[TKOSINM] 257 – ‘Grandpa~’

“Is it that easy?”

With a friendly smile, Sir Mulliman answered.

“Of course not.”

“...”

Irene was at a loss for words at his rather nonchalant reply. Soon after, Mulliman, who erased his smile, said to Irene seriously.

“That is why the Madame is special.”

♔♔♔

“Is the Duchess okay?” Sir Mulliman, who was enjoying some tea in Noel’s office, looked at him and asked.

“Yes. She was tired, so she fell asleep quickly.” Noel answered, settling down across from him.

“Exposing her hidden power consumes a lot of stamina. That is understandable.”

“...Now explain it. Why did you forcefully bring out Irene’s power?”

“Hmm, the tea smells good.”

As Mulliman turned away, pretending to savour the tea’s scent, Noel frowned.

“Now…”

“Wait a minute. It is not something that can be brought up so easily. It should not be taken lightly. Wouldn’t it be better to have a cup of tea and calm down a little? What do you think? I think the Grand Duke should also enjoy the taste of this tea leisurely for a while.”

“…hah.”

Noel sighed in frustration at Mulliman’s words and looked down at his teacup. He hesitated for a moment, then took a sip just as he said.

I don’t even know if it’s going to go through my nostrils or my mouth.

He did not know why he was so impatient and uneasy.

No, he actually knew it very well.

-Because it is related to Irene.

If Irene were to get involved in anything, he tended to get all worked up.

It’s not a good habit.

He knew better than anyone that his reaction could make her seem like a good prey to the others. Though he tried to restrain himself, it was not as easy as he thought.

Mulliman put down his teacup and quietly watched Noel sipping his tea. At the silence, Noel raised his head.

“Well, there is nothing good about any further delay, so let’s get straight into it.”

With that said, Noel also put down his teacup and looked at Mulliman solemnly.

“Do you remember what I said last time? That there is a clan that knows how to make use of magical powers by nature.”

“Yes. of course.”

He could not forget it.

“I did more research on the clan. It was not easy when the subject was a clan that disappeared a long time ago. But who am I? I am Mulliman, the great wizard of the Magic Tower.”

“What did you find out?”

“The name of the clan is ‘Cabellian’. They are the royal family of a small kingdom that fell a long time ago. The Cabellians established their own network in the empire, which is the Cabellian clan. The Cabellian clan has a unique ability, and it is called ‘spiritual art’.”

“Spiritual ability?”

“It is an unfamiliar name, I know. Spiritual art literally means the ability to manipulate spirits. Spirit means nature, and nature covers even the magic flowing through the natural elements. This ability gave the Cabellians the power to control fire, water, wind, and land at will. However, by someone’s conspiracy, the Cabellian was annihilated. I think it was probably the work of someone who was jealous of that power or considered it as a threat.”

“That means Irene….”

“I could not be sure because I only suspected it, but today, from what I have seen with my own two eyes, I was convinced.”

“...”

Noel pursed his lips. It was hard for him to believe that there was once a clan that used spirit art. What was more was that Irene was related to that clan.

However…

Had it been before he read Viscountess Friedan’s diary, he would have told him not to spout nonsense. However, he had already heard the story of a special clan through the diary.

“Well, I am not sure yet, but I suspect that the voice she heard was the voice of a spirit.”

“…For now, I’ve got it. It may be a hassle, but please look into it a little more.”

At Noel’s request, Mulliman stared at Noel for a brief while and parted his lips.

“It is not burdensome, but this time, please grant me one favour.”

“What?”

“Grandpa~”

“...?”

“Call me that. Just like before.”

“...”