It’s been about two months since the negotiations with the Silverstar family.
Although my father, the head of the family, and my mother have been discussing various matters with Edmond, the branch manager, the foundation of the contract was based on the deal between Yurha and me.
The deal was that we would receive 30% of the mana cores, or ‘magic stones,’ obtained from monsters hunted in the Demonic Land.
By providing the hunting grounds, we would essentially receive 70% of the magic stones while allowing the Silverstar Trading Company to access our territory, establish buildings, and move freely in and out.
If someone were to ask who benefits from this—
‘Of course, we benefit.’
In the Midgard Kingdom, the position of the Habsderk family could be likened to that of the ‘Governor of Gangwon-do Province’ in South Korea.
It’s a bit awkward to compare to Europe, but it’s somewhat like a hereditary governor responsible for Gangwon-do Province.
‘Not just any Gangwon-do Province, but one where ‘magic stones,’ which are like oil, are produced.’
So, what about the Silverstar Trading Company?
‘Even a Gangwon-do Province governor would run out of the office if a 3-star group heir arrived.’
Although there are differences in status and such subtle issues, I personally prefer the term ‘Silverstar Group’.
It’s just that there was a history of them consuming numerous noble families based on their immense capital, so we were cautious.
But now that we’ve handed over 30% of the magic stones through this deal, our Habsderk family has become one of the many clients of the Silverstar Group.
As a result—
“Young master, it seems that Silverstar’s hunters caused a disturbance at the tavern. The tavern was destroyed and chaos ensued.”
Outsiders causing a commotion.
“Young master, it seems that the monster hunters hunting magic stones have entered a ‘restricted zone.’ Ugh, I heard that place is where demons are sealed…”
The outsiders touching upon areas considered taboo in the Habsderk territory.
“Young master, do you see that building over there? To think such an eyesore has appeared on Habsderk’s land. It’s taller than the lord’s castle.”
The Silverstar Trading Company constructing all sorts of facilities to improve their efficiency in hunting and farming magic stones.
“Young master, do we really have to let Silverstar’s actions go unchecked?”
“Huh.”
The administrator was coming to me with complaints due to these massive changes.
“Why, what’s the problem?”
“Young master, have you aligned yourself with Silverstar?”
“I would think such a question is inappropriate for a 7-year-old and as the eldest son of the Habsderk family.”
Especially the representative of those who view me as a ‘traitor who sold out traditions and soul for Silverstar’s warm cocoa’.
“With the large influx of Silverstar’s capital into Habsderk, there have been undeniable changes. But are these changes entirely negative?”
“Young master.”
“Firstly, that tavern wasn’t established by us; it was built by Silverstar for their monster hunters. The location is also far from where our territory’s people live.”
While there were sounds of hunters shouting and fighting at night, it wasn’t much different from the disputes among our own people.
“Even in the Demonic Land, do we understand exactly why certain areas are restricted? No, we don’t. It’s just been a tradition passed down that ‘this place is off-limits.'”
“That’s…!”
“Upon investigation, it turned out to be a place where dangerous monsters lived. Although Silverstar’s monster hunters failed to repel them once, they have brought capable personnel in.”
Silverstar is developing areas that our family hadn’t ventured into, using their own capital and workforce.
As a result, even with the 30% commission on the magic stones, our income has increased significantly compared to before.
“And finally, that high structure isn’t an eyesore but a Magic Tower.”
I pointed out the so-called eyesore the administrator mentioned, visible from the window.
“Silverstar hired skilled mages to build the tower to protect their assets and established teleportation magic circles for efficient transportation of magic stones and monster corpses.”
At the top of the Magic Tower that rose higher than the lord’s castle.
I made eye contact with a blonde girl who had just emerged onto the terrace at the top and waved lightly at her as she smiled at me.
“Young master…!”
The administrator’s face was full of despair.
“Are you really thinking of destroying the traditions of the Habsderk family…!”
“What do you mean?”
“Do you know how upset Lady Seia has been since that eyesore appeared, or rather, since the ‘Witch of Gold’ started living there?”
“…”
The reason many, including the administrator, cast worried glances at me.
“The Lord and Lady Habsderk are considering whether to have a new male child…!”
“Get out.”
“Excuse me?”
“Get out. Didn’t you hear me?”
They fear that I might become something other than a Habsderk.
In many ways.
* * *
[Several days later, on a certain plain in the Habsderk Count’s territory.]
“We have a lot to worry about, don’t we?”
Yurha stood in front of me, wearing only a light one-piece dress, holding a thin wooden stick in one hand that looked like something an orchestra conductor would hold.
“I’m not like mother, collecting potential husbands like some kind of treasure.”
“You speak recklessly. It’s unfilial.”
“But it’s true.”
Yurha caused golden magical energy to gather at the tip of the rod.
“Mother must have been born as a woman when she was meant to be a man. Grandfather used to say things like that. If she had been born a man…”
“Then she would have had illegitimate children popping up everywhere when it came time to inherit the wealth?”
“Hey. Aren’t we 7 years old?”
“Even for a 7-year-old, you’ve got too much on your mind to just play with stuffed animals or wooden soldiers.”
“…True.”
