Chapter 123 (2/2)

n.o.body knew how, but even in the midst of serving Isaac, she made time to learn from Cordnell and Krent. Starting from basic mathematics, her growth surprised everyone. She was now studying the basics of law and finances from Kalden and other Campus hubaes.

At the same time, she was undergoing basic physical training and learning all sorts of magic and martial techniques from agents of Security. Knowing the tragedy behind her, they couldn’t help but pity her; but even then, they were impressed with her diligence and praised her tenacity and willpower.

Word began to spread that although she was only performing basic ch.o.r.es for now, she would soon grow to become Isaac’s secretary in place of Rizzly. Isaac, on the other hand, was patting himself on the back for making such a strong first impression that they no longer dared to a.s.sign him new missions. That was, until a sudden call from Mazelan sent a grumbling Isaac to the communicator room.

-You antisocial ingrate, anyone else would have at least called in to check in on what was happening out of curiosity after you pulled off that stunt.

Mazelan jabbed at Isaac the moment Isaac answered the call, apparently somewhat hurt that he was never contacted afterwards.

“In my world, there is an excellent cultural norm that calls should only be about business.”

Isaac apathetically replied to Mazelan as he buried himself into the chair. Mazelan, irritated by that comment, glared at Isaac before forming a conceited smile as he spoke.

-Really now? That’s a great culture. I’ll be brief then. You’ve received a t.i.tle. You’re now a baron, and New Port City is your fief. Good luck.

“… What?”

Isaac stared blankly at Mazelan as he failed to understand what he meant, but Mazelan in turn just laughed wholeheartedly at the sight.

-I’m ending the call then.

“Wait, hang on…”

The monitor turned off even before Isaac could utter a sentence. Isaac considered calling again, but that felt as if he was losing. Isaac exited the Communicator Room with a deep sigh, predicting that he will be tired for the next foreseeable future.

“Hm? Did the call not go through?”

Rizzly and Laila, who were putting away the alcohol gla.s.s Isaac had been drinking from before, asked in confusion when Isaac exited so quickly. Isaac took the gla.s.s from Rizzly’s hand, sat on his chair and spoke.

“He said I’m going to be a baron.”

“What? What is that nonsense?”

Rizzly asked back, dumbfounded as he refilled the empty shot gla.s.s in Isaac’s hand while Laila pouted in confusion. Even Isaac, who consumed the alcohol in moments, could only shrug.

“I’m wondering what bulls.h.i.+t this is myself. Go tell the damsel about this and find out what’s happening.”

Laila quickly paced out the room, while Rizzly himself nodded back worryingly. He had a worrying suspicion that Isaac was asking for Rivelia because of tension between him and Mazelan.

“Yes sir. I’ll try to find out what’s happening using my connections to the capital as well.”

As Rizzly left the room to investigate, Laila returned with Rivelia.

“So what’s happened?”

“Did Mazelan sunbae not explain to you?”

“He just gave me a brief summary.”

Rivelia pondered for a moment before she commented.

“It’s somewhat complicated.”

“I have all the time in the world, so speak.”

Rivelia quickly organised an explanation in her head and continued.

“I just received this piece of information from my family as well.”

“The Pendletons? Why are they getting involved now?”

“That’s why I’m saying it’s complicated.”

“I got it, so shoot.”

The cause of this started from a very insignificant incident—an ordinary party where young n.o.bles looked for partners.

The n.o.bles grouped together, boasting about their talents and knowledge. But this was a party full of young, enthusiastic men. The topic naturally led to women, and Rivelia was always a point of discussion there.

Talking about Rivelia naturally brought the subject of New Port City. The conversation slowly ran tangentially to Rivelia, s.h.i.+fting to slander Isaac and New Port City until someone asked a question.

Isaac failed in his attempt to absorb the fiefdoms. But Isaac was just the Lord’s Representative, not an official Lord. But if he succeeded, would the takeover be justified?

The discussion that started from this small curiosity quickly led to a different subject, for Isaac had failed anyway, and there were no insults left in their vocabularies for him either way. The Emperor decreed that if Isaac successfully managed New Port City, he would be accepted as official inheritor to his Rondart fiefdom and given t.i.tle of Baron. But Isaac forfeited his t.i.tle.

That was where the contradiction was. What happened if Isaac succeeded in his mission when he’d already given up on his promised reward?

The Emperor’s decree took priority no matter what. But both the mission and the process of inheriting a t.i.tle were laws decreed by the Emperor himself…

The Emperor’s two verdicts were contradictory. Of course, the discussion led to which came first, and the argument that started from the young n.o.bles’ gossip slowly climbed up in both ranks and age of partic.i.p.ants, quickly engulfing Gabelin.

Since the incident had come to this stage, not even Central could remain idle. Especially when this argument had become a battle of pride between n.o.bles, who requested that the Department of Law deliberate and issue a verdict on what should be done. Something needed to happen. So the result was that Isaac would be given the t.i.tle of Baron, and New Port City was declared his fiefdom.

“… That’s what it seems on the surface.”

“Is that even possible? Weren’t graduates of College supposed to work for at least 10 years beforehand?”

“In the case of continuing the family line, the graduates usually perform both official and family duties simultaneously.”

“Even just one… wouldn’t be a problem for you lot.”

Such a task would be child’s play for the geniuses of College. Even if there were momentary lapses in their duties, Central would cover in their stead.

“So when did this happen?”

“About 3 days ago.”

Isaac lit the cigarette in his mouth. It was impossible that Central wasn’t eavesdropping on this n.o.ble party, considering that they were worse than a police state.

Even if they did miss this, they could have easily stopped the topic from becoming such a widespread topic amongst the n.o.bles. Such censors.h.i.+p would be much easier with n.o.bles rather than commoners.

But they neglected the issue completely, even propelling it to the forefront of Gabelin. The story on the surface would be good enough of an excuse if Isaac wasn’t involved with Central, but he even held the t.i.tle as the Director of Security.

It was hard to believe Central would treat a Director so poorly. No matter the reason, there were a total of 4 such individuals throughout Central. So this was no neglect… No. It was safe to a.s.sume this incident was purposefully orchestrated by Central itself.

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