SpecialCharactersAndSymbols!@#$%^&*()_-+=[]{}|;:\"'<>,.?/
The mansion was turned upside down.
SpecialCharactersAndSymbols!@#$%^&*()_-+=[]{}|;:\"'<>,.?/
Evan Alkart.
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The second son of the Alkart Ducal Family.
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A person known as a recluse who rarely leaves his room.
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That Evan declared he would be staying out for more than a day!
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“Young master!”
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Thud!
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Dolph knelt on one knee before Evan.
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A face stained with shock.
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Lapis, crunching on a carrot, looked puzzled.
SpecialCharactersAndSymbols!@#$%^&*()_-+=[]{}|;:\"'<>,.?/
What’s with him?
SpecialCharactersAndSymbols!@#$%^&*()_-+=[]{}|;:\"'<>,.?/
“Please reconsider!”
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“What are you talking about?”
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“Staying out for more than a day…!”
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Dolph whimpered.
SpecialCharactersAndSymbols!@#$%^&*()_-+=[]{}|;:\"'<>,.?/
“You might get seriously hurt!”
SpecialCharactersAndSymbols!@#$%^&*()_-+=[]{}|;:\"'<>,.?/
“I won’t overdo it. Just a few days out.”
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“A few days!”
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Gasp!
SpecialCharactersAndSymbols!@#$%^&*()_-+=[]{}|;:\"'<>,.?/
Dolph made a choking sound.
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Seriously…
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Anyone would think I’m heading to my death.
SpecialCharactersAndSymbols!@#$%^&*()_-+=[]{}|;:\"'<>,.?/
“It’s dangerous! Especially since your physician isn’t here right now…!”
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Originally, Evan had a dedicated priest.
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Past tense.
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Not anymore.
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Too old, retired.
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A new priest hasn’t been assigned yet.
SpecialCharactersAndSymbols!@#$%^&*()_-+=[]{}|;:\"'<>,.?/
‘Hmm. But I’ll stock up on recovery potions before I go.’
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Fifty High-Grade Recovery Potions.
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Storage will be handled by a golem.
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Injection, of course, and even on-site brewing is possible.
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Diluted separately so there’s no issue drinking daily.
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‘…This won’t convince him, will it?’
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Of course, High-Grade Recovery Potions aren’t omnipotent.
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If you die in one hit?
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Potions or not, poof, you’re dead.
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That’s it!
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Imagining death sent a slight chill through his body.
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I’m doing this to avoid dying.
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What if this becomes a shortcut to death instead?
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‘Ugh! Absolutely not.’
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But not going isn’t an option either.
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His pride was also a bit hurt.
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I’m not some weakling, and I’m backing out here? Scared of a trip to meet one person? With no real danger, no reason to retreat?
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At least for Evan, the man among men, there wasn’t.
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Just prepare more thoroughly!
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‘But can I prepare more than this?’
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The secret weapon, No. 2, and plenty of potions.
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Will definitely wear the Living Golem.
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Will pack everything usually left behind. Above all.
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“…I have Lapis, don’t I?”
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“Huh?”
SpecialCharactersAndSymbols!@#$%^&*()_-+=[]{}|;:\"'<>,.?/
Evan patted Lapis’s head.
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Lapis obediently offered her head like a gentle herbivore.
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“Lapis will protect me.”
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“Hehe.”
SpecialCharactersAndSymbols!@#$%^&*()_-+=[]{}|;:\"'<>,.?/
Lapis flashed a bright smile and spread her arms.
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Mana Thread.
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White threads shimmered as they wove.
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“Yes! I’ll protect you!”
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…Has she gotten faster than before?
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“Hehe. My skills have improved a lot.”
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Swish!
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Lapis gathered the threads she released and played cat’s cradle.
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A passing fly, snap, became a speck of blood on the thread.
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…I didn’t raise a monster, did I?
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Ahem. Anyway, this trip will be safe.
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“Even so! At least Sir Ferok…”
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“He’s a busy man. It wouldn’t be right for him to leave his post for days because of me, would it?”
SpecialCharactersAndSymbols!@#$%^&*()_-+=[]{}|;:\"'<>,.?/
“That’s… true, but…”
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“Don’t worry too much.”
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Evan continued calmly.
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“I’ll go quietly, safely.”
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“Really…?”
