Chapter 51, It Wasn’t Intentional (4)

Translator: Hedge

Editor: Lizzz

 

Rmain took off his glasses and deeply exhaled.

 

This was because he had been informed of Kalian’s words about wielding the ‘sword’ of Lannen Beurisen’s betrayal. Moreover, the one gripping the sword hilt would not be Kalian. It would be Marquis Beurisen himself, who would be the one to capture his second son.

 

“To think of buying the Marquis with money…”

 

It was surprising that such an amount of money existed, but it was also surprising that someone had thought to control the Marquis with money.

 

Allan, who had been watching, spoke.

 

“This matter will be handled by me and Baron Pollun. It would be better if Your Highness and Prince Kalian remain uninvolved in this matter.”

 

He meant that he would ensure it would not be known that Kalian had attacked Randel’s men.

 

Allan’s plan was to make it appear as if Melpir Pollun was paying the money, and he would personally conduct the negotiations with Evan Beurisen.

 

Of course, even with such arrangements, Randel’s side might notice, but as long as Kalian did not come to the forefront, they could not openly escalate the issue.

 

After hearing Allan’s words, Rmain thought for a while longer and then nodded.

 

“Okay. Just proceed.”

 

No sooner had those words ended, Allan rose from his seat and went outside. He was going to personally meet Marquis Evan Beurisen.

 

* * *

 

That day was the day of the regular meeting of Central Noble.

 

Evan Beurisen, who was walking out of his mansion to go to the Royal Palace of Cyries, briefly stopped his steps as he looked toward the main gate.

 

When he did not move even after some time had passed, the butler standing behind him turned his gaze toward the main gate to check what was happening. After remaining still for a while, Evan spoke.

 

“I will stay at home today.”

 

The butler could not understand why Evan had changed his mind after having completed all preparations and being about to depart. However, since he knew well what would happen if he questioned something Evan had decided upon, he did not add anything and immediately bowed his head.

 

By the time the butler raised his head again, a small carriage was beginning to enter the main gate of the mansion in the distance.

 

The carriage, which seemed like one that ordinary Nobles would ride, had the crest of the Baron Pollun’s Family painted on it. After watching the carriage for a moment, Evan turned and entered the mansion, declaring.

 

“Guide them to the study.”

 

A question arose on the butler’s face once more.

 

Evan had always met visitors in the reception room. But today, he was asking to bring them to the study, which seemed strange.

 

“Yes, sir.”

 

But this time once more, the butler could only answer in agreement.

 

After Evan went inside, the door of the carriage, which had arrived in front of the mansion at a leisurely pace, slowly opened. When the butler saw who was inside, he gasped in surprise.

 

Instead of Melpir Pollun, who was known for his round features, a Mage with a very sharp appearance, reddish hair tied back in a ponytail, revealed himself.

 

It was Allan Manasil.

 

Since there was no reason to ride in his own carriage and create strange rumours, he had borrowed Melpir’s carriage to come here. Allan was following the method Kalian had used when recruiting Melpir.

 

And so, setting foot in a place he had never thought he would visit in his lifetime, Allan casually brushed off the wary gazes of numerous Knights and got out of the carriage. Then, guided by the butler, he entered the place where Evan was waiting.

 

Evan was already seated at a table, prepared in the study.

 

Judging by age alone, he would be about five or six years older than Allan. His cyan hair, now half mixed with white, proved this.

 

Allan was the first to speak, addressing Evan.

 

“I am Allan Manasil.”

 

Although he must have known, Evan nodded as if it was a name he was hearing for the first time. Then, he briefly introduced himself.

 

“Evan Beurisen.”

 

Without any pleasantries about their first meeting, this dry first greeting was exchanged between an Archmage and a Sword Master. Evan pointed to the seat across from him and spoke.

 

“Had you given me prior notice, I would have made preparations.”

 

“I came without notice, worried you might prepare too much.”

 

Allan’s sharp eyes curved into crescents.

 

Whether Beurisen would prepare a welcome, poison, or a sword for Allan was the question. Without knowing, how could he give any prior notice?

 

Allan, seated in the chair Evan had offered, spoke again. As always, he got straight to the point.

 

“Your second son has been looking toward His Highness’s first son.”

 

Having said only that, Allan fixed his gaze on Evan.

 

Evan was silent for a moment. But he understood that it meant his son had betrayed him.

 

Evan spoke without changing his expression.

 

“Unexpected news. But Lannen is not of the calibre to pull off such a thing.”

 

He meant that his son did not have the courage to betray his father, older brother, and younger sibling to side with someone else. Allan smiled and retorted.

 

“Your assessment of your second son is quite harsh.”

 

He was not willing to believe that Lannen had betrayed them. Allan shook his head and snapped his fingers, and a leather bag appeared where there had been nothing before. Seeing this, Evan’s eyebrow twitched.

 

The reason he had chosen to receive Allan in the study rather than the reception room was because of the Magic Interference Device installed here. It was a precaution in case he needed to exchange blows with Allan. But now he realised that this device was useless if Allan could casually still wield Magic.

 

After placing documents from the bag onto the table, Allan looked at Evan. Then, as if knowing why Evan was frowning, he leisurely spoke.

 

“Did you expect I would be disrupted by toys that interfere with Magic? Don’t think so lightly of a Mage who lives against the flow of time.”

 

Soon, Allan held up the documents, extended them to Evan, and continued.

 

“This will probably be more trustworthy than your son.”

 

Evan silently reached out and took it.

