Chapter 282 – Between Noble Blood and Darkness
Viktor Saul:
The staff member was explaining the item on display to the gathered crowd.
"This wand, called Aqua-Fury, is a rare artifact. It's made from a lapis lazuli gem produced by an oyster-type monster. In its wand form, it doubles the power of a water mage, while in its staff form, it can amplify magic up to five times. This is a military-grade model and quite rare, but it has limitations. It's highly effective for simple spells, but for complex magic, it can actually hinder the user's power."
The group listened attentively, impressed.
These military items could significantly enhance a soldier's potential, especially for those who didn't yet possess a high-grade mana gem.
That's when I noticed Chloe Evenhart holding a similar wand, comparing it to the one in the exhibit. I approached, observing the object in her hands.
"I see you have one of the same model. That's a military-grade item," I remarked, drawing her attention.
"My magic teacher gave me this wand when I was eight. I knew it was a good one, but I didn't realize it was so valuable," Chloe admitted, surprised. "I only recently found out that only high-ranking military personnel can acquire it."
I nodded slightly. "Exactly. This type of wand can turn basic spells into powerful attacks, meaning even an average water mage could become a dangerous offensive force. That's why they're restricted-use items."
She stored the wand in her storage bracelet, a thoughtful expression on her face.
"I think I understand its value better now."
"Even though you're skilled enough to create golems, having a wand like this still gives you an advantage. Lower-level spells gain extra power, and the mana consumption remains the same," I added.
She nodded in understanding.
An Aqua-Fury wand in the hands of someone talented was truly a weapon to be respected—especially in the hands of Chloe.
"I lost my storage bracelet once. It fell into a river, and with it, several important things were swept away by the current. Fortunately, the bracelet broke upon impact, releasing the items into the water. I was able to recover this precious wand because it floated, thanks to the enchanted gem. It has immeasurable value to me," she said, her eyes shining as she recalled the moment.
I listened carefully, reminded of how I had spent months trying to get closer to her.
If Chloe could be so enthralled by a simple wand, imagine how she would react when she saw the vault of military treasures in my castle.
"In the Saul Duchy, we have some truly impressive military weapons—even staves made from the same stone as your wand," I remarked, trying to create a connection. "You should visit sometime to watch our water mages train. It's quite a spectacle, seeing water magic clash against fire."
Chloe gave me a confused look, clearly trying to decipher my intentions.
Her eyes gleamed with slight surprise—but also with an almost imperceptible hint of caution.
"Maybe… if all of our friends came along," she answered hesitantly.
"You know," I continued smoothly, not letting the conversation slip away, "as the heir of a military duchy, I have the kingdom's trust. Very few duchies have the privilege of marrying into another ducal family. It's a strategic position."
I watched her reaction closely.
"I… should go. I need to find my cousin," Chloe said, her gaze fixed on the exit as she began to step away.
Before she could put too much distance between us, I grabbed her arm, keeping her close.
"I'm serious. I haven't approved any of the candidates for my wife yet. There's a line of women wanting to marry me, but I'm selective. I filter by talent, beauty, and political power. You have strong magical blood and are exceptionally beautiful, not to mention the fact that you're a future duchess. I'm sure you've thought about it—after all, you're an adult now, and soon, you'll have to consider who will stand by your side."
I adjusted my posture, making it clear exactly how I saw the two of us.
"I am one of the most talented high nobles of this generation," I began, letting my voice carry confidence. "Edmund? He's just a transmitter, which makes him a Combat Mage, but his magical bloodline is weak. You and I, on the other hand, are Shooter Mages—the strongest. And you even have the added advantage of a second mana category as a Summoner. A child of ours would be incredibly powerful."
I stepped a little closer, emphasizing the connection we could form.
"You know that, eventually, you'll have to marry. I'm wealthy, powerful, and influential. With me, you could elevate that farmer duchy of yours, gradually turning it into something greater—with more cities, more technology."
She seemed unsettled, as if searching for the right words.
"I already like someone..." she murmured.
"Don't tell me that fool Edmund has made a move already?" I asked, irritation bubbling inside me. The mere thought of it caused a sharp discomfort.
Chloe's eyes widened, and she quickly shook her head.
"No… I have nothing going on with him," she replied hastily.
"Chloe, you're a talented mage and the next duchess. You stand above most nobles. Marrying me would place you in an even higher position. With me, your duchy could rise to a greater status within the kingdom," I said, locking my gaze onto her, making sure she understood the seriousness of my proposal.
She took a step back.
"Think about it," I added, giving her some space. "This isn't an offer I would make to just anyone."
"I'm sorry, but I'm not interested. I already like someone," Chloe said. Without another word, she turned and left, heading in the same direction as her cousin and that demi-human servant.
I sighed, contemplating how much effort it would take to win Chloe over.
"I'm actually glad she refused right away. It means she has principles. But my family is powerful—she'll understand, especially when she has to take over the duchy and realizes she needs someone strong by her side. That simplistic farmer mentality runs deep in her family. If I do manage to make her my wife one day, I'll have a lot of work ahead of me."
