Chapter 63
When I opened my eyes, dazzling sunlight poured in through the window beside the bed. The warm rays felt pleasant against my skin.
Despite the chaos of yesterday, the day outside was bright and peaceful.
“Young master.”
The soft voice instantly chased away the remnants of sleep.
By the door, Islin’s silvery-white hair glimmered in the sunlight.
There were faint shadows under her eyes, but her expression was calm—as if she didn’t want to show her fatigue.
“…Ah, yes.”
“If you’re tired, I’ll have breakfast brought up to your room.”
“No need. Times like this are when one should move around.”
“Understood. Then I’ll prepare the wash water.”
The incident had finally come to an end, and since it was already late, we decided to stay in the Golden Bank’s guest suite for a few more days.
As an important witness to the event, the investigation and questioning would likely take at least another three days.
“Ugh…”
When I swung my legs out of bed, my joints creaked in protest.
It was thanks to my sparring with Priyana that my body only hurt this much.
If the original owner of this body had gone through what I did, he probably would’ve died of muscle pain. He couldn’t have even moved like I did last night.
After a short wait, Islin returned with a basin of warm water. I washed my face roughly.
On the surface of the water, Ian Impera’s face reflected back at me—
A handsome man with refined golden hair, though a bit pale.
He hadn’t looked like this when I first entered Ian’s body.
Back then, his cheeks had been sunken from constant drinking and drugs.
Now, some healthy flesh had returned, and there was even a hint of strength in his features.
“……”
As I stared blankly at the reflection, my thoughts grew tangled.
Why had I entered Ian Impera’s body?
A background character with almost no presence in the novel, merely existing as fodder for the protagonist’s growth—
Was it okay for someone like that to cause so much chaos that the entire story started to twist out of shape?
Was this even the same novel world at all?
Maybe it was because of the illusion that Varka had shown me last night, but my mind was crawling with unnecessary questions.
‘…Forget it. Thinking about it won’t give me any answers anyway.’
It wasn’t like I hadn’t pondered these things before.
But no matter how much I thought, there was never a real answer. Right now, survival came first.
Judging by what had happened so far, none of it had been bad for me.
The Golden Bank raid, which was supposed to happen ten years later, had occurred early.
It’s better to take the blow first—because in the future, the three masterminds behind it would be much stronger.
If it had happened then, the combined assault of those three high-ranking individuals would’ve destroyed the Golden Bank without resistance.
The “Grand Vault” would have been obliterated, and nearly everyone living in the Golden Bank killed.
It wasn’t just the destruction of a bank.
All the ancient relics hidden within the vault would have been stolen, and the slaughter of the gathered nobles would trigger the collapse of the Allied Kingdoms.
Economic ruin would follow—and the continent would once again be consumed by war.
But this time, things changed.
Crode hadn’t participated in the assault.
Solus and Varka had returned empty-handed.
The “Grand Vault” remained untouched, meaning the ancient relics were safe.
The nobles who had gathered from across the continent survived.
The banking district had been badly damaged and there were many casualties, yes.
But compared to the original catastrophe, this was mild.
‘A disaster averted, at least partially.’
I forced my thoughts to settle and made my way down to the main hall of the guest suite.
“You’re here.”
Priyana was waiting in the center of the hall, already dressed.
She smiled brightly—despite being covered head to toe in bandages, looking half like a mummy.
Truthfully, the one who had saved everyone last night wasn’t me—it was her.
She’d cut down most of the rampaging monsters and even thrown herself in the way to block a blow that had been meant for me.
“Are you alright?”
“…You look worse than I do.”
“This? It’s nothing. Merely the foundation I needed to take another step forward.”
“Hm.”
No wonder she was a knight captain.
“Anyway, I’m glad you weren’t badly hurt.”
“Thank you.”
Priyana smiled softly.
Since she said it so firmly, pressing further would’ve been rude.
She’d handle it herself—rank 5 knights had recovery rates far beyond ordinary people.
Before long, an employee of the Golden Bank arrived to escort us. Soon, a feast worthy of nobles was laid before us.
But perhaps because of last night’s ordeal, even the finest dishes felt tasteless.
“You worked hard last night, my lord. You should eat at least a little.”
Islin looked worriedly at me as I stared blankly at the food.
“…You’re right.”
I tried to take a bite, but the weight of everyone’s stares made my skin prickle.
“Th-that’s him…”
“Indeed…”
Normally, nobles ate in their own rooms, but today—for safety reasons—all meals were served in the central hall.
Which meant everyone staying in the guest quarters could see me clearly.
“He’s the one who saved us last night!”
“Ohh…!”
So this must be what animals at the zoo feel like.
‘I can’t even tell if I’m eating through my nose or my mouth.’
“Ahem.”
“……”
When I glared at them, the onlookers hastily averted their eyes.
Being admired wasn’t unpleasant—but it was awkward.
Just a few months ago, I hadn’t even been treated like a proper noble.
I forced myself to chew a piece of bread. I’d just managed to swallow when two men approached.
‘…Who?’
One of them I recognized—the manager of the Golden Bank’s western branch, Ludis.
