A Dragonslayer's Peerless Regression

[Translator - Peptobismal]

[Proofreader - Max]

Chapter 43

At Zeke's words, Kay's face hardened.

"W-warehouse?"

"Yes. The warehouse where you store the Soma."

"Why the warehouse?"

Zeke said with an expressionless face,

"To burn it down."

"What?"

Kay's hands trembled.

Burning down the McCain Cartel's drugs was something she couldn't even imagine.

Zeke looked at Kay and said,

"That's what it takes to really piss off Don Juan, isn't it?"

"Don't tell me you're going to burn down the warehouse and then blame it on the Favela?"

"Not just that. I'm going to implicate the Syndicate executives as well. That should be enough for Don Juan to send his hitmen."

Kay's face turned pale at Zeke's bold plan.

She said in a trembling voice,

"What if Don Juan finds out it was us?"

"We'll have to make sure he doesn't."

At Zeke's words, Kay took another drink.

She wiped her mouth and said,

"I can't back down now that things have come to this. Fine. Let's do it. I'm trusting you."

Zeke looked at Kay and said,

"Let's do well, partner."

***

Sometime after the two finished their secret conversation, fires broke out in various places on the outskirts of cities in the Empire and Midland, including Atlas.

Fortunately, there were no casualties, but all the goods inside the warehouses were completely burned, leaving no trace.

The cause of the fires and the contents of the warehouses remained unknown, and the incidents were left unresolved.

***

Zeke leisurely read the news about the fires in the newspaper at the mansion.

"This should make Don Juan, that old man, feel a bit of pain."

He had selected a few of the Syndicate's main warehouses that Kay had told him about and set them ablaze.

He had taken the time to travel to each city by train and activate portal points beforehand, then used the portals on the day of execution to travel between cities overnight and set the fires.

Although he lost a large amount of Karma points, there was no way to trace it back to him.

Even in the mage clan Nirvana, only a limited number of people could use teleportation, and teleportation magic capable of moving between cities didn't exist in this era.

It required a large-scale portal device like the ones operated by the Magic Tower to cover such distances.

Now that he had sown the seeds, it was time to wait for them to sprout.

He planned to go down South and confront Don Juan during the Valhalla semester break.

Zeke formulated a concrete plan for how to deal with the cartels.

While he was busy making plans, someone entered Zeke's room.

"My disciple."

Duke, who had been running around everywhere without staying at the mansion, called Zeke.

"It's hard to see you these days, Master."

"Ahem. I don't know why they're making a retired person do so much."

"It's because you're capable."

"Cut the flattery. Pack your bags."

"What? Why pack my bags all of a sudden?"

Duke said with a displeased expression,

"We're going to the Four Seasons Castle. The head of the clan has summoned us."

***

Rumble!

Zeke headed to the Four Seasons Castle in a carriage with Duke and Andrei.

He rested his chin on his hand and looked out the window.

He saw well-maintained trees lining the streets that stretched through the bustling crowds and splendid buildings of Atlas.

Looking at the civilized city, Zeke recalled Bahamut's words.

'A city only for humans.'

Perhaps the future Bahamut was worried about wasn't a world where only humans existed, like now.

Fairies existed only in legends, elves had disappeared, dwarves and gnomes were driven to the Northern Continent, and beastmen wandered the continent like nomads.

Unlike in the past, humans built cities only for themselves and even fought amongst themselves to create larger cities and nations.

'That's why they need stronger power in these chaotic times.'

Duke asked Zeke, who was looking out the window,

"What are you looking at so intently?"

Zeke turned his head towards Duke and said,

"I was just fascinated by the cityscape."

It was a peaceful sight, completely different from the Atlas he had seen in his past life.

No kingdom could exert its power in a city under the influence of the transcendent Draker clan.

The city had autonomy and operated independently.

Midland wasn't a kingdom, but it held the center of the Central Continent with a stronger unity than any kingdom.

And at its center was the Four Seasons Castle, the heart of the Draker clan.

Although the main house of the Draker clan was located in the Duchy of Troy, all the important facilities were in the Four Seasons Castle.