 

It was a compilation of information confirmed by Hale, Malcom, and Eila. Evan’s face could not be seen as he turned the pages. But it was visible that his hand was trembling.

 

With a face that seemed to be hiding great anger, Evan spoke.

 

“So, what do you want?”

 

“You’re already considering removing Lannen, aren’t you?”

 

“It’s not a matter for a mere Mage to interfere with.”

 

“… That’s not something that should come from the mouth of a mere Swordsman.”

 

Upon hearing those words, Evan’s demeanour changed instantly.

 

Sharp killing intent, as if ready to dismember Allan at any moment, shot toward Allan’s entire body.

 

“Oh my.” Allan looked somewhat taken aback as he felt the killing intent.

 

It was because he had not expected Evan to direct killing intent at him with just one statement. After all, he was Allan Manasil.

 

“It seems I am being underestimated here.”

 

Allan said, smiling slightly.

 

He could somewhat understand what Evan was doing. There was nothing to gain for either of them if a fight broke out here, so it was not likely to be a genuine attack. It was merely an attempt to suppress Allan, who was saying such irritating things.

 

“Can you handle it?”

 

Allan had once said these words to Rmain as well. Though the meanings were entirely different.

 

Simultaneously with the end of Allan’s words, the air swirling around stopped circulating. It was filled with the terror of death. Evan’s pupils dilated.

 

Those who wield swords handle killing intent.

 

And those who know the principles of Mana could directly release fear.

 

It was a power that draws out the fear hidden deep within one’s heart. The methods were different, but there was no difference in that they both overwhelmed the opponent.

 

Allan, pushing back the killing intent and choking Evan’s breath, added.

 

“Let’s just have a normal conversation today. Unlike my Disciple, I’m not that soft.”

 

Allan’s smile did not change.

 

The fear gripping Evan did not decrease either.

 

Evan, who had been testing Allan’s reaction earlier, withdrew his killing intent. In response, Allan also returned to being his ‘usual approachable Mage’-self.

 

After this sudden battle of Wills, Evan heard Allan’s voice in his ear.

 

“I believe you’ll handle your son well. But let me propose a slightly less burdensome method.”

 

Evan frowned a little, and Allan’s explanation continued. He said that he would quietly conclude the matter so that everyone, including Randel, would not know why Lannen was being expelled, and in return, he would buy the Beurisen Trader’s Guild.

 

“The Trader’s Guild?” Evan asked. It was something he did not need to think about. He had always disliked the Trader’s Guild named after his Marquis Family. The problem was that the person coming forward to purchase it was Allan, or rather, Kalian.

 

“Why should I do something that benefits the Third Prince?”

 

Looking at Evan, who had now regained his composure and spoke, Allan made a face as if to say, ‘What are you talking about?’ and answered.

 

“Do you think the Prince has enough money to buy the Beurisen Trader’s Guild? He’s not even here in the first place.”

 

“If not Prince Kalian, then who?”

 

“There’s someone who wants to run Cyries’s number one Trader’s Guild.”

 

Of course, Melpir’s consent for this fabrication had been obtained prior to Allan coming here. There was no reason for Melpir to refuse when his name was being sold, when it meant the repossession of the Beurisen Trader’s Guild.

 

“Create a plausible reason to sell it. If you do that, it can be bought at a plausible price.”

 

Along with this, Evan was considerably surprised by the amount Allan proposed.

 

Evan pondered for a moment and soon nodded.

 

It was a sufficient amount to exchange for one inadequate son and one troublesome Trader’s Guild.

 

* * *

 

Lannen Beurisen was lying on a bed of needles each day when he found out that Hale Latran had been caught. Every waking hour, he worried that he might have to sell all his possessions and go to Tansyll if his relationship with Hale was exposed. But Hale Latran was imprisoned, and it had no effect on him so far.

 

Lannen, not wanting to experience such a thing, declared right then that he would never set foot in the direction of the Latran Territory again. There were a few territories he had dealings with there, but they were not significant enough to worry about.

 

[What do a few territories matter when faced with a food shortage?]

 

And today, he safely handed over the Divine Artifacts that Hale Latran had collected and sent to the Priest of Tansyll. He did not forget to ask for a meeting with Prince Randel to be arranged.

 

So how could he not be in a good mood?

 

Lannen continued to hum unconsciously as he watered and wiped the leaves of the potted plant he was growing by the window. After not paying attention for a few days, the plant’s leaves looked quite weak. Seeing its condition, Lannen thought of Kalian from a while back and burst into laughter, finding it amusing.

 

“Let’s see. Where is the fertiliser again?”

 

As he said that and turned around, Lannen’s feet stopped.

 

Somehow, two Knights were standing in front of Lannen. They were people Lannen knew. They were Pavel knights, who guarded the Royal Palace.

 

Lannen flinched in surprise and took a step back. His back touched the window.

 

“What? How dare you come here…!”

 

Lannen’s words did not continue.

 

That was because the Knights stuffed a rag into Lannen’s open mouth. After tightly binding Lannen, the Knights took out a black cloth and covered his whole body with it.

 

Lannen struggled until the end. He twisted his entire body in resistance until the Knights almost knocked him unconscious.

 

Because of that, the potted plant that Lannen had been cherishing just moments ago fell out the window. If the Knights had known how valuable that pot was, would they have felt regretful? Lannen thought so as he lost consciousness.

 

And when he opened his eyes again, it was in a dark room where nothing could be seen.

 

In the deepest part of the basement of the Marquis Beurisen’s mansion, Lannen’s screams echoed emptily and then repeatedly disappeared.