Volume 24 Chapter 5 Offer From Al
Al had hoped to meet his elder brother Gustave, or perhaps speak with the attendants Ozbert and Orville—or even Lord Duran. But the moment he stepped near the area reserved for the Margrave Knights within the garrison, he felt it.
Eyes were watching.
'Ally, you feel that? Someone's tailing us,' whispered Glee, her voice calm yet alert.
She was observing through the Floating Eye, a surveillance spell that hovered above them. It seemed someone from Prentis might have slipped in unnoticed. Maybe even a spy.
Before he'd even gone thirty meters, Al sensed danger. He paused, pretending to recall something, then swiftly turned around and left the area at a brisk pace.
'They're on edge,' Glee murmured.
"Yes," Al agreed softly.
'They may not have recognized Sir Al directly,' added a second voice—a calm, feminine tone distinct from Glee's. It belonged to Riana, the assistant device entrusted to Al by Lady Patricia. 'But judging by the attire of the Parker House attendants, they likely assumed you were someone of importance.'
Like Glee, Riana could speak directly into Al's ear, invisible to anyone around.
With the Margrave Knights' camp off-limits for now, Al turned his attention to his other contacts. Naresh was likely still within the prince's command area, but trying to contact him directly using Telepathy could expose him. Magic use, especially within the camp, might draw unwanted attention.
He sensed something—a faint reaction, like that of a Magic Tool. The Sylvester Kingdom might not have full-scale detection magic yet, but they weren't entirely unprepared either.
Deciding to avoid unnecessary risk, Al returned quietly to the prince's tent and asked one of the attendants about the location of Baron Sennett's camp.
* * *
The Baron Sennett family's encampment was modest—just two large, weathered tents with a simple flag hastily stitched together. No guards stood watch. Six warhorses tied nearby grazed lazily.
"Excuse me for intruding," Al called out.
A voice answered from within. "Who's there?"
"It's Al," he replied, glancing around to ensure no one was within earshot. Lowering his voice, he spoke clearly.
There was a rustle, followed by quick footsteps. Craig emerged from the tent, blinking in surprise.
"Ah... you dyed your hair brown?"
"Yeah," Al scratched his head. "Lately, I've been remembered a little too well as the blond magician from Prentis."
"I see. Got it." Craig nodded firmly. "Al, thanks for coming."
"Al! It's been too long," another voice chimed in.
It was Sigmund, the son of Radyard—the same tutor who had mentored Craig and Naresh. Inside the tent, Al also noticed a magician from Lord Zora's unit, someone he'd met during a past diplomatic mission.
"You both look well," Al said, smiling. "This is a little something for Sir Naresh."
He handed Craig a few bottles of wine, some roasted nuts, and a bag of dried fruit—supplies he'd picked up in Parker, the border city.
"Thank you. His Excellency will be pleased," Craig replied politely.
The tent's interior was sparsely furnished, save for a desk buried in parchment.
"Why are you here, Al? Judging from those clothes... is this a request from Viscount Parker?" Sigmund asked as Al took a seat.
Apparently, they hadn't been informed about his current role. That meant he had to tread carefully.
"Well, I was with Sir Naresh just a short while ago. And yes, this involves the Viscount. But for details, please ask Sir Naresh himself. I'm not sure how much I'm permitted to say."
That was all he could offer for now.
"I see. That's fair. So, were you hoping to meet His Excellency, Baron Sennett?"
"Yes. I have another duty starting tonight, but I had a little time beforehand. I thought I might see my brother, but... well, let's just say circumstances prevented it."
They would understand. In a war camp, discretion was expected.
"I get it," Sigmund nodded. "Say—listen to this. His Excellency has finally mastered Physical Boost! Remember that time he used it when we fought the Barbarians? He split the Goblin Slaughterer in half with one blow. Now he's leading charges himself, and every time our banner rises, enemies scatter! I've had the honor of fighting beside him."
So Naresh had mastered the spell. Al glanced at Craig, who nodded, pride evident in his eyes. That meant Craig was doing well, too.
According to Tess—the assistant device passed down by someone like Lord Veil—the two of them had been progressing steadily. Naresh had learned both Light and Physical Boost, while Craig had learned Light and Magic Sense, and was now studying Magic Missile.
The bracelet housing Tess still glowed faintly on Craig's wrist. Apparently, assistant devices could share data and communicate even when not physically touched.
"That's great. Truly," Al said sincerely.