Zeke felt a strange sense of excitement at the prospect of visiting the Four Seasons Castle for the first time, a place he had never been to in his past life.

Duke, picking his ear, said,

"Honestly. That Arthur. What's he doing as soon as he returns? A sudden promotion celebration party, of all things."

The reason Zeke was summoned to the Four Seasons Castle was none other than a celebration party to commemorate his promotion to Blue Knight.

Most of the major bloodline clans of the Draker clan hold a promotion celebration party when their child becomes a Purple Knight.

Even then, it's usually after they've come of age, so it's also called a Draker debutante ball.

However, in Zeke's case, it was a party to celebrate his promotion to Blue Knight, not even Purple Knight, at the age of fifteen, so the significance was extraordinary.

Indeed, many nobles and prominent figures from across the Central Continent gathered at the Four Seasons Castle to attend Zeke's promotion party.

Since the only part of the Four Seasons Castle open to the public was the Spring Garden, the party was also scheduled to be held there.

Andrei, who was next to him, said,n/ô/vel/b//jn dot c//om

"We'll be arriving soon."

Zeke opened the window and looked outside.

In the distance, he could see the walls of the massive Four Seasons Castle.

The carriage carrying Zeke quickly entered the castle.

***

Maintaining the classic style of the Central Continent while updating its facilities to modern standards, the Spring Garden was a building that blended classical beauty with modern sophistication.

In the grand hall of this building, not only the children of prominent families invited from all over the Central Continent, but also high-ranking politicians and key figures, all dressed in formal attire representing their families, participated in the party.

Arthur Draker, as the host of the party, greeted the guests in formal attire bearing the Dragon Slayer emblem.

Just then, someone approached Arthur Draker.

"Father."

It was none other than Abel Draker.

With his red hair neatly tied back and dressed in formal attire, Abel exuded an aristocratic aura.

Arthur greeted Abel with a charming smile.

"Abel. Welcome. You've come to celebrate your youngest brother's achievement. I'm proud of you."

Arthur and Abel exchanged similar smiles and embraced.

Abel looked around and said,

"I've never seen a promotion party with so many guests."

"Indeed. It's the continent's youngest Blue Knight promotion, so everyone must be curious about Zeke."

Abel smiled at Arthur's words.

Before Zeke was promoted to Blue Knight, the youngest person to achieve that rank on the continent was Abel himself.

However, with Zeke breaking that record, Abel was left as just another ordinary promoter.

Arthur soon left Abel's side and exchanged friendly greetings with a politician from another kingdom.

Watching Arthur, Abel clenched his teeth.

"Manage your expression a little, Abel."

His cousin, William Siemens, approached him.

"What's wrong with my expression?"

"If you're going to smile, smile properly, and if you're going to be annoyed, be properly annoyed. Trying to do both makes you look indecisive."

At William's words, Abel erased the smile from his face.

William clicked his tongue.

"But you shouldn't do that right away either. Your role today, Abel, is to be the amazing older brother who generously congratulates his youngest brother."

Just then, a fanfare sounded from above.

Everyone's attention was drawn to one spot.

The door opened, and someone appeared.

The continent's youngest Blue Knight and the awakener of Draker's pure blood.

Zeke Draker made his entrance.

"Oh my god, is he really a Blue Knight at that age?"

"I can't believe it."

"It would have been hard to believe even if it were a Purple Knight promotion party."

Receiving the attention of many, Zeke slowly descended from the second floor, walking down the red carpet.

This kind of party was a first for Zeke, and since he wasn't used to aristocratic etiquette, he felt incredibly awkward.

'I understand that some level of performance is necessary, but this is really not something I want to do.'

Zeke walked down the carpet towards Arthur Draker, who was standing at the end.

He knelt on one knee before Arthur Draker, lowered his head, and said in a solemn voice,

"To the esteemed Sir Arthur Draker, leader of the great Dragon Slayer clan, Zeke Draker declares his intention to take his first step as an honorable knight. I also vow to not tolerate injustice, to help the weak, and to bring peace to this land."

