The Duke’s Madness

Arthur narrowed his eyes.

[Arcane University recommendation letter.]

What Yonel handed over was the paperwork.

A very complex document with multiple seals.

However, it was not difficult to understand its meaning.

So I had no choice but to shake my head.

‘Why did you hand over the university recommendation letter?’

It was when Arthur hesitated with his thoughts.

Jonel issued an order to the Bavarian vassals.

“Could you step aside for a moment, everyone? Arthur and… I have something urgent to tell you.”

The Bavarian vassals, who had been snooping around, bowed in surprise.

After that, he forcibly picked up the whining Irene and quickly left the restaurant.

Confirming that the surroundings had disappeared, Yonel looked back.

And looking at Arthur, he smiles brightly.

“Is my son seventeen now?”

“Your mother.”

“You’ve grown a lot… It’s been a year since you stopped stuttering… A lot of time has passed since then, right?”

“uh···. Has it already happened?”

“okay. That’s why I don’t believe it either. Compared to the 17 years I’ve been looking at you, I’ve grown so much in the last year.”

Yonel clenched his chin.

Her expression, which had been a smile on her lips just a moment ago, darkened slightly.

It was time for Arthur, noticing the subtle change, to open his mouth again.

Yonel opened his mouth first and made a shocking declaration.

“The next three years. I intend to appoint you as the official successor to the ducal family.”

“… yes?”

“After that one year, I have the intention of handing over this position to you. Do you know what this means, Arthur?”

Arthur is stunned, he barely answers.

“uh… yes. But why all of a sudden… .”

“It was not a sudden decision. Arthur. It was a decision I made after contemplating for several days after confirming your talent.”

Yonel laughed.

“Of course, if you’re not ready… Until the preparations are finished, the mother will be here instead. But Arthur. You are the only heir to this family.”

Yonel stopped laughing and his eyes flashed.

“In the end, like it or not… Those who covet your lineage and this family will come, and I don’t know what choice you will make, but becoming the owner of the duke will be a very good option.”

good option?

Arthur mumbled along Yonel’s words and held his breath.

‘The duke’s owner… I never thought of this.’

It’s a position I’ve never wanted, a position I’ve never wanted.

It had no choice but to do so, since the self in the previous life was unable to protect the position of the heir, let alone the owner of the duchy.

In the midst of that, it makes no sense to discuss the position of the owner of the duchy.

Because of that, Arthur couldn’t open his mouth, so Yonel resumed his interrupted explanation.

“This is also true. Arcane University… Even the universities that are said to be unique in the empire, compared to Arcane University, have to fold.”

“… .”

“The most talented people on the continent, royalty and nobility. Because this university is where they all gather.”

Arthur nodded.

Arcane University was a place Arthur knew well.

United Kingdom, including the Empire.

Furthermore, Arcane, a new city created by the church and numerous immigrant kingdoms.

Arcane University, the only educational institution in the city, was a place where you could cross the threshold only if you had the talent and genius as well as the qualifications.

“If you graduate from such a school, you will be proudly recognized as the heir to the duke’s family. In addition, your talents that Brother Holland said will be able to fully bloom if you go to school. That’s where the best professors teach students.”

Arthur thought to himself without saying anything.

‘in other words… Earn a diploma from Arcane University and prove your qualifications as the owner of the ducal family.’

It was when Arthur burst into exclamation along with his thoughts.

Yonel tells an unexpected story once again.

“And I, Arthur, intend to rebuild the crumbling ducal family while you are at Arcane University.”

“… Reconstruction?”

“okay. Arthur, as you know, the current situation of the duchy is not very good. Do you know what the reason is?”

Arthur pondered over the question.

Then he remembered the conversation between Yonel and Kane and burst into exclamation.

“Is that mineral iron acid?”

“that’s right. Mineral iron ore is one of them. What originally belonged to Bavaria is now in danger of falling into the hands of Count Dormund and other greedy business aristocrats.”

“Why did that happen?”

“It’s because you’re careless. Bayern have been at the top for far too long. So everything is natural, and I got used to it.”

Yonel muttered bitterly.

“On the other hand, Count Dormund and the newly emerging aristocrats took on challenges and innovations. There was a difference, and if things go on like this, we might lose the Bayern name itself.”

Arthur’s eyes widened.

Bavaria’s name.

Because I knew what it meant to be deprived of it.

‘death. What is left of the nobles whose names have been stolen… Only death.’

