Chapter 47 – Rozenburg Clan
Ares resumed working the next day .
What he’s going to do today is…
[Confirming the information about the aristocrats and laying the foundations . ]
He said . It didn’t mean that he’ll lay low for a while .
He must act domineering if he wants to find a true alliance . If he simply asked, then he would have no idea when they will betray him .
Ares is planning to look into it now… . whether there is anyone qualified to join his ranks .
Of course it will be more advantageous when he can catch some powerful aristocrats or clans . But that’s not what he’s seeking . What he wants to know from those aristocrats are…
Whether they act for their own interests .
Whether they consider the people’s well being .
And, whether they can join hands with the Schwarzer clan .
That’s it .
[It’s not a problem even if they betray me in the middle of the road . I doubt that I can get along with clans that move for their own interests . I don’t need those kind of people among us . ]
And then, Ares laughed audibly .
[I’m going to sift through all the aristocrats anyways…recruiting only those that we really need . Those clans claiming to be 『Righteous』 . We’ll see if they are truly『Righteous』… . . or just people who want to do what they want… This is good too as there will be less maggots . ]
Ares said those harshly . He’s going to do this with utmost seriousness .
He’s going to sweep the Arcadia aristocrats clean .
Sigurd was there to hear all of that directly… . he couldn’t help but feel a chill running down his spine .
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The aristocrats in Arcadia have a certain hierarchy .
The highest would be the Archdukes . The position that the four vassals who aided the first Arcadia emperor Leon held and has been passed within the four clans through the generations .
Guardian of the North and East Archduke Schwarzer, Archduke Saxon in the West, Archduke Lombardia of the South, and Archduke Rozenheim who assists the emperor at the Royal Capital .
Then there are the six dukes . They are relatives of the imperial family and are posted in various key positions within the empire .
The present prime minister is Duke Clark . Duke Arnold was the former prime minister . Duke Hellion and Duke Hoover are also each responsible for the administration in the Royal Capital .
Meanwhile, Duke Randolph currently serves as the Imperial Knights leader and Duke McDohl as the commander of the Imperial Army’s first division . Both of them were stationed in military positions .
What the Archduke and the regular dukes have in common is that all of them carry the imperial clan’s bloodline .
Although the Archdukes are exceptions . That’s why there is a clear distinction between them and other vassals .
Then the other aristocrats… . . what about the vassals who are not relatives of the imperial clan?
The highest rank these vassals could achieve was『Marquis』 . They have a large territory and enjoy high status in the capital . Their number aren’t that big, but still sizeable compared to the Archdukes and the Dukes . Apart from the imperial clan relatives, these aristocrats held the greatest influence .
And below that is the 『Earl』 .
Earls are still considered aristocrats and they still held great influence .
Under Earl are the following: the Viscount, Baron, Baronet, and lastly . the Knight leader .
But along with the empire’s long reign came the corruption . Aristocrats started to neglect territory administration and act only for their own benefit . They also escalated the power struggle by creating factions .
Also, they often used their position to justify bad deeds, making their people suffer . They thought that they could do whatever they want because they have that privilege as an aristocrat . Many had this misunderstanding . Ares especially hates these kinds of aristocrats .
Therefore, he always avoided associating with those aristocrats . But now… . it’s very important to increase the number of his allies .
The other purpose is to pinpoint who will be his enemies… . and who could become his true allies .
The first five days, Ares visited his old acquaintances .
These aristocrats are those who Ares trusts . His aim was to get new information regarding the current situation .
The first one he visited was Rozenburg clan .
[The last time we met was during that small incident with Hadora, wasn’t it? It’s been a long time . ]
Ares laughed inwardly as he knocked on the door of Rozenburg mansion .
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The Rozenburg clan is known for their [Magic] in the empire
The clan had produced large number of court mages as well as the best mages there is . In addition to their [Magic] , they also develop magic tools that are widely used on the capital .
In fact, marquis Alphonse Rozenburg was the head of Imperial Mage Division while his brother was also a court mage .
Alphonse was a neat, well-dressed and fair skinned blonde haired gentleman, his appearance reflecting his good reputation . He’s polite and well-accepted by many, becoming even more dignified as he grew older .
He’s of course, a highly talented mage, being the 2nd strongest in the ranks of the court mages .
Ares became familiar with Alphonse after a certain incident . He’s delighted to see that Ares had come to visit .
