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Chapter 75
Loyalty
"......Euri."
"......."
"......Euri!"
"......."
"Naeuri!"
Е n ú m̄ã
"Uh, yeah?"
Stefan flinched in surprise.
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His attendant turned his head and was shaking Stefan's shoulder.
"Are you alright? You haven't said a word all day since getting in the carriage?"
"Ah, I'm fine."
Of course I'm fine.
Е̇ǹu ḿå
Stefan turned his head to look out the window.
They had left Herman Pascal's house and were moving.
"When did the carriage start moving?"
"30 minutes ago, Naeuri."
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"30 minutes......"
Not only the memories of those 30 minutes, but even the memory that the meal had ended was gone.
Еǹuḿ а̀.ĭ d́
Stefan's head felt like it was wrapped in a hazy fog.
And before that hazy fog could even lift, it tried to devour him again.
That fog was made of Herman Pascal's words.
It was clear that he had openly attempted interference.
If it was Herman Pascal,
It meant he wouldn't have done such a thing as a Great Merchant and a respected merchant.
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Had anyone ever actually shown interest in the East?
Stefan worried and worried.
But worrying didn't solve the problem.
"Where is the carriage headed?"
"Where else would it be going but home, Naeuri?"
"Ah, right. That makes sense......"
Е̇ nu ṁ а. їd̄
I asked too obvious a question.
Why did I ask such a question?
Dilarang mengopy novel dari Enuma.id.
Stefan threw the question at himself.
Deep in his heart, he was thinking that he shouldn't go home.
Then where should he go?
The destination was clear.
Е ńum ȧ
"How's the horse?"
"It's fine, Naeuri."
"Then don't turn back, let's go somewhere else."
"Where to, Naeuri?"
Dilarang mengopy novel dari Enuma.id.
"To Valdrova Castle."
"It'll take days, and you want to go without any preparation? You need to prepare clothes and send letters and such. Why not just go back?"
Е n ů ṁ а.іd
"Cut the chatter and go."
Seeing his soul-less state, the coachman couldn't bring himself to say anything and changed the route.
Stefan's head filled with hazy fog again.
Stefan just walked through that fog for now.
'The Far East.'
What kind of existence is the Far East?
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There were those who dreamed of a gold rush in the undeveloped wasteland, but they failed every time.
It was only natural.
Magi is a calamity that even immortals can't handle, so how could humans overcome it?
Like moths flying into a furnace, the result was obvious.
With such an obvious result, what am I believing in to do this?
'Is it because of the magic stones?'
Ẃeb́.ńо́v еl_ È n umӓ
Stefan was hooked on those magic stones and sniffed them out.
But his father, Herman, wasn't like that.
Dilarang mengopy novel dari Enuma.id.
Tilda and Merkat also didn't seem interested in that thing.
If they had caught the scent, they would have been desperate to interfere or take it.
Stefan asked himself.
'Then am I wrong?'
E ńumâ . і̆ d
I want to believe in myself, but my existence is always like this.
Believing in the conviction that I am objective, I become arrogant and fall.
Father, Herman Pascal, always made him witness the miserable ends of those merchants with his own two eyes.
As a merchant who grasped wealth, and as a father, he advised Stefan.
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Am I being arrogant?
Am I just seeing him as a savior because I've got blinders on?
Ŵе̌ b̆n̆ ӧ ṽ ё l Еnúm̈ ӓ
Is he just another con artist?
The thought that I might end up the same as those who died believing in and being arrogant about 'myself' won't leave my head.
Am I a person prepared enough to dedicate my life to him?
I'm scared.
Scared that I can't leave the Empire because of the passage tax and will slowly die inside.
I need something to make me forget that fear.
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Alcohol? Women?
Or.......
"Euri!"
"Eok! You scared me! What?! Why?! What?!"
"We've arrived, Naeuri! Pull yourself together now!"
"What? We arrived at Valdrova Castle? In just a few minutes?"
Е̂ ñûmа̂
"What nonsense? It took four days, Naeuri."
A full four days in a trance state.
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He hadn't washed properly so he reeked, and his finest tunic had yellow stains from bodily fluids.
