Chapter: 662
The Trika Empire—an empire that ruled as the second empire in continental history.
But then there’s the thousand-year empire of Muno, founded by an orphaned mercenary through sheer might. When researching the history of the continent, if something seems odd, it’s usually Apels’ fault. Compared to the current empire, Kefellofen, it seems the Trika Empire tragically lacked any real presence.
Of course, even if it’s somewhat faded, an empire is still an empire. It was the strongest nation of its time, surviving for a millennium, much like Muno. One can’t so easily dismiss its power or legacy.
‘Its scholarly and institutional achievements were unbeatable in history.’
Most of the systems, theories, and technologies that are now common were established during the Trika era. Even the standard noble tier system that we take for granted became widespread then—impressive, right? They even considered the act of writing to symbolize their intelligence.
However, the lamentable history of that intelligence fostered explosive technological growth and the brilliant decay of Apels. Yet the intellect built up in Trika remained robust.
‘Artifacts from the Trika Empire…’
Therefore, what the Wise Duke said must not be taken lightly. The moment this news reaches the Imperial Palace, they would likely drop their plows and run to the site.
Artifacts created with Trika’s intelligence and technology—a high probability that they are imbued with considerable divinity, given how many gods were rampant at that time.
– How about it? Isn’t Jo-ka curious!?
As my mind raced, the Wise Duke grinned and continued.
It’s frustrating, but he’s right. Even the items from Apels’ time shake the continent when they’re found. Plus, for him to reach out directly—it must be something special and not just some random plate or tool dug up from the ground.
This is a matter that warrants the Minister of Culture to step in. The Emperor might even pay a visit, and scholars from across the continent would be begging just for a glimpse.
‘Even a little involvement could be profitable.’
Perhaps adding my spoon to whatever treasure the Wise Duke discovered would be more beneficial than the land I farmed in the Leon Kingdom.
It’s a real conundrum. Honestly, I’d love to just chill at home, but if the Wise Duke reached out personally, there’s a good chance I could secure a significant stake in what’s undoubtedly an impressive artifact. Turning that down simply because it sounds annoying would be a silly loss.
Should I really give up an inheritance to leave for my vacation? After all, it’s the kids who allow me this break. Without them, I wouldn’t even have this time!
“When do I need to go?”
Ultimately, after a fierce internal battle, my rational mind chose the future of my kids over my own peace.
This is the right choice. When my kids grow up, if the Wise Duke shows them the artifacts he discovered, I won’t be able to look them in the eye out of guilt. I could have claimed a stake in something they admire, but I would have ditched it all for my own comfort.
– Feeling lazy until tomorrow? I hope you’re excited!
“I understand.”
– Also! Just one more thing!
The Wise Duke, who had been idle, raised a finger and with a serious face, continued.
– You need to bring my little ones along! I want to see Riri!
“Just Riri?”
– And Shire too!
With such honest admission, I nodded with a wry smile.
While the Wise Duke might seem a little questionable to our kids, it’s good for them to connect frequently with their uncle and the young lord. There’s nothing wrong with being close with family.
Since I was already bringing all the kids, I decided to take my wives and family spirits (spiritual entities) along with me as well.
“Wow! We’re all going!”
Fortunately, the Wise Duke didn’t seem flustered by the increase in guests; instead, he was even happier.
He’s the type to treasure family just because I’m his brother’s nephew. If my wife and kids, along with their pets, show up, he’ll just be thrilled to have more family around.
“Gather together—come on! Gather up! It’s so precious!”
Just like now.
“Now! Group hug!”
The Wise Duke beamed with joy and embraced my wives warmly, his cheeks flushed with exhilaration.
“Thank you for the warm welcome.”
“Hi-hii, family! No need for thanks!”
As the first wife, Marianne was the one to get the first hug, awkwardly smiling through it all.
She looked around, her eyes darting, seemingly overwhelmed by the scent of alcohol wafting from the Wise Duke.
“Next is Ury! Second! Jo-kamaruni! The Young Lord!”
I turned my head involuntarily at the next scene.
The Wise Duke approached Trixie, laughing giddily, while Trixie stood there with an exasperated expression, arms wide open. I couldn’t bear to witness that with a clear mind.
I’m sorry. I apologize for being a sub-par husband compared to the Wise Duke.
“Master.”
“What?”
In the middle of that self-inflicted chaos, Humility, who was loitering by my feet, finally spoke up.
“I’m grateful you’re not related to that man by blood.”
At that, I closed my eyes in solemnity. It was a relief that I wasn’t the crazy drunkard like the Wise Duke.
Even the former deities would agree that the Wise Duke’s condition is not normal.
“And that he’s a mutant seems to be a boon for the continent.”
“Do you really think so?”
Instinctively, I replied to the ensuing remark.