Arthur Draker drew the sword he was wearing.

He lightly touched Zeke's shoulder with the sword and said,

"In the name of Draker, I bless the future of Zeke Draker, who walks the path of an honorable knight."

With the blessing of the head of the family, Zeke was formally recognized as a Blue Knight.

As Zeke was about to rise from his position, Arthur spoke again.

"Furthermore, Sir Zeke Draker is hereby appointed as a formal knight of the Draker clan and awarded the official knighthood."

Many, including Zeke, were surprised by Arthur's words.

It was unprecedented for someone to be promoted to Blue Knight at fifteen and receive a formal knighthood at sixteen.

Moreover, it was the official knighthood of the Draker clan, known as the knights among knights, so the shock was indescribable.

Flustered by Arthur's sudden bestowal of the title, Zeke regained his composure and recited the oath of appointment.

"Zeke Draker pledges his loyalty and dedication as a knight of the honorable Draker clan."

Arthur, seemingly satisfied with Zeke's oath, removed the sword he had placed on his shoulder and sheathed it.

Then, he personally helped Zeke to his feet and introduced him to the many attendees of the party.

"It gives me great pleasure to introduce my youngest son to all the distinguished guests gathered here. Sir Zeke Draker is an outstanding knight who has inherited the blood of Draker more strongly than anyone else. Let us bless the future of this talented young man and pray for peace and well-being on the continent."

As Arthur raised his glass, the others followed suit.

Everyone cheerfully toasted along with Arthur's toast.

The party was sudden, and the unexpected bestowal of knighthood even more so.

Zeke still had a bewildered expression.

"I'm proud of you."

Arthur said, patting Zeke's shoulder.

Zeke looked up at Arthur.

It was an expression he had never seen on Arthur's face in his past life.

Zeke bowed his head.

"All of this is thanks to you,head of the clan."

"Why are you being so formal? Call me Father when it's just the two of us."

He said to Zeke in a gentle voice,

"So, is the plan to become the strongest on the continent going well? Seeing you become the main character of today's party, it seems to be going smoothly."

Zeke replied in a calm voice,

"I'm working hard."

Arthur chuckled as if amused.

Then, Arthur Draker's voice suddenly changed.

"You met Cali, didn't you?"

Zeke felt as if a sharp knife was suddenly held to his throat.

'I can't let my guard down for even a moment.'

Zeke nodded.

"Yes. My older sister came to Valhalla for a special lecture, and I happened to attend her lecture and had tea with her."

"Oh, I see. Come to think of it, it's been a while since I've seen Cali myself. We're both so busy."

Arthur placed his hand on Zeke's shoulder and said,

"We should all get together for a meal as a family sometime. But before that, I want to give you a promotion gift."

Arthur smoothly took something out of his pocket.

Zeke looked to see what Arthur had taken out.

Surprisingly, it was a simple piece of paper.

However, the contents written on it were far from ordinary.

<Draker clan Treasury 1-Time Exchange Ticket>

He handed the piece of paper to Zeke and said,

"Go into the clan treasury and choose one thing you want."

Arthur put his arm around Zeke's shoulder, drawing him closer, and said,

"Keep your eyes peeled and look carefully. Among the countless items, there are treasures, but there's also useless trash mixed in."

Zeke nodded at Arthur's words.

"I'll keep that in mind."

Arthur laughed, stepped back, and patted Zeke's shoulder.

"Alright, then go and enjoy the party. A true knight should stand out even at a party."

With those last words, Arthur left Zeke's side.

Even though they had only exchanged a few words, Zeke felt an overwhelming sense of fatigue.

'Arthur Draker. I can't let my guard down for even a single moment.'

As he sighed inwardly, someone approached Zeke.

"Sir Zeke Draker."

Zeke turned his head.

It was an elegant woman wearing a dress that seemed simple compared to the other noble ladies.

She said to Zeke,

"It's a pleasure to meet you. I am Melissa Alencia, the First Princess of the Alencia Kingdom."

[Translator - Peptobismal]

[Proofreader - Max]