[It’s been a while, Ares-dono . ]
[Pardon me for visiting so suddenly . ]
[No no, Ares-dono is our benefactor . There is no need to refrain . ]
That said, Alphonse invited Ares in and offered a seat once they arrived in the backroom .
[I hope Hadora doesn’t annoy you?]
[Ah… . about that, I was thinking of apologizing . After all, it felt like I’ve snatched Hadora away from you… . ]
[No, Ares-dono has no need to apologize . The person in question had chosen to leave on his own accord . If someone has the capability to handle that Hadora, it must be you, Ares-dono . ]
Having said that, Alphonse immediately shifted to the real subject .
[Well then, Ares-dono . What will your order be this time?]
At that point, Alphonse’s previously calm eyes became sharp .
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The Rozenburgs in fact belonged to a neutral faction . Many want to be part of their faction due to their highly preferred status and their high level of mastery on the field of magic . Many aristocrats had tried to reel them in . That’s why Ares clearly understood Alphonse’s troubles .
[There are two points . ]
Ares then took out a folded paper from his pocket .
[This is…]
[This is the blueprint for the『Cooling Box』 . Many people in the Schwarzer Territory use this to keep their food cool or to store it . ]
Alphonse gave it a look… . then his face turned into that of astonishment .
[The power source is… . . I see, a magic stone that emits cold… . this is surprising . To think this kind of thing is possible to make in this world . ]
Food preservation is a matter of life and death for commoners . Therefore, techniques such as drying fish and bottling were invented .
Winter is fine . But come summer, it’s easy for food to become spoiled . This is especially true for the inland Arcadia Empire .
This『Cooling Box』that Ares had presented basically solved that problem… . it was innovative enough to turn the whole world in an uproar .
[However, there is one problem . It’s hard to mass produced . But it’ll be possible once we can find a way to create smaller magic stone . And so, I’d like to borrow Alphonse-dono’s wisdom . ]
Hearing Ares’ request… . . Alphonse looked back at Ares with aworried face .
[I understand… . but are you sure? To easily give me this technology . If this can successfully be produced, it’ll surely sell very well in the royal capital . It’ll bring great wealth . This… . ]
[The important thing is to improve the people’s quality of life . I have no other goal than that . ]
Ares then added more to assure Alphonse .
[Also… . I’ll tell the method to produce this tool only to Alphonse alone . There is no better person other than you who I can entrust this to . ]
Alphonse stared at Ares’ eyes for a while . The silence went on until Alphonse smiled at last .
[Ares-dono’s feeling, as well as aspirations, I’m aware of it . I’ll put my effort into this kind improvement as well . ]
[Thank you . ]
Ares smiled back and bowed .
[Then how about the second point?]
[Ah, that is… . ]
Ares let out a boyish smile and replied .
[I merely came to see you and your family . ]
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During the conversation, the door suddenly swung open . Three girls entered the room .
[Ares-sama! Welcome back!]
[Big bro Ares, why did you never contact me?] (TL Note: Millia called Ares as Ares-ani)
[Ares-niisama, long time no see!]
Alphonse’s three daughters greeted in unison .
The first daughter Roxanne was 22 years old . She’s a beautiful girl with big eyes and shiny long black hair . It’s quite obvious that she inherited her fine skin from her father, the marquis . But…when Ares looked at her, he immediately turned his sight away . The reason being, she has the kind of body that any man would involuntarily want to touch… in a lewd way . The girl herself may not be aware of this . But… . those voluminous breasts and butt are sweet temptation to all men .
In contrast, the younger sister Millia, 18 years old is similarly beautiful and soft spoken, with healthy tanned skin and short crimson hair . But unlike her sister, she has a boy-like figure, which is tight and energetic, invoking the sense of healthiness .
She was a junior in the Imperial Academy, whom Ares was quite friendly with . Currently the highest scoring student in the academy, Ares heard that she’s also serving as the vice president of the student council .
And then there was the 15 years old Chyntia who sported elf-like pair of long ears . She still behaves like a kid with a slight naivety . But otherwise she dresses neatly just like her older sisters, and will surely become a beauty in the future . Despite still young… . she already has the curviness of her eldest sister… . .
[You girls… . . don’t act so rude like that . ]
Alphonse coughed and reprimanded them .
[Well, brother here was our lifesaver . He’s also a senior I look up to . I’ve been wanting to meet him again . Elder sister Roxanne even helped me picking the underwear that I should wear for the occasion… . ]
[Kyaaaaah!]
Roxanne’s face blushed furiously as she promptly shut her younger sister’s mouth by hugging her face in her bosom .