"In the beginning, we were mocked," Sigmund said quietly. "People said we only became barons thanks to bloodlines. His Excellency would just smile and brush it off, but... it hurt. Now, though, we can walk through camp with pride."
"What are you working on now? Ah, you don't have to say if it's confidential," Al asked.
"It's fine," Craig replied. "Right now, we're writing letters—mainly to those connected to the old Count Senet family. We're announcing that the Sennett family has inherited that legacy. It was Lord Zora's idea, explaining that Sir Naresh is the son of Count Senet's second daughter, Lady Tara."
"Craig's handwriting is neat," Sigmund added. "I'm helping too, but I mess up a lot. The Baron's finances are tight, so we try to reuse parchment. Still, my penmanship is awful, and Craig scolds me often."
Al remembered Kane mentioning similar issues—tight budgets for tailoring. The Sennett domain was new and small, just ten villages. Their resources were understandably limited.
'Sir Al, I've reviewed the situation,' Riana's voice spoke softly into his ear. 'I suggest we lend funds to Baron Sennett.'
No, that was too reckless. Lending to a noble family, when Al was just an individual? The amount he could offer wouldn't even cover their postage fees.
He subtly moved his fingers across his lap—his silent signal for No, shared with Glee. Riana should have understood it as well.
Yet she continued.
'Sir Al. This year's tax income for the Sennett domain is reported at 382 gold coins. They've already borrowed 700 from the Levy merchant guild just to fund this campaign and can barely afford postage. But the name Sennett still holds power—it ruled this land for over two centuries. That's why Lord Zora believes it's worth rebuilding.'
382 coins? How did she know that?
Ah. If Tess had been equipped, the assistant device must've recorded everything. But still... that's not what Al had intended when he'd lent Tess out.
(No. No. No!)
Al's thoughts twisted in resistance, fingers brushing his knees. This wasn't what he wanted.
'Ally. Breathe. This is for Naresh and Patricia,' Glee's voice grounded him.
He stopped moving. Closed his eyes. Breathed in. And thought.
"Huh? Al? You okay?" Craig asked, concerned.
Al looked away, guilt pressing down. What he'd learned... he already knew. And he couldn't unlearn it now.
Riana wasn't wrong. In her view, gathering information and acting on it was only logical. This would help Patricia too.
Still... he hated this.
Al ran a hand through his hair, then gripped the assistant devices tightly.
Suddenly, he stood up.
"I'll be back shortly."
Leaving the two confused men behind, Al stepped outside the tent. Only a magician from Lord Zora's command was nearby.
No other magic responses. Safe.
With a quick cast of Transport, Al retrieved a heavy bag from his quarters inside the Research Tower—gold coins. A thousand of them.
He staggered under the weight, reentered the tent, and placed the bag onto the table with a dull thud.
"Please use this. Just return it in three years."
"What... is this?" Craig asked, stunned.
Despite the guilt twisting in his chest, Al had decided to trust Riana and Glee. If supporting the Sennett family meant protecting Patricia too, then...
"I managed to earn this recently. I believe in Lord Zora's proposal. If we act now and send the proper greetings, the Count Senet name can rise again. In three years, Naresh will be strong enough to repay it."
He'd accidentally used Naresh's name informally. But neither Craig nor Reginald seemed to notice, eyes fixed on the heavy bag.
"...I can't accept this," Craig said quietly, pressing a hand to his chest. "At least not without Sir Naresh's approval. Please wait for his return."
Al nodded. "Understood. In that case, while we wait—tell me more. About His Excellency, and you, Mr. Reginald. I'd like to hear about your battles."
Notes:
• Duran - Knight of the Margrave. Vice-captain of the Fourth Squad.
• Riana - Female. An assistant device with vast knowledge of the Tempest Kingdom's past. Her appearance is not described in detail. Her relationship with Al is advisory. Her power and combat style are unspecified.
• Naresh - He was in the same class as Alfred, and he is the second son of Viscount Lester, who was to be Baron Sennett, at the middle school in the capital of Margrave Rain's domain.
• Baron Sennett - Naresh. He was in the same class as Alfred, and he is the second son of Viscount Lester, who was to be Baron Sennett, at the middle school in the capital of Margrave Rain's domain.
• Reginald - He once protected Naresh when they were attacked by the Blood-Soaked Bandits. Mercenary for the Levy merchant guild.
Please bookmark this series and rate ☆☆☆☆☆ on here!