The Son-In-Law of the Magician Is a Transcendent Sword Master - Chapter 136

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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 136
The Capital Orelion is a city that never sleeps.
Brilliant magical lamps illuminated every corner of the streets, and beneath them, merchants from across the Empire hawked their wares in halting standard speech.
This was my fourth visit to the capital, but in my memory, the Dominion remained nothing but a burning, crumbling ruin. This bustling district, peacefully lit by flames, still felt somewhat unfamiliar to me.
“It brings back memories.”
Sheril, walking beside me, spoke up. It seemed she shared my thoughts.
“When Reagan went rampaging through the Amber Tower searching for those kidnapped engineers. Do you know how close I came to losing my mind back then?”
“And now you’re a Tower Lord of the Seven Great Towers yourself. In terms of rank, aren’t you equal to Melchior?”
“That’s true. Next time we meet, I should address him more formally.”
“….”
“Why are you looking at me like that? Isn’t that right?”
“Well, it is…”
I was aware that Sheril’s personality had changed considerably before and after the Shadow Tower incident….
‘She’s become far bolder than I expected.’
Viewed charitably, it was enterprising; viewed critically, somewhat childish.
But ultimately, I considered it a positive change.
Sheril’s true nature, which had been suppressed under the tyranny of Arania Sheydi all this time, was naturally coming to light.
“So where are we going?”
“I’ll know when we get there. I’m just heading to the meeting place I was given.”
“May I accompany you?”
“There’s no one more suited for this than you.”
Sheril frowned at my words.
“But doesn’t Reagan have Renia?”
“…No. Renia can’t come.”
I spoke firmly.
Currently, Sheril and I had left the Benheim Estate and arrived in Orelion. Of course, I’d obtained permission from Steren and Renia beforehand, but I couldn’t tell Renia the truth—not for anything. If she’d known, she would have insisted on coming along.
“So Sheril, I need you to promise me one thing.”
“Yes?”
“Keep this matter absolutely secret from Renia.”
Sheril’s expression became troubled at my words.
“…You’re asking me to deceive the young lady?”
“Yes. You’re good at deceiving people anyway. You hid your identity from the moment we first met.”
“That’s not…”
Sheril wore an aggrieved expression, but I paid it no mind and continued walking.
From alley to alley, moving toward more remote areas, we soon entered a basin where a massive aqueduct stretched across. The surroundings were enclosed by high walls, and the darkness was so complete that light barely penetrated.
“This desolate place is where we’re supposed to meet?”
“Yes.”
It was the rendezvous point Gideon Midian had told me about.
Few people ventured here, and it was enclosed on all sides.
Perfect for discussing secrets….
‘…It could be a trap.’
There was no better place for Black Mages to hide or lay an ambush.
I retrieved the Archmage King’s cloak from Andvari’s Cube and draped it over my shoulders, preparing for any contingency.
I waited in this heightened state of awareness for a brief moment.
[…Reagan von Benheim?]
A middle-aged man’s voice echoed from within the aqueduct opening. It was the same voice as Gideon Midian’s that I’d heard in Trion.
However, I had already witnessed the prohibition on body snatching. So I remained vigilant and answered.
“It would be better for both of us if you showed yourself first.”
[Reagan Benheim, who is the woman beside you?]
“She’s my companion.”
[I told you to come alone.]
“I can’t throw myself into danger without any insurance. This woman is someone I trust completely. I can vouch for her.”
[….]
Gideon fell silent after hearing my words.
“…Reagan, is breath-holding a hobby of yours?”
Sheril, apparently finding this farce tedious, sighed and stepped forward, speaking with confidence.
“I am Sheril, the Shadow Queen. So come crawling out now, you gloomy fool, and pay your respects to the queen.”
[….]
Perhaps momentarily flustered by Sheril’s bold introduction.
A faint sound of breath being drawn came from beyond the aqueduct.
Soon, a figure emerged from the dark aqueduct opening.
“…What.”
I frowned. What emerged from the aqueduct was not Gideon, but a shabby-dressed vagrant.
