Count’s Youngest Son is a Warlock Chapter 224 - To the Magic Tower

 

 

“Are they targeting the Magic Tower?” Ketlan squinted.

 

“Indeed.”

 

“Immediately deploy the troops…”

 

“That’s not possible, Your Majesty.”

 

“Not possible…? Didn’t you just say that the Hand of the Void is after the Magic Tower?”

 

“Warlocks have an invisible eye.”

 

Lucion didn’t mention the existence of ‘ghosts.’

 

People tend to believe only what they witness firsthand.

 

He had long since given up on the fact that not everyone could understand him like Kran did.

 

“That eye will watch over Your Majesty’s knights and notice the existence of the priests, pushing the situation to a point beyond what I, or even Your Majesty, can handle.”

 

“So secrecy is futile?”

 

“Exactly. Nothing can evade that gaze.”

 

Ketlan’s eyes widened in response to the answer he received.

 

He sensed what Hamel would say next.

 

There was an organization that even he didn’t know existed, and no one else knew about. 

 

“Organized Ale will move for the empire with which it is allied.”

 

Ketlan’s gaze wavered as Lucion’s voice strengthened.

 

An organization unknown to the enemies, Ale.

 

They stated that they would act for the Empire.

 

Where did these heroes emerge from?

 

He was simply grateful, and even more grateful.

 

“The Saint will visit the Magic Tower in a few days, Hamel.”

 

Despite Lucion’s uncertainty about how to express this, Ketlan spoke up first.

 

“He said he would visit before the tower is opened, so that may be the right time. The Hand of the Void probably wouldn’t have expected this.”

 

As Hamel had said, if the enemy had an invisible eye, replacing the knights of the 8th Order of the Knights would cause problems.

 

Though most had been apprehended, collusion with Neubra existed among nobles within the Empire.

 

They must have spread the personal information of the 8th Order of the Knights far and wide.

 

It was a headache.

 

Of all places, the enemy had their sights set on the Magic Tower. 

 

It was like a bomb that could explode at any moment.

 

“What about the Magic Tower, isn’t the Saint in danger?”

 

Lucion pretended to ask, even though he knew everything.

 

“That is indeed a major concern. I wonder… if I can get permission.”

 

Ketlan wore a more serious expression than Lucion had ever seen.

 

[That’s right. I wonder if Novio will grant permission.]

 

Russell played with his earlobe, and Bethel let out a short breath.

 

[I think getting permission would be really, really difficult.]

 

“I will leave that matter to Your Majesty. It’s beyond my control.”

 

Like Russell and Bethel’s concerns, Lucion was also deeply troubled about how to persuade Novio and Carson.

 

“I’ll… do everything in my power. I’m sorry I can’t give you a definite answer. If it comes to it, I’ll try to persuade the saint myself.”

 

“I will also do my best to protect the Saint.”

 

—But the Saint is Lucion? Is Lucion protecting himself?

 

Ratta’s eyes widened as if she was hearing something for the first time.

 

“I will coordinate the organization’s movement to the east in advance, enabling Your Majesty’s unrestricted mobility. Your assistance in resolving any potential issues smoothly would be greatly appreciated.”

 

“Don’t worry. I’ll give you a token with my seal so that nothing happens to your organization. Oh, you can use it to get new equipment for your organization or whatever.”

 

Ketlan spoke with enthusiasm before fixing an intense gaze on Lucion.

 

His look was peculiar, akin to that of a parent observing a child unsure of how to spend money.

 

“I’ve heard that there is someone named Kran who acts as the leader of your organization in your place.”

 

“Yes, that’s correct.”

 

“Should I entrust the token to him?”

 

“Of course. I am not in a position to make public appearances.”

 

“That’s great to hear!”

 

With an inexplicable joy, Ketlan dispelled the lingering anxiety from his eyes.

 

[Hahaha!]

 

Russell laughed, holding his stomach.

 

[If it were up to me, I’d trust Kran more than you.]

 

Lucion, swayed by Russell’s remark, glanced at Bethel, expecting a different response.

 

[Um, well, I certainly believe that Lord Lucion is good at handling money. But how should I put this? Even with money in hand, it doesn’t seem like you would spend any on yourself. Look, you have money now, but you aren’t spending any of it.]

 

—…Um. No, Lucion spends a lot of money. He’s always giving money to Hume and Ratta to buy delicious food!

