Chapter 104
-----------------------------------------------------------------
Translator: 8uhl
Chapter: 104
Chapter Title: Dignity of the Strong
-----------------------------------------------------------------
A few days later, I unwrapped the bandages from my eyes.
My handiwork, but its truly flawless.
Albert examined my eyes closely and nodded.
Count. How is it? Can you see clearly?
Hm.
Just as Albert said, my eyes had regenerated perfectly.
The ointment I made must have helped, but thanks to Alberts incantation, there wasnt the slightest hint of any side effects.
It was the work of a genius enchanter.
But your bodyguard knight already removed her bandages?
Yeah.
Hmm. Thats fascinating. That wasnt a wound that shouldve healed so quickly.
Of course. Helga had taken off her bandages in just one day thanks to her superhuman physical abilities.
No one in this world could match her when it came to physical enhancement using mana.
I added an incantation to stabilize her mana during the eye surgery, so you should check it later. Her mana wont leak out uncontrollably now, but just in case.
Do as you like.
By the way, those things you requested last time are complete. Vanessa!
Albert called his granddaughter, and Vanessa came over from that side, grumbling as she carried something.
Ugh, come on. Cant Grandpa bring it himself?
You little punk. You trying to make this old man do the work?
You like work anyway.
I like skilled labor, not chores.
Tch.
Vanessa had brought a tray with a single black ring lying on it.
Ive enchanted all the traits you requested onto it, Count.
I picked up the black ring.
It felt unmistakably like metal, yet it didnt shineit held a deep, inky blackness.
Albert said proudly.
Its a ring that absorbs surrounding mana on its own without needing any input. That black color you see is all incantations.
As expected. Looking closely, the ring was densely packed with tiny incantations, just as he said.
I engraved the incantations without a single gap. It was an interesting commission, but it gave me a bit of trouble. If it werent for the mithril you provided, the incantations wouldnt have held and it wouldve shattered.
So he used the mithril from the treasure vault.
A while back, I had told Albert to use any materials from the treasure vault as he pleased.
When I asked for a ring with specific incantations, he found and used the appropriate materials. Mithril or not, if it was just piling up in the vault, it was no better than a rock. Better that it be put to use like this.
But the ring looked a bit small.
Albert chuckled.
Heh heh. Try holding it up to your finger.
Following his words, I brought the ring to my finger, and like magic, it resized to fit perfectly.
I even added an incantation so anyone can wear it.
Magic well, it really was magic.
I slipped the ring on.
The mithril, which should have shimmered with rainbow hues, was dull as if stained with ink.
Seeing it, Vanessa shook her head.
Eww. Everything else is great, but the colors too tacky, isnt it?
I like it.
Really? That?
My body still couldnt handle large amounts of mana. I wasnt accustomed to it.
Tristans body had only recently begun taking in mana through moon magic training. So the amount I could handle was small and inconsistent.
Daily magic practice had gradually increased that amount, but it wasnt easy.
Even Helga couldnt perfectly control the mana in her body and ended up with minor injuries every time.
For me, who had never handled mana before possession, it was incredibly difficult.
Handling large amounts of mana was like sprinting full speed while holding a cup brimming with water.
With the story now completely diverged from the original, no one knew what would happen next.
So I had to prepare as much as possible.
Of course you like it. It might sound boastful coming from me, but in terms of value, this ring is at least Unique-grade.
Unique-grade? Doesnt seem that impressive.
Heh heh. Thats why youre not a craftsman yet. Count, point the ring that way and snap your fingers.
Albert was suddenly saying something odd.
I obediently followed, snapping my fingers toward an empty space, just like any mage in this world casting a spell.
And a real spell came out.
Whoosh.
A flame longer than my height burst from the ring like a flamethrower.
Vanessas mouth fell open in shock.
Gasp!
Hmm!? Did I mess up the output settings?
Even Albert hadnt expected it.
Since there was space left, I tossed in a simple fire magic incantation. For emergencies, to light a fire or something. But looks like I botched the output. Ill need to tweak it.
No need.
Albert had probably set it normally.
I had unconsciously used it like moon magic and failed to control the power.
But still, isnt it too dangerous?
Ill use it carefully. Ill make good use of it.
If thats the case, then no helping it. Hmm.
An unexpected bonus.
Albert still thought I couldnt use magic. He must have added this out of consideration for me.
Satisfied, I left the workshop.
With the ring on, I could definitely feel my mana capacity increase. If I had to compare, it was like attaching an auxiliary battery.
Emerging from underground, the morning sunlight shone brightly.
It was time to head to the academy.
I boarded the carriage waiting in front.
Helga was there, half-reclined on the seat with her eyes closed.
