Chapter 200
Many wanted the resources produced only in the Duchy, and even more sought to establish new businesses there.
But they could not simply accept everyone indiscriminately.
Knowing well Duke Persha’s personality—one that tolerated no deviation—the retainers carefully prepared their reports, reviewing them with the utmost caution.
They strictly selected only the contracts of those who could provide exactly what the Duchy needed.
“……”
The retainers’ faces gradually filled with tension as they watched Kainel silently examine the documents.
Depending on his decision, the slightly open doors of the Duchy could once again be firmly closed.
‘Not those long years again…’
‘Please, not that!’
Yet, they could not voice their objections openly. It was the result of the strict upbringing from their father: never act against the Duke’s will.
It was a phrase they had heard most from their father and grandfather throughout their lives.
They swallowed nervously.
After reading all the documents, Kainel set them down and gave a simple command:
“Proceed as is.”
“Yes.”
A collective sigh of relief escaped the retainers’ hearts.
They did not know if Kainel had undergone some change of heart, but they were genuinely pleased that he had grown attached to the capital and no longer remained holed up in the Duke’s residence.
Suddenly!
“……!”
At that moment, a bright light appeared in a corner of the office, revealing several figures. Someone had used a teleportation spell.
‘Who dares!’
Using a teleportation spell to enter the Duke’s office directly? The retainers were stunned and outraged.
“Wow, this is my first time using a teleportation spell!”
“I’ve used it a few times!”
“Can I come along too?”
“Yeah! Uncle said we could bring friends.”
…Children?
The retainers, who had been on guard, were left dumbfounded when they saw that the ones who appeared were children.
Had the teleportation coordinates been set incorrectly? They scrambled to consider how to handle the situation.
“Uncle!”
…Uncle?
One child spoke familiarly to Duke Persha. Everyone present was left gaping.
Bounding forward, the child casually grabbed Kainel’s hand—this was Yulia.
“Today, I brought friends too. Is that okay?”
Kainel quietly patted the child’s head.
The retainers were once again struck with disbelief. What exactly were they witnessing?
“Everyone, that’s enough for today.”
“Ah… yes.”
Following Kainel’s command, the retainers quickly left, still watching the child holding his hand and giggling.
“Del.”
“Yes, I’ll prepare refreshments immediately.”
Secretary Del, already accustomed to such situations, gave a faint smile and left the office quickly.
Since there were now two children present, he would need to prepare more snacks than usual.
[Poof!]
…No, far more than usual.
From Yulia’s shadow, Kamang had suddenly appeared, squealing for snacks.
Since Yulia’s previous kidnapping in the Duchy of Persha, Seres had always kept Kamang close to her when he was absent, just in case anything happened to the child.
“This is Christine.”
“And I’m Jairo.”
The two children who came with Yulia greeted Kainel as well.
“…A boyfriend?”
“Uh, yes?”
“Hmm.”
Jairo, feeling Kainel’s sharp gaze, froze in confusion.
“Uncle, my sister said she’d come early today. So we can only play for about an hour.”
It was a secret from Seres that Yulia would be coming to the office. Only butler Colin knew.
It was Kainel who had set the teleportation coordinates and given Yulia the spell scroll. It was an invitation to come and play.
‘Absolutely a secret from my sister. She said not to bother Uncle. Colin promised to keep the secret too!’
Of course, butler Colin had intended to tell Seres, but he couldn’t refuse Yulia’s earnest request.
Once or twice a week, just for a few hours, she wanted to spend time with Duke Persha—what could he do but honor it?
“Alright.”
“Doesn’t it bother you that I’m coming?”
Rather than answer, Kainel patted the child’s head again in response to her concerned question.
“Uncle! Ice, ice!”
Hehe, the child, smiling, now eagerly demanded to play with Kainel.
She had brought Christine and Jairo along to show off her favorite Uncle’s abilities.
Click.
“Snacks are here…”
Poof!
“Uncle, over here too!”
Poof!
“Wow!”
“Over there, over there!”
Poof!
“Yay!”
“Hehe! Our Uncle is so cool!”
“Yeah! Totally cool!”
A little later, Secretary Del returned with the snacks, glancing at the scattered ice shards in surprise before quietly placing them on the table.
[Whoosh~]
Kamang immediately darted forward to grab the snacks. Del watched for a moment, then looked around again.
‘Restoring the office to normal is going to take a while today too.’
“Uncle, over here too!”
Poof!
For some time, Del watched contentedly as Kainel played with the children.
“Christine, you’re late today.”
“You’ve been playing with Yulia again, haven’t you?”
“Yes.”
The Count and Countess of Lucía watched their daughter Christine return from the academy with fond smiles.
They were fully supportive of their daughter’s recent closeness with Yulia.
‘She’s the owner of a Tamer Artifact!’
They had recently learned that Yulia’s older sister, Seres, was the owner of a Tamer Artifact.
Before this was known, the Countess had visited dozens of times to apologize and forcefully offer gifts.
It didn’t matter that many were watching; forgiveness was priority. Better than risking a rift with someone acquainted with Duke Persha.
Later, upon discovering Seres’ status, the Countess was deeply gratified at her prior efforts to apologize.
“What did you do today?”
“I played with Duke Persha!”
“Really… Duke Persha?!”
The Lucía couple was left dumbfounded.
“…You played with who?”
“Duke Persha! He came before, during the school performance too.”
“…….”
Their mouths fell open. They were saying she had truly spent time with Duke Persha—the very person difficult even for high-ranking nobles to meet alone?
“We had snacks, played with ice, and just had fun.”
“Ice play?”
Not fully understanding, the Count repeated his daughter’s words in disbelief.
“We’ll go again next time!”
…Next time? Both parents swallowed dryly in unison.
“Christine! Yulia, what do you like?”
“Cake, that kind of thing! Mom will go to the capital immediately and order the best one!”
“Kamang likes cake.”
“Kamang? Who’s that?”
“Anyway, tell your mom if you need anything!”
“Yes, yes! Be nice to Yulia!”
“Yes!”
The couple repeatedly patted their daughter’s head in admiration.
“Jairo, why are you so late?”
“S-Sorry! I was playing with friends.”
Entering the orphanage where he lived, Jairo hurried to the headmistress lingering at the entrance.
“Come home earlier next time.”
The woman, in her early fifties, sighed and patted Jairo’s head.
“Are you out because of me?”
“You’re one, but Anisha hasn’t arrived yet.”
“Anisha?”
Anisha, a ten-year-old girl, also received state support and attended the academy, just like Jairo.
“It’s already five o’clock…”
Normally, it wouldn’t be a concern if a child returned two hours late. They might simply lose track of time while playing with friends.
Only two hours… but the headmistress looked worried because of recent incidents with missing children.
