[Trantor - Pot]


    [Proofreader - Kawaii]


    Chapter 74: Someone I Want You to Meet


    While I was casually circting my mana after dinner, an unexpected summons came.


    "Who called for me?"


    "The n Head has summoned you."


    I blinked like a cow and looked at Peter and Olivier.


    ‘...Could it be he found out I went to the underworldst night?’


    ‘That doesn’t seem likely.’


    ‘Right?’


    Though my heart sank for a moment, I doubted it was already discovered. If it was, this might actually be something to look forward to.


    ‘So, it’s finally happening.’


    I had thought about wanting to meet face-to-face, but I hadn’t expected the opportunity toe this quickly.


    ‘Still, it makes my heart sink.’


    But that’s fine. It’s just like a rainstorm that I was bound to face eventually. I’ve never been the type to fear an unexpected downpour.


    "When should I go?"


    The Head butler bowed his head slightly.


    "Please prepare to leave immediately. I’ll return in an hour to escort you."


    "That’s rather sudden. Very well."


    I stared at my reflection in the window and hardened my expression.


    ‘...Stay sharp, Allenvert.’


    If I’m not careful, I might just get devoured.


    ***


    I emerged at the front gate apanied by Peter and Olivier. I had ensured strict confidentiality, so not a single servant dared toe out and watch.


    "The moon is stunning tonight."


    It was a stark contrast tost night, where thick clouds had poured rain relentlessly. Gazing at the bright moon surrounded by stars like loyal retainers, I raised my hand in greeting.


    "Captain Jeffrey, it’s been a while."


    Standing guard by the carriage was Jeffrey, the captain of the Royal Guards who had apanied me on my recent trip to the harbor.


    "Good to see you, Young Master."


    Jeffrey saluted.


    "I didn’t expect we’d meet again so soon."


    "Judging by your expression, you don’t seem too pleased."


    "That’s not true."


    After a brief exchange of friendly banter, I shifted my attention to Aiden, the Head Butler, whosemanding presence stood out beside Jeffrey.


    "Head Butler, it’s been too long."


    "My apologies for disturbing you at thiste hour."


    "Who would me the time when summoned by the n Head?"


    I replied.


    "Still, I wonder where we’re headed that requires such an extravagant escort."


    Aiden answered in a calm voice.


    "As you might have guessed, Young Master, you will be traveling outside the estate."


    "Is there a specific reason we need to leave the estate?"


    "It is the n Head’smand."


    His reply carried an authority that left no room for further questions. Clicking my tongue quietly, I nodded.


    "Then let us go."


    Without furtherment, I climbed into the carriage. It was luxurious and well-reinforced.


    "With something like this, it wouldn’t even get a scratch if an arrow were to hit it."


    "It’s been reinforced with steel and protective enchantments."


    "How luxurious."


    I smirked and nced at the Head Butler.


    "So, the fact that you came in person suggests this isn’t a trivial matter."


    "That’s correct."


    "And travelingte at night implies confidentiality is critical. But even so, I can’t help but wonder if these measures are truly sufficient."


    "You needn’t worry about that."


    "I’d like to hear the reason."


    "This is being done under the will of the n Head. Whose eyes and ears could we possibly need to fear?"


    It was a response thatid bare the sheer authority of Duke Georg. Yet, for some reason, it didn’t sound the least bit arrogant.


    ‘Impressive, Father.’


    After all, no matter how cunning or scheming Verdzig’s mind might be, even he strives to gain Father’s favor. The Duke’s mastery of politics and power was evident during the annihtion of the Eisenach alone.


    It was then—


    ‘...What is this?’


    Throb!


    Suddenly, an intense pain surged through my body, forcing me to clench my teeth. The strange energies I had suppressed with the spirit medicines and the Eternal Ocean Chain Technique began to run wild, twisting my meridians. It felt as though I had swallowed lethal poison.


