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Translated By Arcane Translations
Translator: Chaos
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After the “Sensory Heat-Emitting Mosquito Net” and “Chicken Guardian” presentation, Ed’s reputation skyrocketed.
An 18-year-old engineering genius had solved two of the Empire’s most persistent problems: heat and mosquitoes.
However, Ed deflected the credit to the Emperor.
Excessive fame and influence attracted unwanted attention, and he wanted to avoid any conflict with the Imperial family.
He branded the products with the Imperial seal, which also allowed him to inflate the price by 25%.
No one would question the price of an Imperial-endorsed product.
“Please form an orderly line!”
A long queue of nobles snaked through the grand hall, waiting to sign rental agreements for the Imperial “Heat-Sensing Mosquito Net” and “Chicken Guardian.”
They had to enter the contract room one by one.
“One at a time, please!”
Anthony, a member of the SIBALSAEGI club, managed the queue.
He had earned this role, complete with an Imperial armband, by scoring second highest on the recent physics quiz.
When would he, a mere Baron’s son, ever have the opportunity to order around Counts and Marquises?
Pledging loyalty to Edgar Fix was the best decision he had ever made.
His association with Ed had elevated his status in the eyes of the nobles and even changed his father’s attitude towards him.
When a noble near the front of the line asked, “Are you close with Edgar Fix?”, Anthony puffed out his chest.
He was, after all, Ed’s second-most loyal follower.
“Well, we had our disagreements in the past. But now, you could say we’re best friends.”
He embellished the truth slightly.
He had, admittedly, spent a considerable amount of time badmouthing Ed.
And now their relationship was more master-servant than “best friends.”
‘It’s okay. I’ll be loyal from now on! Long live Edgar Fix!’
He had repented for his past sins.
He had gone from being less than pond scum to Ed’s second-in-command.
The contract signing was proceeding smoothly until the four Grand Dukes arrived.
“……”
Their presence radiated an oppressive aura that stifled the air.
They stared at Anthony, their expressions grim.
Standing under the gaze of those called Grand Dukes—or Kings in their own right—Anthony felt as though his entire body might rupture under the crushing pressure.
Who was he, to think he could ever line up the rulers of the four cardinal directions?
“Tell me. Who goes first?”
Anthony wanted to disappear.
Even the Imperial armband, which had made him feel invincible, offered no comfort.
“Um… well… uh…”
He trembled, looking at the Grand Dukes standing side-by-side.
Adrian Graham, Grand Duke of the North.
Eleiya Cruel, Grand Duke of the South.
Bjorn Bernhard, Grand Duke of the West.
Adela Elmar, Grand Duke of the East.
Each was an undisputed ruler of their respective territories.
How could he possibly choose between them?
“It’s alright. Don’t overthink it. I’ll go first.”
Eleiya stepped forward with a smile.
The other Grand Dukes glared at him, but he continued, undeterred.
“Ed and I are already acquainted. I’ve had my eye on him as a son-in-law. I hear he’s become close with my daughter recently. I’d like to have a word with him.”
He emphasized the word “son-in-law.”
It was a clear message: hands off.
Adrian, Grand Duke of the North, spoke with an impassive expression.
“Is that so? It seems my daughter is the one he’s close with. He named his first invention after my family. And if my daughter is comfortable enough to casually cast cold magic on him, and he’s inspired enough to name his invention after my family, I’d say they’re more than just acquaintances.”
A small vein throbbed on Eleiya’s forehead.
He had already received reports of Isabella’s growing interest in Ed.
He couldn’t let that little minx steal his son-in-law.
“Hahaha. You’re all getting old, letting yourselves be bothered by such rumors.”
Bjorn, Grand Duke of the West, intervened.
As Claire’s father, he needed to downplay the rumors about Enya and Isabella to give his daughter a chance.
‘Yes, fight amongst yourselves.’
Adela, Grand Duke of the East, observed their bickering with amusement.
The reason she could watch their power struggle with such composure was simple—marriage alliance with Edgar Fix had never been an option to begin with.
Because she had only a son, Lucas.
‘If I can’t have him, no one can.’
The best outcome for her was for none of the Grand Duke families to acquire Ed.
With Imperial backing and growing influence, he would become the second most powerful figure in the Empire if he allied with any of them.
That had to be prevented.
