The farce, dramatic to the end, concluded. The idle onlookers, having nothing better to do, dispersed, each returning to their own homes and families. The journalists from major news outlets busily scribbled away, their pens dancing across their notebooks.
"Minister Lanyu, if you are dissatisfied with the Judgment Seat's ruling, you can always appeal to the higher-ups of the Sanctuary Association for a final decision," the bearded knight said, his gaze on Lanyu filled with hidden meaning.
"Sir, you jest. Lady Ji is the rightful daughter of the Flame Spear Clan. How could I, Lanyu, possibly be dissatisfied? I am here to thank Miss Ji for seeking justice for the wrongly accused Vanguard Knights. After all, we must not let the blood of our soldiers be in vain," Lanyu said, bowing his head, his words tinged with genuine gratitude.
"It is simply our duty. It's getting late, so we won't keep you. The sudden turn of events will surely cause a stir, and no one knows how big the waves will be. Minister Lanyu, it's best you return and think about how to keep your footing," the bearded knight said, not mincing his words.
"Haha, thank you, sir, for the reminder. I see that you are a man of great skill, likely a Temple Knight or higher. I admire your willingness to serve as a retainer for a noble family, despite your formidable abilities," Lanyu said, his words laced with a hint of sarcasm.
"Minister Lanyu, you should be more concerned with yourself," the bearded knight replied, ignoring the jibe, and returned to stand respectfully by Jiyue's side.
Lanyu, leading his defeated and demoralized troops, descended from the stage. In a corner where no one could see, his gaze flicked to Jibai, who was chatting animatedly with Randy, his eyes filled with resentment.
Who is this man who appeared out of nowhere? Is he really a representative of the local Sanctuary Association? Why does he feel so unfamiliar? Does the Sanctuary Association have such a figure? Lanyu's doubts were put on hold. He knew he would be busy in the coming days, and if he was right, tomorrow's headlines would be filled with the paparazzi's speculations and suspicions about him. The direction of public opinion would no longer be under his control and would surely attract the attention of higher authorities.
Jibai, who was untying Randy, paused for a moment as he noticed the two approaching.
"Is there something else, sirs?" Jibai asked, not turning his gaze.
"Your name," Jiyue said flatly.
"Hmm?"
"As a witness, you must provide your name."
"Oh, that, uh, cough... I am Li Bamba, the unchanging, the unyielding, Li Bamba!" Jibai declared, thumping his chest.
Jiyue nodded, her expression unchanged, not reacting to Jibai's exaggerated gesture. After the formal questioning, she turned and left.
"Good skills," the bearded knight said, following Jiyue.
The setting sun stretched their shadows long.
"Mr. Li, you..." Randy, flexing his wrists, looked at Jibai, who seemed to be in a daze.
"At least a Baron Knight," Jibai said, watching the two figures walk away.
"Huh?"
"The one with the beard, he's at least a Baron Knight," Jibai said, his words laden with meaning.
"A Baron...?" Randy's face was filled with surprise.
The ranks of knights, from bottom to top, are: Squire, Iron Knight, Silver Knight, Golden Knight, Temple Knight, Cross Knight, Baron Knight, Divine Grace Knight, and Knight King. Knights of the Baron rank and above are the elite of the Human Federation. There are fewer than a hundred Baron Knights in the entire Human Federation, and they are given their own titles, distinguishing them from the rank and file. The benefits are generous, and even if they do not work, the Sanctuary Association will provide for them, including a villa and maids. Their status allows them to live in luxury and decadence.
It was unexpected that such a knight, who could live a life of luxury, would willingly serve as a retainer for a noble lady.
"Envious, are you?" Jibai glanced at Randy.
"Uh, a bit, I guess," Randy said, scratching the back of his head.
"You have the potential to be a decent, honest man," Jibai said, raising an eyebrow.
"Uh, so, why do you always wear that helmet, senior?"
"Well, I believe a knight should embody the spirit of knighthood at all times. As the saying goes, 'forewarned is forearmed, and born in adversity, die in ease.' I am the sheath, and the law is the blade," Jibai said, spinning a tale.
"Senior, you are truly a godlike figure! I am humbled," Randy said, moved like a devoted fan.
"Young man, think more carefully in the future. A true man cannot always rely on others," Jibai said, crossing his arms.
"Understood! But, senior, what is your true identity?"
"Then, farewell."
With a loud bang, like a firecracker, Jibai vanished, leaving behind a pile of rusted Mute Iron armor.
...
"Thank you, 'Eternalha,' for the ten rockets! Love you~ mua~"
In an unknown live stream, a girl with cat-ear hair accessories and golden twin tails that flowed to the ground, her fingers lightly touching her lips, blew a kiss to the camera, her legs wrapped in alluring white stockings. The chat below the screen was filled with various messages and comments.