SpecialCharactersAndSymbols!@#$%^&*()_-+=[]{}|;:\"'<>,.?/
“Yes. Of course.”
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Evan declared.
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“Absolutely no incidents will happen.”
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Please!
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Evan’s desperate plea.
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Dolph nodded with a gloomy expression.
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“Understood.”
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“I should see brother before I go.”
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Normally, reporting to father would suffice, but the Duke is currently absent.
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No choice but to report to the eldest son, the heir candidate.
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The lady?
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She’s too intimidating…
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Actually, the eldest son isn’t much better.
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‘Still, better this way.’
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Reporting to the eldest son could be politically interpreted.
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It implies acknowledging he’s closest to being the heir!
SpecialCharactersAndSymbols!@#$%^&*()_-+=[]{}|;:\"'<>,.?/
‘Yeah. No choice but to do it.’
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Manly, quickly finish and return.
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“Did you hear? Young Master Evan is going out?”
SpecialCharactersAndSymbols!@#$%^&*()_-+=[]{}|;:\"'<>,.?/
“Really? The weather is great today!”
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“No. They say he’s going to meet a friend.”
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“What? The young master has a friend?!”
SpecialCharactersAndSymbols!@#$%^&*()_-+=[]{}|;:\"'<>,.?/
“Apparently. Even staying out overnight!”
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“Whoa, to meet a friend?”
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Two maids whispered in a corner.
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Both were long-time maids at the mansion.
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They knew a bit about the mansion’s rumors.
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That Evan has neither a fiancée nor friends.
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“Doesn’t seem like a friend… Maybe he’s secretly going to procure test subjects?”
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“Gasp.”
SpecialCharactersAndSymbols!@#$%^&*()_-+=[]{}|;:\"'<>,.?/
That makes more sense.
SpecialCharactersAndSymbols!@#$%^&*()_-+=[]{}|;:\"'<>,.?/
Test subject procurement!
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Isn’t that a big deal!
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Especially for someone serious about Alchemy like Evan!
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It was unfair for Evan, but nothing could be done.
SpecialCharactersAndSymbols!@#$%^&*()_-+=[]{}|;:\"'<>,.?/
His reputation was already a mess.
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Being polite and serious didn’t change perceptions overnight.
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Rather, most people feared him.
SpecialCharactersAndSymbols!@#$%^&*()_-+=[]{}|;:\"'<>,.?/
‘Test subjects…’
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A young man, Leo, rested his chin, overhearing the maids’ gossip.
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The eldest son of the Alkart Ducal Family, the current sole heir.
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He brushed back his black hair, resembling the Duke.
SpecialCharactersAndSymbols!@#$%^&*()_-+=[]{}|;:\"'<>,.?/
‘Was that his purpose, Evan?’
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Leonardo, or Leo for short, recalled Evan who visited earlier.
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-Brother. I’ll be going out for a bit.
SpecialCharactersAndSymbols!@#$%^&*()_-+=[]{}|;:\"'<>,.?/
Evan came with all sorts of golems.
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An expressionless face with emotionless eyes.
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As if saying rejection is not an option.
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‘Acting cocky.’
SpecialCharactersAndSymbols!@#$%^&*()_-+=[]{}|;:\"'<>,.?/
Leo twisted his lips.
SpecialCharactersAndSymbols!@#$%^&*()_-+=[]{}|;:\"'<>,.?/
Evidently, Evan’s tone was polite, respectful.
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Like treating a superior.
SpecialCharactersAndSymbols!@#$%^&*()_-+=[]{}|;:\"'<>,.?/
But Leo saw clearly.
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Evan’s eyes.
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Golden eyes shining even in the dark.
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Resembling father’s eyes more than anyone, evoking the Duke.
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The eyes of an arrogant man.
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‘Looking at me with those eyes while acting polite?’
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Clearly, Evan and Leo’s positions were equal.
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Even if Leo was closest to being the heir.
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They share the same blood, after all.
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Yeah, nothing to fear.
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On the surface, he inherited the Duke’s blood most strongly.
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The necessary evil of the empire.
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The big shot and power controlling the underworld used by criminals and nobles alike.
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The leader dominating the empire’s economy, Duke Alkart.
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He resembled that big shot perfectly.
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That useless good-for-nothing!
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‘Making a fuss to revive his dead mother. Has he finally grown up?’
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Suddenly acting mature.
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Of course, he probably hasn’t really matured.
