Chapter 138 : Chapter 138

Chapter 138 - Method of Survival

A day passed.

Which meant there was one day left until the First Son arrived at Eclipse.

In the meantime, the mass production business accelerated even further and finally filled its first box.

The wooden box, packed tightly with thirty bottles of first-stage processed Dark Elixir, came to Eclipse first.

“Youngest Son-nim! Look! We’ve filled the first box!”

Jubel and the Forest Witch came with the box.

The Forest Witch was quiet as usual, but the corners of her mouth under her brim were slightly raised, seemingly pleased.

If she was like this, Jubel couldn't hide his excitement, his eyes glittering as if they had turned into gold coins.

“You’ve all worked hard. Now that the first box is complete, all that’s left is to increase the speed.”

Jubel nodded vigorously.

“That’s right. It took about 30 minutes to produce thirty bottles, so from now on, it's really just a matter of time.”

“The President wanted you to check the state of the Dark Elixir. It looked fine to my eyes, but it might be different for you, President.”

“No. It looks fine to my eyes as well.”

I had been looking at the potion bottle since a moment ago.

The bottle's design was a square, angular shape with a slight black finish.

It had the effect of making the solution, which couldn't hide its turbidity yet as it was only the first stage, look more luxurious.

Jubel stroked the box and continued.

“For our sales strategy, I plan to use the Potion Development Department. The development department has already found a way to supply the Flame Resistance Potion to the family sorcerers.”

“It seems the collateral branches are working hard.”

“They are thirsty for opportunity. As you said, Youngest Son-nim, they are excellent workers. And they cost little. Haha.”

The Forest Witch picked up the conversation.

“We’ll include the Dark Elixir in the development department and distribute it through the established supply route. While doing so, we'll hire Hexa as an outsourcing company.”

“This is where the magic happens. Hexa will supply the labor force to the factory and, under your protection, Youngest Son-nim, will have research and publicity rights.”

“Hexa is already connected to the business through Jubel. Also, Hexa is already specialized in the potion sales business. The justification is good, too.”

“That’s exactly it. Shall we summarize?”

With the Forest Witch’s indifferent affirmation, Jubel clapped his hands.

“The material cost to make the Dark Elixir comes from the family. The transportation cost comes from the development department. What about the bottling, packaging, and advertising costs?”

“We can cover that with the family support funds we receive by registering as an outsourcing company.”

Jubel snapped his fingers.

The clear sound echoed in the room.

Jubel clicked his tongue as if it were truly perfect.

“We will be able to earn an astronomical amount of money without spending a single penny of my own. Because there’s virtually no cost of production.”

“And we don’t even pay taxes.”

This was because it was a family business.

Taxes, the enemy of all merchants, disappeared cleanly by having the largest great family in the east at our back.

“Youngest Son-nim. Please keep the gates open for a while. The gold wagons I send will be endless.”

“I can keep them open day and night, but.”

The worry came from an unexpected external source.

“I just hope I can handle my older brother well and receive it with all my limbs intact.”

“……”

“Hmm…”

The room that had been filled with the smell of money turned chilly again.

But the one who brought it up was nonchalant.

“Do you have something you’re counting on?”

“Well. I wouldn't say I don't.”

His hand pointed to the box filled with thirty bottles of Dark Elixir.

“Even if I drink this, I don’t think a full-frontal battle with the First Son-nim will be easy.”

“That’s right. But we can’t ignore its power. Especially the elders.”

“…The elders?”

At the word ‘elders,’ the Forest Witch, who had become one of them, looked at the Youngest Son.

“What are you talking about?”

“You may not know this, Forest Witch, but the elders are currently suffering from overwork without sleep, establishing and applying fire-attribute countermeasures.”

“Ah. I see.”

A reply dripping with the unspoken thought of not being interested at all.

The Youngest Son smiled faintly.

“To end that overwork, the Flame Resistance Potion and Dark Elixir are essential, so they have no choice but to protect me, the creator of it.”

