Chapter 493: The Grand Master of the Margaret Knight Order

The dinner was exceptionally lavish, featuring a variety of main dishes including piperade, cod, Margaret ham, wines, shrimp, oysters, rich meat stew, and Estalian seafood paella.

Count Ryan of Glamorgan, accompanied by Baron Fedmond of Bordeleaux, Courtier Veronica, and Templar Knight Alfred, attended this significant meeting.

During the meal, Ryan and Amancio faced each other in conversation. The Lady of the Lake's chosen champion fondly recalled the historical friendly exchanges between their two nations. Ryan earnestly highlighted the close ties between Bretonnia and Estalia, noting how Estalia's first call for aid during the invasion of Margaret was to the knightly kingdom. He emphasized the deep bond formed during the Crusade of the Red Flame and how their presence here, amidst the theft of the Sea God's Trident in these dark times, held special significance.

Ryan stressed that while international dynamics and bilateral relations have undergone significant changes, certain constants remain. First, the shared humanity and desire for peace between Bretonnia and Estalia are unwavering. Bretonnians have always regarded Estalians as close partners and former comrades-in-arms. Ryan and his fellow knights are committed to inheriting and fostering this cherished relationship as a valuable legacy.

Second, the mutual benefit and win-win nature of their cooperation remain unchanged. Ryan pointed out the complementary strengths of the knightly kingdom and the southern realm in their economies, suggesting that there is vast potential for broader cooperation on various issues.

Third, he acknowledged the persistent efforts of a small group of destabilizing elements attempting to disrupt their relations. Ryan expressed hope that both sides could overcome past grievances, work together to maintain a healthy, stable, and sustainable relationship, and continually explore new areas of cooperation and growth.

Amancio Pérez, the leader of the Estalian Merchant League, agreed deeply with Ryan's sentiments. The sixty-something merchant, sincere and earnest, expressed his hope for strengthened exchanges and collaboration across various fields between the two countries. He assured that the Merchant League was eager to forge more trade agreements with the Duchy of Bordeleaux and the County of Glamorgan, further enhancing strategic communication and cooperation with Bretonnia to promote mutual prosperity.

Following this, Baron Fedmond of Bordeleaux and the Estalian Merchant League reached a series of trade agreements. The Duchy of Bordeleaux agreed to resume its trade relations with Margaret.

The banquet proceeded in a friendly atmosphere. Amancio expressed his deep concern over the theft of the Sea God's Trident, a treasured heirloom of the Bordeleaux ducal family. He sincerely offered the full support of the Merchant League to ensure the artifact's return.

Fedmond, dressed in formal attire, nodded silently, recognizing the tacit agreement formed. Despite the merchant's smiling face, Fedmond knew that Amancio, a frequent instigator of local skirmishes between Estalian nobles and Bretonnia, often targeting Carcassonne and Lyonnais, was not entirely innocent. The theft of the Sea God's Trident involved significant orchestration, including the coordination of a well-equipped mercenary group meeting rogue knights on the Moros Plain. Ryan and Fedmond had discussed that it was improbable for Amancio not to be involved, given his influence and resources. While his exact role in the theft remained unclear, his hands were far from clean.

Reflecting on Ryan's earlier teachings, Fedmond mused, "Sometimes, we only need to say eight sentences because we all know the message consists of ten. And that's enough."

"Yes, that's enough," Fedmond repeated to himself, raising his glass. "To your health, Mr. Amancio."

"Indeed, let us drink to the future prosperity of Bordeleaux and Margaret, Baron Fedmond." Amancio laughed heartily, raising his silver goblet. "I apologize for not sending someone to welcome you earlier. Let's let bygones be bygones."

"To bygones," Fedmond echoed, though still somewhat displeased, as he clinked his glass with Amancio's and drank the sherry.

As the rich wine flowed down their throats, a minor grievance was thus resolved. With this, the ducal house of Bordeleaux and the Estalian Merchant League became trade partners. Fedmond's family had one less enemy and one more ally.

Is this what diplomacy is? The Holy Grail Knight pondered deeply, feeling a newfound understanding. This isn't so bad, after all!

As the meal continued, the second guest they were scheduled to meet arrived. Led by a priest of the War Goddess Myrmidia, a knight in his forties stepped into their presence.

The knight was dressed opulently, in a layered doublet with numerous buttons, the inner lining connecting to his fitted trousers, and tight outerwear over the doublet. He wore tight pants with red and white stripes and heavy boots. His eyes were sharp like an eagle's, his well-trimmed brown hair cropped close, and his prominent nose and deep-set eyes added to his imposing presence. The wrinkles at his eyes and cheeks hinted at his age.

Everyone knew this was Enzo Moretti, the current Grand Master of the Margaret Knight Order.

Enzo Moretti's waist bore the famed knightly sword—The Triumphal Eagle, blessed by over five deities of the Old World and stained with the blood of King Jaffar of Araby.

The Grand Master's demeanor was calm and stern. His gaze swept the courtyard, pausing briefly at the family crest of the Sea God's Trident on Fedmond's attire. A flash of fierceness crossed his eyes.

Enzo Moretti exuded an overwhelming aura, clearly marking him as a veteran legend-tier warrior. Though he might no longer be able to break through to higher levels, his decades of combat experience and blood-soaked presence made him formidable. Fedmond could tell that defeating him quickly would be no easy task.

"This is the Grand Master of the Knight Order, Enzo Moretti," Amancio Pérez stood and introduced him to the group. "He is perhaps the most outstanding Grand Master in decades. Over his fifty-plus years of service, he has trained countless exceptional knights, many of whom have joined the Solar Knights, the Falcon Knights, and the Spears of Justice." With an ambiguous smile, Amancio added, "I imagine Lord Ryan and Baron Fedmond will have much to discuss with Grand Master Moretti, as you are all knights."

