Chapter 114

Chapter 114
“……Are the subjects no longer responding?”

“…That is correct.”

In the office of Duke Komalon.

After listening to the dark elf’s report, he inquired calmly, “What was the final message received before the link was severed?”

“It concerned the location of Marquis Palatio.”

“They were unable to complete a proper evaluation?”

“My apologies.”

The dark elf offered a deep bow.

Duke Komalon knew the present circumstances were not the fault of the subordinate before him, yet he,

“..Hmm-“

was abruptly reminded of the words spoken by the man in the black sanctified robe.

The warning to be cautious of Marquis Palatio,

Duke Komalon observed the bowing dark elf in prolonged silence before finally speaking,

“Very well. They were merely expendable assets, used to probe the enemy’s strength.”

“…Is that acceptable?”

“Marquis Palatio is not our primary objective. We only considered removing him because he has persistently interfered with our work. However-“

The expense must not outweigh the gain,

“Losing the dragon’s egg was a setback for our cause, but it has not shattered our overall design.”

“I understand.”

Unable to postpone action any longer because of this persistent nuisance, “How much time remains until the masquerade?”

“A mere two weeks.”

“Begin readying the external organizations. Their activation is to coincide with the masquerade in a fortnight.”

“Your will shall be done.”

The dark elf bowed again and then disappeared,

leaving Duke Komalon by himself in the office.

“The cause must be realized, no matter the cost-” He whispered to himself, “It must be achieved. It is the sole path-” to rescue this world, he confirmed in a quiet murmur.

With a tense breath, a lucid madness glittered once more in his newly lifted eyes.

***

Approximately a week later, Alon returned to the residence of Palatio.

His most crucial duty upon returning was to recuperate. Although he continued his magical studies even during this period, the respite at the mansion was a truly welcome relief after months of relentless journeying.

He could not, however, spend the entire week in pure idleness.

“…This appears more difficult than I anticipated?”

“It does.”

Remarked Evan, who had begun to help him with his duties.

They were both examining a report detailing the present condition of Marquis Palatio’s domain.

“…The fiscal health is not terrible, but it is far from good.”

“That is accurate.”

The financial standing of the domain was average.

In strict terms, it was actually leaning toward the deficient side.

“But perhaps that is to be expected? Our lands have never had a significant source of revenue, except for when they were propped up by underworld funds. The situation remains largely unchanged, does it not?”

“What do you mean?”

“Essentially, the faction’s funds are subsidizing the territory.”

Evan indicated a specific entry in the document.

“True.”

Alon felt deeply concerned internally. He was barely managing to sustain the entire fiefdom using the treasury of the Ducal estate.

Conversely, the Ducal estate’s own finances were, in fact, quite robust.

This was due to the numerous treasures he had acquired as rewards during his travels outside the territory.

However, that was not a reliable, continuous stream of income.

“…It seems we must establish some secure and consistent revenue streams.”

He recognized the need for further deliberation. Even with the Ducal house’s current financial stability, without a steady income, the funds were destined to be depleted eventually.

“Perhaps I should develop a local specialty, a product unique to the territory, once funds allow?”

After being lost in thought for a time, Alon soon shut the heavy documents and asked,

“Does our territory possess any specialty products?”

“A specialty product?”

“Yes.”

“…Narcotics?”

Why would he suggest that…?

“…What brings that to mind?”

“Well, narcotics were formerly the specialty of the Count’s house.”

“Was it really that prominent…?”

“There was nothing else of note…”

Alon nodded with a strange look.

Indeed, the Palatio family had a long and deep entanglement with the criminal underworld of Asteria, one of its shadowy truths.

“Is there truly nothing else?”

“…I don’t believe so? There is genuinely nothing in this region that could be considered a specialty.”

Isn’t the absence of anything itself a problem? He considered this briefly.

“Should I address other matters first?”

Deciding to deal with the other accumulated tasks and contemplate territorial development later,

“And I must respond to these letters.”

He began to open and read the three letters from Yutia that had piled up in his absence.

The first letter contained light greetings and updates on the recent situations of Rine and Seolrang.

The second letter was similar to the first, a casual greeting sharing stories about Radan.

Thanks to Evan’s regular reports, Alon was already somewhat informed about Radan’s activities.

‘He discovered a remarkable artifact… Now that I think of it, I haven’t heard any recent rumors about Radan from the outside.’

The thought suddenly struck him,

‘…Then again, no news from a pirate is probably good news.’

