379 – I knew you would be here. (1)
In the previous life, no one knew exactly when the era of turmoil began.
At some point, mysterious monsters were rampaging across the continent.
One thing was certain, it was after the civil war in Lutania had ended and the Marzu Forest was being developed by the Duke.
At that time, Jisel was living as a mercenary, constantly training. It was only after actively participating in the era of turmoil for a long time that he could rise to the position of Mercenary King.

“It’s strangely fitting timing.”

Clearly, he had changed the future. He defeated Viscount Desmond and took control of the northern region.
Wars that had not occurred in his previous life happened because of him, and many things changed. That’s why people think Jisel accelerated the civil war.

“That’s true, but….”

Looking at the current situation, it was true that he had accelerated the civil war. However, compared to his previous life, the timing of the civil war was almost the same.
Due to a drought, the weakened loyalist faction had completely collapsed during this time.

“In my previous life, the loyalist faction, which was already weakened by now, was easily pushed aside by the Duke.”

But this time, the reason the Duke acted was not because the loyalist faction had weakened, but because Jisel had ruined his plans. The Duke was forced to exert his power.
Jisel’s actions had brought the era forward, but by helping the loyalist faction during the drought, he had actually delayed the era. It was as if what was supposed to happen had to happen at that time.

“It’s actually a good thing for me.”

If the future didn’t change completely, it wouldn’t be difficult for him to control the situation.
Jisel’s preparations were not only for the civil war but also for the era of turmoil. That was his plan.
Before that time came, he had to get rid of those who needed to be eliminated.

“You must decide quickly.”

“Ugh….”

At Jisel’s urging, Viscount Branford just grunted.
He was a nobleman who valued honor. He had never acted without justification. That’s why he was respected by the kingdom’s nobles.
Branford, who was such a nobleman, found it extremely difficult to harm someone without justification.
On the other hand, Morris, the epitome of simplicity standing beside him, was better at such tasks.

“Why hesitate! They are scoundrels! Let’s just attack! I’ll take responsibility!”

Having received plenty of gifts and feeling very pleased, Morris was ready to attack anyone Jisel asked him to.
Jisel also subtly intervened.

“If it makes Viscount uncomfortable, I will use the troops I brought to clean up the capital first.”

“….”

Viscount Branford chuckled. It was absurd. Setting himself up as a scarecrow and starting something was no different from what he was doing.

“It seems like a time to prove with power….”

It was a fact that they had to fight. If there were any suspicious individuals, it was more efficient to eliminate them first to be prepared for any eventuality.

“It’s an opportunity to strengthen the royal authority.”

As a seasoned politician, he was also looking for other benefits. If he wielded power without justification, many would be afraid. That fear would become the foundation for strengthening royal authority.
All he had to do was abandon his beliefs and honor. Even if he had to bear the stigma of being a servant above the king.

“Divide the list I received. Attack before they notice from the other side. Also, inform the lords of each territory immediately.”

Upon Branford’s decision, Jisel smiled. The nobles of the loyalist faction looked tense.
Now they had to wield their swords without justification, as there was no turning back.
Only Morris boldly shouted.

“Gather the men and attack them all now!”

He moved boldly as if inspired by a god. Other nobles of the loyalist faction followed suit.
Branford, who had lowered his head several times, could not hide his tired expression as he asked Jisel.

“It seems like you still have something to say.”

“Yes, I have a request.”

“….”

As expected, there was no such thing as a free lunch. What else did he want to take from him?
Jisel chuckled and said.

“Please give me just one gift.”

“….What is it?”

“I would like to have a piece of Dragon Heart in the royal treasury.”

“….”

It was no secret that the royal treasury had several pieces of Dragon Heart. Among the treasures in the royal treasury, the Dragon Heart fragment was of the highest grade.
The Lutania Kingdom, which had a long history, had only one piece of Dragon Heart. Since humans could not absorb it all, the fragments were given to loyal subjects over the generations.

“That can only be given to those who are loyal to the royal family.”

