Chapter 62
Chapter 62
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Translator: Ebonarch
Chapter: 62
Chapter Title: Wish Token (2)
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The next day, afternoon.
Grand Elder Dark's cell.
"This has gotten quite interesting."
Recently, a battle of wills had begun among the prisoners over the warden.
The clash between two disaster-class beings was thoroughly entertaining the Grand Elder.
"It's almost like watching Camillia and Ivan."
He had known from their first meeting that Derek was a capable man.
His eloquence, unbelievable for a 21-year-old, rivaled that of Prime Minister Aints.
However, women couldn't be swayed by words alone.
They required a demonstration of multifaceted abilities beyond mere rhetoric to truly open their hearts.
Moreover, Anje and Myoran were solitary powerhouses who trusted no one.
The fact that such women were vying for Derek proved his eyes hadn't failed him.
"Looks like I'm not blind yet."
He chuckled, thinking of the warden whose value was steadily rising.
Then, hearing footsteps approaching his cell, he wiped the smile from his face.
The door opened on its own.
Soon, a woman in a red dress entered gracefully.
"I still can't get used to this place every time I come. What is this, a hotel?"
The white-haired saintess, Anje.
She sauntered in like it was her own home and fiddled with the old man's chessboard.
"What brings you here, Anje? It's too late in the day for a game of chess."
It was currently 5 p.m.
This was the first time the saintess had visited the old man at this hour.
"I want to make a deal."
"A deal? What is it you desire?"
For Dark, whose twilight years had seemed destined for boredom, the unusual movements of these two prisoners piqued his interest.
"I need an easel, paints, and handcuffs."
"I understand the easel and paints, but why the handcuffs?"
The saintess shot the old man a glance with her red eyes.
She toyed with the king on the chessboard before stuffing it into a dark drawer.
"I've got a newly brainwashed slave. But he's still putting up quite a fight."
"If your magic isn't fully working, he must be quite strong."
"Exactly. So I need something strong enough to restrain even an elite knight."
"Hmm, handcuffs of that caliber are only available from the Imperial family."
Dark clipped the end of his cigar and lit it.
Out of consideration for the woman, he leaned against the distant window and enjoyed the smoke.
"Couldn't you just ask Derek for this? I don't see why you need to deal with me."
"Whenever I try to ask him for anything, he keeps saying it's using up a wish token. That sly fox."
Couldn't she just brainwash the warden if she wanted?
Yet her restraint showed she truly trusted Derek.
The seasoned elder caught on and exhaled leisurely.
"Fine. If I procure the items, what will you give me in return?"
"Your life?"
The white-haired saintess flashed her red eyes.
But the old man clicked his tongue in response.
"Something more realistic. What good would killing this old man do you?"
In this regard, the old man and the saintess were perfectly matched.
Those who feared death fell easily to brainwashing, but the Grand Elder transcended that.
That's why they could play chess so leisurely— they were on the same level.
"A negotiation requires offering a card that tempts the other side."
"A tempting card... In that case, this is all I have."
Anje stretched languidly.
"Soon, I'll plant a brainwashed judge for your son's trial."
"That's more generous than I expected."
The Grand Elder showed keen interest in the powerful card that would resolve his son's issue in one stroke.
He even removed his precious cigar from his mouth.
"Well, I want to maintain a good relationship with you after this."
Anje smiled at him warmly for the first time.
No man had ever resisted her beautiful smile.
"Who knows? Someday we might embark on something big together."
Young men fell in love, old men felt fatherly affection.
But the Grand Elder, who had guarded against countless seductions and brainwashing spells, was different.
'She's plotting something again.'
'Once you retire, I'll make you a slave in my kingdom.'
Both hid dark intentions behind their smiles.
"Alright, I'll get them. No reason to refuse if it's mutually beneficial."
"As expected from our elder—you're so reasonable."
After Anje left.
Dark fell into thought.
'I thought her ambitions had waned from burying herself in novels lately, but no.'
