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ABCDEFGHIJKLMNOPQRSTUVWXYZabcdefghijklmnopqrstuvwxyz0123456789
Elena gazed at Myers, who was training in the courtyard.
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Normally, the moment he opened his eyes, he would have called his drinking buddies and caused her endless frustration.
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But now, things were different.
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Ever since two days ago, when he was dragged back by Ethan, completely drunk, something had changed.
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After learning that Ethan had woken up, it was as if Myers had become an entirely different person, training with newfound zeal.
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Elena gave a quiet smile.
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Come to think of it, even from a young age, it was Ethan who had always stood out among the siblings.
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If only more of the family’s secret techniques had been preserved.
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If that were the case, they wouldn’t have fallen so helplessly.
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After their grandfather and father passed away, nearly all the family’s secret techniques, passed down through oral tradition, had been lost.
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It was precisely because of those lost techniques that Ethan had been burdened with such immense pressure.
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Her heart ached at the thought.
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A ducal family with over two hundred years of history—never before had the family’s techniques been so completely severed.
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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?
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No one in the family had anticipated such a thing.
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Even when the Dragonkin invaded, it was the same.
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Their grandfather and father were master swordsmen who had reached the realm of transcendence at a young age.
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Because of that, they had been filled with confidence in victory before heading into battle.
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That was why they hadn’t made any special preparations for the future generations.
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“I’ll be back soon,” they had said.
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Their faces, smiling as they patted her head as if they’d return in no time, flashed in her mind.
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Who could have known that would be the last time she’d see them?
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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.
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The scenery of the annex had changed significantly from before.
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The dusty rooms had been thoroughly cleaned, and the maids, who used to rush to the kitchen during mealtimes, were now diligently preparing food.
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All these changes had begun after Ethan woke up.
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Maybe I should prepare some tea and snacks.
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For now, that was about all she could do for Ethan.
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When she arrived at the dining hall, Hans, who was busily working inside, greeted her with a bright smile.
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“Your Grace, what brings you here?”
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“Oh, I was thinking of making some simple snacks for my brothers…”
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As Elena spoke, her gaze fell on Hans’ hands.
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In the bowl he was holding was a pile of cookies.
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“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?”
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Elena stared at Hans, who asked with a gentle smile.
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Just a few days ago, such a sight would have been unimaginable.
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This, too, was a change brought about by Ethan’s awakening.
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“I’m fine,” she replied.
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“That’s a relief. Since the sun is shining so nicely, how about having some tea time? I’ll prepare the snacks.”
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A sudden curiosity struck her.
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Hans had started changing three days ago, after having breakfast with Ethan.
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What on earth had they talked about that caused such a drastic shift in his attitude?
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He said it was just a few words of advice…
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Could a few words really transform the head servant into someone so courteous?
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“Head Servant,” she said.
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“Yes, Your Grace?”
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“Is this because of something Ethan said?”
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“Something he said?”
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“I heard from Ethan that you two had a conversation a few days ago… Is that why you’re being so kind to me?”
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At her words, Hans barely managed to keep his expression from crumpling.
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Advice?
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What kind of advice leaves someone with three missing teeth?
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If that was advice, then stabbing someone with a sword would be an act of love.
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He was utterly dumbfounded, but he couldn’t exactly admit that the Grand Duke had beaten him up.
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It was clear Ethan was hiding that fact from his sister.
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“Haha, yes, that’s right. The words His Grace shared with me that day were so enlightening, they still resonate vividly.”
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“What exactly did he say…?”
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Elena was genuinely curious.
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What could Ethan have said to make the head servant, who used to ignore her words entirely, change his attitude so completely?
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Just then, Hans, who had been glancing at the oven, quickly spoke up.
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“Oh! The cookies are done! Your Grace, would you like to try one?”
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“Sure.”
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Elena popped a cookie into her mouth.
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The crisp crunch was followed by a sweet flavor spreading across her tongue.
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“How is it?”
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“It’s delicious.”
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She was quietly impressed.
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Hans’ baking skills far exceeded her expectations.
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“Now that I think about it, yesterday morning, His Grace mentioned something while checking on the youngest lord…”
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Hans kept steering the conversation elsewhere.
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Seeing this, Elena decided to drop her questions.
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Whatever had prompted his change of heart, as long as he was behaving well now, that was enough.
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And so, Elena and Hans continued their conversation.
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***
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After busily directing the servants and finishing the household chores, Hans returned to his room.
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He pulled a magical crystal orb from his drawer.
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Once a month, today was the day he regularly contacted the baronial family.
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Carefully, he took out a low-grade mana stone.
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This small piece was worth more than his monthly salary, so he handled it with utmost care.
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As he placed the mana stone near the crystal orb, it began to glow.
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“It’s been a while, Hans,” came a voice.
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“Baron Helmut! Have you been well?”
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“Yes. I read the letter you sent. The Grand Duke has awakened?”
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“That’s right! And it seems the Grand Duke can even use mana.”
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“Mana… So that talent hasn’t completely died out.”
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The baron, nodding, continued.
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“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.”
