This young master truly has the ambition of a hero.

"You seem to care a lot about your second mother."

"Father!"

Upon hearing the Duke's words, even Reinhardt, with his deep-seated shrewdness honed over the years, was terrified and his face paled.

Although it's not exactly a secret that the nobility engage in such frivolous activities, and Reinhard himself has used his status as the "future Duke of Best" to seduce married women from the lower and middle classes, he still has a certain level of self-control and would never have any inappropriate thoughts about his father's women.

Reinhardt simply wanted to use the second wife's temper tantrum as an excuse to have his father give his fifth brother, who was far away in Lagug, a warning that had unexpectedly made a name for himself.

Despite Dick's past act of taking the blame for his older brother, which at the time made Reinhardt feel a little guilty towards his most despised younger brother, this guilt, like a man's post-coital euphoria, didn't last long.

As the eldest son and first in line to the title of duke, Reinhardt had long developed an almost instinctive habit under the strict guidance of his mother.

That means suppressing any of his younger brothers who covet his position.

Even though he didn't think Dick, who wasn't of pure blood, would be his competitor, the boy's unexpected emergence and his behavior upon arriving in Lagug, which was completely different from his previous demeanor in the capital, still aroused Reinhardt's vigilance.

For the past eighteen years, this kid had always been a pitiful, timid boy in the Duke's mansion. He dared not speak up even when bullied by his older brothers and sisters. Later, when it was discovered that he had magical talent, he became a bookworm who only knew how to study in silence, and most of the time he was like a nobody.

Now it seems they underestimated each other; this fifth brother is no pushover either!

Reinhardt learned from his own sources that the young man had been ambushed by two groups of assassins on his way to his new post. One group was sent by the Third Madam, and the other by his own mother, the First Madam.

Reinhardt was puzzled at the time as to why his mother would send assassins to kill his fifth brother, who had helped him.

His mother sneered and said that it was precisely because the fifth brother had just helped you that he wouldn't suspect you when he was assassinated. Instead, the blame would fall on the other two families.

Because the second and third wives were definitely involved in framing Reinhard, and Dick saved his elder brother Reinhard by ruining his own reputation, which was tantamount to ruining their plan, if Dick were assassinated on his way to his new post, it would be easy to suspect the second and third wives.

Especially on the second wife's side, the previous acting governor of Laguge was her second nephew, which made it seem like she had a motive for murder.

Ironically, the first and third wives both hired assassins, while the second wife did nothing.

Unexpectedly, the two groups of assassins collided. Instead of taking down Dick, these incompetents wiped out several of the private army's warlord knights, allowing Dick to easily take command of the private army.

When Reinhardt learned of this, he felt that something was amiss, because the deaths of the five warlord knights were too coincidental, making it hard not to suspect that Dick had taken advantage of the chaos to do so.

After Dick arrived in Lagog, he exposed David's crimes and wiped out the Saxon family. In just eight days, he quickly took over the territory.

The ruthlessness and decisiveness of his methods made it difficult for Reinhardt to associate him with the seemingly harmless Dick who had a smile on his face.

Especially in dealing with David's case, he publicly executed a double in the area but secretly let David go. However, not long after David left Lagug, he was intercepted on the way by another group of people.

David is physically unharmed, but he's lost his head!

The scene was deliberately staged to resemble a bandit robbery, leaving no survivors.

In the official report Dick wrote to his father, he only said that he pretended to execute David because the crime of stealing Cold Iron was too serious and not killing him would not be in accordance with Imperial law. However, considering David's relationship with the Porter and Best families, he did not go too far.

So now the question is, who killed David?

"Father, how are we going to explain this to the Potter family?"

"Confess? Why should I confess?" the old duke asked with a half-smile.

"David is dead, and most likely he was killed by my fifth brother. You may not know this, but that kid has... these shady characters under his command."

Oh! You don't have any?

"Uh……"

"Don't your mothers have any subordinates? Or don't your fathers have any? How come your fifth brother has a few cronies, but in your mouth they're all people who can't be brought to light?"

Reinhardt was speechless after being rebuked by his father. It was not uncommon for nobles to have hidden confidants; in fact, it was shameful not to have any.

Reinhardt, for example, had twenty or thirty servants under his command, many of whom were highly skilled outlaws wanted by the empire.

This kind of killer can be very useful in a critical moment!

Knowing he had asked a stupid question, Reinhardt was not upset. Instead, he deliberately adopted a serious attitude and humbly asked the Duke why he didn't need to explain to the Potter family.

The old duke sneered, pulled out one of the reports, and slammed it on the table.

"An explanation? It should be the Potter family who gives me an explanation! What is Cold Iron? It's a top-tier military resource of the Empire, produced in only three places across the entire Empire, but the largest producer is our Best family's Lagug. If David had only stolen a little bit, I could have turned a blind eye for my wife's sake, but he's too greedy!"

