Chapter 41
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Translator: 8uhl
Chapter: 41
Chapter Title: An Unexpected Proposal
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“My father has decided to accept your terms.”
It didn't take long to get an answer. A day, at most.
“…Really?”
“You made the request, so what's with that expression?”
“……”
He knew how unreasonable and rude his request was, so part of him had hoped the Friediens would get angry and just give up.
Even if things were smoothed over, there would be lingering problems, and if it escalated, it could lead to a feud between the families. Still, that would have been better.
At least, better than the future where Pernyan was framed as a Vile Breed and met his downfall.
‘In fact, that would have been the best outcome.’
If he knew exactly what would happen, like with the other prophecies, he could respond accordingly. But this time was different.
When, where, how, and precisely what.
Other than the fact that *something* would happen, he knew nothing.
When a storm is brewing, the wisest course of action is to avoid it. But it seemed fate wouldn't allow him that luxury this time.
“…Thank you for accepting my unreasonable demand.”
“My father thinks highly of you.”
*Not me, but the Fallenberg family itself.*
‘Either that, or the Vile Breeds have their influence in this.’
The fact that a problem arose despite everything appearing fine on the surface meant that things were proceeding in secret.
And that meant there was a high probability of an inside collaborator.
‘Those Vile Breed bastards, how far has their reach extended?’
There was more than just one or two things to worry about.
‘Perhaps Aria Friedien…’
Didn't she say she was the one who wanted to make him the person in charge?
No, that's not it. Aria Friedien was one of Aint's companions, as specified in the Prophecy Book. It couldn't be.
‘But there are no absolutes.’
Pernyan changed the subject, already considering his own countermeasures.
“So, when exactly do we depart?”
“In six days. You mentioned a week yesterday, so that's the minimum.”
“Not bad.”
Sooner would be better, but a week was still something.
“But now that it's come to this, do you really need to go that far?”
“I do.”
“Why?”
“You don't need to know.”
“That's not right.”
Aria shook her head.
“Since my family accepted your terms, the request has been formally placed. That makes me the client, so shouldn't I be privy to the operational details?”
“The client is Marquis Friedien.”
He hadn't made a separate contract with Aria, and the guild contract he'd received from his father stated the same.
“But I'm his representative.”
“And your proof?”
“…Bloodline?”
“Bring me clear proof that you're his representative. Then, perhaps, I'll tell you.”
Pernyan stood up from his seat.
“Wait, where are you going?”
“To prepare for the caravan, of course. Do you think a large-scale transport like this requires only one or two preparations?”
“Can't we just show up?”
*If it weren't for the Vile Breeds' scheming, perhaps.*
Without waiting for an answer, Pernyan left the private room. But he wasn't alone.
“What is it?”
“It may not be explicitly stated that I'm the representative, but it's clear I'm affiliated with the Friedien family, isn't it?”
There was no one more connected to a family than a blood relative, so she wasn't wrong.
“Therefore, if it concerns preparations for the transport, I have the right to observe.”
“You're going to follow me?”
“To put it succinctly, yes.”
“……”
Pernyan weighed whether he could escape Aria's grasp if he made a serious attempt to flee.
‘Impossible.’
His opponent was an elf, a race renowned for its speed and agility. He could probably shake her off using artifacts, but it felt like a waste to use them for something like this.
‘The only things to pick up from the academy branch are consumables like extra potions and reagents, anyway.’
It was questionable whether Aria was involved with the Vile Breeds, but since he had entrusted most of the important matters to Hyde, it should be fine.
“Do as you please.”
“Thank you. Shall we go, then? Where to first?”
Aria beamed.
She looked so desperate that he felt a little sorry for her.
‘Well, if an outsider wants to unseat an established player, they have to put in that much effort.’
He wasn't sure if just being this forward would build connections or earn her the recognition of the other Elector heirs, though.
‘Surely she didn't join hands with the Vile Breeds just for that.’
He had no intention of insulting someone who was, in her own way, trying her best.
“Oh, by the way, I heard something happened at the Yacht Club. Aint received an invitation. Do you think I could get one too?”
“Get lost.”