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Just got a bit smarter.
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Smart enough to mock enemies without causing a scene.
SpecialCharactersAndSymbols!@#$%^&*()_-+=[]{}|;:\"'<>,.?/
Telling him directly about going out was like that.
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Since father is absent, reporting to the brother closest to being the heir?
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‘Cocky.’
SpecialCharactersAndSymbols!@#$%^&*()_-+=[]{}|;:\"'<>,.?/
On the surface, it acknowledges his heir position.
SpecialCharactersAndSymbols!@#$%^&*()_-+=[]{}|;:\"'<>,.?/
But, it’s that Evan Alkart.
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Approaching with pure intentions?
SpecialCharactersAndSymbols!@#$%^&*()_-+=[]{}|;:\"'<>,.?/
No way.
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A vicious guy who made a name in the underworld with just two activities.
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An absurd achievement in just a few months.
SpecialCharactersAndSymbols!@#$%^&*()_-+=[]{}|;:\"'<>,.?/
Even now, most in the underworld fear or worship the name Evan Alkart.
SpecialCharactersAndSymbols!@#$%^&*()_-+=[]{}|;:\"'<>,.?/
All just for the first trial before his coming-of-age.
SpecialCharactersAndSymbols!@#$%^&*()_-+=[]{}|;:\"'<>,.?/
How grand will his achievements be for the second and third trials?
SpecialCharactersAndSymbols!@#$%^&*()_-+=[]{}|;:\"'<>,.?/
Perhaps this outing is to prepare for those trials.
SpecialCharactersAndSymbols!@#$%^&*()_-+=[]{}|;:\"'<>,.?/
Considering he recently dealt with Theodor.
SpecialCharactersAndSymbols!@#$%^&*()_-+=[]{}|;:\"'<>,.?/
‘Count Blue Beard, huh.’
SpecialCharactersAndSymbols!@#$%^&*()_-+=[]{}|;:\"'<>,.?/
Blue Beard.
SpecialCharactersAndSymbols!@#$%^&*()_-+=[]{}|;:\"'<>,.?/
A fairly famous count in the east.
SpecialCharactersAndSymbols!@#$%^&*()_-+=[]{}|;:\"'<>,.?/
Also, somewhat similar to Evan.
SpecialCharactersAndSymbols!@#$%^&*()_-+=[]{}|;:\"'<>,.?/
He was one of the few alchemists on the continent.
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Infamous.
SpecialCharactersAndSymbols!@#$%^&*()_-+=[]{}|;:\"'<>,.?/
‘They say he takes wives as test subjects.’
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Already his sixth wife, right?
SpecialCharactersAndSymbols!@#$%^&*()_-+=[]{}|;:\"'<>,.?/
They say he’s holding a wedding, even arrogantly sending an invitation to the Alkart Ducal Family.
SpecialCharactersAndSymbols!@#$%^&*()_-+=[]{}|;:\"'<>,.?/
Not to the Duke himself.
SpecialCharactersAndSymbols!@#$%^&*()_-+=[]{}|;:\"'<>,.?/
If so, he would’ve been dealt with already.
SpecialCharactersAndSymbols!@#$%^&*()_-+=[]{}|;:\"'<>,.?/
The letter was sent to Evan Alkart.
SpecialCharactersAndSymbols!@#$%^&*()_-+=[]{}|;:\"'<>,.?/
Inviting as a fellow alchemist.
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Ignored at first, but now going to meet?
SpecialCharactersAndSymbols!@#$%^&*()_-+=[]{}|;:\"'<>,.?/
‘Must have some sinister motive.’
SpecialCharactersAndSymbols!@#$%^&*()_-+=[]{}|;:\"'<>,.?/
Leo sat on the windowsill.
SpecialCharactersAndSymbols!@#$%^&*()_-+=[]{}|;:\"'<>,.?/
A carriage departing beyond the window.
SpecialCharactersAndSymbols!@#$%^&*()_-+=[]{}|;:\"'<>,.?/
Evan was in that carriage.
SpecialCharactersAndSymbols!@#$%^&*()_-+=[]{}|;:\"'<>,.?/
Security relatively lax.
SpecialCharactersAndSymbols!@#$%^&*()_-+=[]{}|;:\"'<>,.?/
Ferok absent too.
SpecialCharactersAndSymbols!@#$%^&*()_-+=[]{}|;:\"'<>,.?/
Could he eliminate Evan now?
