The Possessor Mistook the Genre for 20 Years

123 – The New Duke’s Greetings

Saint, Mage Tower Lord, Duke, Hero.

Those were all words for Franz.

Each one, taken alone, enough to inspire awe in anyone, and yet, they were all heaped onto one man.

Franz was, in truth, a man who would surely leave his mark on the Empire’s history.

What it meant for nobles to have him as their champion was obvious, to say it would be a waste of breath.

He would surely be a steadfast shield, a spear that pierced through all.

Simply put, the lives of the nobles were set to be happy from now on.

Nonetheless, the nobles could not let their guard down because of the precedent set by Duke Ishtar.

He was a great pillar that held up the Empire, someone the people and the Emperor trusted, and yet, he had turned out to be a cultist.

Even the nobles who had been close to him were all turned into ashes on the pyre.

Given the situation, they couldn’t help but worry, thinking, could the hero who saved the world actually be…

It was a matter of life and death. Going even further, their entire family line, with its long tradition, could become ashes on the pyre.

While etching a line in the Empire’s history was every noble’s dream, no one wished to do it this way.

When the three invited guests arrived at the foot of the magic tower, Franz was, unusually, engrossed in magical research in his laboratory.

‘It doesn’t seem like there’s any magic specifically imbued in the fingernails….’

Whether to call this the last legacy of the cultist, or simply spoils of war.

In any case, upon observing the nails, there were no particular magical devices on them.

It seems that the magic erasure was due to some specific property of the nails, rather than the effect of another magic.

As a researcher of magic, the material was undeniably tempting.

The possibilities for use were endless. Especially for anti-magic battle tanks or a sword that erased magic.

The problem was…

‘Never… not once have I seen a substance like this.’

And after traveling so many places, I’ve not even encountered anything with similar properties.

At this rate, commercialization is impossible, hell, even making a prototype would be out of reach.

Of course, there are still many areas that could be called unknown in this world.

Even in the 21st century, we didn’t know all of Earth; how much less here?

But I didn’t want to go that far to find out, and I didn’t have the time either.

I’m already swamped with things to do; I can’t just start digging in the ground because I’m curious.

Surely, future generations will need their own diversions, so let’s leave it for them.

I’m saying I left it. Absolutely not because I was too bothered.

Just as Franz, feeling a pang of regret, was pressing his tired eyes,

the laboratory door opened and Arian entered.

“Tower Master, you have visitors.”

“Visitors?”

“Yes, it’s Duke Gerren, and Lucia, Count Rumin.”

Has it already gotten that late?

It seems that I lost track of time while focused on research.

Franz, his body feeling stiff, stretched and said,

“I’ll head to the Tower Master’s chamber first. Send them up right away.”

It was then. Suddenly, Arian strode forward, sighed, and began to fuss with Franz’s clothes.

“I knew it, you were going to greet the guests like this. I wish you’d have more awareness of your high position, Tower Master.”

Even so, I think I put some thought into banquets and formal occasions.

Though, I guess it’s not up to par for Arian, who’s from a ducal family.

“Magicians might not care, being fools, but nobles are the kind to nitpick over these things. Please be more careful in the future.”

Isn’t that something you, a magician, shouldn’t be saying?

That line rose to the tip of my tongue, but I swallowed it back down with effort. If I let it out, I’d only hear more nagging.

Arian, tidying his collar one last time, spoke.

“All done. I’ll go greet the guests, so you head up first.”

“Alright.”

Franz left the lab with Arian and headed straight to the Master’s chamber.

‘Not much to tidy up, is there…’

The Master’s chamber was remarkably clean. Of course, it was Arian who cleaned it every single day.

Not long after, Arian entered the Master’s chamber.

Naturally, with three guests.

From the white-haired old gentleman, Marquis Geron, to the large Earl Lucia, and the Earl Rumin, who felt too young to be a head of house.

The three bowed politely towards Franz.

“Stipfield Geron of the Marquis Geron House pays his respects to Duke Esteban.”

“Gardner Lucia of the Earl Lucia House pays his respects to Duke Esteban.”

“Vern Rumin of the Earl Rumin House pays his respects to Duke Esteban.”