It was not given to just anyone who claimed loyalty. It was only given to those who truly needed it.
In the current event, the Royal Swordmaster and the Tower Lord of the Royal Tower had received a piece of Dragon Heart.
In any case, it was something he could not give to Jisel. Not only because he did not have a loyal relationship with the royal family, but also because his territory was separate from the royal family.
Seemingly frustrated, Jisel said.

“Now is not the time to be saving such things. We need to strengthen our forces even more.”

“Aren’t you already a master? Do you really need to be so greedy?”

“It’s not for me.”

“Then who do you want to give it to?”

“Don’t you know that we have a 6th Circle mage in our territory? He has the talent to surpass the 7th Circle, but his magical power is insufficient. Without a piece of Dragon Heart, we cannot solve this problem.”

“….”

“In the Duke’s territory, there are Viscount Balzac and Ilois. And under them, there are many excellent knights and mages. We cannot overwhelm the Duke’s forces in terms of quality and quantity. We need at least one more extraordinary individual.”

“….But what if he cannot surpass the 7th Circle?”

The Royal Swordmaster received the fragment and surpassed the 7th Circle. However, the Tower Lord of the Royal Tower, even after receiving the fragment, could not surpass the 7th Circle.
A mage with an abundance of magical power in the 6th Circle had become a formidable force.
Jisel firmly stated.

“He will surely be able to surpass it. He already has enough enlightenment and knowledge. He just lacks the magical power to surpass the barrier.”

Vanessa had reached the 7th Circle in her previous life even with a flawed mana manipulation technique. In terms of magical talent, she was second to none on the continent.
Viscount Branford also knew that Vanessa was a very young mage to reach the 6th Circle. Such a genius was rare in the kingdom’s history.
Still, he was reluctant to hand over the royal treasure.
If that master is already at the 7th Circle, what about his subordinates? If he defeats the Duke, no one will be able to stop him. Just the thought of it was terrifying.

“Oh, are you really going to do that? I brought such a big gift this time.”

“….”

“I’ll give you up to the 3rd piece, up to the 3rd!”

“….”

“If you don’t take all of them, you’ll have a hard time in the war, won’t you?”

“….”

Jisel persistently negotiated with Viscount Branford.
Viscount Branford sighed. This guy was not going to stop bothering people until he got what he wanted.
And although he was a stubborn man, he had no interest in the throne. Having one more strong individual would be better for fighting against the Duke.

“Alright. I will consult with my treasurer and try to get the fragment as soon as possible. Wait a few days.”

“Thank you!”

Jisel smiled brightly for the first time in a while.
Vanessa had reached the 6th Circle. With enough absorption of the fragment, she would be able to reach the 7th Circle.

“Well, while waiting, I will help a bit with cleaning up the capital. Let me know if you need troops.”

“….Do as you say.”

Viscount Branford waved his hand wearily.
He was always the one to take care of what he wanted.
* * *

“Miss, it’s been a while. Why did you summon me? Is there anything you need?”

Jeffrey, the top lord of the top of Kellia, greeted Rozalin with a sly smile.
He was mainly focused on trade between the east and the capital as the top lord of the east. Therefore, he often stayed in the capital.
He had particularly conducted many trades with Viscount Branford. With the organization led by Rozalin, there were many goods needed, so there were many transactions.

“It must have been fun for you because of us, right?”

“Yes? Ah… It’s always an honor to trade with Viscount. Thanks to your care, our top has been able to operate like this. I always appreciate it.”

At Rozalin’s somewhat ominous words, Jeffrey smoothly continued.
Rozalin laughed slyly and continued.

“Today, our trade ends.”

“What do you mean?”

“Kellia’s top must close its doors today. All the assets of the tops in the east will be seized by the Duke.”

“What, what are you talking about!”

The shocking words made Jeffrey exclaim in disbelief.
It was hard to believe that Viscount Branford had become a bandit group! All the nobles and merchants would denounce Viscount Branford and cut off trade with him!

“It doesn’t matter.”

“What do you mean?”

“Because it’s over now. Duke’s dogs.”

“What are you saying!”

“Attack.”

At Rozalin’s command, the knights and soldiers around her drew their weapons and attacked Jeffrey and his entourage.

“Ugh!”

