Trash of the Count's Family Vol 2. Chapter 437: One Man, Two Roles, and Chaos in the Demon World (12)

Cale observed Clopeh Sekka, his mind registering the man's utter madness.

Count Lupe.

Even after his prolonged absence, with his demise all but a certainty, a multitude of Dioriel's citizens held onto the hope of the Count's return.

“So, then, Mr. Kase?”

“Yes.”

“Are your words… truly sincere?”

“Indeed.”

“Is this busi—, no, never mind!”

The administrator confronting Clopeh Sekka managed to suppress the question that nearly escaped him—Is this individual unhinged?

He wiped away a bead of cold sweat, his gaze darting around the room.

Every face was fixed in a blank stare.

No, their attention wasn't on him.

It was fixed upon the lunatic seated before them.

Count Lupe.

In the realm of commerce, his accomplishments extended far beyond Dioriel, encompassing the entirety of the Demon World.

Among these achievements, the New Business Department was a source of particular pride for the people of Dioriel.

“If you desire to launch a new venture but lack the necessary capital, come forth!”

“Should you possess both funds and a clear objective, yet require the opportunity to realize it, present yourself!”

That very slogan formed the bedrock that propelled Dioriel to prominence, not merely as a city of mines, but as a vibrant hub of commerce.

“Hah—”

The man dabbing his brow took immense pride in his role within that very department.

However, following Count Lupe’s disappearance, the New Business Department inevitably faced decline.

In reality, the impact wasn't confined to just the New Business Department. Most divisions within the lord's castle, the territory as a whole, and even associated merchant guilds and mines—

their operations weren't merely decelerating; they were in a state of regression.

“This situation is untenable. A successor must be chosen!”

This sentiment permeated the city, culminating in the decision to appoint a new lord within the coming month.

And yet—

“Allow me to ascertain my understanding—”

After such a considerable span.

“You intend to purchase a mine?”

“Precisely.”

“...Not a fractional operational stake, nor a transportation service for extracted ore, but the outright acquisition of the entire mining operation?”

“Yes.”

Kase.

The dark-haired, green-eyed gentleman offered a gentle smile.

Though clad in ordinary attire, his posture and his manner of speech—every aspect of him exuded an extraordinary presence.

Above all else—

A glance.

A pouch lay upon the counter.

It overflowed with jewels, so abundant they threatened to spill.

And each gem appeared exceedingly rare.

“Well—”

An unexpected individual emerged, proclaiming a desire to purchase a mine.

Yet, his appearance certainly suggested considerable wealth.

“Indeed.”

Kase—or rather, Clopeh Sekka—responded in a tranquil tone.

“Please, feel free to speak candidly. I was informed that the New Business Department is the optimal venue for inquiries regarding new ventures within the territory.”

“That is accurate, but—”

It was true, but still!

My expertise lies in minor undertakings!

The majority of patrons approaching this counter are inventors seeking investment, small-scale merchant guilds, or traders hoping to secure minor commissions from the territory!

A mine?

An endeavor of that magnitude is far beyond my purview!

And not just any mine—

“The mine that Mr. Kase is interested in is—”

“Correct. The Moraka Mine.”

“Hk!”

The administrator inhaled sharply, involuntarily. He stammered, “Mr. Kase, d-do you possess any awareness of its location—”

“Naturally. I am aware it is currently under the ownership of Young Master Jimon.”

“Hk!”

You know this, and yet you desire it?

Not solely the administrator—even bystanders emitted gasps and shook their heads.

The Moraka Mine.

It was possessed by Young Master Jimon, one of the two contenders for the position of the next lord.

Currently, he stood as the sole scion of Count Lupe's lineage, supported by the Lupe family's influence.

Furthermore, it was the mine boasting the largest reserves in the present day.

Gulp.

The administrator's internal monologue ran: “This is overwhelmingly beyond my capacity to manage.”

A droplet of perspiration traced a path down his forehead, continuing along his cheek.

At that precise moment—

“Do you presume I lack the requisite funds?”

Clopeh Sekka inquired gently.

“I am capable of procuring any sum necessary. Although… hmm. What would serve as the most effective demonstration of this?”

Every individual within the New Business Department—and the territory residents harboring aspirations of entrepreneurship—watched him with blank astonishment as he spoke with such effortless composure.

Then—

Thunk.

With a subtle impact, the individual seated quietly beside Clopeh placed another pouch on the table.

Rustle.

He opened it.

Clatter—

“!”

Magic Stones tumbled out.

Even at a mere glance, they appeared to be at least high-grade—resplendent Magic Stones of exceptional quality.

“Haha. It appears my Second Brother grew impatient.”

Clopeh regarded Cale with a smile of evident satisfaction.

“W-well, uh—”

The administrator opened his mouth to articulate a response, but—

Scrape.

He immediately ceased when the sound of a chair shifting emanated from the rear of the office.

He turned his head.