"Our banner may not have flown on the battlefield for centuries, but we have never been idle," Enzo Moretti acknowledged his identity. Amancio Pérez's rise to leadership in the Estalian Merchant League was not just due to his own intellect but also the covert support from the Margaret Knight Order.

The Margaret Knight Order maintains three War Goddess Academies in the Old World: in Margaret, Carcassonne, and Nuln. These academies provide a steady stream of new recruits and ensure that many military nobles in these countries support the Order's cause.

As a military brotherhood, the Margaret Knight Order recruits new members from the knightly apprentices and War Goddess Academy graduates. The Order controls not only military schools and mercenary companies but also includes merchants and politicians from various levels. Its sub-orders—the Solar Knights, the Falcon Knights, and the Spears of Justice—are often composed of knights who secretly join the mother order, referred to by its members as the "Inner Circle Order."

Finally tracking down this man, Ryan frowned. Finding Enzo Moretti meant they were closer to resolving the issue. The Grand Master of the Margaret Knight Order was the key.

Enzo Moretti nodded to Amancio Pérez. He seemed uninterested in sitting down. Instead, he grasped his sword hilt and lifted his chin. "I hear you knights from Bretonnia have been seeking me out, even involving the Empire. Speak your business quickly; my time is valuable."

"Our purpose is clear," Ryan replied, rising with his wine glass. He approached Enzo Moretti and smiled. "You know why we are here."

"...You know that I know why you are here, and you still want to meet?" Enzo Moretti could feel the formidable pressure emanating from Ryan. The Grand Master was well aware of Ryan's fearsome strength as the Lady of the Lake's chosen champion and a renowned human hero.

"You know that I know you know why we are here, which is why we're meeting," Ryan stated calmly, his eyes flashing with psychic energy. "Otherwise, I wouldn't have come to see you."

"I know that you know I know you know why we are here, but you should also understand the purpose of the object we seek. It is tied to our Order's ultimate goal," Enzo Moretti responded, unwilling to yield. "You may defeat me, even kill me, but our mission will not end with my death. We will achieve our final victory. My death won't end everything."

"Can we speak in private?" Ryan whispered. Holy Grail Knight Fedmond also stood and moved closer to Enzo Moretti. "We need to talk."

"...Very well." Enzo Moretti knew the situation was serious. The Margaret Knight Order's plan to seize the Sea God's Trident was exposed, and the Holy Grail Knights had come calling.

The three knights walked towards a private chamber outside the banquet hall, disappearing into the corridor.

Veronica and Amancio observed this, and the Garland Witch nodded in satisfaction. Today, she wore a latte-colored lace-embroidered dress that hugged her figure, revealing long, beautiful legs encased in sheer crystal stockings, her nails painted a rosy shade, and black peep-toe high heels completing her stunning look. Once Ryan and the others left, she lifted her glass. "Mr. Amancio, let me toast to you for the establishment of new trade agreements and the opening of new trade routes."

"Hohoho~ Thank you for the toast, Miss Veronica. Please," Amancio, slightly surprised, nodded

. He knew of Veronica's close relationship with Ryan, so he politely accepted her toast.

Veronica and Amancio drained their glasses together. The sweet, refreshing sherry added a blush to her already beautiful face. "Mr. Amancio, might you be interested in magical potions and artifacts?"

"Oh?!" Amancio's interest was piqued. He nodded eagerly. "Magical potions? Such items are scarce throughout the Old World. As a council elder of the Garland Witch Coven, do you have a reliable supply?"

"I have a complete wizard's tower, and my colleague, Garland Witch Councilor Teresa Trovik, will soon have one too. However, we sometimes struggle with sourcing certain biological materials," Veronica replied, her smile radiant.

"Miss Veronica, you've come to the right person. The Estalian Merchant League has many channels for sourcing biological materials. Many. But we lack skilled wizards," Amancio's enthusiasm grew. Magic potions? Magic artifacts? These were invaluable treasures with no fixed price! The challenge was finding a steady supply.

In critical moments, a single magical potion or artifact could mean the difference between life and death. The immense profits from trading such items could drive any merchant wild!

"It seems we have much to discuss," Veronica nodded, smiling like a little red fox. "It appears we need each other!"

"Indeed! Miss Veronica, you can trust the Estalian Merchant League's reputation. We'll be your best partners!" Amancio's eyes, usually a bit dull with age, now gleamed brightly. "Magic artifacts? This is fantastic! We'll offer a price that will satisfy you!"

... Meanwhile, outside the Oriental Palace ...

A luxurious golden lion carriage, escorted by dozens of Falcon Knights, arrived at the entrance. The gilded curtains were lifted, and with the help of his aides, Duke Rubio Sunseeker of Margaret stepped down from the carriage.

Following the Duke, a young noble, no more than seventeen or eighteen, eagerly leaped out. His face flushed with excitement, and he exclaimed, "Oh my god, it's Lord Ryan! Is it really Lord Ryan who's here in Margaret? Father, you weren't lying, were you?! By Myrmidia! Is it really Ryan Marcado?"

"Calm down, Juan, my son," Duke Rubio Sunseeker sighed, slightly exasperated. "You're too excited. This isn't the behavior befitting a member of the Sunseeker family."

"Come, this is a rare opportunity. Let's go meet the Lady of the Lake's chosen champion."

"Let's see if this famous human hero is worthy of your admiration and perhaps even your allegiance."

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