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Pirenne was overflowing with people unlike before.

“Is this really Pirenne?”

“Why are there so many people?”

“Could it be that they have all come for the weight reduction magic?”

“It seems like it.”

The people gathered here were all those who came to receive the weight reduction magic.

It was all thanks to the rumors that spread about someone in Pirenne who performed exceptional weight reduction magic.

As a result, Pirenne’s economy unexpectedly started to flourish.

“Can I have some corn here, please?”

“Sure, please line up!”

A seemingly endless line of people stood waiting.

They were all here to receive the weight reduction magic.

Among them were some who were dressed quite extravagantly.

They were formidable individuals rarely seen in Pirenne, yet they lined up without a word.

“Our business is thriving, don’t you think? Shouldn’t we build bigger buildings?”

“Maybe we should acquire the adjacent building with the money we’ve earned?”

“We could rake in money hand over fist.”

People eagerly wanted to get the weight reduction magic.

However, currently, Yerica was the only one performing the magic, and the workshop was not that large.

Inside the workshop.

“I’m withdrawing.”

Immediately after seeing off the last customer, Ethan spoke directly to Yerica.

“With business going so well, why are you withdrawing?”

Curious, Yerica asked, and Ethan gently explained.

“I did business in Pirenne to assess the demand. As expected, the demand was sufficient, so now we can fully engage in the business, right?”

“Why not continue in Pirenne? It seems like the word has spread properly.”

Ethan chuckled and raised his hand.

“I occasionally forget, even with a bodyguard by my side, I am the eldest son of Count Whiskers. There is no need for me to do business in Pirenne.”

“That’s right. Young Master, you are the eldest son of Count Whiskers! There is no reason for you to do business in Pirenne, especially with a huge count’s estate!”

Schudlen had already prepared to leave.

His self-esteem had skyrocketed, and he was delighted to see Ethan, whom he served, becoming an increasingly worthy master to pledge his loyalty to.

‘Since it’s confirmed that there is demand, there is no need to do business in Pirenne.’

Pirenne was a small city.

While its location was quite favorable for growth, there was no need to be fixated on this city.

‘I’m going back to the count estate.’

By returning to the count estate and starting proper business, he could bring these customers along with him.

‘This is not a business that anyone can replicate.’

Ethan was certain of that.

This business was not something that anyone could imitate, so there was no need to rush into action.

* * *

After returning to the Count Estate, Ethan’s name began to rise among the residents of the territory.

“Is that really Young Master Ethan?”

“He has completely changed!”

“He walks properly now!?”

“And he carries two swords on his waist?”

The residents of the Count Estate knew well how frail Ethan used to be.

There were stories subtly spread by the estate’s employees, and some had personally witnessed his condition.

Moreover, compared to his younger brother, Nathan Whiskers, who was known to be at the prestigious Freya Academy, the comparisons were inevitable.

Therefore, the residents of the estate couldn’t help but be astonished by the completely transformed appearance of Ethan Whiskers.

“What on earth could have happened to him?”

One thing was certain: Ethan no longer looked sickly.

“But his gaze is still so tender.”

However, his gaze remained gentle.

When looking into his eyes, there was still a sense of sickliness, which didn’t quite match his now sturdy physique.

“If Young Master Ethan has rid himself of his sickly look… Does that mean…”

“Has his expertise solely focused on swordsmanship, now?”

The once frail prodigy of swordsmanship had returned to the Count Estate.

* * *

“It’s truly astonishing. The Count Estate is much grander than I imagined. And everyone used to refer to you as the frail young master, and it turns out it was true.”

“You didn’t believe it?”

“How could I? You defeated the Beast King. Unless the meaning of ‘sickly’ has changed without my knowledge.”

“It was a stroke of luck.”

“If luck was all it took to defeat such an opponent, then I must have the worst luck.”

Yerica shook her head.

“Now I have no choice but to believe.”

“Young master, please follow us this way.”

Ethan, along with Schudlen and Yerica, headed toward the Count Estate.

They had to report their return to the Count, who was also Ethan’s father.

Although their outing was brief, much had changed in the meantime.

‘I brought Yerica with me.’

Moreover, with Yerica, Ethan had brought a business opportunity that could further develop the Count Estate.

‘With this, our reputation will surely solidify. The Count Estate is vast, so it will accumulate quickly.’

Ethan suddenly thought of Nathan Whiskers.

Nathan Whiskers exuded such simplicity that it was hard to believe he was from the Count family.

‘It’s all because of the money they spent on me.’

Having poured so much money into him, one would expect him to at least live on, but he succumbed to illness, and it was no wonder the Count family would be ruined.

Ethan intended to ensure that such a situation would not occur at least.

‘A foothold is absolutely necessary.’

In the early to mid-game, obtaining a title was the best thing one could achieve.

However, obtaining a title was an incredibly difficult task.

With effort, one might be able to obtain the rank of Marquis, but anything beyond that was extremely challenging to achieve through effort alone.

But now, Ethan had essentially obtained a title.

‘For the sake of my survival.’

“Did you enjoy your outing, Young Master? I’m truly relieved to see you return safely!”

Normally, the one who should have been the first to welcome Ethan’s return was his father, Count Whiskers.

However, for some reason, Count Whiskers was nowhere to be seen.

Instead, the steward greeted him.

The steward had become much more dignified than before and wore a smile on his face.

“The Count is having a conversation with a guest, Young Master.”

“A guest?”

“Yes, Count Huntar has arrived. By the way, Young Master, you have truly become healthier.”

