Chapter 75

Episode 75

“A Magic Swordsman…!”

The Duke’s expression turned serious.

His mind must be racing. I was skilled in swordsmanship and had also mastered magic. The title of Magic Swordsman wasn’t an exaggeration.

However, if I hadn’t dueled with the prince, and if he hadn’t been trained in the Bellatrix swordsmanship, my claim wouldn’t have been taken seriously.

The concept of a Magic Swordsman was so ancient that its definition was unclear.

In the distant past, when the title was used, there must have been a clear concept, like the current six-stage theory.

But as magic declined and knights rose to prominence, the concept faded away. It probably only existed in the dusty corners of libraries.

I had simply used the term because I could wield both magic and swordsmanship.

I wasn’t revealing my abilities because I trusted the Duke.

I wanted to protect myself, but I also knew that this world, especially the Dukedom, was a meritocracy.

What if a Magic Swordsman secretly existed within the Dukedom?

It would be an asymmetrical advantage for House Kalisto.

It was like giving a country with the strongest military in the world a nuclear weapon. No one would dare to challenge them.

“A Magic Swordsman… Is that even possible?”

“It is. That’s why I dared to show you my mana.”

“Hmm…”

The Duke was speechless. He shook his head several times and then asked again, “Who taught you magic? No, who are you, and where do you come from?”

“You wouldn’t understand even if I told you. I come from a completely different place. What matters is not my past, but my present. I am a member of House Kalisto.”

“…”

“You are the first person outside the Lucius Inspection Unit to witness my power. I implore you to keep it a secret.”

If word got out that I could use magic, the court mages would come looking for me, dragging me to the Magic Tower to serve the Empire.

I didn’t want that.

I had to change the paradigm.

I had to diminish the authority of the Magic Tower and make people realize that mages weren’t beings to be feared.

I hadn’t figured out how to do it yet, but I had asked the Lady for help. She would surely find a way.

It would be detrimental for her to lose a valuable pawn like O’Brien Walker. She would create an opportunity soon.

“I promise. I’ll keep it a secret. But a diffrent place… Are you a different species? Or…”

“I’m human. You can think of me as someone from the distant future or past.”

“Did you use forbidden magic? Dimensional travel?”

“No, it’s completely different. I ask you again, please keep my past a secret. In return, I will pledge my eternal loyalty to House Kalisto and Your Grace.”

His curiosity must be overwhelming.

But the bait I had offered was even more enticing. A Magic Swordsman serving him and his family would be more valuable than an army.

The Duke, being a shrewd man, would understand that this wasn’t a request but a “negotiation.”

“…Alright. I’m a curious man, but I’ll try my best. However, when the time is right, you must tell me everything. Can you promise me that?”

“I swear on my name that I will keep my promise, Your Grace.”

The Duke finally relaxed. It wasn’t just because his curiosity had been satisfied his entire demeanor towards me had changed.

“Then, I must treat you accordingly. Is anyone outside?”

I dispelled the Enclave and the magic. A servant entered and bowed.

“Summon the scribe immediately.”

“As you command.”

The scribe was in charge of the Dukedom’s internal affairs. When the line of succession was unclear, they sometimes acted as the Duke’s proxy.

They were essentially the second-in-command, wielding significant power.

The scribe of House Kalisto was a man named Maxim. His wisdom and strategic brilliance were renowned even in other territories.

I had seen him a few times before.

But I had never spoken to him directly. My knowledge of him was based solely on hearsay.

“You summoned me, Your Grace.”

He was of average height and appearance. A very ordinary-looking man, but his intense gaze was unfathomable. He was indeed a worthy advisor to the Duke.

The Duke spoke to him in a respectful tone, “I have a task for you. I intend to grant Sir O’Brien Walker a barony for his service in saving Lucia’s life.”

“…”

Maxim glanced at me.

He might think he was just observing, but he couldn’t escape my gaze. I was certain he was the one who had advised the Duke to punish me.

Perhaps he was even connected to the Duchess.

As the family’s administrator, he was likely influenced by her.

I wanted to use “Mind’s Eye.” on him, but I didn’t have the opportunity.

“As you command, Your Grace.”

“Furthermore, I will pardon all those involved in the demonic beast incident. It was Sir O’Brien’s request, so please inform the vassals.”

“The world will be astonished by your mercy, Your Grace. I will convey your message.”

The Azure Dragon Knights were spared from punishment. I would have to treat them to a drink later.

“And prepare a banquet for tonight. Inform all the vassals to attend.”

“I’ll make the arrangements immediately.”

Maxim left without another glance.

And at the banquet that night, Duke Kalisto awarded me a medal. It was the moment I officially became a noble of House Kalisto.

Everything was happening so fast, but I had no reason to refuse.

“Congratulations, Sir Aubrey. You’re a true noble now.”

