I Became a Mythical Knight King

Chapter 92: The Night Banquet (1)

After Ninian disappeared, the group remained silent for a moment.

Yoo Seong turned to look at the barrier.

The massive crack that had been forced open was now closed, leaving only faint fractures behind.

Below the crack were scattered Ratmen who had failed to retreat, along with supplies they had abandoned.

If Ninian’s words were true, then the rifts in other uncharted territories bordering Lothian or Count Baltois’ lands would have also been sealed.

Yoo Seong swallowed dryly.

The vastness of the barrier encircling the entire human world struck him anew.

“The gods of humanity sustain the barrier.”

Not only the Goddess of the Lake and Omphalos but also other human gods.

Furthermore, they were so focused on maintaining the barrier that they couldn’t attend to anything else.

Omphalos, who had directly delivered an oracle to Jillian, did not grant any to the pope of its own order, which had seemed odd before. Now, the reason was clear.

Looking at the barrier again, Yoo Seong turned his gaze to Rene and Jillian and spoke.

“For now, we need to sort things out among ourselves.”

At Yoo Seong’s words, Rene and Jillian also tore their eyes away from the barrier and exchanged glances.

Although the group had come to see the barrier, none of them had imagined meeting its keeper, Ninian, or hearing the kind of revelations she had shared. All of them looked somewhat dazed.

Yoo Seong began by asking Jillian.

“Jillian, do you know anything about the center of the world where the Flame of Civilization resides?”

Jillian’s reaction when Ninian mentioned the world’s center had been different from Yoo Seong’s or Rene’s.

After taking a deep breath at Yoo Seong’s question, Jillian nodded and replied.

“The center of the human world… ‘Middle Earth’ is the place where Camelot’s sanctuary once stood. Now, it’s where the Imperial capital is located.”

Both were highly symbolic locations.

“Have you ever seen it?”

The Flame of Civilization in the capital.

Jillian shook her head at Yoo Seong’s question.

“No, I never imagined such a thing existed. The Flame of Humanity…I think it’s less of a literal flame and more of a symbolic entity. Perhaps something like a jewel.”

“That sounds plausible,” Rene agreed, nodding.

If the Flame of Humanity brought the warmth of the sun and the comfort of the night to the human world, it was likely to be a divine power rather than a literal fire.

“If monsters are targeting the Flame of Humanity…that means their ultimate destination is the capital, and they’re attacking cities and nations along the way.”

At Rene’s words, Yoo Seong and Jillian nodded.

“So when Camelot was described as being at the world’s center, it wasn’t a metaphor.”

“I thought the Empire’s capital was located near the border for legitimacy, as a successor to Camelot. But perhaps it’s also because of the Flame of Humanity.”

Rene turned back to Jillian.

“Jillian, do you think the Empire knows about the Flame of Humanity?”

Jillian furrowed her brow at Rene’s question.

“I’m not sure.”

Even if the Empire did know, it was likely a secret reserved for the highest ranks. It would be more surprising if Jillian knew such a thing.

‘Wait, was she originally from the Empire?’

Judging from her earlier remarks, it seemed she had at least visited the capital before.

While Yoo Seong pondered this, Rene voiced another question prompted by Ninian’s words.

“If the barrier collapses entirely someday, as Ninian mentioned…what happens next?”

The immediate thought was that the absence of the barrier would lead to more intense invasions by monsters. But it was unlikely to end there.

If it were just a matter of increased enemies, Ninian wouldn’t have withheld the details as she did.

There was something more, some unforeseen calamity arising from the exposure of the light.

“There’s something beyond the barrier,” Yoo Seong said.

As Rene and Jillian looked at him, Yoo Seong continued, meeting their gaze.

“All the questions Ninian refused to answer point to something beyond the barrier.”

King Arthur and the Knights of the Round Table likely ventured beyond the barrier at some point.

That’s why Ninian wouldn’t answer.

What happens after the barrier collapses is also tied to what lies beyond.