According to the accounts sent back by Dick, David has been stealing more and more cold iron ore from Lagug over the past three years. They dare not smelt it locally, so they have been using expensive spatial rings to transport large quantities of ore back to the Potter family's territory for further refining.

Preliminary estimates suggest that at least two hundred tons of cold iron can be smelted.

If the Potter family uses this cold iron to make armor and swords, that's one thing, but if they use it to secretly forge cannons and manufacture muskets, then the Best family will be implicated if they are accused of treason.

So the Duke was quite satisfied with Dick's approach, making David take the blame, then pretending to execute him before letting him go. At that time, someone who didn't want the news to leak would naturally take care of him.

The matter was handled cleanly and efficiently, without affecting the Best family's reputation.

As for wiping out the entire Saxon family, this was likely done to establish authority in the area, and the method was so upright that no one could find fault with it.

Seeing the Duke's high praise for his fifth brother, even saying, "This boy has some of my youthful charm," Reinhardt grew increasingly resentful. As the eldest son of the family, Reinhardt had his own unique anxiety: he couldn't bear to hear the Duke praise his other brothers.

This is largely due to the influence of his birth mother's words and deeds.

In the First Lady's education of Reinhard, there was no such thing as brotherhood in aristocratic families. Unless they were full brothers, they were all competitors and enemies to be defeated by any means necessary! Only he was qualified to inherit the Best family's dukedom!

Every time his mother said this, she would grip Reinhardt's shoulders tightly with both hands, and her gaze, which looked directly into his eyes, even revealed a hint of hysterical madness!

Reinhardt occasionally questioned this, but unfortunately, the "teachings" he had heard since childhood made it almost impossible for him to break free from his mother's influence.

This is why Reinhardt began to feel anxious and started to see his fifth brother, whom he had never considered a threat, as an enemy, and subconsciously began to think about how to deal with his brother.

But just then, the old duke's powerful voice pulled him back to reality.

“Reinhardt, my son! You must understand one thing: as the present and future Dukes of Best, we must always take it upon ourselves to uphold the image and honor of our family. We can make people think we are generous, but we must never make people think we are easily fooled. Tomorrow, take my sword and the family crest and lead two hundred cavalrymen out.”

"Where?"

“Go to the Potters’ house and attend your cousin David’s funeral. When you get to his tombstone, there’s no need for a eulogy or to dismount and pay your respects. Just sit on your horse, bow your head briefly, and then return with your men.”

"Isn't this...isn't this a provocation?"

Reinhardt was shocked when he heard his father's instructions on what to do at David's grave; it was less a matter of mourning and more a demonstration.

The old duke said with a cold laugh.

"Provocation? This is a warning!"

After the Duke finished speaking, he waved his hand, telling his eldest son to go back and prepare.

Reinhardt got up and took a couple of steps, then turned back and asked tentatively.

"What about Fifth Brother..."

"You don't need to worry about that."

Reinhardt said nothing more, silently bowed and left.

Duke Rune glanced at his eldest son's retreating figure, then continued reading the report Dick had brought, muttering almost inaudibly to himself.

"They look exactly the same."

In the capital city and the major noble territories of the central government, undercurrents were swirling. Some were secretly plotting conspiracies, while others were making preparations in secret. But far away in Laguge, on the other side of the mountains, Dick was bathing, changing clothes, burning incense, and offering tributes to the god of fortune, Kniban.

In a world where metaphysics truly exists, there are some things that cannot be ignored. Moreover, Dick is trying to pull off a miracle with a single draw, and the materials he currently has are only enough for one summon.

Dick originally planned to hold the summoning ceremony in a hidden basement, but then he thought that the place was dark and damp, and that he wouldn't be able to leave a good impression on his new companions after summoning them.

So they renovated a sunroom on the upper floor of the castle and made it a permanent venue for summoning rituals.

This greenhouse was made using "earth-based craftsmanship," with special insulated glass created through alchemy. It is both sturdy and transparent, and of course, the cost is quite substantial.

Therefore, this sunroom was not built purely with glass like those in wealthy homes in Beijing. Instead, a frame was first built with bricks and stones, and then several large glass panels were installed.

This greenhouse is said to be quite old. It wasn't built by David, but by the governor before him, who loved growing flowers. It's said to have been built by the younger brother of the previous duke, who was Dick's great-uncle.

During David’s administration, the greenhouse was not well maintained, and almost all the flowers planted inside died, with only a few stubbornly surviving.

After Dick took over the castle, the greenhouse was renovated, and Belfast and Rita planted the flower seeds they brought from the capital in the newly fertilized garden, where some new shoots have already sprouted.

Because this greenhouse is located high up in the castle, in the center of the rooftop platform, it is completely invisible to people below unless they are standing on the platform, due to the angle.

However, considering that the summoning ritual will emit light, the best time to hold the summoning ritual is at noon when the sun is shining brightly.