SpecialCharactersAndSymbols!@#$%^&*()_-+=[]{}|;:\"'<>,.?/
Evan wasn’t yet a big shot.
SpecialCharactersAndSymbols!@#$%^&*()_-+=[]{}|;:\"'<>,.?/
A promising talent fits better.
SpecialCharactersAndSymbols!@#$%^&*()_-+=[]{}|;:\"'<>,.?/
But, if he completes all the trials of coming-of-age and becomes a full adult?
SpecialCharactersAndSymbols!@#$%^&*()_-+=[]{}|;:\"'<>,.?/
Would he stay still then?
SpecialCharactersAndSymbols!@#$%^&*()_-+=[]{}|;:\"'<>,.?/
Wouldn’t he aim for the heir position Leo desires?
SpecialCharactersAndSymbols!@#$%^&*()_-+=[]{}|;:\"'<>,.?/
‘…Should I eliminate him now?’
SpecialCharactersAndSymbols!@#$%^&*()_-+=[]{}|;:\"'<>,.?/
As Leo muttered, it happened.
SpecialCharactersAndSymbols!@#$%^&*()_-+=[]{}|;:\"'<>,.?/
Something white flashed outside the window.
SpecialCharactersAndSymbols!@#$%^&*()_-+=[]{}|;:\"'<>,.?/
No time to react.
SpecialCharactersAndSymbols!@#$%^&*()_-+=[]{}|;:\"'<>,.?/
Swish! With a sound of something pulling, the window closed, and Leo was thrown to the center of the room.
SpecialCharactersAndSymbols!@#$%^&*()_-+=[]{}|;:\"'<>,.?/
Thud!
SpecialCharactersAndSymbols!@#$%^&*()_-+=[]{}|;:\"'<>,.?/
“Urk!”
SpecialCharactersAndSymbols!@#$%^&*()_-+=[]{}|;:\"'<>,.?/
Before he could scream, Leo’s mouth was sealed.
SpecialCharactersAndSymbols!@#$%^&*()_-+=[]{}|;:\"'<>,.?/
Before him were red eyes.
SpecialCharactersAndSymbols!@#$%^&*()_-+=[]{}|;:\"'<>,.?/
“I came because I had a bad feeling.”
SpecialCharactersAndSymbols!@#$%^&*()_-+=[]{}|;:\"'<>,.?/
White hair contrasting with red eyes.
SpecialCharactersAndSymbols!@#$%^&*()_-+=[]{}|;:\"'<>,.?/
Lapis’s lips twisted as she spread her hands, releasing Mana Threads.
SpecialCharactersAndSymbols!@#$%^&*()_-+=[]{}|;:\"'<>,.?/
“Got a big catch.”
SpecialCharactersAndSymbols!@#$%^&*()_-+=[]{}|;:\"'<>,.?/
This girl, clearly Evan’s slave…!
SpecialCharactersAndSymbols!@#$%^&*()_-+=[]{}|;:\"'<>,.?/
“Can’t leave a dangerous element like you alone, but I shouldn’t get caught this time.”
SpecialCharactersAndSymbols!@#$%^&*()_-+=[]{}|;:\"'<>,.?/
Lapis spoke in a soft voice.
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As if mimicking Evan’s voice.
SpecialCharactersAndSymbols!@#$%^&*()_-+=[]{}|;:\"'<>,.?/
“Mmph mmph!”
SpecialCharactersAndSymbols!@#$%^&*()_-+=[]{}|;:\"'<>,.?/
“So, I’ll use just a little force.”
SpecialCharactersAndSymbols!@#$%^&*()_-+=[]{}|;:\"'<>,.?/
“It won’t hurt too much.”
SpecialCharactersAndSymbols!@#$%^&*()_-+=[]{}|;:\"'<>,.?/
Lapis’s Mana Threads slithered closer.
SpecialCharactersAndSymbols!@#$%^&*()_-+=[]{}|;:\"'<>,.?/
Leo screamed with his mouth sealed.
SpecialCharactersAndSymbols!@#$%^&*()_-+=[]{}|;:\"'<>,.?/
***
SpecialCharactersAndSymbols!@#$%^&*()_-+=[]{}|;:\"'<>,.?/
Two days later.
SpecialCharactersAndSymbols!@#$%^&*()_-+=[]{}|;:\"'<>,.?/
An unfamiliar scenery unfolded outside the window.
