Chapter 31
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Translator: Wjin
Chapter: 31
Chapter Title: Coincidence × Coincidence
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Late at night.
Clack, rrr...
The man who entered the study manipulated a few books on the bookshelf. The shelf slid aside, revealing a hidden secret passage before his eyes.
He descended the pitch-black, treacherous stairs without hesitation and arrived at a small chamber at the end of the passage.
Inside the chamber, utterly devoid of light, stood only a single chair, a table, and a crystal orb resting atop it.
The man pulled up the chair, sat down, placed his hand on the orb, and channeled mana into it with practiced ease.
Surprisingly, the orb began to glow faintly, and a shadowy silhouette resembling a human figure materialized within.
Two figures cloaked entirely in black garb and masks, their identities concealed. Only the differing red emblems on their masks hinted at ranks.
"Report."
A voice emanated from the seated shadow—neither man nor woman, youth nor elder discernible. It had been altered by a voice-changing artifact.
The shadow within the orb, employing a similar device, began its report in a matching tone.
— House Crimford's Howard Crimford, Viscount-in-waiting, confirmed secretly contacting royalist nobles.
"Purpose?"
— Quietly recruiting troops. Shadows report Howard foretelling continental war soon and urging force consolidation.
"The continental situation isn't so precarious yet as to sense war omens, is it?"
— Howard, granted full merchant guild authority at fifteen, excels in talent and instinct. Shifting to arms trade and mustering troops would hinder Bellovan Kingdom's collapse significantly.
The receiving shadow paused to gather its thoughts before asking.
"If we eliminate Howard, who remains as the earl family's heir?"
— Second son, Johann Crimford.
"I've heard of Johann Crimford. A hopeless wastrel plaguing even the earl family, they say."
— Recently humiliated Lilia Avangardi, Baron Egard Avangardi's only daughter, at Howard's clan party; assaulted House Rapelt heir. Now confined again. Villa in Hirobenkal Viscountcy.
At "Hirobenkal Viscountcy," the listener's gaze sharpened.
"Hirobenkal Viscountcy—that's where Alpha's been rampaging. We'll discuss that later... Is Johann usable?"
— Empty liquor bottles in villa trash up several times normal. Recent reports suggest drug use too.
"Drugs?"
— Confirmed butler Willard buying drugs nightly from Domos-backed black market dealer. Willard shows no addiction signs; Johann barricaded in room—likely him.
"Suspicions like 'seems' or 'likely' are worthless. Secure hard proof of his personal use. Verified, he could puppet House Crimford post-Howard elimination."
— Understood.
"Any further intel on Alpha?"
— Confirmed visiting Hayden with Domos, Egard for Gurkan Mountains trade route notarization. Office bugs all failed—discussion unknown.
"All eavesdropping artifacts in Hayden's office destroyed? Similar incident before, I recall..."
— Months ago, post-confinement, in Johann Crimford's room.
"Johann... The confinement villa's in Hirobenkal Viscountcy. Alpha first surfaced there too."
— Implying not coincidence?
"Repeated mistakes birth skill; repeated coincidences suggest inevitability. Anyone seen Johann lately, with Alpha active?"
— Alcohol, drugs worsened violence; few approach his room...
"So confirmed sightings limited."
— Yes.
The shadow nodded.
— Orders? Eliminate Johann?
"Alpha's identity first. His prowess is real. Empire asset? Recruit. Else, poison. If Johann is Alpha, reason for dual identity exists."
— What requires concealment?
"Can't pinpoint yet. But Howard's brother unlikely plotting Empire's good. Monitor Johann, Alpha rigorously. Same person? Report instantly."
— As commanded.
Further reports exchanged, orders issued. As the reporting shadow faded from the orb, the man retraced his steps to the study.
Changing in the passage, he emerged—only for a petite, lovely girl to rush into his arms.
"Grandpa!"
"Whoa, my pretty princess! Here so soon? My darling!"
"Hehe! Grandpa, your beard tickles."
Lifting her effortlessly with one arm amid joyful exclamations, his daughter and son-in-law approached.
"Always... Dad sees only Sera."
His daughter pouted in greeting; he scratched his head sheepishly.
"Naw, how could that be? I see our irreplaceable princess—and the scoundrel who stole her—clear as day."
"Dad!"
"Hahaha..."
The son-in-law chuckled awkwardly, offering a gift.
"Oh, Your Excellency. Father sent this fruit wine he brewed himself for you. I protested it unworthy for a duke, but he insisted..."
"Sir Dalmazian? Much obliged. Tell him I'll savor it. Uhahaha!"
Beaming broadly, the man drew a smirk from his daughter toward her husband.
"Told you he'd love it. Kingdom's greatest swordsman outside? Home's just a booze-hound grandpa who loves liquor over blades. Right?"
"But Sera loves Grandpa best?"
"Yeah! Love Grandpa tons!"
"Uhahaha! That's what counts. Off you go—late night, rest well, see you tomorrow. Princess sleep with Grandpa tonight?"
Thus deepened the night in House Eustroph, Bellovan Kingdom's premier sword duke's abode.
* * *
Time rewound: the night Johann, Egard, and Hayden discussed the contract.
"Ugh..."
Egard stirred with a groan; Hayden fussed.
"Coming around?"
"Your Excellency? What happened...?"
"Sudden collapse. Visiting priest said released tension unleashed pent-up stress. Busy times? Poor management shortens life. Heed it."
'I blacked out suddenly?'
Something felt off, but throbbing head yielded no recall. Certainty of the faint let him accept Hayden's account.
'Body seems fine otherwise...'
"Apologies for the trouble."
"No matter. Knew contract outline already. Sir Alpha detailed it while you were out—no more needed."
'Sir Alpha?'
Egard eyed Johann, who nodded steadily, mask unchanging.
"Proposal: Quintuple Avangardi Merchant Guild damage compensation? Reciprocate with Crimford Merchant Guild contract."
"Pardon?"
"Unappealing?"
Stunned, Egard glanced at Johann. Mask hid expression, but vibe screamed deal done.
Egard tallied mentally.
'Earls assessed Gurkan route already? Adding share means high value... Balk on comp cut? They monopolize.
Coveted by earls.
Fivefold still ample merit.
Crimfords contracting pressures Domos far beyond notarization.
Damage hits? Domos dares not irk Hayden sans madness.'
"Agreed."
"Wise. New contract forthwith."
Hayden brightened; eyes met Johann's—subtle nods exchanged.
Johann thus roped incomparable Crimford alongside Avangardi into the route.
Crimford gained superior, cheaper trade path...
Win-win.
As contracts finalized, new route banquet prep underway.
"That guy's..."
"Willard? Why not with Young Master Johann...?"
"Face grim. Trouble?"
Urgent Willard sought Hayden amid the trio, permission granted, whispered report.
Hayden's visage twisted demonic; rising lion-like, he bellowed.
"Guards! Drag Johann from Hirobenkal Viscountcy villa—now!"
The Way the Regressed Young Master Lives
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