Chapter 62
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Translator: 8uhl
Chapter: 62
Chapter Title: Confinement (2)
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3.
Two full years had passed since Karron was placed under confinement.
One day, as summer was drawing to a close.
A young noble arrived at the train station in Azure Castle.
Welcome to Azure Castle, Lord Rohan Bellus.
Rohan Bellus, the master of the Bellus Barony, smiled at the old butler who greeted him.
Head Butler Heinrich, thank you for the warm welcome.
The Third Young Master sends his apologies for not being able to greet you himself.
He is a very busy man, so I understand completely. It is my fault for not arranging our meeting sooner.
Thank you for your understanding. Allow me to escort you to Azure Castle. I have a car prepared.
Heinrich led Rohan to a car parked outside the station.
The automobile, a mode of transport currently in vogue in the capital.
Vrooom.
The cars mana engine vibrated softly, and soon, the vehicle began to move.
Rohan gazed out the window at the scenery of Azure Castle.
A residential district nestled behind high castle walls.
The area had always been populous, but it had undergone a radical transformation in recent years.
Compared to two years ago, when it had a somewhat insular atmosphere, Azure Castle was now unrecognizable.
Construction was underway everywhere, and crowds of people bustled about.
Its changing so quickly.
All these changes had begun two years ago, right after Grand Duke Halos visit to the capital.
For nearly fifty years, the Leston Ducal Family had not projected its power outward.
But after the monumental incident of the succubus appearing in the Imperial Palace, the Leston Ducal Family began to reveal its strength in earnest.
Their first move was to solidify relationships with the neighboring territories.
Unlike the territories in the prosperous eastern or southern regions of the Empire, those in the west and north were situated in relatively harsh environments.
The Leston Ducal Family readily extended a hand to them, simultaneously binding them into a single economic bloc.
At the same time, they launched various ventures with the Tebe Autonomous Dominion, rapidly expanding their distribution networks, and actively dispatched the Sea Wolf Knights across the Empire to broaden their influence.
Their progress was relentless.
Through these actions, the Leston Ducal Family grew at a staggering pace, and in just two years, they had become the family wielding the most substantial power in the capital.
The speed of their ascent made their past decades of non-intervention in the Empires internal affairs seem like a distant memory.
Rohan knew that the man who had orchestrated it all was Halos third son, Peil Leston.
Its true what they saida tiger does not father a dog. There was a reason the son was so incredible; the father himself was no ordinary man
He also recalled the face of Peils son, Karron, the boy who had saved his domain.
Karron Leston, a name that had set the capital ablaze for a time.
For some reason, Rohan hadnt heard any stories of him leaving Azure Castle for the past two years.
But the boy Rohan had met, Karron Leston, was undeniably a being that even the word monster failed to describe.
The Bellus Barony was now enjoying the greatest prosperity in its history, all thanks to the mana stone mine.
In fact, when he thought about it, all this good fortune had begun after that young boys visit.
I was lucky.
Rohan nodded with a smile.
It had already been a year since he inherited the title from his father.
After passing on the barony last year, his father was now enjoying his retirement, exercising in the castle.
Thanks to him, Rohan was saddled with all sorts of tedious work, but he had no complaints.
Seeing his domain develop day by day filled his heart with such satisfaction that he felt full even without eating.
His reason for visiting Azure Castle today was also related to his domains business.
He was preparing to not only sell mana stones but also to process them directly.
We have arrived.
The car had passed through the residential and commercial districts and had now reached the inner castle, where the Sea Wolf Knights and other members of the Leston Ducal Family resided.
Rohan stepped out of the car with a bright expression.
Thank you.
After thanking the old butler who had guided him, he let out a gasp of admiration as he looked around.
Banners bearing the emblem of a blue wolf hung everywhere, and the buildings were tinged with a faint azure light.
And then there were the Sea Wolf Knights, standing motionless guard atop the inner walls.
