Chapter 74

Episode 74

The head butler’s advice was likely more than a simple suggestion.

We had a good relationship. As his aide, I had performed my duties well and earned the trust of my superiors, including Baron Muller.

I didn’t know if he liked me personally, but he had always trusted me with my work.

From that perspective, his advice was worth heeding.

After all, he was also acting in the best interests of House Kalisto.

The Duke sat alone beyond the red carpet.

There was no scribe, as one might expect, nor was Grand Duke Hylix, who usually assisted with internal affairs.

The atmosphere was starkly different from the welcoming ceremony earlier. Dressed in a luxurious coat, the Duke observed me with an impassive expression.

His office wasn’t ostentatious, but it exuded the weight of centuries. Dozens of family heads must have occupied this very seat.

And the current occupant, Duke Kalisto, was one of the few individuals who could stand shoulder to shoulder with the Emperor on the battlefield.

To be honest, this was my first time entering the Duke’s office.

I had never imagined a mere aide to the youngest daughter would ever set foot in this place. It seemed I had unexpectedly climbed the social ladder.

“Aubrey Walker, reporting to Duke Kalisto.”

I bowed respectfully.

Simultaneously, I activated “Automatic Combat.” I had a suspicion.

As expected, my intuition was right.

I sensed multiple killing intents directed at me from all directions. Seven distinct auras were poised to take my life at any moment.

“I’ve heard about your exploits. Thank you for saving Lucia.”

“I was merely fulfilling my duty as a retainer, Your Grace.”

I had hoped the topic of rescuing the Lady from the demonic beast would come up later, but it was the first thing he mentioned. It seemed this was indeed a disciplinary summons.

Gratitude was one thing, but accountability was another.

My hopes of receiving a barony dwindled.

When Count Apellai visited the Lady in the capital, she had promised me a barony upon our return to the Dukedom.

Even though she wasn’t in line for succession, granting a barony wouldn’t be a major issue.

My acceptance wasn’t driven by ambition.

It was because of the “Insight” skill.

Based on my experience, “Insight” only worked on individuals whose level wasn’t significantly different from mine.

That level could refer to physical strength or social status.

Therefore, a promotion meant expanding the pool of individuals susceptible to “Insight.”

I had been looking forward to testing this.

“Lucia requested that you be promoted to Baron. What are your thoughts on this?”

“It’s not my place to comment, Your Grace. I believe it’s a matter for you to decide, as the sole master of House Kalisto.”

“I see. Then, allow me to ask you a few questions.”

I lowered my head and awaited his words.

“The Azure Dragon Knights were tasked with safely escorting Lucia. Ultimately, they failed. What are your thoughts on this?”

His question, loaded with a predetermined answer, put me in a difficult position.

Punishment was inevitable.

Perhaps the incident on our way to the capital could be overlooked, but Lucia’s abduction by the demonic beast couldn’t be ignored.

The outcome was favorable, but the process was undeniably a failure of their escort duty.

“I’m not in a position to comment on the cause and effect, Your Grace. However, if my achievements warrant a request, I would ask for leniency towards the Azure Dragon Knights.”

“Why waste your request on such a matter? As far as I know, you have no connection to the Knights.”

“I received much assistance from them during this mission. Vice-captain Darius was particularly helpful. I implore you to show leniency.”

“Forgiveness is impossible. If things had gone wrong, not only I but the entire Dukedom would have been plunged into grief.”

I understood.

But I wanted to demonstrate that I wasn’t acting out of self-interest.

“However, considering your achievements, I’ll reconsider.”

“Thank you, Your Grace.”

Darius, as the leader, would likely be dismissed. Some knights would face demotions.

But if word spread that I had pleaded for their leniency, it would strengthen the position of the Inspection Unit and myself.

“The appearance of a 1-star demonic beast in Caribe was unexpected. But as I read the report, I found something puzzling. You ordered a halt to the counterattack when Lucia’s carriage was captured by the demonic beast. Why did you make that decision in such a critical situation?”

Again, the outcome was favorable, but the question itself was a trap.

An ordinary person would see it as an opportunity to boast about their abilities. But I had to recognize that this question was coming from a skilled knight, not just Lucia’s father.

From a procedural standpoint, I had essentially gambled with the Lady’s life.

“I calculated the probabilities. I considered the likelihood of rescuing the Lady by attacking the demonic beast recklessly versus waiting for an opportunity. I chose the option with the higher probability of success.”

There was a better answer.

I could have said that I knew the demonic beast wouldn’t harm the Lady because she had orchestrated the entire incident.

But Duke Kalisto was unaware of this. Only I, the transmigrator, knew the truth.

Despite my frustration, I wanted to convey my sincerity.