 

Ratta, who was lurking in the shadows, shook her head.

 

[But Lucion isn’t around, is he?]

 

As Russell pointed out Ratta’s statement, Ratta tilted her head in confusion.

 

—…Hop! That’s true!

 

Ratta suddenly seemed to recall something and was taken aback.

 

—When Ratta and Hume ate skewers, we ate a ton, but Lucion only had two in his hand!

 

Ratta’s eyes grew wider, as if they were about to pop out.

 

—When Hume went to buy clothes, Lucion didn’t buy a single item!

 

With her tail standing straight up, Ratta looked up at Lucion with a shocked expression.

 

—Hoooop…! Even when we went to buy a ball that Ratta likes, Lucin didn’t buy a ball either!

 

[See? Bethel was right, wasn’t she?]

 

Russell asked, suppressing his laughter, and Ratta nodded vigorously.

 

—Yeah! Lucion doesn’t spend money on himself! I didn’t know. I didn’t know at all…

 

Ratta stumbled for a moment with a shocked expression.

 

‘It’s not that I dislike luxury, it’s just that I didn’t have anything to spend money on.’

 

Lucion felt wronged.

 

Novio would have clothes tailored for him, and whenever he wanted something to eat, Hume and Anthony would magically know and bring it to him. 

 

Aside from that, Carson would fetch anything he wanted, so there was simply no reason for him to spend money.

 

He also didn’t have a hobby of spending money.

 

‘But why does His Majesty enjoy it so much?’

 

While Russell, Bethel, and Ratta had seen him a lot, he couldn’t understand why Ketlan acted that way after seeing him only a few times.

 

Lucion fixed his gaze on Ketlan, who then cleared his throat.

 

“Hamel.”

 

“Yes, Your Majesty.”

 

“There is no limit to the token I will give you; spend it as you please.”

 

“And if I spend it imprudently?”

 

“I would hope for nothing less.”

 

Ketlan chuckled heartily.

 

Truth be told, he was uncertain about what would truly bring Hamel joy.

 

He was planning to prepare various things, but he was worried whether Hamel would actually like them.

 

“Could I truly spend as I wish?”

 

Lucion inquired softly, gauging Ketlan’s response.

 

Ketlan chuckled softly.

 

Look at him.

 

If someone else were sitting in front of him instead of Hamel, they wouldn’t have been able to hide their greed, but Hamel is already feeling burdened and doesn’t know what to do.

 

It was hard not to want to give him something.

 

“Do not underestimate the wealth that the Empire has built up over the years.”

 

The Empire was rich.

 

And that included the Emperor himself.

 

[Just spend it.]

 

When Russell joined in and said that to Lucion, he felt a strange pressure and felt odd.

 

Was he feeling somewhat uneasy?

 

“Please, do not have a change of heart later.”

 

Lucion cautioned Ketlan one last time.

 

Yet Ketlan burst into laughter once more.

 

Lucion couldn’t understand why he was laughing, but he felt happy nonetheless.

 

‘If I use His Majesty’s money, I can save the organization’s funds, right?’

 

Just when they were in the process of building a new branch, there would be plenty of expenses.

 

‘This presents the perfect opportunity to upgrade everything to top quality…’

 

Without further contemplation, Lucion glanced at Ketlan.

 

“Don’t fret about any tracing. I swear here and now that I won’t track the source of the funds, trusting you. If needed, I can even provide a written guarantee.”

 

Ketlan sipped his tea.

 

Anyway, if he were to investigate, it would only reveal boring details.

 

He would probably be using it for someone else.

 

Perhaps he was even planning and rejoicing right now, thinking about someone he wanted to help.

 

“I feel like there are many people around you who worry about you.”

 

[Oh…! As expected of the Emperor.]

 

Russell was truly impressed by Ketlan’s insight.

 

“How did you know…?”

 

Lucion was startled, fiddling with his mask.

 

Surely his emotions remained concealed.

 

“I’m also a workaholic, so I know someone like you very well. You treat your body like a stone.”

 

[That’s right, Your Majesty. It’s quite nerve-wracking to watch.]

 

Bethel, overwhelmed by emotions she had long suppressed, deeply empathized.

 

She hoped, even if just a bit more than now, that Lucion would prioritize his well-being.

 

“No, I hold myself in high regard.”

