s response. He did not mask his surprise as he turned to Elvia, only to be met with a playful wink. He clicked his tongue, said nothing, and turned back.

"Yes, I believe I should respect my companion’s choice. As she said, there is no unfairness here; it was merely a normal exchange between nobles. We both accept the outcome."

Wang Yu lied through his teeth, framing the sordid history as a simple transaction. The sincerity in his eyes was, quite frankly, convincing.

"Therefore, please allow me to withhold my answer regarding the alliance for now. Give me some time, and I will contact the Hahn family later. However, I promise that I will not form an alliance with any other family before then." Wang Yu looked Crant in the eye, offering a polite but firm refusal.

"Very well. It seems you both have your own considerations. That is fine. I shall await your reply, Master Wang Yu. Naturally, we will have other tokens of appreciation prepared in the future."

Crant’s confidence had been shaken; even his practiced composure faltered, and his tone sharpened slightly, though he suppressed it with sheer "refinement."

He did not press the matter, knowing that haste often leads to failure. Since Wang Yu had promised not to align with others, he had at least secured a guarantee. He would simply have to find other ways to win over this man who, in a sense, represented the Night’s Blade.

"Then we shall take our leave. We look forward to your reply." With a courteous farewell, the members of the Golden Rain Merchant Guild departed from Wang Yu’s cabin.

...

"Why did you refuse? It was a decent reward. The Professor and the Captain would have understood. And wasn't that always your dream?"

Wang Yu shifted, his posture relaxing now that they were alone. He asked the quiet Elvia with a hint of confusion.

"Wang Yu, even if this is just a gesture, you would be branded as an ally of the Hahn family. No matter what you do, you would have to consider whether it conflicts with their interests."

"Though it seems like a broad concept, in the capital, the Hahn family’s influence is pervasive. It would affect you in many ways. I know you don't like that, do you?"

Elvia moved her chair closer, resting her shoulder against his, her tone soft yet earnest.

"I don't think it matters. Once I stepped onto this stage, these things became inevitable. I hate the politics, but there’s no avoiding it. Besides, I think fulfilling your dream would have been... not bad, right?"

"No," Elvia shook her head.

"Oh." Wang Yu scratched his head, unsure of what to say.

"Wang Yu, I’ve been thinking about it. What is it that I truly miss about that castle? Is it just the memories? I told you before it was the experiences and the people, but after traveling with you, I think I’ve found the real answer."

"What I truly hope for are the things I never want to lose—the precious things I have right now."

"My mother is happy; she writes to me about the trivialities of the manor. Life in the capital is chaotic, but satisfying. I see Uncle Garcia often, Wendy is warm, your colleagues are unreliable but interesting, I’ve learned so much at the academy, and I’ve met the 'God' you spoke of, Lady Darkness."

"Wait, these are all things worth remembering. And of course, having you by my side—that is the most important thing! So, that is enough."

The girl lifted herself slightly, resting her head against Wang Yu’s chest. Feeling the solid warmth and the steady, powerful heartbeat, Elvia closed her eyes with a serene smile. Yes, this was her true ideal.

Wang Yu scratched his head again, still at a loss for words, but the irritation he had felt regarding the complications of his new life began to fade.

He gently stroked her soft, golden hair and said, very earnestly, "Thank you..."

...

"Master Crant, are you not investing too much in this Wang Yu, who possesses little intrinsic value? The worth of that deed and title is enough to win over a mid-sized family or several Great Knights. His current strength does not justify the cost."

"Moreover, the other families are not fools. Even if he declares an alliance, the influence he can leverage from the Night’s Blade is limited. Is it truly worth it?"

Inside the carriage, one of the three members sitting beside Crant voiced his doubts.

"If you had studied his growth trajectory, you would not say that. His potential, in my eyes, is equivalent to the support of the Night’s Blade itself."

"He was noticed by Fang Stuart despite having no background. He reached the rank of Formal Knight in less than a year. He was involved in the Blessed Vampire incident, and intelligence suggests he was linked to the Dark Dome during the Hell’s Gate incident."

"And now, this event—he single-handedly dismantled a layout involving the 'Silent Forest,' a relic of immense power. To achieve so much in such a short time is proof enough. He may lack strength now, but his future is unpredictable."

Crant’s tone was profound. After a pause, he asked, "Who does his path remind you of?"

"Uh, the Grand Commander of the Imperial Guard, Uller?" The man replied, his voice tinged with surprise.

"But Uller was too brilliant and unruly; he completely broke free from the forces that once supported him. This foreigner, Wang Yu, seems to be following the same pattern."

"Now that you mention it, his achievements do seem excessive. If he becomes a second Uller, that would not be good for us, would it?"

The man hesitated as he voiced his concern.

"Exactly. Uller was able to do what he did because he had the backing of the Northern Duke and remained unbound. My task is to slowly place shackles upon Wang Yu."

"Whether it is the things he possesses in the capital or his companion, these will become his chains. Once bound, he will not become a second Uller; he will become our tool."

Ambition burned in Crant’s eyes. The family’s grand design would one day be realized through his hands.

"But the Night’s Blade..."

"Do not worry. Remember, the Night’s Blade is not like a family. They are composed of individuals. They do not share a common goal like a house; they are no different from mercenaries or soldiers."

"No one can make the entire Night’s Blade act for them. Not Fang Stuart, not Sieg Wilsbach, not Shugin Smoke. And certainly not Wang Yu."

"I... I understand..."

The coldness in Crant’s voice sent a chill through the man beside him.