Chapter 60

"Hey, Armstrong."

"Yes."

"Are you worried?"

"Just a little."

It was right after Vendelin had successfully destroyed the second Dragon Golem. In the private room of King Helmut the Thirty-Seventh within the palace, King Helmut the Thirty-Seventh and Master Armstrong were drinking wine and talking.

"The irresponsible palace sparrows think that Baron Baumgarten might be dead. Especially, Ale is making a fuss about it."

"Lukenar, the Chief Auditor, right?"

Both are in the finance department, but the bad relationship between the brother, Lukenar, the Minister of Finance who inherited the marquisate, and the younger brother, Lukenar, the Chief Auditor, who did not inherit it, is well-known.

Originally, it would be impossible for them to have a good relationship, given their positions. The Minister of Finance, who compiles and executes the budget, and the Chief Auditor, who investigates the use of the budget and points out waste.

Recently, the younger brother's attacks on the older brother have become more intense. He persistently pursues the mistakes and wasteful spending of those in the same faction as his brother and those under his brother's patronage, while showing favoritism to those in his own faction and those under his patronage.

And in return, he is pointed out by his brother for doing so.

People around them think that these two will continue to fight like this until they die.

Moreover, these two had completely opposite responses to the handling of Baron Baumgarten.

"Minister of Finance Lukenar has a connection with Baron Baumgarten through his brother."

On the other hand, Chief Auditor Lukenar, who could not establish a connection, is hostile to him. It's not that he has a grudge against Baron Baumgarten, whom he rarely even meets.

Rather, he should be grateful for being employed by someone who did not acknowledge him as a child, but for some reason, he is hostile to him.

His hatred for his brother is so strong that it's like 'hating the cowl because of the monk.'

"Also, it's probably to gather those who have a grudge against Minister of Finance Lukenar and maintain an opposing faction."

Both are in the finance department, and Chief Auditor Lukenar wants the position of Minister of Finance, which his brother holds.

Therefore, he could not afford to be on good terms with him or those associated with him.

"Getting back to the topic, it's quite an exaggeration to be so worried just because they haven't been in contact for a week during a ruin exploration."

"Do you think so, as someone with experience?"

"Yes. For a large underground ruin, it would take at least that long to explore continuously."

"I see. Then, Chief Auditor Lukenar is a sinful man."

What makes him sinful is that he reported that he was contacting the successor candidates of Baron Baumgarten, who might be dead.

"Successor candidates?"

"He is unmarried, but he has siblings and relatives."

"But..."

Considering the worst-case scenario, Baron Baumgarten had already informed Master Armstrong of the order of succession. There is also a will in the mansion, which is strictly managed by the steward, Roderich, the son of Chief Auditor Lukenar, who oversees the servants.

Roderich is the son of Chief Auditor Lukenar, but because his father did not acknowledge him or even meet him, Roderich does not think of him as his real father.

Due to being irresponsibly left alone after being born, he has no gratitude, only resentment. Therefore, the possibility of him betraying is virtually non-existent. Rather, he would gladly oppose his real father.

It's a sad story, but among the nobles, there are many who irresponsibly have children with commoner women and then abandon them without acknowledgment. While blood is thicker than water, in some cases, it amplifies the hatred between family members.

"The eldest son of his brother has the right of succession in order of age."

First in line for succession is Ehrich's eldest son, Jern, who was born just a few months ago. Next are the children expected to be born to Paul and Helmut, currently in their wives' wombs. If the child is a girl, they would take a husband, so there would be no problem.

From the perspective of those around him, it would be troublesome if Baron Baumgarten were to die now, but they hope he at least left a will in case of the worst. As a result, it was a premature will.

While it's not uncommon for royalty and nobility, sometimes the head of the family dies suddenly, forgetting to do so, causing unnecessary disputes, so it can be considered a necessary measure.

"That's the thing. He seems to be trying to contact the eldest son of the family."

"The one from the southern backwater?"

"Yes, the eldest son of Baron Baumgarten's family."

Given the location, it should take some time to contact him. Moreover, the eldest son has two sons, but Baron Baumgarten has not even designated the order of succession.

Without a will, the eldest son would have the right of succession, but with one, it is almost impossible.

In other words, it could be seen as a reckless act by Chief Auditor Lukenar. In fact, he has no right to interfere with the succession of the Baumgarten family. It was a completely independent action.

"Poor eldest son. His joy will end in disappointment."

The central noble, Chief Auditor Lukenar, is playing a trick on him, saying that one of his sons will inherit the wealthy Baumgarten family.

Chief Auditor Lukenar does not mind if the eldest son's son does not inherit. If the deceived eldest son vents his anger on Minister of Finance Lukenar and those associated with him, causing confusion, it would be fine.