The top’s entourage was massacred by the Duke’s troops before they could even raise their weapons. The knights and soldiers here were of the highest elite level.
But soon, something astonishing happened.
A spear suddenly flew from behind Rozalin and pierced Jeffrey’s body.

“What the…?”

Surprisingly, Jeffrey was able to block all the attacks from the Duke’s knights with his sword. His sword emitted a blue light.
Seeing this, Rozalin’s eyes twitched.
It was hard to believe that he was able to block the coordinated attack of the knights alone. If he had such talent, it was possible. With plenty of money, he could eat well and have plenty of time to train.
However, it was strange that someone with such skill was not properly known to the public. In the current situation, it was suspicious.
And that suspicion soon turned into certainty.

“You bitch! How can you do this!”

Having thought he had already been caught, Jeffrey confessed, shouting harsh words at Rozalin.
She smiled coldly and replied.

“I don’t know. Just stop acting so pathetic and die.”

“You!”

Jeffrey tried to rush towards Rozalin, but his movements were blocked by the knights and soldiers who followed him.
Clang! Clang! Clang!
Jeffrey’s skill was excellent, but he couldn’t handle the forces alone in this place. He began to be pushed back by the overwhelming forces.
Suddenly, a surprising event occurred.
Kang! Kang! Kang!
In a moment, Jeffrey’s body was pierced with serious wounds as his body swelled and his clothes were torn apart.

“What, what is this?”

The knights felt a strong pressure of mana that made their bodies tingle. They couldn’t believe that such power was coming from Jeffrey, who was on the verge of death.
The knights were shocked to see that Jeffrey’s body, which was bleeding all over, was emitting such power.
His muscles swelled abnormally, and his veins bulged as if they were about to burst.
The knights felt an overwhelming pressure of mana from his body. They couldn’t believe that such power was coming from Jeffrey, who was on the verge of death.
His body was swollen and his veins bulged as if they were about to burst.

“Ugh…!”

He let out a monstrous scream, looking like he had lost his sanity. His distorted face seemed to be smiling.
The knights were taken aback by his appearance, but they couldn’t approach him recklessly.

“Kill her!”

Rozalin folded her fan and urgently shouted.
The soldiers closest to Jeffrey rushed to stab him with their spears.
Kang! Kang! Kang!
However, the soldiers’ spears couldn’t even pierce Jeffrey’s skin.

“Ah!”

As Jeffrey’s body swelled and his veins bulged, his body began to emit a powerful pressure of mana.
The soldiers felt the pressure of mana so strong that it made their bodies tingle. They couldn’t believe that such power was coming from Jeffrey, who was on the verge of death.
The knights were shocked to see that Jeffrey’s body, which was bleeding all over, was emitting such power.
His body was swollen and his veins bulged as if they were about to burst.

“Ah!”

As Jeffrey’s body swelled and his veins bulged, his body began to emit a powerful pressure of mana.
The soldiers felt the pressure of mana so strong that it made their bodies tingle. They couldn’t believe that such power was coming from Jeffrey, who was on the verge of death.
His body was swollen and his veins bulged as if they were about to burst.

“Ah!”

As Jeffrey’s body swelled and his veins bulged, his body began to emit a powerful pressure of mana.
The soldiers felt the pressure of mana so strong that it made their bodies tingle. They couldn’t believe that such power was coming from Jeffrey, who was on the verge of death.
His body was swollen and his veins bulged as if they were about to burst.

“Ah!”

As Jeffrey’s body swelled and his veins bulged, his body began to emit a powerful pressure of mana.
The soldiers felt the pressure of mana so strong that it made their bodies tingle. They couldn’t believe that such power was coming from Jeffrey, who was on the verge of death.
His body was swollen and his veins bulged as if they were about to burst.

“Ah!”

As Jeffrey’s body swelled and his veins bulged, his body began to emit a powerful pressure of mana.
The soldiers felt the pressure of mana so strong that it made their bodies tingle. They couldn’t believe that such power was coming from Jeffrey, who was on the verge of death.
His body was swollen and his veins bulged as if they were about to burst.

“Ah!”

