Chapter 39

The Duke's Magical Genius - Chapter 39 (39/324)

39

After carefully holding the original in my arms,

Leontard and I left the library.

Perhaps because of the old book in my arms,

he tilted his head and asked,

"Is there any particular reason you suddenly brought a book?"

"Ah, this book seems to be the original."

"An original... you mean?"

"Yeah. It looks really old, doesn't it? And when I read the contents, it seemed a bit different from ordinary magic books. I just had a strong feeling about it."

At that, Leontard nodded.

Given that the prices of original and copied swordsmanship manuals are vastly different, he must have immediately understood the significance of the word "original."

"If it's really an original, it's quite a good find. Sometimes, originals contain secrets that copies don't."

"That's true, but it's a very rare occurrence, right?"

"That's true, but you never know. By the way..."

He glanced at me, looked around, and then spoke cautiously.

"By any chance... have you achieved the 2nd Circle?"

"Why suddenly?"

"Fire Arrow. Isn't that a 2nd Circle spell? I just thought you might have achieved it, given your abilities."

He must have guessed roughly.

After all, we spend over twelve hours together every day, so he would naturally notice any changes in me faster than others.

From his expression, it seemed he had a rough idea.

Well, there's no reason to hide it from my bodyguard.

He's not one to talk, and I've raised his affection level to 60.

Actually, I didn't make any special effort.

I just spent time with him, and his affection naturally increased.

The dungeon expedition, the events at the Duke's mansion, and my consistent display of magical talent.

His perception of me must have changed quite a bit.

"Right."

"Of course..."

"I plan to keep this a secret for now."

"Is it because it's too early?"

"Yeah. It's a bit too early, isn't it? If this news spreads, a lot of annoying flies will start buzzing around."

At that, he nodded, seeming to understand immediately.

"I understand."

Well, given that he's a taciturn knight, he'll keep his mouth shut. Besides, since I need to practice magic, I can't hide it from Leontard anyway.

I always bring him along as part of my guard and security detail when I practice.

Just as I returned to my room in the annex,

I sensed someone inside.

Who could it be?

There aren't many people who would enter my room without permission.

As soon as I opened the door,

a familiar face appeared.

"You're here? I've been waiting."

Ugh.

Of course.

Adolph Seltarion.

He was sipping tea as if it were his own room.

What a shameless guy.

"It seems we meet often these days."

"Yeah. Actually, I was planning to visit you because of the incident with Baron Jerome. But since you went to the Duke's mansion shortly after, it's been quite a while."

"I've been here for a long time. I wanted to look around a bit."

"Of course. Now that your restriction has been lifted, it's only natural. Sit down."

I sat opposite Adolph.

"Did you enjoy your trip?"

"Yes. It felt great to be outside after a long time. I saw a lot, and I feel like I learned a lot. How have you been, brother?"

"Alright. They say there's a reason to travel often. If it weren't for my duties, I would have traveled more often."

The expression he showed when I delivered the news of the baron's death was almost gone. It seemed to have sunk in deeper.

Given that it's been over two weeks since I delivered the news, it seems he has mostly gotten over it.

Plus, with the appearance of the two-headed monster, it was probably just a matter of bad luck.

The fact that the soldiers and I survived was a stroke of luck, given how powerful the monster was.

After exchanging some simple greetings,

Adolph started to get to the point.

"I heard some interesting news."

"What news?"

"That your eldest brother bought a large amount of grain. From the Neron Duke's mansion."

After saying that, he sipped his tea and looked at me.

He seemed to be trying to smile, but his tone was interrogative.

The Neron Duke's mansion.

After I went there for a trip, Abel managed to secure a large deal there.

It's obvious what he's curious about.

Whether Abel and I have joined forces.

Well, we have, but I have no intention of telling this guy the truth.

It's best to pretend I'm carefully balancing between the two.

"Is that so?"

I tilted my head as if I knew nothing, and he started to look at me closely.

"Did you know about it?"

"No. I've only met my eldest brother once recently, and that was before I went to the Duke's mansion. We just had a cup of tea. At that time, he only congratulated me."

"Is that so...?"

At that, the suspicion in his eyes started to fade.