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Blue walls.
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Literally.
SpecialCharactersAndSymbols!@#$%^&*()_-+=[]{}|;:\"'<>,.?/
The walls looked built with blue stone, blue as they were.
SpecialCharactersAndSymbols!@#$%^&*()_-+=[]{}|;:\"'<>,.?/
Dolph exclaimed.
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“Wow! Young master! We’ve arrived already!”
SpecialCharactersAndSymbols!@#$%^&*()_-+=[]{}|;:\"'<>,.?/
“Is that so?”
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Evan replied with a poor complexion.
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The reason was one.
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“Yes!”
SpecialCharactersAndSymbols!@#$%^&*()_-+=[]{}|;:\"'<>,.?/
“Then, let’s slow the carriage a bit.”
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Motion sickness.
SpecialCharactersAndSymbols!@#$%^&*()_-+=[]{}|;:\"'<>,.?/
Evan rubbed his stomach.
SpecialCharactersAndSymbols!@#$%^&*()_-+=[]{}|;:\"'<>,.?/
Opening the carriage window let in cool air.
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Ah, finally some relief.
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‘Gotta make a car golem soon…’
SpecialCharactersAndSymbols!@#$%^&*()_-+=[]{}|;:\"'<>,.?/
Evan’s golems hadn’t reached car level yet.
SpecialCharactersAndSymbols!@#$%^&*()_-+=[]{}|;:\"'<>,.?/
At best, Horse Golem or porter golem.
SpecialCharactersAndSymbols!@#$%^&*()_-+=[]{}|;:\"'<>,.?/
“Good job, No. 5.”
SpecialCharactersAndSymbols!@#$%^&*()_-+=[]{}|;:\"'<>,.?/
Nod.
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No. 5, pulling the carriage, nodded.
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A golem specialized for strength.
SpecialCharactersAndSymbols!@#$%^&*()_-+=[]{}|;:\"'<>,.?/
Naturally, it pulled the carriage well.
SpecialCharactersAndSymbols!@#$%^&*()_-+=[]{}|;:\"'<>,.?/
Never tired, so it moved at night too.
SpecialCharactersAndSymbols!@#$%^&*()_-+=[]{}|;:\"'<>,.?/
Thanks to that?
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Didn’t encounter the usual bandits.
SpecialCharactersAndSymbols!@#$%^&*()_-+=[]{}|;:\"'<>,.?/
‘Lucky.’
SpecialCharactersAndSymbols!@#$%^&*()_-+=[]{}|;:\"'<>,.?/
Let’s finish quickly since we’re here.
SpecialCharactersAndSymbols!@#$%^&*()_-+=[]{}|;:\"'<>,.?/
Evan looked up at the blue walls.
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The symbol of Blue Beard’s territory.
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No wonder the count is called Blue Beard?
SpecialCharactersAndSymbols!@#$%^&*()_-+=[]{}|;:\"'<>,.?/
He loves blue so much.
SpecialCharactersAndSymbols!@#$%^&*()_-+=[]{}|;:\"'<>,.?/
So, the walls are blue, all house roofs blue.
SpecialCharactersAndSymbols!@#$%^&*()_-+=[]{}|;:\"'<>,.?/
Why not the house walls?
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Due to the residents’ protests.
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They said it ruined their appetite.
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Some even starved, so he had to change it.
SpecialCharactersAndSymbols!@#$%^&*()_-+=[]{}|;:\"'<>,.?/
‘All this with Alchemy, huh?’
SpecialCharactersAndSymbols!@#$%^&*()_-+=[]{}|;:\"'<>,.?/
Count Blue Beard is a famous alchemist.
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Known for transforming his entire territory with Alchemy.
SpecialCharactersAndSymbols!@#$%^&*()_-+=[]{}|;:\"'<>,.?/
Evan nodded, examining the walls closely.
SpecialCharactersAndSymbols!@#$%^&*()_-+=[]{}|;:\"'<>,.?/
‘Hmm, not bad?’
SpecialCharactersAndSymbols!@#$%^&*()_-+=[]{}|;:\"'<>,.?/
How many times did he use Transmutation?
SpecialCharactersAndSymbols!@#$%^&*()_-+=[]{}|;:\"'<>,.?/
For this scale, one or two times might do.
