"Sigh..."

The supreme lord of all Yingxi Castle was actually sighing over a flimsy sheet of paper. If any of the Knights under Uther’s command saw this, they would surely think they were hallucinating.

Ever since returning from Dusk Lamp Territory, Uther knew this day would come. But when Westheid’s letter was actually placed in his hands, the Black Knight still found it agonizing.

Uther tirelessly trained Apprentices, not because he was some great teacher, but because he enjoyed the reverence and adoration of others. He would do everything possible to create an atmosphere where he was the center of attention... even if it was only within his own domain.

It was precisely because of the large number of students cheering him on and building his reputation that the Lord of Yingxi Castle’s fame could resound throughout the Country of Yonglan.

His perfect winning streak to date, the undefeated legend his followers had built up...

’I can’t fail. I absolutely cannot lose. If I fail... all my glory will abandon me.’

But he couldn’t think of a way to deal with it. Westheid’s power far exceeded his expectations. Uther considered himself a top-tier Grand Knight in the Country of Yonglan. Perhaps some were stronger than him, but absolutely no one could guarantee a win against him, let alone crush him.

As long as he didn’t actively provoke a conflict, Uther could rest easy.

However, the sudden appearance of Westheid had shattered his comfort zone. Not only was he powerful to the point of Defying the Heavens, but he was also a Knight undertaking the King’s Tour. Even if Uther didn’t provoke him, Westheid had come with the righteous cause of his pilgrimage.

The challenge of a King Claimant could not be refused; a response had to be given.

’And if it comes to a one-on-one duel... the outcome is already decided. Last time, Westheid gave me face, but this time, I probably won’t have a graceful way out.’

Therefore, there was only one path before him: submission. And not just ordinary submission, but offering his full support. It would be best to frame it as him endorsing Westheid’s ideals and simply going with the flow.

’Only by doing this can I rationalize my own cowardice.’

Uther stood up, looked at the letter again, and finally made his decision. He rang a small bell.

"Have Rafati come here."

A moment later, a young Knight with bright, silver, choppy hair pushed open the door and bowed respectfully to the Knight Lord.

"Lord Uther, you summoned me?"

Uther stood before the floor-to-ceiling window, his hands clasped behind his back. He said lightly,

"Yes. Duke Qinghui’s tour is nearing its final stage. A great number of his opponents have already headed to the Gale Heart, and he plans to go there as well."

Rafati was taken aback. "Does that mean Duke Qinghui might actually become the Knight King?"

"...We can’t be certain of that yet. However, on Duke Qinghui’s path to the Gale Heart, there is still our Yingxi Castle."

Uther turned around, his bright, piercing eyes fixed on his student.

"Rafati, you’ve had the most contact with Duke Qinghui. Do you believe he has the magnanimity to become a king?"

"My lord, in my opinion, Duke Qinghui is a born Knight. It’s a loss that he was born in the Imperial. His fighting style is just too wild. He completely disregards his own life, and that fearless, forward-charging posture of his..."

Rafati made no secret of his admiration for Westheid, praising him endlessly. Then, noticing his lord’s expression, he hesitated.

"Lord Uther, are you planning to..."

"Yes."

Uther nodded and said,

"Actually, I’ve had my own reservations about the serf system for some time. I find the reforms proposed by Duke Qinghui to be quite good. Besides, didn’t he promise us a grand expedition?"

"Perhaps joining Duke Qinghui’s party and helping him to victory would be a fine choice."

Rafati: "Huh?"

’Since when? Aren’t you the one who specifically seeks out promising candidates from among the serfs?’

’The serfs under Yingxi Castle’s jurisdiction may not have the hardest lives, but their numbers are exceptionally large.’

’It’s already formed a ’Serf to Apprentice to Knight’ production line, a vital source of new blood for Yingxi Castle.’

’Isn’t the serf system supposed to be the very foundation of our Yingxi Castle’s structure?’

However, Rafati did not voice his doubts. As a good student of Uther’s, he would of course support his master’s decision.

"If you do that, you will be the first Grand Knight to join the Pilgrimage Faction."

Hearing this, Uther smiled.

"That’s perfect. Doesn’t that just show that we’re offering timely assistance?"

’Following Westheid to attack the Gale Heart has a hundred benefits and no drawbacks for me. It’s the only solution.’

’The loser of a King’s Tour will be utterly ruined, but those who supported the King Claimant won’t be held accountable. They can just disperse. At worst, I’ll be labeled as a poor judge of character and be laughed at by the other Grand Knights.’

’But that kind of ridicule would be minor, something mentioned in private at most.’

’As for public opinion, I can just mobilize the forces under my command to rewrite history and easily wash away the stain.’

’And if Westheid actually manages to take the Gale Heart and sit on the Knight King’s throne, then it will prove that I have a keen eye for talent—the first Grand Knight to stand with the Knight King. Even better!’

’The only difference is between a small win and a big win. Either way, I win!’

"Rafati, you have a history with Duke Qinghui, so I’ll entrust you with making the initial contact. We still need to make some preparations, but the checkpoints of Yingxi Castle will no longer obstruct the pilgrimage party."

With this thought, Uther no longer felt so aggrieved. He immediately tapped the table and spoke.

"Yes! I will be sure to convey your will!"

Rafati immediately accepted the order and departed.