Chapter 192

(TLN: We got DMCA nuked So all korean novels will be removed this week If you want to get updated on What might happen join the discord or Kofi If you can )

## Episode 192:

‘Mammon’ and ‘Doom.’

After obtaining these two key keywords from Sommelier, I immediately returned to the castle. As I entered my office, Administrator Balzac followed me in.

“Lady Ophelia asked me to inform her when you returned, Master.”

“You’ve worked hard entertaining her. She’s a demanding person, but her skills are undeniable, so make sure she has everything she needs.”

“I’m fine, but I’m worried about you, Master.”

“Don’t worry and go get Ophelia.”

Ophelia soon rushed into my room. Her face was flushed with excitement at the thought of finally unraveling the secrets of the ‘Veil Sea.’

“To get straight to the point, I didn’t hear how to cross the Veil Sea. But I was introduced to someone who can help us cross it.”

“Ah, what?! I was looking forward to it!”

“It wouldn’t be fun if you learned a secret that even the great Magic Tower couldn’t uncover so easily. Don’t be too disappointed; we’ll be moving as soon as possible.”

Ophelia, who was crossing her arms, narrowed her eyes and looked at me.

“…Where do we have to go?”

“To an island called Doom near Port Bellium.”

“I’ve heard of Bellium often, but Doom is a first. Is this a scam?”

“I can’t blame you for thinking that. Who knew we’d find out so easily what the great Magic Tower couldn’t?”

She finally quieted down after my jab. Mages really didn’t know the meaning of humility.

“I should have just slept. I got my hopes up for nothing!”

“We did get a hint. He said we can’t cross it with an airship. That gives me an idea.”

Ophelia’s eyes widened and sparkled.

“What is it?”

“It’s still a hypothesis. I need to go to Doom Island and see for myself.”

*Whir!*

Magic power started to gather in the staff Ophelia was holding. But she soon sighed in resignation.

“I shouldn’t have come with you. I should have just stayed and worked on the heating facility with the Chief Mage!”

“There’s another interesting story.”

Ophelia pointed the tip of her staff at me.

“I’m warning you, if it’s only interesting to you, I won’t let you off the hook. Don’t say anything if you’re not sure!”

“It’s a story that would be very tempting for a mage from the Magic Tower who’s broke. Should I not tell you?”

“…”

Ophelia had lost all her travel expenses playing Texas Hold’em a while ago. She was even in debt.

To avoid any misunderstanding, I should mention that I didn’t suggest playing after the first game.

I later found out that she had borrowed about 100 gold coins from Heinkel, who was known for being kind. She had lost all of that and borrowed another 100 gold coins from me.

So it was only natural for her to have such a complicated expression. She had no money to live on and was 200 gold coins in debt.

“I want you to teach Selendis, Freya, and Heinkel how to deal with mages. The new continent will be different from here. There might be many mages there. They need to get used to magic.”

“You’re going to use me for that? You’re really… What’s the pay?”

I knew she would say that. This tsundere mage.

“I’ll pay you 10 gold coins per day.”

“10 gold coins? Not 100, but 10? How can you treat a comrade like that? Don’t you know my name? Ophelia Flameheart, the master of fire magic!”

“You might not know this because you’ve been in the Magic Tower for so long, but 10 gold coins is a commoner’s monthly salary. It’s not a bad deal to earn that in a day, is it? Think about why I’m asking you to do something I could do myself.”

“Because my magic skills are outstanding?”

I lightly activated my mana.

*Snap! Snap! Snap!*

Magic projectiles of earth, fire, wind, and water started orbiting around a point I designated.

It was Ophelia’s secret magic.

The name of this magic was ‘Rainbow Elemental.’ I didn’t even need to ask who named it.

“Who knows? Maybe I’m actually a master who can create ten Firebolts at once.”

“Stop with the ridiculous jokes. It makes me feel like my level is dropping.”

“So are you going to do it or not?”

She hesitated for a long time. I waved my hand and dispelled ‘Rainbow Elemental.’

“I’ll add one more condition. If you accept, I’ll forget about the 100 gold coins you borrowed from me. Consider it a special bonus.”

Now that she only owed money to Heinkel, she would earn back her original investment in about a month.

“Alright. I can’t refuse when a comrade asks so earnestly. I’ll start tomorrow. You tell your subordinates yourself.”

“Thank you.”

“I’m warning you, I’m not responsible if your subordinates get hurt.”

After Ophelia left, I called Selendis, Freya, and Heinkel.

“Our next destination has been decided. We’re going to an island called Doom to cross the Veil Sea. Sommelier from the Lucius Club helped us a lot.”

“I’ve never heard of that place. When are we leaving?”

Freya asked. It was a question I had been expecting.

“I need some time to take care of things in the territory and inform Kalisto’s main castle. More importantly, you’re not ready yet.”

“Ready? What kind of preparation are you talking about?”

