Count’s Youngest Son is a Warlock

Chapter 173: Great Light Temple, Again?

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“Did you enjoy the meal?” the matriarch asked Lucion.

“Yes, the chef’s skills are excellent,” Lucion replied.

―Yummy! Ratta loves it so much!

Ratta, with her face buried in the dish next to Lucion, wagged her tail happily.

―Ah! Lucion said foxes don’t bark like this! Um… How do foxes bark? Ratta doesn’t know.

Ratta looked at Russell and Bethel, but the two just exchanged glances without saying anything.

“Foxes… they howl in a very unique way,” the matriarch tried to change the subject, but Lucion was taken aback.

“Not many people know how foxes bark.”

“Anyway, I’m glad you enjoyed the meal. I was truly unsure of what to serve today since I didn’t know the preferences of the guest of honor.”

The matriarch spoke again after finishing her own meal.

“Now, let’s discuss why I called for Lord Cronia.”

“Is that why Lady Tella wasn’t allowed to attend the dinner?” Lucion asked, and the matriarch smiled.

“That’s correct. She shouldn’t hear it, and even if she did, there’s nothing she could do about it.”

The matriarch didn’t deny it.

Observing the peculiar statement, Lucion brought up a different topic, pretending to be unaware.

“I have no idea why the matriarch called me.”

“I am quite busy myself.”

When Lucion saw the corners of the matriarch’s eyes slightly raised, which was different from when they were eating, he immediately responded.

“That goes for me too.”

“I didn’t mean it in that way.”

The matriarch stepped back very naturally and skillfully.

‘If I hadn’t intervened, she would have tried something else.’

From the moment Lucion first saw her, he thought she was unusual.

Her gaze, assessing him, was as skilled as that of a mercenary, not just someone holding a knife.

She was currently trying to understand him because the person she heard about through rumors might differ from the actual person. 

And she was attempting to outsmart him with her cunning.

“Yes, I would appreciate clarification to avoid any misunderstandings. As you know, I can be quite sensitive in such situations,” Lucion replied with a gentle smile.

In an instant, the corners of the matriarch’s mouth lifted.

Look at that.

She seemed amused.

“Before we proceed, I want to make one thing clear,” Lucion spoke first.

Even though she held the position of a noble family’s head, she had nothing to lose.

“Please, go ahead.”

“I came here unofficially, and I would like to continue to remain unofficial in the future.”

Lucion emphasized the need to keep his visit a secret from the outside world.

Despite the mixture of requests and warnings in his words, the matriarch maintained her smile.

“Of course. It would be a disgrace to my family if I couldn’t even manage to keep a mansion discreet.”

“Thank you, matriarch.”

“No, it pales in comparison to what Lord Cronia has done for us.”

“You flatter me.”

Lucion acknowledged the fact that he had assisted the Luteon family.

The noble in front of him was a true noble.

A wrong move could lead to his downfall.

Loyalty existed even among nobles, but they also sought personal gain over loyalty.

‘It’s tricky when your opponent is a noble.’

“I am busy,” the matriarch repeated.

This time, Lucion patiently waited.

“My time is valuable, and so is information. To run a bank, you need a wealth of information. You have to be faster than anyone else and have your ears open.”

Her grand words held no real significance.

She was simply skirting around the issue, beating around the bush.

“Since you’re busy, let’s get to the point,” Lucion, also pressed for time, cut straight to it.

“Do you dislike beating around the bush?” the matriarch inquired.

“It may not be pleasant to hear, but if necessary, I do employ such tactics.”

The matriarch softly chuckled at Lucion’s response, realizing his skill in making sarcastic remarks while being indirect.

“I won’t take up too much of your time. I am a busy person as well.”

The matriarch slightly softened her tone and pointed to herself.

“And before being the head of the family, I was a mother to my daughter. It’s only natural for me to check who my daughter’s friend is, right? Please forgive my rudeness.”

The matriarch was the first to declare an end to the confrontation.

Lucion Cronia.

He wasn’t as kind as Tella had described, but that was sufficient.

He wasn’t a bad nobleman.

“Naturally, you may already know, but there are groups of nobles targeting Lord Lucion.”

