Chapter 26. Catching Two Rabbits (1)
Episode 26. How to Catch Two Rabbits (1)
The top floor of the austere grand mansion.
Midgal Lau, Director of the Inspection Bureau, adjusted his pristine white uniform.
Straightening his tie. Smoothing his sleeves and collar, checking for any stray hairs.
His auburn locks were neatly swept back.
His massive frame clad in white formalwear exuded dignity by itself, though the man himself seemed nervous, clearing his throat with small coughs.
"Ahem. Hmm."
After exhaling to steady himself.
He spoke in his cavernous voice.
"My Lord. It's Midgal."
"Enter."
Midgal Lau drew another breath before opening the door to the lord's study.
Though they'd served together for over twenty years, his hands still trembled the same.
It wasn't that Lord David treated him harshly. Simply. Such was the depth of Midgal's loyalty.
David Karsen, family head and lord of the territory, set down the documents he was reviewing to greet him.
"Come in. I hope my third son hasn't been too much trouble."
"Haha. Not at all. More importantly, my lord. There's something I must say."
Having served David for so long, Midgal had grown accustomed to getting straight to the point. Whatever other lord-vassal relationships might require, this suited them both.
"Speak."
"Having sworn my life to you, I'll be frank. About young master Sion. It seems... he's been concealing his true abilities all this time."
Midgal explained his reasoning slowly, and David listened with silent nods.
"But... though you'd given me forewarning, when young master Sion first mentioned the Special Investigation Headquarters... I was honestly somewhat angered. Even as your son, it felt like disregard for the Inspection Bureau."
David showed no displeasure at Midgal's bluntness. Rather, this frankness seemed to affirm his trust as he gently inquired.
"Then why did you relent?"
A question posed knowing Midgal hadn't come to oppose Sion's involvement.
Recalling that day, Midgal answered.
"No one reaches intermediate knight level capable of defeating Sylvia in such short time."
David nodded. Though he hadn't witnessed it firsthand like Midgal, he'd observed through the crystal ball artifact.
"Which only deepened the mystery."
Sion Karsen, born to the ruling family of the North and its preeminent swordsmanship lineage—what possible reason could he have for hiding his skills?
"Could it be... the young master concealed himself while waiting to rectify the North's corruption? Of course I may be wrong... but seeing his current actions, I can't shake the feeling he's been preparing for this a very long time."
Midgal was a knight of sharp intuition. Renowned for reading people, he was almost never mistaken.
Yet Sion Karsen had completely defied his instincts. For reasons unknown, everything from swordsmanship to speech patterns, even subtle expressions—all had transformed.
Could a person change so drastically overnight?
No. Impossible.
Thus Midgal concluded this wasn't sudden change, but the cessation of long-practiced deception.
"I wish to trust him. And if to trust, then fully. As overseer, I request expanded authority."
David studied Midgal steadily. His loyal vassal of so many years. Unwavering as ever.
That he cherished the boy like his own despite no blood relation—this too sprang from pure devotion.
Once they'd fought side by side on battlefields. When had those days passed?
For the first time in ages, David smiled as he answered.
"Proceed as you see fit."
"Thank you, my lord."
"The gratitude is mine."
With business concluded, the two knights began catching up as old comrades do.
The Karsen mansion basks in perpetual mildness. Gardens bloom with vibrant flowers where butterflies and bees flit about.
A rare and thus more striking sight in the North.
All made possible by the vast magic circle enveloping the estate, maintained exactly so since my birth.
Be it March, June, or the bitter depths of December.
Here, spring's warmth never fades.
Then. What archmage could sustain such magic?
My mother.
Michelle Karsen.
Perhaps from dwelling on Father, today especially her face haunts me.
I climbed the hill behind the mansion. Past the mist barrier lay not ruins.
But the family cemetery, kept immaculate as if tended daily.
Another effect of Mother's magic circle, though even now I can't fathom its workings.
'Meaning her magical prowess was simply that advanced.'
Crossing the graves, I came upon a towering willow.
Evergreen despite the mists. Beneath it. My mother's headstone.
Before it lay a single white lily—undoubtedly Father's doing.
'He visits every three days, he said.'
Lilies symbolize purity and steadfast love. Never would have guessed—even the impregnable fortress that is Father remains human after all.
Standing before the stone, I clasped my hands. Bowed my head, closed my eyes. Paid silent tribute.
Mother.
I should have come right after returning.
Forgive my lateness.
But you'll understand, won't you?
Finishing my prayer, I performed a deep bow.
"Someday I'll become an archmage surpassing you. You wouldn't mind, would you?"
