Chapter 36

Duke's Magic Genius - Chapter 36 (36/324)

36

"Good job. I heard that child has quite a bit of talent, yet you managed to win."

After all, he's just a greenhorn with no real combat experience. I added, looking at the Duke.

"My magic skills aren't so easy to beat that I would lose to an eight-year-old. Father."

"True. Your magic has always been particularly powerful."

Remton nodded and then looked at me with a serious expression.

"Most mages will feel a variety of emotions when they see your magic. So you need to be careful. Our family can protect you now, but if your talent continues to develop, things might change in the future."

He was right.

While the Duke's family is one of the top ten families in the empire, that also means there are families even higher than us.

Three Dukedoms.

And the royal family.

At least these four are definitely above us.

The other five are either on par with us or slightly below.

Of course, just because these four have more power doesn't mean they can unilaterally pressure the Duke's family.

'Over time, the pressure will start to come.'

Right now, the rumors about me haven't spread widely yet, and since I'm just a 1st Circle Mage, I can pass by without much fuss.

Being able to use 2nd Circle magic as a 1st Circle Mage.

While this is indeed a remarkable talent, it also means I'm essentially just a 2nd Circle Mage.

Moreover, the notable achievement I have is hunting a Twin-Headed Ogre, but that was done with the help of knights and soldiers, not just me alone.

Most likely, they'll think it's just a false rumor to boost my reputation.

It's hard to believe that a mere 1st Circle Mage could excel against a two-headed monster.

Only the Duke and the Earl know that I defeated Iris in a magic duel.

So, they probably only have a superficial understanding of the situation.

'If I were a 3rd Circle Mage, it might be different.'

For now, the three Dukedoms and the royal family aren't actively trying to recruit me.

They have their pride.

Why would they raise their voices against the Duke's family just to target a beginner mage who has just started learning magic?

Of course, if they knew the knowledge in my head, they would definitely try to dissect me.

But of course, I have no intention of revealing everything now. I plan to handle things step by step according to my situation.

Just to the extent that I can manage.

"Yes, Father. I'll be as careful as possible."

"Good. By the way, who is the child next to you?"

"Oh, this is Ersiel, who recently became my personal maid."

At that, Ersiel bowed her head.

"Greetings, Head of the Family."

"Nice to meet you."

A natural silence began to fill the air between the two of them.

The Duke was wondering why I had brought her, and my maid didn't feel it was appropriate to speak up here.

To break this awkwardness, I needed to get to the point quickly.

"Do you remember the magic materials I took last time?"

"Yes, you said you were going to do some experiments."

"Actually, it wasn't an experiment. I had a specific use for them. I brought this child to show you the results."

The Duke's eyes lit up with interest, as if he had guessed something.

"Didn't you take a high-grade spirit stone? If that's the case..."

"You're right. Ersiel?"

At that, she immediately summoned an ancient spirit.

Rustle.

The rustling spirit met the Duke's eyes.

"An unusual spirit, indeed."

"It's an ancient spirit. As you can see, its attribute is light. I heard it grows with its contractor."

"An ancient spirit... What are its effects?"

"I'll show you. This spirit will shine light on you now. Just accept it. It's a good light. Ersiel?"

At that moment,

A brilliant light burst from the spirit's body.

Seemingly recognizing it as a beneficial light, Duke Remton accepted it without blinking.

"Hmm."

"Isn't this a pretty good result?"

"Definitely. It's worth the support we've given."

"It will be a great help to our family in the future."

"Indeed, with a spirit handler of this caliber, it will certainly be so."

The Duke then looked at Ersiel and said,

"I understand why you're here. You became Kyle's personal maid, right?"

"Yes, Head of the Family."

"Good. You definitely have talent. Take good care of Kyle. For now, wait outside."

"Yes."

Ersiel left the room.

The Duke then quietly looked at me.

"You've discovered a gem of a talent. Having her by your side will be a great asset in the future."

"Yes, I plan to support her a lot."

"Good. Make sure to win her heart. A person's heart is like a reed; you need to put in a lot of effort to hold it firmly."

