My Lord Who Is Being Prudent! [EN]: Chapter 61

§ 61. The Elanndur Marquisate (1)

The festival in Ruben had truly set the city ablaze.

Even after it ended, the excitement lingered, and the city remained vibrant.

For so long, these people had endured hardship in the Forest of Darkness.

The festival had ignited a spark of hope in their lives.

Perhaps that was why.

The bonds between the residents of the territory had grown even stronger.

“Kemar, that kitchen knife you made is fantastic! It’s not much, but please accept this token of my gratitude.”

“Kuhahaha! Don’t worry about such things. If anything breaks or you need a new tool, just let me know!”

Humans and dwarves.

Different races, different cultures, different values.

Even if they could be the best of friends, living under the same roof wasn’t always easy.

Yet, before they were defined by their race, they were all people who called the Forest of Darkness home.

They understood each other’s pain, transcending racial boundaries.

And so, they united under the banner of ‘Ruben,’ not as humans or dwarves, but as one community.

Ruben, where the festive spirit still lingered in the air.

“Ugh… my head is killing me.”

Cyan sat in the lord’s office, massaging his temples.

He had truly overdone it with the drinking, and the nausea was relentless.

Knights who wielded Aura [a life energy] typically had a high tolerance for alcohol.

Aura helped to flush out the alcohol from their system.

Cyan, who practiced the magic of the Mahonje Law [a unique magical system], also possessed a considerable drinking capacity.

But damn it all.

The dwarves’ capacity was simply inhuman!

Were they dwarves or walking beer barrels?

Eventually, they seemed to merge with the barrels, endlessly pouring it in.

Just as Cyan recklessly spent money on his broken Mobile Lord [a reference to a previous event], the dwarves poured beer into their seemingly bottomless stomachs.

Socializing with such dwarves, he had unknowingly consumed far too much.

“I swear, I’m never drinking with dwarves again.”

Cyan declared.

Still…

The beer brewed by the dwarves was undeniably good.

More than just good, it was exceptional, and he finally understood why it was so highly praised.

The savory flavor that enveloped the palate,

And the refreshing coolness as it went down the throat.

It was, without a doubt, the best alcohol Cyan had ever tasted.

In fact, Cyan had found himself drinking more than usual, captivated by the flavor.

Speaking of which…

Knock, knock.

“Lord, it’s Amelia.”

Amelia’s voice echoed from beyond the office door.

“Come in.”

Click.

Amelia opened the door and entered.

She seemed to have made an effort to dress up.

But she couldn’t quite conceal her dry hair and weary expression.

Considering how much Amelia had drunk the previous day, it was understandable.

“Feeling alright?”

“Ugh… to be honest, I feel like I’m on the verge of death.”

Amelia grimaced as she sat down across from Cyan.

Just then.

“Here, I’ve brewed some tea that’s supposed to be good for hangovers. Ellie recommended it, so it should help.”

Leah materialized out of thin air.

He hadn’t even sensed her presence.

Her sudden appearance was truly ghostly.

Leah placed the tray she was carrying on the table.

Then, she poured tea for Cyan and Amelia.

“Call me if you need anything else!”

With those words, Leah turned to leave the room.

However, instead of heading for the door, she walked towards the wall…

Sure enough.

Saaak, Leah passed right through the wall and vanished.

A true ghost butler.

“…Seeing that, Leah really is kind of creepy.”

“You get used to it after a while,” Cyan replied nonchalantly to Amelia’s shudders.

He picked up the tea Leah had poured and took a sip.

A warm sensation spread through his throat, and his body felt invigorated.

The nausea and throbbing headache instantly subsided.

‘Is this practically a potion?’

Ellie’s recommendation was definitely effective.

Amelia also seemed pleasantly surprised.

“Anyway.”

“More importantly, why did you call me here?”

Amelia set down her teacup and asked Cyan.