Lady Lucia was the first to congratulate me. She was wearing a beautiful dress.

My heart skipped a beat, thinking she might ask me to dance again.

“Don’t worry. I have a different dance partner tonight.”

“May I ask who it is, if it’s not too presumptuous?”

“I’m dancing with my father for the first time in a while.”

It was understandable. He had almost lost his daughter.

“I’m aware of the rumors circulating. I’ll keep a low profile for a while, so don’t worry too much.”

“I apologize for causing you trouble, my Lady.”

“It’s alright.”

“It’s all thanks to you. I’ll never forget your kindness.”

“I’m simply rewarding you for your competence. That principle will never change.”

Her words were unusual for her.

Only a successor would say such a thing.

This made me even more excited for the next mission.

The Inspection Unit’s fourth mission ended the moment Lady Lucia safely returned to the Dukedom. We were now awaiting our fifth mission.

“Congratulations on your promotion, Inspector! Hahaha!”

“Congratulations, Master.”

“You better treat us to a feast! You hear me?”

Jericho, Selendis, and Chloe, our administrative assistant, came to congratulate me. I had personally invited them.

“Of course, I’ll treat you all separately. I’ve already instructed the head butler to prepare a banquet. Come to my mansion on your day off.”

“As expected of our generous Inspector! Yes, sir! We’ll be there!”

“You’ll have plenty of alcohol prepared, right?”

As we were chatting, Chloe and Jericho suddenly fell silent, their gazes fixed on something behind me.

I turned around.

A middle-aged woman, dressed in a dignified gown, was walking towards us.

Guinevere, the Duchess and daughter of the Eastern Grand Duke.

Three maids, led by Lady Rosalyn, followed behind her like a protective screen. Their presence was formidable.

“Greetings, Duchess.”

I bowed respectfully. The Duchess, who had been staring at me intently, suddenly smiled.

“I’ve heard much about your reputation, Sir Aubrey. Thank you for saving my daughter.”

“It was my duty, Madam.”

“There are too many people who can’t even fulfill their basic duties.”

Her barbed words made the maids behind her, especially Rosalyn, uncomfortable.

This was getting interesting.

“We missed the opportunity to become related to the Imperial Family. It was a once-in-a-lifetime chance… I never imagined it would end so abruptly. Don’t you agree, Lady Rosalyn?”

“Hahaha. I’m sure another opportunity will arise. Lady Lucia is a beautiful young woman, after all.”

I ignored her words.

The Duke had forbidden any further discussion about the broken engagement.

“Anyway, Sir O’Brien? I’ll be watching your future endeavors.”

Didn’t people usually say “I look forward to your future endeavors”?

“Watching” implied surveillance.

“I will dedicate my life to serving the family, Madam.”

The banquet continued late into the night.

There were a few noteworthy events.

First, Grand Duke Hylix offered me words of encouragement. He was wary of Sir Romero. He advised me to remain loyal to the Lady.

I also met Sir Romero. He said Sir Darius was genuinely impressed by me and asked for my continued support for the Azure Dragon Knights.

In short, he wanted me to work for him, but I politely declined.

The phrase “I work for the family” was incredibly versatile, like a Swiss Army knife.

The young master would interpret it as me working for him, while I meant working for the Lady.

The highlight of the banquet was when Duke Kalisto raised his glass, capturing everyone’s attention.

“Let us all raise our glasses. The guest of honor tonight is neither myself nor Lucia. It’s Baron O’Brien Walker, standing right here.”

The Duke gestured towards me. I, still unaccustomed to the title of Baron, quickly walked up to the stage and stood beside him.

“As you all know, Sir Aubrey was a commoner aide. But he has risen to this position through his exceptional abilities. And that’s not all. He saved the life of my beloved daughter, whom I cherish more than anything. I’ve learned something from this experience. A person’s origins don’t matter if they possess exceptional abilities. Come to think of it, our family’s founder also grew up in a rural village. Isn’t that right?”

“Your words are wise, Your Grace!”

“Indeed!”

The Duke smiled and patted my shoulder, raising his glass higher.

“Sir O’Brien Walker’s achievements will be etched in our family’s history for generations to come. To House Kalisto and House Walker, cheers!”

It was a moment of pride. To be recognized alongside House Kalisto!

I emptied the glass the Duke offered me in one gulp. We smiled at each other.

His expectations for me, the Magic Swordsman, seemed high.

“I look forward to your future endeavors, Sir Aubrey.”

“I won’t disappoint you.”

The Duke ended the banquet at midnight.

I was about to leave with the Inspection Unit members when the Lady called me. I sent my subordinates away and entered her room.

“I’m sorry to summon you when you haven’t had a chance to rest. I have your fifth mission.”

A mission already?

The next mission was something I had never anticipated.