Chapter 54

Duke, the Young Noble - Chapter 54 (54/324)

54

To carry out my plan, I first needed to ask Duke a few questions.

After sending the group guarding me to the back, I looked at him.

"Do you often meet with your eldest brother?"

I asked casually, and he shook his head.

"Just a greeting or two. But why are you asking?"

"Because I'm quite close with your eldest brother. I thought I might talk to him about it."

"Talk?"

"In fact, while your second brother's sword skills are excellent, your eldest brother is also a high-ranking knight, right?"

"Then what?"

"If you don't mind, I was thinking of asking Abel to take a look at your sword skills. What do you think? There's no need to learn only from one person, right?"

At my words, he began to ponder.

Duke.

Since he's been working hard to improve his own level, he won't be able to refuse my offer.

Why would he reject the chance to have an excellent teacher?

Moreover, this proposal was more meaningful than just adding another teacher.

If the successor is decided soon, power will naturally shift to either Abel or Adolph. Establishing a connection with the future successor is a crucial task.

In other noble families, it's quite common for the other brothers to be killed or exiled to the countryside once the successor is decided.

You might end up in such a situation if you're unlucky.

Of course, I know Abel is a very kind person, and I've shown him my potential and made a pact to go together, so I won't be abandoned.

But Duke is a bit different.

He's not an outstanding knight, and he hasn't shown any remarkable talent.

It's time for him to start deeply considering his position.

His status could change drastically at any moment. If he can get to know Abel in advance, the risks will be much lower.

He must be seriously considering my proposal.

'For now.'

It's best to establish this connection and gradually win him over.

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

"Why are you suddenly doing this?"

"Let me ask you one thing. Isn't this a good thing for you? Your eldest brother's teachings will be a great help to you."

And it will also create a strong bond with the future head of the family. I didn't say this, but he seemed to understand and nodded solemnly.

"That's true, but we're not that close, are we?"

"In the past, we weren't, but there's no need for that to continue."

Especially now, with the possibility of hidden talent, it's even more important.

I know what might come out of that question mark.

I can't make him a subordinate, but he can be a good ally.

To do that, I need to build trust gradually.

"Has your second brother told you not to meet with your eldest brother?"

"No, he hasn't."

"Then there's no problem, right? I'll talk to him today."

"Really?"

"Yeah. I'm sure your eldest brother will readily agree. However, I'd like to keep this a secret from your second brother."

To avoid any unnecessary thoughts in Adolph's mind.

It would be better if Duke kept his mouth shut.

That way, we can say that Abel took the initiative to recruit him.

As for Abel, he's safe.

Adolph can't touch him easily.

The problem is me.

"Keep it a secret?"

"The succession ceremony is just around the corner, right?"

"That's... true."

"If Adolph hears that I introduced you to your eldest brother, it might become a bit awkward."

"If it's awkward for you, you don't have to do it."

"If you keep the secret, there won't be any problem. What do you think?"

"..."

Is he leaning towards Adolph?

That would be a bit troublesome.

If Adolph has been teaching him for a long time, that's a possibility.

I asked him.

"How long have you been learning sword skills from your second brother? Is it a long time?"

"No, it's not. About two months."

Two months isn't a long time.

It seems Adolph only recently realized something.

I need to test him.

"Are you leaning towards your second brother?"

"Leaning?"

"The succession ceremony is approaching, right?"

"I haven't decided who to support yet. Besides, I'm not important enough to change the situation."

"Then there's no reason to worry. More choices are always better. This isn't about betraying your second brother. He's only been teaching you for two months, so if you think it's a betrayal, it's quite funny."

Finally, Duke nodded heavily.

"Alright."

"Good. I'll talk to your eldest brother today. He'll probably come to see you soon."

Because of my confident tone?

He started to look at me doubtfully.

"Talking is one thing, but will your eldest brother really come to see me?"

"He will. I'm quite close with him."

"Have you known him for a long time?"

"Not really, but trust can be built in a short time, right? Just be prepared."

"Alright."

Though he seemed skeptical, it was important that he nodded.

"By the way, as I said, please keep it a secret. Just tell everyone that your eldest brother suddenly decided to teach you. That's enough."

"Alright. If he really comes, I'll do that."