“Indeed…!”

Jubel’s eyes widened.

“You were waiting for the elders’ help, Youngest Son-nim.”

“That's right. I don't know which of the elders will come, but Elder Graham, who is their leader, won't just leave me be.”

It might seem like I was bluffing, but the Youngest Son knew Graham well.

Given his personality, he would send someone.

“Then, who among the elders do you expect to come?”

“There are a few people I have in mind.”

I was thinking of countermeasures tailored to those people.

Knock, knock—

The Head Maid knocked on the door.

I knew the reason.

“A guest?”

“Yes. The Butler has currently escorted them to the reception room, so you can go there. Also, please bring Elder Lorelin-nim with you.”

“I understand.”

The next destination for the two was decided.

Jubel stood up from his seat.

“I will be on my way now. I’ll go make money, so please just stay alive. I don’t want to give this huge sum to the high-ranking family members who haven't even tried.”

“Alright. I have no intention of dying either, so don’t worry.”

“I’ll see you next time.”

Jubel bowed his head deeply.

“I consider it a great stroke of luck that I was the one who received your letter that day, Youngest Son-nim.”

“Why the sudden flattery?”

“I’m serious. Well then.”

The money-grubber disappeared just like that.

The Forest Witch snorted softly.

“So he was someone who could say such things.”

“I was surprised too.”

“Let’s go too. She said a guest has arrived.”

“We should.”

I had already adjusted the connection between the rooms.

Clank—

Opening the door immediately revealed the reception room where the guest was.

“Hello~”

A woman with chick-yellow hair waved her hand cheerfully.

She was Elder Shina Koelri, called a genius of possession even when compared to all the kinsmen in history.

***

Elder Lorelin and Elder Shina sat facing each other, and the Youngest Son sat at the head of the table.

Steam rose from the tea served by the Butler and the Head Maid, and by the time the steam dissipated, the Youngest Son spoke.

“You’ve worked hard coming all this way.”

“Not at all. I may have aged a little, but my legs are still fine. And…”

Shina’s eyes tilted towards the Forest Witch sitting in front of her.

“I expected it, but as I thought, you’re here. Elder Lorelin-nim. This is the first time we’re meeting in person, right?”

“Yeah. It's the first time.”

“Haha. You’re as interesting as they say.”

Knowing she would speak informally even in front of the Family Head, Shina giggled.

But that was brief. After catching her breath, she resumed a proper posture and changed the topic.

“The First Son-nim is coming. As everyone here knows better than anyone.”

“I also know you came to help me.”

“That’s correct too. Revealing myself will be a last resort. Elder Graham told me to help you, Youngest Son-nim.”

The Forest Witch glanced at the President from under the brim of her hat.

Everything was exactly as he had said.

It had always been like this, but it was an amazing sight to behold every time.

Shina continued.

“The best-case scenario is to bring the First Son-nim alone into this castle and seat him. And then defuse the situation through conversation.”

The reason this was the best-case scenario was not only because no one would get hurt, but there was another reason.

“If I feed someone a small, regenerable piece of my soul, I can gain control over not only their inner thoughts but also their physical body.”

“I’ve heard the rumors. You control the opponent with the control you gain, but the controlled opponent never realizes it.”

“Yes. No matter how excellent their senses are or how skilled a sorcerer examines them.”

Shina put her hand in her bosom and took out a bottle the size of her little finger.

Inside, a fine green powder was packed.

“It’s my Soul Powder. If I can get the First Son-nim to ingest this in any way, I will make him withdraw from this invasion.”

“This amount will only allow you to control him for about a day.”

“It would be irreverent to hold a kinsman of the family for long. But today’s choice will remain in the First Son-nim's mind for a long time.”

It meant that he was unlikely to reverse a decision once made.

As long as you, who are facing the First Son, do well.

That kind of gaze was shot from a harmless face with a harmless look.

The Youngest Son brought the teacup to his lips and smiled faintly.

