Until the Exiled Duke’s Daughter, Wilhelmina, Becomes Happy

Chapter 56: Confront

“What?”

Oops, I just reflexively declined. It’s not good that my tone has been slurring like a commoner lately.

“It’s a great honor, but I respectfully decline.”

“Why is that? If you were to be recognized by me, it should greatly benefit you or your company, shouldn’t it?”

Swordmaster’s Youngest Son Chapte...

He says with a curious look. There is no ill will here. What Lord Algren says is correct. Commoner’s research and business is protected and recognized by organizations such as nobles, schools, and churches. It is like a royal warrant.

Of course, that’s because they don’t know the true worth or reality of this appraisal machine.

Even if he is well-intentioned and thinks it will benefit both parties, it would be a burden for us.

“To put it bluntly, we are not looking for honor, nor are we interested in picking up pennies.”

The corners of his mouth rise.

“Oh, you call my help pennies?”

“What we seek is far beyond that.”

“Interesting woman. By calling my help pennies, does that mean you’re trying to earn as much money as a country can buy? It’s not a free magic appraisal then.”

I just respond with a smile.

“It’s okay if the school buys it instead of me personally, right?”

…This is more pressure than kindness. He has shown the power of the organization.

I received the list of appraisal results from the servant, who is the responsible person in charge here.

“We have already started negotiations with the magic school with the intention of selling them a list of appraisals from all over the capital.”

The results can be sold, but the machine cannot be handed over. That’s it.

Well, it is a big problem to be hostile to a great magician named Oliver Algren. It’s not just his personal power, but also his power as a noble and a great magician, and the power of the school organization.

However, I will never allow Lex’s important research to be taken from above or snatched from the side.

Then How about making him our ally?

Ideally, we would like to attract him to us, but he will not leave magic school. We can’t offer him that much benefit.

So what if we remain indifferent?

But it’s very unfortunate to let go of Lord Algren, because——.

——he has 5 carats!

“Lord Algren, is your goal to develop the magic formula that can deceive and falsify the attributes of this appraisal machine?”

“Well…yes.”

“Would it be okay if I either publicly release or provide this technology? Or, if I were to teach the structure of this machine, it would be like pouring salt on Lord Algren’s wound — is that okay?”

A pressure, like a wind blowing from the front, and the crackling of static electricity ran along the floor and across my skin.

“Are you trying to mock me!”

His magical eyes shone with a golden light. I heightened my own magic. I am unable to use magic spells, but if I fill myself with magic power, I can counteract some of the pressure to a certain extent.

“No, just a warning and confirmation. How about it?”

“…No, I won’t allow the technology to be made public.”

It seems like the sound of grinding teeth could be heard.

“This is not to make up for my rudeness, but I have one thing I can help Lord Algren with.”

He nodded and urged him to go ahead.

“Once a week, I am waiting for you in the reception room of this office. Lord Algren does not need to line up and if there are any questions, I will answer them. If I am able to answer them. How is that?”

“All right, I accept your challenge! I’ll be waiting for you with my head held high!”

With that, he stood up and left the office.

…hmm.

After he left the room, no one breathed or made a sound, and enough time had passed to let the tea steep before a sigh finally came out.

The maidservant and the guards who were waiting by the wall slumped down, patting their chests.

In the room where people were gasping for air, one of the guards spoke up.

“Vilhelmina-sama, please forgive me. I thought I’d die.”

The maidservant next to him poked him with her elbow.

“What are you going to do if you, the guard, don’t come forward?”

“No, I know, but… I’m sorry, Madam. My leg, I couldn’t move.”

The guards lined up and bowed their heads to me.

Well, that wasn’t just a simple killing intent, it was a magical pressure.

“I’ll let it slide this time. But make sure you can move next time.”

“Yes, thank you for your kindness!”

I really want to say that I pray that there won’t be a next time, but …

“Well, anyway.”

I drink my tea, which is now completely lukewarm.

Moisture returned to my mouth that was dry from tension.

“It has been decided that I can get a 5-carat magic stone once a week.”