Chapter 81
Chapter 81
-----------------------------------------------------------------
Translator: uly
Chapter: 81
Chapter Title: Reincarnated as the Plum Blossom Sword Master in the Count's Family
-----------------------------------------------------------------
"Young Master Eugene. What brings you here?"
I looked at the old butler standing straight in front of me.
Hasent Portan.
He was the head butler of the Crokus family, holding the rank of baron.
In his sixties, with snow-white hair neatly combed back from his forehead. His face was etched with unavoidable wrinkles, but not a single crease could be found in the black butler uniform he wore.
Hasent had served as a butler for the Crokus Count family since the time of the previous family head. No one—not even the current family head or the vassals—could treat him lightly.
'He's also an assassin who silently carried out the previous family head's dirty work.'
He was once the master of the now-defunct assassin guild 'Fatal Sting'.
'In the original story, he's described as incredibly strong, but he retires without much action.'
The reason for his retirement is simply old age. After that, he's never even mentioned in the original story.
"Head Butler Hasent. I have a favor to ask."
Hasent was a neutral figure uninterested in the family's internal politics, but he couldn't be ignored. The thought of turning him into an enemy by earning his displeasure... was too horrifying to contemplate.
"Me, you say?"
"Yes. The truth is, while reading in the study... I learned Head Butler Hasent's true identity."
I tensed up here. He might show displeasure. But contrary to my expectations, Hasent didn't even twitch an eyebrow. He simply nodded calmly.
"I see."
It was a plain response. So emotionless it made me wonder if he felt anything at all.
But his next words startled me.
"Do you wish to become an assassin, Young Master Eugene?"
"...Pardon?"
"I sensed a faint assassin's aura in your gait. My apologies if I was mistaken."
It wasn't a mistake.
Lately, I'd been moving around applying the Young Heaven Style's Shadow Step technique. Jin Se-young had taught it to me as a way to train in daily life. The training effects seemed minimal, so I'd been thinking of quitting.
"...It's true I'm interested in assassins, but that's not why I called you."
"Then what is the reason?"
"Do you know much about the underworld?"
"...Young Master. The underworld is no good place. Is there someone you wish to have killed?"
Hasent said the grim words without changing his expression.
"No, nothing like that. Personally, I'd like to use an information guild."
At my words, a subtle change flickered in Hasent's eyes. The first I'd ever seen from him.
"......Information guilds are no paradise. Just being associated with them can lead to scandals."
I knew that.
They were guilds that dealt in information, or so they claimed. In reality, they were criminal syndicates. If word spread that a noble used an information guild, it would stain their reputation.
'The funny thing is, they all use them discreetly. Some nobles even sponsor them outright.'
The conclusion: as long as you don't get caught, it's fine.
"I know. But isn't there anywhere more convenient than an information guild? Head Butler, this mansion feels suffocating. I want to know about the outside world."
"If you wish, the servants can tell you stories of the outside. We could also summon adventurers or mercenaries to hear their tales."
"Those would be shallow, superficial stories. I want to know even the deep secrets of the world."
"......"
The butler looked at me. His gray eyes were sharp as a honed dagger.
"......Understood. Since you wish to use an information guild... I'll go there myself and purchase the information you desire."
"You'll go personally? Attaching one butler to me would suffice."
"Regrettably, few of the butlers under me are truly trustworthy. It's better if I handle it myself."
It was an unexpected statement. But I nodded soon enough.
Of course he was more reliable than most others.
"However, using an information guild requires a considerable sum."
"Will this do?"
I pulled a money pouch from my pocket. I slightly opened it to show him the contents. Inside sparkled gold coins and silver-blue coins.
One gold coin was 500,000 ner, one silver-blue coin 300,000 ner.
Eight gold coins. Four silver-blue coins. Totaling 5.2 million ner.
Considering a middle-class monthly income was around 2.5 million ner, it was a hefty sum.
"Quite a large amount. May I ask the source?"
"I sold items I invented to the knights of the Plun Knight Order."
Cigarettes and beer. Cigarettes especially were more popular than expected. 50,000 ner per pack.
'In real-world money, that's like selling a pack for about 80,000 won.'
It was an absurd price to me, but the knights bought them without complaint. This world had no cigarettes, so they didn't know the fair price.
'I could have sold them for more. But cigarettes aren't just for knights—they'll sell to middle-class customers too...'
Once addicted, cigarettes were endless profit. Ideally, they'd smoke ten packs a day.
"...This should get you decent information. What do you seek?"
"I want the current state of affairs in our Rapelli Kingdom and information on the Helbrite Duke family."
"Kingdom affairs are fine, but... with this amount, Helbrite Duke family info will be limited to public knowledge."
"That's enough."
That's exactly what I wanted. I had no interest in the kingdom's hidden secrets. They wouldn't help much now. Besides, I already knew most things from the original story.
The magic tower could wait.
"Understood."
"Oh, and I want to hire someone."
"Someone?"
"A professional torturer."
"......Pardon?"