"I will keep that in mind. And, I have something to say about this child."

"Go on."

"I'd like to keep this a secret for now."

"Is there a reason?"

"Though she is talented, she's still at the beginner stage. If word gets out that she can summon an ancient spirit, who knows what might happen."

The Duke nodded.

"Understood. I'll keep it to myself for now."

That was reassuring.

He then looked at me for a moment and said,

"By the way, I heard Abel bought a large amount of wheat in Enfelroom. And it happened while you were there."

He knew.

Of course.

It was a transaction worth 600 billion.

If that much money had changed hands, he wouldn't be able to miss it unless he was a fool.

The best response was to pretend I didn't know.

"Is that so? Wheat... It seems my eldest brother is taking a big gamble. Farming hasn't been good for the past ten years, hasn't it?"

"Did you not know about this at all?"

"Yes, I've only met my eldest brother once recently, and it was just a brief greeting."

"Really? I heard your second brother also visited you."

Indeed.

The Duke was well-informed about most matters. Since he hadn't yet transferred all his power, it was natural for him to still be in control.

Even after the succession ceremony, it usually takes about a year to fully hand over the role of the head of the family.

Of course, Duke Remton died due to the rebellion led by Adolph, so Abel immediately took over the position.

"Yes, my second brother also visited me."

The Duke smiled.

"The two of them are trying to win you over. Do you have a preference?"

"To be honest, I lean towards my eldest brother. There's no rule that the eldest must inherit, but he has the legitimacy. Isn't it the most stable choice?"

"True. Whatever you choose is your freedom, so do as you wish."

I glanced at the Duke and asked,

"Father, have you decided who to choose as the successor between my eldest and second brother?"

"Not yet."

Both have built up similar power, and while Adolph, the second son, is more capable than Abel, the eldest, it's a tough decision.

There's no rule that the eldest must inherit the family.

So, the vassals are likely divided into two camps.

Of course, if the Duke knew the truth about Adolph, he would make a quick decision.

But unless he was possessed like me, it's natural for him not to know.

'Still, he probably leans more towards Abel.'

People can't be 100% fair. Adolph likely guessed the Duke's inner thoughts from a young age.

He was a quick-witted guy.

So, he's been actively embracing the dark power and building his own power base for a long time.

He's a tough one.

I glanced at the Duke and said,

"Personally, I find my eldest brother's personality very good. He has a broad mind."

"Are you already taking sides?"

"Eventually, I have to choose one side, don't I?"

The Duke nodded.

From what I could tell, Remton hadn't even considered the rebellion.

The power might be divided until the succession ceremony, but after that,

He seemed to think both would miraculously reconcile and work together to lead the Duke's family.

If he had thought the second son would rebel, he wouldn't have let the power be divided like this.

There are many examples of brothers dividing the power and getting along after the successor is chosen, so it's understandable to think that way.

But Adolph isn't that kind of person.

There's nothing I can do about it right now.

Sigh.

That's why evidence is needed.

Meanwhile,

The Duke looked at me and said,

"By the way, did you use the inner dan well?"

"…Yes?"

"I mean the one I put in your magic bag last time."

"…You knew?"

"You tried quite hard to hide your aura. Probably no one else noticed except me."

Remton was even more of a monster than I thought.

Of course, even this monster couldn't withstand Adolph and a few of his subordinates.

The Duke smiled and said,

"If you had taken the inner dan without contributing anything, I wouldn't have let it go. I don't like cheaters. But you did contribute enough."

"Thank you."

"No, there's no need to thank me. You paid a fair price."

"I used the inner dan well."

"Did you use it to overcome the Helm of the Mind?"

"Yes, that's right."

He nodded.

"How far have you opened the passage?"

"Up to the crown of my head. I think I'll finish it soon."

"You're progressing quickly."

"I've been doing my best to open it."

"Good. By the way, did you come to talk about the spirit the child has, or is there something else?"

"Both. I also have a request. Can I get some mana stones?"

"…Mana stones?"

The Duke's eyes filled with curiosity as he looked at me.