Without a doubt, even if Baron Baumgarten is dead, the right of succession will pass to Ehrich's children. There is a will in the mansion, and a copy is stored in the official registry of the Kingdom's Noble Lineage Bureau, so it is unlikely that any objections would be recognized.

Of course, Chief Auditor Lukenar, who has been in the central nobility for a long time, is fully aware of this. Without a doubt, after considering the outcome, he will whisper to the eldest son, who is dissatisfied with the decision:

'Your son's inheritance of the barony was blocked by the brothers who left the family. They are jealous of you, the legitimate heir as the eldest son.'

Tearing apart the relationship between the brothers of another family and using it to cause confusion to his real brother, he is a terrible person, but among the central nobility, such people are not uncommon.

It is a common sight.

"Even in a backwater, to manipulate someone who can normally inherit a title. That man is indeed quite sinful."

"That man, although he seems to act according to the habits of the nobility, is actually just hateful towards his brother."

He was more capable, but his brother took the marquisate and its wealth. Although he worked hard to become a baron, his brother always got in his way. For nearly fifty years, he has been opposing his brother out of hatred. In a sense, Chief Auditor Lukenar is a passionate person.

It was a passion that was quite troublesome for others, though.

"Originally, with Brantark accompanying him, there was no way Baron Baumgarten would die. It's a meaningless action."

However, King Helmut the Thirty-Seventh was prepared. The possibility of something happening in the south due to some fools had increased. Whether Baron Baumgarten is dead or alive, it is certain to happen in the future. It will be a somewhat bloody family feud between the eldest son who remained in the family's territory and the brothers who left the family.

Even if they are careful, this is the result. If someone incites them and someone else falls for it, it will end up like this.

"Baron Baumgarten is already an adult. The eldest son must also be feeling anxious."

"He should just stay quiet."

"From his perspective, he probably wants to stay quiet. But because there are those who incite him from the outside, and he lacks the ability to resist, he acts on the spot. Moreover, he doesn't even realize his own foolishness."

"Is there a possibility that he won't be incited and won't act?"

"From what I imagine, it's impossible. So, for the sake of the kingdom's thousand-year plan, I intend to make him a sacrifice. However, a little more waiting time is necessary."

"As for me, I can only pray that the eldest son will restrain himself."

"It would be easier for me as well."

The two continued talking while drinking wine. Three and a half days later, they received a report that Baron Baumgarten and his party had successfully conquered the underground ruin.

At the same time, they thought that there would be those who would not settle with this.

---

"Ah, Vell is heavy, isn't he?"

"El, is it because Vell is a guy that he's heavy?"

"Yeah. If it were Elise, there would be a sense of satisfaction in carrying her."

"I'll tell Vell that."

"Unfair..."

Brantark, Elise, and Vell—three mages had all lost consciousness after exhausting all their magic. We were walking to the door behind the Dragon Golem, whose head we had destroyed.

Elise, who had used the holy healing magic 'Light of Miracle' to recover some of her magic, poured all of it into a non-elemental spell and hit the Dragon Golem. She pushed back the non-elemental breath the Dragon Golem spewed from its mouth and slammed the non-elemental magic into its mouth.

Naturally, the Dragon Golem's head exploded in a great explosion and was completely blown away. It seems that the artificial personality of the Dragon Golem was also installed in its head. It immediately stopped moving, and the golems we had been defending against at the stairs also stopped moving.

It seems that the Dragon Golem was the key to the defense system of this underground ruin.

Fortunately, we didn't have to carry the three unconscious people on our backs and escape. Honestly, we were at the limit of our fatigue after five or six days.

"The exploration of the underground ruin will start after Vell and the others wake up."

"Yeah."

Before that, we need to secure a place where we can rest properly. Then, we need to find the exit to the surface, right?

Fortunately, none of the golems, which were in large numbers, were moving anymore. When we opened the door further ahead, we found a living space that looked like someone had just been living there.

"In an ancient underground ruin, yet..."

Louise was surprised by the study, living room, kitchen, and bathroom, which were completely free of dust. However, in the ruins of the ancient magic civilization, it's not that rare.

It's because a preservation magic, which is now a lost magic, was cast on everything. As long as this magic is effective, even something from thousands of years ago will not deteriorate at all.

"Anyway, we need to lay the three of them down."

"Yeah."

We found a bedroom with four beds. We laid Brantark, who Iina was carrying, on one bed, and Vell, who I was carrying, on another.

"Umm, he's a hero of this mission, after all."

Then, Louise, who had been carrying Elise, hesitated for a moment before laying Elise next to Vell.

