Chapter 491
The Krasius Logistics Center is officially closed.
Fortunately, it didn’t fail and shut down; after pouring all our manpower in, we managed to securely stash away all the gifts rushing in from across the continent. It was a successful wrap-up, but I really don’t want to go through that chaos again. Here’s hoping we avoid such disasters in the future.
“Everyone put in a lot of effort. Since you all helped with our private affairs amidst your busy Magic Tower schedule, I think it’s only right to offer a reward.”
So, in front of the somewhat haggard-looking magicians, I laid down some ceremonial compliments and rewards. Honestly, with the sheer amount of gifts they sent, it felt a bit like they were reaping what they sowed, but if I treated them as free labor, it wouldn’t take long for whispers to start circulating: “The Executive Manager treats magicians like dirt because he’s riding on the Mage Duchess’s coattails.” Yeah, that kind of public sentiment among magicians would be a hassle.
Of course, I’m talking about the magicians, not me. If Trixie gets wind of that rumor, there might be a generational upheaval in the magician community. Not the kind of generational change you want, though.
“No, Your Grace. The Mage Duchess’s marriage is a joyous occasion for magicians. We just lent a hand for that celebration, so how could we accept any reward?”
As I started handing out pouches filled with silver coins, the lead magician waved his hands in a polite rejection.
Ah, just the reaction I wanted! If the respected Mage Duchess’s husband treated them poorly, they’d complain, but if I offered a fair reward, they’d have no choice but to bow their heads first.
“It’s customary to provide meals for guests who came to grace the wedding. Isn’t it absurd to send back the junior magicians empty-handed after they helped out? If you truly care for the Mage Duchess, don’t hesitate to accept it.”
With that, I ignored the magician’s refusals and stuffed the pouch into his hands. His insistence was likely just a formality.
“Well, then, we’ll gratefully accept it.”
Naturally, they didn’t refuse again.
With the pride of having helped the respected Mage Duchess and a tangible reward in hand, it would be downright weird for them to turn it down.
My business was done, but Trixie was still busy.
“Are you still writing?”
“I have to write as many letters as there are magician organizations on the continent. Thankfully, for the smaller organizations, they sent their greetings in joint names, so I don’t have to reply to each one individually.”
I carefully seated myself in the chair across from Trixie while watching her smile as she worked nonstop.
If we received gifts, it’s only right to reply with a thank-you note. Even bribers send a reply to the person they’re bribing, so it’s hardly acceptable for Trixie, an elder in the magician community, to remain silent.
Hence, while I was rolling around managing the logistics center, Trixie was personally crafting replies for each magician organization that sent wedding gifts.
“They’ll all be thrilled. A handwritten note from the Duke should be priceless.”
“Heh, flattery will get you everywhere, won’t it? It’s just a thank-you note, after all.”
I chuckled at her modesty. The value of a letter changes depending on whose it is—
“And in each letter, I made sure to include a little advice.”
?
That unexpected statement made me stop pouring tea into my cup.
Advice in each letter? Coming from none other than the Duke?
‘Is it really just little advice?’
Curiously, I found myself staring at the letters Trixie had written.
For sure, alongside the simple expressions of thanks, there were obscure symbols and descriptions. It looked like a couple of lines of greeting ended, and the rest was filled with those kinds of contents.
“By looking at the organization’s name and the gift they sent, I can generally grasp what kind of research they’re doing. Sharing a personal opinion or experience related to that research could be quite a meaningful gesture, don’t you think?”
“Uh…”
I tried to respond but ended up shutting my mouth again.
‘That’s quite the treasure.’
What had started as a joke suddenly felt real. Those letters were indeed treasures.
For the magicians, receiving a little piece of guidance from Trixie was akin to finding gold. But receiving guidance on their lifetime’s work? It wouldn’t be surprising if they got emotional and fainted right then and there.
‘Like receiving a Bible signed by the Pope.’
The metaphor might be a stretch, but that’s probably how it feels—if I’m not mistaken.
“Well, that’s true.”
Pushing aside the bewilderment, I naturally continued the conversation. It might feel like a meaningful gesture, but it also seemed like a blessing.
“By the way, what about those other letters?”
I subtly shifted the topic.
On the desk lay more letters besides the ones Trixie finished. They had the usual thanks written, but Trixie’s “little advice” was noticeably absent.
Could it be those organizations didn’t possess a specific research topic? No, that can’t be right. Organizations without specific research topics are nothing more than social clubs.