Selendis, who was always serious about training, asked, and I raised my hand.

*Whoosh!*

A giant fireball was summoned.

“The new continent will be very different from here. In the Empire, you can live comfortably just by using aura, but we don’t know what dangers await us there. You need to be able to defend against magic, at least.”

Some demons had already reached the level of fusing demonic energy and mana. If the new continent was also under the influence of ‘Dark Souls,’ anti-magic training was essential.

Heinkel stretched his arms and warmed up.

“So you’re going to punish us with magic yourself. I’m looking forward to it.”

“Unfortunately, I’m planning to leave it to someone else. I have a lot to do. Ophelia will help you with your training. She’s a certified master of fire magic from the Magic Tower, so she’ll be a great help.”

Heinkel had a positive expression, but Selendis and Freya didn’t seem too happy.

“I feel burdened that you’re pushing yourself because of me, my lord.”

“Your business is my business. If I hadn’t taken you in as my bodyguard, I wouldn’t be here today. It’s something I have to do, and it’s also something I promised you.”

Selendis had even handled Ionia, the problem child of the Knight Order. Ophelia was nothing compared to her. She would probably just think of her as an eccentric mage.

But Freya seemed to have a different kind of complaint.

“Freya, let me give you some advice. You can’t always be with people you like. That’s especially true as the family grows. You’re more experienced and older than Ophelia, so please take good care of her. Like a big sister.”

“I would prefer it if you never called me ‘big sister’ again. Well, I guess it could be a good opportunity. Fire magic is my opposing attribute.”

“It won’t hurt to get along with a mage. Wouldn’t it be great to have her support us with attribute magic during battles?”

Heinkel chimed in. But Freya didn’t change her mind easily.

At that moment, we heard a servant’s voice from outside.

“My lord, Lady Lucia is here.”

“The Lady? Bring her in immediately.”

The Lady, dressed in a beautiful dress, soon appeared. Was she going to a banquet?

“My lady, are you going out? I wasn’t aware of any scheduled events today.”

“Father gave me a new dress a while ago, but I didn’t have anyone to show it to. What do you think? Does it suit me?”

“…”

I was caught off guard.

I didn’t expect her to flirt like this. I gestured for my subordinates to leave.

“It suits you very well, my lady. As always, I believe no matter how gorgeous and beautiful a dress is, it can’t compare to you.”

“So you’re saying I look beautiful even without any clothes on?”

It would have been a disaster if I hadn’t dismissed my subordinates.

I had never heard of ‘Queen Maker’ being an adult game…

“How could I have such disloyal thoughts, my lady? I’m afraid someone might hear.”

“You don’t have to be afraid. Actually, Father asked me recently. If I was considering Aubrey as a partner.”

So it finally came up.

I was curious what the Duke’s beloved daughter and the mastermind of the world would choose.

“What did you answer?”

“I said he was a good person. Handsome, considerate, and with his own firm philosophy.”

“I’m truly flattered.”

“But I said Aubrey wouldn’t accept me.”

The Lady said with a bitter smile.

It was the first time.

I thought that maybe this small, delicate woman before me wasn’t the mastermind after all.

“Would it be rude to ask why you think that?”

“You’ll find out soon. More importantly, Aubrey, I have a favor to ask. Would you grant it?”

I came to my senses and bowed my head.

“It seems like summer is already over. I couldn’t go on vacation after all. I really wanted to visit Caleon… With the situation in the north and our trip to the new continent, it seems like we won’t be able to go on vacation together this year. Right?”

“I’ve always felt burdened about that. I’m sorry, my lady.”

“I wasn’t asking for an apology. Actually, there’s another place I want to visit instead of Caleon. You’re going to Port Bellium, right? I heard they have a beautiful sea there… Can I go with you?”

“Of course.”

The Lady tilted her head in surprise at my immediate answer.

“You’re not objecting?”

“We’ll be using the airship, so it’s much safer than traveling by land. I’ll take this opportunity to atone for breaking my promise about the vacation.”

“Alright. Then I’ll talk to Father myself.”

It would have been much better for her to stay in the territory and build relationships with the vassals, but now that the success of the northern construction project was highly likely, it didn’t matter much.

The achievements and reputation I accumulated would ultimately benefit the Lady.

Achieving lasting peace in the blood-stained north and gaining the support of the Savion royal family by pioneering a new continent.

‘These are heroic achievements worthy of praise.’

Since House Kalisto didn’t have a formal successor test, Duke Kalisto would appoint Lucia.

Grand Duchess Lucia. How would it feel to actually hear that title?

…No.

A trivial title like Grand Duchess didn’t suit the Lady. Pleione, the Demon King’s daughter. At least to me, that title suited her better.

‘Her saying that I wouldn’t accept her was an indirect acknowledgment that she was the Demon King’s daughter. There’s no other reason.’

I realized once again that a great destiny was approaching.