Chapter 285: The Gunslinger’s Second Appearance

Due to a previous incident where an entire set of tableware was smashed, Miss Annie Bretagne refrained from another tantrum. Instead, she generously hired the same writer who had created the side stories to make a second appearance, adding a new plotline to The Chronicles of Charlot.

In this newly added segment, Charlot Mecklenburg courageously dueled the youngest lion of Britain for Miss Annie Bretagne. After emerging victorious, he presented the spoils of his triumph to Miss Annie as a token to be treasured forever.

Annie firmly believed that while the Titanic Whale might temporarily reside in the hands of Sophia Gallanord, it would ultimately belong to her, Annie Bretagne. She even planned to display it at 221B Baker Street in the Val-de-Vas district and host a coffee gathering for a few noble ladies once it was reclaimed.

Annie went so far as to personally compose a monologue for her fictional counterpart in The Chronicles of Charlot:

"I cannot compete with Sophia Gallanord for the spotlight.
But love is about victory, not reason."

Charlot, meanwhile, was unaware that a storm concerning him had erupted in Strasbourg.

...

After spending several leisurely days in Britain, Charlot received two new promotion letters. The first announced his elevation to a second-tier, twenty-third-rank councilor, alongside titles as the Red Dragon Palace Archivist and Obsidian Spring Palace Literary Advisor.

The second letter promoted him to a third-tier, twenty-second-rank councilor, with additional posts as the Cappadocia City Steward, Saint Michael City Administrator, and the continuing roles of Red Dragon Palace Archivist and Obsidian Spring Palace Literary Advisor.

Indeed, this was the very definition of meteoric success and imperial favor.

Upon securing his credentials, Charlot chose not to linger in Britain. Instead, he departed with High Priest Auguslatin, Ban Lamorak, and nearly three hundred elite warriors from the Ingrima Royal Knights Order, returning to Saint Michael Island via the Infinite Mirror World.

Upon Charlot’s extended absence, an issue had arisen: the residence once belonging to the Black Seahorse had been occupied by a pirate known as "Anglerfish."

This pirate, showing initiative, had seized control of Charlot’s forces and appropriated all his belongings.

When Charlot returned, a group of his original subordinates—seven or eight in total—immediately rallied to their “old leader.” They eagerly reported the recent events, speaking all at once. Not a single person questioned the newcomers Charlot had brought with him.

High Priest Auguslatin observed the situation with an amused smile, confident Charlot could resolve it. Ban Lamorak, however, clenched his fists. For convenience, he had replaced his weapon with a knight’s lance forged through Classical Alchemy, which could be stored in the form of a ring. With a swift motion, he retrieved the lance, strode inside, and confronted the situation directly.

...

Saint Michael Island, once an ordinary city, had been reorganized into districts after being occupied by pirates. Groups loyal to specific pirate leaders claimed small territories for communal living. This was a necessity, as pirates struggled to maintain control over their followers. If allowed to live separately, subordinates would either be recruited by rivals or simply defect on their own.

Anglerfish, delighting in his newfound status, had barely enjoyed his spoils for two days before disaster struck. While he was preoccupied training new female slaves in his hideout, none of Charlot’s former subordinates bothered to warn him of the impending danger.

Ban Lamorak burst into the room and was greeted by a scene of blood and suffering. Several young women had been tortured to the brink of death. Overwhelmed with fury, the youngest lion of Britain erupted like a volcano. Without hesitation, he drove his lance through Anglerfish, lifting the pirate into the air with a single strike.

Although Anglerfish was a low-level Transcendent, he was utterly helpless against Ban Lamorak. The pirate couldn’t muster a proper resistance and was slain on the spot.

Even after Anglerfish’s death, Ban Lamorak’s rage remained unquenched. He yearned to slaughter every pirate on the island.

Charlot, arriving shortly after, patted Ban Lamorak on the shoulder and said, “I always knew you were my best ally! Only a knight like you, unafraid of danger, dares to charge at infamously ruthless foes.”

Charlot’s words tempered Ban Lamorak’s anger slightly. The young knight muttered, “I want to kill every pirate on this island!”

Charlot replied, “I can promise you—kill as many as you like.”

“However, not yet. We must consolidate our strength first.”

Ban Lamorak hesitated before saying, “I could call for my father’s help.”

Internally, Charlot cursed Herolf the Golden Ram: Damn you!

Are you even human?!

While High Priest Auguslatin was a “mere” Saint rank, Count Lamorak was a warrior of unparalleled might. Known for his invincibility and often compared to Zimourman Axel Robin, he was one of the Old Continent’s most formidable generals.

If this legendary count arrived on Saint Michael Island...

Well, Senior Menielman Soumet’s plan would be ruined beyond repair.

Charlot, now slightly familiar with Ban Lamorak’s personality, knew the young lion of Britain was fiery and unyielding, with no tolerance for injustice.

But such youths were also easy to manipulate.

Charlot whispered, “You are Britain’s youngest lion, not a sheltered boy under Count Lamorak’s wing!”

He said no more, but Ban Lamorak’s eyes lit up with determination. His voice trembling with passion, he declared, “Charlot, from today onwards, you are my closest friend. I heard in the New Continent that one of the five types of friends is a ‘candid friend’—someone who offers guidance and ensures their companions stay on the right path.”

“You are my candid friend!”

Charlot was oblivious to the rampant rumors about him circulating in Britain. Ban Lamorak, seeing him as a mentor and confidant, would certainly shock Count Lamorak, who might fear his son was falling under a bad influence—albeit with great pride.

Patting Ban Lamorak on the shoulder, Charlot said, “Seizing Saint Michael Island is but a small step for Britain’s youngest lion to establish his legacy. This is merely the beginning of your life’s legend. Calling for your father now would undermine it!”

Well, Senior Soumet doesn’t count as a guardian.

And High Priest Auguslatin? He’s just a nobody in this scenario.

Though Charlot’s words were righteous and fervent, the truth was simple: it was all about self-interest.

• Please take a moment to rate this novel at Novelupdate.

Next Chapter >>>