Chapter 75: Loyalty
Translator: RaidenTL
Chapter 75: Loyalty
“...My Lo—”
“...”
“...My Lo!”
“...”
“My Lord!”
“Oh, uh, yes?”
Stephan snapped out of his daze, startled. His attendant was leaning over him, firmly shaking his shoulder.
“Are you alright? You haven’t said a single word since we got into the carriage.”
“Ah, I’m fine.”
Fine, indeed.
Stephan turned his head to look out the window. They were already far from Herman Pascal’s estate.
“How long has the carriage been moving?”
“About thirty minutes, sir.”
“Thirty minutes...”
He had no memory of those thirty minutes. He couldn't even remember finishing his meal.
Stephan’s mind felt as if it were shrouded in a thick, gray fog. Every time the fog began to lift, it threatened to consume him all over again. That fog was woven from Herman Pascal’s words.
It was clear his father had attempted to interfere with his mind. It was a tactic Herman Pascal—the great merchant, the respected tycoon—would never normally stoop to using.
In truth, has anyone ever actually shown interest in the Far East?
Stephan agonized over the thought. But no matter how much he pondered, it wasn't a problem he could solve through logic alone.
“Where is the carriage headed?”
“Where else would we be going but home, sir?”
“Ah, right. Of course...”
He had asked a glaringly obvious question. Why had he even asked it? Stephan questioned himself. Deep down, he felt a nagging sensation that he shouldn't go home.
Then where should he go? The destination was clear.
“How are the horses?”
“They’re fine, sir.”
“Then don’t go back. Let’s go somewhere else.”
“Where to?”
“To Valdrova Castle.”
“That’ll take a few days, and we haven’t prepared anything. We need to pack clothes, send a letter... Shouldn't we just go home first?”
“Stop talking and just go.”
Seeing Stephan’s hollow expression, the attendant couldn't argue further. He relayed the change of route to the coachman.
The gray fog filled Stephan’s head once more. For now, he simply walked through it.
The Far East.
What kind of place was the Far East?
There were occasionally those who dreamed of a gold rush in that uncultivated wasteland, but they were thwarted every time. It was only natural. Demonic energy was a calamity that even immortals couldn't handle; how could a mere human overcome it?
The result was as predictable as a moth flying into a flame.
Since the outcome is so obvious, what was I thinking when I put my faith in him?
Is it because of the Magic Stones?
Stephan had been captivated by those stones; he had smelled the scent of profit. But his father, Herman, had not. Tilda and Murchit also seemed uninterested in the items. If they had smelled profit, they would have been desperate to interfere or seize them by any means necessary.
Stephan asked himself: Am I the one who’s wrong?
He wanted to believe in himself, but he knew his own nature. He tended to stumble after becoming arrogant, convinced that he was being objective. His father, Herman Pascal, had always made sure Stephan saw the miserable ends of such merchants with his own eyes. As a merchant who had grasped wealth and as a father, he was advising Stephan.
Am I being arrogant? Am I so blinded that he only looks like a savior to me? Is he just another con artist?
The thought that he might end up just like those who died believing in their own hype wouldn't leave his mind. Was he a man prepared to stake his life on this?
He was afraid. He was afraid of being unable to leave the Empire because of the transit taxes and slowly dying within its borders. He needed something to make him forget that fear.
Alcohol? Women?
Or...
“My Lo—!”
“Gah! You scared me! What?! Why!? What!?”
“We’ve arrived, My Lord! Please, pull yourself together!”
“What? We’re at Valdrova Castle? In just a few minutes?”
“What are you talking about? It’s been four days.”
He had been in a daze for four whole days. Because he hadn't washed properly, he smelled, and his high-end tunic was stained yellow with sweat.
Why did I come here?
He realized the question was strange. Hadn't he come here to find the answer to that very question?
Stephan walked through the inner castle and sought out Ferda. He found him with the chief researcher, Burnell. They seemed to have just finished a conversation.
“What is it?” Ferda asked.
“Uh, well...”
What had he intended to say when he got here? Only one phrase was swirling in Stephan’s mind: ‘I’m backing out.’
Because he couldn't trust himself and feared becoming a beggar, he was going to cut his losses here. He was about to say it, but Ferda beat him to the punch.
“I have some good news. The President of Escoleia made a major proposal to Burnell.”
At those words, a different sentence rose up his throat.
“O-Oh? What kind of proposal?”
“He offered the main slot at the exhibition to be held in Halim in two weeks.”
Stephan felt as if he had been struck over the head. The fog cleared, and a single ray of light poured in.
“Congratulations! Being the main feature at the Escoleia exhibition is a massive deal, isn't it?! That’s what I’ve heard!”
“Yes. It is indeed an honor sought by every scholar,” Burnell replied.
Being recognized among those picky scholars carried great weight. It would draw the attention of merchants, and nine times out of ten, it meant serious money.
“We can’t just let this pass! How about we eat, drink, and celebrate today?”
“Haha, I feel like we might be counting our chickens before they hatch...”