 

In response, Ketlan rubbed his temple.

 

That was sincere.

 

The amount of information that Hamel had shared with him was not something that could be processed in just a few days.

 

It was the result of all the hard work and effort he had put in until now.

 

Suppressing what he really wanted to say, Ketlan made a suggestion to Lucion.

 

“Please take a break sometimes, not just for yourself but for those around you as well.”

 

[Wow, he’s so good with words.]

 

Russell’s eyes sparkled brightly as he looked at Ketlan.

 

Lucion glanced at Russell before speaking.

 

“…I will make an effort.”

 

“No, pass the token I’ll provide to Kran, and you should rest to ensure you’re in optimal condition before heading to the Magic Tower.”

 

Had Hamel been a minister, he might have already received a promotion, a reward, and a year’s leave for the information he had gathered.

 

“It’s truly regrettable.”

 

“Pardon?”

 

“It’s a shame I can’t issue an imperial decree concerning you. If I could, I would mandate that you take a break.”

 

“Is Your Majesty being serious?”

 

“Absolutely. I am always sincere in your presence, so take it seriously.”

 

“…?”

 

Ketlan chuckled at Lucion’s surprised reaction and took a sip of tea.

 

* * *

 

Munch munch.

 

Seated on a swing chair, Lucion held macarons in one hand and a communication device in the other.

 

After telling Ketlan everything, he went home, had a good night’s sleep, and as promised to 

Russell and Bethel, he prepared to let go of everything and rest.

 

He spoke to Troy about Nevast killing the divine beasts and corrupting the holy relics.

 

He had also reconciled with Heint.

 

He had achieved everything he wanted while also gaining Ketlan’s favor.

 

Now, only one important thing remained.

 

<Father?>

 

He heard Shaela’s cautious voice.

 

Lucion couldn’t help but chuckle at that moment.

 

<Oh…? Is that you, Lucion?>

 

“Yes, sister, it’s me.”

 

<Ha. You really surprised me!>

 

“I suppose you must have really upset Father.”

 

Lucion chuckled.

 

―Ah.

 

As Ratta opened her mouth, Lucion popped a macaron in for her.

 

<Yes, a lot. …So much. How upset must he be that his only daughter doesn’t even think about coming home?>

 

Shaela sighed.

 

<Personally, I prefer letters, but hearing your voice so vividly isn’t bad either.>

 

“I’ll make sure to stay in touch regularly.”

 

<That’s sufficient. Sometimes meeting in person is nice, isn’t it? So when do you plan to visit the Magic Tower?>

 

“I intend to arrive at the tower in five days.”

 

<That’s extremely fast.>

 

“I think I’ll take an extra day to rest in the central region.”

 

Shouldn’t he witness Twilo’s execution firsthand?

 

‘Besides, I think His Majesty will call me.’

 

Not as Hamel, but as Saint Lucion.

 

<That’s why I said it’s too fast. Frankly, traveling from the west to the central region is quite exhausting. Slow down a bit. Perhaps consider taking a two-day break.>

 

“There is a portal.”

 

<I’m aware of the portal. You’ll end up with a fever again.>

 

“I can manage that much now.”

 

<Lucion, you’re not fully recovered, and I’ve heard you’ve been unwell due to fatigue for a few days.>

 

“From whom?”

 

<From Father, Brother, and Anthony. Even though I’m at the tower, I’m well-informed about the household, so…>

 

“Sister.”

 

<Okay, I get it. So you don’t want to listen, huh? Well, fine, but you’re going to get a bump on your forehead.>

 

“Are you really going to… hit me?”

 

Lucion was taken aback, while Shaela burst into laughter.

 

<No, how could I hit you? It would be more of a playful tap.>

 

“You tapped me last time.”

 

<That was just playful. I actually hit Heint… Ha. I was truly planning to return this time. I even prepared a gift for you.>

 

‘It can’t be, right?’

 

At the mention of a gift, Lucion automatically recalled something.

 

“Surely it’s not, right?”

 

Hume, who was generating a refreshing breeze towards Lucion, whispered.

 

[No way. That can’t be true. Can it?]

 

Russell raised an eyebrow in disbelief.

 

[Did Hume and Russell also think of the holy relic?]

 

Bethel appeared surprised and chuckled.

 

―Woohoo! It’s a holy relic!

 

Ratta had already concluded on her own that it must be a holy relic.