"You're so kind."

"Even with a little jealousy, thanks to Elise's 'Light of Miracle,' everyone survived."

Indeed, if Elise hadn't been there, the party would have been wiped out. Even if Vell had sacrificed himself to let us survive temporarily, there would have been no hope for the future.

"The 'Light of Miracle.' It's a powerful magic, isn't it?"

"Of course. If there's one person in a church who can use it, they are revered by the believers."

Iina explained that it can instantly heal even the most severe injuries, making a strong impression. For example, a child who was critically injured after being run over by a carriage is carried to the church by their mother. The mother, crying, pleads for the child to be saved. Then, a user of 'Light of Miracle' appears, quickly heals the child, and the child runs around happily.

It's a scene of a miracle that is sometimes recorded in the church's hagiographies and occasionally happens in reality. Because it's a visible miracle, it's a popular situation among believers.

It's not an exaggeration to say that it supports the popularity of the church.

"Wow, really. But, it's strange, isn't it?"

"What is?"

"Does the 'Light of Miracle' not work unless you kiss?"

"Come to think of it..."

If it doesn't work unless you kiss, the structure of the miracle becomes strange. If a magic user who can use 'Light of Miracle' kisses a child while using the magic, it could lead to a combination that is taboo in the church, such as a homosexual pairing.

This would make it difficult to be included in the hagiographies.

"Ah! Taking advantage of the confusion!"

"Besides, there's no such thing as a kiss in magic!"

Not only Louise, but even Iina, who is usually calm, raised her voice. It seems that Elise had taken advantage of the critical situation to kiss Vell and charm him, in addition to using all her remaining magic to recover his magic power until she fainted.

If that happens, there's no man who wouldn't fall for it. At least, I felt very envious of Vell.

Elise looked like a real angel in that moment.

"Elise really understands her feminine charm, doesn't she..."

On the other hand, it also feels like Vell can't escape from Elise anymore. Since Vell basically likes Elise, he probably has no complaints or doubts.

"Archbishop Hohenheim, your granddaughter's education is not wrong..."

Vell, my close friend and lord, is deeply immersed in Elise's charm and has no intention of escaping.

Poor Vell, it seems we live in different worlds now.

"Next time, Brantark is going to take me to a fun adult shop. Of course, Vell won't be joining."

Thinking about it, the rest of the cleanup will be enjoyable. But first, we need to take turns sleeping. We were so exhausted that it would hinder our exploration later.

"So, who will stay awake and keep watch... Hey! Hey!"

While I was lost in thought, Iina, who was angry at Elise's actions, was already sound asleep on the other side of Elise.

Vell, lying on his back, and Elise and Iina, using his arms as pillows, were sleeping.

It was the same as a scene from a saga I had read in a bookstore a while ago. I remember the protagonist seemed to be having a great time, and I was quite envious.

"Envious, but Vell needs to recover his magic power quickly. So, Louise?"

"I'm not sleeping now."

"Good, you're not jealous?"

I thought she would be angry that her position on either side of Vell was taken by the two, but surprisingly, Louise was very calm. She said she would join me in keeping watch until the four sleeping people woke up.

Given the situation, I was prepared to keep watch alone. The Dragon Golem was destroyed, the golems had all stopped, and this living area was clean and showed no signs of being trampled in the past.

The watch was just a precaution, and I could have done it alone.

"Originally, it's impossible to monopolize Vell. I'll diligently keep watch like Elise and then sleep next to Vell later."

"That's the plan, huh..."

After about half a day, I continued to keep watch with Louise, chatting to pass the time and stay awake until Brantark woke up.

"Hey, how's it going?"

Brantark, who had just woken up, asked about what happened after he fainted. I explained the situation in detail with Louise.

"Ultimately, Vell blew up the Dragon Golem's head with magic."

"The golems?"

"They all stopped moving at the same time as the Dragon Golem."

"I see. As expected, the Dragon Golem's head contained a linked artificial personality."

The linked artificial personality not only controlled the Dragon Golem itself but also the defense system of the underground ruin using the golem army.

Therefore, when it exploded, the movement of the golems also stopped, Brantark explained.

"Placing it in the hardest place to destroy is a very common practice. But, we were saved by Elise."

Brantark glanced at Elise, who was sleeping with her head on Vell's arm, and made a face that said, 'What can you do?'

From Brantark's position, it would be troublesome if Elise's position as the main wife became stronger, but since Elise is a good girl and has contributed a lot, he can't say anything.

Especially since Brantark himself has been helped by Elise.

Besides, the Margrave of Brechleider can't introduce a decent daughter anyway. To me, it felt like, 'Why don't you just give