    ‘Damn it. What the hell is wrong with these things now?’


    Panic or a misstep at a time like this could lead to mana deviation. I quickly closed my eyes and recited the incantation for the Eternal Ocean Chain Technique.


    ‘Good, it’s working.’


    The rebellious venomous energy, which had been rampaging like eels in a frenzy, began to calm down one by one, like unruly soldiers submitting to a strict sergeant.


    ‘Whew, I thought I was about to drop dead.’


    As I steadied my racing heart and opened my eyes, I found the Head Butler and Olivier staring at me.


    "Young Master, is something wrong?"


    "It’s nothing. I must’ve gotten so tense that my stomach acted up."


    "So, even you find the him that intimidating?"


    "Who wouldn’t?"


    I brushed off their concern with a vague excuse, though my thoughts were elsewhere.


    ‘What was that just now?’


    The moment I fully grasped that I’d be meeting my father, it was as if my body had triggered a rejection response. How peculiar.


    ‘Could those energies actually fear my father?’


    The notion was absurd, truly.


    But if my suspicion is correct—that the incurable poison slowly killing me has ties to my maternal bloodline—then...


    ‘No, that’s too ridiculous.’


    I dismissed my own theory.


    ‘That would make it sound like the poison has a will of its own.’


    Even for someone like me, who’s been called a mad dog all my life, such an idea was preposterous.


    ‘What an unpredictable body I have.’


    I shifted the conversation to lighten the mood.


    "So, where exactly are we headed?"


    "To an old winery owned by Grunewald."


    "A winery?"


    I blinked dumbly. Now that was unexpected.


    "Is he nning to share a drink with his son or something?"


    The butler, half-joking, replied with a faint smile.


    "Perhaps."


    ***


    The carriage moved slowly, circling through Grunewald’s inner and outer regions, stopping by various facilities along the way.


    The armory, the barracks of the Royal Guards and the Knights, the food warehouses, various annexes, workshops, stables… even the saltworks, shipyard, and ughterhouse.


    "..."


    I opened the ss window and quietly observed the silent expanse of the ducal estate. Both the Head Butler and Olivier remained wordless, as if urging me to see and remember everything with my own eyes.


    ‘Remember? But what exactly?’


    Perhaps they wanted me to remember the enormity and grandeur of this ce called Grunewald.


    ‘Even that massive castle is but a small piece of what makes up the name Grunewald.’


    For the duke''s castle at the summit to function smoothly, it requires the tireless efforts of those working unseen, day and night.


    ‘Even now, when the skilledborers have retired home after a long day''s work, the bureaucrats manning the offices are probably hunched over their desks by the light ofnterns, grappling with piles of paperwork.’


    "What do you feel?"


    The Head Butler’s low question broke the silence. I replied.


    "I feel the sheer enormity of the name Grunewald. If so many people and facilities are needed just to sustain a single castle, how many more must be involved to maintain this entire city and duchy?"


    "It is the Duke’s role to oversee them all."


    "And you assist my father, ensuring every matter within the castle, great and small, is handled."


    The Head Butler gave a faint smile.


    "Young Master, in truth, this is a rite that your elder brothers, the n Head, and even your ancestors have all undergone."


    "Oh, really? Then it’s truly an honor."


    The Head Butler’s eyes gleamed with a probing curiosity as he asked.


    "And what about this makes you feel honored?"


    "Before seeking the position of an heir, one must first understand and appreciate what it is they aim to inherit. Isn’t this an opportunity to realize that? If so, it’s only right to feel both gratitude and pride at being given such a chance."


    The Head Butler nodded, a pleased smile spreading across his face. He didn’t even bother hiding his expression now.


    ‘How surprising.’


    When we first met, he was as stoic as a stone. Yet here he was, disying a range of emotions openly in front of me.


    "So, your personal guidance must also be part of an evaluation to observe my reaction and report back, correct?"


    "How perceptive of you."