Why did I come here?
He realizes the question was strange.
Didn't I come here to find that answer?
É n u m̈ а̄.іď
Stefan walked through the inner fortress looking for Ferda.
He was with Burnell, the Chief Researcher.
They seemed to have just finished a conversation.
"What's the matter?"
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Ferda asked.
"Well, that is......"
Ѐ_ǹ u m а̂. i d
What did I come here to say?
The only words circling in Stefan's head were one thing.
'I'm pulling out here.'
I don't believe in myself, and I'm scared of ending up a wreck, so I'll cut my losses here.
He tried to say that, but Ferda spoke first.
"There's some good news, actually. The Escolleia Chancellor made Burnell a big offer."
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At those words, different words rose in his throat.
"Uh, what kind of offer?"
"He proposed he be the main presenter at the exhibition in Halim in two weeks."
Stefan felt like his head had been struck with a bang.
The fog cleared and a ray of light poured in.
"Congratulations! Being the main at the Escolleia exhibition is huge, isn't it?! As far as I know, it is!"
W̆ е̂.b̆ n̂о̇ v̀e l E̊ n u̇ mȧ
"Yes. It's that position of glory for all scholars."
Being acknowledged among those picky scholars means a lot.
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It's noteworthy among merchants too, and nine times out of ten, it means money.
"This isn't something to just pass over, right? How about we eat and drink and celebrate today?"
"Haha, isn't that counting chickens before they hatch......"
"What's wrong with that!? I'll even spend my own money to throw a grand banquet for you. Haha!!"
W е bn о́v̌е̊l̃ Ё nũm á
Stefan laughed loudly.
It was an exaggerated gesture unlike his usual self, but they let it slide thinking he was just that happy.
"Stefan."
"Yes?"
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"Weren't you going to say something?"
At Ferda's question, Stefan scratched his head and answered.
Е n ŭ m а
"Ah, that...... I just came to say let's do well! Haha!"
The fog that had covered Stefan's head was gone.
Let me believe in myself.
Even if I become a beggar.
I'll move forward without regrets.
* * *
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One week later, Iorga and Valdrova officially declared their alliance.
The Serdes Continent was turned upside down.
Guardian Dragons and Evil Dragons that couldn't mix like water and oil.
They had exchanged opinions several times through the Grand Council, but their conflict always ended unresolved.
An alliance between such an Evil Dragon and Guardian Dragon.
Suspicions grew that Iorga's side must be misunderstanding something.
W e b̊ nо v̂ е́ l̊. .Е̌n ù m̌ а
Her position was this.
-Although Valdrova caused the Second Damage, his Regent showed the will to liquidate the past and conquer the Demon Land, so she supports his will and decided to participate.
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On the surface, it was the best-looking pretext.
Her support gave weight to the young Regent's spirited declaration.
Even so, public opinion was mostly that the conquest would fail.
-Even if the Blue Eye supported it.......
W̊ е b n_о v̇ е̄.l̀ Е̄ńu.m а
-How could a mere human achieve what everyone has failed at in the purification work?
Since Godwin died, no one had approached that Demon Land, and those who approached all died.
However, quite a few people also pinned hopes on Ferda's will.
-Perhaps the Far East conquest is really possible?
Dilarang mengopy novel dari Enuma.id.
-Reclaiming the beautiful Far East lands that only existed in history would be a tremendous feat.
Anyway, the wind started blowing.
Е̄ǹ u mā . ì d́
For a lone drifting sailboat, it was a favorable wind either way.
* * *
Halim.
A city known for gambling and entertainment, and a place I'd visited once to recruit Jed.
I was visiting again for the exhibition.
The difference this time was that Ruri wasn't accompanying me.
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There were already enough people around Ferda, and another Dragon Spawn was stationed in the inner fortress.
Ruri still had a small belief that Isabella came for sabotage.
Since keeping her in check wouldn't hurt, I left Ruri be.
Ruri only said one short thing on the way to see me off.
"Don't gamble."
"Isn't it a lack of funds? For drawing out money, it's perfect—."
Web̂ n̈о vе̄l̀ Е̊ǹ ũ.ṁа̌
"D.O. N.O.T."
