083 Collecting Overdue Debts (4)
But there was no need to sever the connection with Archduke Cezare when such a golden opportunity had arisen.
"Instead... well, it's not exactly 'instead,' but would it be alright if I offered you a gift?"
"Hm? A gift...? What might that be?"
"I've recently acquired a certain secret art, and it left quite an impression on me. Of course, it may fall short of Your Highness's standards..., but how about taking a look?"
"Secret art?"
The archduke's face lit up with interest.
As a magic swordsman who wielded both magic and sword, he had a strong curiosity for rare techniques.
"Here's the book where the secret art is compiled. Please, have a look."
Calix pretended to rummage in his bosom and took out the skill book from his inventory, handing it to the archduke.
He flipped through a few pages lightly, then his expression turned serious.
Worried that he might stand there reading for hours, Calix spoke up again.
"I have a separate copy, so feel free to take this and peruse it at your leisure."
"Hm. Ah, is that so? Thank you."
"If you need someone who's actually mastered the technique, I could introduce you."
"Oh...? That would be a great help to my research. The art is still quite unstable, so I've been hesitant to force it on anyone."
"Understood. I'll recommend that he visit Your Highness within a few days."
"Hmm..., this is tempting. If there's anything I can help with, just say the word. Money, artifacts, or even useful martial techniques or mana breathing methods."
In truth, there was a favor Calix wanted from Archduke Cezare.
But it would only make sense after some time had passed.
For now, he'd leave it as a debt.
"Right now, I want to focus on perfecting my family's unique breathing method and martial arts. I'll gratefully accept your goodwill."
As the two exchanged amicable conversation, the king, who had been fading into the background, cleared his throat.
"Ahem!"
Calix widened his eyes as if wondering why he hadn't left yet.
"Your Majesty, is there something you'd like to say?"
Feeling pushed aside by the archduke repeatedly, the displeased king boldly asked.
"If you have any desires for this king as well, speak them. This is not a prize for the victor, but a personal favor."
Like how Calix had softly declined the archduke's offer, he thought Calix would decline his too, so he made the insincere proposal.
But the quick-witted Calix didn't miss the golden opportunity.
"Then, if I may be so bold, I request a three-year tax exemption."
"What, what?"
"Let me explain the situation. Normally, when a lord falls in battle, taxes are reduced for a few years. But strangely, Szczecin Territory was denied that."
"Th-there was such a thing?"
"When I protested to the Treasury, they said since it was an accidental death, not battle, they couldn't grant it. Accidental death? He died defending the Lock Kingdom's border—how can that be an accident?"
"I-is that so. There must have been some mistake."
"That Your Majesty thinks so too brings tears to my eyes. I've suffered greatly because of those scoundrels who demeaned my father's honorable death as an accident. It's not about the money. As his son, I feel a duty to correct this misunderstanding."
The king felt his mind reeling from Calix's machine-gun-like lament.
"Urgh, alright. I'll look into it."
Calix bowed 90 degrees to hide his broad grin and shouted.
"Thank you! Your Majesty! Long life and prosperity!"
The king left the party hall with quick steps, as if he didn't want to deal with him anymore.
Watching this, the archduke approached and whispered in his ear.
'You're sucking him to the bone. I need to be careful too.'
'The debt I've placed on Your Highness, I'll collect every bit later.'
'Huhu, looking forward to it.'
"Today was enjoyable. This archduke must take his leave now."
"The honor is mine, Your Highness."
Archduke Cezare finished his farewell and lightly shook his hand.
A complex magic pattern appeared at his feet and began to glow.
"Return!"
⟨ Teleportation ⟩
With the short incantation, he turned into a beam of light and vanished.
'Refusing to be ordinary to the end. Exhausting.'
Shaking his head, Calix scanned the surroundings.
He was ready to leave too.
But Krout, who came with him, was missing.
'Where did that guy go?'
Then, among the noble ladies, he spotted a burly man with a flushed face, at a loss.
"Oh my, how manly. Your arms are so thick... Hohoho!"
"Eek!"
"Wow..., look at these hands. You could lift someone like me with one finger."
"Your thighs seem thicker than my waist? Let me..."
