They all call me Great Master

Marinda's voice echoed within the study—a lady's study that was quite spacious. Aside from a long desk that measured three meters in length and two meters in width and the matching sofa and coffee table, even though there were enough bookshelves lined up along the walls, when one spoke loudly, their voice would still reverberate in the room, especially when sitting in Marinda's current position.

It was clear that this was a special architectural or decorative technique.

Specifically designed to highlight the master's authority.

Arthur, with the help of Wuni's eyes, scanned the curvature of the study's ceiling edges and two specially made hangings, then his gaze fixed on Edwin.

The young 'Spirit Medium' was also very curious as to what news made the coachman show such an expression.

Curiosity is human nature!

Who doesn't long for a taste of the melon field!

Under Marinda's gaze, Edwin took several deep breaths and then mustered the courage to say—

"Someone just spread the word that...

you are a 'plaything' put forward by Mr. Arthur Kredos to attract South Los's attention!"

After saying this, the coachman Edwin closed his eyes, already prepared to meet his master's reprimand.

However, after a dozen seconds, nothing happened. The coachman opened his eyes and was astonished to find that not only was his master not the slightest bit angry, but she was actually smiling.

Could this be too shocking?

Edwin thought to himself.

However, after Marinda waved her hand, the coachman immediately left the study.

And when the study door closed, Marinda could no longer contain herself.

"Haha!"

This laugh was quite hearty, but to Arthur, it sounded extremely grating.

South Los has bad people!

He did nothing, but now he's taking the blame!

While the news seemed to put Marinda in the disdainful position of a 'plaything', the fact that a 'plaything' could achieve the title of Lady of the Long Night suggested the person behind the 'plaything' must be incredibly resourceful. Plus, with the strength of an 'Entrant', it's likely that even the Mother Tigress of South Los wouldn't be sleeping well!

They are probably plotting how to deal with him already!

Such a huge injustice!

To suffer such a grave injustice, he, a young, innocent, honest, and kind 'Spirit Medium'!

"Alas, maybe I should just go back to South Los!

I'm tired, let it be destroyed!

I want to see a meteorite strike South Los!"

Speaking through Wuni, Arthur slowly said.

In the face of such a display from Arthur, Marinda simply rolled her eyes.

Of course, the lady knew that Arthur was joking, but the words...

were half true, half false!

If pushed to that extent, the fellow before her could definitely make it happen.

A madman?

No!

Just pure madness hidden beneath calmness.

He's not a madman.

Neither is she.

"Worry not, I'm like you, but I'm more practical. I've more than once wanted to burn down South Los completely—for that, I even surveyed several blocks personally."

Marinda said this while drawing on her pipe.

"What changed your mind?"

Arthur asked curiously.

"The Countess offered too much!"

Marinda replied, shrugging her shoulders indelicately.

The faint smile at the corner of her mouth stirred something in Arthur.

Unlike his joke, he believed what this woman had just said was true; she definitely wanted to set South Los ablaze at some point.

However, there must have been some mishaps that forced her to halt her plans.

But that's not important!

What's important is, how exactly did that Countess bribe this woman?

Her asking price must have been incredibly high!

It couldn't possibly be for selling her favors, right?

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Arthur thought to himself and immediately said.

"Was it also a reward promised by the Lord Count for conferring upon you the title of Baron Kemir?

Yet, there is still some time before the conferment, and now such rumors have arisen, clearly someone is unwilling to give up."

Arthur knew that asking directly would yield no answer from this woman; he had to beat around the bush.

However, the lady didn't bite and simply said indifferently.

"They want to target us—they or perhaps want to kill two birds with one stone... if we don't give them a chance, it really would be impolite of us."

Confronted with Marinda's change of topic, Arthur secretly grimaced.

But the young 'Spirit Medium' did not press further.

The cooperation between both parties has been so pleasant; there is no need to sour it with these trivial matters.

As for the 'opportunity' Marinda spoke of?

After some thought, Arthur guessed a bit of it.

