Machinations

Translator: Cinder Translations

...

Upon learning that the young mage before him could manipulate brainworms to control Duke Fraule, Maltz Kent was overjoyed.

Suddenly remembering something, he asked anxiously, "Young Andy, forgive my suspicion, but this matter requires caution. Do you have any way to prove your connection with Master Bennett?"

"I just performed magic earlier, didn't I?" Andy asked quietly, evidently reluctant to reveal his true identity.

"Is... is that enough?" Rolling up his sleeve, he revealed a strange pattern on his arm.

"Enough! Enough!" Earl Kent had seen this pattern on Bennett's bald head and had been clearly told it was the symbol of the Arcane Order.

However, looking at this little boy, who seemed so innocent, and without confirming his identity, how could the Arcane Order trust him to come alone? The escorts who brought him had left immediately.

Wasn't this too risky? Or was this kid just an expendable pawn?

"Alright, Master Andy, besides controlling brainworms and releasing flames, do you have any other abilities?"

Andy tilted his cute little head and thought for a moment.

"I can also tell if someone is lying or if they have malicious intentions."

So powerful? Earl Kent's heart skipped a beat. Wasn't he practically transparent in front of this kid?

But then Andy added, "However, it only works if the other person is unprepared. If they can control their thoughts a bit, then I can't do anything."

Earl Kent secretly breathed a sigh of relief. This level of ability wasn't much of a challenge for someone as experienced as himself.

But this kid was so honest. He voluntarily revealed his trump cards and weaknesses.

After all, he was from the Arcane Order and could be of great use to him. It would be better to be polite.

Earl Maltz Kent put on a friendly face and patted Andy's shoulder.

"Young friend, you've come a long way. Let me treat you well."

After saying this, he loudly called for servants and instructed them to prepare a sumptuous lunch in the kitchen.

Andy's eyes lit up at the mention of good food. He seemed like a genuine child despite being a certified mage.

Earl Kent led him to the dining room; the hall was too spacious for a child.

Before leaving, he instructed the servants to summon his son, Jaius, and his nephew, Emerson, to accompany them. Both already knew about the Arcane Order and his plans with Bennett, and they had expressed their support.

They arrived at the dining room, and while waiting for lunch to be ready, Earl Kent tried to pry information about the Arcane Order from Andy. He thought it would be easy since the boy was young, but to his surprise, Andy remained tight-lipped. Whenever the conversation touched on crucial points, he clammed up, and no amount of probing worked.

Ultimately, he was still an outsider to them. Earl Kent felt profoundly disappointed. Yet, alongside his disappointment grew an increasing thirst for the power of magic, a yearning for the recognition of the mages.

"I must execute Master Bennett's plan perfectly," Earl Kent thought to himself.

"So, how did Master Bennett persuade you to assist me?"

Earl Kent muttered to himself. With Bennett absent, the issue of authority was now a big concern. He couldn't bring himself to obediently follow the orders of a mere child, even if that child was a mage.

"He once instructed me that if he wasn't here, I should follow your instructions—under the condition that it doesn't harm the interests of the Arcane Order. Master Bennett said you are aware of his plans in the northwest."

Haha! Earl Kent rejoiced inwardly. It seemed his teacher valued him quite highly.

"Alright, alright. I am just following the instructions left by the master," he chuckled.

As they spoke, servants entered the dining room, placing a heap of delicious and enticing food on the table.

Jaius and Emerson also arrived at the dining room, and upon seeing a child seated there, they were visibly surprised.

"Come, let me introduce you."

Earl Kent stood up and placed his hand on Andy's shoulder. "This is Andy, who comes from 'that place,' here to assist us in the name of Master Bennett."

'That place' naturally referred to the Arcane Order. When Earl Kent and his two younger companions communicated, they used this term to refer to the organization.

So this child is a mage? Isn't that a bit too unbelievable?

"Andy, this is my son Jaius and my distant nephew Emerson. Rest assured, these two are absolutely reliable."

Andy stood up and bowed to them, while Jaius and Emerson awkwardly returned the gesture with stiff smiles.

Everyone took their seats and began to enjoy the feast.

The servants then brought two glasses filled with bright red "beverages" and placed them in front of Earl Kent.

Seeing these two glasses filled with red liquid, Andy's face showed an uneasy expression.

"Oh, Andy, are you startled?"

Earl Kent noticed Andy's change in expression and said somewhat amusedly, "Inside these are just... um, let me think... Yes, today it's pig's blood. This is a health secret imparted to me by Master Bennett. Thanks to it, I feel like I'm starting to rejuvenate lately."

Earl Kent did indeed look lively and energetic.

However, Andy's unease did not diminish. He continued to stare at the two glasses.

Just as the atmosphere in the dining room became somewhat awkward, the young mage spoke up.

"Earl, since you're not ill now, it's better to stop drinking this stuff."

"Why should I stop?"

"Anyway, it's very bad, very bad. This is a kind of... rather unconventional thing. Maybe it has good short-term effects on the body, but in the long run... I've only read about it in books, but I still advise you to be cautious. If you can avoid drinking it, then don't continue."

With the young mage's words, Earl Kent suddenly felt uneasy. He had already picked up one of the glasses but now set it down.

"Haha, thanks for the reminder, young Andy. Let's eat, everyone, let's eat."

He beckoned everyone to start eating. They picked up their knives and forks and began to eat.

"In a few days, I will take Andy to pay respects to Duke Fraule."

The sudden statement from the Earl surprised both Jaius and Emerson.

"Is it starting?"

"Yes, we can't delay any longer. Although Master Bennett is currently occupied, with Andy's help, I think there shouldn't be any major issues."

"Father, do you need me to go with you?"

"No, you and Emerson stay and watch the house."

...

Lunch lasted almost half an hour. The young mage seemed to have never eaten such a sumptuous meal before, keeping his attention on the food throughout the meal. Earl Kent's remarks at the table went largely unnoticed by him, which further reassured the Earl about him.

However, what puzzled Earl Kent was that the exquisite delicacies that he had enjoyed in the past now tasted like wax in his mouth today, devoid of any flavor, leaving him quite depressed.

"Please escort Andy to his guest room to rest."

"Yes"

"Thank you for your hospitality, Earl."

The three of them got up and left the dining room, leaving Earl Kent sitting alone.

After sitting motionless for a while, Earl Kent finally made up his mind and stood up decisively, heading outside.

However, just as he reached the doorway, he suddenly rushed back to the dining table.

The two glasses filled with red liquid were still on the table. Earl Kent picked up one with one hand and started drinking it frantically...

(End of the Chapter)