She looked tired, so I hesitated to wake her, but she opened her eyes as if sensing my presence.
Youre here?
You can sleep more.
I woke up because I smelled you, Count.
What creepy thing is she saying now.
I pressed my fingers to my brow and said.
Enough with the pointless jokes.
Its not a joke. You have this rich, sweet scent.
A rich, sweet scent?
Wondering if it was true, I sniffed my clothes. And sure enough, there was a distinct smell, just as she said.
Thinking for a moment, I realized what it was.
Its laundry scent.
Pardon?
The equivalent of fabric softener in the real world.
In this world, it was a luxury item, not common, but easily found in a wealthy house like Ruelverta.
However, the current scent didnt suit my taste.
Tell the laundry maids not to use scented agents from now on.
Then can I rub my scent on you instead?!
Want to walk to the academy?
Eek.
Helga pouted and lowered her head.
Her tail wouldve drooped if she had one.
Watching her adorable expression, I spoke.
What happened to that man?
Ah.
Helga cleared her throat and began her report.
Ahem. We got a confession, but he didnt know much. Still, hes not a thiefhes a navy man who was discharged recently.
A while back, Helga had captured a suspicious man impersonating Aslan affiliation. Shed said she was holding him in Aslans interrogation room for investigation.
Anyway. If we interrogated him more, he mightve confessed to stuff that didnt happen. It was tricky.
Is the man still alive?
Yes. You didnt order me to kill him, Count. I checked this morninghe was breathing fine, perfectly intact. Heh heh.
Perfectly intact and breathing. Sounds unpleasant, so I wont ask for details.
Seems the navy is behind this. He said he got orders from a superior to impersonate Aslan. And.
Helgas expression darkened slightly.
I looked into it separately, and rumors about Aslan among imperial citizens have gotten really bad. They werent great before, but now its serious. People are wary just seeing Aslan uniforms.
Hm.
I stroked my chin, thinking.
In the original story, Aslan had some rough members, but they never caused real trouble, as far as I remembered.
I didnt know everything about this world, but perhaps.
Helga.
Yes?
When did he receive the order to impersonate?
Hmm Around the end of July, I think.
Right after the Seven Stars Conclave ended.
The fact that this happened right after I became one of the Seven Stars pointed straight to that guy.
Patrick, huh.
Yes. I think so too. Father wouldnt pull something like this. The methods scream big brother.
In the original story, Tristan and Patrick had no reason to clash.
But after I broke off my engagement with Bella once, he started courting her fervently. At the same time, he seemed to see me as a romantic rival.
I hadnt expected him to mobilize the imperial army for backroom schemes.
Itll be inconvenient, but for the time being, tell Wiley that members must wear civilian clothes when going out.
Yes. But. Count.
Speak.
What if I go to Wolfbert myself and press them.
Absolutely not.
I flatly refused Helgas suggestion.
With her hot-blooded personality, I couldnt predict what she might do.
Even if I went instead, theyd just claim it was some discharged soldier acting alone.
Then. What should we do?
Helga looked a bit frustrated.
Aslan was the place shed been part of for so long.
It must hurt to see it branded a thug den.
And I felt the same.
They were Tristans soldiers, villains or not, but now they followed me.
Of course I was displeased.
Even now, my personality traits were urging revenge.
I quietly gazed at the passing scenery outside the carriage.
It was the same view I saw every time I rode.
Helga sat silently, waiting for my answer.
I slowly opened my mouth.
The old me wouldve chosen all-out war. Anyone who opposed Ruelverta always met the same end.
That was why blood never stopped flowing from Tristans path.
He uprooted his foes and made examples of them as warnings.
It was the surest method.
But I wont stoop to undignified acts.
The strong have the dignity of the strong.
Compared to the trials ahead, this opponent was laughably weak.
No need for dirty fights.
Spreading a net for mere small fry is laughable. But leaving them be means theyll keep harassing us. So the small fry. Yes.
With a smile infused with Pride, I said.
Leave them to the seagulls.
Pardon?
The pests impersonating us will be handled by the Security Bureau.
Security Bureau? Ah!
Only then did Helga seem to catch my meaning, letting out an exclamation.
The Security Bureau, which maintained imperial public order, was well within Ruelvertas influence.
No, influence? Its key figures were already Ruelverta supporters.
A mere hint, and theyd go all out to rack up achievements for us.
Ill contact the Security Bureau chief tomorrow.
Yes. Yes.
Helga nodded repeatedly.
Yet oddly, I felt like I was forgetting something.
So I asked her.
Helga. Whats my schedule today?
Um. Nothing much today, just observe the practical exam in the presidents place while hes away on business.
I see.
Today was already exam day.