Divine Dragon Merchant Guild, main hall.
Two days had passed since the meeting with Reinhard. During those two days, the strongest Sword Saint kept his word and officially granted Natsuki Subaru the title of knight.
At the same time, Reinhard invited a number of nobles to attend the knighthood ceremony, demonstrating the importance he placed upon it.
Halfway through the ceremony, several nobles seemed to recall something and began discussing the fact that Natsuki Subaru had originally been affiliated with Roswaal's faction, yet had now received a knighthood.
Did this mean that Reinhard's side had already leaned toward the silver-haired half-elf?
Although Felt was also a royal candidate, it was rumored that after being saved by the silver-haired half-elf, the two had become as close as sisters.
After the ceremony concluded, Reinhard naturally heard the whispers circulating below. However, he paid them little mind. To him, they were nothing more than speculation.
But Julius, Reinhard's close friend and partner, quickly noticed the crux of the issue and hurried to seek him out.
"Lord Reinhard, what is going on? There are claims that you have colluded with Emilia's faction and intend to support her ascent to the throne."
No more than three hours after the ceremony ended, Julius rushed over, unable to restrain himself from asking.
Within those short three hours, rumors had already spread throughout the entire royal capital. Even more versions began to appear—one of them claiming that Reinhard had taken a liking to Emilia's knight.
Various rumors became the city's favorite topic of idle gossip. Multiple factions even began investigating the matter, yet instead of subsiding, the rumors only multiplied.
It was as though an invisible hand was pushing everything forward, accelerating events in a way that left people astonished.
"No, Julius. It should merely be rumors."
Reinhard's blue eyes showed not the slightest concern.
Although he sensed something faintly unusual, he did not believe it posed any threat to the kingdom.
"That's a relief."
Julius let out a breath, as if a weight had lifted from his spirit.
From the moment he arrived until now, his mood had been unsettled, as though he had suffered some blow. That was why his gaze toward Reinhard had been particularly grave.
"What is it? Are there other rumors as well?"
Reinhard asked in confusion. Julius' unease was unlike the composed Second Knight he knew.
As Anna's knight of the Hoshin Company, Julius was steady and decisive—a model knight by all standards. If even he was this tense, then the situation was certainly not simple.
"Yes. Have you heard of the Divine Dragon Merchant Guild?"
At this point, Julius looked at Reinhard intently, gauging whether he was aware of this newly risen commercial power.
"I have. In just a single month, it established influence within the royal capital and dealt a heavy blow to the Hoshin Company. That force is not simple."
As the final line of defense for the capital's security, Reinhard was naturally aware of its changes. Yet the Divine Dragon Merchant Guild did not appear to pose any harm.
Its goods were inexpensive and of excellent quality. Both nobles and commoners praised it highly. There was not the slightest trace of negative sentiment in public opinion.
"Exactly that guild. According to certain rumors, its origins trace back to the slums—the very day Felt left."
"Moreover, there are whispers claiming that the Divine Dragon Merchant Guild is secretly backed by Emilia. Considering all these factors, someone is clearly orchestrating events, trying to drag us into the game."
From the beginning of the ceremony until its conclusion, thousands of rumors had emerged, and their spread only continued to accelerate.
"That is indeed one aspect to consider. However, my duty is to guard the royal capital and ensure its safety. As for rumors, they are of little consequence."
Reinhard remained indifferent, leaving Julius visibly exasperated. The strongest Sword Saint might possess unrivaled power, but in terms of strategy, he was undeniably lacking.
"Very well. I hope you will still be able to smile when the time comes."
Seeing that he could not persuade Reinhard, Julius turned and left without lingering.
Yet as he departed, caution flickered in his eyes. Ever since his clash with Akane, when he had nearly been beaten senseless, he had grown far more wary.
Her fire magic was indeed formidable. He had managed to withstand the first dozen exchanges, but afterward, he had been thoroughly overwhelmed.
"Just who is manipulating everything from behind the scenes? What a headache."
Julius rubbed his temples, but ultimately chose not to dwell on it further.
...
Meanwhile, in the merchant guild's main hall, Shendu watched her plan unfold smoothly, a faint smile curling at her lips.
At her side, Akane massaged her shoulders obediently—a stark contrast to her usual sadistic demeanor.
"Hehe, Master, how do you think I handled this matter?"
"Right now, almost everyone believes Reinhard has already formed an alliance with Emilia. And our guild still hasn't officially declared which faction we support."
Following Shendu's instructions, Akane had laid out a grand scheme and now eagerly stepped before her, seeking praise.
"Well done, Akane. On my end, I'm using the Shadowkhan to secretly gather intelligence on the Witch Cult."
Through the power of shadows, Shendu had conducted detailed reconnaissance of Witch Cult territories across the world. Wherever there were shadows, there were members of the Shadowkhan.
So far, she had discovered more than a dozen gathering points of the Witch Cult. Once the matter of the White Whale was resolved, she intended to settle accounts with them.
With control over the Shadowkhan, the number of ninja soldiers at her disposal had grown increasingly vast—reaching a terrifying scale.
The nine legions' special units felt somewhat similar to the Authorities wielded by the Witch Cult, though fundamentally different. They were powers unique to another world.
"Hehe, it's only the Witch Cult. I don't think we need to take them too seriously."
A trace of disdain appeared on Akane's face. Though the organization was powerful and even had the legendary Witch of Vainglory, she had Shendu at her side.
Moreover, her master still had one more favor she could call upon Reinhard to fulfill.
When the time came to settle accounts, that would be the moment to mobilize every available force against the Witch Cult.
"No. We must remain cautious. The Authorities controlled by the Witch Cult are no weaker than Divine Protections—if anything, they may be stronger."
Shendu spoke sternly. Without absolute certainty, she would not launch a full assault against the Witch Cult. That much she understood clearly.
"Understood, Master. But I can't help feeling that you've become more cautious than before."
Akane looked slightly surprised. Shendu had changed more than she expected—her actions far more measured than before.
Just like the rumors spreading today.
They were enough to alter the entire balance of the kingdom. Of that, there was no doubt.