Two silver eyes glared filled with killing intent.
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It felt like a Magic Blast would pour out any second.
Seeing that, a rebellious feeling rose.
What expression would she make if I just threw away my entire fortune?
Since I don't have two lives, I had no choice but to engrave that one word in my heart and head to Halim.
Ẃе b nо vе̌ l Е̄ñu mа
Stefan said he'd go back early to prepare props needed for the main presentation and join up in Halim.
Burnell was organizing presentation materials inside the carriage, not letting his guard down for an inch.
Since it was an important seat, I didn't spare support and created an environment so he wouldn't worry about other things.
Other companions were the knights Jed and Malcolm.
Dilarang mengopy novel dari Enuma.id.
"Huaaaa, am I really okay? Am I really okay?"
And Penelope too.
Е n̂ u̇_m̀ а
She was screaming like a mermaid standing on a meadow.
Just as we arrived at the Halim entrance and were about to get off to go through entry procedures,
One step away from the magic circle protecting Halim.
"I'm fine so let go of this arm, you bitch."
Jed pushed away Penelope's head clinging to him and forcibly peeled her off.
She clung on tenaciously and didn't stop whining.
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"I heard when I was in Hell! They say demons can't enter Halim! If you try to enter, your body melts! They say my half-brother actually died like that!"
"No, I'm telling you it's fine! That's just a lie to scare you, so trust me and try coming in."
"Is it really fine? I won't die?"
Jed got sick of the Q&A and shut his mouth.
Instead, he grabbed Penelope's tightly held arm in reverse and dragged her along.
Penelope started screaming like a cat being dragged to water.
Е̂num̌ӓ
"Aaaaah! What are you doing!? No, I don't want to die! I don't want to die, ugh my stomach's turning...... Huh? Nothing's happening?"
Penelope confirming there was nothing wrong the moment she entered the magic circle.
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Where did the crying, fussing face go? She stood up abruptly as if it was nothing.
"Human magic circles aren't much."
"......."
Jed looked at her with pathetic eyes.
Еṅ ú má
The others including him were the same.
'Was bringing that guy a mistake?'
Penelope possesses Sitri's Life Vessel.
Just in case, I brought her along to keep her in a visible place.
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Besides, trust in Penelope hadn't been established yet.
I worried that bringing a demon might cause noisy incidents, but that was a groundless fear.
Еṅ üm å.id
While holding Sitri's Life Vessel, she gained a special ability—she couldn't be identified by most demon detection magic.
As long as she maintains human skin, she's practically human.
'And the noisy one was herself.'
I expected her to be frivolous and loud, but she exceeded expectations too much.
She's a storm-like existence.
The type where incidents happen just by standing still.
Dilarang mengopy novel dari Enuma.id.
How did Sitri get her Life Vessel stolen by such a kid?
'Still, there must be something.'
Everything has a reason.
Not wanting to overlook it, Ferda asked Penelope.
"Tell me about your abilities. You're Sitri's descendant, so do you handle illusion magic?"
"Yes, just a few light illusion and deception-type magics."
Е́ ńǔm a
"An Arcane Trickster."
"Oh, cool name? Yeah, that's right."
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She nodded with a smug posture, and Jed snorted.
"Arcane Trickster my ass. Trouble Maker."
"What did you say?!"
Pink eyes glared at Jed.
Е̃ nu m̊ а̃. і́d̀
Jed didn't back down and pushed his face into hers.
"Did I say something wrong? It's never quiet for a day with you around??"
"That's not my fault! Who told you to catch that witch's eye? You go around picking up this woman and that woman, so that's why!"
"Did I want to do it? I know better than anyone not to touch her?!"
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The two bickering.
Ferda looked past that scene and thought about the abilities Penelope and Jed possessed.
Е n̆ ǔ m ӓ .і̆d̈
Arcane Trickster Penelope and Master Thief Jed.
"One way or another, they seem like they'd go well together."
"Huh?"
Jed looked at Ferda with a dumbfounded expression.
"Sorry, but could you not lump me with this airhead crybaby?"
"Isn't she the woman you like?"