That’s why Ninian wouldn’t answer.

What are they hiding the Flame of Humanity from?

If the barrier conceals the Flame of Humanity, it is likely to be hidden from something beyond the barrier.

That’s why Ninian wouldn’t answer.

After hearing Yoo Seong’s reasoning, Rene frowned.

“Could there be something other than monsters beyond the barrier?”

“Perhaps. But it’s still just a theory. The answers we’re looking for might not be a single truth but several different ones.”

For now, it was all speculation.

Lacking concrete information, Yoo Seong decided to focus on the immediate reality.

“The pressing issue is the monsters crossing the barrier to target the Flame of Humanity.”

These were the foes they had been battling so far.

But Ninian had provided one additional piece of information.

“The kings of monsters…she said.”

Seven kings beyond the barrier.

True rulers among monsters, incomparable to the likes of Rat Lords.

Some of them had crossed the barrier.

They were marching toward the Empire’s capital, targeting the Flame of Humanity.

Everyone’s expression grew grim.

Then Rene forced a bright smile and said, “Still, there’s some good news. It means monsters won’t invade from the western front anymore, right?”

The western land where Yoo Seong had settled.

The western barrier would be the last to fall.

Yoo Seong nodded.

Although the situation was dire, Ninian’s decision had effectively turned the western frontier into humanity’s final bastion.

“And now, we can leave the west for expeditions.”

While Yoo Seong’s group had roamed far, they had always remained within the western lands. If the west was now secure, there was no need to stay there or keep forces stationed.

“The mere fact that there’s a safe land from monster invasions is good news.”

Jillian smiled as she spoke.

While it only meant the western uncharted lands were safe, monsters could still breach the barrier elsewhere. However, having a secure rear was a significant relief.

Rene nodded in agreement as Jillian added, “The other fronts will hold as well, especially with the Sword Saint and the renowned Sir Forte in the Empire.”

The Sword Saint of the Empire, hailed as the strongest among the ten Master Knights, and Sir Forte, leader of the Golden Order.

“That’s right. We have Sir Bisten in the Silatein Kingdom and Sir El, the renowned protector of the Cabal Kingdom, just to our south,” Rene said with a wide smile.

The mention of the ten extraordinary individuals who had mastered the third stage of chivalry was enough to reassure Rene and Jillian.

“Good. Let’s wrap things up and move out.”

At Yoo Seong’s words, Rene and Jillian prepared for battle against the remaining Ratmen below the barrier.

“I believed in you as well. Thank you for protecting the Legion, Baron Laval.”

“Hurk, I’m the one who should be grateful for being acknowledged,” Baron Laval replied with an emotional expression, speaking more formally perhaps due to the gaze of Count Carian.

“Now, let’s eat. I have much to tell you,” said Count Carian.

Nodding at Count Carian’s words, Yoo Seong entered the castle with him.

In the meeting room, Yoo Seong, Rene, Jillian, Juliet, Count Carian, and Baron Laval gathered.

Though Count Carian shot a glance at Baron Laval as if to ask, “Why are you here?” the baron held his ground. After a brief look at him, Count Carian began to share his prepared news.

“First, news from Lothian. As ordered by the Black Knight, Sir Simon of Lothian has taken over Fabian Barony on your behalf. Restoration work in the Volano Barony has also commenced under the direction of Lady Iserina.”

This aligned with the orders Yoo Seong had written in the letter he sent with Robin and Ruan to Lothian.

“In addition, since there is no heir to the Artois County, it has been decided, given the emergency situation, that it will be managed by the Black Knight of Lothian.”

Normally, the vassals of the Artois County would have voiced their opinions in such a situation, but the southern vassals had been wiped out, and there were essentially no vassals left in the Legion either.

The only remaining ones were Baron Robert, who could already be considered a follower of Yoo Seong, and Baron Rodel, who Yoo Seong had yet to meet in person. However, Count Carian, capable of easily winning over someone like Baron Rodel, managed the situation smoothly.