SpecialCharactersAndSymbols!@#$%^&*()_-+=[]{}|;:\"'<>,.?/
Transmutation range shouldn’t be an issue,
SpecialCharactersAndSymbols!@#$%^&*()_-+=[]{}|;:\"'<>,.?/
Probably mana is the problem.
SpecialCharactersAndSymbols!@#$%^&*()_-+=[]{}|;:\"'<>,.?/
‘I’d need about three times.’
SpecialCharactersAndSymbols!@#$%^&*()_-+=[]{}|;:\"'<>,.?/
Can’t help the lack of mana.
SpecialCharactersAndSymbols!@#$%^&*()_-+=[]{}|;:\"'<>,.?/
This isn’t bad.
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Considering he’s treated as an extra.
SpecialCharactersAndSymbols!@#$%^&*()_-+=[]{}|;:\"'<>,.?/
‘He’s supposed to be rich too.’
SpecialCharactersAndSymbols!@#$%^&*()_-+=[]{}|;:\"'<>,.?/
Should have the ingredients I need, right?
SpecialCharactersAndSymbols!@#$%^&*()_-+=[]{}|;:\"'<>,.?/
Entered the city.
SpecialCharactersAndSymbols!@#$%^&*()_-+=[]{}|;:\"'<>,.?/
Proving identity wasn’t hard.
SpecialCharactersAndSymbols!@#$%^&*()_-+=[]{}|;:\"'<>,.?/
“Th-The Alkart Ducal Family?! C-Come in!”
SpecialCharactersAndSymbols!@#$%^&*()_-+=[]{}|;:\"'<>,.?/
The name Alkart opened doors instantly.
SpecialCharactersAndSymbols!@#$%^&*()_-+=[]{}|;:\"'<>,.?/
They were that terrified.
SpecialCharactersAndSymbols!@#$%^&*()_-+=[]{}|;:\"'<>,.?/
Why so much?
SpecialCharactersAndSymbols!@#$%^&*()_-+=[]{}|;:\"'<>,.?/
Evan and Lapis exchanged puzzled glances.
SpecialCharactersAndSymbols!@#$%^&*()_-+=[]{}|;:\"'<>,.?/
Meanwhile, arrived at an inn to entrust the carriage.
SpecialCharactersAndSymbols!@#$%^&*()_-+=[]{}|;:\"'<>,.?/
“Uh? The horses…”
SpecialCharactersAndSymbols!@#$%^&*()_-+=[]{}|;:\"'<>,.?/
“Just store the carriage. Payment here…”
SpecialCharactersAndSymbols!@#$%^&*()_-+=[]{}|;:\"'<>,.?/
“Oh my! Honored guests! We’ll take care of it!”
SpecialCharactersAndSymbols!@#$%^&*()_-+=[]{}|;:\"'<>,.?/
While Dolph handled the carriage.
SpecialCharactersAndSymbols!@#$%^&*()_-+=[]{}|;:\"'<>,.?/
Evan pulled his hood down firmly.
SpecialCharactersAndSymbols!@#$%^&*()_-+=[]{}|;:\"'<>,.?/
No need to reveal his face.
SpecialCharactersAndSymbols!@#$%^&*()_-+=[]{}|;:\"'<>,.?/
‘Hmm, should I wear a mask?’
SpecialCharactersAndSymbols!@#$%^&*()_-+=[]{}|;:\"'<>,.?/
Might be better.
SpecialCharactersAndSymbols!@#$%^&*()_-+=[]{}|;:\"'<>,.?/
Evan tapped the ground with his staff.
SpecialCharactersAndSymbols!@#$%^&*()_-+=[]{}|;:\"'<>,.?/
Then.
SpecialCharactersAndSymbols!@#$%^&*()_-+=[]{}|;:\"'<>,.?/
He noticed people whispering.
SpecialCharactersAndSymbols!@#$%^&*()_-+=[]{}|;:\"'<>,.?/
They seemed to have a lot to say.
SpecialCharactersAndSymbols!@#$%^&*()_-+=[]{}|;:\"'<>,.?/
Evan quietly asked Lapis.
SpecialCharactersAndSymbols!@#$%^&*()_-+=[]{}|;:\"'<>,.?/
‘Lapis. Could you scout a bit?’
SpecialCharactersAndSymbols!@#$%^&*()_-+=[]{}|;:\"'<>,.?/
‘Yes!’
