Chapter 21

Duke's Magical Genius - Chapter 21 (21/324)

21

Despite the words that could be interpreted as a refusal, Abel's expression remained quite calm.

"Yes. I was aware to some extent that it was an unreasonable request. It's quite absurd to suddenly ask for your help after not even coming to see you until now. I apologize for bringing this up so suddenly."

Indeed.

Abel was a reasonable person.

He then looked at me steadily.

"I have just one question."

"Please, go ahead."

"Have you decided to join Adolph?"

When Abel asked this, his pupils trembled violently, unable to hide his anxiety.

'What kind of talent does he have?'

It wasn't precognition.

If it were, he would have known that I wouldn't side with Adolph.

Is it one of the sixth senses, like danger detection?

It didn't seem to be that either.

Danger detection.

It's a talent that warns you when a dangerous situation is about to arise. If that were the case,

'There would be no reason to try to persuade me.'

That talent warns of danger, not to recruit talented individuals.

Then, what kind of talent is it?

Ugh, I'd have to experience it to know.

Sixth sense.

When it comes to talents similar to superpowers, I'm almost as clueless as a blind man.

This is because, in this game, talents related to the sixth sense are not obtainable by players.

This is a natural thing to say.

For example, let's say you get a talent like precognition, one of the typical sixth sense talents.

Would it show the future of your character?

In a game with high freedom, how could it predict my every move??

No matter how well-made the game is, implementing such a power is practically impossible.

So, they must have blocked the acquisition of related talents. If they can't implement it, it's better not to give it at all.

After a moment of silence, Abel added urgently.

"…Is it really like that?"

"No. I haven't decided yet who to choose between the two of you."

At my words, he let out a sigh of relief.

Then, he looked at me.

"Kyle. Let's be straightforward. I really want to recruit you. If there's anything you want, I'll do my best to fulfill it within my means. So, I hope you'll choose me over Adolph."

He spoke with a firm tone.

Abel's eyes were filled with earnestness.

'Something is definitely there.'

That he has a talent related to the sixth sense.

What was uncertain before has now become a certainty.

Would he show such a look just to recruit a mere 1st Circle Mage?

'That's an unreasonable story no matter how you look at it.'

The Seltharion Duke's family, famous for their swordsmanship.

As Abel is the heir, it's natural that there are many outstanding talents around him.

There's no reason for him to come to me with such an attitude to recruit a Mage who hasn't even reached the lower Expert level as a Knight.

It seems that the talent related to the sixth sense is strongly reacting to recruit me.

'So, I can push for some tough conditions.'

If he wants me this desperately, he'll likely accept most conditions.

After making my judgment, I said casually.

"Conditions… To be honest, it's quite tempting. But even if you fulfill all the conditions I mention, I can't immediately side with the eldest brother."

"…Is there a reason?"

There were plenty of reasons.

The moment I side with him, it will be hard to even keep my life. Abel might not be able to touch me, but I can't say the same for myself.

Adolph.

If he gives the order, countless assassins will start knocking on my door from today.

'Taking such a risk would be insane.'

The best option is to move between the two of them in a way that Adolph can't suspect me.

To do that, I need to have a deeper conversation with Abel.

"Eldest brother, could you check if there's anyone around?"

"…I don't see anyone."

As Abel is an upper Expert Knight, there's no one here who can deceive his senses.

After looking around, I whispered quietly.

"About what you said earlier, have you ever said something similar to anyone else?"

"…No. You were the first."

"…I also got a similar feeling from the second brother."

"Really?"

"Yes. I heard that the second brother's childhood temperament was very cruel."

"…That's true."

"I heard that he started to change significantly about ten years ago. But I don't think his temperament has completely changed. If he's hiding it, I wouldn't know. That's why I can't join the eldest brother's side right now."

Adolph and I seem to have a common point: we've swapped places suddenly.

On the surface, we seem similar.

But Abel's attitude is the opposite.

He shows considerable hostility towards the villain and considerable friendliness towards me.

It's probably due to the mysterious sixth sense.

This can deepen the suspicion towards Adolph.

Since Abel has already half-decided who the bad guy is in his mind.

That's why I confidently brought up this topic.

Abel nodded quietly as he listened.

"…You're afraid of Adolph's retaliation."

"Yes."

Looking into Abel's eyes, I continued.

"To be honest, I want to side with the eldest brother. But because it's dangerous, I want to move as cautiously as possible. That's why I didn't agree immediately."

The moment I revealed my true thoughts,

Abel's face brightened.

"…Thank you. Hearing that is truly reassuring. You don't have to actively help me. As long as you don't join Adolph, that's fine."

"Yes. I have no intention of doing so. But since both the eldest brother and I have the same feeling… the eldest brother should also be cautious."

Feeling.

Just like Abel, I plan to play the fortune-teller role.