The steward took out a handkerchief from his breast pocket and wiped his moistened eyes.

“When you suddenly fell ill, we were extremely worried. Your reputation as the sword prodigy of the Whiskers family crumbled in an instant, and I can’t even imagine how you must have felt. However, you managed to overcome it splendidly.”

The steward gestured to Schudlen.

Schudlen had already finished talking with Ethan. This outing was meant to acquire good medicine, and they had reached an agreement on that matter.

“I’m not completely recovered yet, but I can walk around. Thank you so much for your concern, Steward. It’s thanks to my father and you, Steward.”

“It’s truly a joy to hear that. I must quickly convey this good news to Count Whiskers. Please go inside. I’ve been waiting to tell him that you have returned.”

“As a formality, I should also greet the guest.”

“Indeed… I’m relieved to see you in good health.”

“I’m not completely recovered, but I have caused a lot of worry until now.”

Ethan gave a nod to the steward.

The steward was genuinely pleased for his well-being.

Ethan smiled at the steward in return.

* * *

Count’s Reception Room.

“My son here, he has mastered the Huntar Swordsmanship perfectly this time. He can now demonstrate the ten forms of the Huntar Swordsmanship, which several members of our family have not achieved before, hahaha!”

Although the distance between their territories was quite far, Count Huntar, who had maintained periodic exchanges with Count Whiskers, was present as a guest.

Count Huntar had a son who was one year younger than Ethan and was known for his exceptional talent, earning him the title of the Huntar prodigy.

“Well, it’s not a remarkable achievement, but it does concern me. I heard that your second son, Nathan, is performing quite well in one of the top academies, Freya Academy. However, isn’t your eldest son still in a fragile state?”

That was the crux of the matter.

Count Hunter subtly belittled Ethan while showcasing the accomplishments of his own son.

“I have no need to worry about my eldest. However, I understand that you must be greatly concerned due to the troubles caused by Young Master Ethan.”

“…He will recover soon. I didn’t expect you to be so concerned, Count Huntar.”

Count Whiskers made an effort to maintain his composure.

Although he was belittling his own eldest son, he couldn’t reveal any ill feelings. That was because Count Whiskers relied on support from Count Huntar in various aspects.

In particular, the magic tools and magic scroll businesses were firmly controlled by Count Huntar. In order to purchase such items at a reasonable price, Count Whiskers needed to maintain a good relationship with him.

Of course, it would have been better to develop businesses within his own county to create competitiveness. However, Count Whiskers’ financial situation was not favorable. He had spent a significant amount of money to treat Ethan’s illness, but the count considered it a natural obligation.

Therefore, it was an unavoidable situation.

For the sake of his son and the county, he was willing to set aside his pride and offer a few boasts now and then.

Knock, knock.

At that moment, a knock was heard from outside.

“Oh, we have a guest.”

As the door opened, Ethan entered and met eyes with Count Huntar. However, he quickly averted his gaze and walked toward his father.

In that instant, the three of them focused their gaze on Ethan.

Just by his footsteps, one could discern his level of skill.

Twist.

The eyebrows of Letra Huntar, the eldest son of Count Huntar, who had been sitting quietly, raised.

Despite hearing that Ethan was frail, his footsteps exuded a sense of agility and even a hint of a rogue-like aura.

“I have returned, Father. I stayed out a little longer because the fresh air outside was quite refreshing. Nevertheless, I have returned in good health.”

Upon hearing those words, Count Whiskers burst into laughter.

Indeed, as Ethan spoke, there was hardly a trace of his previously frail appearance.

“Hahaha! You’re getting healthier by the day, so there’s no need for you to stay within the county! Now, you should go out more often!”

As he spoke, Ethan glanced briefly at Count Huntar.

Count Whiskers conveyed his message through his gaze. My son was not as frail as you think.

“Congratulations on Young Master Ethan’s improved health, Count Whiskers.”

Count Huntar applauded.

“Thank you.”

“Well then.”

Ssik-.

Count Huntar then smiled.

“I heard that Young Master Ethan excelled in Whiskers Swordsmanship in the past. Coincidentally, my eldest son has achieved mastery in Huntar Swordsmanship. How about a sparring match between them?”

Count Whiskers’ expression stiffened slightly at Count Huntar’s words. Despite Ethan’s improved condition, it had been a long time since he wielded a sword.

Achieving excellence in Whiskers’ Swordsmanship was also a thing of the past.

On the other hand, Count Huntar’s eldest son had been training relentlessly from the moment he first picked up a sword until now, without a day’s rest.

“Whiskers Swordsmanship is said to prioritize speed over strength. Well, I suppose you could lightly swing the swords.”

Count Huntar continued speaking.

“If it becomes too much, we can postpone it to another time. After all, Young Master Ethan’s physical condition is not at its best. If it’s not a proper Whiskers Swordsmanship, there’s no point in winning.”

Count Huntar was already discussing under the assumption that Huntar’s Swordsmanship was far superior to Whiskers’ Swordsmanship.

This was a severe insult.

Just as Count Whiskers was about to refuse and say a few words,

“Let’s do it.”

Ethan said.

“But I have a condition. I know you came today for business discussions. Are you planning to downsize that business?”

“Well, yes. Are you asking me to pretend that the downsizing discussion never happened?”

Count Huntar shrugged his shoulders and asked.

It wouldn’t be a big issue to pretend it never happened, so he was ready to agree quickly.

However…

“No.”

Ethan shook his head.

“I want you to withdraw it… Leave the building as it is. Clearly.”

Instantly, Count Huntar’s expression turned cold.