“I will seat my older brother in this spot. I will give you a room nearby, so please be on standby.”

“Of course. I can finally escape from the document hell~”

Shina smiled brightly and clapped her small white hands.

“Then, can I borrow Elder Lorelin-nim in the meantime? I was a bit lonely being the only woman among the elders.”

“Well. I suppose that depends on her own will.”

“Hmm. Not really interested.”

“Don’t be like that~! I know all the love affairs happening in the Pantheon! For example, like the prospective partners for the kinsmen’s political marriages?”

While Shina was holding onto Lorelin, the Youngest Son quietly slipped out.

It seemed she was sending a look for help, but I quickened my pace.

I went to the Butler who would be downstairs.

The demon, who was in the middle of perfecting the curse, waved his hand cheerfully.

“Youngest Son-nim! What’s up?”

“Are the preparations going well?”

“The preparations are going well. What about the offerings?”

“I came because of that.”

Butler Amon sucked in a breath.

“Did you fail to prepare them? I guess so…. Where would you suddenly get that many people?”

“It’s the opposite. I came to ask how many are needed for the optimal state.”

“Uh, how many?”

The Butler scratched his fluffy hair and said.

“I guess…. it would have to be over 100 to be worthwhile?”

“Understood. Expand the space here. I will send down 100 offerings before the sun sets today.”

“What… okay?”

The Youngest Son confirmed only that and disappeared.

And not long after, the Head Maid came with iced tea.

“What? Did you come because you’re also curious about how many offerings are needed, Head Maid-nim?”

“Was it the Youngest Son-nim who said that?”

“Yeah. I told him I needed 100, and he said he understood and left.”

“Did he also explain what those offerings are?”

“No? Why?”

The Head Maid looked at the demon butler sipping the iced tea she had brought, then stopped pondering and opened her mouth.

“The Youngest Son-nim created a heart in some way, made it into his private soldier with his own power, and created a clone identical to himself.”

“A clone?”

“Yes. A clone that is surprisingly similar to the Youngest Son-nim and, of course, has the same physical structure as a human.”

“How fascinating!”

The Butler’s eyes widened, and his mouth fell open.

“But…”

Not even a few seconds passed before a flood of concerns followed.

“He made it from a heart? How?”

“I don’t know the method either. I can't even judge if it’s a Family Sorcery. But from what I saw, the connection with the clone seemed very strong.”

“Hmmmm…”

He stroked his smooth, hairless chin.

“What do you mean by that connection?”

“I don’t know. It was just a simple feeling. I’m sorry.”

“No! It’s the first time I’ve heard of making a clone from a heart.”

But I could roughly guess what kind of connection she was talking about.

I also felt like I knew what kind of result that connection would bring.

“What did the Youngest Son-nim say about the clone?”

“He said that he confirmed there were no side effects, so we shouldn't worry.”

“Uh-huh. That’s a lie!”

“A lie… is it?”

“Yeah! The heart is considered the most important thing in a sacrificial ritual! You could even call it a symbol! To create a clone centered on that, there’s no way there wouldn’t be side effects!”

The Butler let out a breath of admiration.

“Anyway, our Youngest Son-nim is amazing, huh? At the very least, there must be pain sharing, and he’s going to endure this alone and even fight the First Son!”

“I will stop him.”

“Ahem! I don’t recommend that!”

“…And why is that?”

The Head Maid’s narrowed eyes looked down at him, who only came up to her shoulder.

“Even I, who knows nothing about this First Son guy, can see he’s a formidable opponent that requires risking one’s life. Right?”

“That is correct.”

“The plans to counter such a formidable opponent are bound to be limited! Without using himself as an offering, the Youngest Son-nim can’t move on to the next step.”

“……”

“Throwing everything he has to move forward. Isn’t that the Youngest Son-nim's method of survival? Let’s respect it.”

Head Maid Mirea Rara couldn't move from her spot for a long time.

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