"Hmm... I see... So that's how it is..." ［Grey］

He nodded his head and cupped his chin, soon closing his eyes as he thought deeply of the town'sー no, the whole kingdom's circumstances. It wasn't just him, but Yuna as well, a couple more questions popping in and out of their minds at the moment.

It has been a couple moments since the commotion outside and silence has reigned over the town once more as the sun sank down over the horizon. Rumors and gossip were still abuzz, but there was little they could do about it.

Night has come, and after such an unexpected turn of events, Grey and Yuna are now asking Norma and Nord about the situation of the town, the Kingdom, and how things came to be as they are right now.

"So what you're saying is... The Kingdom is still unstable, am I correct?" ［Grey］

"Yes... Though it has been over 5 years since the civil war, and people are slowly adapting, there are still those who adhere to the old laws of the kingdom." ［Nord］

"It may seem peaceful right now... But war could erupt at any moment. Especially the feud between the King and Duke Schemer." ［Norma］

"That's quite troublesome, isn't it?" ［Yuna］

Grey and Yuna had been so used to the peace in Oiros, that they had forgotten that there was a reason why it was called the most peaceful of all continents. In contrast, the other continents were savage places where the strong prey on the weak.

And apparently, the Kingdom of Aldengard was no different. It was a Kingdom whose olden laws were focused on human supremacy, suppressing all other races and oftentimes turning them into slaves, treating them worse than animals.

Thankfully, the previous King abolished such a system and everyone was granted equal rights under the eyes of the law. However, it wasn't one without any sacrifices. Such drastic change was opposed by the traditional nobles, wars waged in blood.

And it wasn't just once or twice, but several times did wars break out in the Kingdom, bringing about a time of chaos and ruin to the lives of the citizens. And before long, with the reign of the new King, the flames of war were finally extinguished.

"But hmm... If the enemies have already been taken care of... Why is there another conflict happening with the higher-ups?" ［Yuna］

"That's... That's just how people are..." ［Nord］

"So there are snakes and rats, huh..." ［Grey］

"Yes, precisely..." ［Nord］

However, with every evil defeated, a new one will rise up and take its place. It was an endless cycle fueled by the bottomless greed of people, doing every little thing they can to have a taste of absolute power and rule over others.

Even if one was pure-hearted, once their hearts are intoxicated by power, they would soon be corrupted and become the person they feared the most to be. Such was how susceptible people are by temptation and others around them.

The new King has been acknowledged by the people, but there are many nobles who are dissatisfied with that. Amongst them was Duke Schemer whose family was that of a Count's before the start of the civil war a couple decades ago.

The House of Schemer helped out a lot in the civil war, but in reality, however, they were simply taking advantage of the situation and clinging on to their star to climb even higher heights. Now that they have the status of Duke, their desire for more only grew stronger, wanting to take the whole kingdom for themselves.

Now, it just so happens that the current Lord of Veltofar, Viscount Hameln, is part of Duke's faction. Even if he tried to escape, there was no way he could violate such a contract which was made with contract magic.

『Hmm... This is much troublesome than we thought...』 ［Grey］

『I didn't think it will include the whole kingdom. Should we back out now, Grey? We can still talk it out... Maybe...』 ［Yuna］

『I don't want to hear that from you who was about to beat them all up before. And, it's not like we're not related to this case anyway. It's really important.』 ［Grey］

『About the Labyrinth, right...』 ［Yuna］

But perhaps the most troublesome fact was that Viscount Hameln was in charge of overlooking the opening of the Labyrinth. It was obvious that he's just acting as a minion of the Duke, blindly following him like an idiot.

They might incur the wrath of the merchants and adventurers if the Viscount were to ever decide to close and lockdown the entrance of the Labyrinth of Thunder. It isn't hard to incite some anger and hostility from groups which are already agitated.

It was still their first day in Veltofar, and though it was a lot of fun in the morning and the afternoon, the same couldn't be said during the evening. It was a total disaster in which they just got themselves into trouble before they knew it.

Of course, Grey had already known of the civil war beforehand from the knowledge God gave him, however, he didn't think it was as terrible as Norma portrayed it to be. If such a thing were to break out again, it would surely be devastating.

"But hmm... If Veltofar is like this, why don't you just move out, Aunty Norma? I'm sure you can still earn a living in other towns." ［Yuna］

"That's... Maybe it's because I've been too attached to this place, but I've been really hesitant about doing so. There's just no other place like this..." ［Norma］

"Mom... It's already been over a decade..." ［Nord］

"I know... But I just can't seem to forget them..." ［Norma］

Grey and Yuna need not to ask any more. It seems like Norma has suffered much more than other people during the Civil War, and as it seems, it looks like the inn is the only place she can hold onto to remember the sweet times before it.