Hasent's eyes widened round. My request must have truly surprised him.
"I want to hire a torturer. Personally, not on behalf of the count family."
"Is there... some need for a torturer?"
"There might be."
"...This must be reported to Madam."
"I'll tell Mother myself."
I'd get an earful, but no issue. Noble families of a certain stature always had torturers.
Of course, the Crokus Count family had one too. But he wasn't at the mansion currently—he was at Uturen Castle in the frontier with family head Crokus Count.
"Understood. Any other orders?"
"I want the locations of Artel Village and the Ppfrek Mercenary Corps."
"Unfamiliar names."
"Artel Village is a fugitive village on the outermost edge of the Abyss Flood area."
"A fugitive village? You seem to know it well, Young Master."
"......Just heard the name in passing."
I brushed it off vaguely. Hasent didn't pry and nodded.
"Understood. But we'll need more funds."
"How much more?"
"Depends on the Ppfrek Mercenary Corps' strength."
"They're not impressive. C-rank at best."
"Then about 3 million ner more."
"Here."
I immediately pulled out another money pouch. It held 5 million ner. Combined with what I'd given Hasent earlier, it was my entire fortune.
"3 million should suffice."
"Keep the rest, Head Butler."
Money could be earned anytime. Gaining his favor for a few million ner was a bargain.
"I cannot. I'll return the exact change."
No dice.
"Oh, Head Butler. I heard there's a dungeon near the knight training grounds."
"There is, but... it hasn't been used since 40 years ago."
I'd originally planned to sneak in alone using Illuster. But the entrance was locked, and Hasent held the key.
"I'd like to see it."
"It's cleaned occasionally, but only perfunctorily. Not very hygienic."
"I just want a quick look around. The dungeon's the only place in the mansion I haven't seen."
"......"
Hasent eyed me suspiciously. I'd just said I wanted a torturer under me, and now the dungeon too... It was natural to suspect.
"......Very well. But take one butler with you."
"Thank you, Head Butler."
???
"Young Master Eugene. You're just looking around, right? If you linger, I'll report you to Master Hasent."
A young butler said this at the dungeon entrance. He looked barely 17, trembling in fear.
I understood. The underground dungeon door, neglected, exuded a chilling aura.
"Got it. I just want a quick look and leave."
"You promised."
The young butler inserted the key and unlocked the door. Grunting, he pushed open the heavy iron gate. Surprisingly strong.
Stairs leading down appeared. Pitch black, without proper light.
"Ugh. I was here two years ago, and nothing's changed."
The butler descended slowly, lamp in hand.
Squeak squeak.
A rat, startled by the humans, scurried out.
"Eek!"
The butler screamed in fright.
I clicked my tongue briefly. Why did Hasent assign me this klutz? Was he messing with me? Had I offended him?
"Y-Young Master. It's dangerous, so h-how about holding hands?"
The butler turned and asked. I waved him off, meaning get on with it.
"Hurry up."
I said irritably, frowning. Hold hands with a guy? As if I'd lost my mind.
"Ugh..."
The butler made a tearful face and pressed on.
The deeper we went, the more oppressive the atmosphere. Ventilation was decent, but poor maintenance meant bugs and rats everywhere. Especially cockroaches and spiders on walls and floors.
Even occasional cleanings were half-hearted. It wasn't used anyway.
'The territory has separate guard posts and courthouse dungeons.'
Most criminals were handled there. No prisons like in modern times. Heinous ones executed, minor offenses fined. Borderline cases demoted to slaves.
'From a noble's view, slavery's ideal. Labor's a precious resource.'
I hadn't come to sightsee. I sought an ancient relic deep in this dungeon.
'Originally, protagonist Kyle Crokus gets it first.'
I planned to keep it and lend it to Kyle at key original story points. It was important for him.
'Can't make Kyle an unstoppable munchkin.'
Without his combat power, though, he was useless. He needed strength to rival firstborn Zent.
'When they clash, I reap the benefits as the fisherman. Kuhuhu~! Perfect plan!'
I could already envision the Crokus territory in my hands.
First, issue wild claim rights in Crokus Count's name, claim every beauty in the territory...
"Young Master! You've seen enough, right? Can we go back?"
My fantasy halted. I glared irritably at the butler.
"We haven't reached the end yet. Keep going."
The deeper in, the filthier it got. Proof of sloppy servant cleanings.
Soon, we arrived at the deepest cell.
The one where original Kyle gets imprisoned. Currently the largest cell.
The rusted bars were unlocked, ajar. Questionable if it could hold anyone.
'Well, original Kyle's just nominally locked up.'
I stepped inside.
"Young Master?!"
"No, just wondering what it feels like. Come in too. It's an odd sensation."
"N-No, I'll wait here."
The terrified butler shook his head. I smirked and headed to the corner. Thankfully, out of the lamp's light.
'There should be a crack in the wall.'
Found it.
I slipped my small hand into the crack, pocketed the tiny key inside.
"So this is what a dungeon looks like~. Got the idea. Let's head back."