The Max Level Hero Has Returned!-Chapter 1230

No matter how small the kingdom or how remote the noble house, courtesy still mattered.

It wasn’t an urgent matter, and Davey wasn’t in a position of power in someone else’s territory either.

He had used the Shadows, dark elves from Heins Territory, to investigate House Chyde. He couldn’t help but let out a dry chuckle when he found out about their absurd circumstances. “Count Chyde... Looks like his wife passed away, and let’s see here...”

Honestly, their business information mattered more than their family background to him. If there was something the man needed, and Davey could offer it in exchange for regular access to the Sacred Grass—that was all that mattered.

Of course, the use of Sacred Grass was tightly regulated, with personal trades strictly forbidden and usage required to be clearly documented. However, Davey couldn’t exactly come out and say it was to suppress the demonic force of a child that was about to be born with the blood of a demon running through its veins.

“But didn’t you act way too late in saving the child?” Aina asked.

“You’re not wrong,” he answered while nodding.

“You must’ve known it’d turn out this way from the start.”

“I needed to investigate first. It’s not like I know everything.”

“Still—”

“And it’s not like there are no other options. This is just the best one.”

Using Sacred Grass was the ideal solution, yet if that wasn’t possible, there were plenty of other alternatives. Still, there was no harm in giving the Chyde’s a try first.

“Let’s see... In terms of family, there’s the eldest son, the second son, the third son, and a daughter.”

From oldest to youngest, it was the eldest son and then daughter, followed by the second and third sons. The strange part was that the daughter and second son were only half-siblings to the eldest and third sons.

It wasn’t a particularly unusual family structure for nobles, and there didn’t seem to be any known feuds or bad blood.

That said, the events described in the intel Davey had gathered on the third son felt so malicious that it painted him as a complete delinquent.

“Does this intel... have any personal input or bias?”

“It’s ninety-five percent objective.”

“Yeah, well, I won’t demand complete neutrality, but this seems a bit much.”

“What will you do?”

“Let’s just go ahead. No matter what, my disciple got herself caught up in something over there.”

From what he’d heard, Josiah had managed to stay hidden from everyone but her contractor. It made sense for her to put maximum effort into concealment, considering she’d be the one who’d be in trouble if exposed.

Despite what she’d done, she was a mage of at least the 4th Circle and held the powers of a Vampire Lord. If she really wanted to, she could easily hypnotize everyone in the area and erase their memories of her.

Knock, knock.

Nothing.

Just as Davey was about to leave, he heard Yuria Helishana’s agitated voice yell through the door, “Gracious Savior!”

“Come in,” he replied as he slipped on his coat.

Yuria quickly entered and handed over a document.

“Hm? Didn’t you already give me all your management reports?”

“No, this one’s a resource request for the research group.”

“Research... Oh, that cultish group.”

While Davey nodded, Yuria’s eyes narrowed. “The Gourmet Research Society is not a cult!”

“Sure, if you say so.”

‘If that’s what helps you sleep at night... Fine.’

“So, what do you wa—” He trailed off as his eyes landed on a particular section of the document. He couldn’t help but narrow his eyes. “Yuria Helishana.”

“Yes, Gracious Savior?”

“The research is fine, but... why does it require my blood?”

She brightly smiled. “Miss Josiah goes wild at just the sight of your blood, doesn’t she?”

‘This bitch really has no filter.’

It wasn’t something that should be openly discussed, yet she acted like it was no big deal. His expression twitched, yet she seemed completely unfazed.

If she weren’t so damn good at her job, he’d have fired her and sent her back to the forest ages ago.

“And?”

“She won’t drink anyone else’s blood. Not ever.”

In fact, she’d look downright disgusted at the mere sight of anyone else’s blood.

“And?”

“Your blood’s different. I mean, you can trust my judgment since I’m part of the Gourmet Research Society. We’re focused not only on our personal preferences, but also on what others think is delicious. Honestly, I’m curious why she finds your blood so uniquely delicious.”

It was said one should never slap a smiling face, but Davey found himself damn close.

He figured there were several reasons she was obsessed with his blood. The major reason was probably because of the power he possessed.

Still, that was more about preference than taste. Feeling something was off, Davey stared at Yuria.

As part of their research objective, the Gourmet Research Society endeavored to understand not only what was tasty, but also why. It was actually quite a clever concept.

Drawing a little blood wouldn’t be difficult. Even so, he knew there had to be something else going on behind the scenes.

“You’ve got another motive, don’t you?” Davey asked with a smile.

Yuria kept the same bright smile, shaking her head. “Nope, none at all.”

“Oh, there definitely is.”

Her smile only deepened in response, remaining silent.

“Let’s talk tonight, after I get back.”

“Where are you going?”

“To the Bosta Kingdom, down south on the Central Continent.”

“Bosta Kingdom?” She tilted her head, clearly unfamiliar with the name. “Safe travels, then. Please be sure to consider the request. Miss Josiah will probably be delighted if the research succeeds.”

Davey just gave a slight nod.

From what he knew of Yuria Helishana, she wouldn’t conduct such a project purely out of goodwill.

