“…Is that all?”
“And I’m the only messenger who knows Madam’s secret chamber.”
The casual remark was more shocking than what she said before.
* * *
Girlie had mentioned that one couldn’t access the chamber without Madam’s permission. Though she wouldn’t necessarily stop someone from forcibly entering, it wasn’t necessary since eventually it would reach Mother’s ears.
It wasn’t particularly surprising that Mother possessed a secret chamber unknown to anyone else. She was once called a sage, a knower of many things. It wasn’t blame-worthy for a sage to have her own secret chamber. Just as I concealed many things, it was natural for Mother to have things she wanted to hide.
But it was quite shocking to learn that Girlie was the custodian of Mother’s secret chamber. How did Girlie, that foolish Girlie whom I had been with since childhood, become Mother’s messenger? Well, it was Mother who assigned Girlie to me from the beginning.
Unlike other siblings, I was the only one who constantly had Girlie by my side until the age of ten. Perhaps Girlie had been raised as a maid, even before becoming my attendant.
Girlie would tell Mother.
Then Mother would tell me someday.
Until then, I decided to keep the secret of the chamber.
* * *
After the Banquet, all the envoys left.
Wooshas participated in the envoy and left for the kingdom.
Melissa’s whereabouts were unknown.
For several weeks, my life went on fairly smoothly.
“Oh my, my, my, Young Master. Your clothes are exquisite.”
“Is it praise or insult?”
I was wearing a velvet garment in the blue color symbolizing Rainberg, styled commonly as worn by nobles at social gatherings. It was terribly uncomfortable to move in, but I had no choice but to wear it.
“Golshi was touched. Young Master is finally attending his first official duty!”
“It’s not an official duty; it’s just an invitation.”
A small change occurred in my repetitive life a few days ago. Siblings were invited to many places here and there. Wooshas frequently met with governors, and Ranista also became close with knights from other territories to the extent of being appointed as their instructor. Even the fierce Melissa sister attended noble gatherings a few times.
It’s the siblings who elevate Rainberg’s status.
Until now, I had not received any invitations or attended social gatherings since returning to Quilz Castle from the southern island four years ago. But it seemed my daring behavior at the birthday party had changed the evaluation. A letter arrived in front of me a few days ago. It was an invitation from Count Schwarzen, who borders the southwestern coastal area and the sea, and is intimate with Rainberg.
Count Schwarzen praised my appearance at the birthday party and expressed a desire to invite me to his castle. It wasn’t the main point. At the end of the letter, he added that his son seemed to have talents as a “Spirit User” and asked if I could take a look sometime.
Count Schwarzen is a nobleman of high virtue and gentleness. He is a noble under the “Blue Pillar,” intimate with Rainberg, and although not as prestigious as the Maitland Family, he holds quite a high-ranking navy as an admiral. Since I wanted to become a lord, I had to get along with him from now on.
The opportunity came naturally. Strictly speaking, I am not a Spirit User, but it is easy to determine whether the other party is one or not. I just need to confirm if I can see he is a Spirit User.
Leaving Girlie, who was making a fuss, behind, I left the room. A carriage was already waiting in front of the mansion. Father, who was delighted to hear about the invitation from the Count, had prepared a carriage carrying gifts to be presented to the Count’s mansion. It was like a father giving a bribe, saying, “Please take good care of our son.”
Riding a carriage adorned with the flag of Rainberg was a remarkably intriguing experience. I truly felt the prominence of Rainburg. During the journey, I received several invitations from landowners and magistrates, and I gladly enjoyed evening banquets with them. It was a leisurely journey. Only after passing through this province did I arrive at the territory of Schvarzen.
The domain of Count Schvarzen was a vast territory along the southwestern coast of the empire, encompassing six port cities. Among them, the city of Schtearn, where Count Schvarzen resided, was a splendid port city comparable to the bustling port of Tatecheng under the Maitland Family. While there was also a city in the Quilz domain named Bemonia, it was nothing more than a fishy-smelling harbor vibrating with fishnets.