The vagrant raised both hands toward me. Then he opened his mouth, revealing a complex magical circle inscribed on his tongue.
The wavelength of the magical circle I discerned visually was identical to that of the Imperial investigator Gideon I had met in Trion.
In other words… Gideon intended to speak with me through this beggar’s mouth.
[I’m borrowing an informant’s mouth for now. I apologize for not meeting you in person. There are unavoidable circumstances.]
“What circumstances?”
[An event. I simply cannot leave my post.]
“I see….”
As I nodded in understanding, the vagrant closed his mouth and opened it again. Gideon’s voice flowed out once more.
[Damian.]
“….”
[I obtained witness information that my junior entered the Imperial Tower Forbidden Library. After that, I heard news that several books were stolen from the librarian.]
The black magic tome “Monmaegeon” that Malik Elrayson, the culprit behind the Trion incident, had possessed.
According to Gideon, Monmaegeon should have originally been in the Imperial Tower Forbidden Library. That meant someone had smuggled it out and handed it to Malik.
And finally, the outline of the culprit who smuggled it out became clear. Damian Carius. He had accessed the Forbidden Library shortly before the incident occurred.
[However, it’s premature to jump to conclusions. During that period, many investigators besides Damian came and went from the Forbidden Library. And he has an suspiciously perfect alibi.]
“But there are certainly enough circumstances to warrant suspicion.”
[Exactly.]
The vagrant’s mouth fell open.
[I also verified the information you reported six months ago. There was a record of Demian visiting the Shadow Tower. It was a meeting with the former Shadow Tower Lord, Arania Sheydi.]
“As I thought….”
I had been nearly certain, but now it was confirmed.
The Shadow Tower Lord Arania Sheydi and Demian Carius were in a cooperative relationship.
“Inspector, then based on all this evidence we’ve gathered, couldn’t we accuse Demian or take action against him?”
[It’s difficult. We still lack conclusive evidence. Demian has an alibi.]
“…Tsk.”
I clicked my tongue softly.
That reasoning was sound.
Even if books disappeared from the Imperial Tower Forbidden Library, there was no clear evidence that the Archmage King was responsible. The relationship between Demian and Arania couldn’t be definitively proven either. It was commonplace for Imperial investigators to meet with Mage Tower Lords.
In the end, to accuse Demian, I needed to secure concrete evidence.
I nodded.
“Then I’ll make sure to uncover clear evidence.”
[Do you have some idea in mind?]
“Well, I have something. Just wait and see.”
Vera and Sierra.
The Daughters of the Shadow who had condoned and conspired in Arania’s atrocities. The two women who should have been transferred to Grave were spotted near the Capital Orelion.
I intended to capture them both this time and squeeze out clues from them.
If no curse seal was placed on them, I could definitely catch the Archmage King’s tail.
[Time’s up. I’ll await your next contact.]
“Yes. Please take care of yourself as well.”
With those words, the magic circle inscribed on the vagrant’s tongue faded away. The vagrant bowed respectfully, then limped away into the darkness of the Aqueduct.
‘Gideon… seems like someone I can trust.’
I had harbored some doubts, but this encounter dispelled them.
A veteran of the Imperial Magic Association wouldn’t readily hand over internal information to an outsider.
Above all, Gideon currently suspected Demian as the prime suspect. At minimum, Gideon wasn’t in league with the Archmage King. As long as our interests aligned, cooperation was worthwhile.
After organizing my thoughts and turning my head, Sheril was staring at me intently with sharp eyes.
“Please explain what you discussed with that man just now. Are you cooperating with the Imperial Palace?”
“Something like that.”
“That man clearly mentioned the former Shadow Tower Lord, Arania Sheydi. And… he also spoke of someone who was in a cooperative relationship with that woman.”
Sheril’s dark eyes wavered faintly.
Even she, who had remained composed throughout, couldn’t completely suppress her emotions at the mention of Arania’s name.
“This man called Demian… does he know your mother?”
“…It seems that way.”
“Is that man dangerous?”
“Yes. Dangerous. More so than anyone I’ve encountered so far.”
