Chapter 161

Chapter 161. For Some Reason, That’s How It Felt

Naturally. Of course.

Due to that pointless impulse to deliver a bit of righteousness, our primary subject had been delayed for a moment—but now, we were arriving at the core matter.

Granted, it wasn’t as though the conversation we had shared up until this point had been entirely pointless.

‘It was a conversation that needed to happen eventually.’

Setting those thoughts aside, I retrieved the Thousand Origin Art manuscript I had carefully kept hidden within Subspace, placing it forward as I brought up the question that had been weighing on my mind.

“So you mentioned that if you took a look at it, you could produce some kind of outcome…….”

“You certainly are impatient.”

“How could I not be?”

This was my chance to finally lay hands on the New Thousand Origin Art I had been desperately pursuing.

Even if it was merely an intermediate phase—an incomplete draft rather than a finished product—the importance it held for me was monumental.

There was no way it couldn’t be.

Paharen von Deculan.

The esoteric methodology that had elevated that monster to the ranks of history’s absolute strongest was none other than this New Thousand Origin Art.

To be fair, I didn’t believe Paharen attained his legendary status solely based on a single secret technique.

Yet, it remained an indisputable truth that upon mastering the New Thousand Origin Art, Paharen performed incredible deeds that no soul could deny.

Right at that moment, Henji broke the silence.

“Aster, there is a thought that has been crossing my mind for some time now.”

“……?”

“No, pay it no mind. It isn’t anything critical.”

My gaze locked onto Henji as he cut his own sentence short, quietly attempting to retreat from his statement.

‘What is wrong with this guy?’

If it lacked importance, he shouldn’t have brought it up at all. Halting midway like that only served to provoke that irritating, persistent curiosity that plagues a person.

Under normal circumstances, I would have simply responded, ‘Ah, alright. Let it go then,’ and moved past it, but seeing the calculating expression in Henji’s eyes, I found it impossible to drop.

“What is it? Speak up.”

“It truly is trivial, you see?”

“…….”

My hand clenched into a tight fist.

I felt a sudden urge to mete out some physical justice.

Having successfully captured my focus, Henji let out a soft chuckle as if it really were a laughing matter, finally allowing his genuine thoughts to emerge.

“I am unsure if I am merely overthinking, but it appears your obsession with the New Thousand Origin Art is… somewhat extraordinary.”

“…….”

“Is it not? Oh, and just to clarify—though I may be boasting a bit on my own behalf—the New Thousand Origin Art is indeed a magnificent technique. Yet, if one were to ask if it is worth wagering your entire life upon… well. I cannot say I am certain.”

As I lapsed into silence, Henji’s gaze sharpened, resembling a feline that had stumbled upon an entertaining plaything.

“Previously, I considered the possibility that you might completely dismantle every art you have mastered up to this point just to adopt the New Thousand Origin Art. You are quite young, after all. However, judging by Parun’s correspondence, your current foundation is far from shallow.”

“And your point is?”

“You have already established a significant foundation, meaning it is impossible for you to simply abandon your current achievements to pursue the New Thousand Origin Art. Kalahen, Lortel…… Typically, a person does not gamble their existence on esoteric arts they cannot even practice, do they? Could this be simple human curiosity? Ah! Perhaps—much like myself or Parun—it is a manifestation of unadulterated scholarly intrigue? Yes, that might be the case. Scholarly intrigue. A highly vital trait.”

Henji nodded in self-approval, driving the dialogue forward entirely on his own, and as I observed him, I realized he had already firmly convinced himself of a particular reality.

And what exactly was that reality?

The conclusion that I was actively training in the Old Thousand Origin Art.

“Well, that was merely the query I held… truly, it is nothing of consequence, correct?”

Faced with his playful, evasive demeanor, my knuckles tightened momentarily, but I forced a serene expression onto my face.

“It is less about scholarly intrigue and more… well, you know. Isn’t it only standard to feel curious? They claim the Thousand Origin Art—the very foundation of House Deculan—has undergone an evolution.”