I moved to the Duke's mansion, and Abel, whom I met once, secured a large deal there.

It's possible to suspect a secret connection between us.

But.

'He probably won't suspect any further.'

The reason is simple.

I only met Abel once,

and it wasn't for a long time.

Even if there was a connection,

how could he have bought 600 billion worth of grain?

Especially when the price of grain has been falling for the past ten years.

I know this man has a special talent called intuition, but others don't.

So, even if he wants to suspect, he can't.

Even if there is a connection, it's hard to understand what kind of connection it is.

If I knew that Abel and I bought grain together, it might be different.

'But only the Duke and Abel know that.'

And the Duke has a contract to keep him quiet.

So, this guy will never know.

I looked at Adolph and spoke.

"Brother."

"What is it?"

"Actually, I can understand why you might think that. When I met my eldest brother, he suggested that I join him."

Mentioning the competition directly.

A way to quickly raise my value.

Since Adolph already knows this, there's no reason to hide it.

At my words, he nodded.

"Probably. Overcoming Hermemul isn't a small feat."

"Yes. Both my eldest brother and you have made such offers to me. But I haven't decided yet."

"Haven't decided...?"

"Isn't it obvious? Whether it's my eldest brother or you, I didn't have much interaction with either of you before I became a magician."

"..."

"Considering we only meet once a year, how much can I really know about either of you? It's only natural to find it difficult to choose someone in such a situation."

At that, Adolph smiled bitterly.

"True. I admit I was a bit neglectful."

"I'm getting to know you better now, but at first, I was a bit taken aback."

"True. I'm sorry."

It seemed he was trying to placate me.

I'm a valuable card to keep.

Plus, if I can be swayed, there are many uses for me.

He can't just get rid of me.

If he offers better conditions than Abel, it might be different.

So, my approach is simple.

If I show favoritism to this guy, I might end up with a bad choice.

'I need to be a pro at playing both sides.'

I'll wait and see how things develop, and when the succession ceremony approaches, I'll team up with Abel to take down this villain.

With Ersiel, me, and Leontard, we can be a significant factor in any rebellion he might start.

I continued.

"Actually, I was quite worried about the expedition."

"Worried?"

"Yes. Honestly, wasn't I sent there to gain practical experience?"

Well, it was probably to sway me.

At that, Adolph nodded.

"True."

"But there, I encountered an unexpected monster... and many people lost their lives. Only about two hundred soldiers and I survived..."

I glanced at Adolph and continued.

"I was worried that you might think badly of me. If it weren't for the sacrifices of your loyal subordinates, I wouldn't have survived."

"No. You didn't summon the monster, so why would I blame you?"

That's right.

Losing is losing.

This guy isn't foolish enough to hold a grudge and get rid of me.

He wouldn't know I summoned the ogre.

"But when I reported the news, your expression... was quite stiff, wasn't it? And Baron Hemington, who works under you, was very hostile towards me. I thought you had turned against me."

"Turned? I haven't thought that at all. Kyle. When you lose loyal subordinates, anyone would react that way, wouldn't they?"

He waved his hand and continued.

"And Baron Hemington's reaction... to be honest, I didn't expect it."

"Is that so?"

"Yes. It seems there was something between you and the baron. I don't know what it was, but something must have happened."

That makes sense.

From his affection level and attitude, it seemed something had happened.

An unexpected event.

It probably did.

But.

'I did assist, after all.'

I didn't take any action and quietly watched the argument between the baron and me.

Anyway, he's a cunning guy.

Adolph.

Since he's playing this game, I need to get something in return.

I need some mana to interpret the original.

If I can get some mana stones, I can replenish my mana.

With Adolph's power and influence, getting low-grade mana stones should be easy.

"I see. I was worried that you had turned against me."

"There's no such thing. But as a magician, you must need various things... If there's anything you need, feel free to ask. I've been neglectful, so I'll do my best to help you from now on."

Hmm.

He's taking the bait.

Maybe because of Abel's appearance and the various hints I've dropped, he's offering to help first.

Well, it's not bad for me.

I have a specific request in mind.

Mana stones.

I plan to use his support to interpret the original.

I nodded slightly at him.