There's a reason why people say that birds of a feather flock together.

If I create a sense of empathy and bring up my point, he won't easily dismiss it.

Indeed, Abel was listening to me with a serious expression.

"…Do you… have a similar ability?"

"I'm not sure. But I have a strong feeling of danger, which is why I'm saying this."

"Danger…?"

"The first thing that comes to mind is the succession ceremony. It's only two months away. If the eldest brother is chosen as the next head of the family, something big might happen."

"…"

"Even if it's just a precaution, I think it's necessary."

"…I don't doubt your words. I'm feeling uneasy myself. But I don't think I can act easily."

Of course, it won't be easy.

Not everyone has a sixth sense.

If I start spreading such opinions, I might be labeled as a brother who suspects his younger brother of being a scoundrel.

While it's true that Adolph has built his own power base, no vassal thinks he will draw his sword.

Before the successor is chosen,

Building power and competing is a common occurrence in the Alton Empire.

There's no rule that the eldest son must be chosen as the next head.

It might be natural.

Adolph has been carefully balancing his power for ten years, avoiding direct conflict with Abel.

He has been treating his elder brother with respect.

Because of this, he probably thinks that once one of them is chosen as the successor, they will reconcile beautifully and lead the family well.

To the Duke and Abel's vassals, they must seem like quite affectionate brothers.

So, the rebellion will likely turn the Duke's family upside down.

This time, I have to prevent it.

'Stopping the rebellion itself might be difficult.'

Then, the most efficient choice would be to minimize the damage when it happens.

After a moment,

Abel, who had been thinking deeply, looked at me.

"If such a thing really happens… how do you think you should prepare?"

"If it were me, I would continue to act as usual without showing any signs. I would only hint at it to people I truly trust."

Since I can't lock up the one who will start the rebellion, this is the best for now.

"…Understood. I will take your words seriously."

Nodding, Abel's expression hardened.

'Fortunately.'

Because of today's conversation, I might be able to prevent the rebellion more smoothly. Knowing something is better than not knowing at all.

Then, Abel looked at me.

"I understand your situation. How about this? I'll support you first. In return, I hope you'll firmly join me when the time comes. Is that acceptable?"

"I would be happy… but can the eldest brother trust me?"

"…I've had this feeling a few times in my life. Most of the time, I regretted not following it."

Then, he smiled bitterly and continued.

"I'm trusting my feeling, not you. So, you don't have to feel too burdened. If you have any requests, let me know."

Requests.

I should ask for what I need most within the limits of what Abel can provide.

The Inner Dan?

Hmm.

I think the Duke, not Abel, would have to provide that.

And it would be quite a burden to ask for it on our first meeting.

How about a magic book?

That's also a bit ambiguous.

Because 2nd Circle books are well-preserved in the library.

The most practical choice would be gold.

I can use it for various purposes.

I happened to need some gold, so this works out well.

"Then, I would like some gold."

"How much do you want?"

"At least three hundred gold would be nice."

"Agreed."

Without hesitation, Abel nodded and took out a pouch from his pocket.

"This pouch contains five platinum coins."

Wow.

That's quite impressive.

One gold is roughly one million won.

And a hundred gold make one platinum coin.

So, one platinum coin is about 100 million won.

Five platinum coins are 500 million won.

To hand that over in one go.

This is the kind of spending you'd expect from the heir of one of the top ten families in the vast empire.

Well, for someone of Abel's status, even a hundred million won might not feel like much.

"Thank you."

"I don't think this will secure your loyalty, so feel free to ask for more when you need it. I can support you with money whenever you need it."

Indeed, 500 million won is too cheap to secure a Mage's loyalty.

I was planning to keep asking anyway, so I'm grateful he mentioned it.

"I'll help the eldest brother when the time comes. Until then…"

"I understand. I won't show any signs to him, so don't worry too much. For now, this level of promise is enough."

Indeed.

No matter how you look at it, he's a much more reasonable lifeline than the villain.

Thus, we both smiled in satisfaction, and the deal was done.

Now, I just need to pretend to move between the two of them and gradually benefit from both.

As long as I don't advertise that I'm completely aligned with Abel, I won't be in danger.

Then, Abel left my room.

Looking at the closed door, I thought of a place.

'Now that my confinement is over, it's time to visit the dungeon.'

The dungeon.

A dangerous place with monsters and various traps, but also a space where you can get sweet rewards.

Typical rewards include special items like Artifacts and Inner Dans.

A decent Artifact is quite difficult to manufacture, so it's more practical to acquire one directly.

'In this area…'

Maybe because I've been so immersed in this game, it's not hard to think of a good dungeon.

Leonhardt and Ersiel.

If I bring my subordinates, clearing it won't be difficult.

After finishing my thoughts, I immediately called the two of them.