“How many individuals would risk their lives over simple curiosity? One would have to be utterly deranged.”

“…….”

At that point, even I found myself devoid of a retort.

Just as he pointed out, there was no lunatic in this world who would throw their life away for nothing more than casual interest.

Which meant, in other words—

‘He believes there is absolutely no reason for me to be this fixated on the New Thousand Origin Art unless I am already well-versed in the Old Thousand Origin Art.’

As that realization hit me, a brief chuckle escaped my lips.

It wasn’t as though it were some monumental, sacred secret anyway.

Well—it certainly remained a secret I could never disclose to the public, but when it came to Henji and Parun, it had transformed into a reality I no longer required to conceal.

Thus, I was just on the verge of confirming, ‘Yes. Your deduction is correct’—

But precisely at that moment, Henji spoke up again.

“My, I have let myself ramble on for far too long.”

“…….”

“Haha. It seems encountering an individual with whom I can share confidences has made me overly talkative. I shall examine the manuscript and get back in touch with you. As Parun mentioned, I cannot guarantee swift breakthroughs—but I shall commit my full effort.”

So this was what it felt like to be completely overwhelmed by words alone.

Henji delivered a one-sided verbal beating, then neatly concluded the entire matter in a single breath.

I forced the edges of my lips to curl upward, grinding my teeth together. Then, with agonizing slowness, I gave a nod, squeezing my hand into a tight ball.

‘I am perfectly capable of… correcting people with my fists now, as well.’

Naturally, it was an impulse I had no intention of acting upon.

Though… to be completely honest, a part of me truly desired to do so, but—

“Right, you mentioned earlier that you had a query of your own, did you not? In your correspondence, you indicated that you were searching for a method to divide your core.”

The abruptness with which he redirected the conversation was nearly shameless.

Suppressing the rising irritation within me, I gave a nod.

“Correct. A method to divide the core.”

“In truth, the fundamental theory behind dividing a core is not particularly complex. The true issue lies within the perils faced during the process, as well as the subsequent efficiency… Hmm. This is rather peculiar. When the Thousand Origin Art of House Deculan refines a core, it does not typically divide—”

“Hey.”

As he smoothly transitioned from the introductory points straight into deeper speculation—finally pushing my tolerance past its limit—I directed a harsh glare toward him.

Yet, perhaps because he had never experienced a physical altercation firsthand? He simply chuckled, opening his palm wide as if signaling that it had merely been a jest.

“Regarding the division technique, I shall choose a handful of texts and have them delivered to you. You ought to find the concepts easy enough to grasp through those alone.”

“It won’t consist of more than a hundred volumes this time, will it?”

“Haha, certainly not. Oh, and concerning the New Thousand Origin Art—Parun notes that it has reached a stage where I merely need to structure it formally, but… even so, it cannot be finalized within a mere day or two. How much longer do you intend to remain within Brando?”

How much longer I intended to stay within Brando…

I silently evaluated the timeline.

Truthfully, I had no desire to linger for an extended period.

My choice to travel to Brando despite it deviating from my initial arrangements was entirely motivated by the circle and the New Thousand Origin Art, and once those matters concluded, I fully intended to make my way back to the academy immediately.

However—

“……Hmm. At present, I believe it is less a question of how long I wish to remain, and more about how long I will be permitted to stay.”

That complication arose entirely from the degenerates belonging to House Tulk.

Depending on their subsequent actions, I might find myself forced to depart from Brando far ahead of schedule.

Naturally, even if that occurred, it wouldn’t signify a total severance of my ties with Brando—but given that I had raised my hands against the young heir of a subordinate lineage, it was not an affair that would be brushed aside easily.

Setting that matter aside, though—

‘Something about this arrangement still feels incredibly unnatural.’

Who exactly had manipulated that mindless fool who couldn’t even maintain his composure when facing Gamo?

It was highly improbable that he was acting upon direct instructions, making it feel far more likely that someone well-acquainted with the fool’s nature had quietly stoked his rage.