The whole thing left a strange feeling in his stomach, but there was only so much he could do about it when she wasn’t revealing her true intentions.

* * *

Josiah Frances, the Vampire Lord, was once hailed as a genius mage before being expelled from Shakuntala Academy.

Davey had actually been planning to forgive her for what she’d done this time. After all, she’d only ended up like that because he had carelessly forgotten to give her blood.

Even in such a deprived state, she still refused to drink anyone else’s blood. That kind of restraint at least deserved some praise, and Davey was feeling extremely forgiving.

Reina spoke up from next to Davey, “This was your fault?”

“Quiet, unless you want to get scolded.” Davey purposely avoided Reina’s gaze. While he hadn't forgotten, with everything going on, his priorities had shifted. “What about Moderation?”

“Seung-Hyun? He’s doing great. Still streaming, and still bickering with Eva like always.”

“Good.”

Count Chyde’s estate, where Josiah was staying, belonged to a border noble in the rural Bosta Kingdom.

Tionis was home to many nations, and among them were kingdoms that were little more than names on a list, barely acknowledged by the Alliance of Nations. The Bosta Kingdom was on the better end of that spectrum, but it was still a countryside kingdom.

However, since House Chyde had a very specific role to play in the cultivation of Sacred Grass, they received significant support. As a result, the region was quite developed for a kingdom in the outskirts.

When Davey arrived at House Chyde, he was able to quickly link up with Illyna.

“Davey!” As soon as she saw him, she ran up with a bright smile. Dressed casually, she threw herself into his arms the moment their eyes met. Her tight embrace felt like a cicada clinging to an old tree.

Due to her short stature, the pose wasn’t awkward. She wrapped her legs around his waist and arms around his neck.

When Davey held her by the thighs and grinned, she quickly pressed her lips onto his without hesitation. “I missed you so much! Why didn’t you come back sooner?”

He gave her a wry smile. “One thing led to another.”

“Well, whatever. What matters is that you’re back safe and sound.”

“So what were you doing here?”

“Huh? I just got here not long ago, like you. Someone asked me to come and scope out a suitable location.”

‘Instead of just taking Josiah back?’

As he looked up at her in his arms, her expression turned slightly odd.

“Well... you’ll understand once you see it for yourself.” She pushed off lightly and dropped to the ground, then grabbed his hand and dragged him along. “Let’s go, then.”

Most would find it strange to see someone of royal blood walking around without a single attendant. Yet considering her situation, it wasn’t all that surprising.

They eventually arrived at the Chyde family’s villa where Josiah was staying. Davey shifted his gaze towards the distant mansion.

“This isn’t the main house?”

“The one who called Josiah out here is the black sheep of his family.”

That word made his eyes narrow. “Black sheep?”

“Yeah, but it’s a bit unusual, too. At least, that’s what I think,” she said while leading him toward the villa.

Surprisingly, the place was completely deserted, unlike the main house.

“Where are the attendants or servants?”

“They come by occasionally, but no one’s here right now.”

“Such treatment of a noble family’s child?”

“Funny, right? I guess there must be a reason. You’ll probably find him entertaining.”

Even for a black sheep, it was a bit much to leave him by himself. Still, it worked in Davey’s favor, having made it easier to hide Josiah’s presence.

Just then, a certain scene ahead caught his eye. He saw Josiah lay collapsed on the floor, and a boy loomed over her in a clearly compromising position.

The boy looked to be around fifteen.

Davey remained silent for a moment before muttering, “Red Ribbon.”

The air split open, and the crimson blade of Red Ribbon emerged.

“Uuuhh.”

‘Well, this sure is interesting.’

Davey grinned, while Illyna’s eyes narrowed.

“Oh ho...” Her expression shifted in a strange way as well.

The air suddenly turned heavy. When the boy tried to move, Josiah Frances sniffed the air, then suddenly smashed the boy with a violent strike.

“Gah!!” He tumbled away with a scream, and her eyes gleamed madly.

Spotting Davey, she cried out, “Teacher!! Blood!!”

In but a flash, she turned into mist and appeared behind him, wrapping her legs around his waist and her arms around his neck before sinking her small, sharp fangs into his neck.

“Mmph! Mmm!!”

As Josiah let out strange noises while sucking blood, Illyna wore a disgusted expression. “Are you good with this?”

“It’s fine. I’m feeling generous, so I’ll forgive her.”

‘It’s been a while since I’ve given Josiah blood, so it’s kind of my fault. I’ll let this one slide.’

Like a cicada was stuck to his back, Davey carried Josiah as he walked forward.

“So. Young master Mit Chyde?”

“W-Who are you?”

“Doesn’t matter. Let’s start with an explanation, shall we?”

“Huh?”

“Josiah is my disciple. So, I want to know why you were pinning her to the ground in the middle of the day, and in the garden no less.”

Davey drew Red Ribbon from her sheath, smiling brightly.

“A-And if I refuse to answer?”

“Young noble, do you happen to know this phrase?”

“W-What?”

“No witnesses means... assassination.”