Chapter 429
Chapter 429
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Translator: Ryuma
Chapter: 99
Chapter Title: Acalusia (1)
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Just before opening the door and stepping inside, the family head Adrian spoke up.
"I'm glad to see both of you don't have any injuries. I'm truly sorry you had to deal with such an unfortunate incident right after arriving."
"No, we're fine... but are you okay, Family Head? That seemed like a pretty important statue."
"Mm, it certainly held meaning. It was a bust that's been here since the Acalusia estate was built. I remember him always saying that this lion would protect our family."
"Hic."
Asel hiccuped. The statue held far deeper significance than he'd imagined. But Adrian's face remained utterly serene.
"Please don't worry about it. Nothing is more important than human life."
"Huh."
Her unexpectedly resolute response drew a chuckle. With her delicate appearance, one might think she'd faint from dizziness at any moment.
Turning toward the door, she murmured softly.
"Still, I never imagined they'd even destroy that..."
"Pardon?"
It was almost a whisper.
Adrian either hadn't heard me or changed the subject entirely.
"By the way, have the two of you eaten?"
"Uh... sort of."
"Then since it's late, allow me to treat you to some tea. I heard you came by raft, so it'll warm your bodies chilled by the river breeze."
All we country bumpkins could do was nod. The main gate opened, and we followed the beautiful mistress into the Acalusia estate. Asel's eyes widened at the interior, as splendid as the exterior.
"Wow... it's like a castle from a fairy tale."
"Yeah, this has its own charm."
Like the garden, the lobby was serene and elegant. If the Grancia estate evoked a grand symphony, this place felt like a gentle nocturne. The overall dark, rich tones of the furniture and finishes added a secretive atmosphere.
A maid standing in the center of the lobby bowed in greeting.
"You've arrived, Family Head."
"Yes, Liz. I'm going to speak with our guests, so please prepare tea in the drawing room."
"Understood. And who might Asel be?"
"M-Me?"
The named Asel flinched. He looked utterly confused about why he was being called.
At that moment, incomprehensible words slipped from the maid Liz's lips.
"Dry cleaning."
"Hm?"
The instant I realized it was a spell, a chill wind-like sensation blew through. My body and Asel's began to glow. The flash faded in less than a tenth of a second, revealing clothes that looked brand new.
"What the hell."
"...Eh?"
"It's done. I hope it wasn't uncomfortable."
Liz bowed again. Figuring out what happened wasn't hard. All the stains and dirt on our clothes had vanished.
Adrian scanned us and smiled in satisfaction.
"Thank you, Liz. Your skills have improved even more. They look as fluffy as a quilt dried in the spring sun."
"You're too kind, Family Head. I'll go prepare the tea now."
Liz retreated with a polite bow.
I let out a silly laugh as I examined my now-clean clothes.
The fishy river smell and my beggar-like stench were gone, replaced by the fresh scent of newly laundered soap. It was such excellent magic, I'd love to learn it myself.
"Liz is a genius at cleaning magic. It's largely thanks to her that the Acalusia estate stays pristine year-round."
"Impressive. I could swear we just bought these."
"Ufufu, unlike certain families that still make people hand-wash. Shall we go right in?"
Adrian immediately led us to the drawing room. My initial impression of her as pretty but prickly and haughty was fading. She's just a good person.
Then, as Asel walked behind Adrian, an indescribable groan escaped his lips.
"Ah... aaaah... aaah."
"What? What's wrong?"
Asel's face was flushed like a baked apple. His breathing was ragged, on the verge of tears. I was about to poke his side and ask what his complaint was when lightning struck—I realized the reason and clamped my mouth shut.
"Oh, fuck."
The maid who'd specifically called Asel's name flashed in my mind. Along with my request to the gate guard captain for spare pants. Asel, biting his lower lip, spoke without turning.
"I'm done for, Ronan."
"...Even inside the pants?"
"Feels brand new... fluffy."
Asel hung his head. Tears finally began trickling down his pale cheeks. Liz had magically laundered Asel's underwear with impeccable skill. And it was a bit dirtier than mine.
"W-Well, a girl did it, you idiot. She was cute too—maybe it's a good thing?"
"I'm done for."
"Damn it."
No words of comfort came to mind. All I could do was walk while keeping an eye on Asel to stop him from smashing a window and jumping out.
"Liz is as quick-handed as ever."
The opulent drawing room already had steaming black tea prepared with refreshments. Asel and I sat across from Adrian, with the table between us.
She took a sip first and offered us the tea.
"Please, have some. It's steeped well."
"Ah, thank you. I'll have some."