Just as my contemplations were on the verge of sinking into a deeper, more complex territory—

“Is your concern stemming from that piece of garbage representing House Tulk?”

“You are aware?”

“The reality that the young master of House Tulk is utter garbage is common knowledge to all. If anything, his younger sibling possesses some actual utility.”

“No, that is not what I meant.”

There was an oddly knowing nuance woven into Henji’s delivery.

It was almost as though he was fully conscious of the retribution I had handed out earlier today.

“Ah, are you speaking of the confrontation at the clothing establishment? I am missing the precise specifics, but I possess a general understanding of the event.”

“……In what manner?”

“Would it not be far more bizarre if I remained ignorant? Parun merely places his own life at stake, but I… you comprehend the situation, do you not?”

To put it plainly, he was implying that he had taken thorough precautions because he refused to let any collateral damage reach all the way to Brando.

“I was unaware that your devotion to the House extended to such lengths.”

“Not on my part. However, my idiotic younger brother is a different matter entirely.”

Ah, indeed.

He possessed a younger brother.

Our initial encounter had occurred precisely due to that foolish younger sibling, but his lack of impact had been so severe that he had slipped my mind entirely at some point.

“Was his name Stanley?”

I held a vague recollection that it was something along those lines.

“I have no memory of ever sharing his name with you?”

Ah. Was that the case?

Then who exactly was Stanley?

He merely struck me as the sort of unnoticeable individual who would naturally bear the name Stanley. If that wasn’t it, then so be it.

Regardless—this unnoticeable fool… well, he was at the very least slightly less atrocious than the degenerate from House Tulk, so it was fair to categorize him as a simpleton.

In any case.

The simpleton was irrelevant at this current juncture.

‘Right. Why did the option of interrogating Henji never cross my mind?’

What exactly was that “atypical” subordinate lineage that Ransi had brought up? And who was the mastermind that had incited that piece of garbage?

Henji served as the perfect individual to question—the single source capable of providing insights that Gamo and Ransi would withhold, or matters that would be far too awkward to query them about directly.

Just as that realization settled within my mind—

Henji offered a subtle grin and spoke up.

“At any rate, I believe I can offer you some measure of assistance regarding that situation. What are your thoughts? I would appreciate hearing your perspective, Aster.”

“Assistance?”

I expressed my skepticism at the sudden proposition.

Yet Henji’s terms did not conclude there.

“Indeed. I can arrange matters so that House Tulk remains unable to pursue grievances against you regarding the incident with that piece of garbage. Furthermore, should you desire it, I can also untangle the complication surrounding the subordinate lineage that is stirring up trouble regarding your presence.”

“You can resolve the issue with the subordinate lineage as well?”

“Yes. I am uncertain if you have deduced it yourself by now, but by my calculations, that piece of garbage and the subordinate lineage do not constitute isolated events. Therefore, if I am to step in, it is only logical to settle both matters simultaneously.”

“……Wait a moment.”

I extended a hand, cutting off Henji’s words mid-sentence.

The data was flooding in so rapidly and casually that I required a brief window to properly structure the scenario.

Primary point—one.

‘Just as I suspected, the individual who egged on that piece of garbage belonged to that “atypical” subordinate lineage?’

Secondary point—two.

‘And Henji claims he has the power to unravel all of it?’

“You appear somewhat perplexed—would it be beneficial if I clarified the circumstances?”

“Keep it as concise as possible.”

Henji gave a nod, maintaining that amiable expression.

“To begin, the subordinate lineage that is currently raising objections against you is House Jiloks. The complication lies in the fact that this is a rather unorthodox subordinate house—”

“Ransi made mention of that as well. What, precisely, renders it so unique?”

“Ah, so you were uninformed? The individual currently presiding over House Jiloks is the older sibling of our own Lord.”

“Sworn brothers?”

“No. Bound by actual blood.”

“……?”