Schtearn Port boasted numerous trading ships, and as befitting a domain ruled by an admiral, warships were lined up as well. I heard that Count Schvarzen had close ties with the Sternil Kingdom. Consequently, while he faced the restraint of the Solgar Family, he had a mutually beneficial relationship with Rainberg, which provided ground forces in exchange for naval and trade support.
In any case, it was crucial for the Rainberg family.
The city was bustling, as expected of a port city.
Thanks to the various merchants from different countries, I could experience a unique blend of cultures.
Likewise, Rainberg was also welcomed in Schtearn. Some learned citizens of the city even raised items with a touch of blue as the carriage passed by. A gesture of reverence towards Rainberg.
The Schtearn Castle, though smaller than the Quilz Castle, was an impressive structure with beautiful contours. With its pointed and tall roofs and the pristine white walls, the castle resembled something out of a fairy tale. In contrast to the gloomy gardens of the Quilz Castle, there were gardens blooming with flowers right from the entrance.
“Is that the gentleman?”
Rarely, the lord of the castle, Count Schvarzen, personally came out to greet me in front of his mansion.
He welcomed me warmly as I descended from the carriage.
Irsh Rom Schvarzen, the count,
He was a gentleman of the same age as my father’s era, with a kind and endearing appearance. He concealed his physique with loose-fitting clothes adorned with folds and creases, but his protruding belly still looked amusing. In the Kynakhan Empire, he was a rarity with his blonde hair. Surely, the bloodline of the Sternil Kingdom mixed in.
“Sir Cantavia! Welcome! I am truly grateful for your prompt acceptance of my humble invitation.”
“The splendid man supporting the Blue pillar of the southern sea, it is an honor to meet you, Admiral.”
He chuckled. It was an introduction subtly hinted by my father, who said he enjoyed being called ‘man’ rather than a noble. It felt overly endearing for an initial greeting to the count. Nonetheless, it seemed to have an effect.
He was as refreshing in character as he was in appearance.
We exchanged brief pleasantries, and I was guided to the lodgings where I would stay for the next few days.
It was a splendid room.
The refreshing view of the vast sea through the window was invigorating.
Now, all that was left was to praise and uplift his son.
It feels good.
I think I’ll get along well with the count.
***
The evening banquet was held with the count’s entourage. Although the count seemed like a cheerful gentleman at first glance, he had a sad family history. During the Great War, he lost all his children. He had barely managed to have a last-born, but tragically lost his wife during childbirth. That’s why, at the age of my father, he had a son of my age. The only family he had, so his son would be his hope and expectation.
The banquet was splendid.
No wonder the coastal areas are so delightful.
With lemon juice and oysters, fresh fish dishes, and meat dishes seasoned with spices rarely seen in the Kun-Kan Empire, the dinner filled with rare seafood was truly enjoyable. Count Schvarzen was a talkative man, and I listened to his tales of the sea while providing appropriate responses. Fortunately, there was no need to adhere to noble dining etiquette. As soon as one story ended, the plates were cleared.
“When I subdued all the savages on the island of Betan, they paid homage to me and offered valuable treasures. There was a fellow made of volcanic rock, a stone imbued with fire. If you wish to see it, you could come tonight. The ‘Red Hounds’ ridicule it as an inspiration for collecting stones, but it’s just because they haven’t seen my collection.”
“Speaking of treasures, I thought of something. It’s a gift I prepared, thinking you would like it, Count.”
Surprisingly, the tastes of this world were not much different from the gentleman’s.
Gentlemanly men have a hobby of chief collecting.
Of course, his tastes were more refined and obscure.
Still, this should satisfy him.
I took out a small box from my pocket and presented it on the table. I thought I’d show it later, but etiquette didn’t seem to matter much, and now seemed like the right time. The count looked at the box with expectant eyes, as I slowly opened it.
