The Loser Lord Who Kept Getting Sweet Revenge and Somehow Rose to the Top - Chapter 06: I Was Just Dishing Out Payback… and Somehow Got Praised? Huh?? Meanwhile, the Cheating Bastard Looks Kinda Dead Inside lol

Chapter 06: I Was Just Dishing Out Payback… and Somehow Got Praised? Huh?? Meanwhile, the Cheating Bastard Looks Kinda Dead Inside lol

Not long after, I was summoned to the royal capital by His Majesty the King. Upon arrival, I found none other than General August waiting for me.

“Nmhmhm, long time no see boy. No, I suppose I should call you Viscount Tourmaline now.”

“Please, call me Sean as always. It’s been a while, General August. Sean and Comet of the Dragoon Unit, reporting in.”

I bowed in sync with Comet, and together we offered our salute.

Standing before me was the man himself—August Rodin. A towering, broad-shouldered hulk with gentle eyes and thick lips, he carried an air of calm dignity despite his overwhelming presence. Polite and composed with everyone, this giant was none other than the Great General, the strongest in the Holy Kingdom, commander of countless soldiers, and a man respected by all.

Back when I graduated from knight school and enlisted, he had been the one to recognize my potential and personally hone me. Under his command, I had fought as a one-man, one-dragon unit—the “Dragoon Squad.” We’d battled not only hordes of monsters but also the Empire’s armies that tried to cross the border. Even after I left the military, he continued to lead with unwavering might, his name renowned both at home and abroad.

“I’ve heard of your continued achievements, General. I’m glad to see you looking so well.”

“And you as well, Sean. …The reason you’re here today is because His Majesty wishes to personally commend you for your accomplishments. It seems you’ve been quite diligent.”

With that, the general curved his thick lips into a smile, his face lighting up with genuine pride.

“Eh?”

“There’s no need to be modest. Your achievements have reached even my ears… You’ve grown into someone truly admirable.”

Being praised like that by my mentor honestly left me a little embarrassed. I mean, come on—the truth is, all I’ve been doing is petty harassment for the sake of sweet revenge. …Not that I could actually say that out loud.

I walked side by side with the general, while his adjutant, along with Kiriko and Linna, followed a step behind us.

On the way, we shared stories of the past and traded news of recent events, until at last we arrived at the castle. I dismounted from Comet, and the general from his horse, before heading toward the throne room.

…And then, midway, the general gently placed a hand on my shoulder.

“In life, there will be both good times and bad. And some things you won’t be able to solve alone. When that happens, don’t be afraid to lean on others. Of course… you can rely on me as well.”

He chuckled softly, “kokoko.” …Somehow, I had the feeling he already knew about my whole broken-engagement fiasco. I bowed silently to express my gratitude, and in return, his rough, massive palm landed on my back with a firm, reassuring smack.

“―Now then, the king is waiting. Stand tall, chest out. You are the star of today’s ceremony.”

Entering the throne room alongside the general, I found His Majesty the King waiting for us. Things began with the king himself personally thanking me for answering the royal summons. From there, he praised me for stabilizing spice distribution, and for tirelessly hunting monsters—not just for my own subjects, but for people all across the kingdom who suffered day and night.

In front of nobles and lords alike, my deeds were hailed as “the very model of a knight.”

When I received my medal, His Majesty even whispered quietly in my ear that he might consider raising my rank someday. …Somehow, things were snowballing into something way bigger than I ever intended.

Also, during the ceremony, I caught wind of some rumors: apparently, the cheating bastard’s territory was in total chaos. Monsters were multiplying, supplies couldn’t get through, and any attempt to transport food or fodder was instantly attacked. Word was, he was so starved he stuffed his face with whatever food he could get, shame be damned. Hunger over pride, huh? Pathetic.

Bound by his own status and pride, he couldn’t even abandon his land—so now he was stuck suffering. Perfect. That’s what happens when you do rotten things—the payback always comes back around! Ohhh, it’s hitting him hard. Delicious!

(I told ya… it’s starvation! Starvation is the one true solution!!)

I’d brought both Kiriko and Linna along as maids for the ceremony. And sure enough, Linna shot me a smug look and fired that little gem straight into my brain via thought-magic.

This girl—direct mind-to-mind, really?!