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Chapter 67
“…Ah, what am I supposed to do if he goes like that!”
Just as I felt a moment of relief at being alone, another challenge appeared.
Right—
“He could come back at any time!”
Kiar was a mage who could teleport. That meant he could go anywhere, as long as he had the coordinates.
So he could just appear here anytime!
“Of course, telling him where I am isn’t the problem.”
But did I even know my circle? No. I tried gathering mana on the back of my hand to check, but nothing appeared.
I hadn’t even been tested.
There was no choice.
I would have to go to the temple for the examination!
But I couldn’t go to the temple right now. If I got involved and followed the original plot, it would be disastrous.
I was already tightly entangled with Kazliden.
If I went to the temple, it would mean planting a death flag for sure.
“You’re basically telling me to go die….”
I’d come this far. I couldn’t undo the changes I’d fought so hard to make.
“Isn’t there a way to do it secretly?”
A method to check without going to the temple…!
“Hmm. Nope.”
“Nothing, huh…”
Damn. I thought maybe, since it’s the underworld, I could bribe someone to sneak me in.
“Even that’s impossible?”
Then the only choice was to go to the temple. Two weeks of planning had yielded nothing. My head started to hurt.
“Why do you need the mana measured anyway?”
“…Well, here’s the thing.”
I clicked my tongue, calming myself before speaking.
I had been debating whether to say anything at all. But I didn’t know when Kiar would come back.
“It would be perfect if I could solve this myself.”
I was still inexperienced.
There weren’t many things I could do alone. I had limits, and some parts were clearly impossible to handle by myself.
In this situation, only one person could help me.
After days of careful consideration, that person was Gilbert.
He had never asked about my circle, even formally. He was strictly merit-based, and had said that as long as he completed his tasks safely, he didn’t care who I was or how many circles I had.
He wouldn’t care about my circle. Moreover, he was more discreet than I expected. He had kept my identity secret even from the duke’s inner circle.
Even within the guild, he made sure my identity wasn’t exposed to avoid danger.
For me, the most trustworthy person right now was Gilbert.
“First, please try not to be too surprised.”
“W-what? What is it? Did something happen?”
“No. It’s not exactly a disaster, but if it’s found out, it could be.”
“…?”
Gilbert’s expression shifted oddly at my words. I forced out the explanation I had agonized over for days.
Then,
“…Wow. If this got found out, it would be a disaster.”
“Exactly, right?”
Even I thought so.
“Well, I was a bit puzzled too. Usually, in these transactions, some people reveal their circles to negotiate higher terms. Not a bad strategy. I usually go along with that. But you weren’t like that, were you?”
“…I’m sorry. I should have told you beforehand.”
Gilbert chuckled lightly, waving a hand dismissively.
“No need. I figured it would be high anyway.”
He had already expected it, so he deliberately kept the mood light.
“There’s some connection to the temple, so I’ll see what I can do. But you will have to go at least once, even secretly.”
“Does it have to be the temple?”
“Yes. Mana is usually considered a divine power. And it really is. So for an accurate test, you must go to the temple.”
Gilbert tapped his ear with his index finger.
“They hear the voice of the gods, you see.”
“Then I guess there’s no choice…”
With a clear reason, it might be better to move quietly, just as he suggested.
“It’s strange. Normally, people are taken to the temple right after birth.”
Exactly! But the count and countess who gave birth to Amelia didn’t seem to take her there at all.
If they had, the latent energy would have been detected immediately, revealing her circle.
Even if I had possessed her body later, they could have measured it.
But there wasn’t even a mark on my hand—so they clearly never went.
“Besides, the Fran family was noble. By the time the lady was born, their business was stable enough that she wouldn’t have had to go to the temple.”
“I also find that a bit strange.”
In the original story, nobles and even commoners were supposed to be tested.
“There might be extraordinary talent hiding among them.”
Perhaps the test was encouraged to discover exceptional talent for the kingdom.
“Anyway, I’ll check and let you know. Just wait a little.”
“Thank you. And—”
“Keep it secret from Kazliden.”
“…Next time I’ll buy you desserts by the mountain.”
Gilbert’s eyes widened, and then he burst out laughing.
“If you buy me desserts, sure. But really, no need to worry. It’s just a circle check. And normally, I only report to Kazliden about things that could threaten the guild or family. But you’re not that kind of person, right?”
Gilbert grinned as he gestured over the line of potions on the table.
“You’re a talent who will help both the guild and the family. So I won’t report it.”
“Gilbert…”
This was what a true senior looked like.
Meeting an adult with such a normal, rational mindset in society was truly a great fortune.
“Oh, but…”
Just as I was soaking in gratitude, Gilbert swallowed and his expression darkened slightly.
“Be careful with that guy.”
“That guy?”
“You know, Kiar Riesel.”
Gilbert shook his head.
“He’s incredibly smart. Skilled, single-minded, and relentless in his specialty. But…”
He reminisced with a shadowed expression.
“He’s crazy.”
“……”
“The craziest I’ve ever seen. Unique in thinking, maybe seeing the world differently than others. You saw him, right? His words, his thoughts.”
Gilbert smacked his lips.
“If he comes looking for you, just hang him from the ceiling.”
Unlike others, he wouldn’t just watch the situation unfold. Gilbert emphasized it once more.
“Without mercy, just toss him up and hang him there. Got it? In situations like this, the one who strikes first wins.”
