They all call me Great Master

Arthur said, and with a raise of his hand.

An invisible "Hand of Void" immediately grasped Pendragon's nape.

In an instant, Pendragon's eyes cleared completely, and his mouth gaped open.

Smack!

Clatter, clatter!

The parcel in his mouth directly fell to the ground, rolling to the feet of Madam Susan.

And the cloth that served as concealment scattered, revealing the head of Sakiri, the "Devil of Dokiman Island," inside.

"Sakiri?!"

Madam Susan was taken aback.

As the South Los Family's head housekeeper, of course, she couldn't be unaware of Sakiri.

She remembered clearly the pirate who had devastated the South Los House's Dokiman Island holdings overseas.

Furthermore, to capture him, she had personally raised his bounty twice.

But to no avail!

In the face of those weaker than himself, Sakiri indulged in displaying cruelty.

Against those stronger than him, Sakiri would simply conceal himself in the nearby sea.

The South Los Family did not launch an extensive manhunt, because—

Reputation!

Given the Old Earl's 'glorious past,' the South Los House could already not afford any setbacks, especially after Mother Tigress had shown exceptional Talent, they would not let the new Earl's reputation suffer any loss. Therefore, without absolute certainty, they wouldn't make any rash moves.

Thus, they had allowed Sakiri, the "Devil of Dokiman Island", to roam free.

But hatred is not easily forgotten!

With the passage of time, the South Los Family's hatred for Sakiri only grew by the day.

The Swordsmanship Chief Julie and Head Hunter Valerie of the Earl of South Los had more than once suggested going out on their own to bring back Sakiri's head.

But they were both rejected by the Earl.

The Mother Tigress knew very well that, whether it was Julie or Valerie, their actions would surely trigger a chain reaction.

Simply put, the Old Lion would not sit idly by.

The Old Lion would certainly find ways to 'expand his victories.'

Even a small misstep could trigger a full-scale war.

Before the South Los House was fully prepared, Mother Tigress would never allow such a thing to happen.

With that in mind, even if it was frustrating, the Mother Tigress, the South Los House, had to endure.

So, when Sakiri's head appeared before them, even Madam Susan, the South Los House's head housekeeper, couldn't help but be startled.

But the lady quickly regained her composure.

"Arthur, you have won Lord Count's friendship.

At the same time, the South Los House will treat you as a distinguished guest," she said formally.

At that moment, the lady represented the South Los Family.

Arthur, however, simply smiled and shook his head.

"I've only fulfilled your trust.

I didn't inform you beforehand because I was afraid of disappointing you.

Fortunately, luck was on my side."

Arthur once again made his position quite clear; he was placing himself as a junior to Madam Susan, and he did not seem to care about the so-called Earl of South Los or the South Los House. His simple and direct message was that he was only easing the worries of his elder.

This attitude pleased Madam Susan.

Because she too regarded Arthur as a junior.

When Arthur acted as a junior and managed to accomplish the task, Madam Susan felt an indescribable sense of gratification at the bottom of her heart.

If she weren't worried about attracting too much attention, she would right now send out invitations to hold a salon and introduce her grandson to those folks.

Unfortunately…

The secrecy of the South Los House!

Thinking of this made the lady feel like she owed Arthur.

But the next moment, when the lady saw Pendragon still being held mid-air, with his eyes clear, she instantly knew what to do.

"Alright, since you've taken on worries for your elder like me,

as your elder, I find a Griffin Spirit Potion and some Gold Coins to be a fitting reward— the Griffin Spirit Potion is enough to make Pan more whole and sensible.

And those Gold Coins?

The cost of living in Inner Bay is quite high!" said the lady with a smile.

"Thank you, Grandma Susan."

Arthur did not refuse, but instead agreed shyly.

This was an expression befitting a junior.

And watching Arthur's demeanor, Madam Susan was extremely pleased.

Afterward, the lady pondered for a moment before saying,

"I will bring back Sakiri's head to Lord Count, and he will definitely show you some goodwill—do not reject the goodwill that the Earl offers you.

Because he needs you to go out to sea to continue sweeping the pirates.

And he will surely raise the price."

Madam Susan said, winking.

Immediately, Arthur understood.

The lady planned to help him "openly and aboveboard."

Of course, Arthur would not refuse this.

However, the necessary "process" still had to be followed, much like during the New Year when facing red envelopes given by elders: one would turn their head, verbally decline, but the pocket of their clothes would be wide open, almost wishing the elder would stuff in a few more.

"This, this..."

Arthur was somewhat bashful.

"Arthur, this is what you deserve.

After all, you've proven yourself."

Madam Susan made the matter final with an irrefutable tone.

And thus, the dinner that followed was naturally pleasant and easygoing.

The dinner lasted for an hour and a half.

By nine o'clock in the evening, it had completely ended.

"Arthur, I would love to spend more time with you, but as the steward of the South Los House, I can't be away from my post for long—especially with the 'Pioneer Celebration Day' and the 'South County Swordsmanship Competition' about to start in Inner Bay, my work is going to be unimaginably busy."

Faced with Arthur's invitation for after-dinner dessert, Madam Susan sighed.

The lady did not hide anything but spoke bluntly.

Arthur had been expecting this.

Inner Bay kept sending spies into South Los.

South Los wasn't dead. How could it be indifferent?

Even at a disadvantage, it would certainly retaliate.

Of course, both sides were following the rules of the game.

They fought in the shadows while maintaining as much "dignity" as possible.

It was fighting without breaking.

"Grandma Susan, please take care of yourself.

If there's anything you need, make sure to let me know.

You know, I'm very willing to help you with some trouble."

Arthur's words were as sweet as honey, charming the lady into smiling once again.

"As an 'Entrant,' my body is healthier than you can imagine.

And even if there's trouble, it's for me to help you, not for you to help."

The lady said, gently patting Arthur's shoulder.

Then, she stood up to take her leave.

Arthur saw the lady out of No. 2 Cork Street, watching her carriage depart until it disappeared from view. Only then did he return to his room.

And then...

He immediately saw Pendragon looking at him with clear eyes.

Arthur raised an eyebrow.

Then, he smacked Pendragon on the back of the head.

Slap!

Amidst the crisp sound, Arthur scooped up the fleeing Pendragon and scolded with a low shout—

"You little rascal, you actually thought you could deceive dad?

Dad is really heartbroken!

Because...

Your intelligence really is problematic!

How could you think that using the tricks I taught you would fool me?

Come on!

Let the Cat Tossing Game 2.0 begin!"