“As you know, the roof of the Quilz Castle banquet hall was destroyed. This is a stone that fell from the roof at that time. This small stone, shattered the sturdy marble roof.”
Inside the box was a small stone emitting a faint silvery light. To some, it might be worth less than a gem, but the count would understand its true value.
Actually, I’m not sure. Whether this is really a moonstone or not. It looks distinctly different from the moonstones on Earth. Well, who would know?
“It’s a moonstone that fell from the moon.”
The count stood up from his chair. As if possessed, he approached me.
“If, if I had a wish, it would have been to bring a stone from the ‘Bottom of the Abyss.’ It’s a place where no one has ever been.”
Muttering to himself, he reached out towards the moonstone.
“But, if it’s the moon. If it’s the moon hanging in the sky at night, wouldn’t that be a place that no one has ever seen? Even the most brilliant magician couldn’t even dream of it. The moon… stone.”
The most expensive and valuable gift is not necessarily the best.
The best gift is the one that the recipient needs and desires the most.
The count looked at me with a fervent gaze, and I willingly handed the moonstone to his chubby palm. It was a gift that occurred to me after receiving the count’s invitation, but its effect was tremendous.
He said he would put the moonstone at the very top of his display cabinet.
After gifting the moonstone, the Count, who had previously only indulged in his own anecdotes, began to take an interest in me. He wanted to hear my stories, and naturally, the conversation shifted to the subject of sorcery. Over the past four years, I shamelessly lied to change what could be considered my shortcomings. I fabricated plausible reasons, claiming that I had led a reclusive life to control the power of sorcery during those four years.
The truth didn’t matter. It would be believed because it showed at my birthday party. Rumors spread widely with just three people. The Count, who had taken a liking to me, and the guests would make the hidden tales of the recluse philosopher into rumors that would turn the tables on my evaluation.
As we delved into conversation,
“A few months ago, ever since returning from Lake Terrin, my son has been different.”
The Count got to the point.
He explained why he believed his son was a Spirit User.
“As a comrade who stood alongside Duke Rainberg on the battlefield, I vividly remember what a Spirit User is like. Karant, like the living forest, started talking to trees, exchanging greetings with flowers, and even began whispering to the wind. Just as Duke Reinberg tamed the great spirit of the lake, he is undoubtedly seeing something.”
Karant Kyung, the Count’ son.
Count Schwarzen firmly believed that his son had become a sorcerer.
“Even the maids claim to have ‘seen’ mysterious creatures in Karant’s room. So, isn’t he a Spirit User?”
Listening to the Count’ words, I felt something was amiss.
Spirt User aren’t that easy to come by, are they?
“Karant didn’t join us for dinner.”
“Apologies. Ever since he returned from Lake Terrin after the hunt, he has been holed up in his room and hasn’t come out much. Still, hearing your words, it makes sense. I was worried, but thankfully. Just as you endured four years of seclusion, my son might be undergoing his own training.”
… That’s a lie.
“It was really right of you to invite him. As a senior, you’ll teach my son well. If he needs anything, I’ll support him.”
The Count asked me to wait a bit longer. I waited for Karant with an inexplicable sense of unease.
“Oh! Here you are, Karant!”
Karant appeared quietly around the end of dinner.
Fashionably late, the young boy sat gracefully by the Count’ side.
Karant resembled his father, with beautiful blue eyes and blond hair.
Especially, his eyes, as blue as the sea, were very striking. He was handsome. With an air of elegance and sophistication, he effortlessly drew the attention of noble youths.
“It’s a pleasure to meet you, Master.”
Damn.
Certainly, to others, he must have seemed that way.
But in my eyes, something gradually began to look different.
I hid my hands under the table.
I didn’t want my slightly trembling fingers to be noticed.
Karant, the Count’ beloved latecomer son.
With the face of a ferocious beast.
He was a demon.
“Nice to meet you, Karant Kyung.”
I greeted him with a smile.
