Episode 18

“I’ve been watching you closely all this time, young master.”

“And? What do you think?”

“You’re remarkable. Honestly, I’m impressed.”

Melin nodded coolly.

Over the past month, there hadn’t been a single thing about him that wasn’t impressive.

His rapid achievements in such a short time were one thing, but what truly amazed her was how he handled Cox.

Christian had proven he wasn’t just a talented warrior; he possessed profound insight and strategy as well.

“I’m glad you think so highly of me. Does that mean I’ve passed?”

Melin shook her head.

“Not yet.”

“There’s one crucial thing I haven’t confirmed—your strength.”

Her blue eyes glowed vividly in the darkness.

“As a so-called ‘Maine,’ I can’t kneel before anyone weaker than myself.”

Melin’s presence surged.

Indeed, a four-star upper-rank Maine.

Even without fully unleashing her power, Christian felt his body tense instinctively.

It was a primal reaction.

“I believe the agreed month hasn’t fully passed yet.”

“Hmm, yes.”

Melin’s intensity softened.

She licked her lips with a hint of regret.

“I’m just eagerly waiting for the promised time to come. I have high expectations.”

She recalled their duel that day.

Though he was no match, Christian had seized victory by exploiting a fleeting opening. The thrill of being caught off guard still lingered vividly.

What would he show this time?

A sharp thrill of anticipation ran through her.

“If you don’t satisfy my expectations, I won’t be the one kneeling to you.”

Christian nodded.

“Understood. But may I set one condition?”

“What is it? Another restriction on my power?”

Melin’s face fell slightly.

But Christian said the opposite.

“No. I want us to fight without any restrictions, just like that duel.”

“!!”

“Not just lifting the magic constraints, but as if it were a real battle.”

Melin’s eyes widened.

A real battle.

He meant using every possible means.

For her, who preferred the excitement of life-or-death combat over formal duels, this was a welcome condition—but she still tilted her head in confusion.

“I have no objection. But that will put you at an even greater disadvantage.”

“Don’t worry about that. Anyway, I’ll take that as your agreement.”

Melin frowned, unable to read his true intentions, but then chuckled.

He seemed to be scheming something, but it didn’t matter much.

The gap between them was absolute; no trick could bridge it.

“Do as you please. I won’t care what you do. But I have one request.”

Melin smiled slyly.

It was the smile of a predator eyeing its prey.

“Please put up a good fight and entertain me.”

With that, Melin vanished, leaving Christian muttering under his breath.

“Damn stubborn old woman.”

He glanced at his arm.

His skin still prickled from the tension Melin’s presence had triggered.

The difference in their power was absolute.

He doubted whether he could even hold his ground, let alone put up a fight.

Yet Christian surprised himself with a thought.

“A mere ‘good fight’… I don’t like that.”

Melin hoped he would struggle and amuse her, but Christian had a different plan.

He was determined.

“I’m going to win.”

An absurd idea.

To defeat a Maine on the verge of five stars?

No matter how much of a genius he was, it was impossible.

Their strength difference was like a rabbit facing a lion.

Even unleashing his hidden light power wouldn’t be enough.

“But there is a way.”

Christian grinned as the idea came to him.

“If my ability isn’t enough, then I’ll rely on my gear.”

Gear power.

Enhancing one’s abilities through weapons.

But that was a strange thought, too.

There were limits to how much gear could boost power.

Still, that was the usual case.

Christian had a method.

One that could let a rabbit take down a lion.

A method only he could use.

He immediately began preparations.

---

“I’m going to the castle?”

“Yes, Father.”

Count Kazar raised an eyebrow, then nodded.

“Do as you wish.”

“You don’t object?”

“Why would I?”

“But… you don’t know what I’ll be doing there.”

“I trust you.”

Count Kazar’s answer was brief.

Over time, he had come to realize his son had truly changed.

More than that, the time spent with Christian had been nothing short of astonishing.

“Unbelievable talent.”

He lost count of how many times he was shocked each day.

How to describe Christian’s talent?

A sponge that absorbs everything? Learning ten things from one lesson? That wasn’t even close.

He was insane.

Count Kazar silently repeated that to himself countless times daily.

Even seeing it with his own eyes, it was hard to believe.

Watching Christian, he sometimes felt like he was dreaming.

“…It’s almost awe-inspiring.”

The thought startled him.

Awe?

But it was true.

His son was truly a monster.

Did that make him uneasy?

Not at all.

“He’s my son.”

Count Kazar whispered to himself, secretly.

