The Hero Becomes the Duke’s Eldest Son

Chapter 126

Normally, it was difficult to suddenly visit the mansion of another noble family.

However, Aden didn’t have to worry about that.

‘The Heride Viscount family invited me first, after all.’

After Aden defeated the Winter Queen and her formidable army—though Niketa had handled most of it—his reputation soared thanks to being awarded Frozen.

Moreover, he proved himself as a true master by subduing the Thunder Knight, the eldest son of the Grand Duke’s family, who had succumbed to mana overflow.

As always, wealth and power flocked to those with outstanding prowess and fame.

Invitations from numerous noble families piled up like mountains where Aden resided, all eager to forge a friendly connection with him.

Although Aden had ignored them until now, this time, that pile of junk proved useful.

Among the letters was an invitation from the Heride Viscount family.

Thanks to that, Aden easily entered the viscount’s residence, which Unknown was targeting, accompanied by his escort knight, Lowe.

“Ha.”

Aden let out a hollow laugh as he sat in the drawing room with Lowe.

“The house is splendid, both outside and inside.”

The viscount’s mansion, seen from the outside, was extravagantly adorned to the point of being burdensome.

Inside, it was even more impressive.

The chandelier hanging from the ceiling was unnecessarily large and studded with dazzling jewels.

Expensive-looking, solemn paintings adorned every wall, glittering wallpaper mixed with gold dust, and decorations made of gold or crystal were scattered throughout.

‘They certainly enjoy luxury.’

—A complete nouveau riche, indeed, Dragon Slayer King.

Even Curse was taken aback by the sight.

The aesthetic sense was terrible, with objects that clashed and were excessively placed, regardless of their harmony with the surroundings.

Instead of blending in, everything was just decorated with expensive items.

Yet, the estate they passed through on their way here appeared shabby.

Lowe also wore a disapproving expression.

“Aden, sir, I don’t mean to criticize another noble family, but…”

“Doesn’t their taste absolutely suck?”

Lowe silently nodded in agreement.

At that moment, someone entered the drawing room.

“Haha! It’s a pleasure to meet you, Aden Remes! I am Gulla Heride, the owner of this mansion.”

A rather fat, pig-like man greeted them.

Viscount Heride, he wore gold rings set with jewels on all ten fingers, and his coat’s buttons were made of rubies and sapphires.

A glimpse of gold teeth shone between his grinning lips.

‘He looks like a gold-decorated pig.’

The viscount’s entire presence exuded the impression of a nouveau riche.

Aden already felt weary within five minutes of entering the mansion.

However, he did not show it and shook the viscount’s hand with a feigned smile.

“I am Aden Remes from the Duke Remes family, Viscount Heride. Thank you for the invitation.”

“Haha! No, no. It’s an honor for our family that the hero who defeated the Winter Queen has graced us with his presence.”

Viscount Heride was usually a haughty and arrogant noble, but he was very friendly towards Aden.

This was only natural.

‘He wouldn’t want to make an enemy of a master.’

Aden, at the age of eighteen, had reached the level of a transcendent warrior, even before considering that he was the eldest son of the Duke family.

He had slain the heir of the Sias Grand Duke family, who were regarded as almost absolute in the grand duchy.

Even a foolish beast would be meek and bow before a predator.

No matter how arrogant or short-sighted one was, they couldn’t take Aden lightly.

Even now, Viscount Heride’s lips trembled slightly, and cold sweat appeared on his forehead.

Aden casually spoke.

“I noticed the tight security on my way in. It seems I came at a bad time.”

“N-no! Not at all! Your visit is always welcome, sir.”

“Could you tell me what’s going on?”

Though Aden knew the situation, he feigned ignorance.

The viscount sighed and explained.

“The truth is, there’s a thief known as Unknown…”

Viscount Heride described the situation, explaining about the thief’s warning, the treasure targeted, and the Tears of the Azure Sky.

“The thief is a despicable rascal, but he’s so elusive that he’s humiliated many noble families. We’ve set up guards, but we’re still very anxious.”

“That must be very worrisome.”

“Indeed, it is. I have no idea how to handle it…”

Despite his words, the viscount’s eyes subtly conveyed a hope.

He spoke cautiously.

“Sir Aden, it is quite a bold request, but perhaps you could help catch the thief…”

“Sure. I’ll lend a hand.”

“R-really! But, sir, you are a distinguished guest. I can’t let you trouble yourself…”

Though the viscount pretended to hesitate, his eyes were visibly shaking.

Aden smiled warmly, reminiscent of a saint.

“Helping each other is the way of people, isn’t it? I want to help, so please don’t feel burdened, Viscount.”

“Ahem. Your sense of justice is truly admirable, just like the rumors say! Haha! Though it’s shameful to ask, if you insist, I’ll gratefully accept your help. Thank you!”

As soon as Aden agreed, the viscount’s words flowed like a river.

The viscount looked as if all his worries had disappeared and he had gained immense support.

“Kahaha! That despicable thief’s days are numbered now! Hahahaha!”

But seeing him so happy made Aden feel slightly uncomfortable.