It has been over a decade since then, yet she still couldn't forget about it. The times when the civil war brought about ruin to her family. Her husband and her two older sons died protecting them against the traditional faction which came to invade town.

It was a good thing that only those who were of age 20 and above were drafted, else, Nord could have been lost as well. If such a thing happened, Norma would have been so distraught, she might have ended up getting crazy from despair.

"Actually... It wasn't all like this... The previous Lord, the current Lord's father, was a good man... No, he was a great man." ［Norma］

"Hm? The previous Viscount Hameln?" ［Yuna］

"That's right. He's actually a very generous and benevolent person. It was because of him that the town thrived and the people lived in peace." ［Norma］

"I've actually met him before when I was younger, and though I bumped into him, he didn't punish me or anything of the sort. Rather, he helped me stand up and even cheered me up so that I wouldn't cry." ［Nord］

"The previous Viscount... He really sounds like an amazing person..." ［Grey］

He wasn't just amazing, he was also loved by the people whom he treats as his family. Unlike the stiff-minded nobles, he viewed al, races as equals and fought for their independence alongside the previous King.

From the status of "Baron", he elevated his house to that of a "Viscounts" in a single decade and even now, House Hameln is one of the more powerful Lower Nobility in the Kingdom. Had he contributed more, he could have become a "Count".

The tale has been illicitly lifted; should you spot it on Amazon, report the violation.

Unfortunately, all things also have an end. After the previous Viscount passed away, his only son, Shuren, inherited the position. And though others might think that the peaceful times continue, they couldn't be any more wrong.

Unlike his father who was a good man, the current Lord who took office just last year was a piece of trash who only knows how to spend luxuries. What's far worse, he is now siding himself on Duke Schemer's faction which his father extremely loathed.

"And it went all downhill from there?" ［Grey］

"Yes. We couldn't even believe it... He isn't just irresponsible! He's arrogant and abusive as well! He's a piece of sh*t who needs to be disposed of!" ［Norma］

"M-Mom, please lower your voice! Someone might hear you!" ［Nord］

"So what if someone hears me?! They've already hurt my family, even my precious grandson! Is that something any sane person would do?!" ［Norma］

"That's... I would like him to pay as well... But..." ［Nord］

Nord couldn't say anymore. He also feels the same way as his mother, his arms and hands shaking from anger and disappointment. If he could, he would have beaten him up by now, but he couldn't. He could only curse powerlessly.

It has only been a year since the new Viscount inherited the title, and all kinds of crimes were already abrew in the city. From violence and harassment, to even murder, they've thrust the town to chaos, ruling the town with fear.

Of course, some of the previous Viscount's men tried to stop him, but they were all stripped of their positions, and some were even silenced. New people were brought in, and the town only descended more into chaos.

Even worthless thugs and gangsters were hired as soldiers, and some were even knighted. Yet rather than protect the people, all they do is harass and extort them. They are the worst scum amongst scums, pretending to be people.

『Haah... I should have beaten them up more...』 ［Grey］

『Grey, your internal thoughts are leaking out.』 ［Yuna］

It was a shame indeed, but there was nothing they could do about it anymore. If only he could travel through time, he would have punched out all of their teeth and broken their bones until they look like jelly. It was a shame indeed.

Though, because of what they did, many customers withdrew from the inn, afraid to be caught up in whatever trouble they are tangled in. Norma and the others didn't even bother cooking as there were no customers anyway.

TAP TAP TAP TAP

And just when they were all done with the questions, a familiar figure came down from upstairs, her face laced with worry and exhaustion and her rabbit ears drooping down, clearly looking dejected. It was Shelma.

"Dear, you're back... How is Liam?" ［Nord］

"He's now sleeping soundly. I'm worried since he hasn't woken up since then, but it seems like he's just tired. He should be up tomorrow," ［Shelma］

"Haah... That's great to hear..." ［Nord］

"Thank God... Thank God my grandson is safe..." ［Norma］

Shelma has been nursing Liam since the incident ended, and it was only after she confirmed that Liam was okay that she came downstairs and had some rest. There was no need to worry since Yuna healed him, but there was no harm being careful.

But now that it was confirmed that Liam was in fine health, everyone's eyes quickly shifted towards Grey and Yuna. They have been calm ever since, but they are the ones who are in most trouble for assaulting knights and nobility.

The system has been changed quite a lot, but there are still old laws which remain. One of which is the execution of those who harmed nobles, a crime which Grey fits perfectly seeing as to how brutally he beat up Shurtem.