If Abel comes to see him,

Duke will naturally keep his mouth shut.

I emphasized that I'm close to Abel, so it's natural.

If he starts spreading the secret,

it would be interpreted as a declaration of enmity.

That would break the connection with Abel, which he wouldn't want.

"Alright. Just wait."

After parting with Duke,

I immediately headed to Abel's residence.

As I entered the grand building inside the inner castle, the servants' eyes turned towards me.

It had been a long time since I last visited.

"Is your eldest brother inside?"

One of the servants quickly replied.

"His Highness left a while ago. We don't know when he'll return."

He seems to be a busy person.

He's always on the move.

"He's not here?"

"Yes."

"Really?"

"It's true."

"That's strange. He set up a meeting first... Did he forget?"

Of course, Abel never set up a meeting with me.

But I need to say it this way.

So that the news of me visiting him doesn't reach Adolph.

There's a big difference between Abel calling me and me visiting him.

So it's best to lay the groundwork in advance.

The Viscount's family.

This place is truly tiring.

At least until the villains are all cleaned up.

"Tell him I came by."

I spent about thirty minutes in the guest room.

Then, I heard that Abel had arrived and got up.

As I entered his room, the antique furniture came into view.

'Wow.'

Indeed, the successor is different.

His room is much better than mine.

While I was admiring the room, Abel looked at me.

"What's the sudden visit? You, who usually avoid such things."

"I didn't come on my own. Your eldest brother called me."

At my words, Abel smiled.

"Go on."

"The matter is simple. I want you to teach my older brother some sword skills."

"Duke?"

"Yes."

His eyes lit up with interest.

"You wouldn't say this without a reason. Do you have a reason?"

"It seems your second brother has his eye on him. I don't know if it's for good or bad, but I don't want to just hand him over."

"Adolph?"

It seems Abel is hearing this for the first time.

After all, Duke isn't a notable figure.

But it's never too late to start showing interest.

"That's right. I do feel it's a waste, but the main reason is that I don't like the feeling."

"Feeling?"

"I have a bit of that sense, like you. I feel something might happen to him if we leave him alone."

"I see. I understand your concern. I'll pay attention."

Indeed.

Having an ally makes life much easier.

If the Viscount's family was full of people like Adolph,

'I wouldn't even want to imagine it.'

I would have already had a nervous breakdown.

I suddenly felt how significant Abel's presence is.

A reliable companion to face the harsh world together.

"Thank you."

"No, it's not a difficult request. But, have you and Duke made up? I remember you didn't even talk to each other after your big fight."

"I've worked on it."

It's a long road, but not impossible. It just takes time.

At my words, Abel nodded.

"Good. By the way, how are you doing lately?"

"Fine. Nothing special. But I plan to move to Helena in a few days."

"Helena? Oh, no way."

His eyes sparkled.

The magic tournament.

He must be thinking of that.

"That's right."

"Did your father allow it? You'll need to use the gate to participate."

"He agreed readily, with the condition that I win."

"Win... Have you decided on a category?"

"Rather than practical, I plan to participate in the theoretical category."

At my words, Abel nodded after a moment of thought.

"If you win, it will be good for me too. Let me know if you need any help."

That's right.

This is what brothers are for.

The strong bond I felt with Abel was something I never felt with Adolph, and a smile naturally formed on my face.

I don't need to ask for help right now.

I don't want to keep taking from him.

Mutual support is not just a saying.

I plan to repay the help I've received from him.

With the Storm Sword technique.

Even if I charge a high price, it will be worth more than its value.

Isn't that enough to repay the favor?

"It's fine. If I need anything, I'll let you know."

"Alright. If you have some free time, let's chat."

Two cups of tea were placed in front of Abel and me.

We talked about various things.

Mostly childhood memories and trivial matters.

Some of the stories were even forgotten, but the time spent talking was quite enjoyable.

It was a relaxing time I hadn't felt in a while.

After finishing the conversation,

I left the inner castle.

'Now, about a week left.'

The time before the magic tournament.

There's a lot to do.

The top priority is:

'I need to expand the hybrid casting method.'

To expand the hybrid casting method for 2nd Circle magic. My gaze naturally turned towards the library.

Before moving to Helaim,

I plan to maximize my strength in the remaining week.