Both Clopeh and Cale directed their gazes in that direction.

A middle-aged man with a stern demeanor addressed Clopeh.

“It appears this transaction necessitates a more private discussion, conducted further inside.”

Clopeh glanced at the man, then briefly shifted his attention to Cale.

Grin.

He offered Cale a smile before rising from his seat.

“Second Brother. Do come along.”

“Yes, Big Brother.”

Following Clopeh, Cale proceeded deeper into the building, led by the stiff-faced middle-aged man.

This man was Terosa, one of the Demon King’s most trusted aides.

The individual in charge of the New Business Department was a subordinate Terosa had personally recruited.

“Cale-nim. The New Business Department seems to be the most direct route to approaching Terosa, a close confidant of the Demon King.”

Last night—

After entrusting Hong with Sui Khan’s care, Cale and Clopeh had engaged in an extensive discussion throughout the night.

Raon had expended a considerable amount of magic, but their preparations had proved fruitful.

This was all thanks to Aurora’s intervention.

Upon discovering the connection between the territory of Count Lupe and the location where the Order of the God of Chaos, including the Pope himself, was staying, and understanding the peril of gray sickness, Aurora had aligned herself completely with Cale’s objectives.

“That is fortunate. Aurora values the Demon World far more than the current Demon King.”

Should the gray sickness spread, the current Demon King's standing would inevitably be compromised.

The Order of the God of Chaos had planned to exploit this very situation to seize control of the Demon World, and Aurora stood to gain significantly if she chose to leverage the chaos.

Yet, she had opted to prevent it.

“Seeing what the Demon King has done chills me. I cannot become that kind of demon.”

Aurora, having learned that the current Demon King was transforming demon souls into NPCs for the New World, declared her refusal to participate in such atrocities.

“Mr. Kase.”

The stern middle-aged man ceased his movement and stopped before a particular door.

“Might I trouble you to wait in here for a moment?”

He offered a professional smile.

“To discuss the matter you proposed in greater detail—”

However, Clopeh Sekka interjected, stating his purpose directly.

“Are you planning to fetch Terosa-nim?”

“......!”

For a fleeting instant, the man’s professional facade faltered. Clopeh, with a smile, continued,

“I unequivocally support Terosa-nim.”

Terosa, an aide to the current Demon King.

Young Master Jimon, a member of Count Lupe’s lineage.

Soon, one of these two demons would ascend to leadership.

“.......”

The middle-aged man, his expression hardening, finally spoke.

“One does not keep close those who readily reveal their true intentions.”

It was delivered as counsel.

Yet—

“I am not so certain. My sole aspiration is to become a merchant driven by the pursuit of wealth.”

The smile, devoid of any pretense of modesty and showcasing his avarice, unexpectedly softened the middle-aged man’s stern demeanor.

“Wait here. The decision is not yours to make.”

“Understood. Please proceed. I eagerly anticipate positive news.”

Leaving the reception room door ajar, the middle-aged man departed. Clopeh and Cale entered, closing the door behind them.

Click.

They then settled side-by-side onto the sofa, their gazes fixed on the vacant seats opposite them.

A heavy silence enveloped the chamber.

“Second Brother.”

“Yes.”

“Will you entrust all decisions to Big Brother’s discretion?”

“Yes.”

Following this exchange, neither spoke further.

It was an unspoken acknowledgment of the possibility of hidden listening devices within the room.

Click.

The door opened once more.

The middle-aged man was no longer present.

Instead, a woman entered.

She was diminutive and slender, resembling a reed that could bend with the slightest breeze, her features indistinct and leaving little lasting impression.

“It is a pleasure to meet you.”

Terosa.

Her presence lacked any overt charisma.

However, the moment one’s eyes met hers, that initial impression shifted dramatically.

“You wish to purchase Young Master Jimon’s mine?”

Her eyes were piercing.

Sharp and unyielding, as clear as a drawn blade, and perfectly straight.

She was renowned for her exceptional intellect.

“Yes.”

Clopeh responded with practiced ease, then elaborated,

“I understand that mining operations have ceased there for the past year, primarily due to cost concerns. Should I acquire the mine, I intend to resume excavation operations without delay.”

Young Master Jimon.

In his bid for the position of the next Count, he had ordered the halt of operations at his mine.

While the mine’s yield was merely average for the region, its suspension had triggered a cascade of complications.

This was due to its nature as a Magic Stone mine. Despite its moderate overall output, its concentration on Magic Stones alone rendered it the most valuable mining site in the territory.

“Hmm.”

Terosa intently observed Clopeh Sekka—or rather, the man who had introduced himself as Kase—before she spoke.

“I have no prior knowledge of you. Your connections and background remain undetermined.”

With that, she offered a slight smile.

It was a smile that appeared delicate, yet her gaze remained so sharp that she exuded an aura of formidable capability.

At that juncture—

Thunk.

Cale placed the pouch brimming with Magic Stones onto the table situated between the two sofas.