No answer came. Not that it mattered. Mother would surely say:
—Puhahaha! Ambitious! Others would call it impossible, but you're my son, aren't you?
Mother loved mischievous pranks, stood out vibrantly anywhere. And. She adored piano, so I'd often play alongside her.
The only thing I was ever called gifted for, really.
Anyway.
Back then, even Father smiled often... but...
Descending the underground ruins again, each step heavy. Not a day's training can be missed.
Reaching the cavern as usual, I stripped to my waistband.
My body was a canvas of wounds, bruises and exhaustion. Smooth sailing through preliminaries meant nothing after Sylvia in the finals.
Only through relentless onslaught had I beaten her. Possible only because she still lacked experience.
First and last time I'll surpass her with the sword.
Squelch. Squish.
Applied high-grade herbal ointment, drank my custom potion. Sat cross-legged. Summoned the dragon veins.
Sizzle.
Geothermal heat surged.
The flame dragon's bloodline answered.
Long, measured breaths.
Accumulated mana in holy wheel and core.
Spread pure mana throughout my body.
Mana cycling through veins purified every cell.
Ah.
Fatigue melts.
Recovery accelerates.
Wounds heal.
Traced the mana flow to assess my body's changes. The developed core had reshaped me.
Deep grooves along the spine, pronounced scapulae, latissimus dorsi broad and elongated.
Supported by a tapered waist—the perfect V-shaped torso.
"Fuuuh."
After hours of circulation, I took up my sword again.
To hone my magic-sword hybrid combat, I stimulated both holy wheel and core simultaneously.
Huuuuum—
Must grow stronger. For that expedition soon to come.
Not that I'll reveal my magic publicly before then.
After days alternating recovery and training, I returned to my room carrying a heavy satchel brimming with sun stones.
Changed from soiled clothes, washed thoroughly, donned my formal uniform.
Tonight held special plans.
I examined the VVIP ticket on my desk.
『Unique Rain』Auction House Admission.
May purchase other items if worthwhile, but securing 'that' is non-negotiable.
Speaking of.
"Roman. Where's Doctor Crombell now?"
"Ah, well. He came by earlier—said to meet in a week. Wants to greet the family head first, organize research materials."
"...I see."
Frankly surprised. I'd assumed twenty steps needed to recruit him, hence my patience...
'Might be easier than expected.'
While winning the Golden Star Tournament may not have won him over, it sparked his interest.
Regardless. Meeting Father first is ideal.
At least shows he's taking this seriously.
"Roman. Are the funds and transport ready?"
"Yes. We've delivered the sun stones to young master Sid as instructed, with payments secured."
"The tournament prize?"
"Collected, of course."
Tonight's auction being critical, I came heavily armed. The financial firepower prepared:
20 billion Jeni.
Honestly excessive, but better overprepared.
"Then prepare the car."
As Roman left, I adjusted my uniform and belted on my sword.
The black sedan's rear seat embraced me. Roman met my eyes in the rearview mirror. My nod prompted—
Vrrrooom—
The car glided forward.
Late August's waning chill.
The car carried me to Olden District, slightly removed from Seiren's center.
"Arrived in Olden. Five minutes to Unique Rain."
Roman announced.
"Wait here upon arrival."
"Yes, young master."
Seiren, the North's wealthiest city. Olden its most affluent enclave—the so-called "golden ghetto."
Skyscrapers dominated.
Money perfumed the air.
Some streets were luxury boutiques end-to-end.
Passing glittering storefronts, we reached our destination.
[Unique Rain]
A marvel of nonlinear architecture.
'Whose tycoon owns this?'
Not Karsen mansion-tier, but impressive nonetheless.
Roman parked under valet guidance while attendants escorted me inside.
"This way, Lord Sion Karsen."
The VVIP corridor's staff eyed me with newfound warmth—another post-tournament change. Before it was "sucker alert!" Now, "big spender incoming!"
"We'll announce when it's time. Please relax."
Nodding, I settled into a chair with jasmine tea. Raising the cup, I encountered an unexpected figure.
Sapphire-blue hair. Gemstone eyes. Snow-white uniform.
Sylvia.
'Hmm.'
Instant understanding.
Only one reason she'd come.
Same as mine.
She spotted me and approached. Graceful strides.
"What brings you here?"
"...Found an item I need."
"Which?"
"Can't say. You might bid against me."
"...And if I do?"
"I'll crush you with my budget and take it."
"Ha. Where'd a wastrel like you get that kind of money?"
I shrugged. A silent dismissal as I sipped tea.
Then. Curiosity tinted her voice.
"Did you... come here because of me?"
Pffft—!
Tea sprayed involuntarily.