“Haha, rumors? Everyone knows it’s true.”
“Rumors tend to be exaggerated.”
“It’s you who’s exaggerating, denying reality.”
Adela watched their squabble, hoping they would continue to fight amongst themselves.
“Excuse me…”
Anthony timidly interrupted.
Unable to decide on the order, he had quickly consulted Ed.
“I-I just asked Ed. I’ll guide you in order.”
The Grand Dukes turned their attention to Anthony.
They wouldn’t concede even the slightest advantage in the competition for Edgar Fix.
“The first person to be admitted is… Lady Adela of House Elmar. Please, come this way…”
The result was unexpected.
House Elmar, which had no prior connection with Ed, was first.
Even Adela seemed surprised.
“…Are you sure? He wants to see me first?”
“…Yes. Ed specifically instructed me to admit you first.”
She confirmed it again.
A faint smile appeared on her face.
“So, he chose my family first. He truly is the future of the Empire, as wise and humble as the rumors say.”
“Ha, haha… yes.”
“Very well, lead the way. I’m eager to meet the future of the Empire.”
Adela stood before the contract room door.
Anthony bowed and opened the door.
Adela entered the room.
Eleiya, watching her retreating figure, muttered dejectedly,
“Son… in… law…”
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The next day.
Ed had successfully signed contracts with most of the noble families in the Empire, effectively distributing his products nationwide.
‘Now to deploy my informants.’
He would use the contracts as a cover, sending his informants under the guise of “maintenance personnel” for the mosquito nets and Chicken Guardians.
This would allow him to monitor the Demonic Cult’s activities.
‘Hiring Dream Guardians would be ideal.’
He wouldn’t hire just anyone.
He felt responsible for the Dream Guardians who had lost their jobs because of his inventions.
They also possessed the necessary mana skills for gathering intelligence.
They were the perfect candidates, willing to risk mana contamination for the right price.
‘The results are quite promising.’
He had not only secured a network of informants but also established connections with influential nobles.
‘I’ve built relationships with the heads of the Grand Duke families so quickly.’
His most significant achievement was forging ties with the four Grand Duke families.
The conversations during the contract signings revealed their desire for a mutually beneficial relationship.
This laid the groundwork for his “Family Quests,” which he had to complete eventually.
By maintaining these relationships, he could gain their support and complete the quests much earlier than the intended timeline.
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In a dark, windowless room, Charlotte sat huddled, her mind troubled by the notice posted on the bulletin board:
[Notice]
Seeking maintenance personnel for the “Sensory Heat-Emitting Mosquito Net.”
Preference given to Dream Guardians.
Two short lines.
But Charlotte understood the underlying message.
Ed was offering support to the Dream Guardians who had lost their jobs because of his invention.
‘But…’
She hadn’t applied for the position.
Her pride wouldn’t allow it.
“……”
She knew others might scoff at her.
‘Who are you to be so proud? Ed is offering you easy money, and you’re being foolishly stubborn.’
‘I don’t want him to see me like this…’
She didn’t want Ed to see her as a pathetic charity case, begging for a handout.
She wanted to stand beside him as an equal, like Enya and Isabella, confident and admired.
‘…I’ll end up relying on Ed again.’
She knew she would eventually break down and ask for his help.
She was always the damsel in distress, and her life seemed designed to keep her that way.
She clutched the necklace, the uncut gemstone.
She vividly remembered the day Ed had given it to her.
It was a turning point in her life, a symbol of her potential for transformation.
She wanted to become a diamond, to shine brightly before him.
That was why she had risked everything to become a Dream Guardian.
She wiped away her tears, clutching the necklace.
She would stand on her own two feet.
She had always relied on Ed.
If she accepted his charity again, she would never be his equal.
She had to overcome this challenge herself.
She began gathering mana.
A faint blue light emanated from her, forming a flower.
Nature-based creation magic, unique to House Verdian.
“Flowers! I’ll sell flowers!”
Her only means of earning money.
She held the beautiful flower, wondering how to sell it.
Then, she set it down and closed her eyes.
She needed something more special, something everyone wanted, like Ed’s inventions.
“……”
Charlotte’s night deepened.
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[T/N: Using Duchess only for Adela seemed odd to me but tell me which you guys prefer. Duchess or Duke]
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Duchess is the proper terminology.