“So what!? I’ll throw a grand banquet even if I have to pay for it out of my own pocket! Hahaha!!”
Stephan laughed loudly. His gestures were exaggerated and unlike his usual self, but the others brushed it off, assuming he was simply overjoyed by the news.
“Stephan.”
“Yes?”
“Weren't you going to say something?”
At Ferda’s question, Stephan scratched his head and replied.
“Ah, that... I just came to say let’s do our best! Haha!”
The fog covering Stephan’s mind was gone.
I’ll trust myself. Even if I end up a beggar.
He would move forward without regrets.
* * *
A week later, Iorga and Valdrova officially declared an alliance.
The Serdes Continent was turned upside down.
The Guardian Dragon and the Evil Dragon were like oil and water. Although they had exchanged opinions several times through the Grand Council, their conflicts always ended without resolution.
An alliance between such an Evil Dragon and a Guardian Dragon? Doubts grew that the Iorga side was under some sort of delusion.
Her position was as follows:
— “Although Valdrova caused secondary damage, her Regent has shown a will to liquidate the past and conquer the Land of Demons. Thus, I support his intent and have decided to join him.”
On the surface, it was the most noble-sounding excuse. Her support lent weight to the declaration of the ambitious young Regent.
Even so, public opinion mostly held that the conquest would fail.
— “Even if the Tower Master of the Blue Eye supports it...”
— “How could a mere human succeed in a purification project where everyone else has failed?”
Since Godwin’s death, no one had approached the Land of Demons, and those who did had all died. However, there were more than a few people who placed their hopes in Ferda’s vision.
— “Perhaps a conquest of the Far East is truly possible?”
— “Reclaiming the beautiful lands of the Far East that only exist in history books would be a monumental achievement.”
Regardless, the wind had begun to blow. For a lonely, drifting sailboat, any wind was a fair wind.
* * *
Halim.
It was known as a city of gambling and entertainment, a place Ferda had visited once to recruit Jed. Now, he was visiting again for the exhibition.
The difference this time was that Ruri was not accompanying him. There were already enough people around Ferda, and another Dragon Spawn was stationed at the inner castle.
Ruri still harbored a small belief that Isabella had come to commit sabotage. Since there was no harm in keeping her in check, Ferda left Ruri behind.
Ruri had only one short thing to say as she saw him off.
“Do not gamble.”
“Aren't we short on funds? It’s the perfect place to pull in some money—”
“Do. Not. Do. It.”
Her silver eyes glared with murderous intent. It looked as if a Magic Blast might pour out at any moment. Seeing her like that made him feel a surge of defiance. What kind of face would she make if he blew their entire fortune?
Since he didn't have two lives to spare, he had no choice but to carve those words into his heart as he headed for Halim.
Stephan had returned early to prepare the props needed for the main presentation and agreed to meet them in Halim. Burnell was in the carriage, organizing the presentation materials, unable to relax for even a second. Since it was such an important occasion, Ferda spared no expense in supporting him, creating an environment where he didn't have to worry about anything else.
The other companions were the knights, Jed and Malcolm.
“Hwaaaah, I’m really going to be okay, right? It’s fine, right?”
And Penelope. She was wailing like a marmot on a prairie.
They arrived at the entrance of Halim and were about to go through the entry procedures. They were just one step away from the magic circle that protected Halim.
“It’s fine, so let go of my arm, you wench.”
Jed shoved Penelope’s head away, trying to force her off him. She clung to him desperately, refusing to stop whining.
“I heard when I was in Hell! Demons can’t enter Halim! They say your body melts if you try to go in! My half-brother actually died like that!”
“I’m telling you, it’s fine! That’s just a load of crap they told you to scare you. Just trust me and walk in.”
“It’s really okay? I won’t die?”
Jed didn't want to go back and forth anymore and shut his mouth. Instead, he grabbed Penelope, who was holding his arm tightly, and dragged her forward.
Penelope began to howl like a cat being dragged into water.
“Aaaah! What are you doing!? No, I don’t want to die! I don’t want to dieeee—ugh, my stomach is turning... Huh? Nothing’s happening?”
The moment she stepped inside the magic circle, Penelope confirmed there was no problem. Her tearful, wailing expression vanished instantly. She stood up straight, looking bored.
“Human magic circles aren't much after all.”
“...”
Jed looked at her with pathetic eyes. The others felt the same.
Was bringing her a mistake?
Penelope possessed Sitri’s Life Vessel. To be safe, Ferda had brought her along to keep her where he could see her. Furthermore, he didn't fully trust her yet. He had worried that bringing a demon along might cause a scene, but it turned out to be an unnecessary concern.
By absorbing Sitri’s Life Vessel, she had gained a special ability: she couldn't be detected by most demon-sensing magic. As long as she maintained her human skin, she was essentially human.
And she was the one being noisy.
He expected her to be frivolous and loud, but she exceeded his expectations. She was like a storm—the type of person who caused incidents just by standing still. How did Sitri lose her Life Vessel to someone like this?