It was almost certain that any update would likely involve an increase in his bounty.

Therefore, Alon felt a minor sense of satisfaction at the lack of news (?) regarding Radan as he opened the final letter.

Fortunately, confirming it was also a letter of greeting, he soon began to write his reply.

When finished, it was about a page in length.

However,

‘…Given how often she writes compared to my replies, perhaps I should write a bit more.’

Aiming to balance the scales a little more than usual, he started composing a longer message.

Soon, after recounting his recent journey to the jungle and pondering what specialty product to establish for the Marquisate’s minor daily affairs,

“Phew-“

He looked over the letter, which now spanned three pages, and allowed himself a proud smile.

After handing the letter to Evan, he turned his gaze to the world outside the window.

Unlike the perpetually damp jungle climate, Asteria was nearing winter, with crimson maple leaves slowly drifting down.

Late autumn was already fading.

As time moved forward, the maples would vanish entirely, and true winter would arrive.

“It is time to depart.”

“For the Magic Academy?”

“Yes.”

As soon as Alon secured an opportunity to rejoin the Magic Academy through Siyan, he immediately began preparing for the journey.

“But, my lord. Are you leaving so soon? I believe there is still a considerable amount of time before the Magic Academy commences? Even if we depart at a leisurely pace now, we will have ample time.”

Evan asked as he made preparations.

He was, of course, correct.

However, Alon’s true purpose for attending this academy was to meet Heinkel.

“There is no issue with arriving early, is there?”

“Well, no, there isn’t.”

Evan agreed and then naturally glanced to the side and inquired,

“Are you bringing this black egg?”

The black egg rested on one side of the office.

It had shown no particular changes, though it had grown slightly larger than before.

Alon considered for a moment before nodding,

“We will take it.”

They promptly set out for the Magic Academy.

Roughly two weeks after departing the Ducal estate, Alon arrived at the central tower where the Magic Academy was being held.

“Every time I see this, it is astounding. Viewing it in the evening seems to enhance the effect.”

“I agree.”

Both Evan and Alon nodded in appreciation as they looked upon the central tower.

In truth, the tower, soaring high into the sky against the backdrop of a blue moon, appeared even more majestic at night than by day. It was a sight that seemed lifted directly from a fantasy painting.

“The view is indeed more striking at night.”

With that thought, Alon found himself unable to look away from the tower for some time, until they finally reached the central tower. They moved their carriage to the side and proceeded inside.

There,

“Ah, Marquis Palatio?”

He naturally heard a voice calling his name. Alon looked at the man with a momentarily puzzled expression, but it was brief.

“Ah, you may not recall, but we met once previously, at a conference.”

“Ah.”

He gave a slight nod, the memory returning.

“…Milan, was it?”

“I am honored you remember my name.”

“Honored? Well, regardless, it has been some time.”

“Yes, it has.”

As Milan offered his greetings, Alon glanced around. Despite it being before the official start of the magic conference, a significant number of magicians were already present.

“It seems many magicians have arrived early, even though the conference hasn’t begun.”

Understanding Alon’s unspoken question, Milan explained,

“Ah, that is because the Tower Masters are participating this time.”

“The Tower Masters?”

“Yes. Both the Blue Tower Master and the Red Tower Master are taking part in this conference. I’ve heard they will even deliver a short lecture tomorrow.”

It now made sense why so many magicians had gathered already—if the Tower Masters were attending, their lectures would be immensely valuable for any magician.

“In fact, I came early to attend the lecture as well.”

Alon also intended not only to ask Heinkel about the ring but to gain some knowledge from him. Although he was overcoming obstacles using the Babylonian syntax, self-imposed limitations, and displays of great power, he was, to be frank, still only a fourth-tier magician.

“Ah, congratulations, by the way.”

Suddenly, Milan offered his congratulations.

“…Congratulations?”

“Yes.”

“What for?”

Alon asked with a confused expression, but Milan smiled as if sharing a secret,

“There is no need for modesty. Nearly every magician here is already aware.”

“…???”

‘No, truly, what is he talking about?’

Alon stared at him blankly, but Milan maintained his knowing smile,

“I have already heard the rumor that the Blue Tower Master has formally approved your engagement to the Deputy Tower Master. My congratulations, Marquis.”

And with those words,

“What??”

For a brief moment, Alon’s typically impassive face registered shock, his eyes widening in pure disbelief.