He was wearing the same ornate uniform decorated with gold thread, but today he was overshadowed by the older man beside him.
The elderly man stood straight despite his age, and one look told me he held a very high position.
His crimson jacket and lavish golden embroidery nearly blinded the eyes.
If an ordinary man had worn such clothes, it would’ve looked ridiculous—but his noble aura somehow made it work.
‘If he’s dressed more luxuriously than Ludis…’
“Thank you, my lord.”
“…Hm?”
The old man bowed deeply before me.
Around us, the nobles gasped. Just who was this man?
“Forgive me, but you are…?”
“Ah! My apologies for the late introduction. I am Märchen, Third Elder of the Golden Bank.”
“Ian Impera, heir of the Impera family.”
I feigned calm and remained seated as I accepted the Elder’s greeting—but inside, I was startled.
‘Third Elder? This old man?’
Ludis had mentioned yesterday that to purchase Oberon’s Legacy, I’d need the Elders’ approval.
The Golden Bank had seven Elders in total.
They were said to be selected from among the most distinguished figures across the nations—but in truth, they acted as the representatives of the Allied Kingdoms.
And one of them was now bowing before me—and offering sincere gratitude.
‘Well, well…’
All that struggle last night had paid off.
If someone of this level was showing such appreciation, it could greatly benefit my future dealings.
“The kindness you showed us last night is beyond words. I, Märchen, offer my deepest thanks once again.”
“You flatter me. One doesn’t need a reason to save another person—it was simply instinct.”
“Ha ha, and humble as well. The future of House Impera shines bright indeed.”
“With words like that from an Elder, refusing would be impolite. I gladly accept your gratitude.”
I glanced meaningfully at the untouched meal before me, and the Elder quickly caught on.
“Ah, I’ve interrupted your meal. Forgive me—things have been hectic.”
“It’s quite alright.”
“Then… when you’ve finished, may I request a moment of your time?”
“Of course. Though, I fear I won’t be free until after I’ve eaten. A shame.”
“Ha ha, very well. I’ll be waiting.”
With a genial old man’s smile, the Third Elder departed.
The fact that he’d said all that himself meant he was clearly interested in my contract.
Of course, it wouldn’t be free.
He might be grateful that I’d prevented the bank’s destruction, but gratitude was one thing—business another.
The Allied Kingdoms would handle any official commendations.
An Elder had his own responsibilities.
Someone of his rank would never give something away “just because.”
‘Still… he’ll probably be lenient.’
I pondered just what his definition of “lenient” might be.
“Ah, there you are!”
The Third Elder welcomed me warmly, arms spread wide.
The room was quite different from the one Ludis had used earlier.
That had been designed to impress nobles.
This one seemed designed to intimidate them.
The furniture wasn’t just luxurious—it was extravagant.
And the walls were lined with priceless relics—things like a stuffed yeti and the horn of a dragon.
Even the most powerful nobles were like children compared to the Golden Bank’s wealth. The room made sure you understood that.
And behind the Elder’s chair hung a massive portrait—of the Elder himself.
“Nice painting.”
“Heh. Just an old man’s face.”
After a few light jokes, a cup of tea was served in a pristine white porcelain cup.
Its pure color drew my eye—it wasn’t made from any local material.
‘Zygelond porcelain, huh.’
Zygelond—the dwarven kingdom, located across the continent.
Among nobles, this porcelain was a legendary luxury item—worth absurd amounts of gold.
The tea inside, however, tasted disappointingly plain.
“Shall we get to the main topic?”
“Indeed. You must mean Lord Oberon’s legacy.”
Between his white brows, the Elder’s eyes gleamed sharply—not the eyes of an old man.
The moment I mentioned business, his demeanor shifted completely.
“Would you mind showing me the item again?”
“Of course.”
I drew the stone from my inner pocket.
The Elder’s gaze fixed on the dull gray rock in my hand.
Even during last night’s chaos, I’d kept it safe inside my coat.
It was exactly as it had been when I’d first obtained it—
A plain, ordinary-looking stone.
“Hmm… pardon me for a moment.”
“Go ahead.”
He took a small knife from his desk drawer.
As he grasped it, a faint blue aura shimmered around the blade.
Was it a sword imbued with aura—or a magic dagger? I couldn’t tell.
Schk!
He sliced the stone lightly. A small scratch appeared—then instantly closed, returning to its original form.
“Ho… it’s genuine.”
“There aren’t many who know it yet, but if it’s truly Oberon’s Legacy, the Magic Tower will pay dearly for it. And as time passes, even more will come seeking it.”
“You sound quite knowledgeable about Oberon’s relics, Elder.”
“Well… I’ve picked up a few things here and there.”
Even in our brief conversation, he was probing for information.
He wasn’t someone I could afford to let my guard down around.
“I’d like to ask what price you have in mind.”
“I don’t ask for much. Just enough to clear House Impera’s debt.”
Ten thousand gold.
That would be enough to finally free me from this suffocating financial nightmare.
Elder Märchen stared silently at Oberon’s Legacy, expression unreadable.