Yurha held the stick horizontally and aimed it at the horizon.
“Perhaps it’s a blessing. Since mother collected husbands like jewels.”
Pshh-!
The golden magic at the tip shot out like an arrow.
“Magic Arrow. Impressive. The color isn’t murky at all.”
“Indeed. Gold is a color that doesn’t mix with impurities. Just like my hair.”
Yurha lightly touched her own golden hair.
“My mother was the same. Until she gave birth to me, she had embraced only one man…”
“I know.”
Yurha’s mother lost her husband after giving birth to her.
“I heard he was killed by a high-ranking demon.”
“Yes. When I was a baby, my father died protecting me.”
Yurha lost her biological father from birth.
“And mother collected men under the pretense of ‘father.’ It’s a sort of…contractual relationship through marriage.”
“A knight under the name of ‘husband’?”
“It sounds a bit odd, but yes.”
Currently, Yurha has multiple fathers.
There are the Grand Duke of the Empire, the S-rank Sword Master, and the successor of the Magic Tower.
“Marriage alliances. Most are humans who came seeking my mother’s and grandfather’s wealth. Or those who have been supported by mother for a long time.”
Yurha dislikes these fathers and will, in the future, eliminate them all to seize control of the Silverstar Trading Company with the help of the protagonist.
Depending on the protagonist’s choice, they might join forces with these fathers and even remove Yurha from power, but that’s a story for later.
“Lady Yurha.”
“‘Lady’ all of a sudden?”
“If I say that your future will benefit from me, then it’s right for our deal to continue, isn’t it?”
“…Of course.”
Yurha drew a circle with her staff in front of her.
“I need people who are my own. Someone to act in my place, someone beyond just a child.”
“People who will be your hands and feet.”
“Yes. Unlike dolls that I can control with threads, people need something else to make them move. What do you think it is?”
“Desire.”
At my answer, Yurha smiled.
“Exactly. Desire is the greatest driving force for moving humans. Just as my fathers came seeking wealth, and the monster hunters who come to Habsderk are not here to protect me but to collect magic stones from hunting monsters.”
A circular layer of magical energy appeared in front of Yurha.
“Shall I shoot then? I’ll use a defensive spell.”
“Thank you.”
I aimed my staff at her and mimicked pulling an arrow, channeling magic.
“Fire Arrow.”
A basic fire magic spell, a fire arrow.
The fiery arrow shot from the end of my staff flew like a bird and struck the golden defensive magic Yurha had set up.
Hwoosh.
The flame arrow ricocheted off Yurha’s shield and dissipated into embers.
“Impressive. It seems stronger. I infused more magic.”
“From my perspective, you’re the one who immediately reinforced the defensive magic based on the amount of magic you infused. That’s more impressive.”
“Hehe.”
Yurha shrugged lightly.
“I’m not boasting, but there truly are geniuses in different realms. Magic and magic power are quite…so.”
“…”
“It might sound unpleasant, but everything is relative. It might seem like I’m showing off, but…”
“I understand. What you mean.”
Yurha’s magical talent is considerable, but in terms of rank, it’s not at the level of SS-rank.
‘Between A-rank and S-rank.’
Each character has their own potential, and the limits of that talent are somewhat clear.
If they awaken as an angel, those limits would be extended, but—
‘And my current potential is about C-rank.’
This body, having contracted with a demon, had reached a B-class level of magical power.
In many ways, it has well-defined limits.
“So, what will you do? Buy people with money?”
“…Hehe. Isn’t that the best way?”
At my words, Yurha smiled.
“If there’s a lack of talent in the tasks I need to accomplish, the solution is to fulfill the desires of geniuses who possess that talent. And the easiest way to fulfill those desires is indeed…”
“Money.”
“Yes. You’re very perceptive, Young master.”
Yurha put away her staff.
“So, Young master, do you know where talented individuals tend to gather?”
“Of course.”
“Where?”
“Esdinas Academy.”
In 10 years.
The Academy that Yurha enters when she turns 17.
“Will you be coming?”
It’s not a question of whether she will go or not.
Yurha has already decided to enroll in the Academy.
“No one from the Habsderk family has ever entered the academy except by invitation.”
“Correct.”
“The reason, … you know it, right?”
“It’s because it’s bad if you meet someone outside the family.”
There is a precedent.
In Habsderk, three siblings were born, and one of the two brothers who attended the Academy never returned to Habsderk.
“What will you do?”
“Well, I suppose I’ll either strongly advocate the need to attend the Academy or, if necessary, go while hiding my true identity.”
“Why?”
Yurha approached and brought her face close to mine.
“Could it be…?”
“…”
I couldn’t say anything to Yurha’s face, which was just smiling brightly.
“At least you won’t regret it. As long as it benefits both of us, our deal will continue to be renewed.”
“Hehe. I understand.”
With my answer, Yurha withdrew, her eyes curving into crescent shapes.
“We will be very good…partners going forward.”
Yurha.
“There’s no one else who communicates as well as you do, Young master.”
“It’s an honor.”
Unlike her mother, Yurha is the heroine who will create a single partner for her future.
…Although I don’t know if the Yurha of today will be the same as the one in ten years.