“Ah, right. About those troll carcasses you were supposed to handle. What’s the status on that?”

“It was postponed due to the festival… but it’ll be finished soon. The dwarves are helping out. They’re incredibly skilled.”

The dwarves, a race of artisans.

The troll dismantling was a difficult task, but it seemed effortless for them.

In any case, the problems caused by the lack of manpower were being resolved.

It seemed like the perfect time to put his plans into motion.

Cyan turned to Amelia.

“How about we start building a proper merchant group? What do you think?”

“A merchant group… you mean?”

Cyan nodded.

A formal merchant group.

Currently, Amelia was single-handedly managing the sales of monster carcasses and mana stones from Ruben.

Of course, the soldiers and residents assisted with escorting goods and carrying supplies.

But Amelia was responsible for everything else related to the trade.

It was more like a large-scale peddling operation than a merchant group.

It had been a makeshift solution.

Amelia was the daughter of the Brahe Merchant Group, a powerful organization that dominated the western part of the Empire.

Anyone else would have given up long ago.

But she was reaching her limit.

Cyan also wanted to expand Ruben’s business.

Not just monster carcasses and mana stones refined by Cyan,

But also the abundant crops being harvested.

The meat from the monster ranch.

The equipment and tools crafted by the dwarves.

And, of course, the dwarves’ beer.

He was certain it would be a hit.

Maybe he should invest in a ‘Drunk Brewery Lv.1’ instead of a ‘Hot Forge Lv.2′.

And especially the soap.

Cyan had tried it himself.

He immediately understood why the Mobile Lord had been so enthusiastic.

It could instantly remove stains that water alone couldn’t touch.

And the subtle scent it left behind after washing was delightful.

He was sure it would be a sensation, even among the nobles.

It might even spark a new trend across the continent.

Amelia couldn’t handle all of this on her own.

Now that they had more residents, it was time for Amelia to lead a merchant group, selecting those with a knack for business to form a full-fledged organization.

“What do you think? Amelia, you can name the merchant group. The Truth Merchant Group, or the Brahe Merchant Group, whatever you like.”

I just need you to make a lot of money.

Cyan said jokingly.

But Amelia was staring at Cyan with tears in her eyes.

“I… I… I…”

Her voice trembled as much as her eyes.

Finally, Amelia lowered her head.

Over the years, her family had fallen, and Amelia had wandered the Empire, determined to restore their name.

Since her only skill was in trade, she had started as a peddler with Lucas.

Day after day, year after year.

But Amelia had achieved nothing.

Talent alone wasn’t enough.

Especially as a woman.

Amelia had always been ignored,

Subjected to countless insults, contempt, and even unwanted advances.

People only saw her as an object of desire.

No one, not a single person.

Had ever trusted her enough to entrust her with such a responsibility.

That’s why this moment was so overwhelming for Amelia.

“Why? Is something broken again?”

Did Cyan even realize?

Probably not.

He was looking at her with such innocent eyes.

That’s why his innocence felt almost resentful,

And that’s why it was truly…

“Thank you. Thank you so much… Lord.”

He was a truly grateful person.

“Huh? What are you thanking me for?”

Cyan tilted his head, confused by Amelia’s sudden outburst.

What was there to be thankful for?

Cyan recognized Amelia’s exceptional talent as a merchant.

He doubted there was anyone in the Empire as capable as her.

Amelia would lead the merchant group better than anyone else.

And she would make a lot of money!

So Cyan was the one who felt grateful.

What was Amelia grateful for?

“Really… thank you so much, Lord…”

But Amelia was still sobbing.

He really didn’t understand why she was doing that…

Well, good was good.

Cyan didn’t bother to ask.

“Then select a few members from the territory residents and let me know.”

“…Yes.”

Just then.

Knock, knock.

“Young master, it’s Hans.”

Hans’ voice echoed from beyond the door.

Cyan hesitated for a moment, but his conversation with Amelia was almost over.