*Then again, maybe not.*
* * *
Time passed quickly.
Since there was no direct teleportation circle to the Friedien territory, Pernyan, Hyde, and Aria left the academy four days early.
The journey to Friedien wasn't very long. A teleportation circle was installed in a nearby city, so they traveled there and then proceeded to the Friedien estate on foot.
The journey took three days. They arrived in the territory's capital exactly one day before the caravan was set to depart.
“I need to report to my father. I'll send some guards as soon as I reach the castle. It would be quite troublesome if anything were to happen to you in our territory.”
It was an unnecessary courtesy, but something he had to endure now that he was in someone else's domain.
“Understood.”
Pernyan sought out the Golden Turtle Merchant Guild's branch office before heading to the marquis's castle.
“Welcome, Young Master.”
The manager of the Golden Turtle Merchant Guild's Friedien branch, a man with a well-groomed mustache, greeted him.
“Are the preparations complete?”
“Everything is finished. The only issue was the lack of suitable resting places along the way, but fortunately, His Excellency has taken care of it.”
“That's a relief.”
Pernyan inspected the supplies loaded onto the wagons. The goods, filling a total of ten wagons, were by no means a small amount.
‘So the Branch of the World Tree is among these.’
“Which one is it?”
“The fourth wagon.”
“Who knows about this?”
“Only myself and a few of the guild's executives.”
Since they couldn't use a teleportation circle, the schedule was quite tight.
They had to cross two territories from Friedien's capital to the port city of Kaide, and from Kaide, it was another several days' journey by ship to the academy.
The trip was estimated to take a generous two to three weeks.
‘Even if it weren't for the World Tree, they likely wouldn't have used a teleportation circle.’
Transporting this much cargo via teleportation circle would require a corresponding amount of Mana Stones.
From a merchant's perspective, with the profit margin nearing zero, it was an option they could never choose.
“Hyde, has Father replied?”
“Yes. The family's warships are heading to Kaide now. The items will be delivered to you en route.”
“Not bad.”
Just as he finished his inspection, the escorts from the castle arrived.
“Lord Pernyan Fallenberg, we were sent by His Excellency the Marquis.”
“We are here to escort you.”
They were ten elves with sharp, imposing auras. Each and every one of them was a formidable warrior.
“Let's go.”
It was time to meet Marquis Friedien.
* * *
The House of Marquis Friedien.
Having long settled in the southern part of the continent, they were not originally part of the Empire.
The former royal family of the elven kingdom, Elven.
A clan that worshiped the sacred World Tree and ruled the forests.
The Friedien territory, as if not forgetting its past, was distinctly different from other imperial territories.
‘To be precise, it was their racial identity.’
The city blended with the forest, the pointed ears, and the World Tree visible in the distance.
He'd heard that spirits occasionally roamed about, but they were invisible to Pernyan's eyes, which lacked affinity for them.
“Welcome.”
Marquis Friedien was an elf with a youthful appearance. Considering that elves, despite having lifespans similar to humans, generally looked young for their age, this was to be expected.
Perhaps because of their similar hair color, he looked more like Aria's older brother than her father.
“It's a pleasure to meet you, Marquis. I am Pernyan Fallenberg, the one responsible for this transport.”
“I know. It wouldn't do for me to not recognize the very person I requested.”
He let out a hearty laugh that didn't quite match his face. His overall impression wasn't bad.
He had expected the marquis to be angry about the sudden request to move up the schedule.
It was one of two things: either he was simply a good-natured person, or making Pernyan the one in charge was more important to him than anything else.
“I've had a meal prepared. I heard from Aria that you haven't had lunch yet.”
“Thank you, I'll gladly accept.”
In the grand banquet hall were only Marquis Freid Friedien, the Marquise, their daughter Aria, Pernyan, and Hyde.
“How is the food?”
Pernyan replied as he lightly sliced his steak.
“Yes, I can see why elven cuisine is so highly acclaimed.”
“Elves do have a taste for fine food.”
Marquis Freid smiled pleasantly.
“Aren't you curious? Why I insisted on having you.”
