### Chapter 333
The Sea King, Dino Bardon.
In the Kingdom of Jeblam, he stands as one of the Ten Great Lords, guarding the vast ocean.
Revered as a hero in Poseus, he’s formidable enough to make even the pirate empress Kairan think twice.
His overwhelming abilities make him a force to be reckoned with across the seas.
The reason is simple: his skill, Aqua.
As the name suggests, it’s a power that commands water.
In the domain of the ocean, there’s no one mightier than him.
In fact, it’s because of his existence that the golden ships crossing Poseus can even sail through.
That’s why every soul refers to Dino as the hero of the Maritime Kingdom.
At that moment, Kraush was lost in thought about receiving the challenge for the Ten Great Lords from Dino Bardon.
“A candidate for the Ten Great Lords, huh?”
Hearing the term “Ten Great Lords” floated around made him hope it was more than just talk.
But to actually be considered as a candidate? That was unexpected for Kraush.
In the past, such a position would have seemed unattainable.
To put it in perspective, in Balheim, it would be like reaching the status of Sword King, Arthur Gramalte.
Kraush suddenly recognized just how many messes he’d cleaned up along the way.
“If I actually become one of the Ten Great Lords, I’ll be the youngest one ever!”
Of course, that’s only counting his physical age, so it’s not the biggest deal.
Still, it’s quite an achievement nonetheless.
“What perks are there for being known as one of the Ten Great Lords?”
There are a lot, naturally.
Just the name “Ten Great Lords” alone comes with numerous benefits.
Also, it allows for easier access to complex matters within the Kingdom of Jeblam.
The title itself would serve as proof.
“But there are also restrictions that come with it.”
The responsibilities tied to being acknowledged as a strong warrior.
Those entail more than expected.
“Also, while getting permission to enter Jeblam, there are constraints when crossing over to other countries.”
One could see the Ten Great Lords as a nation’s military weapon.
If such a weapon were to cross borders, it could create diplomatic issues if done without the other country’s knowledge.
“Already, with just being a candidate, some limitations arise, but if I were to officially become one… it’d only get worse.”
Gains and losses go hand in hand.
While Kraush was contemplating these matters, he felt a gaze and lifted his head.
There stood a girl with fiery red hair and supple skin.
The Ninth Princess of Poseus,
Karandis Poseus.
She suddenly perked up as their eyes met.
“Wow, wow! It’s so hot being back in Poseus after a long time! Must be because it’s in the south!”
She looked out as if she were avoiding his gaze, then made her comment.
Kraush followed her line of sight.
Right now, he was riding in a carriage.
But not just any carriage—one pulled by sea horses!
In the Maritime Kingdom of Poseus, there are as many sea routes as there are land roads.
Kraush was currently moving through a waterway that extended right into the heart of the city.
The reason he came here was to respond to Dino’s call.
To ascend as one of the Ten Great Lords, he needed the permission of more than half the current Ten.
And that’s what brought him to Poseus for testing.
Though he still hadn’t resolved the inner turmoil regarding his Aura.
Kraush was anxious, but he knew Dino’s nature well.
“He’s not exactly patient.”
Unlike the other Ten Great Lords, Dino was rather impulsive.
If Kraush didn’t show up after the summons, he’d likely come searching for him.
“I really don’t want to cause a scene.”
Deciding it was something he had to do, Kraush accompanied Karandis to Poseus.
Considering the past, it wasn’t his first time here, but having the Ninth Princess with him made everything much easier.
More than anything, she was the one who brought him here with her own stories.
Karandis was whistling, pointedly avoiding Kraush’s eyes.
He watched her quietly before finally asking.
“Karandis, doesn’t it feel like you’ve been avoiding me since last time?”
At his question, Karandis flinched and shrank a bit.
Karandis was originally quite the bold character.
Originally, she aimed to become the ideal woman that Kraush adored so she could ascend to the position of his companion, being a Princess of Poseus.
She knew what he sought: a companion who could keep pace with him as he ventured forth.
Recognizing this, Karandis worked hard to present herself accordingly.
Kraush couldn’t help but admire her impressive determination.
Yet, now she seemed nervous for some reason.
Gone was the bravado she once had.
“Oh, ha ha! Did I? That’s strange; I’ve always been the same!”
Karandis twirled her hair innocently, trying to deflect the conversation.
Kraush, observing her, decided to change the subject.
He figured she must have her own reasons for acting that way.
Squeak.
Suddenly, a noise came from Kraush’s pocket, resembling a squeaking rat.
[ Kraush, there are two candidates for the Ten Great Lords this time. ]
Two candidates?
As expected, there was indeed someone else competing.
The world was home to many strong warriors.
Unbeknownst to them, they are always on the candidate list for the Ten Great Lords and are called upon when a position opens up.
This time, there was another individual alongside Kraush.