It was a scene that never failed to inspire a sense of awe.
Heinrich bowed politely to Rohan, who was taking in the sights of Azure Castle.
From here, someone else will be your guide. Ah, it seems they are approaching now.
Hm?
Rohan turned his head in the direction Heinrich was looking.
A boy was walking toward them from a distance.
Blond hair that shimmered in the sunlight.
He looked to be well over 170 centimeters tall, with long, slender arms and legs.
The boy, whose striking features immediately caught the eye, waved at Rohan.
Lord Baroooon!
Rohan had no trouble recognizing who the boy was.
Lord Karron!
He smiled and waved back at the boy.
A moment later, the boy reached him and grabbed his hand, shaking it vigorously as he spoke.
Its been so long, hasn't it?
Haha The last time I saw you was when you were returning from the capital, so its been a whole two years. Every time I visited, you were in the training hall, so I never got to see you. Have you been well?
As you can see. Ive grown a lot, havent I?
From a distance, I almost didnt recognize you.
Youve gotten good at lying, I see.
Haha! Im serious. If I had a daughter, I would immediately offer her to you, Lord Karron
As he spoke those words, Rohan found himself trailing off.
Anyone could see that Karron was growing up well. It wasn't just his handsome features. The aura he exuded was completely different from two years ago.
Just facing him was naturally overwhelming.
But Rohan knew Karrons true nature.
No matter how much his exterior changed, could his essence have changed as well?
Oh, right. Lord Rohan. That thing I asked for
Before his visit to Azure Castle, Karron had requested something through a communication device.
Rohan glanced around before discreetly handing Karron something wrapped in elegant paper.
The Veron 21-year you requested.
Ahh, this is it. Youre the best, Lord Baron.
Karron quickly tucked it into his coat before anyone could see. Then, he grinned and spoke.
By the way, how is the former Baron doing?
He is well, of course.
Thats good to hear. Please tell him Ill pay him a visit once my confinement is over. The Bellus Barony is my precious vault no, my precious friend, after all.
Yes. Indeed it is.
As expected, a persons true nature doesnt change so easily.
Rohan smiled faintly as he watched Karrons smooth act.
Still the same madman after two yearsthis was the Karron he remembered.
Karron gave Rohan a wide grin.
Well, lets go. Ill guide you to my father via the fastest route. Just so you know, this isn't a service I offer to just anyone.
Even after two years, Karron was still Karron.
4.
In Peils new office, set up in Azure Castle.
Amidst mountains of documents piled on his desk, Peil rose from his seat to greet his guest.
I apologize for not being able to greet you myself, Baron Bellus. As you can see, I was swamped with work and committed a discourtesy. Please forgive me.
Not at all. Lord Karron personally guided me, so it was no trouble. Please dont worry about it.
Did Karron happen to cause you any trouble?
Come on, Father. What do you take me for!
Son.
Yes.
Sometimes I regret bringing you to Azure Castle No. Forget what I just said. Baron Bellus? Please, have a seat here.
Peil offered Rohan a chair.
Rohan managed a strained smile as he sat down.
Clink.
As soon as he was seated, Peil personally poured him a cup of tea.
Well, Ive already reviewed the letter you sent. You mentioned you are preparing a mana stone processing business.
Yes, that is correct. I believe we cannot rely solely on the mana stone mine forever.
But there should be enough to mine for at least thirty years.
Shouldnt we also think about the future, thirty years from now?
At Rohans words, Peil took a sip of his tea and slowly nodded.
A wise decision.
There are many precedents of territories that relied solely on resources collapsing overnight. I do not wish to follow that same path.
The business of processing mana stones to create various artifacts was a lucrative one.
Two things were needed to start such a venture.
First, a stable supply of mana stones.
The mana stones mined in the Bellus Barony were of sufficient quality for artifact creation. Thus, supply was not an issue.
The real problem was the next step.
