Lord blessed by the elves

Chapter 71 Behind the Scenes
When Kruse's gaze swept over the four men, the mockery in his heart vanished instantly, replaced by a chilling tension that almost made him gasp for breath.

These four people exuded a calm and collected aura, their eyes sharp as eagles. Just sitting there, they were like four volcanoes poised to erupt, radiating a chilling and oppressive force.

Based on Wilstone's previous warning and his own perception, Kruze was almost certain that each of these four people possessed at least the strength of a Silver Knight!
Four Silver Knights!

This force, capable of crushing a small army on the front lines, is now gathered in this filthy and chaotic marketplace of refugees!
Following the procedures of a noble banquet from memory, the other party stiffly made a "please take a seat" gesture, and some even tried to swirl the murky liquid in their glasses, imitating the action of wine tasting.

But this affected manner, in the eyes of Kruse and Wilstone, who were truly from the aristocratic class and had seen the world, was not elegant at all, but rather extremely ridiculous and bizarre, like watching a group of ferocious monsters clumsily learning human dance, with an indescribable sense of incongruity and potential danger.

"Your elegant demeanor is truly admirable." Kruse casually pulled out a chair and sat down, his movements seemingly relaxed, but he didn't forget to casually compliment these guys who loved to play the aristocrats.

Sure enough, upon hearing this perfectly timed compliment, the four leaders simultaneously revealed a pleased smile on their serious faces, and the tense atmosphere seemed to ease somewhat.

"You're Robert?" the middle-aged man sitting at the head of the table on the left asked again, scrutinizing Kruse with his eyes.

Kruse shook his head without changing his expression, and the lie came out of his mouth: "No, I am Robert's son, you can call me Robert Jr."

Upon hearing this, Wilstone, who was standing behind him, twitched his lips almost imperceptibly.

The young master seemed completely unconcerned when he uttered that pseudonym.

“In that case, let’s introduce ourselves.” Darns seemed to accept this suggestion and said in what he thought was a solemn tone, “I am Darns Bucket.” He first pointed to himself and then introduced his companions in turn: “This is Solius Sole, Baron Huntbow, and Curiti Dogpaw.”

These surnames, which are full of the flavor of the working class and even somewhat comical, form a stark contrast with their pretentious attitude at this moment.

Kruse strained his facial muscles, suppressing a laugh that almost escaped his lips, and gave a slight, serious bow: "Hello, uncles! My name is Robert Nieer Jr."

“Niye?” Darns Bucket repeated in confusion, puzzled by the unfamiliar surname. “What’s that?”

Kruze immediately put on a somewhat embarrassed yet proud expression, scratched his head, and explained, "It's a kind of leaf that grows particularly large and ugly. It tastes bitter and is completely inedible and useless. But my father felt that we should have a decent surname, and we couldn't always be called 'son' or 'hunter.' 'Niye' is good. Not many people use it, and it sounds... well, doesn't it have a noble and mysterious feel to it?"

“Exactly!” Solius Sole immediately chimed in, as if he had found a kindred spirit. “It sounds very aristocratic! Nieye…hmm, a fine surname!”

The others nodded in agreement, clearly appreciating the interpretation of "Robert Niehr Jr." and his father's "unique" taste.

In this gray area of ​​pursuing identity, a surname that sounds different can indeed bring a illusory sense of superiority.

"Everything before us—this marketplace, these weapons, the power we've gathered—is just the beginning!" Darns Bucket became more and more excited as he spoke. He stood up and waved his arms vigorously, as if making a declaration to an invisible army.

"Once we have amassed enough strength, sufficient food, and weapons, we will no longer need to hide in these dark mountains! We will step out openly and use our weapons to overthrow the corrupt and greedy rule of the old aristocracy! We will establish a new, just order! So that all those who, like us, have been oppressed and driven out, can have their own land and dignity!"

His inflammatory and rebellious speech sent chills down the spines of Wilston and his knightly squires behind Kruse, who were drenched in cold sweat. This was no longer a simple gathering; it was a blatant declaration of rebellion, an attempt to overthrow the kingdom's rule!

However, after the initial shock, Kruse, who was at the center of the storm, was filled with a great deal of doubt.

Just as Darnes was giving his impassioned speech, a system notification sounded clearly in his mind:

【Ding! 】

[New player side quest: Abnormal Refugees (Combat) - Completed!]

[Mission Reward: 20 Energy Crystals have been sent to your system space.]

【Ding! 】

[Triggering follow-up quest: Investigate the mastermind (conspiracy-related)]

[Mission Description: The unusual gathering and armed presence of these displaced people is not simply a matter of survival. Their radical political demands and organizational capabilities far exceeding those of ordinary displaced people suggest that a deeper force is secretly manipulating and funding them. Please investigate the true mastermind and their motives.]

[Mission Rewards: Special Building Blueprint: Watchtower x1, Skill Book: Insight x1]

Mission accomplished?
This means that the system has determined that the four Silver Knights and their crazy speeches are the source of the "abnormal migrants".

No, it can't be that simple!
Kruse immediately dismissed the idea.

These four people, though powerful, displayed a clumsy and naive imitation of the lower class in their words, actions, and "aristocratic manners."

They were more like henchmen and slogan preachers pushed to the forefront than the real planners.

The slogan "Overthrow the rule of the old aristocracy" sounds inspiring, but it is empty and powerless, more like a set of indoctrinated rhetoric.

The true "mastermind," the one who can simultaneously control multiple Silver Knights and systematically organize such a large-scale rebellion, must be hiding in deeper shadows, and their strength and schemes are probably far beyond imagination.

Kruse's heart sank. He realized that he might have inadvertently stumbled upon the tip of a massive conspiracy that could overturn the entire county, or even something far more.

Kruze felt as if a thousand mythical beasts were galloping through his mind, but he still had to maintain the excited and worshipful expression of a passionate young man.

Is this what they call the protagonist's halo?

Wherever I go, trouble follows!
I should have stayed home and settled down to farm and blacksmithing. Why am I wandering around like this?
(End of this chapter)