You are all my wings...

Chapter Fifty-Nine: I Indeed Cannot Criticize

Let's go back a few minutes.

Maklaqi's other three knights stepped aside and began to seek a consensus:

"Gentlemen, I can't stand that mage anymore! Arrogant, conceited, and cocky—this seriously clashes with my knightly code. If it weren't for the Holy Maiden's presence, I would have dueled him long ago! Karl, you swore you'd make trouble for him, so why are you so subservient to him now that we're in the dungeon?"

Karl: "Mark, although the other side's command was decent, I still approve of their previous retreat. On the contrary, you were clearly bound by personal emotions when facing battle, which is a characteristic of the most useless knights."

He wasn't really trying to protect Lyon, but rather because he felt that Lyon hadn't made any mistakes so far.

During this period, although he was very eager to perform, he still maintained a good sense of proportion in battle.

Of course, being straightforward and lacking in emotional intelligence, he doesn't always speak with proper tact.

"A useless knight? Karl, I didn't expect you to think of me like that. As a friend of many years, I feel deeply disappointed!"

Mark was shocked.

He knew Karl was outspoken and sometimes even enjoyed seeing Karl offend others. Now that it was his turn, he felt utterly absurd.

He had very different feelings for Karl!

He turned to look at Milo: "Milo, what's your opinion?"

Milo: "Indeed, Carl, you were far too honest this time. I was really looking forward to your performance, but why did you..."

Karl: "Honest? I just haven't found the opportunity to show the Saintess my full strength yet. Once I prove my strength, I will naturally tell the Saintess that there is no need for this guy to command me."

He looked completely calm.

In reality, he did look down on Mark and Milo, who didn't want to prove themselves with their skills but instead sought the approval of their teammates.

Mark sighed, then looked at Bovary, who had been very quiet and detached from the conversation:

"Bovary, what about you? What do you think?"

Upon being called out, Bovary seemed to snap out of his reverie:

"What do you think? My opinion is that no one is right or wrong in this matter. Moreover, I feel that everyone has underestimated His Excellency Lyon's strength."

"Misjudged their strength? What do you mean?"

Bovary's words caught the attention of the group.

He continued:

"First of all, aren't you surprised that he, as a magician, moves so fast? At least I feel like I can't compare to him."

Karl: "After all, she is someone chosen by the Holy Maiden. If she doesn't have any special skills, she will only bring shame to the Holy Maiden."

Mark: "That's right, he was personally chosen by the Holy Maiden, I don't believe he's really useless."

Bovary couldn't help but complain, "Mark, since you know he's extraordinary, why do you still oppose him?"

Mark: "Let's put that aside for now. Are you saying we misjudged him, based solely on his agility?"

Bovary: "There's one more thing you've forgotten? Since he entered the dungeon, he's been fighting with a sword, not magic. Don't you find that strange? He's a magician!"

Mark: "Being a magician doesn't mean you can't use a sword, right? What's so strange about that? I can also use a fireball spell, it's perfectly normal."

As a knight, he specializes in various physical combat techniques.

However, in order to increase their options, they can still learn one or two simple beginner or micro-magical spells.

The warrior class focuses on physical strength, power, and agility, but magic power is also enhanced, although the increase is far less than the former three.

Moreover, their target class is Paladin, a powerful class that combines both warrior and spellcaster skills.

Carl: "It is indeed strange, but since even a good-for-nothing like Mark can do it, it means there is nothing special about it."

Mark: "Karl, if you hadn't said that, I would have challenged you to a duel!"

Karl: "It doesn't matter. We'll be ready to fight anytime after we leave the dungeon!"

Bovary was increasingly speechless.

He wasn't usually this honest, but with these teammates who were impossible to reason with, he had no choice but to become taciturn.

He was afraid that if he talked too much with them, he would get so angry he would die.

He spoke up again today to express his doubts to the group, hoping things would change.

Unexpectedly, we still lost to them.

But considering that this was a very important training exercise, Bovary interrupted the two men, saying:

"What do you guys think of that pureblood elf?"

Upon hearing this question, Milo's eyes lit up:

"Not bad, very beautiful! It's a pity I've already made up my mind to follow the Holy Maiden, otherwise I would have definitely invited her for a drink after leaving the dungeon."

Karl casually smoothed his hair: "Indeed, she lives up to the name of a pure-blooded elf—beautiful and powerful. It's a pity I've already met the Holy Maiden and sworn to uphold the doctrine. Otherwise, I would have shown that elf what happiness is."

Mark: "...Carl, while I admit you are very charming, saying that is a bit presumptuous of you. You are not good enough for him."

Carl snorted: "Character is the highest standard for judging a person!"

Mark laughed: "It seems you don't deny that you look unworthy of her."

Bovary couldn't help but glare at Miró, who had steered the conversation off-topic:

“I’m talking about strength, not looks! Don’t you think she’s incredibly strong? She can easily kill a third-tier monster with a basic spell. And this long-lived creature is so obedient to Lord Leon! This means that Lord Leon must have something extraordinary about him! Therefore, his orders must also have some deeper meaning that we can’t comprehend!”

This statement indeed prompted several people to ponder.

After a moment, Mark said, "It should be his face. He has a bad personality, but I really can't criticize his face. It's very unpleasant, but I can't help it... No, so that's why you changed your attitude, Carl?"

Knights are indeed the warrior class that places the most emphasis on appearance.

Carl sneered: "Only someone with lofty ideals like you, Ms. Karl, would do that."