“I heard a rough explanation from Aria, but is there more to it?”
“Of course there is. With you in charge, the Fallenbergs will naturally pay more attention, but it's not like they could afford to be negligent otherwise, right?”
That was true.
Even setting aside their status as Electors, the Friediens were a massive and wealthy faction.
If they paid enough, the Golden Turtle Merchant Guild was always prepared to do its best.
“Then what is it?”
“Well then, have you any thoughts on becoming engaged to Aria?”
“I refuse.”
Pernyan answered instantly, without a hint of hesitation.
The Friedien family may have secured a position as an Elector and held the support of all elves within the Empire, but it wasn't enough to make Pernyan bind himself to them through a political marriage.
Besides, Pernyan had far better options than the Friediens.
“Hmm, I suppose that was too sudden?”
“Yes. It was.”
“I see.”
The marquis moved on as if it were nothing.
Neither the marquise nor Aria changed their expressions, continuing their meal as if nothing had happened, and the marquis quickly changed the subject.
“Then let's talk business. I've already heard from the branch manager, but since you've altered the schedule, I'd like to hear about the resulting changes directly from you.”
“Yes, as a matter of fact...”
And until the meal was over, the marquis never once asked why he had moved up the schedule.
* * *
“A letter from the young master.”
The duke read the neatly written letter slowly and carefully.
“It's a relief that things went well. Tell them to proceed as planned.”
“Yes, Your Grace.”
“What are your thoughts?”
“I believe the young master has no reason to lie.”
“I think so, too.”
The second piece of evidence had already been delivered to the family.
The two Vile Breeds who had tried to kill Aint Armian.
Having confirmed that those Vile Breeds had disguised themselves as members of the Golden Turtle Merchant Guild, the duke realized they were trying to drag the Fallenbergs into a quagmire.
“How dare those vermin...!”
A thousand years was a very long time.
Long enough for humans to forget the existence of demons, and for demons to forget their fear of the Electors, their sworn enemies.
“It's laughable to think how many Vile Breeds might be hiding throughout the family and the guild, and that I never noticed until now.”
The duke gave a self-deprecating laugh. This was, without a doubt, his failure.
“What about the Dragon God Cult?”
“They said they would send the promised items soon. They were also aware of the Vile Breeds, which made the discussion easy.”
Once the items from the Dragon God Cult arrive, they would soon begin a large-scale search for the Vile Breeds secretly operating within the family.
Of course, they couldn't do it openly.
The fact that no one knew they had begun to move in the shadows again was their greatest strength. And the reverse was also true.
Their complacency, thinking they hadn't been discovered yet. That was one of the two sharpest daggers the Fallenbergs currently possessed. The first, of course, was money.
“For now, grant all of Pernyan's requests.”
“Yes. I will do my best.”
Tap, tap. Still, as if something wasn't sitting right with him, the duke's fingers tapped against the desk with increasing speed.
“…I suppose I must assume the worst.”
“Your Grace.”
“He's willingly walking into a trap that is obviously a ploy by the Vile Breeds. Pernyan has requested support and is devising his own countermeasures, but what if it's more than he can handle?”
With the Vile Breeds re-emerging after a thousand years, they couldn't afford to be careless.
“If that happens, the transport will fail, and the reputation of the guild and our family will hit rock bottom. As the head of the Fallenberg family, I cannot simply stand by and watch that happen.”
“Your Grace.”
“Summon the Red Turtle Order immediately and...”
“Your Grace...!”
The butler cut the duke off. It was an act of immense disrespect, but between the two of them, it was a fairly familiar occurrence.
“The young master will be fine. Has he not been identifying the demons and thwarting their plans before any of us?”
“That is the biggest problem.”
The duke's eyes turned cold.
“Discovering the Mana Stone vein could be chalked up to chance...”
"...but finding traces of the Vile Breeds multiple times and preparing for them is a different matter entirely."
How could Pernyan have found them, when even the duke, with his vast intelligence network, was completely unaware?
“When this is over, I have many questions for him.”
A great many.
But separate from that.
“How about we hire a slew of mercenaries and send them along?”
“…Your Grace, please.”