It happened in an instant. Unable to withstand the sudden impact, the man’s body rolled backward. Beric straddled him and mercilessly drove his fists down.

Thud! Thud!

“Uh…”

The companions standing nearby watched the scene in a daze for a moment. No matter how much he was ambushed, he wasn’t of a stature to be knocked down by a single punch. He seemed like someone who would grab Beric’s hair and throw him like before at any moment.

But he was only taking a one-sided beating.

“St-stop him! Stop him!”

“Crazy bastard! What are you doing, Beric!”

“Has this bastard lost his mind?!”

But the reaction of the guy who was pinned down was strange. He collapsed miserably, not moving a finger as if he had passed out. Only then did the comrades rush at Beric, screaming in panic.

“Move-!”

“Come to your senses!”

Beric’s breathing was rough and irregular. His momentum was fierce, as if he had taken a drug. It took more than five trainees to barely pull him off.

“What are you doing now?!”

“What’s going on?”

Deo and the instructors ran over at the commotion.

The giant man sprawled on the ground and Beric thirsting for blood. It was unbelievable that the situation had occurred with just fists, without weapons. If it were Beric who had collapsed instead, it would at least be understandable.

“Haa… haa… hahaha!”

“He’s completely crazy! Instructor!”

“This bastard Beric suddenly charged at him!”

Beric lay flat on the ground, bursting into laughter. His expression of feeling refreshed was a sight to behold. The trainees pressing him down with their bodies frowned in disgust. The instructor lifted his chin with his foot.

“Beric.”

“Ah, damn it, this is the taste.”

“Beric!”

“The idiot is the one who turned his back thinking the match was over!”

The roaring shout was chillingly hot. The instructor kicked his face as if it wasn’t worth responding to, and Beric’s painful groan erupted.

“Move that fellow to the infirmary, and restrain Beric and take him to the punishment room.”

At the instructor’s words, everyone moved in unison. Beric’s gaze met Ian’s as he was dragged away. Unlike Ian’s nonchalant expression, his eyes were excited like an adventurer who had discovered a treasure. He seemed to be overwhelmed with satisfying pleasure.

‘He’s definitely a madman.’

Ian also agreed with the trainees’ words. He seemed to be one of the craziest mage knights he had ever seen.

Conversely, it also meant that he had no fear when it came to combat. There was no match for a warrior who did not fear death.

“Sir Ian.”

“Ah.”

Deo approached Ian, furrowing his brows.

“What did that guy do?”

Despite the content, it wasn’t a worried tone at all. It was closer to asking out of formality. Ian brushed his sleeve and replied.

“No. He just received a mouthful of curses.”

“…Unfortunately, we’ll have to wrap up for today. Considering Young Master Chel’s condition and the training grounds being in disarray.”

Chel was sprawled out in the shade, catching his breath. His plump belly rose and fell with difficulty. It was just to give significance to the fact that he had moved.

Moreover, blood was splattered where the man had been pinned down, so it was clear that today’s session was ruined. If Ian’s purpose was solely training, that is.

“Alright. But about that fellow named Beric.”

Deo stopped as he was turning his back at Ian’s call.

“How will he be punished?”

“He’s a troublemaker, so we’ll have to hold a meeting to find out, but he’ll probably be whipped and expelled.”

And the wages he had been paid so far would also be confiscated under the pretext of compensation for damages. Ian walked with an expressionless face, but inwardly, he had a satisfied smile.

‘It wasn’t my intention, but it turned out well.’

Currently, Beric’s status was a soldier of Derga Bratz. But if he gets expelled and becomes free, it will be much easier to establish a relationship. As someone who blindly pursues strength, he will surely come looking for Ian due to the suspicious phenomenon he just experienced.

‘With that temperament, he seems like he would crawl and come find me on the day he gets whipped.’

Ian shook his head, looking at the back door of the training grounds where Beric had disappeared.

He’s a fiery one. If “Contract Magic” were possible, he would control him with that, but it was too much for Ian at the moment. He would have to coax him well, like handling a beast.

“Huff, huff…”

“Brother, are you alright?”

“…I can’t, I really can’t do this anymore!”

Chel almost wailed in irritation. He hadn’t raised his voice much since seeing Ian’s golden eyes. He seemed to be truly struggling.

“I understand. Brother, you can handle it on your own from now on.”

He smiled, implying that if the marquis cut off his training opportunities because of Chel, he wouldn’t let it slide.

It was uncertain if he understood. Chel got up, wiping his sweat. The pool of blood on the ground was terrible, and the whip sounds and shouts coming from somewhere were also frightening.

The training grounds were truly a place that didn’t suit him, Chel realized once again.

***

And the next day.

The third official luncheon with Sir Mollin began. The surroundings were bright with the flowers in the garden that had bloomed even more. Mollin, Mac, and D’gor led the meal much more comfortably than before.

“So I asked the young lady at that time.”

“Aha. I’ve heard that story before.”

“The marchioness probably knew as well.”

Unlike before, they didn’t drop meaningful words or engage in a battle of wills with Derga. There was no intention of bringing up topics that seemed to test Ian. Centered around Marchioness Mary, they only brought up trivial gossip from high society. It was clearly a change that occurred because they had communicated with Ian behind the scenes.

Derga, who had been silent for a while, threw out a remark.

“Sir Mollin.”

“Yes. Marquis Bratz.”

“Is Ian enjoying the tour of the territory?”