We followed suit and drank. I could tell instantly it was top-quality tea. Warmth spread through my body the moment it went down my throat.
"...Tastes good."
"Yeah, it's killer."
It felt like the best tea I'd ever had. My body, frozen from the river wind, melted away. Adrian set down her cup and covered her lower face with her fan again.
"We were rushed earlier, so let me introduce myself properly. I'm Adrian de Acalusia, Erzsebet's mother and current head of the Acalusia family. I've been impressed by your exploits."
"Thank you for the warm welcome, Family Head. It was nothing."
"Fufu, too much humility can be a flaw. Dispelling the fog instantly was impressive, but navigating to the garden without touching a single rock was equally astonishing. Was it you who found the clues, Ronan?"
"No, that was all him. Right, Asel?"
I patted Asel's back.
The guy, holding his teacup with both hands, nodded shyly.
"Y-Yes. If you're talking about the glowing path, that was me."
"Oh ho, a path? Even someone with moderate magical talent would see it as scattered glowing pebbles, but your detection is remarkable. How far did the path lead?"
"Um... It's unclear since I saw it before the fog cleared, but it seemed to go all the way to the estate."
"...What did you say?"
Adrian's eyes narrowed. Her expression was one of disbelief, as if hearing utter nonsense. After a brief silence, she continued.
"If that's true, you're a challenger with historic talent. Fewer than five people in Acalusia history have seen the 'path leading to the estate.' Two of them are my daughter and husband. Frankly, it's hard to believe."
"I-It can't be, but I'm not lying...!"
"I know you're telling the truth. That's why I'm more shocked. Truly remarkable people have come to Acalusia's gates."
Her eyes curved over the fan. Her enchanting laughter filled the drawing room, easing Asel's tense expression a bit.
'Nice.'
I clenched my fist in quiet triumph. It was a shot in the dark, but things were going better than expected. At this rate, not only could we get Asel adopted smoothly, but we'd also obtain something useful for tracking Akasha.
"I'm glad you're pleased, Family Head. This guy's a bundle of talent. You won't regret adopting him."
"Ufufu, two raw gems of brilliant talent visiting fills me with joy too. You plan to take the adoption exam as well, Ronan?"
"Of course. That's why we came."
"Wonderful. Then, could you take a look at this?"
Suddenly, Adrian pulled a vial from her bosom. It was an ornate, expensive-looking bottle suitable for high-grade potions, filled with swirling orange liquid.
I tilted my head, wondering what it was.
"What's that?"
"The only antidote to the poison you just drank. If not taken within thirty minutes, your organs melt away in an agonizing death. It's odorless and tasteless, so you wouldn't have noticed."
"...Pardon?"
Silence fell. Asel, mid-sip, froze like a statue.
What nonsense is this? My hand moved toward my sword hilt before my brain caught up. Translucent iron chains burst from the sofa, wrapping around Asel and me.
"H-Hraaah!"
"Fuck, Asel!"
Asel screamed.
I shook off the chains in an instant and drew my sword. They were sturdy, but compared to Akasha's, they were like twine. The chains swallowing Asel like a snake shattered and dispersed as mana.
Adrian raised an eyebrow in interest.
"Impressive. My eyes didn't deceive me."
"Damn it, what the hell is this? Think being head of a great house lets you get away with anything?!"
"Usually, yes. And I'm the one wondering what this is about."
"What?"
"Calm down first. I'm not refusing to give it to you."
Suddenly, Adrian set the antidote vial on the table.
It was a merciful gesture, as if saying take it if you want.
"Ro-Ronan...!"
But I couldn't. Turning at his desperate voice, I saw Asel wrapped in chains again. Unlike before, these had descended from the ceiling, tightly coiling around his slender neck. One twitch of Adrian's finger, and it'd be instant hanging.
"I apologize for the roughness, but I had no choice. Ronan, I have one question for you. Will you answer?"
"Answer?"
"First question. Why did you lie about receiving an invitation you clearly didn't?"
"What..."
I was momentarily speechless. Adrian continued.
"Erzsebet has given invitations to outsiders only once. Three years ago at Phileon Academy, and that person was already adopted into Acalusia. It's certain you didn't receive one, so how do you know about that year's challenger's declaration?"
"...Adeshan."
"So you know her name too. If you won't answer, fine. Next question."
Adrian's gaze was icy cold. The kindly noblewoman was gone; only the shrewd head of Acalusia remained, firmly in control.
Her violet eyes gleamed sharply.
"I'll ask just once. What exactly is your purpose in coming to Acalusia territory, Ronan?"