The issue is where to find magitech engineers and other processing technicians
Technicians with the skills to process mana stones.
These individuals, known as the most specialized of professionals, were not easy to come by.
Most technicians within the Empire were already employed by nobles who ran mana stone processing businesses, or by the Magic Tower.
With Baron Belluss connections, at least, acquiring such high-level personnel was simply impossible.
The reason Rohan had come to Azure Castle was to find a solution to this very problem.
I cant seem to find a viable way to secure the personnel. Ive inquired with my informants in Tebe, but they too expressed difficulty.
They are highly sought-after professionals Its only natural they are hard to find.
Just as Peil was stroking his chin and sinking into thought, Karron, who had been listening quietly, spoke up.
Lord Baron. Why are you so intent on finding personnel from within the Empire?
It was generally considered rude for a child to interrupt a conversation between adults.
But Peil listened to Karron in silence. Karron had both the right and the intellect to participate in this discussion.
What do you mean by that?
Rohans eyes sparkled as he looked at Karron.
He had a feeling that Karron might just propose some brilliant idea.
There are already many established mana stone processing companies within the Empire, right? In that situation, poaching high-level personnel isnt easy. Of course, if you really want to, Lord Baron there is the option of using force.
Force, you say? In what way
We could just go to one of the existing companies, draw our swords, and demand they hand over their people. It would cause a stir, but could they really refuse if we said we were taking them?
That is far too drastic. If the business is only possible through such means, I would rather devise a different plan. I do not wish for the Leston Ducal Family to be put in a difficult position because of our ambition.
Hey, the Bellus Barony is our duchys reliable money
Karron started to say with a grin, but then his eyes met Peils. He cleared his throat a few times.
Ahem. Anyway, its not like this is for one persons gain. Were all in this to make money together, so whats the big deal?
Even so, using force to subdue them is
Theres another way for the peace-lover in you.
Karron said, spreading a map across the table.
It was a map detailing the geography of the continent.
The Empire was located in the northern part of the map. Karron pointed his finger below the Empire.
If its hard to find people domestically, we can just find them abroad, cant we?
Are you referring to the southern kingdoms?
Yes. Their technicians might be less skilled than the Empires, but we can just provide them with additional training.
The various kingdoms located south of the Empire.
Just as it had been two years ago, the wars between the kingdoms had not yet ended.
As a result, refugees were still continuously flowing into the southern part of the Empire.
In other words, the political situation in the southern kingdoms was still abysmal.
Lets send someone to recruit mana stone processing technicians from the southern kingdoms, shall we? If we guarantee their safety and promise them better treatment, that should be enough.
Mana stone processing is a core technology. Even if they are southern kingdoms, would they let their technicians go so easily?
Come on, wed have to move in secret, obviously. It should be easy to infiltrate since theyre in the middle of a war anyway.
At Karrons words, Rohan once again showed his reluctance.
Persuading them wont be easy.
Thats why we need to send a direct blood relative. If its a direct descendant of Grand Duke Halo, theyll surely trust them.
Karron, Im saying this just in case, but you are still under confinement. Do not even dream of leaving Azure Castle.
Father, I never said I would go. Why would I go through the trouble of going all the way to the south?
Karron replied, his eyes wide with innocence.
Peil looked at his sons face and let out a deep sigh.
What on earth was his son thinking?
You know, theres that cousin of mine who does nothing but freeload here in Azure Castle. Lets send him to earn his keep.
That freeloading cousin of yours dont tell me you mean
Of course, I mean Leo. Hes about to turn eighteen, so its about time he did something for the family. Leo also has a stake in the Bellus Barony, so wouldnt he carry out the mission with a sense of ownership?
Karron, you truly are
Leo does the annoying work, and we all reap the benefits! Its a plan where everyone is happyexcept for Leo!
Rohan listened to the father and sons conversation with a bitter smile.
Hes still a madman.
Even after two years, Karron was still Karron.