And now.

Yonel declared that the name would not be taken away.

Because of that, Arthur murmured in surprise again.

‘Has your mother… changed? Isn’t the mother I know like this?’

Then Yonel takes Arthur’s hand again.

Arthur comes to his senses in the warm warmth.

“I have no intention of watching it quietly. So, on the premise that you go to this school, I intend to rectify the shaky finances and bring back the legitimate rights of Bayern that were taken away.”

“… .”

“And after three years, I will pass it on to you.”

Arthur is silent.

At the same time, the thoughts and worries that occupied my head are sorted out.

I could understand now.

Why did my mother create this place by handing over a letter of recommendation from Arcane University?

‘While my mother is rebuilding the family, she wants me to go to university and prove my qualifications to become the owner of the family.’

If this was done successfully, it seemed like a very huge opportunity could be seized.

Cain Dormund and 2nd Prince Khan Madrid.

A chance to wield great power when fighting those two men.

Not only that, but I was able to solve the problem that I had been thinking about for days at the same time.

‘A chance to leave the mansion and go to Arcane to collect bloodlines… I can get that opportunity naturally.’

Because of that, Arthur involuntarily smiled at the overflowing anticipation.

There were many changes and surprises in this life, but I even thought that it would not be as good as this moment.

Having finished thinking like that, Arthur raises his head.

I could see Yonel’s expression of firm determination.

To such a mother, Arthur answered with firm determination.

“Thank you, mother.”

Yonel smiles brightly.

“This is the best birthday present for me. Thank you for giving me this opportunity.”

* * *

To be honest, in a corner of my heart I wanted to stay at the Bavarian mansion a little longer.

People in the family who are now friendly.

The mother and sister who regained their smiles.

I wanted to breathe with them a little more.

However, Arthur decided to leave this heart behind.

‘When my mother made up her mind… A good son should be cheered on.’

If he remained, Yonel might be shaken.

That wasn’t very good for Arthur himself or Yonel.

In that sense, when Jonel’s determination was firmly established, he decided to leave the Bavarian mansion.

As soon as Arthur made his decision, preparations were made immediately.

Arcane University.

Preparing to head to the City of Opportunity hundreds of kilometers away from the Empire’s capital.

It required a lot of luggage to go far, but there was nothing Arthur had to do.

So we walked around the house and exchanged greetings.

A friendly cook.

An escort knight who greeted each other every day.

several other species.

Arthur visited and greeted each of them, and the Bavarian attendants responded with tears.

“You must come back, Bocchan.”

“I will wait forever.”

“Please only wish for a bright future together…”

As Arthur watched the scene, he felt a tingling, pain rising from a corner of his chest.

The pain was more painful than expected, and Arthur was very surprised because of it.

It’s been a long time since I’ve felt this way for someone other than my family.

So it was a time when I felt even more regret for making the decision to leave the mansion.

A new city where opportunity and freedom are guaranteed.

A large Bavarian family appeared in front of the train leaving for Arcane.

Officially, all the passengers, including the station staff, bowed in courtesy at the arrival of the duke, who had the second noble bloodline in the empire.

Among them, the engineer driving the train to Arcane stepped out and bowed toward Yonel.

“It is an honor to have the opportunity to serve Confucius. Your Excellency the Duke.”

Yonel nodded and turned his head.

Arthur, who was holding Irene who fell asleep after whining, faces Yonel.

It was when Yonel hesitated and licked his lips at that gaze.

Arthur smiles softly.

“I’ll call you when I get there, Mom.”

“… .”

“I will call you even when you are asleep. I’ll contact you every day to see what you’ve done. And I’ll come over to play on vacation.”

At his answer, Yonel’s lips that had been fluttering shut.

After that, I hugged Arthur, holding back the tears that were about to flow.

“Don’t wait. This breakup isn’t the last.”

“yes.”

“Eat well the elixirs they send, and study hard.”

“sure. Please send me many good elixirs.”

“Shall I somehow send you something bad? Don’t worry.”

Arthur smiled impatiently.

“Send me the best thing in the world, mother.”

With these words, Jonel handed over Irene, and the Bavarian retainers wiped away tears and waved at Arthur.

With that greeting, Arthur stepped up to the VIP seat.

Woo Woo Woo-!!!

Acrid smoke billowed out along with the blaring horn.

It was the signal that the train was leaving.

Arthur whispered as he looked at Yonel and the Bavarian retainers who were leaning against the window and did not budge.