There were some suspicious aspects, but there were no discernible traces. Chel and Deo knew nothing, and he had checked the brooch three times in the midst of his busy schedule. But there was nothing to find fault with.

“After the first outing, we went to the park after the luncheon. The weather was very nice, so it was enjoyable to walk. The scholarly discussion was also excellent, so the memories of that day are vivid.”

“…That’s a relief then.”

“Ah, right. Sir Ian. Will you show us the room you mentioned last time today?”

Room? What room? Ian recalled for a brief moment.

Didn’t Mollin jokingly ask when he first suggested going out? Asking if he wouldn’t like to show them his room.

Ian glanced at Derga and smiled. The steak on the plate had disappeared cleanly. If permission was granted, it would be best to stand up and conclude the meal as it was.

“Would that be alright, Father?”

“I’d like to accompany you, but…”

Derga tried to join, but the presence of the aide pacing at the garden entrance was strong. He seemed to be moving back and forth like a whimpering puppy. There must have been urgent business left.

“The marchioness will wrap up entertaining the guests.”

He clicked his tongue inwardly and looked at Marchioness Mary. His attitude was coercive, as if instructing her.

“Yes, let’s do that.”

The chill between them had intensified even more after a heated argument. At least they were saving face in front of the guests.

Marchioness Mary wiped her hands with a napkin and smiled brightly. It was like an actor changing expressions on stage.

“Shall we get up then?”

“Alright. I had a good meal today as well. It was a nice meal.”

As everyone put down their utensils, the servants waiting behind moved busily. One of them approached the marchioness as if he had been waiting and whispered something to her.

“Ah.”

“What’s the matter, Marchioness?”

“I apologize. It seems that Marchioness Merellof’s attendant is waiting at the main gate.”

“Are you referring to the marchioness of the neighboring territory, Marquis Merellof?”

Mac asked, looking a bit surprised. Marquis Merellof. Being a frontier, he didn’t seem like he would be very famous in high society… But judging by Marchioness Mary’s attitude, they seemed to know each other quite well.

Marchioness Mary also smiled in agreement. It was a smile mixed with a sneer.

“Yes. I have something to receive. Ian, could you escort the guests to the room first? I’ll have the tea sent up.”

The marchioness politely asked for understanding. Derga also bid his final farewell and went up to his office, while Ian arrived at the annex room with the guests.

Creak.

“As they say, the room does resemble its owner. It’s very bright.”

Mac praised, looking around. The three people sat on the sofa. Ian brought parchment and a pen holder, pointing to his own chest. Everyone knew what the red brooch meant.

“Thank you, Sir Mac.”

“You said you were practicing your penmanship. May I take a look?”

“Of course.”

Mac and D’gor chattered endlessly to fill the void. There wasn’t much time until Marchioness Mary would arrive. Ian grasped the pen and wrote down a simple sentence.

-What should I do?

-Is it possible for you to enter Marquis Derga’s study?

-I constantly go up there to regenerate the mana stone.

It was the beginning of seeking the office. The tax-related issue that Ian had anticipated was highly likely. Mollin hesitated for a moment, as if choosing easy words.

-We need to confirm the total grain harvest yield and the production of the Monne Mountain coal mine in the territory. Also, the peasant tax rate confirmation from last summer to the present. It would be best to make a copy, but if it’s difficult, you can just record the numbers and bring it with a seal.

So they did have a coal mine. Even so, it was just coal, so it wouldn’t be a significant asset.

Even without a detailed list, if it had a seal, it could be considered an internal whistleblower’s report, allowing for a forced search.

That was the reason why nobles valued seals so preciously, and it was also why entrusting a seal was a common measure of loyalty.

-Are you saying that House Bratz embezzled taxes?

-We only have suspicions so far.

Ian asked, pretending to hesitate.

-Embezzlement is a grave crime that can destroy a family.

A pledge not to annihilate was needed.

If the Bratz surname disappeared, Ian’s position would also disappear. Not only that, but since Derga’s blood was mixed in, there was a high possibility of becoming a palace slave. He would have to dedicate his life to compensate for the embezzled taxes.

-If I oppose your adoption, you won’t be a member of House Bratz. You will avoid the death penalty, and there will be no need to cross the border, so wouldn’t that be great?

‘Look at these guys.’

As expected, Mollin didn’t give the answer he wanted. He thought Ian wouldn’t know about the subsequent process and didn’t seem to care much about it.

For an ordinary child from the brothel district, even if not a mana wielder, that seemed to be considered a sufficient price.

‘It’s the obvious choice, but it’s a bit troublesome.’

Given his position, he couldn’t openly demand the preservation of the family. For now, to bring down Derga, the palace’s power was absolutely necessary. But if he was caught thinking too deeply, it might become problematic.

“Ah.”

An exclamation unconsciously escaped Ian’s mouth as he was deep in thought. Mac and D’gor turned around at the sudden voice.

“Sir Ian?”

“I apologize. I bit my tongue.”

“Be careful. Small wounds can be painful.”

Mollin’s kind concern didn’t sound kind. If he were to be dragged away like this, there would be no way to survive. Ian organized the idea that had just come to mind and wrote down the letters.

-In that case, I have a suggestion.

-Please feel free to share.

A way to protect himself from the palace’s judgment and to preserve the ownership of the territory. They say the enemy of an enemy is a friend. Derga and the palace still had a common enemy left.

-I won’t get adopted, but I will meet the Cheonrye tribe.