Still, there must be something to her.
Everything had a reason. Ferda asked Penelope, not wanting to overlook anything.
“Tell me about your abilities. Since you’re a descendant of Sitri, do you handle illusion magic?”
“Yes, just some light illusions and magic for trickery.”
“An Arcane Trickster, then.”
“Oh, that name sounds cool! Yes, exactly that.”
As she nodded triumphantly, Jed snorted.
“Arcane Trickster, my foot. She’s a trouble-maker.”
“What did you say!?”
Her pale pink eyes glared at Jed. Jed didn't back down and shoved his face toward hers.
“Did I say something wrong? There isn't a single quiet day when I’m with you!”
“That’s not my fault! Who told you to catch that witch’s eye? Isn't it because you go around hitting on every woman you see!?”
“You think I did that because I wanted to? I know well enough which ones I shouldn't touch!”
The two of them bickered loudly. Leaving them behind, Ferda considered the abilities Penelope and Jed possessed. An Arcane Trickster, Penelope, and a Great Thief, Jed.
“One way or another, you two seem to suit each other well.”
“Pardon?”
Jed looked at Ferda as if he were speaking nonsense.
“I’m sorry, but could you please not lump me in with this brain-dead crybaby?”
“Isn't she the type of woman you like?”
“You’re making me sound like someone who’ll pick up anything. I refuse to hang around a walking disaster who causes accidents just by existing.”
“I don’t want to be lumped in with this violent man either! I like women. And only beautiful ones! I want to suck the essence out of beauties without restraint!”
“You sucked my essence just yesterday, what are you talking about?”
“I have to eat too, don’t I? Eat! I only take a tiny bit, just enough to maintain myself in this realm! That’s why I can stay looking human like this!”
So noisy.
Ferda decided to retract his previous statement.
“If you want, I’ll help you find new partners.”
“Eh?”
“What?”
The two who had been acting like they were going to eat each other just a moment ago began to make subtle expressions at those words. What was wrong with them?
“Ahem, well, for now, I’d like to keep things as they are.”
“Why?”
“It’s hard to find another handsome guy with this much game to help me seduce beauties...”
He decided to let Penelope’s reason slide, but he couldn't grasp Jed’s reasoning.
“She sucks their essence and then erases the memories of the girls I seduce, so...”
Hearing that, Ferda realized he had been mistaken.
They’re both cut from the same cloth.
A match made in heaven. They should never be allowed to break up.
* * *
The Escoleia exhibition was being held in an entire casino in Halim that had been rented out. It was one of the largest casinos in the city of entertainment, a suitable place to accommodate many nobles, merchants, and scholars.
When Ferda arrived, it was the first day of the exhibition, just as the opening preparations were being finalized.
“Oh, Regent! Did you arrive safely?”
Stephan, who had been lingering nearby, walked over and greeted Ferda politely.
“I did. And you?”
“I’ve been fine. I’ve set up the exhibition booth as planned. Would you like to take a look?”
“That’s why I’m here, isn't it?”
Stephan led the way. Ferda took a general look at how the exhibition was being run. Scholars had their items displayed in booths, and merchants and nobles could see them as they passed by. The scholars participating in the exhibition were all burning with competitive spirit.
What researchers always lacked was money. This exhibition was a crucial moment that would determine if they could continue their research. The ones who provided that money were the merchants and nobles visiting the exhibition. If he was lucky, Ferda could also become their sponsor.
Ferda glanced at the scholars’ items starting from the entrance.
Nothing particularly catching my eye.
Most of what he saw were items that only existed in theory or had low commercial value. That was likely why they were relegated to the outskirts. However, as he moved toward the center of the exhibition, the booths grew larger and the items more extravagant. Among them were things that would be useful in the future.
Burnell’s booth was in the center. Built with the power of the Pascal Trading Company, it was as grand as the large booths sponsored by major corporations.
“How is it?”
“Well made.”
“Right? I brought in our decoration experts to build it, haha.”
As eye-catching as it was, it drew a lot of attention. The booth was ready, but the items to be displayed were not yet there. They were waiting because Ferda was supposed to bring them.
“By the way, where are the Magic Stones we need to prepare?”
“Burnell seems to have them. Where did he go?”
“I think he went to the lodging first.”
“Without a word?”
Had he gone to get some sleep before the main stage, since he hadn't slept properly for days? Having been by his side, Ferda knew how hard Burnell had worked.
“I’ll go and get them.”
“No, I’ll go.”
Thinking he had nothing else to do anyway, Ferda decided to go himself. Despite Stephan’s attempts to stop him, he steadfastly made his way toward the lodging.
Contrary to his expectation that Burnell would be passed out in his room, he found him in the hallway leading to the lodging. President Bernard, the host of the exhibition, was also there.
The two were in the middle of a deep conversation, and Ferda overheard them.
“Burnell Marquis,” President Bernard said, looking at Burnell. “I cannot hide my disappointment in you.”