I spoke truthfully. If Sheril had still belonged to Benheim as before, I would have kept it secret, but now that she was the Shadow Tower Lord, there was no reason to hide it. By doing so, I could gain her cooperation—worth more than ten thousand soldiers.
“I’m certain that he’s the culprit behind the recent Black Mage disturbances.”
“Then why… are you keeping it secret from everyone?”
“That man is the Imperial Palace’s chief investigator. We can’t accuse him without concrete evidence.”
“….”
“And it’s not as though I’ve kept it entirely secret. The head of House Arcamen has a vague inkling of it. And now I’ve told you, Sheril.”
At my explanation, Sheril seemed unconvinced, but ultimately nodded in acceptance.
“Well, I’ll trust your judgment, Reagan.”
“Good. Then let’s go find your siblings.”
My conversation with Gideon was finished. Now it was time to catch the Archmage King’s tail.
“What method will you use to find them? It’s strange for me, as the Shadow Tower’s Archmage, to say this, but Covert Mages are naturally skilled at concealing their presence. If Vera and Sierra deliberately hide themselves, the two of us alone won’t have any way to find them.”
“I know. We can’t find them on our own. Then we’ll need to mobilize our information network to the fullest.”
“To the Imperial Mage Tower?”
“No, that won’t work. I just said it—that man belongs to the Imperial Palace.”
The Imperial Mage Tower was a tiger’s den where the Archmage King coiled, waiting.
Then I needed to find another ally, and I recalled someone suitable.
“Sheril, you wouldn’t know this, but I once made a good connection in Orelion long ago. I’m thinking of going to meet that person.”
“…If I may ask out of courtesy, where exactly are you planning to go?”
“The Casino.”
At my answer, Sheril tilted her head in confusion.
* * *
In the Entertainment District of the Orelion Empire, there was a street packed with numerous gambling establishments.
It was known to the wealthy as the Golden Street, and the most prestigious casino among them was the Crimson Sapphire.
Gustavo, the manager of the Crimson Sapphire, was checking today’s earnings on the terrace as usual.
“Hmm. Not bad.”
The crisp feel of banknotes brushing his fingertips. Gustavo’s lips curved upward in satisfaction.
Even taking a modest share of the profits from this casino would allow one to live comfortably for a lifetime.
Gustavo had worked hard. He’d clawed his way up from the bottom to claim this position.
The journey hadn’t been without difficulties. Especially two years ago, when Benheim’s thugs stormed the gambling house to cause trouble, when House Cornel heard the news and raged, Gustavo had sensed that his life was over.
Yet Gustavo remained, still the manager of the Crimson Sapphire.
He had survived.
“…Yes. The one who survives is the strong one.”
Gustavo folded the bundle of money and placed it in the safe with that thought.
But that was the moment.
Bang!
The closed terrace door burst open roughly. Behind it stood one of his subordinates, looking awkward.
Something felt wrong.
“…M-Manager….”
“What is it?”
“Something terrible has happened.”
Gustavo’s expression hardened.
“What could it be?”
“He’s here! That man!”
That single word sent a chill down Gustavo’s spine.
“…That man…? Are you talking about the one I think you are?”
“Yes, sir! He’s absolutely cleaning us out right now!”
At his subordinate’s desperate cry, Gustavo rushed to the terrace window and peered down at the gaming floor below.
The roulette table where the largest crowd had gathered.
Standing at its center was that unforgettable Gray-Haired Man, and as he hit thirty-six-to-one payouts on the roulette wheel consecutively, the spectators erupted in unison, cheering his name.
“…This… this is insane….”
A hollow gasp escaped Gustavo’s lips.
Ever since that incident a year ago, he had made the magical mechanisms installed in the roulette wheel far more intricate and concealed.
How in the world had this man managed to read the machine’s flaws again?
No—that wasn’t what mattered now. He had to stop this man immediately. If he allowed the casino’s vault to be drained like this, House of Count Cornel would certainly not remain idle.
“Q-quickly, escort that… no, our distinguished guest to the VIP room at once!”
Gustavo had no desire to be dismissed.

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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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