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“The council of elders? Won’t that take at least four months to reach a decision? That seems like it would delay our response…”
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“It’s an important matter, so it won’t take that long. Two months at most.”
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“Understood. But, Baron Helmut…”
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“Speak.”
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“As I wrote in the letter, the Grand Duke is no pushover. He’s the type to resort to violence at the slightest provocation…”
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“That’s odd. He was never that violent before. Hmm… Perhaps the drastic change in circumstances has made him angry.”
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“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.”
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“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.”
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“Understood. However, it seems Myers has been changing a bit lately as well.”
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“Myers?”
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“Yes. The moment he saw the Grand Duke awaken, he completely gave up the alcohol he used to love so much.”
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“…They’re making things quite tiresome. Alright, I understand.”
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Just as the connection was about to cut off, Hans hurriedly spoke.
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“Um, Baron, to get closer to the Grand Duke, I’ll need something to offer him…”
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“I’ll provide funds, so use them to gain his favor. That should do, right?”
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“Hehe, thank you, Baron!”
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“Good. I’ll contact you again next month.”
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The crystal orb’s light faded.
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The corners of Hans’ mouth curled up quietly.
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For now, I’ve secured the funds.
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No matter who won—whether it was the collateral line or the Grand Duke—it wouldn’t affect him too much.
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So, the best strategy was to play both sides.
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Though it would be better if the Grand Duke comes out on top.
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If the collateral line won, he’d likely remain a mere head servant in the annex.
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But if the Grand Duke won?
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If he stuck close to him until then, he might get a sizable reward.
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A few days ago, when he was slapped around, he’d been full of resentment.
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But now, things were different.
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He had witnessed the Grand Duke single-handedly subdue a group of thugs.
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The Grand Duke’s potential was far from ordinary.
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If I play my cards right…
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This could be a tremendous opportunity, not a crisis.
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As Hans smirked slyly, a voice called out urgently from outside.
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“Head Servant! The two young lords are almost done with their training!”
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Hans sprang to his feet.
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“Hey! Grab some towels soaked in cool water and all the snacks we prepared!”
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“Yes, sir!”
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He hurriedly dashed outside.
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***
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The sound of wooden swords clashing rang out sharply.
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“I blocked it! I blocked it!”
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Myers shouted triumphantly.
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For the first time in two days, he had managed to parry Ethan’s attack.
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His chest swelled with pride.
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But at that moment—
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Whack!
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“Urk!”
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With a crisp sound, Myers collapsed to the ground.
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“I told you not to let your guard down,” Ethan said.
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“Oh… right.”
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“The moment you think you’ve won is the most dangerous. Remember that.”
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“Got it, brother.”
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Though he said this, Ethan was secretly impressed.
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Myers’ progress was faster than he had expected.
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Especially in defense, his improvement was remarkable.
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With just one more month of intense training, he might be able to hold his own against a formal three-star knight.
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As the training session ended, Hans approached from behind.
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“Well done, Your Grace!”
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He handed over a towel soaked in cool water.
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Ethan and Myers wiped their faces, the refreshing sensation soothing their sweat-soaked skin.
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After wiping off the sweat, Ethan handed the towel back to Hans, who took it with a sly smile.
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“How did today’s training go? Your Grace, you seem to grow more impressive with each passing day.”
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Ethan chuckled.
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The man’s flattery was almost too smooth, as if he’d coated his words in honey.
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As they ate the snacks Hans had brought, he glanced around cautiously before whispering.
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“Your Grace.”
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“What?”
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“I have something important to tell you. Very important.”
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“What is it?”
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“I got a call from the Kargas Barony.”
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“A call?”
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“Yes. That Helmut fellow told me to keep an eye on you! I wanted to curse him out right then and there, but…”
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“But?”
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“Hehe, as Your Grace knows, I’m just a lowly guy, so I had no choice but to take the funds he offered.”
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Funds, huh?
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A spark of interest flickered in Ethan’s eyes.
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Perfect timing—I could use some money.
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This was a fortunate turn of events.
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“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.”
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His intentions were transparent.
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He was clearly trying to play both sides.
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But Ethan didn’t mind.
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Hans’ actions could benefit him as well.
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Ethan pulled a piece paper from his pocket.
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“Pen.”
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“Here you go.”
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He began sketching quickly on the paper.
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“Get these made.”
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“This is a two-handed sword… and these are what? Steel bracelets?”
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“Training tools.”
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“Ah! I see, like sandbags. And this drawing here, it’s a steel shield, right?”
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“Exactly.”
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A shield for Myers to use.
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Along with the massive two-handed sword he’d wielded in his past life and steel bracelets for training.
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These were the items he needed right now.
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“Got it. I’ll make sure to squeeze as much as I can out of that Helmut guy!”
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“Keep whatever’s left for yourself.”
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“Oh, thank you, Your Grace!”
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At Ethan’s words, Hans’ eyes gleamed.
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Money was one of his favorite things.
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Hehe!
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Hans grinned slyly.
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If he could secure a hefty sum from the baron under the pretense of getting close to the Grand Duke…
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This is going to be quite profitable.
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The scent of money was practically wafting in the air.
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