Building connections implied grand goals requiring others' help.
And needing handcuffs meant she was brainwashing someone enormous.
'Who could it be that she's not just brainwashing but imprisoning them?'
Dark smoked his cigar with a serious expression.
But today, visitors were unusually frequent.
He set down his half-smoked cigar and greeted the next guest.
"Grand Elder, are you busy right now?"
Myoran peeked through the open iron door.
Her black cheongsam was slightly askew, swaying lightly.
"Miss Myoran, no. This is the first time you've come to see me."
"I have some business."
The old man gestured for her to enter.
Since a teenage girl had arrived, he fully extinguished his cigar this time.
"The cells seem fully open. To come and go so freely."
"I just gave them a light tap, and they all opened."
Of course.
What could possibly restrain a woman who fought alone against multiple knight commanders?
Derek earned another reevaluation for binding her with virtue and words.
"So, what brings you here?"
"I need a little help."
Myoran sat delicately on the chair.
The intensifying yin energy even dispersed the smoke from his cigar.
"What could a perfect woman like you possibly need from an old man like me?"
The aura was so potent even a civilian like him could feel it.
Yet the battle-hardened Grand Elder poured her black tea without a change in expression.
"I noticed hot springs near the prison before."
"Hot springs in this area?"
This was news even to the worldly Dark.
His subordinates who controlled the area had never reported it.
"Yes. It seems useful for martial arts training, so it would be great to develop it into a bathhouse."
"Eastern experts can even detect ley lines—impressive."
Hot springs were a profitable business.
In the distant past, an Eastern imperial family member named Lydia had built one that still generated immense revenue.
"Of course. At the Flower Realm, you can sense the energy flowing through the earth."
"Hmm. I see. So I just need to invest funds?"
Myoran nodded as she sipped her black tea.
"Yes. It would benefit you too, Elder. An onsen would be perfect for retirement."
"Naturally. What better therapy than soaking in hot water?"
The Grand Elder agreed with a faint smile.
Then, a sudden curiosity struck him.
"But do hot springs aid martial arts? I hadn't realized."
"O-Of course. It improves blood circulation, strengthens the heart, boosts metabolism..."
Myoran rattled off benefits like a restaurant menu in the East.
The suspicious old man narrowed his eyes.
"Haha, I get it."
With business concluded, Myoran left with cat-like swift steps.
The Grand Elder watched the seemingly cute granddaughter-figure approvingly.
'Myoran the prisoner is still just a child.'
Hot springs were a valuable asset for making money.
A mature adult would develop them personally for big profits.
'Thinking of onsen only for martial training.'
Chuckling at seeing a pure child after so long, the Grand Elder pulled out paper and began writing orders for his subordinates.
To procure sturdy handcuffs and begin hot spring development.
While the prisoners exchanged secret deals.
I arrived in Berryhillton after work from the prison for the first time in ages.
「My siblings love sweets. Buy some on the way home to win them over easily.」
「I'll head home early today to help, so go and wait obediently.」
Clea's letter was written in her characteristically stiff tone.
Her siblings were surely as blunt as she was.
Even better.
That meant they wouldn't be a bother and would stay quiet.
I bought various desserts from a bakery and arrived at her house.
"This must be it."
As a former imperial secretary, I expected a nice place.
But her home was in much worse shape than anticipated.
A rundown old garden and rusted iron gate.
Anyone could see it had been neglected due to lack of funds for upkeep.
'So that's why she's so thrifty.'
Had she paid a massive settlement for striking royalty?
This put her in the lower-middle class even in the Empire.
―――. ―――.
I knocked lightly.
Soon, a pair of petite twin siblings appeared.
"......"
About 12 years old.
They all had Clea's cool blue hair.
But what stood out most was their inherited poker faces.
Not a flicker of expression despite a shady-looking man showing up at their home.
"Who are you?"
"I'm your sister's boss at work. I promised to watch you while she does her side job."