Black Gunner, however, expressed his bewilderment at Dick's cautiousness.

You're the highest-ranking local official, so what if you hold a summoning ceremony and make it public?

Moreover, this recruitment involves doctors. Unless you summon them to serve only yourself and your team members, they will definitely have to make public appearances within your territory.

Dick explained that his calling was "abnormal" in the eyes of the entire world.

Not only can he choose the type of talent for each summon, but it's always a two-dimensional anime girl, and he summons two at a time. This level of summoning isn't just lucky; it's like he's got a cheat code!

If those unlucky players who repeatedly fail to win prizes saw this, they might do something irrational.

Some people will want to use him, and some people will want him dead!

"So the key is to have the ability, otherwise just keep a low profile."

Once everything was ready, Dick stood in front of the summoning circle in high spirits, while the other members of the team stood around watching in twos and threes.

In particular, the black and white Lancer Artoria who were last summoned were very interested in the "Heroic Spirit Summoning Ritual" of this world, which did not even require "Holy Relics" as a medium.

After the ceremony began, the building lit up with light, and two more figures appeared in the light. Even just from the hazy silhouettes that appeared in the light, you could tell that they were two tall, curvaceous older women.

As the light faded, everyone finally saw the faces of their two new companions: one with blue hair and pink eyes, exuding a mature and steady demeanor, with many bottles and jars hanging from his belt, and a brown teddy bear.

The other blonde with golden eyes was taller and had a more voluptuous figure, giving the impression that her chest and buttocks would bounce around when she walked. However, her expression was too innocent and cute. Unlike the other person who was calmly observing the people and things around her, she walked straight up to Dick, put her hands together in a pleading gesture, and spoke in a soft and cute tone like a kindergarten teacher coaxing a child.

"Little brother! Can you tell me how to get to Fujimi Academy?"

Chapter 020: A Long and Arduous Journey

To be honest, Dick felt his face darken the moment he saw Shizuka Marikawa.

This blonde, busty girl from "Highschool of the Dead" mostly acts like a mascot in both the anime and manga, primarily responsible for providing fan service and serving as the team's driver.

In comparison, the other female doctor with blue hair was much more capable.

Natasha, a female doctor from Star Railroad, hails from the metropolis of Belloborg on the icy planet Arillow-VI. In Rivettown, located in the lower district, she manages an orphanage and clinic, and is also the behind-the-scenes leader of the secret organization "Earthfire." She is a mature woman with superb medical skills and great leadership qualities.

Considering the environment of the icy planet Belloborg, this female doctor must have extensive experience in treating frostbite and similar conditions, making her exactly the kind of talent Dick needs.

So just having Natasha makes Dick's summoning worthwhile.

Of course! Dick didn't say he disliked Shizuka Marikawa. He had been lucky five times before, and this time the doctor's face was only half black. One shouldn't be too greedy.

As is customary, Dick first introduced himself and then explained the current situation.

His summons was clearly coercive, and Dick was afraid that the person would resist. He hoped to become a companion with the person he summoned, rather than a master-servant relationship maintained solely by a slave contract.

Upon learning that she had been summoned to another world, Natasha reacted with remarkable composure. She even asked Dick if the planet had ever been visited by a star train from outer space.

In her mind, she must have been transported to another planet.

As for Shizuka Marikawa, her reaction was quite amusing. After pondering for a long time with an extremely serious expression, she reached out and pinched her cheek, then cried out in pain on the spot.

"How strange, it's not a dream!?"

Almost amused by Shizuka's actions, Dick pretended to be serious and reiterated that this was indeed another world called the Radiant Continent, not Earth or Yalilo-VI.

He summoned them here to ask for their help.

This is the attitude Dick always makes when he meets a summoner. He is not a high and mighty summoner, nor is he a slave owner who can boss around the summoned person just because the magic circle comes with a forced contract. He is an employer, a boss, and even more so, a collaborator!

In short, you must have the right attitude and try your best to win people's hearts with sincerity.

Dick explained his situation: as the governor of Lagug, he was obligated to manage and lead at least 50,000 residents who obeyed him, and therefore he was also responsible for them.

The upcoming extreme cold winter will inevitably lead to a large number of illnesses, especially cold-related illnesses, which are incurable for ordinary people. Those who get it can only feel their body temperature gradually decreasing, and eventually they will freeze to death from the inside out.

Dick had limited time to prepare, and local conditions were poor. They lacked doctors in the true sense, and the "herbalists" and "pharmacists" varied greatly in skill level, making Dick hesitant to place his hopes on them.

Upon learning that the seemingly young boy before them was actually the governor, and that he had summoned them to treat a patient, the two female doctors sighed softly, their already sparse resentment vanishing instantly. Both were compassionate healers, and naturally, they could not ignore Dick's request!

Natasha's situation, in particular, reminded her of her hometown, Beloberg, struggling to survive amidst the icy winter.