The Emperor's mission will commence in February of next year.
In the next four months, I need to expand my influence and solidify internal unity.
Clunk.
As I was envisioning my future plans, Genedin entered the room.
I had been waiting at the manor after receiving a summons from the head of the family.
Genedin settled into the highest chair and paused for a moment.
I have a feeling he'll be quite impressed with me.
He probably didn't believe my promises.
Stopping the Imperial Army is no easy feat for anyone.
After all, the Emperor's stature is immense and awe-inspiring.
I'm grateful that Cox is looking out for me.
I knew he had made a concession.
If I hadn't established this connection, my investigation into Genedin would have likely gone differently.
Although the Arahan family is one of the foremost in the Empire, they cannot compare to the Emperor's presence.
Well, not yet, anyway.
"Jed Arahan."
"…Yes, Head of the Family."
What was this? His tone was unexpectedly warm, causing me a moment of discomfort.
Surprised, I glanced at his face, which bore an expression reminiscent of a kind father.
Today was the first time I realized Genedin had this side to him.
"You've done something remarkable."
"…It's all thanks to you, Head of the Family."
"Do you remember when I asked you to extract a confession from Billy's head of household? I was quite impressed with your insight."
So he knows how to give compliments too.
This acknowledgment meant that stopping the Imperial Army was indeed a significant achievement.
I felt a bit justified in my pride.
"I'm relieved to have kept my promise to you."
"I just came from meeting with the elders. Do you know who they are?"
"Of course."
The hidden power within Arahan consists of relatives.
While they may not match his authority, their combined strength could serve as a formidable counterbalance.
From what I heard, Genedin often clashed with these elders.
Their objectives were likely entirely different.
Genedin aimed to strengthen Arahan to surpass the Emperor, while the elders sought safety and comfort in their lives.
In other words, they were like greedy pigs with insatiable appetites.
"Those old and unremarkable ones spoke highly of you."
"That's kind of them."
"Ha! Did they say thank you? They only spoke well of you because it serves their interests; don't forget their true nature."
"I will keep that in mind."
Unfortunately, those elders are already swayed by other siblings.
The first heir has already gained majority support within Arahan.
In any family, elders tend to align themselves with those who are most likely to become the next head of household.
It's how they maintain their current privileges.
As Genedin lowered his voice, the atmosphere shifted.
"I called you here to offer my congratulations on this matter. I also have some advice for you."
"Please go ahead."
"The elders will begin reaching out soon."
"...Yes."
Was he warning me?
To me, it sounded more like concern disguised as advice.
When it came time to cast me aside, where was this worry then?
I looked at him with confusion as he seemed unwilling to elaborate further.
Genedin had said just that one sentence and closed his mouth as if he had no intention of saying more.
Why stop mid-sentence? It's rather frustrating.
He neither continued speaking nor pressed me for answers. He merely sat there like a statue.
In that moment, I pondered what his true intentions were.
Was it a warning? Or perhaps an invitation to use me?
Maybe it was simply his way of telling me to figure things out for myself.
It could also be a preemptive hint about an impending threat.
Though I didn't catch any further remarks, I could guess what might follow.
I bowed my head and replied,
"I will keep that in mind."
"Now go on your way."
Genedin closed his eyes.
Wait, he's dismissing me just like that? This can't be right!
While it may seem somewhat provocative, I needed to ensure everything was in order.
"…Head of the Family, there's something you've forgotten."
"Forgotten?"
Genedin opened his eyes again.
He looked slightly displeased yet intrigued at once.
His vivid red eyes were fixed on me.
Thanks to Temud's spirit within me, I spoke confidently without hesitation or fear.
"You mentioned offering encouragement and advice earlier. However, I haven't received any encouragement yet."
"…What? Are you suggesting you want more praise?"
Praise?
I never expected that word would come from Genedin's lips...
For a moment I was taken aback but quickly regained my composure.
"No, it's not that…. To me, encouragement isn't mere praise; it's an unspoken reward. You haven't given me any form of encouragement."
I had accomplished something significant and deserved to assert my claim.
What does it matter if he offers praise?
Opportunities like this don't come often; there was something I wanted very much.
"..."
A brief silence ensued between us.
Time seemed to stand still as we stared into each other's eyes.
Then suddenly, Genedin burst into hearty laughter.
"Hahaha! So you're not just a child after all; you're already quite grown-up!"
His laughter made my head spin slightly.
I wish he'd turn on his signals when entering conversations.
Regardless, it was a relief to receive such a positive response.
Once his laughter faded away, Genedin asked with a satisfied expression,
"What do you desire?"
"I wish to visit the family's underground storage."
"Hahaha! Very well; take whatever you want from there. Just remember, only one item is permitted."
"Thank you!"
Though he laughed heartily, Genedin maintained a sharp gaze that reminded me of the limitation imposed on me.
Since he was being generous, why not give just one more thing?
Though slightly disappointed by this restriction, being allowed access to the underground storage was an incredible privilege nonetheless.
The magical artifacts there are exclusively permitted for heads of families only.