The blunt kids pointed at me accusingly.
"Ah, the shady-looking one."
"Yeah. A freeloading brother-in-law, but he's got a good personality."
I could tell whose siblings they were right away.
They all dropped heavy facts so coolly—it ran in the family.
"May I come in?"
"Sure. Make sure to lock the door properly, or Sis will scold you."
Even their boss-coaching skills were masterful.
"Here, I brought gifts. You like desserts, right?"
I set the bakery bag on the living room table.
Handed the kids generous portions of Mont Blanc and canelés.
"......"
Only then did their eyes sparkle like normal kids.
They fetched plates and forks themselves to set the table.
'Mature enough that they don't really need a sitter.'
"Let me cut them for you."
I sliced them neatly with a knife and served each one.
The boy twin then offered me a plate.
"You eat too, sir."
"Me? Thanks, that's thoughtful."
Kids usually devour sweets ravenously when they're in front of them.
To think of my plate too...
Teaching her young siblings manners like this proved Clea was sharp.
"What are your names?"
"I'm Chris, and my sibling is Connie."
"I'm Derek Minster. Just call me Uncle Derek."
"That's unusual. Most people want to be called big brother or oppa."
I've spent far more years as an uncle through my regressions.
"Haha, uncle feels right to me."
The siblings ignored me and munched on their desserts stoically.
Zero mercy for nonsense.
While they ate, I quietly surveyed the house.
For a home run by siblings without parents, it was impressively tidy.
"You know, it's impressive. You don't seem like you need a babysitter."
"Right? We told her we didn't need one."
Chris sighed deeply and shook his head.
For a moment, he looked like a 30-year-old man.
"But Sis says kids learn from adults, so we need one around."
"Uncle Derek fits the bill perfectly."
I blinked blankly for a second.
"Clea said that?"
She thought more highly of me than I realized.
This might actually be touching.
If it were real, I'd post on the forums: 'First player acknowledged by Clea.'
An achievement even a regressor like me could be proud of.
"Sis is late, though. She said she'd be early today."
"It's right around quitting time now, isn't it?"
At my question, the kids froze mid-bite.
"Yes, Sis never breaks a time promise."
"Something must have happened."
"What could it be? Let's wait a bit."
"......"
They stared at the entrance like fox cubs waiting for their parents.
I patted their heads reassuringly.
"I'll go meet her myself, so don't worry and enjoy your snacks."
Only then did they nod.
As they picked up their forks again, I stepped out alone.
"Whew......"
I exited the gate and scanned the street quietly.
It was peak rush hour, but no sign of Clea.
'She's probably handling backed-up work since I'm watching the house.'
I clicked my tongue and glanced at the vice warden's house.
But...
Unlike when I arrived, the second-floor light was on.
As if someone had sneaked in.
"What? She said only the kids were home."
Sensing something off, I reentered the mansion.
And spotted a tree leading to the second-floor window.
'Footprints from someone climbing up.'
A burglar targeting the house knowing only kids were home?
Had the perceptive Clea anticipated this and assigned me guard duty?
It was possible for someone as smart as her.
With dread rising, I leaped powerfully toward the tree.
Landing deftly at the second-floor window with my old assassin's agility.
'Huh?'
I locked eyes with someone inside the room.
Of all people...
Clea Rockhart in a maid outfit.
"......"
Her sharp eyes, which seemed to bow to no one.
They trembled faintly upon meeting mine.
The frilly maid dress hugging her assertive curves, paired with black thigh-highs.
A complete opposite from her usual icy vice warden look.
"Clea? Don't tell me your side job from before was..."
She clutched everyday clothes, as if hurrying to change out of her current outfit.
A cafe business card lay by her bed.
「Chic Star Maid, Claire.」
"Please serve your own water, Master....... Chic Star Maid, Claire."
I read the card's line dazedly.
Then Clea's voice came, eerie yet quivering.
"What exactly are you looking at?"