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𝐌𝐨𝐧𝐞𝐲𝐥𝐞𝐧𝐝𝐞𝐫
The victorious expedition team, having conquered the dungeon, returned to Sir Wilfred’s mansion, dancing and singing with joy.
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Their high spirits were understandable, for they had not only defeated the formidable chimera and obtained its blood, but also captured rogue adventurers who had been plundering the dungeon, seizing their magic stones and materials.
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Despite some injuries, the mission was an unparalleled success.
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“Alright, today we celebrate our victory! I’ll generously reward everyone!”
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Even Sir Wilfred was sipping wine on the way home.
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“Oh, Otou-sama.”
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Alma, trailing at the end in her armor, sighed in exasperation.
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“Sorry, Alma. I didn’t bring a change of clothes this time.”
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“Don’t mention it.”
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She shook her head at Luke, walking beside her.
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“Though I’m wearing armor, it feels so light. . . it’s unsettling. I’m so embarrassed, I could die.”
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“I’m really sorry.”
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“Just kidding.”
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Alma smiled at Luke, who was apologizing with his hands together.
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“I’m glad I got the armor ring from Luke. I hope I was a bit of help to you?”
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“Of course. We could defeat the chimera because of you, Alma. You also helped Sir Wilfred.”
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Alma whispered softly, smiling back at Luke.
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“I wonder if Otou-sama will now acknowledge Luke?”
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“Did you say something?”
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“N, Nothing. . . But what will happen to the rogue adventurers we captured?”
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The four captured rogues were bound and silenced with magic, escorted by the guards.
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“They’ll probably be tried. Dungeon looting is a serious crime, so prison is inevitable. But more importantly. . .”
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Luke continued, stroking his chin thoughtfully.
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“I’m curious why they were operating on such a large scale. That amount couldn’t be handled by individuals. It makes more sense to think there’s a big financier behind them. . .”
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“Come on, Luke-san! Why such a serious face?”
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Tyrone suddenly draped an arm around Luke, who was deep in thought.
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He was completely drunk, his face flushed red.
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“You’re the star of today’s victory celebration, Luke-san! Let’s get more excited!”
Saying this, Tyrone hoisted Luke onto his shoulder.
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Whistles and cheers erupted from the guards.
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“Hey, wait a minute!”
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“Exactly! Today’s hero is Luke, right here!”
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Sir Wilfred joined in the commotion.
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“”””Luke! Luke! Luke!””””
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A chorus of “Luke” calls erupted all at once.
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“Please, spare me.”
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Luke smiled wryly as the expedition team set off for home.
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“Ah, Lord. This is serious!”
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Sir Wilfred arrived at the mansion, only to be greeted by the troubled face of the butler.
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“What has happened?”
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“Well, it’s just that. . .”
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Behind a puzzled Sir Wilfred, the door to the drawing room opened with a click.
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“Finally back, are you? I’ve been waiting for you.”
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There stood a middle-aged man, short and balding.
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“Sir Avaris. . .”
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Sir Wilfred’s face soured at the sight of him.
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Luke also recognized that face.
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Avaris Trinal, a court noble and the father of Tommy and Thomson of the Trinal Triples.
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“I’m sorry for not being able to entertain you. Unfortunately, I was away from the mansion due to work.”
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Sir Wilfred frowned for a moment, but soon switched to a calm expression to welcome Sir Avaris.
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“So, what brings you here today?”
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“Playing innocent, Sir Wilfred? How cunning of you.”
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Avaris smirked unpleasantly.
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“I’ve come to remind you about the loan. 50,000 gold coins, can you return them now?”
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― The story then returns to the aftermath of Luke and Alma’s duel with the Trinal Triples ―
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“Damn! What trickery did they use! This is outrageous!”
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Tommy, who had been knocked out by Luke, woke up raging furiously.
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“Exactly! How could they do something like that! They must have used something foul!”
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Thomson egged on Tommy.
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“They resorted to cowardly tactics to defeat us! It’s decided, that’s what happened! How can this be called a fair duel! This duel is invalid!”
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The two continued to spew insults, conveniently ignoring the trap they had set themselves.
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“Tommy, isn’t it time to stop? It’s better not to get involved with them.”
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“What are you saying! We can’t back down after something like this.”
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“Right, Thomas. Why are you getting cold feet? We can’t back down after facing such cowardice. It would be a disgrace to the Trinal family.”
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Thomas tried to calm them, but they refused to listen.
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“But. . .”
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“Listen, Thomas. This isn’t just about us anymore.”
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Tommy placed his hand on the hesitating Thomas’s shoulder and spoke.
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“Our Trinal family might sound noble as court nobles, but we are essentially one-generation nobles without hereditary rights. Of course, we’ll inherit our father’s job and be granted the Count title then. But that’s not enough.”
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Although court nobles like the Trinal family are granted noble titles for their administrative roles, they don’t have hereditary rights unlike nobles with territories like Rampart Margrave.
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This rule had become practically nominal due to the hereditary nature of their jobs. . .
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“If court nobles like us cause any trouble, they are immediately stripped of their noble status; we are such vulnerable beings. For court nobles, becoming a hereditary noble with lands is a great aspiration. That’s why we have no choice but to show interest in daughters of rural nobles like Rampart Margrave. If we welcome a member of the Bastille family as a bride, their wealth becomes ours. This has become a problem for the Trinal family.”
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Tommy said this with a sly smile, as if he had just remembered something.
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“Indeed, this is a problem that the entire Trinal family should tackle. In that case, it might be good to ask father to make an effort.”
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“Tommy, you’re planning to use your last resort?”
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Tommy nodded in response to Thomson, who seemed to have understood something.
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“Father has lent a large sum of money to Rampart Margrave. Let’s put pressure on them from that angle. We’ll teach those country kids how city adults fight. I’m already looking forward to seeing their crying faces.”