Hacker Castle (1)
Jeong-jae's journey was remarkably comfortable. Jenis's scouting magic ensured not just safety but genuine comfort as well, and they were treated to meals worthy of the continent's premier noble house.
Jenis boasted endlessly—about how she'd already mastered practical and household magic, how she was always prepared as a mage—as if advertising her potential as an exemplary lord's aide. But Jeong-jae figured she had plenty of strengths without needing to try so hard.
After spending the night at the Hacker family's villa, they set off the next day and soon reached the border of Hacker County.
"I'm Abraham Hacker. Do you need proof?"
The count swept aside the blue cloth covering the carriage and addressed the border guard. The soldier approached with unwavering poise, spear in hand.
"If you don't mind, could I see your insignia?"
At the guard's request, the count pulled a necklace bearing a white cross from his pocket and handed it over. The soldier examined it thoroughly before returning it with a crisp salute.
"My apologies, my lord! Welcome back to the territory!"
"Thank you. Let us pass."
As the count finished speaking, the blue cloth automatically draped back over the carriage windows—thanks, of course, to Jenis's magic. Inside, they could still see the guard standing at rigid attention.
"Tight security," Jeong-jae remarked with genuine admiration. He knew full well how ordinary troops reacted to high-ranking officers. "Verifying a lord's identity at the border can't be simple."
The count shrugged.
"Last time, I dismissed and imprisoned two guards who tried to wave me through without checking. These days, such measures don't feel wasteful."
"That's... a tragedy of the times."
Jeong-jae understood the necessity, but he couldn't help pitying those two soldiers.
Seeing his expression, the count chuckled heartily and clapped his shoulder.
"Don't worry too much. It was only three months. Enough to instill discipline without overdoing it. I warned them that a repeat offense would cost their heads."
"They'll inspect thoroughly just to avoid facing you, even more than fearing disguised intruders."
"Exactly what I want."
The enemy was the Demon King's army. Sneaking spies into the rear or sabotaging supply lines was child's play for them. Rigorous—no, exhaustive—checks were essential. They couldn't guarantee total safety, but it beat doing nothing.
The carriage rumbled along the main road through the territory toward the distant, imposing castle. Arriving before dinner as planned, the streets bustled with people. Jeong-jae half-expected them to salute the count like in other domains, but while passersby glanced curiously at the carriage, none bowed or showed formal respect.
"Quite a free atmosphere," Jeong-jae said approvingly.
The count seemed to grasp what he meant from the way Jeong-jae peered out the window.
"Bowing habitually just because a carriage passes by would be a problem. Too much empty ritual breeds unnecessary habits."
"Did you throw someone in prison for saluting the carriage?"
The count burst into laughter at Jeong-jae's jest.
"No, I just said it wasn't necessary. Forcing people to do something requires punishment, but freeing them from a hassle? No need for that."
As they chatted, the carriage pulled up to the moat before the castle gates. The coachman halted the horses, and Jenis snapped her fingers—the covering cloth lifted, and the door swung wide open.
Jeong-jae stepped out slowly. Jenis exited from the opposite side, and once the count followed, the coachman gave a quick bow and drove off.
"Impressive moat. Not especially deep, though. Any special mechanisms?"
Jeong-jae eyed the roughly twenty-meter-wide defensive trench and turned to the count. He'd imagined spikes or spears jutting from the bottom, but the count tilted his head and glanced at Jenis.
"Don't you know, Jenis?"
"Of course! This one's my handiwork too. When I cast the spell, the water turns to hydrochloric acid in an instant, melting anything that enters! Perfect if you trigger it when enemies are halfway across!"
Jenis explained with innocent cheer. It was clearly advanced magic, sparking Jeong-jae's curiosity. He summoned scouting magic circles in both hands and peered through at the moat water.
Confirming her words, he let out an impressed whistle.
"The Magic Tower must regret you not joining because you're a noble lady, Jenis."