As Jeffrey’s body swelled and his veins bulged, his body began to emit a powerful pressure of mana.
The soldiers felt the pressure of mana so strong that it made their bodies tingle. They couldn’t believe that such power was coming from Jeffrey, who was on the verge of death.
His body was swollen and his veins bulged as if they were about to burst.

“Ah!”

As Jeffrey’s body swelled and his veins bulged, his body began to emit a powerful pressure of mana.
The soldiers felt the pressure of mana so strong that it made their bodies tingle. They couldn’t believe that such power was coming from Jeffrey, who was on the verge of death.
His body was swollen and his veins bulged as if they were about to burst.

“Ah!”

As Jeffrey’s body swelled and his veins bulged, his body began to emit a powerful pressure of mana.
The soldiers felt the pressure of mana so strong that it made their bodies tingle. They couldn’t believe that such power was coming from Jeffrey, who was on the verge of death.
His body was swollen and his veins bulged as if they were about to burst.

“Ah!”

As Jeffrey’s body swelled and his veins bulged, his body began to emit a powerful pressure of mana.
The soldiers felt the pressure of mana so strong that it made their bodies tingle. They couldn’t believe that such power was coming from Jeffrey, who was on the verge of death.
His body was swollen and his veins bulged as if they were about to burst.

“Ah!”

As Jeffrey’s body swelled and his veins bulged, his body began to emit a powerful pressure of mana.
The soldiers felt the pressure of mana so strong that it made their bodies tingle. They couldn’t believe that such power was coming from Jeffrey, who was on the verge of death.
His body was swollen and his veins bulged as if they were about to burst.

“Ah!”

As Jeffrey’s body swelled and his veins bulged, his body began to emit a powerful pressure of mana.
The soldiers felt the pressure of mana so strong that it made their bodies tingle. They couldn’t believe that such power was coming from Jeffrey, who was on the verge of death.
His body was swollen and his veins bulged as if they were about to burst.

“Ah!”

As Jeffrey’s body swelled and his veins bulged, his body began to emit a powerful pressure of mana.
The soldiers felt the pressure of mana so strong that it made their bodies tingle. They couldn’t believe that such power was coming from Jeffrey, who was on the verge of death.
His body was swollen and his veins bulged as if they were about to burst.

“Ah!”

As Jeffrey’s body swelled and his veins bulged, his body began to emit a powerful pressure of mana.
The soldiers felt the pressure of mana so strong that it made their bodies tingle. They couldn’t believe that such power was coming from Jeffrey, who was on the verge of death.
His body was swollen and his veins bulged as if they were about to burst.

“Ah!”

As Jeffrey’s body swelled and his veins bulged, his body began to emit a powerful pressure of mana.
The soldiers felt the pressure of mana so strong that it made their bodies tingle. They couldn’t believe that such power was coming from Jeffrey, who was on the verge of death.
His body was swollen and his veins bulged as if they were about to burst.

“Ah!”

As Jeffrey’s body swelled and his veins bulged, his body began to emit a powerful pressure of mana.
The soldiers felt the pressure of mana so strong that it made their bodies tingle. They couldn’t believe that such power was coming from Jeffrey, who was on the verge of death.
His body was swollen and his veins bulged as if they were about to burst.

“Ah!”

As Jeffrey’s body swelled and his veins bulged, his body began to emit a powerful pressure of mana.
The soldiers felt the pressure of mana so strong that it made their bodies tingle. They couldn’t believe that such power was coming from Jeffrey, who was on the verge of death.
His body was swollen and his veins bulged as if they were about to burst.

“Ah!”

As Jeffrey’s body swelled and his veins bulged, his body began to emit a powerful pressure of mana.
The soldiers felt the pressure of mana so strong that it made their bodies tingle. They couldn’t believe that such power was coming from Jeffrey, who was on the verge of death.
His body was swollen and his veins bulged as if they were about to burst.

“Ah!”

As Jeffrey’s body swelled and his veins bulged, his body began to emit a powerful pressure of mana.
The soldiers felt the pressure of mana so strong that it made their bodies tingle. They couldn’t believe that such power was coming from Jeffrey, who was on the verge of death.
His body was swollen and his veins bulged