Chapter 220: Alforam (4)

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After the audience with the King of Alforam.

A banquet was held at the royal palace.

The visit of the representative of the Madeira Trading House, which had risen as a major force within the Empire, and the mage Cloaren, developer of the Mana Beads, had already become a nationally significant event in Alforam.

With the attendance of major nobles from Alforam, as well as key merchant groups and officials, the banquet hall was bustling with crowds.

“Truly beautiful. Would you spend this night with me……?”

“By any chance, which school are you from? Ah, if you’re not affiliated with a magic tower or school, how about joining our Green Magic Tower……?”

“I’d like to discuss the next-generation model of Mana Beads in greater depth……”

The main star of the banquet was, of course, Cloaren, the developer of the Mana Beads.

Surrounded by the crowd, Cloaren—no, Yuria—forced a smile as she responded to each of their words.

‘Endure it, just endure it.’

If she could just receive the promised compensation from Carl, not only Four Seasons but her other research would see major advancements.

So she clung to the role of Mage Cloaren with all her might, enduring the flood of attention.

“So, how about it? According to rumors, you’re also developing another revolutionary product after the Mana Beads.”

The banquet’s attention also turned to Carl.

Though not as much as Yuria, being the representative of Madeira and a member of the prestigious Leipzig Family of the Empire made even the nobles of the kingdom treat him with caution.

“I’m afraid I can’t speak on that matter.”

“Huh. Just a little, just a little hint? I swear I’ll remain silent. It’s purely out of personal curiosity.”

The most persistent of them all was the elderly Count Doldorof.

He held control over 10% of the kingdom’s logistics and transportation and had already secretly expressed his interest in becoming the exclusive distributor of Mana Beads outside the Empire.

‘He’d need at least 30% to be worth considering for transport even in Alforam. He’s too greedy for his capabilities.’

That must be why he ended up corrupted, siding with forces from the Demon Realm.

‘Besides that, he seems to have another reason for approaching me.’

To bring up a new product while the Mana Beads were still in such short supply and high demand?

From the start, his intention to secure distribution rights for the Mana Beads had been suspicious.

Carl brushed off Count Doldorof’s words and set down his wine glass.

“Ah, pardon me. I had a prior arrangement to dance.”

“And who would that be?”

“Princess Laysis.”

“……Ah-ha.”

Count Doldorof let out a deep chuckle and gave him a meaningful look.

“I’ve heard Her Highness holds you in great affection.”

“And I her. She’s helped me a lot since our academy days.”

“I’ve heard she also accompanies you in ruin explorations. That was quite a topic a few months ago—something about discovering an unknown site related to a hero.”

“We’re in the same Ancient Ruins Exploration Club, so we conducted the investigation together.”

“A club! A club, huh. Haven’t heard that word in a while. How pleasant. Yes, I’ve been keeping you too long. Go on, now.”

Despite it being their first meeting, the count casually patted Carl on the back and pushed him forward.

Carl nodded with a smile and moved ahead, sneaking a glance over his shoulder with a smirk.

‘What a pathetic trick.’

Whatever he had done, a faint trace of demonic energy had seeped into his clothes.

Was he trying to eavesdrop or track his location?

Since Origin must also know that the Madeira Trading House was connected to NOX, he was likely attempting to dig through that angle.

Rather than dispel it, Carl simply layered a sound-blocking spell to cover its surface.

This way, no sound would transmit, and they wouldn’t be able to hear their conversation.

“Laysis.”

“Ah, Carl.”

Princess Laysis, who had been speaking with another noble, turned her head brightly at Carl’s call.

“I’m sorry. I had a prior engagement.”

“It’s fine. I hope we can talk leisurely another time……”

The noble, with a sleazy face, gave a slight bow with a shallow smile.

Escaping him quickly, Laysis approached Carl with an utterly drained expression and let out a deep sigh.

“Perfect timing.”

“He seemed disappointed.”

“He’s one of my top prospective marriage candidates. Seems he’s desperate to create an opportunity somehow. I’m sure he’s doing everything he can too.”

“Naturally. He must carry all his family’s hopes on his shoulders.”

For an ordinary noble to marry into the royal family was an immense honor.

Their family’s status and rank would rise instantly, and they would gain the royal family’s full support to grow.

With Laysis suddenly appearing as a highly desirable match, it was no wonder everyone was eager.

“For now, let’s go. People are watching.”

“……Yes.”

As the music flowed through the banquet hall, Carl extended his hand, and Laysis shyly took it.

The two moved to the center together and joined the others in dance.

Carl had long since mastered etiquette and the rituals of high society, and as for Laysis, a royal, she was perfect beyond question.

They were already attention-grabbing in appearance, and with their graceful dancing, they instantly became the stars of the ballroom.

“I feel like we’re getting too much attention.”

“It’s fine. They won’t be able to hear our conversation anyway.”

“That’s a relief. So, did you identify anyone suspicious?”

“There were too many—it was exhausting.”

Carl tilted his head closer to Laysis’s face, narrowing his eyes.