It was something I always thought, receiving greetings like these was just so burdensome.

A subordinate greeting their superior is natural, I guess, but couldn’t it just be something like ‘Glad to meet you’ – or something equally brief?

Well, if this is the etiquette of the noble world, there’s no choice but to follow it.

Franz spoke.

“Everyone, please raise your heads.”

The three of them lifted their heads in unison.

Truly, each and every action is so… burdensome.

But it’s alright. Fulfilling the given role to the best of my ability isn’t difficult.

“It’s a pleasure to meet you. I am Franz Gilbert Esteban. Standing like this is a bit much, so please, let’s take a seat.”

Franz, along with the three others, sat around the table.

The tension was palpable, even before they’d begun to speak, as if foreshadowing the time ahead. It was clear, this wouldn’t be an easy time.

Franz deliberately pushed aside the ominous feeling and spoke to Arian.

“Arian, would you mind fetching some tea?”

Arian silently bowed his head and then headed straight for the break room.

Well then, now’s the problem…

‘What should I say first?’

It was none other than Franz himself who had to lead the mood of this gathering.

He was the one who had called them, and he was also the highest-ranking person here.

Clearly, each and every word will be important.

After continuing his deliberation for a moment, Franz nodded as if he had reached a decision.

Indeed, beating around the bush was bothersome.

“The reason I have gathered you all here is for nothing other than introductions. Having become the master of the Esteban Duchy, I wanted to greet the surrounding people.”

“Is…is that truly all there is…?”

It was Count Lumin who stammered the question. Judging by his stutter, he seemed rather flustered.

“Well, there are some minor details left, but that is the main objective, yes.”

“Th-then, things like gold or jewels… *huff!*”

Count Lumin seemed to realize his mistake belatedly, as he clapped a hand over his mouth.

But Franz, for his part, didn’t understand why he’d said such a thing.

He might be obsessed with magic, but he had zero interest in things of that sort.

Duke Geren, noticing Franz’s confusion, spoke up.

“As Your Grace is aware, there are some nobles who occasionally request gold or jewels. Merely because of their high titles. Of course, Your Grace is not such a person. Count Lumin has made a slip of the tongue, so please, be so kind as to understand.”

“I-I apologize….”

Count Lumin swiftly bowed his head, offering an apology.

Of course, Franz didn’t mind it. A slip of the tongue, anyone could make one.

Besides, it was natural to be concerned, given those sorts of things did happen.

In any case, the conclusion was this:

“I require no money whatsoever. Please use it to aid the prosperity of your respective Houses and your fiefdom’s people. And if you need help, speak up at any time. I will offer assistance as far as I’m able.”

History had already proven that when money was involved, things never ended well.

So rather than chasing after paltry sums, it would be better to build ties with the surrounding Houses.

Ah, now that he thought of it…

“If I were to ask a small favor, I’d appreciate it if you frequently made use of the magic tower. Though I don’t demand it, so you needn’t worry too much about it.”

At Franz’s words, all three burst into laughter at once.

The laughter subsided, and Count Lucia spoke.

“The Duke possesses a jovial spirit. Thanks to you, the tension has dissolved.”

Judging by their reaction, it seemed they had taken it as a jest.

Their response only left Franz feeling rather lukewarm. He hadn’t been joking; he had meant every word.

But, good is good, so he decided to let it slide. Whatever the reason, the atmosphere itself had loosened a bit, at least.

Then it happened.

A gentle clink.

Right on cue, Arian arrived with tea.

Franz savored the tea, then carefully set down his cup and spoke.

“Should anyone have business with me, you may send a letter to the Mage Tower.”

“Do you intend to leave your estate unoccupied, then?”

Marquis Garen inquired, tilting his head.

Franz lightly shook his head in response.

“Truthfully, Yuna— rather, the Hero— is residing in the estate.”

“A Hero in your estate…? Does this mean the Duke is, perhaps, engaged to the Hero…?”

The three nobles’ eyes sparkled with burgeoning interest.

For the nobility, romantic tales were their greatest amusement.

Amidst it all, there was one woman who couldn’t share in this amusement…

Arian’s forehead pulsed with a visible vein.