Magic Stones spilled from the pouch, its opening already unsecured.

“!”

A discernible shift occurred in Terosa’s expression.

Maintaining a gentle smile, Clopeh inquired,

“Can you ascertain their value?”

“.......”

Terosa remained silent for a beat before finally responding.

“…These are top-tier Magic Stones. I have never before witnessed Magic Stones of such exceptional quality.”

Where could something like this possibly—

She swallowed the rest of the thought.

These Magic Stones had been mined from the mine Cale had obtained from the very first world he visited—top-grade, supreme-quality Magic Stones brought from an entire world, Shaolenn.

Clopeh pulled one Magic Stone from the pouch and set it before her.

Tap.

“That proves capability, does it not?”

With those words, he pulled a single sheet of paper from inside his clothes.

“Who are you?”

That paper, too, was placed before Terosa.

“And where did you come from?”

Smiling at her, Clopeh said,

“You must be curious about everything. So take a look.”

“.......”

Terosa unrolled the tightly rolled paper Clopeh had handed her.

“!”

She shot to her feet.

“You—”

“It is said that Count Lupe left behind no blood relatives.”

He had never married.

And he was known to have had no children.

That was why Young Master Jimon, considered the most promising successor among those with the closest degree of kinship, had come to wield power.

“I have the qualifications.”

Clopeh Sekka smiled.

Terosa did not.

“.......”

The paper was a birth certificate.

And not just any birth certificate—it bore Count Lupe’s own signature and seal, proving that the man before her was his son.

Terosa could not help but stare in shock. If it was a forgery, then it was too perfect. The signature matched Count Lupe’s exactly, the very same signature she had spent the last year seeing over and over again.

And the seal in particular. That looked real.

A seal that seemed to contain the Count’s very own mana made for even stronger proof.

Last night. And then at dawn.

Human! I don’t even know how many times I teleported! I got it from Aurora! Aurora went to New World, met Count Lupe, and came back after preparing everything!

It was the result of a great deal of effort from Cale, Clopeh, and Raon.

“Go verify it.”

“.......”

The smile vanished from Terosa’s face.

It had to.

Because what came from Clopeh’s mouth next was—

“Why? Do you suddenly feel as if you might lose the lord’s seat?”

“!”

Terosa’s eyes shook.

If that certificate was genuine, then a true blood relative had appeared.

But Clopeh did not stop.

He continued in a mild voice.

“You cannot afford to lose the lord’s seat, can you? You must carry on the Demon King’s will.”

The Demon King.

The moment he uttered those words, Terosa’s gaze settled.

Clopeh and Terosa.

The two of them looked at one another.

Clopeh recalled the information he knew about Terosa.

A loyal servant and follower of the current Demon King.

She believed that the current Demon King was the one destined to become the first demon god.

That was a very famous story.

Right. A fanatic.

To her, the current Demon King was already a demon god.

A smile naturally rose to Clopeh’s face.

Ah.

But he suppressed it.

Because it felt as though it might twist into something warped.

“I have no intention of revealing myself.”

Clopeh spoke calmly.

“Give the money to me.”

He pointed at Terosa.

“And you become the lord.”

Then, in a voice low enough to sound like a whisper, he recited,

“Shouldn’t the Demon King’s will—the demon god’s will—be fulfilled no matter what?”

“.......”

The chill in Terosa’s eyes slowly began to change into something strange.

The corners of her mouth started inching upward.

Smiling, she said,

“How dare you speak of the Demon King’s will as though someone like you could possibly know it?”

At first glance, she looked angry.

And in truth, she was.

How dare he mention the Demon King in front of her.

But when Terosa looked into Clopeh’s eyes, she was overcome by an odd feeling.

Clopeh answered,

“I may not know. But you do.”

Clopeh’s serious gaze.

The bizarre heat burning inside it.

“You alone must be walking that path with him.”

Terosa’s heart pounded.

Because there was sincerity in his voice.

Neither of them could look away from the other.

Wow.

Watching from the side, Cale thought.

If Raon were here, he would probably say something like this—

Human! Both of their eyes have completely flipped!

Cale simply stayed quiet.

Clopeh Sekka’s the one pulling double duty, not me.

Playing the role of a Wanderer from Five Colored Blood.

And on top of that, handling even the smallest details of pretending to be Count Lupe’s only blood relative.

Watching Clopeh Sekka take care of everything on his own, Cale relaxed and let himself drift with the flow.

This kind of comfort—

it was a first.

And Clopeh thought,

I know too.

Just like that demon called Terosa.

I know what I must do, because I am walking the path Cale-nim will take.

The Order of the God of Chaos.

And the Demon World.

The hunters.

Amid the disorder and chaos they would create, only the path Cale-nim walked stood out with perfect clarity.

The heat that had been lingering deep in Clopeh’s eyes gradually began to show itself.

If Raon had seen it, he would have said he was twisted around 1,245 degrees.