“Come in.”

He called out to Hans.

Soon, Hans entered the room.

But something was off…

Hans’ expression was troubled.

It looked like something was wrong.

“What’s wrong?”

Hans pulled a letter from his coat.

“Another letter?”

Why were letters arriving so frequently these days?

Could it be from Aria?

With that thought, Cyan took the letter from Hans.

Before even checking the sender.

“Huh…?”

Cyan tilted his head.

The seal on the letter was quite familiar.

A noble wolf standing in a snowfield.

“This is the Elanndur seal, isn’t it?”

The white wolf seal, the symbol of the Elanndur family.

#

Cyan dismissed Amelia.

Then, he opened the letter and read its contents.

[In this season of cool breezes, the Elanndur Marquisate (家) extends…]

As if they weren’t nobles who valued dignity.

There were so many unnecessary words in the opening sentence.

Old-fashioned formalities.

Aria’s casual letters were much better.

Cyan calmly examined the letter.

A lengthy text.

To summarize it in one sentence.

“Durak is summoning me?”

The head of the Elanndur family, Durak Elanndur.

He was requesting Cyan’s presence, urging him to come to the family estate immediately.

“Yes? Is the head referring to you, young master?”

“That’s what it seems.”

Cyan handed the letter to Hans.

Hans took the letter and read it carefully.

After a moment.

“…Why on earth?”

Hans set down the letter, looking bewildered.

“Exactly. He’s never shown any interest before, so why now?”

Cyan was equally puzzled.

Durak Elanndur.

Cyan’s biological father.

In reality, he had never paid much attention to Cyan.

Cyan had only seen Durak a handful of times while living with the family.

He couldn’t even recall having a proper conversation with him.

And that wasn’t just Cyan.

Durak had delegated all authority to Isabel and remained detached from the family’s internal affairs.

He only cared about one person.

The eldest son of the Elanndur family, and nominally Cyan’s eldest brother.

Kai Elanndur, the so-called star of the Empire.

That’s why Cyan had never had a private meeting with Durak.

But now Durak was summoning Cyan in a letter.

“Hmm…”

Cyan didn’t know how to react.

Honestly, he wanted to ignore it.

He didn’t want to get involved with the Elanndur family.

There was no way Durak would offer Cyan his full support.

Even if he suddenly decided to play the role of a father.

Cyan didn’t want it.

He had never considered Durak his father.

Hans might not understand.

Durak was just a biological father.

The people Cyan considered his parents had died with his mother, Cecil.

That’s why he wanted to ignore the summons.

“I have to go, don’t I?”

“I don’t know about Isabel… but if the head is directly calling for you, shouldn’t you comply?”

He couldn’t simply ignore it.

Cyan didn’t want to get entangled with the Elanndur family.

Even though he had been practically abandoned by them.

Cyan’s name was still Cyan Elanndur.

He was still a member of the Elanndur family.

As Hans pointed out, Isabel might not be aware of the situation.

If the head, Durak, was directly summoning him, there was no legitimate reason to refuse.

Besides, Ruben was technically Elanndur’s territory.

Cyan had come to Ruben as the lord under Isabel’s orders.

In a way, Cyan was a nobleman under Elanndur’s authority.

Refusal could have consequences.

Ruben was steadily developing.

But he hadn’t built a force strong enough to challenge Elanndur.

Could anyone on the continent truly challenge Elanndur?

He wanted to write [How much] in his reply, just like he did to Aria, and even add [Preemptive offer] in the postscript.

He really wanted to…

But he couldn’t.

More than anything, he was curious about why someone who had never shown any interest in him was suddenly summoning him.

“I’ll go.”

He had to go.

“I’ll make preparations.”

Hans turned to prepare for the journey.

But.

“No. I’ll go alone.”

Cyan’s firm voice stopped him.

Hans turned back, surprised.

Cyan was stopping him with a calm expression.

