"My master has something he would like to announce."
That was the butler, waiting for me in the lobby of the Adventurers' Guild.
He could've just posted a "come here" message on the Adventurers' Guild bulletin board and I'd have shown up whenever I felt like it, but I had to admit, this was awfully polite of him.
I couldn't think of what this might be about, but sure, I'd hear him out.
So, I followed the butler and arrived at Duke Gees's residence.
It was a duke's residence, but looking at it again, it wasn't as spacious as you'd expect.
It was pretty much on par with the Marquis Vermilion household—my former home in this world.
For nobles who were always competing over size and opulence, it was practically heretical.
But since he was the king's brother, nobody dared call him out on it.
To me, that frugality—in the noble sense of the word—looked calculated.
Deliberately doing the opposite while everyone else was trying to outdo each other.
Could it be that he hadn't actually given up on the throne?
I kept those thoughts to myself as I went to meet the duke.
◇◇◇
"It's been a while, Your Grace."
"Young Alan. It hasn't been so long as to warrant that greeting, but I'm glad to see you looking well."
"Thank you. Your Grace, Ward mentioned you had something to tell me—what would that be?"
"Hmm... The time for the Royal Capital Martial God Festival has arrived."
"Oh, right. Yeah, I guess it has."
«The prize for the winner is a 'Skill Book' that grants the ability to acquire a new skill.»
«So it seems.»
«The decision has been made for the Vermilion family's (hired mercenary) to win.»
«!!!»
Seriously?
«For just a moment, seeing your surprised face was quite entertaining. Did you appreciate this information?»
«You are a difficult duke to deal with. In exchange, what would you have me do?»
«No, this comes from pure goodwill.»
Liar.
There is nothing more terrifying than a noble's goodwill.
«You have a look that says you don't believe me. I see, then would you become my daughter Nina's fiancé? She seems to have taken an interest in you ever since you saved her.»
That would be troublesome too.
Isn't this just a naked attempt to pull me in?
«That is an honor far too great for me; I must respectfully decline.»
In truth, Lady Nina is far too beautiful, and it makes me shy.
«What a shame. Let's end this little performance. This is an apology for our rudeness the other day. By the way, no one from the Duke's faction will be participating this time.»
«...I see. Then I will accept your offer without hesitation. Thank you for the information, Duke Geese Raging.»
◇◇◇
After Alan, who had offered a surprisingly courteous and formal thanks, left the duke's residence.
«Was this acceptable, Lord Geese? Even if such information is easily obtained among nobles, to reveal it so readily...»
"It's of no consequence. Trivial information to me, but it must be precious knowledge to him."
◇◇◇
Now that I've heard it, I've got no choice but to act.
I need to keep Cain from becoming the Sword Saint.
I meddled with his dragon hunt not long ago, but that alone is nowhere near enough revenge for all the torment he put me through.
Now then, what to do.
Hmm.
Ah — I'll use him.
◇◇◇◇◇◇
Regarding the vitality drug from the last chapter — it has no notable side effects. It temporarily boosts libido and physical stamina, but it won't cause hallucinations or drug dependency.
Just putting that out there.
Skills: [Reverse], [Divine Eye], [Sword God], [Gentleman Thief], [Dark Magic], [Rock Iron Magic], [Holy Magic], [Space-Time Magic], [Scorching Magic], [Freezing Magic], [Magic Hand], [Seduction]
Rank: Silver
Thank you for always reading 😊