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"You talk like I eat just anything, but I decline walking around with a trouble-making accident waiting to happen."
"I don't want to be involved with this violent man either? I like women. Only beauties among women! I want to suck up beauty life energy without restraint!"
"You sucked my life energy yesterday too, so what are you saying?"
"I have to eat too, food! I only eat the bare minimum to maintain this material plane! That's why I can exist like a human!"
Loud enough to kill.
Ferda decided to retract what he'd said.
Ê n ù_m̀ а. і́ d
"If you want, I'll find you a new partner."
"Eh?"
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"What?"
The guys who were tearing at each other just now started making subtle expressions at those words.
Why are these guys like this?
"Ahem, w-well, I'd like to maintain the status quo for now."
W ёb̃ n о v̀ е̌l̊ Еn̂ û ḿ а̃
"Why?"
"Because it's hard to find another handsome man with such good talk for seducing beauties......"
Penelope was whatever, but Jed's reason wasn't clear.
"This guy says I suck his life energy and erase the memories of the girls I seduced......"
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Hearing those words, Ferda realized he'd thought wrong.
'They're both the same kind of bastards.'
Е nũ m̈ а̂ .і_d
A match made in heaven.
Release into the wild prohibited.
* * *
Escolleia's exhibition was being held by renting out an entire casino in Halim.
It was one of the largest casinos even in the entertainment city, suitable for accommodating many nobles, merchants, and scholars.
When Ferda arrived, it was day 1 of the exhibition, right when opening preparations were finishing.
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"Oh my, Regent-nim! You've arrived safely?"
Stefan, who was pacing around, walked up to Ferda and greeted him politely.
"Safe travels. You?"
"I'm fine too. The exhibition booths are ready as planned. Would you like to take a look?"
"Since that's why I came, I should see it."
Stefan guided Ferda and they moved.
W_ê b̊ ň о v́ê l̃ Еn̄ u m ӓ
Ferda roughly examined how the exhibition operated.
Scholars displayed their items in booth form at the exhibition, and merchants and nobles passed by to view them one by one.
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And the participating scholars were all burning with fighting spirit.
What researchers always lack is money.
This exhibition was a crucial moment to continue their research lives.
The ones filling that money were the merchants and nobles viewing the exhibition.
W̊е b̀ ń ӧvе̃ ĺ Е ǹum̄а̀
If lucky, Ferda could become their patron too.
Ferda examined the scholars' items from the entrance.
'Nothing really catches my eye.'
Only things that exist in theory or have poor commercial viability.
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That's probably why it feels so detached in this remote outskirts.
But as we went toward the center of the exhibition, the booths got bigger and the items more splendid.
Еn um̈ ӓ
Some were items useful in the future.
Burnell's booth was in the center.
Burnell's booth, built with Pascal Company's backing, was splendid like the large booths sponsored by other corporations.
"How is it?"
"Well made."
"Right? We brought in our decoration experts to make it, haha."
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It stood out enough to draw many people's attention.
The booth was ready, but there were no items to display yet.
That was to be brought from Ferda's side, so they were waiting.
"But where are the magic stones we need to prepare?"
"Burnell seems to have them. Where did Burnell go?"
"He went to the lodgings first, it seems."
W̊е̇ b́ n̊ ŏv̂ ёl̂ .Е̇n̆ũ m а
"Without a word?"
He hadn't slept properly for days, so maybe he's trying to sleep before the main stage?
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Since I was by his side, Ferda knew how hard Burnell had worked.
"I'll go get them."
"No, I'll go."
Since I had nothing to do anyway, Ferda tried to move himself.
Е̃ňu m а̇
Despite Stefan's dissuasion, he stubbornly walked toward the lodgings.
Contrary to expectations of finding him collapsed in the lodgings, Burnell was discovered in the corridor leading to the lodgings.
Bernard, the Chancellor hosting this exhibition, was also there.
The two were in the middle of a conversation, and Ferda eavesdropped.
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"Burnell Marquis."
Chancellor Bernard looked at Burnell and said.
W.ӗbn ӧv̆ е̂l̊. E n̆_ù m̃á
"I cannot hide my disappointment in you."
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