"Eek!"
"Ow! My finger hurts from poking... Hing. Like a rock."
"But what's your relationship with that handsome young lord over there?"
"Huh? What...? He's my liege."
"L-liege....... Master and slave....... Haah...."
"This girl's at it again. Let's get rid of her."
"I'm not a slave; I'm a knight."
"Don't mind her. She's always like that. More importantly, how about me? There are plenty of empty rooms here..."
"Empty rooms?"
Calix thought that if he approached under the pretense of picking up Krout, it would be hard to escape.
He raised his mana slightly, glared once, and turned to leave the party hall first.
As he exited the palace, a cool breeze brushed his nose.
His mind cleared.
'Let's see... That obnoxious first prince. Even though Orsel Tiggrim was dispatched to our territory as investigator, he kept his mouth shut.'
But the first prince wasn't easy, and openly antagonizing him was hard.
With Antonio Marquis and Servio Viscount still around, he needed him as a backer.
But letting it slide would mean constant tests.
He needed to firmly warn him not to meddle.
Sorbeville Marquis.
The kingdom's sole Class 7 (Master) swordsman.
A heavyweight even the king couldn't treat lightly.
Though he denied it, the focal point for all neutral soldiers and nobles in faction strife.
Calix knew countless words describing the ordinary old man before him. That's why he never relaxed.
"Thank you for granting me this audience, Marquis."
"Hoho, meeting the talent who will shoulder the kingdom's future is always welcome."
Black, glossy hair, wrinkle-free face, broad shoulders, perfect proportions.
Hard to believe he was over seventy.
After light pleasantries, as the steam from the teacups faded, Sorbeville Marquis asked.
"So, what brings you to this old man today?"
"I sought teachings on the sword from you, senior."
"Hohoho, you're doing well. Far ahead of your peers. Even in my youth, not to that extent. Rather, beware of advancing too fast."
"Is that advice not to be hasty?"
The marquis's warm atmosphere turned slightly serious.
"Why do you think it's extremely rare to reach Class 4 before the coming-of-age ceremony?"
"It's embarrassing for me to say, but perhaps talent?"
"If so, those who reach Class 4 first have greater talent. But among the transcendent, many surge late."
"First time hearing that."
"Naturally. Class 7s are rare, and at that level, few care to teach juniors."
Truthfully, Calix sought the marquis for another reason. Sword teachings were an excuse.
But he was drawn into the marquis's insight.
"Reaching Class 4 before the ceremony is like skipping Class 3. What is Class 3?"
"The maximum combat power from physical training without awakening mana."
"Correct. But before the ceremony, men's growth isn't complete."
"Hence skipping Class 3. But that alone doesn't explain why Class 4 is hard."
Sorbeville Marquis smiled fondly, like a grandfather at a sharp grandson.
"Right. Then, how do you cultivate mana breathing methods?"
"With steady breathing and unique motions matching the method, swinging weapons accumulates mana naturally."
"Ever pondered the principle deeply?"
"Not to that extent..."
"Assume two people with different limb lengths and breath depths cultivate the same method. How do they accumulate the same mana?"
"Hmm..., no idea."
"Hoho, the answer is 'they don't accumulate the same mana.'"
"Vague."
"More precisely, during growth, the mana properties in the mana hole change gradually."
"Ah..."
"Generally, Class 4 comes after growth stops and stable mana accumulates sufficiently. Applied to you..."
He asked playfully.
"Did you eat something good for your body?"
Calix's face flushed slightly.
Remembering time with Laila underground.
But the marquis, mistaking it for a secret exposed, added.
"No need to worry. I won't tell. Such fortune could be blessing or trial; who are we to judge?"
Calix, lost in thought, bowed late.
"Sorry. No intent to hide."
"Hide it."
"Pardon?"
"Spreading it invites hyenas sniffing for scraps and jealous fools belittling your efforts."
"Understood..."
"As said, it could be a trial. Taming that vast power will be hard. Easy Class 4 means harder next steps."
"I'll strive."
"Huhu, good attitude. Had you not declined Archduke Cezare or considering politics, I'd have asked if you'd take me as master."
"Your words alone are thanks enough."