The West Wind's Destination - Chapter 78
Could that really be possible?
Considering the attitude Bea had shown so far, it was consistent.
Bea showed resistance when Aseph lowered himself to her so as to court her, selected only the finest and most precious things to lay at her feet, and treated her like the most precious and noble person.
In contrast to that, she instead quickly agreed when told a bit forcefully that she needed to stay here, surprisingly enough.
However, even if that was a faster way to achieve Aseph’s goal, it shouldn’t be done that way.
“…That’s not right.”
Aseph sighed and rejected the tempting suggestion after contemplating it.
“Just because it’s familiar doesn’t mean it’s correct.”
“So, are you going to leave her to Myron Devesis?”
That was not the case.
Ruslan read Aseph’s mind and jumped to a conclusion.
“So, for now, keeping her as a vassal and starting from there wouldn’t be bad.”
“Are you suggesting that I use my position to pressure her?”
“It’s just a temporary measure.”
“Would you like it if your superior courted you?”
“Ugh, don’t say such creepy things.”
Aseph kicked Ruslan in the shin for talking nonsense and was submerged in thought.
It wasn’t a bad direction, per se. She would be a vassal in name only, while he had no real intention of commanding her. It was merely a means to detach her from Myron Devesis’s side.
But he couldn’t think of it as the right direction.
No matter the difference in intentions and processes, going that route would result in acting similarly to Myron Devesis.
Even if becoming Aseph Vilkanos’s vassal was more beneficial for Bea than living as that man’s slave, it would ultimately only change her ‘master’.
By removing her options and making her cornered, offering sweetness would likely lead to acceptance.
However, coercing her to stay by his side, judging it to be better, was nothing but arrogance. And manipulating the situation like that was deception towards the other party.
Above all, Bea wouldn’t want such a situation.
Because she said she loved Myron Devesis.
But even for a brief moment, when Aseph saw them together, their relationship was clearly not an ideal mentor-student relationship based on affection.
Was thinking that way his arrogance?
Was it not because of jealousy that he wanted to think that way?
Wouldn’t it be better to just kill him and take her away?
Was it just as Pavel, the butler, said?
Even if withered, she’s my flower.
“Haah…”
If only she had met Aseph first.
If he had met her earlier.
Even if accused of dogmatic obsession and possessiveness, the desire to take her away, even by abduction, filled him. And it was getting stronger.
Doing so would certainly not be welcomed by Bea. That fact drove Aseph even crazier.
This time, Ruslan didn’t interrupt Aseph’s solitary contemplation. It wasn’t a situation to leisurely engage in unproductive conversation. Nor was it a comfortable place.
Fortunately, it wasn’t long before Aseph could meet the person he was waiting for.
The butler Pavel and the alchemist he went to the West to find.
Someone who had worked under Myron Devesis in the past and chose to disappear from the world after his death.
“Pleased to meet you.”
“…I greet the ruling lord of Vilkanos, Guardian of the divine beast.”
The alchemist, who had his hood deeply drawn, stood up from his seat and paid his respects.
Aseph narrowed his eyes as he received the greeting.
“You speak as a Vilkanos native would.”
“Alchemists do whatever it takes to survive. Would you prefer I address you as Your Highness the Grand Duke?”
“That’s not necessary.”
“I never thought I’d meet someone from beyond the mountains.”
As he removed his hood, the distinctive sharp features of a westerner were revealed.
The reflection in one of his eyes, illuminated by the lamp, was particularly striking. Soon, Aseph realized it was a prosthetic eye.
“Let’s say it’s a special case this time.”
The fact that he had worked under Myron Devesis was also a matter this man likely prefer to keep hidden. He had chosen to live hidden from the world, and it wasn’t something for a foreign noble to meddle in.
“Right. I’ll make sure the compensation is satisfactory. The household can support the alchemists of the West or provide a basis for research for you in the Vilkanos land.”
“Ah… Actually, rather than that.”
The alchemist swallowed dryly before speaking.
“I came after hearing that Zephyr is alive.”
At the unexpected name, Aseph furrowed his brows.
“Bea?”
“It is as he say, Your Highness.”
Pavel answered on his behalf.
“The alchemists showed no interest in Myron Devesis. But when I leaked information about Zephyr, that’s the only time I managed to find them.”
Aseph looked at the alchemist curiously, and he said as if he had been waiting,
“Yes, I will provide information to you. But rather than the compensation you offer, I would like to request the safety of Zephyr.”
They showed more interest in Bea than in Myron they had followed.
In fact, it was unexpected that merely leaking information about Bea would make them show themselves.
“I must ask the reason.”
“It’s due to her skills that we seek her. Zephyr left us with good things in the West, but our technology has degraded significantly, and we are unable to properly utilize it. This, too, is nearing the end of its lifespan.”
The alchemist touched his one eye. Not flesh, but hard material clicked against his fingernail.
