The Dapper Guard Captain's Fury
The dapper guard captain in his mask suppressed his anger as he asked, “Has the intruder still not been found?”
“Y-Yes……”
“Goddamn it, four hours have passed already, and you can't find a single thief? Does that even make sense!”
His anger finally exploded. The subordinate being scolded didn't know what to do.
“Find them! Find them no matter what it takes!”
“But there are no footprints……”
“Goddamn footprints. Before I stomp one on your face, go get some hunting dogs from outside.”
“A-Ah, y-yes, sir.”
It was certain the thief had climbed over the window. The guards who should have been watching the outside had rushed inside at the sound of the alarm. Because of that, there was no way to know where the thief had slipped away and hidden. Not a single trace left behind—it was truly a ghostly feat.
“High chance it's a mage capable of invisibility and levitation spells.”
“There were traces of magic use inside…… We've assigned all the detection artifacts to the search teams for now.”
“……No matter how I think about it, something's off.”
In truth, the guard captain doing the scolding was more cornered than the one being scolded.
“Strengthen security around Court Viscount Jimier Berolinger's residence. Summon the knights.”
“Then……”
“They might have started the commotion from the beginning to draw away the guards and infiltrate an important area.”
“No way it's an assassination attempt……”
Assassination attempt. The moment his subordinate uttered those words, the guard captain glared at him like he wanted to kill him. Even the current situation with the warehouse ransacked was burden enough for the captain. He didn't want to imagine anything worse.
“Pfft, that's enough.”
Jimier Berolinger, lounging in his rosewood chair, said that.
“If they came for my head, there would've been several intruders at once. Would a single one play hide-and-seek for four hours? Do you think I'm that easy a mark, Jimier Berolinger? That damn fool…… Brain doesn't turn that fast, huh.”
“M-My apologies.”
“It's been over two hours since the east gate was breached. They're clearly gone, so stop fussing and pull back the men. You want rumors spreading all over that I got robbed?”
“As you command.”
The guard captain retreated with a face drained white.
And so, where had the master thief who robbed Jimier Berolinger's warehouse vanished to? None other than right beside the man himself!
Man, you stole a ton, yet you're this calm? Impressive guy. Must be loaded.
Pellelian, floating idly with arms crossed, eyed Jimier Berolinger. In fact, the viscount showed no sign of rage at all. Who knew what he felt inside……
What Jimier held was a list checking the warehouse inventory. As Pellelian confirmed, my name was Crystal Wyvern Aberrant Stuffed Specimen. Bunch of tasteless fools. And next to it, marked Checked Out.
Thus, alongside other checked-out items, I'd taken my place beside Jimier Berolinger.
I quickly learned the fate of checkout items. Once the mansion quieted again, the “guests” began arriving.
“I come to pay my respects, Court Viscount. Jared Lakers, at your service.”
“Oh, so you're Jared. I've heard your father the viscount brag about you plenty. Graduated from the officer academy this time?”
“Yes, fortunately assigned to the capital guard, so I've come to greet you.”
He handed over a small wooden box. I could guess the contents. Bribe, obviously!
“What, you didn't have to.”
“Father insisted I convey his eternal gratitude……”
“I know your father's heart well.”
Hearty chuckles of “heh heh, ha ha.” The viscount was upholding fine old scholarly traditions. Greetings exchanged, gifts received. That unassuming wooden box surely held gold and jewels.
“Ah, seeing you reminds me of something. Been saving it thinking it'd suit you……”
Without even looking, he fumbled and picked an item. The dazzling one next to me……
“Oh, a hair clip. Gift it to some lady you fancy later.”
“Ah…… Thank you!”
Was just taking bribes and shutting up bad manners? Seemed the viscount picked outgoing items from his haul to regift.
What mattered the value of trinkets? The young officer treasured the hair clip and left, beaming.
But once he was gone, Jimier tossed the box backward without peeking. Clink— Gold coins spilled out. A servant hurried to gather them.
Doesn't seem too fussed about money. Why bother?
-Not uninterested in money, just not in pocket change. Bribery's chump change to big shots like him. Routine for maintaining power.
Pellelian's tone held no fondness. Come to think of it, though a cranky old coot, he'd been treated like a continental hero. No wonder he disliked the powerful.
Who're you planning to give me to?
-Anywhere's better than here.
During evolution, I'd pondered plenty. First time in a big city like this. Might as well knock out everything possible while in the capital.
First: Find Pellelian's vault. Royal Bank's top-security one. Curious what was inside. Grab a few nice things if worthwhile.
Problem: Even with the key, they wouldn't open for me. Needed a human partner.
Originally considered asking Hairit Langrei. But that treacherous human sold me out, so new ally required.
Great if I could meet Royle or Amaen, but first needed their location.
This place wasn't ideal. Too many soldiers, and Jimier Berolinger seemed no pushover.
Best if alone, bit inept and foolish—easy to manipulate.
-Plenty ways to control humans.
Oh ho.
-Make them admire you into loyal minion. Offer pay to hire. Or seize their lifeline, threaten into soul-bound slavery.
Best of those, per Pellelian's HR manual……
-Third. Make 'em slaves.
Knew it. Curious why, so I asked.
-Admiration's fickle. Act against their thoughts, and it sways like reeds. Out.
Hired help betrays for better offer. So slavery's optimal.
That's why your only real minions are golems and magic spirits.
Ah ha! Oops, mixed “thought” and thought. Pellelian grumbled angrily.
Someone else entered.
“Master, Professor Obern has arrived.”
“Oh ho. Send him in.”
