Chapter 6 : A Servant’s Gambit

Elena gazed at Myers, who was training in the courtyard. 

Normally, the moment he opened his eyes, he would have called his drinking buddies and caused her endless frustration. 

But now, things were different. 

Ever since two days ago, when he was dragged back by Ethan, completely drunk, something had changed. 

After learning that Ethan had woken up, it was as if Myers had become an entirely different person, training with newfound zeal. 

Elena gave a quiet smile. 

Come to think of it, even from a young age, it was Ethan who had always stood out among the siblings. 

If only more of the family’s secret techniques had been preserved. 

If that were the case, they wouldn’t have fallen so helplessly. 

After their grandfather and father passed away, nearly all the family’s secret techniques, passed down through oral tradition, had been lost. 

It was precisely because of those lost techniques that Ethan had been burdened with such immense pressure. 

Her heart ached at the thought. 

A ducal family with over two hundred years of history—never before had the family’s techniques been so completely severed. 

Who could have imagined that both the previous head and the current head of the family would pass away so suddenly, on the same day? 

No one in the family had anticipated such a thing. 

Even when the Dragonkin invaded, it was the same. 

Their grandfather and father were master swordsmen who had reached the realm of transcendence at a young age. 

Because of that, they had been filled with confidence in victory before heading into battle. 

That was why they hadn’t made any special preparations for the future generations. 

“I’ll be back soon,” they had said. 

Their faces, smiling as they patted her head as if they’d return in no time, flashed in her mind. 

Who could have known that would be the last time she’d see them? 

Now, as Elena quietly looked out at the courtyard, recalling her grandfather and father whose faces she could barely remember, she stepped outside the room. 

The scenery of the annex had changed significantly from before. 

The dusty rooms had been thoroughly cleaned, and the maids, who used to rush to the kitchen during mealtimes, were now diligently preparing food. 

All these changes had begun after Ethan woke up. 

Maybe I should prepare some tea and snacks. 

For now, that was about all she could do for Ethan. 

When she arrived at the dining hall, Hans, who was busily working inside, greeted her with a bright smile. 

“Your Grace, what brings you here?” 

“Oh, I was thinking of making some simple snacks for my brothers…” 

As Elena spoke, her gaze fell on Hans’ hands. 

In the bowl he was holding was a pile of cookies. 

“Haha, it seems Your Grace and I were thinking the same thing! I was just about to do the same. By the way, Your Grace, is there anything troubling you?” 

Elena stared at Hans, who asked with a gentle smile. 

Just a few days ago, such a sight would have been unimaginable. 

This, too, was a change brought about by Ethan’s awakening. 

“I’m fine,” she replied. 

“That’s a relief. Since the sun is shining so nicely, how about having some tea time? I’ll prepare the snacks.” 

A sudden curiosity struck her. 

Hans had started changing three days ago, after having breakfast with Ethan. 

What on earth had they talked about that caused such a drastic shift in his attitude? 

He said it was just a few words of advice… 

Could a few words really transform the head servant into someone so courteous? 

“Head Servant,” she said. 

“Yes, Your Grace?” 

“Is this because of something Ethan said?” 

“Something he said?” 

“I heard from Ethan that you two had a conversation a few days ago… Is that why you’re being so kind to me?” 

At her words, Hans barely managed to keep his expression from crumpling. 

Advice? 

What kind of advice leaves someone with three missing teeth? 

If that was advice, then stabbing someone with a sword would be an act of love. 

He was utterly dumbfounded, but he couldn’t exactly admit that the Grand Duke had beaten him up. 

It was clear Ethan was hiding that fact from his sister. 

“Haha, yes, that’s right. The words His Grace shared with me that day were so enlightening, they still resonate vividly.” 

“What exactly did he say…?” 

Elena was genuinely curious.

What could Ethan have said to make the head servant, who used to ignore her words entirely, change his attitude so completely? 

Just then, Hans, who had been glancing at the oven, quickly spoke up. 

“Oh! The cookies are done! Your Grace, would you like to try one?” 

“Sure.” 

Elena popped a cookie into her mouth.

The crisp crunch was followed by a sweet flavor spreading across her tongue. 

“How is it?” 

“It’s delicious.” 

She was quietly impressed. 

Hans’ baking skills far exceeded her expectations. 

“Now that I think about it, yesterday morning, His Grace mentioned something while checking on the youngest lord…” 

Hans kept steering the conversation elsewhere.

Seeing this, Elena decided to drop her questions. 

Whatever had prompted his change of heart, as long as he was behaving well now, that was enough. 

And so, Elena and Hans continued their conversation. 

***

After busily directing the servants and finishing the household chores, Hans returned to his room. 

He pulled a magical crystal orb from his drawer. 

Once a month, today was the day he regularly contacted the baronial family. 

Carefully, he took out a low-grade mana stone. 

This small piece was worth more than his monthly salary, so he handled it with utmost care. 

As he placed the mana stone near the crystal orb, it began to glow. 

“It’s been a while, Hans,” came a voice. 

“Baron Helmut! Have you been well?” 

“Yes. I read the letter you sent. The Grand Duke has awakened?” 

“That’s right! And it seems the Grand Duke can even use mana.” 

“Mana… So that talent hasn’t completely died out.” 

The baron, nodding, continued. 

“I’ve sent a letter to the Count of Fernes. A council of elders will be convened soon. In the meantime, keep monitoring the Grand Duke’s movements and report anything unusual.” 