He was a father.

No father could help but be proud when his son was so exceptional.

His once reckless son now brought him great joy every day.

Of course, he didn’t show it outwardly.

Instead, Count Kazar said,

“If you need anything, claim it in my name.”

“Really?”

“Yes, anything.”

Christian’s face showed slight surprise before breaking into a smile.

“A blank check, huh? You’ll regret this.”

He’d been worrying about how to gather seed money, even considering sneaking out a family treasure. This was perfect.

“Then I’ll be off.”

With light steps, he headed to prepare for his outing.

[Young master… I’ve finished your preparations.]

Banshee appeared, dressed in a radiant, transparent outfit, smiling sweetly.

[Since it’s your first outing… I dressed you up nicely.]

Don’t tell me a banshee is fussing over fashion!

The problem was, she was genuinely pretty.

Except for being a ghost, she was cute and pure.

“…I never said you were coming with me.”

[Hoho… You’re worried I might be uncomfortable. Don’t worry. Serving you is my joy.]

Christian scowled.

“That’s not it. By the way, when will I get a human servant?!”

He had planned to kick Banshee out as soon as he shed his ‘ruffian’ reputation, but Count Kazar had dropped a bombshell.

• Human servant? No way.

• What?

• Didn’t Banshee and Christian sign a master-servant contract?

This was before Christian’s spirit had even inhabited his body.

Because it was impossible to make a high-ranking ghost like Banshee do maid work without cause, they had formalized the contract.

‘With Banshee by my side, no human servant can come in. Damn it! Why was I born with a silver spoon only to be served by a ghost?!’

The only saving grace was that the contract was time-limited and could be terminated after the agreed period.

Five years from now?

Christian had no intention of waiting that long.

‘Once my dark magic improves, I’ll forcibly break the contract.’

He was somewhat used to living with Banshee now, but he still dreamed of having a human servant.

[Everything’s ready… Should I not go? I was looking forward to it.]

Banshee pouted.

‘Don’t make that cute face, you banshee!’

Christian grimaced.

Still, Banshee had feelings, and her genuine disappointment made him clear his throat awkwardly.

“You’re forbidden from showing yourself in front of ordinary people.”

[Young master?]

“Absolutely no aura emission either. Got it?”

[Thank you! As expected of my young master!]

Banshee flew excitedly through the air.

He’d heard she’d been cooped up in the mansion for years.

At least several decades, as a ghost.

No wonder she was eager to get outside.

“Well, I’m off… Wait, why are you here?”

Christian frowned at the unexpected visitor.

It was Tern.

“What are you doing going to the castle?”

“Hmm.”

“Not off to cause trouble again, are you?”

Tern teased.

Christian crossed his arms, amused.

‘Why is he so cute?’

He decided to poke the bear.

“Are you worried about me?”

“Worried? Why would I worry about you?”

Tern jumped up in protest.

“I’m just… worried you’ll disgrace the family again! You seem better now, but who knows when you’ll change!”

“You’re right.”

“Huh?”

“I’m going gambling.”

Tern’s face went blank.

“Ga… gambling?”

“Gambling.”

Christian grinned.

“I even got some stakes from Father. Want to come?”

Of course, Count Kazar had no idea Christian planned to gamble, but that didn’t matter.

Christian wasn’t going just for the gambling.

He had something to gain under that pretense.

“Perfect timing. I needed a sucker to use as bait, and that innocent kid is just right.”

Chris gently baited Tern.

“If you’re a mage, you should at least know how to drink and gamble, right? Legal gambling within limits is actually a wholesome pastime even the Archmage encourages.”

“…”

“Oh, but you’re a proper gentleman, so maybe gambling isn’t your thing. Just a straight-laced bookworm who only knows training. Gambling’s a lot like card games, isn’t it? You’ve never even played cards, have you?”

“Card games… I have. I’m better than you.”

“Really? Good for you. Still, betting real money is probably too much for you, so I’ll go to the gambling hall alone.”

“You can stick to your childish card games.”

“Gambling’s an adult game.”

Chris’s taunt sparked the fiercely competitive spirit of the thirteen-year-old Tern.

“No, I’m coming.”

Tern took the bait.

“I need to see with my own eyes that you won’t cause trouble. And while I’m at it… I’ll put you in your place. Gambling? It’s no different from card games!”

Chris chuckled softly.

The fire in Tern’s eyes was pure rivalry.

A brotherly rivalry.

And unlike before, there was a genuine, true little brother’s determination shining through.