    "It’s just that I’m quick to catch on. A survival skill from eating ‘humble pie’ for so long."


    "Haha!"


    He likely thought my words wereced with humor, but I was simply reflecting on my life as Karzan.


    ‘It’s so different. Everything about it.’


    I could feel the weight of tradition, passed down over generations.


    The reason a noble n is noble, the reason a distinguished n earns its title—these were things I could only vaguely infer during my days as Karzan.


    But now, living as both Karzan and Allenvert, I could see clearly.


    This n possesses a strength that the chaotic organizations of the underworld, which ebb and flow with power, profit, violence, and schemes, can never hope to match.


    ‘The strength of time.’


    The traditions and stories built up over the years, and the people who have upheld them, are what make Grunewald what it is today.


    "Even that grass, someone must be trimming and maintaining it, no?"


    I pointed at the neatly trimmed grass along the side of the well-maintained road.


    "Indeed. There’s a position specifically assigned for road maintenance."


    The Head Butler confirmed.


    "I see."


    Even for the smallest, seemingly trivial aspects, there are individuals with designated responsibilities.


    In my past life as Karzan, I could never have imagined such a meticulous and finely tuned organizational structure. These roles weren’t created arbitrarily; they evolved over time, born out of necessity, and have been passed down through generations.


    "Do those individuals also have detailed guidelines for maintaining the roads, trimming the grass, and managing their tools?"


    "Of course. While it may seem minor at a nce, such tasks require careful attention and wisdom."


    I turned my gaze to Jeffrey, who was silently riding alongside the carriage, guarding it.


    "Much like the strict discipline of the Royal Guards and the profound depth of their martial arts."


    "Precisely."


    The Head Butler let out a small chuckle, his expression carrying a trace of pride. I couldn’t help but feel slightly self-conscious under his gaze.


    "What? Did you say something just now?"


    Jeffrey suddenly turned his head, assuming we were talking about him when he heard the words ‘Royal Guards.’


    "Nothing of importance."


    "Ah, I see."


    "But tell me, what did you do before enlisting in the Royal Guards?"


    Jeffrey answered almost eagerly.


    "I helped with odd jobs at Grunewald Castle."


    "Oh? Why’s that?"


    "My father works here as well."


    "Ah, I see. What’s his role?"


    "He’s the Fox Hunter."


    I blinked, confused by the title. "Is that an actual position?"


    The Head Butler stepped in to answer.


    "Given the vast expanse of the estate, animals like foxes and roons can cause significant damage to the crops. Over time, a specialized role for hunting foxes emerged."


    "That’s… fascinating."


    As I admired the thoughtfulness behind such a role, a question urred to me.


    "So, does that mean you’ve known Jeffrey since he was young?"


    "Yes. Often shared drinks with his father. Jeffrey was the boy who ran errands for us during those times, earning pocket money."


    "So, there’s quite a history between you two."


    I couldn’t help but be struck by how interconnected butlers and retainers of this vast estate were. Each generation seemed deeply intertwined with the others, not unlike the way neighbors in the back alleys of a slum might depend on each other for survival.


    "If your father was a hunter, you must’ve inherited traits like persistence and tenacity." .


    Jeffrey’s voice brimmed with pride.


    "Absolutely. I learned everything from him—climbing mountains for endurance, the wisdom to set traps in the right spots and conceal them, and the teamwork and strategy required to track and drive foxes with just a few men and hounds."n/?/vel/b//in dot c//om


    "Impressive."


    I said, genuinely admiring him. A man raised in such an environment was destined to be an exceptional soldier and apetent leader.


    "His talent was so remarkable that I personally rmended him for the Royal Guards."


    "So, it’s almost like you’re an uncle to him."


    "That''s why I was already acquainted with Olivier, despite having few direct interactions."


    At those words, Olivier gave a slight smile.


    "That''s correct."


    "I used to spar with the Olivier quite often."