“Oh, these kids…”
Turning my gaze to follow her, Trixie gently nodded.
“They’ve got great ideas and passion, but I’ve singled out those who are heading slightly off course. I think it’d be wise to write them an independent paper.”
“…”
I fell silent again, staring at Trixie who spoke such radical ideas with a straightforward face.
If I hear news one day about a massive innovation, I’ll know it’s because of these kids…
*
Gazing at Carl, who had a dazed expression while sipping tea, I couldn’t help but smile.
I know. There’s no need for Trixie to write advice in a simple thank-you response, let alone a whole paper. Magical achievements are derived from one’s own struggles and explorations, not something handed down unilaterally.
Yet, strangely, my hands moved autonomously. Turning wandering gazes became a guiding light for those who’ve lost their way.
It’s strange. Such things haven’t happened for over a century.
‘Was it because I didn’t know Carl back then?’
Those hundred years were spent in solitude. Years where I had no one to open up to or anyone who cared for me. Perhaps that’s why I treated others with detachment.
But now, I’m loved and am loving in return. With warmth in my heart, I might be acting differently than before.
‘The magic community might actually evolve thanks to you.’
I almost burst out laughing. Since I changed because of you, if the magic community progresses, it would similarly be due to you.
‘I never expected this.’
Even I’m surprised by my own thoughts. When I first saw Carl, I didn’t think I’d fall in love with him.
I only thought about the powerful individual who defeated the threatening rebels of the Empire, praised by the Duke and revered for his formidable recovery; curiosity arose that perhaps good research could spring from his unique blood.
It was just an encounter like that. In my long life, I thought Carl would merely be a fleeting relationship.
“Your Grace, if it’s not too intrusive, may I ask just one question?”
“Speak.”
“What kind of research is my blood being used for?”
And then, there was that request to provide blood, which Carl asked brandishing his tone.
“We’re trying to create a new potion based on your recovery ability. Though I can’t guarantee it, if the research succeeds, it’ll likely produce something that far surpasses existing abilities.”
“I see.”
As a magician and researcher, it’s only natural to be honest with my cooperative experimenter. When I spoke openly, Carl nodded calmly.
“I can contribute to saving lives instead of taking them.”
He noted with a somewhat bitter expression.
Unexpected reaction. Those who end up working with me usually display curiosity about the rewards they’d get, excitement about being connected to me, or plain joy in just helping.
Carl simply acknowledged the price of his blood matter-of-factly, showing no sign of eagerness.
Hence, I felt a flicker of interest. No matter how much experience he has on the battlefield, it’s odd for someone under twenty—let alone the heir of the Count—to display such behavior.
Then I came to learn about Carl’s experiences in war. He had lost those he considered family during the conflict and returned home alone.
Initially, I felt sad. At about that age, I lost my parents too. While my parents and friends aren’t the same, losing valuable people brings shock and turmoil.
Afterward, I felt proud. Unlike me, who wailed and mourned when I lost important people around twenty, Carl marched onward unshaken with fortitude. As the new head of the Information Department, he neatly obliterated the faction that plagued the Second Prince.
‘Maybe I held him in my heart from that moment.’
Standing before a choice similar to mine but choosing differently—while I closed my heart, keeping a distance from others, he willingly approached them.
Yet he still couldn’t shake off old bonds and lingered at the grave of those he’d lost.
‘Thinking positively, it allowed me to see the good in him.’
To hide the smile creeping onto my lips, I placed my hand over my mouth. I was experiencing concern for someone for the first time, and looking at someone with fondness was a new feeling too.
Perhaps that’s why I wanted to see Carl just once more, to speak to him just one more time. I was secretly nurturing a blossoming affection for him.
At one point, I realized these feelings were more than simple fondness, but I restrained myself thinking of the differences in race and lifespan. I buried it deep, recalling my parents’ situation.
However, miraculously, it seems a means to bridge that gap has appeared.
‘And here we are.’
Of course, I don’t know if Carl will choose that miraculous means. I may face the same end as my mother.
Yet, it’s okay. Just like my mother worried about me after my father was gone but never regretted loving him, I too do not regret meeting Carl.
“Trixie, the ink’s smudging.”
“Oh.”
At Carl’s voice, I hurriedly looked down. My hand had stopped, pressing the pen tip onto the same spot.
“This needs to be rewritten.”
“Well, it was a short letter anyway, so that’s good.”
At those words, I smiled again.
A simple smile spilled forth.
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