Yeah, Humility was right there. Thankfully, the Wise Duke is the lone eccentric from the Salor Ducal House, but the entire house isn’t a collection of geniuses. Let’s not forget the little young lord is probably introducing himself to my siblings right now.
“Even if we’re all relatives, I’m the heir of the Salor Ducal House! So when you call me, you must say young lord sister!”
“Sister?”
“No, you have to put ‘young lord’ in front of it!”
“Little sister! Little sister!”
“Young lord sister!”
“Little sister~”
“No, you have to call me ‘noona’ (older sister) instead of ‘little sister!’”
Though I shrugged, I soon found myself awkwardly guiding my siblings. It felt like watching the radiant future of the Salor Ducal House unfold before my very eyes, and I was moved to tears.
From now on, we should be saying “Liriana Salor” but instead “Shining Liriana.”
“Kal.”
“Uncle?”
Just as I was about to get dazzled by the radiant young lord, my uncle by marriage quietly approached me.
“I’m sorry for calling you out during your vacation. It must have been tiring coming all this way alone, but I assume you brought them all because of your aunt’s request.”
“It’s fine. When else would a family get together like this?”
I shook my head at my uncle, who smiled awkwardly.
The Wise Duke’s request included all the kids. Anything beyond that was brought on by my own will, so my uncle didn’t need to feel bad about it.
“Thanks for saying that.”
After my reply eased his mind, my uncle patted my shoulder and lowered his gaze.
“Thanks to all of you for coming this far.”
“Well, um, you know, we go wherever the master goes.”
My uncle’s gratitude was met with Humility giving a reluctant nod. That small nod certainly conveyed the sentiment of “Why is this guy married to that guy?” but it probably wasn’t just in my head.
‘Don’t try to understand it logically.’
It’s a mystery I still haven’t solved either.
With my hand tightly held by the Wise Duke, I was dragged to the office.
It was an uninvited abduction, but what can I say? It’s just the kind of person he is—bold enough to take spontaneous actions anytime, anywhere.
“Jo-ka! Thank you for coming together! You’ve made it worth it!”
Strangely enough, every action of the Wise Duke came from goodwill—not malice. I can’t reject someone who shows love for me as a family member.
It’s quite the pity after all these years. If only this guy weren’t such a drunkard, it would be perfect.
“I’m glad the kids get to meet good relatives.”
“Hihee, good relatives, huh! That’s embarrassing!”
In that instant, the words “It’s okay because you’re not a good relative” nearly tumbled out of my mouth.
“By the way, Uncle. About those artifacts from the Trika Empire…?”
“Wait! We need to talk about that first!”
At my words, the Wise Duke fervently nodded while rummaging through paperwork on his desk.
Looking at it now, it was a tower of papers piled so high it was terrifying. Seriously, how does he handle that workload when he’s intoxicated 24/7?
“Here it is!”
Moreover, he’s even able to pull out the right document from that pile immediately.
“Here! Jo-ka, take this!”
“Oh, yes.”
With a racing heart, I received the paper handed to me by the Wise Duke.
It’s the artifact that led me to bring my family all the way to the western edge of the Empire. Since the Wise Duke mentioned it personally, it’s definitely not a trivial item.
Now, not only do I have my kids’ futures in mind, but my curiosity as a human has also grown immensely. Just what kind of item is it—
[ An island previously unseen has emerged 130km northwest from Harlan Harbor. ]
…?
[ The island’s location is quite far from the mainland and heavily off the main shipping routes, suggesting it may have gone undiscovered until now. ]
?
[ However, upon analyzing maps from the middle period of the Trika Empire, it was confirmed that the island was nonexistent at that location. ]
???
[ Additionally, five days after the island’s discovery, it was confirmed that the location of the island had shifted about 5km east from its original position. ]
‘What the hell.’
The more I read, the more confusing the information became, and I blinked several times in disbelief.
So an island just appeared out of nowhere in the ocean and it even moves? Am I reading this right?!
“Keep reading! The fun part is coming next!”
‘There’s something more interesting than this?!’
The Wise Duke’s words sent chills down my spine. What could be more interesting than an island that suddenly appears and moves? My limited imagination couldn’t even begin to fathom it.
With trembling eyes, I started reading the following details. Honestly, I was scared to read but couldn’t help myself.
[ Upon landing and investigating the island, it was confirmed that what appeared to be soil was all moss. ]
[ A more detailed investigation uncovered something beneath the moss, and when touched, the island began to shake violently. ]
[ The exploration team withdrew temporarily. The collected moss and ‘something’ were handed over to the research team. ]
[ Research results indicated the collected material was identical to whale skin. ]
[ A reevaluation beneath the surface confirmed that what wasn’t an island, but a colossal whale. ]
And I burst out in a laugh, my imagination utterly shattered by the unexpected result.
‘A whale…’
So what’s supposed to be an artifact is actually a living creature?
No, wait—is this even considered an artifact at all?
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