‘I’ll be back to see you soon, mother.’

It was then that the train departed and Yonel was completely invisible.

Anna, who was sitting across from me, cautiously asked a question.

“That Confucius? Would you like to leave your seat?”

“huh? why?”

“… I think he needs some alone time…”

Arthur nodded at her speechless appearance.

“hmm···. Then could you bring me a cup of coffee?”

“With five more shots?”

“Add three more specially today.”

Anna opens her mouth slightly.

‘I can put 8 shots in my coffee and drink it…’ Is there?’

After a moment of doubt, he shook his head.

This didn’t happen once or twice, and now I had to be as considerate of the minor as possible.

Leaving your family and heading to a foreign country is difficult for anyone, whether you are an aristocrat or a commoner.

Thinking this far, Anna walked out of the room with quick steps, and Arthur, who was left alone, was lost in thought.

In his thoughts, Arthur naturally remembered the purpose of going to Arcane.

‘Once you go to Arcane… I’ll have to go to the tailor Then, after entering the underworld, I need to collect good bloodlines as quickly and efficiently as possible.’

The biggest reason for going to Arcane was to have the qualifications to become the owner of a ducal family, but the collection of bloodlines was the biggest.

Boasting an abnormal size, Arcane had all kinds of abilities, and those with rare bloodlines were also gathered the most on the continent.

A place with the greatest merit for Arthur who wants a good pedigree.

Arthur did not intend to miss the opportunity.

‘And cut off the heads of the enemies residing in Arcane.’

Of course, it will probably take a lot of time to get revenge.

But Arcane will shorten that time.

It was when Arthur, who had organized his thoughts like that, raised his head.

An old man with a white beard that reached his chest was sitting in front, drinking tea.

“How are you?”

“hello?”

The old man burst into laughter at the bold greeting.

“Aren’t you upset? I came in without permission. Do you know me?”

“no? It seems to be meeting you for the first time today.”

“Then why do you greet me so friendly?”

Arthur narrowed his eyes at the question.

“hmm···. Is there nothing good to be embarrassed about? For now, yes.”

The old man laughed at the answer.

Arthur, who had awakened his senses in the meantime, murmured.

‘what? Aren’t the knights outside sleeping?’

Aside from Anna, the level of a knight guarding the outside is 5th circle.

It was a high-level article capable of releasing sword energy.

There was no way that such a knight would suddenly fall asleep, and Arthur naturally turned his gaze to the old man in front of him.

“hmm···. If you don’t mind, may I ask who you are?”

“You mean me?”

“yes.”

“Call me Whitebeard.”

“A white beard?”

“It’s an alias. Have you heard?”

Arthur shook his head.

“No, this is the first time I’ve heard of it. Rather than that, is your name really Whitebeard?”

“Didn’t you say it was an alias? hmm···. Then how about this. I belong to [Sky Island].”

Arthur tries to shake his head again, then pauses.

sky island.

It was the name of an organization that I had heard many times before.

‘No, I haven’t heard of it, I know. An organization that only the worst criminals can enter. That’s why a secret organization called Ghost Story.’

No one knew their identity or exact number.

That’s why it was called a legend, and it was a secret organization that was only passed on as ghost stories.

Thinking this far, Arthur raised his eyes.

“Are you a criminal?”

“criminal? Hmm… I can see anything like that I did commit some sins.”

“Why are you looking for me?”

At these words, a black magician belonging to Sky Island.

A white beard curls up the corners of his mouth.

“Do you know Frakil?”

Arthur blinked at the question.

And let out a belated exclamation.

“Are you talking about the warlock Mr. Frakil?”

“Right. It’s an ambiguous guy to be called a warlock, but he’s the one who crossed the threshold.”

“Why is he?”

Whitebeard lifts the bowler hat he was wearing.

At the same time, Arthur’s eyes widened.

Surprisingly, there were no eyes in the eyes of the old man in front of him.

Because of that, while Arthur blinked his eyes, Whitebeard muttered.

“The guy who fled to the capital to avoid me suddenly died. I started looking for traces because I was curious that he wasn’t going to die from being stabbed somewhere, but what could lead to this way?”

With these words, sparks flickered in the empty eyeballs.

Arthur, watching the bizarre change, scratched his head.

“Would you believe me if I said I didn’t kill you?”

Whitebeard laughs.

“I’ll trust you. Little Angel of Bavaria, Heavenly Father.”