Unlike before, genuine pleasure in the viscount's voice. Among coming guests might be my minion (or subject). With a king's eye for talent, I watched the door.
And when “Professor Obern” entered……
Frankly? I was a bit awestruck.
Thud.
Expected a potbellied middle-ager for “professor.” Wrong. A tall young gentleman entered. Long blond hair neatly tied back, expensive coat draped perfectly. Long lashes, pale flawless skin—more high-fashion model than scholar.
Yet his aura wasn't light. Some exude elegance just walking. Obern did.
Sharp hazel eyes, straight nose. Firm lips, large hands—manly too.
“It's been a while, Professor.”
“I trust you've been well, Court Viscount.”
Hand to chest, slight bow. Perfect etiquette—courteous, not servile. No forced smile. Unlike previous sycophants grinning obsequiously.
Damn, that guy's sharp.
-Hmm, indeed.
Pellelian approved too—high praise. Bonus points as subject candidate. Better handsome, right? Royle looked too uncle-ish. Well, he is an uncle.
“How long in the capital?”
“Arrived yesterday.”
“Came straight here, eh? Grateful, heh heh!”
Jimier clearly liked the professor.
Wondered their connection—then a familiar term.
“Heard Emerald School's interview is set?”
“As expected of you, Viscount. You see all even from here.”
Impressed. Flattery, yet sounded genuine. Earnest tone, polished looks.
“Heh heh, this much is nothing. But it'll be okay?”
“What do you mean?”
“Coming from Empire's big leagues to work here. Heard your research acclaimed there. Emerald's prestigious, sure, but still a small kingdom's school.”
A Court Viscount calling his own land small? Cosmopolitan globalist old man.
“Returned for a brief respite.”
“Respite? Heh, ha ha ha!”
Calling top kingdom school's professorship “respite”? Arrogant. But it pleased Jimier.
Handsome guys get away with anything.
-Mage, that one. Mature enough not to flaunt power.
Oh, really?
-Yes. Empire academy full member? No lightweight. Solid standing, maybe imperial ties. Sounds perfect.
Intriguing for me, eyeing Empire and palace someday.
“High hopes for you.”
“Too kind.”
“Third Prince enrolling this time. Manage him well. Watch for flies buzzing around.”
“Yes.”
“With you by his side, no worries. Ha ha!”
Jimier added, “Mentioned you, but even I can't boss Dean Ballarnyar. Get it? He took the bait, won't sabotage interview……”
“Unnecessary. My skills suffice for professorship……”
“Ha, ha ha! True. But procedures exist. Show a bit of prowess—appointment's certain.”
Obern bowed slightly. Humble? No.
“If you fail—unlikely, but it'd be trouble.”
“I'll meet expectations.”
Then idle chatter. Skipped gifts? No, exchange happened. But Obern gave not cash—a gold tie pin and cufflinks.
“Tie pin and cufflinks procured from the Empire.”
Too light? Jimier's face lit up.
“Oh, Elmes!”
“You know it.”
Brand name, apparently famous.
“New design…… Got the collection catalog.”
“Heh, custom order.”
“Heard they don't take commissions! As expected.”
Sense in gifts. Lesson learned.
“Got something for you too…… Here.”
Fumbling beside him, he grabbed me. Sighed.
“Ah……”
What? Why?
“This……”
As Jimier moved to set me down, Obern spoke smoothly.
“Ho, fine piece.”
“Like it? Take it.”
Jimier beamed, handing me over. Attitude suspicious…… But not bad.
Obern took me, bowed slightly.
“Ah, what might this be……”
“That? Uh……”
Jimier's face said he'd forgotten about me.
“Cursed crystal winged serpent…… Something like that.”
From Crystal Aberration Trap Petrified Wingless Wyvern Specimen to that, huh.
Obern smiled for the first time.
“……Diabolical. I like it.”
Bastard, handsome even smiling. I left the mansion in Obern's hand.
Obern Grimoire. Early thirties, Empire academy full member. Famous for stunning looks and magic prowess.
Returned from Empire glory to become Emerald School professor.
Could I make this powerhouse my minion……?
I'd made minions before: Royle, Amaen, Dungkel, Zain.
But lacked confidence this time. Obern felt big league.
Thinking back, heroes I'd met—Gunter, Gerard Martain, Hairit Langrei—might outclass him. But Obern's presence hit harder. Seemed stronger than quirky Hairit, as cold as Gunter.
Hmm, intimidating.
Obern stayed at a Solion Impel hotel. Luxurious, tidy—his taste.
He placed me on the desk, angled like an objet d'art. Stared intently.
“……Beautiful.”
Making a snake blush.
“Yet inside, blood-red and ugly.”
Always hear people out.
“Like me……”
What're you on about?
Obern stroked me, then slumped.
“Goddamn Viscount……!”
Pounded the floor in rage. Startled me.
“Acted all high and mighty, but can't even guarantee the job!”
Ah, professorship.
Obern clutched his head, anxious.
“Aaah, what to do. If my real skill slips…… Straight to dungeon.”
Eh? No prior dignity as he bit his nail.
“That Viscount obsessed with Elmes trinkets…… Thought my heart'd stop. Fakes won't fool, right? Sigh, trusted that bastard blindly.”
Gasp, what kind of guy? Even that classy gift fake?
Pellelian and I shocked.
-A, st, astonishing fellow.
This make sense?
Looked so legit, all an act? Actor material. Prison-bound, not stage.
-Actually perfect.
Huh?
-Just right for slaving……
Oh, not wrong. Watching this fraud huddled, tearing hair…… Inspiration struck. A brilliant one.