Favored by the Family That Will Become the Strongest! - Chapter 68

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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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The mages of the Magic Tower rarely ventured beyond its walls unless circumstances demanded it. Especially someone of her rank—a senior mage treated on par with upper-tier Ability Users. She was second only to Malacar himself in authority within the tower.
Had Duke Castleton not been a significant patron of the Magic Tower, she would never have made the journey here.
‘Called out because the boy had a few nightmares. As if summoned by Malacar’s disciple or approved by Duke Castleton himself…’
She had learned that Rudrick Castleton, the Duke’s son, had fallen into a deep sleep of unknown origin. And that someone versed in Sleep Magic—herself—would be needed.
But she was furious that it was Malacar’s disciple, Diena, who had called her here.
“Lady Diena recommended you, Helio. She said you would be most helpful.”
‘Malacar’s disciple! Am I some servant to come and go at will?’
She had disliked it from the moment she heard that her longtime rival Malacar had taken on a disciple without so much as a word—but she had never expected their first meeting to unfold like this.
‘Still, the girl seems to have decent judgment. Seeking my help instead of Malacar’s shows that much, at least.’
Yet she could not shake her displeasure.
‘And Malacar’s disciple didn’t even contact me directly. She went through Duke Castleton instead. If you need something, shouldn’t you ask me yourself?’
Not that she would have refused. Helio clicked her tongue, her expression sour. Everything about this situation irritated her.
Still, she was curious. Who was this disciple that the exacting Malacar had taken on? What could possibly merit such praise?
Then a carriage pulled up to the window, and the door opened. Two figures descended slowly from within.
Soon, Diena and Barcan stood at the entrance of the manor, offering their greetings.
“It is an honor to meet you, Duke Castleton and Elder Helio of the Magic Tower. I am Barcan Cardian.”
“I am Diena Rothwell.”
Ellia looked at Diena with an earnest expression. Diena met her gaze with confidence and spoke.
“I understand that you find yourself in a difficult situation. I have come to help resolve it.”
* * *
Ellia led them to the parlor. She stared anxiously at the teacup before her, and even as the tea grew cold, she could not bring herself to speak first.
Time passed. At last, having steeled herself, she finally opened her mouth.
“It has been a long time, Lady Diena.”
“It is good to see you.”
Ellia nodded, her face pale.
“Thank you for coming all this way. And to you as well, Lord Barcan—I am grateful for your presence.”
With those words, Ellia gripped the teacup tightly.
She felt ashamed to face Diena. When they had last met at Rothwell Castle, she had been unable to offer her any help. Now, in her need, she was summoning her—the thought burned her with embarrassment.
It might have seemed like an excuse, but after that meeting, Ellia had returned to Rothwell Castle to take Diena with her. By then, however, the girl had already left her family.
“As I wrote in my letter, I have a request… which is why I reached out.”
“Please, speak freely.”
“I need the Magic Tower Side-Effect Suppressant.”
……
“I wish to purchase all that you have. I know it is shameless to ask, but…”
Ellia could not finish and squeezed her eyes shut. Even to her own ears, the request sounded outrageous.
The Magic Tower Side-Effect Suppressant that Diena had created was now the object of desperate desire among every noble house. Not only those offering vast royalties to secure it in line, but even members of the royal family reached for it in secret—it was that rare.
The price was whatever one could command. Refusal seemed justified. If the nobles were to auction it among themselves, the sum would be beyond imagination.
“Do not worry about the cost. I can pay whatever price you name.”
Barcan, who had lifted his teacup, felt satisfied at her words. Indeed, House Castleton had wealth enough. They could pay whatever Diena asked.
‘She will extract quite the sum.’
But wait—wasn’t that something he should be concerned about?
Barcan wished Diena would stay by his side. Yet he did not want to force her.
What he truly wanted was for Diena to regard House Cardian as such a pleasant place that she would not leave of her own volition.
But Duke Castleton’s household might be able to offer her a salary to match whatever he could provide.
‘And besides, there is hardly any work for Diena in our house anymore.’
Given Diena’s nature—her love of work—she might very well prefer to remain with House Castleton.
He narrowed his eyes, surveying the office. The signs of wealth spent were obvious. He had never met a rival of this caliber. How much did she intend to ask?
As he watched the Duke with growing tension, Diena slowly shook her head, her expression grave.
“You need not pay anything. Material things like that are not so important to me.”
“Pfft—cough, cough!”
Barcan suddenly sputtered in surprise.
Duke Castleton turned to him with alarm.
“Lord Barcan, are you well?”
“Yes, I… forgive me. It was simply an unexpected answer.”
“Indeed, quite unexpected. Most would find it difficult to refuse payment. It seems Diena has little desire for material wealth.”
“It appears so.”
Diena continued without regard for Barcan’s flustered reaction.
“Rather, could you describe Lord Castleton’s condition in detail? I understand he remains unable to wake, but I would know more specifics.”
Ellia took a breath and began to speak.
“As you may surmise, my son Rudrick is a Non-Ability User. But I thought nothing of it. I cared not whether he possessed an Innate Ability or not—I simply loved my son for who he was.”
Ellia smiled faintly as she spoke.
“Several months ago, my boy began to suffer terrible nightmares.”
But her smile faded quickly.
“At first, I believed time would heal him. But as one week passed, then two, then a month—his condition only grew worse.”
Ellia’s face grew even paler as she continued.
“Eventually, he could no longer wake from sleep. And even now, he screams and writhes. What horrors is he dreaming of…? Will he ever wake…?”

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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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