"Kalis, please escort our seventh heir."
"Yes, Head of the Family."
From within the shadows emerged Kalis, the head of security.
I quickly concealed my smile as we moved onward.
Clank!
"We're here; please enter."
Following Kalis led us to an underground chamber beneath the manor.
The thick iron door had neither handles nor keyholes; however, Kalis infused it with magic and it opened immediately.
"Wow…."
A musty odor filled my nostrils as an overwhelming sense of awe washed over me.
Before me lay thousands of magical artifacts arranged like priceless antiques—there was no escaping their allure!
"So many…."
Wherever I looked there were magical items—some familiar and some entirely new to me.
As I swallowed hard in disbelief, Kalis spoke from behind me,
"You may choose one from among these."
"What should I pick…. Is there no time limit?"
"Yes?"
"There wasn't any mention of time constraints."
"Oh… well…"
"Head of Security, surely you have plenty of time today?"
"..."
Seeing Kalis flustered made me determined to make the perfect choice; after all, who knows when I'd get another chance like this?
I began inspecting each magical artifact starting from those closest to the entrance—my goal being to examine every single one regardless if there were thousands or millions!
'This is Nurek's bracelet… That over there is Diak's ring.'
Only after careful inspection did I realize how disorganized everything seemed here—there were far too many random items piled together without regard for their quality or performance ratings!
'Perhaps they simply didn't care.'
After all, someone at Genedin's level likely surpassed reliance on magical artifacts long ago.
Moreover, there are limits on how many can be worn at once—usually just rings and bracelets on each arm along with necklaces or belts at most.
Considering that heirlooms from previous heads exist too means this storage must hold little value for him now!
'This is becoming frustrating.'
Even items I initially thought unfamiliar began triggering memories—most were just average items in my recollection despite their initial allure!
As disappointment set in further frustration grew—I felt like time wasted was creeping up behind me!
Noticing my growing impatience Kalis asked softly,
"Have you not chosen yet?"
"Who organizes this place? Why are only trivial items present?"
"Haha… You speak as if you're an expert on magical artifacts!"
Trivial indeed; if purchased they'd still cost hundreds of gold coins but hardly met my expectations!
What I sought held far greater value than mere monetary worth!
"Seventh Heir; it has already been five hours now—perhaps it's time for your selection?"
"One more round please."
"...That makes three laps already."
"What's wrong? Do you need to be somewhere?"
"My duty is always prioritizing your commands above all else."
Such loyalty astounds me!
Nodding casually while returning towards where we entered felt necessary despite feeling like wasting precious moments—if someone questioned why I'd waste time here I'd respond:
Because none can be so ordinary!
'Still Arahan though; why would they stockpile such low-quality items?'
Lost in thought while inspecting artifacts aimlessly led nowhere productive until finally asking,
"It's time now for your reveal."
"...Yes?"
What caught him off guard? Surely something lay hidden beneath these mundane treasures?
My senses tingled sharply—I straightened up eyeing him suspiciously,
"It should suffice after all this delay."
"..."
Kalis sighed heavily indicating defeat—a certainty now confirmed rather than mere suspicion—it couldn't be possible Arahan possessed only these worthless trinkets!
Perhaps some treasures remain concealed far beyond reach...
Suppressing excitement while urging him forward again felt necessary,
"You asked if I'd like access—to which yes! But I'm capable enough discerning good quality versus poor ones—and frankly all these are easily purchasable elsewhere!"
"Haha… This is quite something…"
"Head Security; let's not waste our energy here!"
"...Yes—I agree entirely."
Kalis shook his head resignedly before leading us deeper inside towards walls lined with hidden compartments revealing entrances concealed behind illusions—a trapdoor finally unveiled before us!
Awestruck entering revealed an intimate space filled with carefully arranged magical artifacts radiating immense energy—I stood speechless momentarily lost amidst their beauty!
"…You weren't trying mislead me initially—only those who understand value can wield true power…"
Kalis' words barely registered through my daze as fascination consumed every thought—I reached out instinctively toward shimmering treasures glowing brightly before me!
'Gote's bracelet…!'
Uma's ring and Zahart's belt—all top-tier magical artifacts awaited discovery!
'Could it really be?!'
Amongst them shone one particular item capturing attention instantly:
"How… How did such wonders exist here?"
As fingers grazed its surface behind echoed gasps from Kalis confirming its rarity—a treasure beyond compare compared against others surrounding it!
Confidently announcing its name echoed through air:
[Item 'Lich's Bracelet' equipped.] [Magic +5 increased.] [Name: Jed (Arahan)] [Class: Wizard] [Traits] [Immortal Resilience (S)] [Unyielding Gambler (S)] [Tenacious Challenger (S)] [Noble Spirit of Champions (S)] [Archmage's Blessing (S)] [Strength: 100 (-40)] [Agility: 100 (-40)] [Stamina: 100 (-40)] [Sense: 100] [Magic: 15 (+5)] [Additional spells unlocked.] [Electrification (Electricity)] [Lightning Strike (Electricity)] [Electric Discharge (Electricity)]