I started walking, already mapping out the first steps to shaping her into someone worthy of my duchy.
First and foremost, the demi-human servant would have to be dismissed.
After all, keeping a demi-human as an employee was disgusting.
I planned my approach but realized I'd have to be more assertive in making Chloe recognize my superiority. Her duchy had no history of political marriages.
Perhaps I should ask my father to formally propose the arrangement to her mother. Political marriages don't require the bride and groom's consent...
"Tch!" I flinched as a sharp pain suddenly shot through my leg.
Looking down, I saw Nathan Evenhart's gray cat staring at me with narrowed, challenging eyes.
"You little brat, you hurt me," I muttered, annoyed, as she casually walked away with an air of indifference.
I glanced around, and seeing that no one was paying attention, I prepared to kick the damn thing.
The cat stopped, staring at my leg as if anticipating the strike—daring me to try it.
"You little shit," I hissed, ready to kick, but before I could move, a firm hand gripped my shoulder, stopping me in my tracks.
"What's going on?!" I snapped, turning angrily to see who dared to interfere.
Standing before me was William, a knight I recognized as being from my family, though he currently served in the royal army.
"I wouldn't do that if I were you, sir," he warned. "That cat is not just any cat. She's dangerous."
When I looked back at the cat, she simply glanced at me once before turning with disdainful elegance, disappearing into the crowd.
William's sharp gaze never left me.
William, though technically still under my family's command, was currently serving in the royal family's army—a strategic favor we offered to reaffirm our loyalty to House Asalon. He had recently secured a prestigious position alongside Sebastian in a special unit under Princess Elara's command.
"I know that. It's a damn Moon Panther, but it's still just a cub," I said, adjusting my posture.
"Even so, it's not wise to provoke a creature like that. Soon enough… it'll have a new owner," he remarked.
"A new owner?" I asked, narrowing my eyes. "I highly doubt that family would sell their magical beast."
William chuckled.
"The royal family is interested in that beast. When they found out about the cub, Sebastian told me the king nearly choked in shock. You know how obsessed they are with having powerful magical beasts serve them."
"I see…" I murmured. "Are they planning to make an offer?"
"That… I don't know. But either way, who can refuse when the king himself demands something?"
We continued walking through the exhibition, admiring the relics and weaponry. As we strolled, William shot me a curious glance.
"Did you manage to make your marriage proposal to the young duchess of the agricultural duchy?" he asked.
"Yes. I hope she has the sense to accept," I replied. "But I plan to approach her more over time. A few more conversations won't hurt."
William nodded, though I could tell he was considering something deeper.
"Do you like her? Or is it just about her magical bloodline, to give you a powerful heir? Or maybe a strategic land merger?"
His question caught me off guard, and I hesitated, struggling to find the right words.
"I… I like her," I muttered, embarrassed.
He chuckled, placing a hand on my shoulder.
"I had a youthful love at your age too," he said with an enigmatic smile.
"You're only a few years older than me," I replied, laughing lightly.
"Time moves fast. People like us mature quickly," he said.
I nodded in agreement.
"And what happened to your 'youthful love'? You don't even have a girlfriend now…"
William leaned in slightly, his voice dropping to a low murmur.
"She was a commoner," he said in a grave tone. "I didn't need her permission to… enjoy myself at night."
Then, as if nothing had happened, he casually straightened.
"But this noble girl is different," I commented, trying to rationalize.
William stopped walking and stared at me with an intense gaze before leaning in again.
"What if I told you that, one day, there may no longer be any nobility? And when that day comes… whoever is on the right side will have everything they desire."
A strange unease crept up my spine. I didn't fully understand what he meant, but I was certain there was more beneath his words.
"Your father has a narrow vision of the world, my lord. But you, even at your age, could easily replace him," he said, his voice sharp and direct.
"I'm well aware of that," I answered, fully confident in my own abilities.
"You're powerful, young, and the only one who has mastered your family's steam magic. You can combine water and fire, creating something unique," William said with a sly grin. "You've always covered for my escapades to the brothels, so now, I want to invite you to something special."
"Something special?" I asked, intrigued.
He stepped closer, lowering his voice.
"You will have everything you desire when the great day arrives. I'm inviting you to be part of a new society," he said, his eyes piercing into mine. "I trust you—because we both know how to keep each other's secrets."
Then, he handed me a folded piece of paper.
What is he talking about?
"If this is some kind of joke, know that the weight of my wrath is not something you'll forget."
He simply smiled back, his eyes gleaming.
"Then let's go together, my lord. I believe you'll find more than you expect."
I glanced at the paper—it was indeed an invitation.
Opening it, I found a black card adorned with the image of two crimson eyes.
"Not here, my lord," William cautioned, and I quickly tucked the invitation away.
"What is this, William?" I asked, intrigued.
"A gift…" he murmured. "It's how I became stronger—how I turned into a more powerful mage. If you're interested, I can take you there. It's a gathering… always attended by other nobles."
Could it be a place where spell contraband takes place? I wouldn't mind acquiring a few.
"The watchword to enter the location is 'Long Live the Darkness,'" he said.