Bloodline is a Cheat Code - Chapter 35
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This chapter was translated by Lunox Novels. To support us and help keep this series going, visit our website: LunoxScans.com
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Chapter 35
My assessment of Lucian shifts with each passing second. Is it truly acceptable to fluctuate so wildly in one’s judgment of a person?
“Then did you command Lord Jade Delpoi not only to forge a sword, but also to investigate what the king’s treasure hidden within Crystal Palace might be?”
“I never expected the young lady to know of that legend.”
“Serpina Rosena told me about it.”
“I had been saving that story to tell you myself. It seems I mustn’t procrastinate on such matters going forward.”
“Yes, since I tend to notice things before you can tell me, if you wish to surprise me, you’ll need to hurry.”
Though Lucian likely meant it as a jest, my words carried nothing but sincerity.
Feeling oddly embarrassed, I lowered my head and began reading through the documents slowly.
“While the Holy Kingdom has no officially recognized Magic Tower, there are numerous shops and research facilities that deal in magical artifacts.
We have copied and forwarded sentences that appear to describe such places. Since the House Delpoi forbids the study of the Holy Kingdom’s language, I apologize for the inadequate translation.”
Since The Empire excluded the Holy Kingdom, the House Delpoi, loyal to the Imperial Household, would naturally have followed suit—a predictable outcome.
So they prevented learning the Holy Kingdom’s language within the family as well. In some respects, their loyalty was truly suffocating.
Skimming through the text, it appeared to be advertising goods created using materials directly procured from the Magic Tower.
And the merchant guild distributing these was apparently called Obliviae.
“Initially, there was fierce resistance to combining holy power and magical power, but it subsided after the invention of sacred artifacts.”
“It’s inevitable that resistance arises whenever something new is introduced.”
Haeston chimed in from beside me with a shrug.
He was right. Jade’s report had been similar.
Holy power could cure most illnesses, but due to limited practitioners, rapid treatment required substantial payment.
However, with the advent of sacred artifacts, such cases had diminished.
“Sacred artifacts seem to be inexpensive, then?”
“To be precise, there is no fixed average price. Sacred artifacts aren’t a single fixed product—one purchases the technique to create sacred artifacts. Any object can apparently be processed into a sacred artifact. Processing expensive items naturally costs more, but processing something as simple as a button is within the means of ordinary citizens.”
With merely that, one couldn’t cure a fatal illness, but one could extend life.
If such a revolutionary invention existed, even I would lose my composure.
“Obliviae must be raking in enormous profits.”
“Undoubtedly. Do you know who the merchant guild master is? Jade said he had no idea.”
Lucian shrugged.
“You believe I can deduce the answer from this information alone?”
“I think you could manage it. And it’s possible they’re within The Empire itself—an influential figure who handles distribution and possesses knowledge of the technique.”
“If I bring back meaningful information regarding this merchant guild, would you promise a reward for my maid?”
“A reward for your maid, not for you?”
“Well, since I benefit from it too, I’m simply requesting the reward be given to my maid instead.”
Lucian tilted his head briefly before seeming to understand that I wished to resolve the relationship between Elian and Vincent by any means necessary.
This was necessary for Lucian’s sake as well. We couldn’t allow this stagnant relationship to drag on indefinitely.
After deliberating, Lucian called back Haeston, who had fled outside.
“Haeston, what is the proper way to conclude an unresolved romantic entanglement?”
“Which party bears responsibility?”
“Unquestionably the man.”
“I believe the woman should beat the man until her heart is satisfied. For the sake of basic decency, the man should not be permitted protective armor during this process.”
“If physical actions are involved, the woman’s side would object. Haeston.”
“Then since we can’t predict what the man might do, it would be best to meet face-to-face first in a place with trustworthy supervision. Is verbal sparring acceptable between them?”
When I looked at Lucian, he barely concealed cold sweat before letting out a sigh.
“I’ll arrange a meeting.”
Seeing how Elian and Vincent cherish each other, I doubt such a confrontation will occur.
Haeston wore a serious expression before looking at me.
“Have they known each other for a long time?”
“If anything, they’ve loved each other for quite some time.”
“Then they’ll reconcile. There are lovers whose habit is to break up and get back together.”
Haeston shrugged his shoulders, humming a tune as he left the room, blissfully unaware of the bombshell he’d just dropped on us both.
Lucian watched Haeston’s departing figure before speaking quietly.
“I should reconsider whether arranging that meeting is truly wise.”
“Yes, I’ll return and review it with a negative perspective.”
* * *
Elian only awoke after arriving at the Duke’s Residence, unable to lift her head properly from shame and mortification.
Not only had she encountered the Vincent Crown Prince despite trying to avoid him, but her failure to control her condition had resulted in fainting—a humiliation she found unbearable.
Thinking she’d caused me inexplicable trouble, her body trembled pitifully, so I brushed her hair back soothingly.
“It’s alright, Elian. It’s just that the Crown Prince’s reaction seemed unusual, so I gave Prince Lucian a brief explanation. I excluded the child’s matter, of course. Without any explanation, there would certainly be misunderstandings.”
“Yes, of course. If I must face punishment, I’ll accept it gracefully. As long as it doesn’t burden Miss, I’ll endure any penalty. And if I can be of use in any way, please don’t hesitate to use me.”
“No, the Prince said he doesn’t wish for Elian to become unhappy without reason.”
Elian blinked slowly before bowing her head deeply.
Did she think she was being pitied? Though I prided myself on quick perception, at this moment I found her heart difficult to gauge.
“I don’t know what feelings you harbor or what misunderstandings exist, but from now on, this will become an even messier, muddier conflict. And it may become difficult for me to look after you.”
“Yes, Miss.”
“Even if your heart still holds feelings for him, you may need to regard him as an adversary. And if I fulfill the task the Prince gave me, you and the Crown Prince may face each other directly.”
Though I don’t know what will happen when they meet in person, at least you should be mentally prepared.
“You mean I’ll meet the Crown Prince?”
“I think conversation is necessary between you two. If you refuse, I’ll reconsider, but the Crown Prince seems inclined to persist. Don’t worry. No matter what happens, you won’t lose everything. Rosena has that much power.”
Elian trembled slightly for a moment before lifting her head with resolve.
I’ve felt this before, but she’s truly incomprehensibly steadfast and remarkable—a woman I wish to emulate.
“That day, Miss saved my life, and because of your grace, I saved another precious life. From that moment, I resolved to follow whatever you commanded.”
“Even so, if I demand something unjust, you should at least question it. For instance, if I tried to use the child. Using a child is something only the lowest scoundrels would do, regardless of adults. I have no intention of falling to such depths.”
Elian’s lips trembled with dismay.
She seemed only now to realize that her actions had drawn the child into this as well.
“I’ve been thinking there would come a time when I’d need to reveal the child.”
“No, I—”
What are you saying? This is the first I’m hearing of this.
“Yes, I’ll prepare myself as well. Given the circumstances, I believe the way to protect the child might be to first reveal the child to the world through the Prince.”
Certainly, if the word came from Lucian that Vincent had a child born outside, the repercussions would be considerable.
Should danger arise, the child would have a higher chance of survival under the public protection of the Prince’s Palace and the Rosena Duchy.
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This chapter was translated by Lunox Novels. To support us and help keep this series going, visit our website: LunoxScans.com
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