Faint traces of demonic energy drifted, untethered to the floor or ceiling.

Given there was more than one, it meant the report was right—forces from the Demon Realm were deeply involved with the Alforam royal family.

“For starters, Count Doldorof is confirmed.”

“Count Doldorof. That old man. Every time he looks at me, his eyes go red and he makes this creepy smile.”

“Harsh judgment.”

“He deserves it.”

“When I said I was going to dance with you, he pretended to cheer me on while planting demonic energy on my back. Probably trying to eavesdrop on our conversation.”

“……”

Laysis stumbled slightly.

Carl caught her waist gently to steady her, continuing without pause.

“Of course, our conversation can’t be heard.”

“……You could’ve led with that. You startled me. If word spread that the kingdom’s princess was badmouthing a count, I couldn’t handle it.”

“Ha ha.”

Carl let out a soft laugh.

If something so trivial frightened her this much, she’d never be able to handle the plans he had in store.

“Laysis. You’re stronger than you think.”

“Even if you say that……”

“If you can’t trust yourself, then trust me who believes in you. Isn’t that more reliable than your own doubts?”

“You’re acting a little strange today. The way you talk is…”

“Different?”

“Yes. Smoother and sweeter than usual. If you’d been like this in Bayern…”

Laysis recalled Carl’s reputation back in Bayern.

He was already popular enough, but if he spoke this frankly?

“That might’ve been dangerous.”

“I’m just in a good mood. Hope you understand.”

There were only two kinds of situations that put Carl in a good mood.

When there was someone to kill.

Or when he had killed someone.

Back when he was the Unkillable, that came from the side effects of the Silent Shadow Kill Technique, but now it was due to the tyrannical nature of the Heavenly Demon Divine Art.

‘If I gain control over Alforam, that would be a huge boon for NOX.’

The best-case scenario was for Laysis to ascend the throne, but given her personality, she might find it burdensome or outright refuse.

In that case, appointing a suitable proxy from the royal lineage wouldn’t be a bad option.

If they took over the Alforam royal family, NOX would gain another solid foothold alongside the Imperial Capital, Polfoardel, and their base of operations in Leipzig.

In Alforam, they could act without worrying about external scrutiny, which meant they could plan more freely.

If needed, setting up a large-scale Mana Bead production facility or a training center for NOX recruits in Alforam might not be a bad idea.

“……That’s enough. I’d better help our dear mage before she collapses.”

“Yuria’s been through a lot too.”

“If we leave her be any longer, she might start holding a grudge.”

Finishing his dance with Laysis, Carl stopped moving and gave a light, courteous nod to the audience.

The onlookers, who had been watching the couple in awe, applauded to celebrate them.

Parting from Laysis, Carl headed toward Yuria, who was still surrounded by a crowd.

“Lady Cloaren. It’s about time you departed.”

“……Ah, how careless of me. Apologies. I do have another engagement. I’ll see you next time.”

Just because there was a banquet didn’t mean they had to stay from start to finish.

Out of courtesy to the Alforam royal family, staying for a decent amount of time was enough, so Carl led Yuria toward their assigned palace quarters.

“Aaah……”

Yuria staggered, looking drained as she walked.

Then she suddenly grabbed Carl’s arm and pouted.

“While I was suffering on the sidelines, you looked like you were having fun with Laysis. Dancing and all.”

“It was a good experience. I’ve never danced in front of that many people before.”

Unless it was a banquet hosted by the Imperial Family, he likely wouldn’t get the chance to dance before such a large assembly of nobles.

“Why? Regret not dancing? I could still dance with you here if you want.”

“Why would I? I don’t regret it at all.”

“Here.”

“……”

Yuria pretended to resist, but she had secretly been envious of Laysis.

Unable to refuse the hand offered to her, she took it and stepped forward.

To the rustling leaves in the moonlight, the two of them moved to their own silent music.

Despite saying she didn’t care, Yuria danced with impressive enthusiasm.

It was as if she was shaking off all the stress she had accumulated, moving fluidly and showing off her skill.

“……You’re pretty good. Did you take lessons?”

Carl asked with a slightly surprised look.

If he and Laysis danced in a textbook, high-society style, Yuria’s dancing had a natural flow to it.

It wasn’t just education—she clearly had talent.

“I used to be in a dance club. Compared to the music I used to dance to, this is nothing.”

Yuria grinned confidently.

Then, out of nowhere, she reached out and grabbed Carl’s cheeks.

“You did that on purpose, didn’t you?”

“Did what?”

“You made it obvious that you were close with Laysis. To block off any marriage proposals coming her way.”

“That was part of the plan. Laysis didn’t want them.”

“With your reputation in the Leipzig Family, even the Alforam royal family would welcome you. They might even propose instead.”

“Could happen.”

“Then would you do it?”

Would he marry Laysis?

At her question, Carl shrugged.

“If necessary.”

“You.”

Yuria furrowed her brows and tightened her grip on his cheeks.

“You’re trying to make Laysis the King of Alforam. And become her consort?”

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