    "And Olivier won, I assume?"


    "That''s correct as well."


    The Head Butler burst intoughter at this.


    "He was so frustrated about losing to a butler despite being a Royal Guard!"


    Seeing how pleased he was, it seemed that even though Jeffrey was just a dear friend''s son, Aiden still favored his blood nephew more.


    ''Now that I think about it…''


    I observed the lively and cheerful mood between the three of them.


    ''Perhaps he holds far more affection for me than I thought.''


    "By the way, Young Master." the Head Butler began.


    "Speak."


    "I''m sorry for the suddenness, but I should have informed you sooner: Jeffrey will be assigned to your personal quarters starting tomorrow."


    "Eh?"


    This was new information.


    "I hadn’t heard of this."


    "He requested the assignment himself. And I believe he’s more than capable of assisting you effectively."


    "Hmm, is that so?"


    My teasing made Jeffrey bristle.


    "If you don’t want it, you can refuse."


    "Well, I wouldn’t go that far."


    "Really now."


    "Come to think of it, we do have some history, don''t we? You made money off me, after all."


    Jeffrey had once ced a bet with me during a sparring match with Keseg and ended up winning quite a sum.


    "Well, that’s true."


    "Shouldn''t you share some of that with me then?"


    "I don’t think so."


    "What a stingy fellow."


    I nced at Jeffrey’s back and casually asked.


    "So, have you figured out who killed the prisoners I captured?"


    "…We''re still investigating."


    "They’re quite crafty to have evaded even the Royal Guards’ watch."


    "This is a disgrace to us. We’ll surely find the culprit."


    Listening quietly to our conversation, the Head Butler added.


    "I’m keeping a close eye on this matter as well, so you’ll hear news soon."


    "I hope so."


    I turned my gaze away. The carriage was now passing through dense vineyards along the coastline. We must be nearing our destination.


    "Young Master."


    The Head Butler lowered his voice.


    "You may rx here as much as you like, but do remember that this is a highly formal asion."


    "I understand."


    Anyone looking might think I was about to face execution. I quickly tightened the mental grip on the rxed tension I had briefly allowed.


    "As you said, I’ll remain especially cautious."


    Jeffrey wiped the smile from his face and said seriously,


    "The Duke is a truly formidable person. You mustn’t show any disrespect or weakness."


    "…"


    I savored their warnings and then smiled subtly.


    "In other words, you’re saying I should keep myposure and not act like I did at the banquet with my siblings and stepmothers?"


    Olivier, who had been silent, sighed and replied.


    "Please, I beg of you."


    ***


    Ulvhild Grunewald, themander of 2nd battalion of the Special Operations Division, had been carrying out a special military operation for three days.


    "It should be wrapped up by tomorrow."


    Though it waste into the night, thenterns in her tent remained lit.


    "…"


    Ulvhild watched the external unitmander standing beside her, emotionlessly reviewing the troop deployment map.


    ''Rudgarda Angantyr.''


    The youngest daughter of the tribal chief who leads the mountain tribes, a hostage of the Grunewald, and the 6thmander of the external unit belonging to the Special Operations Division.


    ''And to Allenvert, she’s the daughter of the enemy.''


    Now seemed like the perfect time to bring up a subject she had been hesitating to mention for several days.


    "Second Commander, if you have something to say, don’t beat around the bush."


    Rudgarda’s quiet words prompted Ulvhild to ask sheepishly.


    "Did you know?"


    "It would be foolish not to know."


    Though she was arade, Rudgarda was in a position where she had to show proper respect to Ulbhild, who was effectively the daughter of her host family.


    "Hmm, Sixth Commander. Actually…"


    After some hesitation, Ulvhild made up her mind.


    "There is someone I want you to meet."


    It remained to be seen what results woulde from Ulvhild’s decision to have her younger brother face the daughter of his enemy.


    [Trantor - Pot]


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