Frankly, he wanted to leave the corrupt, pig-like noble and let him be robbed.

Feeling irritated for no reason, Aden said subtly.

“Indeed. We must catch such a perverted thief. But I heard that this thief once exposed the double books of a heinous tax-evading noble…”

Flinch.

The viscount’s shoulders twitched slightly.

Aden continued as if he hadn’t noticed.

“The tax-evading noble was a real piece of trash who committed many other crimes. I heard the Grand Duke personally beheaded him, and his family was demoted to commoners.”

Flinch!

The viscount’s shoulders twitched even more.

Aden smiled brightly.

“Well, it doesn’t really matter. But having such an unreasonable and perverted thief breaking in must be quite worrisome, don’t you think, Viscount?”

“Y-yes, indeed. Thank you for your concern…”

Viscount Heride’s eyes trembled, and his complexion paled.

Aden thoroughly enjoyed the look of the viscount, like a pig waiting to be led to the slaughterhouse.

Watching this, Curse sighed.

—…Dragon Slayer King, your twisted personality shines brilliantly today as well.

* * *

After treating Aden and Lowe to a luxurious dinner, Viscount Heride led them to the annex where his collection was stored.

He wanted to show them the Blue Tear of the Sky, the most cherished jewel of his collection, which Unknown had warned he would steal.

“There are many other rare items besides the Blue Tear, so you’ll find it quite interesting!”

Collectors are always eager to boast about their gathered treasures.

Viscount Heride was no exception.

“This is where I keep my treasures!”

“You’ve gathered quite a lot.”

Viscount Heride had a separate annex just for his collection.

Various statues, jewels, paintings, weapons, and artifacts filled the space.

The place looked like a cluttered exhibition of expensive junk, where money had been poured indiscriminately.

All those items were displayed in individual cases.

“That vase was bought at an auction for five thousand gold, and that golden sword cost eight thousand gold…”

The viscount began an unsolicited explanation, clearly proud of his collection.

Just one of those items must have cost a fortune in gold coins.

Aden clicked his tongue.

‘None of it seems particularly useful.’

They were literally just luxury items.

The place was filled with pretty trash.

At the very end of the displays was a large sapphire encased in glass.

“That is my most prized possession, the Blue Tear of the Sky.”

“Hm.”

The sapphire was about the size of a child’s fist.

Even to Aden, who had no particular knowledge in this field, it seemed valuable, as it emitted a faint, radiant blue light, different from ordinary sapphires.

However, a complex magic array was etched on the floor around the sapphire, creating a barrier.

“That magic array…”

“It’s a security measure set up by a specially invited magician. If touched, an alarm will sound and it will burn the intruder.”

Knights from the viscount’s household were on strict guard around the annex, and the jewel was surrounded by such a deadly barrier.

It looked impossible for anyone to even think of stealing it.

‘This would be a piece of cake for Unknown.’

In his previous life, Aden had taken on a security commission for a mansion with even more extensive security forces and sophisticated protective measures than this.

Despite that, Unknown had succeeded in stealing the treasure.

Given that, the security barrier here was no more than a piece of paper to the phantom thief.

Aden thought about this while looking around.

—Dragon Slayer King.

Curse suddenly called out to Aden.

—Look at the far left end of the display case.

‘What? Why…?’

—Just look first and ask later.

‘Damn, what could it be…’

Despite his frown, Aden looked in the direction Curse indicated.

“Hm?”

His eyes widened.

His gaze was fixed on one of the display cases lined with swords.

What Aden saw was a rather rough and old-looking dagger, quite unlike the other luxurious ornaments around it.

‘Could this be…?’

—Heh, you recognized it right away. It’s exactly what you think.

“Why, what is it, Aden?”

Noticing Aden’s unusual behavior, the viscount followed his gaze and frowned slightly when he saw the dagger.

“That’s something I received as a gift by chance. It’s just a sturdy, high-quality dagger.”

The viscount didn’t seem to think highly of it.

Apparently, it didn’t suit his aesthetic taste.

However, seeing Aden’s unusual reaction, the viscount asked,

“Do you like it? If you do, you can have it.”

“Is that okay?”

“Haha! Didn’t you agree to help catch Unknown? For you, I can give away a hundred such daggers.”

Since it wasn’t a piece he particularly liked among his collection, it was beneficial if he could use it to leave a good impression on Aden.

“Then I’ll gladly accept it. Thank you, Viscount Heride.”

Aden picked up the dagger, a smile spreading across his face.

‘To think it was here.’

Aden was greatly surprised.

The discerning Viscount Heride seemed to think it was just a regular dagger, but it was far from that.

Aden recognized the symbol engraved on the dagger’s hilt.

‘The Seventy-Two Demon Swords.’

Like Baalzebul, which Aden was using, the Seventy-Two Demon Swords were created from the remnants of ancient fallen monarchs.

This dagger was one of them, ‘Andromalius.’

Aden knew the ability contained within this demon sword.

Grinning, Aden’s smile turned satisfied.

‘Looks like I’ll have to tweak my plans a bit.’

He was lucky.

It seemed capturing Unknown would be much easier now.