Chapter 41
It was something I blurted out in anger, but upon reflection, it wasn't impossible.
'After all, I've already signed a magically binding contract with that direct lineage. There's no backing out now.'
Whenever Dietrich recalled the time Calyphe demanded information for the council meeting, his teeth still ground in frustration.
"Alright. If you know anything about the illegal magical tools organization, spill it all. I'll name you as an informant."
"Have I gone mad…? Hah. I've never used illegal magical tools! It's all because of those defective products from the Magic Tower! …Ugh!"
"Oh dear. Since you're not doing your best as per the contract, your mana is being drained rapidly."
"What's the standard for 'doing my best'?!"
"Your conscience. You know better than anyone whether you've done your best or not, right?"
"What… what did you say? Damn it! This is a scam!"
In the end, Dietrich spilled everything he knew and faced the consequences after the council meeting. He was hit with an enormous fine and had to pay massive compensation to the nobles and the Imperial Hall.
He was no longer a nouveau riche noble but a former nouveau riche noble. He lost his wealth, reputation, and even the connections he had clung to. He was back at rock bottom.
He was sick of both Viscount Kaiman and Calyphe.
'…Even if I'm ruined, there's one thing I need to be sure of.'
Whether it was truly because of Calyphe Ophensa that the letter had been read again.
"Well, it just so happens there's some suitable information you can bring me."
At Viscount Kaiman's words, Dietrich snapped out of his thoughts.
"Find evidence that Calyphe and Duke Ortega's relationship is fake."
"…Is it really fake? Those two?"
"Of course it is."
Kaiman scoffed at Dietrich.
"The Duke is a high-ranking noble, not a commoner. He wouldn't do something that only brings him losses."
"……"
"Anything will do. Even recording a video of them looking awkward together would work. Spreading rumors isn't hard either."
Though he said that, there was no real expectation in Kaiman's eyes as he looked at Dietrich.
It was the look one gives to a spare chess piece.
Clearly, there was some other scheme to bring down Calyphe.
"I'll arrange things for you. Start coming to work from tomorrow. Even if you're from the back alleys, you should be better at Imperial language than kids."
"……What?"
Dietrich was shocked when he heard about his new job.
Noah stood on his tiptoes and peeked his head out the window. The special unit members personally selected by Duke Ortega were swinging their swords.
Noah watched them with a stern gaze.
"……Hmm."
Eventually, he nodded.
They looked much stronger than his previous swordsmanship instructor. It seemed reasonable to ask them for training.
Though he truly wanted to learn from the Duke himself…….
Noah sneakily opened his treasure pouch and shook his head.
'This isn't enough for tuition.'
Hadn't he consistently offered jewels to Baron Colben, his former instructor?
The Duke was far stronger than Colben, so the fees would be astronomical.
'The cost-performance is terrible……'
But since these men were the Duke's subordinates, maybe they'd charge less?
Just as Noah headed to the training ground, maids' chatter drifted through the corridor:
"Those special unit members are all huge. Are all northerners like that?"
"Not just them. This annex itself feels strange now—rooms and buildings with northern designs popping up everywhere."
True to their words, Calyphe's annex had changed drastically.
A grand room for the Duke now stood beside Calyphe's bedroom.
A dedicated carriage stood ready, while chefs, doctors, and other talents brought by the Duke occupied new facilities.
The annex's grounds had expanded, guarded in shifts by the special unit.
"The Duke covered all expenses."
"Goodness. No wonder this place feels like a different household."
This was Lainen's intention.
The annex now served as both Calyphe's domain and Lainen Ortega's residence, asserting independence from Viscount Kaiman's interference.
"But what happens to that sponsored child if they marry?"
"If they have their own heir, he'll just get in the way. They'll probably send him off for adoption… Oh!"
The maids scattered upon meeting Noah's gaze.
Noah looked as if struck on the head.
'Calyphe said we could stay together if she married His Grace…'
During the council meetings, he'd fervently prayed to the Most Powerful Noble Blonde Fairy Lady for Calyphe's victory.
But the maids' words chilled his joy.
'Am I just a hindrance?'
Trudging into the training ground, Noah stared at the unit members.
'If I become as strong as them… could I stay forever?'
As he hesitated:
"Ah, hello there!"
"You came again today?"
Two burly men popped up beside him.
Startled, Noah stepped back.
"…Who are you?"
"We’re wolves serving His Grace. We felt your stare earlier. Giving us something?"
"…Yes."
After a wary pause, Noah held out his pouch.
"Th-this… please teach me swordsmanship."
"Oh? Prepared payment?"
They inspected the contents—gold buttons, glass beads, and scattered copper coins. Clearly a child's idea of treasure.
The men bit their lips to suppress laughter.
"Ha~ What do we do with this amount…"
"…I can clean fireplaces too."
"Huh?"
"I polish shoes! I'll even sew!"
"No, no!"
They hastily returned the pouch.
"Enough! We’ll teach you freely—you’re someone we’ll serve in the future!"
"……? Future…?"
Before Noah could ask, one man offered a sword.
"Want to try holding it?"
Noah’s eyes sparkled. He grabbed the hilt—and immediately sagged under its weight.
"……!"
"Hahaha! Still too heavy for the little master!"
"Cute! Aigoo, give it here~"
Noah’s cheeks flushed. Gritting his teeth, he strained to lift the sword.
His legs wobbled as he swung downward.
Whoosh!
"Eek! Almost got sliced—!"
"Gasp!"
Noah jerked the blade upward.
Whoosh!
"Stop! You’ll hurt yourself!"
"Uwaah…!"
When the sword slipped from his grip—
Thud!
A dark hand caught both Noah and the falling blade.
Raul glared at the unit members.
"Young master! Are you unharmed?"
"…Young master?"
Raul’s ears flattened as he scolded the men.
"Bow your heads! What reckless nonsense is this?!"
"Yessir!"
The two immediately prostrated.
"Apologies," Raul said. "They overexcited themselves wanting to befriend you."
"…Why call me 'young master'? You’re not even annex staff."
A punished member blurted:
"Because when our lord marries Lady Ophensa, you’ll naturally become their child!"
Noah’s eyes widened like an owl’s.
"M-me… Calyphe’s child?!"
"Of course!"
"Hey, don’t go too far—" Raul tried to interject, but it was too late.
"Our lord would never abandon a kind child! He’s a man of responsibility!"
"Unless they part ways midway, of course!"
It was already a beat too late.