"You saw through it? But I set up anti-scouting wards too..."
Jenis pouted, a touch disappointed. Startled, Jeong-jae blinked and examined his own circles. Traces of the shattered anti-scouting magic clung to the edges like wisps of smoke—he'd broken it unconsciously just by deploying his spell.
"This must be it."
He plucked out a smoky strand and held it before her eyes. Jenis gaped and nodded vigorously.
"Did you do it on purpose?"
"If I'd known, I would've stopped midway. Sorry. I'll fix it."
The count, overhearing, nodded with a pleased smile.
"Breaking my daughter's wards without even noticing... Even the greatest mages can't match a baron's skill."
"No contest. Honestly, I'm shocked."
Jeong-jae neatly restored the anti-scouting magic, then shot Jenis an apologetic look. He meant every word. She was a prodigy without peer among her peers. It was just that his own otherworldly talent—gained crossing to this world—was absurdly overpowering. He'd shattered the Demon King's strongest barriers with casual scouting; breaking a spell from a barely twenty-something noble debutante was no surprise.
"Don't sweat it, Professor! I already knew I couldn't match you. If anything, I'm thrilled—living with you means I'll learn so much!"
The phrasing—"living with you"—felt a bit off, technically accurate but oddly intimate. Still, pleased by her enthusiasm, Jeong-jae nodded.
While they geeked out over the moat wards, the count had raised his family insignia necklace high for the guards across the way, securing passage. They lowered the drawbridge and opened the gates.
The count stepped onto the bridge first, followed by Jenis and Jeong-jae. The guards saluted as they passed. The count returned a casual nod before entering the castle proper. The gates shut behind them.
They stood in the main entry hall. It screamed austerity—no lavish decorations, just a stark, spartan vibe that made even the Caprice Castle's grand hall seem like an amusement park by comparison. The only "ornament" was a wall mounted with heads of orcs, werewolves, and assorted demonkin—hardly a touch that softened the gloom; if anything, it amplified the eerie chill.
Not abandoned, but like some demon might dwell here. Most would find it oppressive, but Jeong-jae rather liked it. The capital's Magic Tower felt too modern, almost contemporary, leaving him perpetually on edge. This place evoked gothic serenity—perfect for solitary reflection in quiet hours. And with evening nearing, sunlight through the high windows would surely brighten it.
Perhaps the count's reputation for unique dignity stemmed from thriving in such a merciless domain.
Polite to praise a host's home on a first visit, Jeong-jae racked his brain to avoid "It's so gloomy, I love it."
"Great for focused reading."
Not his best, but it was careful. The count laughed good-naturedly and clapped his shoulder.
"No need to force compliments! I'm sick of this place myself—thinking of moving. Bad memories, you know."
"You raised me here, Dad?"
"You don't hate it."
"Of course not. Perfect for studying. Think I aced everything for nothing?"
Jenis winked at Jeong-jae with a conspiratorial glint. He debated winking back but settled for a nod—better safe than awkward.
"Right, let's unpack first. They should've anticipated my return around now, so dinner's probably ready."
Jenis nodded eagerly.
"Home-cooked meal in ages. What's for dinner?"
"Dried mountain goat."
"On a day like this? That's too much!"
"Kidding. With such a distinguished guest, we'll set a proper table."
The scariest part of the count's joke was Jenis taking it in stride, like dried goat was normal fare. Was this the empire's elite nobility diet? Jeong-jae knew nobles devoured spice-crusted meats when fresh steak was scarce, but dried meat for dinner? The Hackers had frugality verging on cult status. Better than tax-gobbling wastrels, but maybe every empire-shaping figure needed a screw loose somewhere.
"Jenis, show the baron to his room—second floor, prepared already. You know where."
"Yes, Father! Leave it to me!"
As Jeong-jae spiraled into trivial musings, Jenis tugged his sleeve toward the stairs.
"This way, Professor. I'll show you your room for tonight!"