"Please don't look at us with those eyes. While what we did was reckless, there's no way the likes of the Viscount could harm us." ［Grey］

"We already know you're strong, but just that doesn't solve everything. You'll always be on the run and the law will certainly come for you! You need to escape now before they could even start to act!" ［Nord］

"And leave you all here to suffer, instead? We didn't save you just so you could be in harm's way again. Our efforts would have been useless then." ［Grey］

"Un! And don't worry! Even if the Viscount brings all his knights here, we'd still be able to beat them up! They aren't much anyway!" ［Yuna］

"You... You two really are amazing..." ［Nord］

Said Nord with admiration bubbling in his heart. He already knows that they are strong, but he never knew they would be so brave as well. Despite having only met them today, they were willing to help them unconditionally. He was touched.

Meanwhile, Grey could only check on the town with him and see just how things are progressing. And just as he was doing so, he spotted a large party of armed men matching straight towards them, the footsteps resonating clearly.

"Well, it's not like we have time to run anyway." ［Grey］

"Huh? What do youー" ［Norma］

BANG BANG BANG BANG

"Open up this instant! You're in the presence of his Lordship!"

It didn't even take them a minute to reach the inn, and as soon as they did, one of the knights slammed the door repeatedly with his armored fist. His booming voice echoed all throughout the streets, everyone woke up from the ruckus.

There wasn't just one knight and a group of soldiers, but the Viscount was present as well. Compared to his rat-like son, he actually looks a little more decent without any buck teeth. If there was a flaw, it was that he looked like a mountain of lard.

"Aunty Norma, sorry about this. I'll pay for the repairs later." ［Grey］

BANG BANG BANG BOOOOMMMMM CRASSHHH

The Knight continued to knock with his booming voice, when all of a sudden,such heavy force came rushing towards him. A sudden kick struck the door and punched a hole through it, blasting the knight away before asking any questions.

It wasn't just the knight, some of the soldiers behind him were also blasted away, flung towards the street lamps and hitting the poles with their backs. Everyone was surprised, two figures suddenly coming out of the inn.

As it seems, the Viscount brought quite a large amount of troops with him, several dozen soldiers, knights, a few D-rank knights, and even his strongest card, the head of the Hameln knights who was at C-rank. The neighbors peeked from the windows.

"Looks like we have a visitor." ［Grey］

"You...! You were the ones who harmed and shamed my son, weren't you?! I already heard all about it from my knights!" ［Shuren］

"So what if we are? What are you gonna do about it?" ［Grey］

"You foul peasant bastard! It seems like you don't know fear! I'm here to teach you a lesson, and make everyone understand what it means to insult a noble! Wounding that face of yours will serve as a good example!" ［Shuren］

"Sure, sure, go ahead... If you can, that is." ［Grey］

The Viscount was yapping and grumbling like a mad dog, but Grey and Yuna couldn't care less about his useless words and about how worthless he deems the "peasants" to be. He was just like his son, a worthless piece of trash.

"You...! You're courting death! You fools, get them! And make sure you tear them limb by limb! Make an example of those who defy the will of nobles!" ［Shuren］

There was no need to wait. As soon as Shuren confirmed that it was indeed Grey and Yuna who were responsible for beating his son, he immediately asked the knights to subdue the two and show them what it entails for defying the nobility. However...

"Grey, can I handle this?" ［Yuna］

"... Sure, go ahead. Have some fun." ［Grey］

... It was unfortunate for all of them, but they just happened to pick the worst possible enemies at the worst time. Yuna, who has been fed up with anger for quite a while, now stepped up and faced them with her eyes colder than the nightly breeze.

"Die! You pesky b*tch! You should have just kept watchingー"

BOOOOMMMMM CRACK CRASSSHHHHH CRASH CRASH

Yuna lifted one of her hands and swung it to the side. It all seemed like a simple slap, but the moment it connected, the knight's jaws were broken and unhinged, the sound of cracks resounding everywhere as he was blasted several meters away.

Some of the knights realized what just happened and wanted to stop in their tracks, but before they could even do so, Yuna already appeared before them and slapped them one after another, not even breaking a single sweat.

It was as if she was just swatting some mere flies, blasting them all away one after another. Some of the knights and soldiers got scared, and so, Yuna took the initiative to rush towards them and beat them up one after another.

"P-Paul! Do something! Stop that b*tch!" ［Shuren］

"Tsk! Seriously! These bastards can't even do anything right!" ［Paul］

Before long, the head of the knights finally stepped forward and bolted towards Yuna, unsheathing his sword and letting it be filled with mana. He soon raised it towards the night sky, a silver glimmer sparkling ever so brightly as he swung it down.

Yet before he could even touch a single hair on Yuna's body, the young lady suddenly turned towards him, dodged the attack, and reached her hands out towards him. She bent one of her fingers and pointed to his forehead.

"Better luck next time." ［Yuna］

BOOOOMMMM CRACK CRACK CRASSHHHH

it was a snappy flick, Yuna's fingers blowing away the man towards the Viscount's golden carriage, and making a dent on it. He was quickly put to sleep, all the other knights and soldiers following after him. It was too one-sided.