“If the demonic beast had been searching for prey, the battle would have lasted longer. But it didn’t show any further aggression after attacking us. That’s why I was confident in my decision.”

“Probability, I see.”

The Duke nodded, seemingly satisfied with my answer. He continued his questioning.

“Considering Lucia’s request and your achievements, I won’t press you further about the demonic beast. However, I can’t ignore the matter of Prince Arthur. What possessed you to sever both of his arms?”

We had overcome a major hurdle.

I had justifications for everything else. I presented the answer I had prepared.

“It was the prince who challenged me to a duel. And he was the one who drew his sword first. It was a dangerous duel, where even death was a possibility. I didn’t want to be a coward in a sacred duel overseen by Sir Olaf, the Captain of the Imperial Guard. It was a matter of personal honor, but I also had to consider the reputation of House Kalisto.”

The Duke chuckled. It wasn’t a pleasant smile.

“Even with justification, how do you plan to deal with the aftermath? If the Imperial Family sends people to question us, both you and our family could be in trouble.”

“I won’t run away. I won’t back down from any challenge. Moreover, Prince Karma commended me for my actions. He said it was a ‘splendid duel.'”

“…Prince Karma said that?”

“How could I lie to Your Grace?”

The Duke stared at me for a moment, lost in thought. I lowered my head again, avoiding his gaze.

“The engagement fell apart because you and Lucia danced at the banquet. How do you plan to take responsibility for this?”

“It was all my fault. I’ll accept any punishment. If you wish to take my life, I’ll gladly offer it.”

“…Why?”

I waited for his next words, anticipating his surprise.

I hadn’t used the excuse that Lucia had initiated the dance.

“I heard Lucia was the one who asked you to dance. You have a valid excuse, yet you don’t defend yourself.”

“If I hadn’t been there, the engagement wouldn’t have been broken off. But I couldn’t disobey my master’s order, so I accept the blame.”

“Did you anticipate the broken engagement? I heard you’re quite close to Lucia.”

I raised my head, meeting his gaze with unwavering determination.

“I believed the engagement was unjust. Lady Lucia is a precious being, beloved by all the people of the Dukedom. She shines brightly, like a star in the night sky. No matter how important power is, it would be a tragedy for her to marry such a scoundrel.”

“…”

“I merely served the Lady with utmost loyalty. If my actions weren’t in the best interests of House Kalisto, then behead me right here.”

“Do you harbor feelings for Lucia?”

“She is my master, nothing more, nothing less. I know my place.”

The Duke sighed briefly. His expression softened, suggesting my sincerity had reached him.

He was a loving father to Lucia, even before being a strict Duke.

Perhaps he hadn’t summoned his advisors because he didn’t want to show them this side of himself.

“Then, let’s get to the main point.”

This was just the introduction?

I hastily lowered my head, barely concealing my surprise. The Duke of the Empire was indeed different.

“Prince Arthur is a direct descendant, trained in the Bellatrix swordsmanship. I heard he used up to the third form in the duel. How did you overcome it?”

This was the most sensitive question, in my opinion.

Unlike the other matters, this had nothing to do with justification. I had to demonstrate my strength to the Duke.

I had decided not to hide my power.

“I saw an opening. I simply swung my sword towards it.”

“You were an aide. I believe you’re capable of explaining things in a more believable manner.”

The Duke stood up and approached me. He stood before me, hands clasped behind his back.

“The Bellatrix swordsmanship is the pinnacle of swordsmanship in the continent. Of course, there are other styles that can rival it, but I doubt you’ve mastered such a technique. How did you do it? Tell me the truth.”

I paused, letting the Duke’s anticipation build.

This wouldn’t have worked if he wasn’t a skilled warrior himself.

Regardless of age, warriors were driven by strength.

“Could you dismiss those present?”

“We’re alone.”

“Aren’t there seven others here?”

The Duke was slightly surprised. His eyes changed. He snapped his fingers, and the seven killing intents vanished.

“Indeed, you’re not ordinary. Don’t misunderstand. They’re just here to protect me.”

“Excuse me for a moment.”

I stood up and immediately activated a spell.

『Enclave.』

A small barrier enveloped the Duke and me. Within it, I channeled my mana.

*Whoosh!*

Blue flames, imbued with pure mana, flickered in my hand. I met the Duke’s gaze with confidence.

He frowned, his expression a mixture of disbelief and awe.

“Do you understand now?”

“Magic… You’re a mage?”

“No, I’m not.”

The Duke looked confused again. I clarified, my voice calm and composed.

“I heard that in the ancient era of swords and magic, there was a title called ‘Magic Swordsman.’ A master of both swordsmanship and magic… To be precise, I’m a Magic Swordsman.”