Bovary was speechless; he actually thought Mark was right, both the first and the second part of the sentence.

"Actually, there is one more thing about His Excellency Lyon that deserves everyone's respect."

Undeterred, Bovary continued to point out what he saw in Léon:

"As you all know, monster meat, especially the meat of powerful monsters, can easily boost basic attributes such as stamina, strength, and agility if you eat too much of it. However, there are some monsters that we cannot physiologically accept. But Lord Leon was able to endure the nausea. Isn't this drive to become stronger commendable?"

Mark got angry at this and snorted:

"That depends on the priorities! What's the point of trying ordinary monsters? Wouldn't it be more efficient to find a few more powerful monsters? Look, the Holy Maiden has never even tasted any of the monster meat that Lyon has grilled, which shows that she doesn't approve of this kind of behavior!"

Just then, they heard Britta suddenly walk over to Lyon and say:

"I just think this roasted bear paw looks pretty delicious, and I want to try your cooking."

Mark was immediately proven wrong as soon as he finished speaking, and his face turned embarrassed.

Chapter Sixty: Lord Lyon is unfathomable!

Leon glanced at the group of people talking outside.

They thought they couldn't hear, but in reality, with his agility of 47, his facial features were extremely sensitive, and the distance between them wasn't too far, so of course he heard the conversation clearly.

In particular, Bovary's repeated defense of him stirred something in Lyon's heart, and he knew that his opportunity had arrived.

The reason he deliberately provoked a few people during the team's operation was partly because he was speechless about their behavior and wanted to correct them.

As a knight, it's not enough to just be good at fighting and reckless.

On the other hand, it is also to find a target that suits one's "trust halo".

His main purpose in entering the underground city this time was twofold.

First, he needs to find upgrade items suitable for the Shadowwalker class, preferably the main spellcasting organs of powerful Shadow-type monsters. He already has a preliminary goal in this regard.

Second, help Iris find upgrade items to help her reach rank four as soon as possible. Once she reaches rank four, the difficulty of casting intermediate magic will decrease, which will greatly increase the chance of completing the side quest "The Fallen Dark Elf".

Of course, if Berylita could join in, the chances of removing the Hamra curse would be even higher.

There are two purposes involved.

Firstly, by leveraging the power of these prepared paladins, explore more side areas, eat various monsters, and find monster meat suitable for increasing various attributes, thereby maximizing their own attribute limits as much as possible.

Secondly, it is about finding a way to advance to the third profession of fraudster. The initial strategy is to use this core skill more often and see what changes occur as proficiency increases.

Bovary, who just praised Lyon, is undoubtedly the most suitable candidate for the "Halo of Trust".

Leon unleashed his magic, activating the [Aura of Trust]!

An invisible halo radiated out and landed on Bovary, who was not far away.

Then, Lyon set aside a portion of the roasted bear paw and casually handed it to Britta.

"Not bad, it looks more and more decent."

"Then eat it while it's hot. The meat smells best when it's freshly grilled, and the magic is lost the least."

Berylita ate gracefully in small bites, a look of pleasure on her face.

However, she quickly concealed her delight.

[Rita's affection level increased by 1%, current affection level is 41%]

Leon discovered a problem: although Berylita's initial favorability was much higher than Iris's, it seemed difficult to increase.

Logically, the initial level of favorability should be the easiest to increase.

What are the difficulties?

Could it be that the increase in favorability is due to Birelita's identity as a representative of the gods, or rather, her faith?

Leon pondered silently that if his favorability rating wasn't high enough, doing the main quest "The Chosen One" for Britta would likely be a thankless and difficult task.

At this point, Brierita finished her meal gracefully but quickly, and praised it, saying:

"The craftsmanship is good, Lyon. Although the sophistication can't compare to the master chefs in the capital, the ingredients are fresh enough, which is better than anything else."

"That's right, freshness is the best, and the best cooking is to bring out the natural flavor of the ingredients."

Leon didn't think too much about it and decided to focus on learning more about Britta.

Although I had tried this route in my previous life, some things can't compare to living people.

He then went on to talk about his views on food.

Although adding various spices would make it taste even better.

But having grown accustomed to the seasonings of his past life, he now enjoys the original flavor of this food.

Simply removing the bloody smell is enough to make it delicious.

Coincidentally, he could use a miniature suction wind to suck up all the monster's blood, which could be used as alchemy material and also make the monster meat taste better.

Elizabeth pouted as she watched the two interact, then ate the meat in large bites.

The bear is not one of the most physically repulsive monsters. Although it looks terrifying and its fur is like steel needles, it is not bad-looking after it is dismembered.

So both Iris and Berylita ate very happily without needing to do much mental preparation.

Incidentally, the bear's fur is of very good quality. We could consider commissioning a magician to make it into needle-like magical items. Leon plans to keep it for himself as a defensive item for his future residence.

As the speed at which I earn money increases, and I accumulate more and more rare items, it's time to consider finding a bigger house.

On the other side.

When the four of them saw that Burelita had also joined in the tasting, they were all a little hesitant.

Carl mocked Mark: "Mark, it seems you're not only a good-for-nothing, but you also have no discernment."

Mark: "I accept the 'no sense' comment, but you should take back the 'useless' comment. That's the only word I don't want to hear from your mouth."

Carl: "Then I'll choose another one."

Mark looked satisfied: "That's more like it."

Carl: "Then let me be incompetent, incompetent Mark! Haha, that's good! It goes well with the name. I never thought I had such a terrifying talent for giving people nicknames."