SpecialCharactersAndSymbols!@#$%^&*()_-+=[]{}|;:\"'<>,.?/
Nodding, pulling her hood down, carrying a basket of vegetables like carrots,
SpecialCharactersAndSymbols!@#$%^&*()_-+=[]{}|;:\"'<>,.?/
Lapis approached briskly.
SpecialCharactersAndSymbols!@#$%^&*()_-+=[]{}|;:\"'<>,.?/
Then, she thrust a carrot at them.
SpecialCharactersAndSymbols!@#$%^&*()_-+=[]{}|;:\"'<>,.?/
“Buy a carrot.”
SpecialCharactersAndSymbols!@#$%^&*()_-+=[]{}|;:\"'<>,.?/
…That’s not what I meant?
SpecialCharactersAndSymbols!@#$%^&*()_-+=[]{}|;:\"'<>,.?/
Selling carrots, what a sin.
SpecialCharactersAndSymbols!@#$%^&*()_-+=[]{}|;:\"'<>,.?/
While Evan’s feelings grew complicated.
SpecialCharactersAndSymbols!@#$%^&*()_-+=[]{}|;:\"'<>,.?/
“Oh, hello? What brings you here…”
SpecialCharactersAndSymbols!@#$%^&*()_-+=[]{}|;:\"'<>,.?/
“Helping my brother, selling my favorite vegetables.”
SpecialCharactersAndSymbols!@#$%^&*()_-+=[]{}|;:\"'<>,.?/
“Aww… Such a good kid.”
SpecialCharactersAndSymbols!@#$%^&*()_-+=[]{}|;:\"'<>,.?/
“But what’s going on? My brother and people keep saying to be careful today.”
SpecialCharactersAndSymbols!@#$%^&*()_-+=[]{}|;:\"'<>,.?/
The two women exchanged glances.
SpecialCharactersAndSymbols!@#$%^&*()_-+=[]{}|;:\"'<>,.?/
After looking at each other, they nodded and cautiously told Lapis.
SpecialCharactersAndSymbols!@#$%^&*()_-+=[]{}|;:\"'<>,.?/
“You should leave this territory if you can.”
SpecialCharactersAndSymbols!@#$%^&*()_-+=[]{}|;:\"'<>,.?/
“Huh?? Why?”
SpecialCharactersAndSymbols!@#$%^&*()_-+=[]{}|;:\"'<>,.?/
“The count’s wife went missing again, and he remarried.”
SpecialCharactersAndSymbols!@#$%^&*()_-+=[]{}|;:\"'<>,.?/
Remarriage.
SpecialCharactersAndSymbols!@#$%^&*()_-+=[]{}|;:\"'<>,.?/
Common in a fantasy world, isn’t it?
SpecialCharactersAndSymbols!@#$%^&*()_-+=[]{}|;:\"'<>,.?/
“Is that bad?”
SpecialCharactersAndSymbols!@#$%^&*()_-+=[]{}|;:\"'<>,.?/
“Not exactly. But…”
SpecialCharactersAndSymbols!@#$%^&*()_-+=[]{}|;:\"'<>,.?/
The woman’s voice lowered.
SpecialCharactersAndSymbols!@#$%^&*()_-+=[]{}|;:\"'<>,.?/
“Every time someone becomes his wife, they keep disappearing.”
SpecialCharactersAndSymbols!@#$%^&*()_-+=[]{}|;:\"'<>,.?/
“And this is just a rumor among us.”
SpecialCharactersAndSymbols!@#$%^&*()_-+=[]{}|;:\"'<>,.?/
One woman whispered very secretly.
SpecialCharactersAndSymbols!@#$%^&*()_-+=[]{}|;:\"'<>,.?/
“Actually, making wives is to create test subjects for an alchemist named ‘Evan Alkart’…”
SpecialCharactersAndSymbols!@#$%^&*()_-+=[]{}|;:\"'<>,.?/
“?”
SpecialCharactersAndSymbols!@#$%^&*()_-+=[]{}|;:\"'<>,.?/
A name popped up out of nowhere.
SpecialCharactersAndSymbols!@#$%^&*()_-+=[]{}|;:\"'<>,.?/
Evan blinked twice.
SpecialCharactersAndSymbols!@#$%^&*()_-+=[]{}|;:\"'<>,.?/
…Me?
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Evan’s quietest rumors☺️