The matriarch brought up the matter directly.

“Who are they?” Lucion’s gaze remained unwavering.

As the son of a high-ranking noble, his life was often threatened, yet he appeared remarkably composed.

“I have already conducted an investigation to make things easier for you.”

The matriarch discreetly handed a paper to Lucion.

“I don’t know if they are a new force or not, but someone is pulling the strings from behind.”

“Thank you.”

Lucion accepted the paper offered by the matriarch.

“The source is intriguing.”

The matriarch took a sip of her tea, then playfully teased with a smile.

“The Neubra Kingdom.”

‘…Damn.’

Lucion almost let the curse word slip out of his mouth. 

The matriarch had hit the mark. 

The name of the person he had heard about from J.L. was written on the paper she had given him. 

However, he maintained a neutral expression, as if he were hearing it for the first time.

[They’re persistent. How much progress have those damn Neubra people made?] 

Russell’s brow furrowed.

[They must have put everything into this, seeing it as their last chance. But doesn’t this mean that the weapon to pressure Neubra is nearing completion?] 

Even Bethel appeared uneasy as she spoke.

[That’s true, but it all hinges on how we navigate our way through the royal family now. Lord Lucion wants to align with them, but what if they only use his information and then discard him?] 

Bethel paused, pondering Russell’s point.

It was a difficult problem, as challenging as the situation itself.

[It’s a tricky situation. The only country capable of handling Neubra and Nevast right now is the Tesla Empire.]

[Indeed. If the Empire mishandles it, the entire country will be thrown into chaos.]

Russell’s gaze turned toward Lucion.

Though he claimed it was for his own benefit, ironically, he was working harder than anyone else for the sake of peace.

[‘Well, Lucion seems unaware of his own actions.’]

Russell covered his mouth, smiling faintly.

“How did you know?” Lucion asked, a bit delayed.

“The flow of money is something I understand deeply and clearly in the Empire. I confirmed that the funds that ended up in the hands of the nobles attempting to kill you originated from the Neubra Kingdom. The evidence is right here.”

The matriarch provided additional documents to Lucion.

‘I knew that, so I hid my money and the organization’s funds.’

Lucion continued to pay attention to his expression.

Even though their verbal sparring had concluded, he couldn’t afford to reveal any weaknesses.

“Why do you think I’m sharing this with you?” the matriarch asked, pointing to the paper she had given Lucion.

“Are you returning the favor?” Lucion inquired.

“That’s correct,” the matriarch replied shortly, her teeth slightly gritted.

For the first time, her emotions began to show, and she let out a subtle display of frustration.

“And those bastards also targeted my bank. They nearly drained away the funds.”

“Both of them were involved?” Lucion sought confirmation.

“Yes, that’s right. I managed to stop them, but I implore you to take action against those forces first. Crush them from the root. It’s what you excel at as a Cronia.”

“I cannot guarantee that, as I am not the head of Cronia,” Lucion responded.

“Then I hope you convey my words effectively to Lord Novio,” the matriarch said, moistening her mouth with tea once again.

Crunch.

Lucion ate a cookie, patiently awaiting the matriarch’s next words.

Although this information was crucial, it alone was not enough to call him.

‘Unless she intends to speak first.’

Lucion said casually, holding his teacup.

“This tea is quite hot. It would be challenging to drink unless it cools down a bit. Since I have a long way to go, I should get up.”

As Lucion mentioned his intention to leave if there was nothing else to discuss, the matriarch opened her mouth to say something.

“Oh, I apologize,” she said, lightly covering her mouth with her hand.

It was difficult to discern whether she was smiling or laughing.

“It has become a habit while running a bank, so it’s not easy to let go. I have more to say. This might be a bit more personal.”

As if he had passed the test, the matriarch removed her hand and looked at Lucion. 

He felt a sense of unease under her scrutinizing gaze, regardless of her intentions.

“With the information I just provided, it may not be sufficient to repay the favor I owe you. It’s only natural for nobles to target you, and Cronia can easily handle any crisis. The only contribution I can make is to provide you with information promptly, correct?”

“What do you intend to offer in return?” 