[It’s nothing! Please forget what you’ve heard just now!]
[Ha… . ]
Ares looked at Millia .
She was stuffed in between the pair of huge breasts, trying to free herself out .
[Ahh… . Roxanne-aneesama, you are suffocating Millianesama . ]
At Cynthia’s words, Roxanne dropped her gaze down, then immediately let go of her .
[Guhaaaa! Hah, hah . . Good grief . You breast fiend! Why so suddenly!]
[Because, you said something weird out of the blue, didn’t you!? Don’t implicate me so freely like that!]
[Shut it! Is that why you suffocated me with your breasts! Are you trying to disgust me!?]
[No… . it’s because Millianeesama started it… . ]
[What’s with that, Cynthia? I thought you were my ally!? Did you finally join the big breast alliance!?]
[Arghーーーー! Enough! !]
Alphonse cut their bickering off . The three immediately stiffened their body and remained standing there unmoving .
[Good grief, all of you just had to barge in suddenly and bicker . I have something important to discuss with Ares-dono . You three can catch up with him later!]
Being told off like that, the three displayed sorrowful expressions .
[Don’t give me that face . Ares-dono… . do you have any other plans today?]
[Eh? Erm, thatー…… . . ]
[Fumu, I’ll take that as a no . Then you four can talk later during meal time . For now, please get out . ]
[ [ [ …… . yes…… . ] ] ]
The three left the room dejectedly .
[Ares-dono, please excuse us for the rude behaviour . ]
[No, it’s alright . ]
Having said that Ares gave a look at the leaving three’s back . Then he thought to himself . Ordinary people would smile when they see the three’s relationship… . but only that . Only those in the knows would understand .
Yes, it’s regarding their overwhelming magic power capacity .
[Those three are still as amazing as before…]
[Very few are aware of that . ]
Alphonse replied while sighing softly .
The Rozenburgs have always been mages for generations . Their children have always been born with large amount of magic power .
But those girls… .
[My daughters… . . they have astronomical amount of magic power, the largest in the whole history of our clan . ]
Right, those three were born with immense magic power .
Was that why? The eldest daughter Roxanne once inflicted great damage to the Rozenburg territory because her magic power went berserk and exploded when she was younger . She lived in withdrawal for a while after that . The younger sisters Millia and Cynthia had also lived their life with the fear that similar thing will happen to them as well .
[The girls now act very differently from that time . It’s all thanks to Ares-dono… . . that they could regain their light . I can’t thank you enough for that . ]
When Ares met Millia for the first time back at the academy, he was marvelled by her immense yet unstable magic power… . . and so he gave her something . It’s the bracelet she now always wore around her wrist .
Magic Adjustment Bracelet
Millia was able to control her magic power after receiving and wearing the bracelet . Shocked, she immediately told her father about this, and he promptly requested for more bracelet for her other sisters .
At that time, various things happened .
But thanks to that… . Millia regained her cheerfulness, and Roxanne recovered from her withdrawal to start anew once more . Cynthia became able to make friends more freely and is doing well at school .
[That’s why… . . I wish to entrust my daughters to you . ]
Saying so, Alphonse leaned forward with a serious look on his face .
[So, let’s get to the point . Have you decided? Regarding that matter . ]
That matter, Rozenburg clan had repeatedly made this offer to Ares before .
[No, I haven’t… . ]
Alphonse leaned closer towards Ares, who in turn retreated slowly .
[Roxanne has long missed her marriage age… . but I still wish for grandchildren . ]
He said so as he moved even closer .
[I’m not offering too much luxury here . I’m not asking you to pick one between the three . I’m asking you to take all three if you must . My daughters are merely waiting for Ares-dono answer!]
After that, Alphonse kept pursuing the question to Ares up until the afternoon of that day…… . .
Immediately after finishing his dinner, Ares excused himself out . Today, he once again declined Alphonse’s offer, saying that he needs to go home . Finally, Alphonse confessed .
[Your Excellency… . you may have come today to probe into my clan’s allegiance… . am I correct? But rest assured . The Rozenburg is not a clan that would forget the great favor . ]
On his way back from Rozenburg mansion, in the midst of darkness, Ares spoke to seemingly no one .
[Well, as expected of the Rozenburg clan, I guess? Even if I showed some interest I couldn’t just accept the offer, and neither do I need anything in exchange for what I did for them… . . but I suppose he has already made his decision . I need him as an ally after all… . and his mages as well . ]
Ares said as he walked under the moonlight .