“But young master.”

Hans said, his voice filled with concern.

He knew the kind of treatment Cyan had endured in the family and the life he had lived.

That was the only thing Hans knew about Ruben.

He had to accompany him.

He had to protect Cyan.

But.

“It’s alright. I can handle it alone.”

Cyan was adamant about going alone.

Hans started to protest.

But he stopped himself.

The Cyan standing before him was no longer the Cyan he remembered.

He was not the same person.

No longer a bastard who craved the family’s approval.

No longer an incompetent person ridiculed as a rogue.

That Cyan was gone.

The current Cyan was overcoming seemingly impossible challenges.

He cherished those who had been abandoned and hurt.

The lord of Ruben.

‘What am I worried about?’

Of course, Elanndur was a formidable opponent.

Especially the head, Durak.

Who on this continent would take Elanndur and Durak lightly?

That’s why sending Cyan alone was dangerous…

Well.

Hans couldn’t explain it.

He was more worried about Elanndur.

“Hans, please take care of the territory while I’m gone.”

“…Understood.”

Hans nodded silently.

“Hmm… we have soldiers and Leah to deal with monsters, so there’s not much to worry about. The problem is the demons…”

A demon who could perfectly conceal its presence.

Currently, only Cyan could detect demons in Ruben.

It was unlikely.

But if a demon appeared while Cyan was away, it would be troublesome.

Fortunately, there was the demon detector obtained from the hall.

A higher-grade model than the one given to Aria, and Jerry had finished researching it.

‘Even though it was improved by Elodie…’

Jerry’s magical talent was truly remarkable.

He had managed to set the detection range to the entire territory, which was a huge accomplishment.

Jerry had stayed up for several nights researching it.

When he said, ‘Lord… I finally figured it out…’ with dark circles under his eyes, he looked even more ghostly than Leah.

‘To reduce Jerry’s burden, we need to find more researchers…’

The problem was that not just anyone could be a researcher.

Elodie’s Laboratory Lv.1.

Only those with knowledge of magic or magicology could become researchers.

The dwarves had joined the territory, but they were primarily artisans.

Their craftsmanship was exceptional.

But they lacked magical knowledge.

‘We need to recruit wizards…’

Well, anyway.

Leah was there too.

And they had the demon detector.

Even if a demon appeared, it wouldn’t be able to cause much trouble.

“There’s no need to delay. I’ll leave immediately.”

Cyan stood up.

#

The Elanndur Marquisate (家).

One of the two pillars supporting the Empire.

The Elanndur Marquisate was located in the eastern part of the Empire.

And as it was a vast territory, there were countless families in the eastern part of the Empire.

Not all of those families belonged to Elanndur.

But no one in the eastern family disobeyed Elanndur’s will.

Disobedience was considered treason.

Everyone whispered about the rumors.

The family that ruled the East.

As befitting such fame, Elanndur’s mansion was enormous.

“It’s been a while since I’ve been here.”

Cyan looked at the mansion.

It had been a long time since he had been banished to Ruben.

It had been a long time since he had returned.

“Nothing has changed.”

Nothing had changed since then.

Ruben was undergoing a transformation, evolving with every investment.

Why hadn’t anything changed here?

“Is this normal?”

Cyan chuckled and walked towards the main gate.

As he approached, a soldier guarding the mansion blocked his path.

“Halt. State your identity and purpose of visit.”

And.

“Huh? Are you…?”

The soldier tilted his head, recognizing Cyan’s face.

He seemed to be a soldier who had served when Cyan lived in the family.

It had been a long time since Cyan had left.

But he hadn’t forgotten Cyan’s face.

Cyan spoke.

“Cyan Elanndur. I’m here at the head’s summons.”

The soldier’s eyes widened.

Cyan Elanndur.

And the head’s summons.

Everything was surprising.

“W, w, w, w, w, wait a moment!”

The soldier hurried inside the mansion.