[ And it seems the Sea King called you both. ]
Just like Dino to make such a choice.
He believed in acting decisively.
It was evident that he would only acknowledge one of them.
“Inviting both of us? What a character.”
Kraush sighed briefly.
Then he gave the rat a nudge.
So, who is the other candidate?
[ The Empress’s second son, Glide Lacroix. ]
Kraush soon figured it out.
He was a member of the legendary golden generation, who had emerged ahead of the Sky Generation.
And Glide Lacroix would eventually inherit the title of Lacroix.
The Dominator.
He would be the rival Kraush faced for the Ten Great Lords title.
*
The Maritime Kingdom, Poseus.
The endlessly beautiful seas of Poseus spread before him.
Upon arriving at this kingdom, Kraush looked up at the buildings intertwined with shades of blue and white.
As expected of a maritime kingdom, they certainly went all out in shades of blue.
“Every time I see it, I can’t help but think how hard it must be to maintain those buildings.”
The people of Poseus had a strong inclination for artistry.
So, unsurprisingly, they didn’t settle for mediocrity in architecture.
Though budgets often leaned heavily toward the artistic side, they seemed to suffer no losses due to their prominence as a tourist kingdom.
“Alright, let’s head in!”
Karandis, back in her hometown, appeared slightly subdued.
Seeing her usually confident demeanor falter made Kraush raise an eyebrow.
But he soon found out the reason why.
“Ah, Kraush! What an honor to have you here! The hero who has stirred the world has come to Poseus! Truly a pleasure!”
“I’ve heard much about you too; you look stunning! Your presence is mesmerizing!”
As soon as they walked into Poseus, Kraush shockingly found himself swept into a party.
As a culture-loving kingdom, a sudden party was immediately set up to welcome guests.
Though Kraush felt a throbbing headache coming on, he tried to navigate through it.
The problem arose when he suddenly found himself surrounded by women at the party.
Now he understood where Karandis’s boldness originated.
“Just so you know, I’m already married.”
Not one to be swept away easily, Kraush wasn’t the type to let himself be captivated by affections.
Truthfully, he absolutely disliked it when people laid their intentions bare with such overt advances.
Internally, he wanted to shout, “Get off me, you clingy ladies!” but he held back.
[ What a ruffian. ]
Perhaps sensing his discontent, Crimson Garden chimed in with a warning.
Touché, it is a different country after all; he wouldn’t act out.
Finally managing to restrain himself, Kraush spotted Karandis secluded in a corner.
She seemed to have lost her usual bravado in that setting.
Seeing her like that didn’t sit well with Kraush.
“Karandis.”
Kraush casually called out her name without any formalities, causing some noble bystanders to gasp in shock.
Calling out a princess in such a public setting showed they must have a close relationship.
Upon hearing her name, Karandis turned, her expression surprised.
Kraush noticed she seemed to be stuffing her cheeks with something.
She was diligently eating in her corner!
“…Could you kindly excuse us for a chat with Karandis?”
Kraush politely requested the nobles, who reluctantly stepped aside.
Finally freed, he turned back to Karandis, who swallowed her food with a sheepish smile.
“Oh, our royal chef is quite the talent! I’ve missed this taste since I left for the Academy, and it’s simply scrumptious!”
Not exactly the naive maiden from the countryside.
Kraush found himself chuckling at her unexpected response, “I thought you were shy.”
“Shy? Well, seeing my uncle might be a bit of a hassle, but this kind of gathering isn’t new for me.”
Karandis shrugged, brushing off the moment.
“Besides, you, Kraush, seem to be a hit among the Poseus nobility. They must be impressed by your resilience against my advances.”
Such self-assurance, very much typical of Karandis.
“Above all, I know you dislike unnecessary attention. You held back, didn’t you?”
“You’re quick on the uptake.”
“Thus, I thought I’d just enjoy a meal while I’m here.”
“Quite the gall you have.”
“It’s just what it takes to survive in this country.”
Karandis stood tall, revealing her distinct confidence after a long time.
“More importantly, I believe it’s best to savor the food while it lasts.”
Bang!
As if on cue, a tremendous noise echoed from outside, making the party guests retreat in panic.
Kraush quickly had an idea of who was arriving.
Boom!
Suddenly, the doors to the party room flew open.
As Kraush glanced in the direction of the sound, he saw a man standing there.
“Ha ha ha! Finally arrived! The Sword Dragon!”
With glimmering blue hair that still somehow looked damp.
Where was his top half? Who knows!
He stood unlike any human should—with gills decorating his neck.
“Oh boy, it’s showtime.”
Kraush let out a brief sigh.
Here stood the most lunatic among the Ten Great Lords.
Through an extended contract with the deity who granted him powers, he absorbed divine abilities, becoming the only demigod among the Ten Great Lords.
All hail the Sea King, Dino Bardon!