Hold on—if he was the biological brother of the reigning Lord of Brando… that implied Demian’s biological uncle was the reigning master of House Jiloks.

“In what way? Did he establish House Jiloks through his own efforts?”

No—even if that were the reality, the logic failed to align.

Even if a direct relative initiated a fresh lineage, if their capabilities fell short, they would never be integrated as an official subordinate house.

Furthermore, it was highly unusual for a branch of the primary bloodline to isolate themselves into an entirely separate house to begin with.

Henji chuckled, seemingly entertained by the astonishment I displayed.

“The previous master of House Jiloks was never blessed with a son. Naturally, it is far from unprecedented for a daughter to take up the mantle of leadership, but… regrettably, those daughters possessed no notable aptitude.”

“Which means….”

“Well, it is a familiar tale. House Jiloks lacked a viable successor, and there existed a gentleman who was barred from ascending to the leadership of Brando. Their respective desires aligned flawlessly, did they not?”

What sort of drama was this?

He dismissed it as a familiar tale, but it possessed an oddly compelling narrative.

Regardless, the reason behind House Jiloks being deemed “unique” was incredibly straightforward.

A subordinate house commanded by the biological brother of the reigning Lord.

Naturally, even if he shared blood with the Lord, the unyielding regulations of the house meant he couldn’t simply operate without boundaries—yet it was equally undeniable that treating them in the exact same manner as a standard subordinate lineage would prove highly delicate.

Suddenly, a sequence of events unfurled in my mind like an absurd theatrical comedy.

“Is the Lord of Brando currently absent from the estate?”

“Indeed. Are you familiar with the disturbance that developed not long ago within the Hamelin Great Forest? Due to that event, the distribution of magical resources suffered a disruption, prompting him to set out once more on an extended excursion.”

There it was.

“Very well. I comprehend the situation entirely.”

“What exactly do you mean by comprehending it?”

Henji fixed his gaze upon me, his eyes gleaming with intense curiosity.

As if offering an answer, I began aligning the conceptual fragments within my thoughts until they locked together flawlessly.

“The strategy of House Jiloks centers on diminishing Gamo’s authority by generating a conflict surrounding my presence. In reality, I am merely a convenient pretext. Their true aim is to assert their own dominance. With the Lord away, they view this as the ultimate window of opportunity.”

Was the plot far too minor? That is precisely how structures of power begin to crumble.

“Infallible authority” remains “infallible” purely because it faces no opposition—but the exact second a single instance of defiance manifests, its foundational respect begins to fracture.

“Following that logic, what exactly is the ultimate target of House Jiloks?”

“Hmm, fascinating. Continue.”

“Insurrection.”

Yes. No other conclusion fit.

“Usurping the seat of power.”

Capitalizing on the Lord’s absence, eroding Gamo’s standing, and steadily magnifying their own influence within the walls of Brando…

“Until they finally claim the throne of Brando which they were denied in the past.”

That was the definitive motive I deduced for House Jiloks.

Right at that exact instant, Henji began to strike his palms together.

Clap, clap, clap.

I offered a self-satisfied smirk as the hollow clapping drifted through the room. Even by my own standards—my analysis had been incredibly perceptive.

‘In that case, what becomes of Demian?’

I would have to step in to assist him.

As that resolve solidified, Henji’s words broke through my internal thoughts.

“Astonishing. In a mere matter of moments, you have successfully recast the master of House Jiloks as a complete monster intent on murdering his own flesh and blood.”

“……?”

Hold on. That wasn’t the reality of it?

Then what exactly was going on?

“To begin with, I believe you are harboring a dangerously inflated misconception, so allow me to clarify that specific detail. Ah, but prior to doing so—”

“Prior to doing so?”

“I must offer my compliments regarding your profound skepticism towards human nature, Aster.”

“…… shreds.”

I never could have envisioned receiving a comment of that nature from someone like Henji, of all people.

Perhaps… I had drifted slightly away from the path of conventional virtue.

For some reason, that’s how it felt.