They all call me Great Master

After giving William a new name, Arthur cut off his connection with William...no, with Sebastian Moran.

North County was not in Arthur's plans at this stage.

Arthur's current plans were still focused on South Los and gradually extending towards Inner Bay.

As for North County?

It would definitely be included in future strategies.

But now?

He definitely would not.

Arthur admitted he did not have enough manpower.

But he was too concerned about Marinda's situation — setting aside their strong brotherly bond, their close cooperation had long since made them inseparable.

Or to put it another way, they were two peas in a pod.

Neither could escape the other.

If something went wrong, it would truly be a lose-lose situation.

Arthur could ensure he wouldn't face any problems.

But Marinda?

Arthur could not guarantee that.

Therefore, he needed to arrange some insurance.

Moreover, it could not appear in South Los.

If it spread from South Los to the West Coast, it would be too conspicuous, not only easy for Marinda to notice but also too simple for the family of Marinda's mother to detect.

Thus, William was an apt choice.

An absolutely unsuspected choice.

After all, it was well known: he, Arthur, the "Spirit Medium" of South Los.

North County?

It had absolutely nothing to do with him.

As for Moran's loyalty and capabilities?

Arthur was even more at ease.

Moran's loyalty to him was beyond doubt, not just because of the contract but also because his excellent acting had twisted it into fanaticism.

Moreover, Moran's own capabilities had become flawless as his power increased.

After all, that was—

'A Corpse Witch Wraith!

He had actually succeeded!'

About the 'Corpse Witch Wraith', Arthur had also read related books and was profoundly impressed.

Not only because a 'Corpse Witch Wraith' could easily create skeletons, Walking Dead, manipulate Bone Spirits, Specter, and hold a significant degree of Curse.

But also because a 'Corpse Witch Wraith' was to some extent Undying.

To kill a 'Corpse Witch Wraith', one needs to annihilate it entirely at once.

Yes!

Annihilate it completely!

Not even a single piece of flesh should be left.

Not even a hair strand or a nail.

If anything was left behind, the 'Corpse Witch Wraith' would regenerate.

That 'Corpse Witch Wraith' from the Imperial Age, which many later believed to be a myth or plain fabrication, was so deemed because it was recorded in a book akin to folklore that the 'Corpse Witch Wraith' had incited a rebellion in the northern Empire that lasted two years, costing the northern Imperial legions heavily until one of the twenty Imperial Knights, 'Knight of the Holy Blood', was dispatched and ended the uprising but also plunged the northern Empire into chaos. Already ravaged by the 'Shadow Plague', the northern Empire completely lost faith in the Empire—since the 'Knight of the Holy Blood' attacked without regard for the civilians or Nobles of the northern Empire, causing the deaths of at least one hundred thousand innocents.

Most people do not accept this.

Because, as is widely known, the 'Knight of the Holy Blood' was kind and merciful, especially renowned for his tolerance.

Thus, no one believes that the 'Knight of the Holy Blood' would do such a thing.

Even the 'Blood Duke', who professed to be a descendant of the 'Knight of the Holy Blood' since the Holy Era, has said as much.

Arthur was skeptical about these wild historical accounts.

After all, if hook-sellers could become emperors in such books, what couldn't?

Such folk history might not be true, but it definitely needs to be sensational.

But Arthur was still quite happy about having a 'Corpse Witch Wraith' under his command.

And seeing Arthur's smile, Marinda raised an eyebrow—

"What are you scheming now, you rascal?"

The lady said this, her tone not one of doubt or even curiosity, but rather with a hint of teasing.

More importantly, as she spoke, she exhaled smoke rings while pulling out venison, goose, fresh fruit, vegetables, seafood, and pine branches.

The venison included two steaks, a foreleg, a hind leg, and the tenderest loin.

There were two geese, simply processed just like the venison.

The fruits and vegetables were fresh and juicy.

The seafood was also fresh.

The pine branches were green and sturdy, giving a sense of abundant vitality just by looking at them.

Besides these, there were some brightly colored ribbons.

And ...

A large box of pastries.

Just by smelling them, Arthur knew they were made by Mary.

That aroma was unmistakable.

"I was thinking about the people I invited over for tonight — I had planned to visit them personally, but I thought it best to stay by your side during such an important moment,"

Arthur said earnestly.

"Next time you lie, remember not to stare at those pastries."

Marinda said, pulling out two red ribbons.

"You go hang them at the gate and on the branches of the banyan tree."

As Marinda spoke, she lifted her hand and used the smoke to carry the cured meat, big goose, melons, and seafood to the kitchen.

"Ms. Anna, may I help?"

Marinda asked.

"Of course,"

Ms. Anna said with a kind smile.

Ms. Anna certainly didn't mind the help.

Especially when it was Marinda offering.

Marinda and Ms. Anna headed to the kitchen.

Arthur took the two red ribbons and headed for the door.

After Arthur had taken a few steps, Marinda turned her head to look at Arthur's straight back.

Arthur did not look back.

But he saw Marinda turning her head.

So—

He turned his head and stuck his tongue out at Marinda, wagging it up and down and making a "lalala" sound.

Without hesitation, Marinda raised her middle finger.

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Then, both of them turned their heads and continued walking forward.

One towards the kitchen.

The other towards the courtyard.

It was only when they were separated by two doors that they both let out a slight sigh of relief.

Marinda's mind was still recalling Arthur's earlier words, "If you need help, just tell me."

And Arthur?

He was recalling the items Marinda had brought.

Though they were just food, they were essential for the Winter Banquet.

"It's not easy that this guy still remembers these," Arthur thought to himself.

To Arthur, Marinda was the kind of career-focused person who, rather than prepping for the Cold Winter Festival, would consider working till midnight during the festival as taking a break.

"Is this guy changing too?"

Arthur wondered to himself, then shook his head and while tying the red ribbons with Merlin and Gawain, he said—

"I need you guys to help me deliver a message to the Earl of South Los's head butler, Madam Susan, Lady Camille from Camille's house, and Malz.

Tell them to come for dinner at No. 2 Cork Street tonight.

Oh, and this."

As he spoke, Arthur pulled something out of his pocket.