“Approval has also been granted from the royal capital. Moreover, the countship I requested has been officially conferred.”

“Really?!” Rene exclaimed unintentionally before covering her mouth.

Juliet glared at Rene as if scolding her, while Count Carian, uncharacteristically amused, nodded with a light laugh.

“Yes, that’s correct. The royal capital holds the Black Knight of Lothian in high regard for resolving the western crisis.”

These weren’t just empty words. While Count Carian himself had lobbied for it, the goodwill of Crown Princess Elisabeth, a key figure in the royal capital, also played a part in the outcome.

‘It seems best to delay talk of the bride of the century for now.’

Alternating his gaze between the dejected Rene and the scolding Juliet, Count Carian returned his attention to Yoo Seong.

“Considering the widespread reputation of the Black Knight, the royal capital has granted you the title of ‘Count of Lothian.'”

The Black Knight of Lothian—now Count of Lothian.

‘So, from now on, my name is Yoo Seong Lothian, I suppose.’

Though the name felt awkward, it was something he would eventually grow accustomed to.

“Congratulations, successor. No, Count.”

Quietly testing the waters, Rene whispered her congratulations, and everyone smiled at her endearing demeanor.

“Thank you, Rene. It’s thanks to you,” Yoo Seong replied, making Rene smile again, and Juliet’s expression brightened as well.

Observing the interactions among the three, Count Carian chuckled before continuing.

“And the creation of the Western Lords’ Allied Army has been finalized. We ask Count Lothian to assume the position of Supreme Commander.”

This had already been coordinated with Count Baltois.

As Count Carian spoke, Baron Laval clapped, and Yoo Seong nodded. Everything was proceeding as expected.

Even so, the title of count and the position of Supreme Commander of the Western Lords’ Allied Army carried weight. Rene’s eyes brimmed with tears of joy as she celebrated Yoo Seong’s achievements.

“We wish to hold a festival in the Legion to commemorate the recapture of Artois County and the inauguration of Count Lothian as Supreme Commander. We seek your permission.”

This was not mere formalism; it was a necessary affair.

The event was meant to console and boost the morale of the battle-weary soldiers and citizens. It also served to widely publicize Yoo Seong’s status and accomplishments—an essential move for the future.

“I grant permission.”

At Yoo Seong’s words, Count Carian smiled warmly, while Juliet, for some reason, clenched her fists as though making a firm resolution.

After discussing a few minor matters with Count Carian, Yoo Seong adjusted his posture, prompting Juliet to rise from her seat and approach Baron Laval.

“Then we’ll take our leave. Baron Laval, please come with us.”

“Huh? Me too?”

Blinking in confusion, Baron Laval looked at Juliet, but instead of further hints, she grabbed his arm and dragged him out of the room. With a flustered “Oh, oh, oh,” Baron Laval left with Juliet.

Shortly after their footsteps faded, Count Carian also adjusted his posture, anticipating that Yoo Seong had a reason for sending Baron Laval away.

After a deep breath, Yoo Seong looked at Count Carian with the King Insight.

A key figure of influence in the western territories who possessed an iron mine.

A man in his early thirties, an ambitious strategist who had inherited his title after a bloody feud among his kin.

A meticulous and competent tactician who was, surprisingly, a romantic realist.

Since pledging allegiance at Lushen, he had done much for Yoo Seong. The loyalty visible through Yoo Seong’s enhanced King Insight was higher than expected, almost rivaling Ruan’s.

Thus, Yoo Seong resolved himself.

“Count Carian, do you know about the Barrier?”

At Yoo Seong’s question, Count Carian furrowed his brow. It was clear Yoo Seong wasn’t referring to the literal meaning of the word.

What could he mean, then?

“I’m not sure,” Count Carian replied honestly, avoiding any pretense.

After exchanging a glance with Rene, Yoo Seong looked back at Count Carian.

To this man, who was now aboard the same ship, Yoo Seong began to explain.