“The council of elders? Won’t that take at least four months to reach a decision? That seems like it would delay our response…” 

“It’s an important matter, so it won’t take that long. Two months at most.” 

“Understood. But, Baron Helmut…” 

“Speak.” 

“As I wrote in the letter, the Grand Duke is no pushover. He’s the type to resort to violence at the slightest provocation…” 

“That’s odd. He was never that violent before. Hmm… Perhaps the drastic change in circumstances has made him angry.” 

“Yes, that could be it. He must have been shocked to see the state of the annex, having lived in the ducal estate before he fell.” 

“Well, let him be angry. The advantage is already ours. We can push for Myers as the next head of the family, so you don’t need to worry. Just keep a close eye on him.” 

“Understood. However, it seems Myers has been changing a bit lately as well.” 

“Myers?” 

“Yes. The moment he saw the Grand Duke awaken, he completely gave up the alcohol he used to love so much.” 

“…They’re making things quite tiresome. Alright, I understand.” 

Just as the connection was about to cut off, Hans hurriedly spoke. 

“Um, Baron, to get closer to the Grand Duke, I’ll need something to offer him…” 

“I’ll provide funds, so use them to gain his favor. That should do, right?” 

“Hehe, thank you, Baron!” 

“Good. I’ll contact you again next month.” 

The crystal orb’s light faded. 

The corners of Hans’ mouth curled up quietly. 

For now, I’ve secured the funds. 

No matter who won—whether it was the collateral line or the Grand Duke—it wouldn’t affect him too much. 

So, the best strategy was to play both sides. 

Though it would be better if the Grand Duke comes out on top. 

If the collateral line won, he’d likely remain a mere head servant in the annex. 

But if the Grand Duke won? 

If he stuck close to him until then, he might get a sizable reward. 

A few days ago, when he was slapped around, he’d been full of resentment.

But now, things were different. 

He had witnessed the Grand Duke single-handedly subdue a group of thugs. 

The Grand Duke’s potential was far from ordinary. 

If I play my cards right… 

This could be a tremendous opportunity, not a crisis. 

As Hans smirked slyly, a voice called out urgently from outside. 

“Head Servant! The two young lords are almost done with their training!” 

Hans sprang to his feet. 

“Hey! Grab some towels soaked in cool water and all the snacks we prepared!” 

“Yes, sir!” 

He hurriedly dashed outside. 

***

The sound of wooden swords clashing rang out sharply. 

“I blocked it! I blocked it!”

Myers shouted triumphantly. 

For the first time in two days, he had managed to parry Ethan’s attack.

His chest swelled with pride. 

But at that moment— 

Whack! 

“Urk!” 

With a crisp sound, Myers collapsed to the ground. 

“I told you not to let your guard down,” Ethan said. 

“Oh… right.” 

“The moment you think you’ve won is the most dangerous. Remember that.” 

“Got it, brother.” 

Though he said this, Ethan was secretly impressed. 

Myers’ progress was faster than he had expected. 

Especially in defense, his improvement was remarkable. 

With just one more month of intense training, he might be able to hold his own against a formal three-star knight. 

As the training session ended, Hans approached from behind. 

“Well done, Your Grace!” 

He handed over a towel soaked in cool water. 

Ethan and Myers wiped their faces, the refreshing sensation soothing their sweat-soaked skin. 

After wiping off the sweat, Ethan handed the towel back to Hans, who took it with a sly smile. 

“How did today’s training go? Your Grace, you seem to grow more impressive with each passing day.” 

Ethan chuckled. 

The man’s flattery was almost too smooth, as if he’d coated his words in honey. 

As they ate the snacks Hans had brought, he glanced around cautiously before whispering. 

“Your Grace.” 

“What?” 

“I have something important to tell you. Very important.” 

“What is it?” 

“I got a call from the Kargas Barony.” 

“A call?” 

“Yes. That Helmut fellow told me to keep an eye on you! I wanted to curse him out right then and there, but…” 

“But?” 

“Hehe, as Your Grace knows, I’m just a lowly guy, so I had no choice but to take the funds he offered.” 

Funds, huh? 

A spark of interest flickered in Ethan’s eyes. 

Perfect timing—I could use some money. 

This was a fortunate turn of events. 

“Speaking of which, is there anything you need? It seems that baron is willing to fork over some cash, so… just say the word, and I’ll get it for you.” 

His intentions were transparent. 

He was clearly trying to play both sides. 

But Ethan didn’t mind. 

Hans’ actions could benefit him as well. 

Ethan pulled a piece paper from his pocket. 

“Pen.” 

“Here you go.” 

He began sketching quickly on the paper. 

“Get these made.” 

“This is a two-handed sword… and these are what? Steel bracelets?” 

“Training tools.” 

“Ah! I see, like sandbags. And this drawing here, it’s a steel shield, right?” 

“Exactly.” 

A shield for Myers to use. 

Along with the massive two-handed sword he’d wielded in his past life and steel bracelets for training. 

These were the items he needed right now. 

“Got it. I’ll make sure to squeeze as much as I can out of that Helmut guy!” 

“Keep whatever’s left for yourself.” 

“Oh, thank you, Your Grace!” 

At Ethan’s words, Hans’ eyes gleamed. 

Money was one of his favorite things. 

Hehe! 

Hans grinned slyly. 

If he could secure a hefty sum from the baron under the pretense of getting close to the Grand Duke… 

This is going to be quite profitable. 

The scent of money was practically wafting in the air.