abcnovels
Chapter 481
Chapter 481
Chapter 481
Chapter 481: The Spy
The groundwork for inviting No-Name to the imperial capital has been prepared. From here on out, it's up to No-Name. However, that's not a reason to neglect preparation. I needed to be prepared for anything that may happen.
"Oh? This is one of the Four Treasures, the Sacred Ring. I had it searched for during my reign, but if it were in the guild headquarters, I wouldn't have found it."
In a secret room in the Imperial Sword Castle, my tiny old man was examining the Sacred Ring with interest.
"It's the best ally for a wizard."
"Indeed, it seems so. Especially for someone like you who uses a lot of magic power, it would be the ideal equipment."
"I'm not using magic power because I like it."
"If you're greedy and want to do everything, you won't have enough magic power. As your desires grow, so does the responsibility that comes with them. If you try to fulfill that responsibility, it's only natural that you'll consume resources."
The old man implicitly told me I was doing too much. But, if it's for making Leo the emperor, there's no need to involve No-Name. There might be some merits. Still...
"I pride myself on not being a typical member of the Adler clan, but sometimes that nature shows itself."
"Is it in your blood? The Adler clan is indeed a greedy one. What do you think, Henrick?"
The old man looked towards the corner of the room. A man leaned against the wall there, a man cloaked in a pitch-black mantle, Henrick, his face half-covered by a red scarf.
The scarf was a magic tool, but it didn't have any illusionary effects. It was a tool that enhanced the wearer's natural healing abilities. By combining it with medicine, even a body ravaged by frostbite like Henrick's, could move again.
"I wish you wouldn't bring me into the conversation, Master."
"You're also the result of greed, aren't you?"
"That might be the case. But, I had value to offer."
"Is helping for calculated reasons not Adler-like?"
"You can't raise an ideal based on calculations."
Henrick said so with a shrug. The nature of the Adler, the plunderers, is to chase after their ideals. To many, it's nothing but foolish. That's Adler for you.
"In that sense, maybe Arnold's actions this time are very Adler-like. He puts his emotions before his calculations."
"There are calculations involved. Properly."
"Still, the risk and the benefits don't balance out. I've always thought that you and my father are similar in wanting to do the opposite of what others do. When someone gives up, you just don't want to. It's beyond being contrarian. Consider the people who have to deal with you."
"You're preaching to me now? You've become quite bold."
As I grimaced and responded, Henrick chuckled and pulled his scarf further up his face. He fell silent, so I turned my gaze to the old man.
"Anyway, preparation is necessary."
"What kind of preparation? Given we're hoping for the opponent to change, our options are limited."
"We must ensure we don't have a negative influence. We must rid ourselves of the bad bugs."
"I see. Certainly, she won't come alone. It's merely for formality."
"That's right. We can't let the previous generation get close to the capital."
"But, she's a former SS-class adventurer, right? How do you plan to stop her?"
"It's not you or the old men who will stop him. You'll act as the contact."
The former SS-class adventurer, the previous No-Name. If she seriously tries to infiltrate the capital, Henrick can't stop her. That's why we're depending on others for that. But, we told her to come alone, so she probably won't suddenly enter the capital.
She will likely use a messenger to contact the current No-Name and we will crush that messenger.
"Understood."
Henrick responded briefly, holding two short rods in his hand. He prompted me to open the transfer gate with his gaze.
"If you're not keen on it, you don't have to help. Honestly, this has little to do with the imperial succession, let alone the empire."
"No way. This is far more rewarding than simple information gathering. And... if there are people who can be helped, they should be. If they're in this capital, then that's an Adler's duty."
With those words, Henrick left the castle through the transfer gate I'd opened. Watching him leave, I shook my head and sighed.
"He's really grown..."
"Are you happy about your brother's growth?"
"Do I look happy?"
"Very much so. You should thank me. I've turned a spoiled brat into a man."
"Who's thanking who? He's more cheeky than before."
"From a child to cheeky, that's growth. You should be thankful."
As I was trying to find a retort, I gave up. I had a feeling this was a losing battle. Henrick had changed.
Normally, even with magic tools and medicine, one wouldn't be able to move freely in about a year. Henrick's body was completely ravaged. His recovery was due to his own relentless efforts.
Thanks to the old man's training, he's gained more than enough skills as a spy. Henrick has changed. As long as this fact is there, there's no chance of winning this argument.
"Well, that's okay. I'm counting on you."
"Arnold."
As I turned on my heel to leave, the old man called out my name.
And then he spoke.
"Five hundred years...that's more than enough time to bind a person. The Amsberg family is bound by the task of preserving the bloodline of the hero, and the Adlers continue to crave powerful blood. It's because this is the reason the clan has continued. So, don't expect any reformation."
"Certainly, the weight of that time might be immeasurable. However, the reason these clans have continued is because there was hope for future generations. In other words, it's based on the expectation for the future. It's proof that people can change. I expect that No-Name can change."
"You're free to expect whatever you want. But don't be depressed if your expectations are betrayed."
"Don't worry. I have a policy of not having expectations for those who can't fulfill them."
With those words, I left the place.
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