Before long, all enemies had been defeated and the people could only watch with their mouths hanging in agape. Her silver hair fluttered under the gentle moonlight as she reigned over the battle, not a single scratch on her.

"You... It's your turn." ［Yuna］

"H-Hieeekkk!! Stop! Stop! Do you know who I am! I am a noble! Do you think you will get away after hurting me?! Do you think strength is the only thing that matters in the world?! I have power and influence which you can never hope to achieve!" ［Shuren］

"Haah... You always go on about nobles this, nobles that... Can you just shut up? It's really annoying. Even crazy dogs bark quieter than you." ［Yuna］

"W-What?! Did you just compare me to mere animals?! I'm a noble, something the likes of you can never touch! Your worthless lives are nothing compared to mine! You're all just tools for us to use!" ［Shuren］

"Tools...?" ［Yuna］

Yuna had already beaten up all of his knights, but it seems like the Viscount has yet to understand just how powerful Grey and Yuna truly were. It seems like Shurtem inherited not just his arrogance, but his stupidity as well.

He kept on yapping and barking without even noticing the cold and deadly expression Yuna was wearing on her face. He only kept on insulting the commoners and kept on showing just how much of a piece of trash he was.

"Then, are you saying that status and authority is what matters the most in the world? Am I correct, Viscount?" ［Grey］

"Hahaha! It seems like we still have a working mind here! That's right! Without status, you are nothing! You are just a tool which should serve us nobles!" ［Shuren］

"I see... So that's how it is, huh..." ［Grey］

"That's right! Then, if you already understand, stop this ruse already! If you do, I might just forgive this insolence ofー Agh! Wh-what are you doing?!" ［Shuren］

There was no need to listen to a trash's words. Before he could even finish his whole statement, Grey suddenly threw something on his face and made him shut up the filthy mouth of his, much to everyone's surprise.

It was a black card Grey and Yuna was all too familiar with, and with it written was his name and rank. The moment the Viscount realized what it was, cold shivers ran all throughout his body, fear finally creeping in in his heart.

"Now, tell me... What authority do we possess in this place?" ［Grey］

It was none other than Grey's Guild Card which had a large letter "S" engraved on it. No matter how stupid the Viscount was, he wasn't so ignorant as to not understand what situation was before him, his whole body shivering in fear.

After all, S-rankers are treated the same as Archdukes and possess the same power, privilege, and authority as them. In the Kingdom of Aldengard, they only rank below the King, even higher than the Duke the Viscount serves.

"S-S-rank?! Do you t-truly believe I will believe such lies?!" ［Shuren］

"Then, shall we see if it's real or not?" ［Grey］

The Viscount tried to deny the truth, but it was futile. Just when the head of the knights regained his consciousness, Grey and Yuna both unleashed their auras at the same time. It was heavy and overbearing, as if he was being swallowed whole.

Of course, for such a weak man like the Viscount, it would be hard to understand just how powerful they were because everyone would seem powerful. Well, not that there wasn't an easy way to make him understand how insignificant he was.

"A-A Dragon....?!" ［Shuren］

Grey immediately summoned Sirius, her massive body shimmering under the moonlight. She was beautiful yet ferocious at the same time, making the Viscount kneel in fear as he realized the grave he just dug,

"Do you have anything more to say, Viscount?" ［Grey］

It was useless. No matter how stupid he was, even he knew how powerful dragons were. Even if their familiar was a Lesser Dragon, it would still be S-rank. Even the whole Kingdom would shudder at the mere sight of them.

"Get lost." ［Grey］

"Hieeekk!!" ［Shuren］

There was no need to say more. As soon as Grey's cold words rang in his ears, he immediately started running away with tears trickling down his hideous face. He ran with panic, tripping himself from hurry and running away once again.

Of course, Grey didn't just let him go so easily. He made a tiny pebble with a little bit of earth magic and shot it out towards the Viscount. It was a direct hit! The Viscount was immediately knocked unconscious, falling to the ground face first.

Silence soon loomed all over the streets as everyone watched the conclusion of the sudden commotion. However...

"Sorry about that, everyone. It must have been noisy, huh?" ［Grey］

"O... Ohhh!! They did it! They managed to beat up the stupid Viscount!"

"Ahh!! That was so satisfying! He finally got what he deserved!"

"You're the best, Young Man, Young Miss! You're our heroes!"

.., in just a while, clamors and cheers filled the air as the people celebrated the idiot Viscount's defeat. They could never have imagined it, but seeing it for themselves was beyond satisfactory. Everyone was very happy.

Meanwhile, Grey and Yuna became quiet, looking at the mess they've created and what troubles lie ahead for them in the future. They already braced themselves, but it would still be troublesome. They could only heave a sigh.

"Haah... How troublesome..." ［Grey］

CHAPTER 415 END