“I hope to establish a closer relationship with Cronia.”

‘Indeed, that’s what nobles do.’ 

Lucion’s lips involuntarily curled up at the brazenness he hadn’t felt in a long time.

Nobles should be treated as nobles.

“Is this your way of repaying the favor, as you mentioned, matriarch? Quite amusing,” Lucion remarked.

“I simply desire a closer connection to Cronia compared to other banks that engage in business with them. I hope you won’t be so blunt about it,” the matriarch responded.

“It is not within my authority but that of the head of Cronia. I’m sure you are aware of that, so I find it slightly offensive that you would make such a remark.”

Slowly.

Gradually.

Lucion seized the initiative and directed the conversation towards himself.

“I know that the head of the family holds Lord Lucion in high regard. So I’m asking for a favor,” she stated.

The matriarch appeared momentarily taken aback but deftly evaded the request. 

However, Lucion wasn’t ready to let it go.

Cronia was vast and influential. 

Without him, it could have been a formidable stronghold, capable of safeguarding the empire for centuries.

‘It seems like she hasn’t met my father.’

Lucion saw the greed in the matriarch’s eyes.

The greed that stemmed from the nobles’ self-interest rather than genuine assistance to the Luteon family.

He understood it all too well.

With a more relaxed expression, Lucion addressed the matriarch.

“We are already well off. Why should we choose Luteon Bank?”

“I can offer additional benefits,” she replied.

‘I understand now.’

Lucion knew why Luteon Bank grew when Tella became the head of the family, but not now.

The matriarch’s perspective had been narrower than he had assumed.

Lucion lifted his hand from his thigh and lightly tapped the table.

“The head of Cronia is a stringent person. Merely adding benefits at that level won’t sway his heart. Or do you believe you can offer enough to truly sway him?”

A smile crept onto Lucion’s face.

“Is that even possible?” he inquired, based on the circumstances surrounding the Luteon family.

The fact that they were only growing now implied that they hadn’t grown until this point. 

Lucion had deposited his funds not in Luteon Bank but in Luteon Bank, managed by Tella. 

It would be quite amusing to reclaim the branch she had given to her daughter.

The next steps were already prepared.

“…I apologize.”

The matriarch backed away first.

She had acted impulsively, assuming Lucion was young and naive, and nearly made a grave mistake.

“Yes, I thought it was an amusing joke,” Lucion dismissed all of the matriarch’s suggestions.

Even when he explicitly stated, “Nothing has transpired between you and me until now,” the matriarch had nothing to say.

She had crossed the line, driven by the sight of the gold in front of her.

“Then. Shall we get up now?”

Instead, Lucion suggested.

It’s time to end this meeting.

“I’m sorry… sincerely,” the matriarch bowed her head.

“I hope my rudeness doesn’t affect Cronia, and no, I mean Tella.”

“I also want to get along well with Lady Tella. That’s sincere.” Lucion smiled.

“Well then, please provide the information you initially intended to share,” Lucion extended his hand, momentarily leaving the matriarch speechless.

His demeanor was completely different from before, when he only brandished sharp accusations.

If she pondered the reason behind this change, she would understand it all too well.

“….”

The corners of the matriarch’s eyes drooped down.

Soon, she awkwardly fiddled with her teacup and lowered her head slightly.

“I … I must have wasted a long time. I trampled on the purity of justice. I truly have no face. I’m sorry, Lord Lucion. I apologize.”

With an expression of remorse, the matriarch extended her hand.

She had strayed from Lucion’s original intent in coming for Tella and instead played with money.

She felt deeply ashamed.

[…Phew. I can finally catch my breath now.]

Russell broke the long silence and spoke. He had exerted considerable effort to avoid interrupting Lucion’s concentration.

“I will make sure to speak in your favor to my father.”

Lucion accepted the matriarch’s outstretched hand.

Only then did the matriarch genuinely express her gratitude.

“Thank you. But you don’t have to go to such lengths now…”

“No, I am indebted to you, matriarch,” Lucion responded.

Knowing that Tella would eventually inherit the Luteon family, Lucion had laid the groundwork for that pivotal moment.