It's nothing more than showing weakness to the enemy, letting him take center stage, while Marinda reaps the benefits from behind the scenes.

With a 'contract' guaranteeing their cooperation, this approach was quite safe. In fact, it could catch them off guard—You claim one of us is a 'plaything,' the other a 'behind-the-scenes orchestrator'? Well, we'll become exactly what you've described, and hit you when you least expect it.

The idea was feasible.

But he wasn't particularly good at dealing with those people onstage.

And for him, the benefits weren't crucial; they were simply some Gold Coins, compensations in property.

These, he temporarily did not lack.

What he lacked was 'identity'!

An 'identity' that allowed for the legitimate purchase and exchange of the Mystic Tools controlled by the Nobles!

Accordingly, the young 'Spirit Medium' with the Crow's mouth uttered an 'unlucky omen'—

"Such an opportunity must be given!

The upcoming 'Swordsmanship Competition' is quite suitable—Didn't you say that the Lord Count places great importance on this competition?

Then why don't you advise the Countess to raise the status of the 'Swordsmanship Competition' and the rewards for the 'Champion'? If the 'Champion's' prize becomes a 'Knight' title, I think it will surely ignite everyone's enthusiasm.

And those watching you would certainly be distracted by the added 'option.'

They will definitely send their elite to participate in this competition.

And I will participate as well.

Then, I will help you cut down those elites one by one, and all you need to do is set up some harmless bets on the outskirts of the competition to lure them in."

Listening to Arthur's words, Marinda's azure eyes narrowed.

"Hmm, this is the first time I've heard someone describe seeking noble status in such a lofty manner."

"It's a win-win!"

Arthur stressed.

Marinda countered with even greater emphasis.

"I'm taking a bigger risk!"

As these words left her mouth, Arthur knew the deal was sealed.

Marinda's emphasis was nothing but a bargaining tactic to gain more advantages.

This sort of thing...

Requires not yielding an inch!

"Of course, I'm the one taking the greater risk! Don't forget, the 'Swordsmanship Competition' Champion must head to Inner Bay. If the Old Lion loses his sanity, it will be a matter of life and death for me. I am risking my life to scheme with you! Therefore, a 'Knight' title and a thirty to seventy split is what I deserve."

Arthur named his price.

"The 'Knight' title for you, the remaining profits for me!"

Marinda began to haggle.

Their bargaining was a mix of pestering and shamelessness.

However, both had a limit.

Because—

Arthur was still troubled by the Aura of Death.

Moreover, Simon's presence was getting weaker.

Ultimately, for the sake of his companions' lives, Arthur obtained the 'Knight' title, thirty percent of the profits (convertible into shares, with the priority to select Mystic Tools and techniques), and what Marinda had originally lent to shield him from the Aura of Death, was now given as a gift.

The pair would supplement the written 'contract' after they met.

"Alas, I an ordinary 'Spirit Medium,' can't compete with such a dark-hearted 'businessman' like yourself!"

Arthur let out a sigh.

"My heart is black, that's true.

But it's still better than certain 'Spirit Mediums' with no heart at all," Marinda retorted.@@novelbin@@

Just as they were preparing to set off, the coachman Edwin knocked and entered once more.

This time, although the coachman's face was free of the awkwardness from earlier, his eyes were still filled with deep shock.

Seeing her coachman's expression, even someone like Marinda began to frown privately.

'What's going on?

Why are all these issues erupting at this moment?

I have a feeling that ever since I got involved with this bastard Arthur, troubles keep coming non-stop! Could it be that after being exposed to the Aura of Death too much, he has been 'Favored by Calamity'?

Stealthily glancing at the young 'Spirit Medium' borrowing the body of a Crow, staring at that distinct colorful black, the lady couldn't help but feel as if an 'unlucky omen' was brewing. She discreetly moved a step aside, putting a slight distance between herself and Arthur.

Then, without giving Arthur a chance to react, she immediately asked her coachman—

"Out with it, what's happened?"