Failed Possession Chapter-77

## Ch – 77.

—

Like other great cities, Alderan was a place where a Magic Tower and prestigious families coexisted. Unlike the great cities of the East, where numerous sects stood side by side in rivalry, most large cities of the West followed this structure.

Foremost among Alderan’s many noble houses was the Maybeld family, which owned the airship port. Even if one possessed an airship, one had to pass through the Maybeld family to use the port. Thus, the many merchant companies visiting Alderan for trade had no choice but to be mindful of Maybeld’s favor.

“They probably won’t even charge us.”

Estor, seated in the coachman’s seat, spoke with an indifferent expression. Of the month it had taken to travel from Panteleon to Alderan, he had driven the carriage alone for half.

Yuri had tried several times to take over out of guilt for making him drive so much, but Estor had refused each time. Sitting still and resting only made him restless, he claimed.

As something of a substitute—though not quite equivalent—Yuri sparred with Estor from time to time. It was no troublesome matter. Though Yuri had won their formal duel, Estor was strong. Even limiting their internal energy during practice bouts allowed both to gain much.

“The Maybeld family cannot compare to the Ascad family, but they have accumulated immense wealth. That’s true of any family within ‘Pride.’”

Among the countless families of the Cartel, only the most prestigious of the prestigious were called Pride. They were not kings, yet they ruled cities, manipulated laws, collected taxes, and governed citizens.

“Having money doesn’t mean they won’t charge money.”

“That’s true. If the Maybeld family waives the boarding fee, it will be because I’m here.”

It was shameless, but Estor was not the type to mind such things.

“Hmm, perhaps not. Maybe they won’t charge because of you. Treating you well and forming a connection would be worthwhile.”

Estor turned and grinned at Yuri.

The epithet “Cloud Dragon,” bestowed by the Sword Emperor and the Fist King, had already spread throughout the world. The Orsia family had publicly announced the duel’s result.

In a match held under observation, the Sword Dragon had fallen, and the Thunder Cloud had prevailed. Thus Thunder Cloud became a Dragon… The headlines had run something like that.

“There’s more than just the Maybeld family in Alderan. The Havert Magic Tower is here as well.”

Haryeong, who had been sitting atop the carriage roof simply because the weather was pleasant, spoke up. After inspecting the sharpened edge of her dagger in the light, she lowered her gaze to the back of Yuri’s head.

“They say the beloved disciple of the Tower Master, the Iron Fortress, is exceptionally talented, though little is known due to their lack of public appearances. Lord Estor, do you know of this disciple?”

“Silverwood?”

The answer came immediately.

“I’ve only heard about him through Tower Master Selvis. I believe he’s a year younger than Yuri and me. He’s already in the late 4th Rank.”

“A remarkable talent.”

Even if compared to Elena, who was also a mage, reaching the late 4th Rank at twenty-one was talent on par with hers—enough to be called a genius.

“…”

Estor looked at Yuri with a peculiar expression. Yes, it was remarkable talent—but was Yuri really in a position to say that?

“You shameless…”

“What.”

“Never mind. You’re right—it’s remarkable talent. The Rosta family once offered an enormous reward to hire the Iron Fortress over the Bernok conflict, but he refused, saying he had to teach his disciple. That shows how much he cherishes the boy.”

Estor gave a short laugh before continuing.

“Though perhaps he didn’t refuse solely because of the disciple.”

“Even the Iron Fortress would find it burdensome to intervene in the Bernok conflict.”

“Indeed. If he were hired by the Rosta family, he would become outright enemies with Apex Lucionel.”

Apex Lucionel was a figure revered by many Tower Masters—a master among masters. Though the Iron Fortress of the Havert Magic Tower was not lacking in seniority, he was not a mage who could stand on equal footing with Apex Lucionel.

‘In the game, he was practically a sandbag.’

Depending on one’s build, he could become a wall of despair—but against Yuri’s character, the combat compatibility had been excellent.

“I hear Bernok now is so savage that even a Tower Master cannot guarantee survival. No matter how valuable etherium is, I never imagined the conflict would escalate this far. Frankly, I don’t understand it.”

Instead of replying, Yuri simply stared at Estor’s face. Haryeong did the same. Feeling the gazes piercing from behind and beside him, Estor tilted his head in confusion.

“Why are you looking at me like that?”

“Isn’t your sword made of etherium as well?”

“The blade isn’t solid a
etherium. It’s mixed in.”

“How much is it worth?”

“I don’t know the price. It belonged to the family…”

“Let’s drop it.”

Haryeong shook her head.

“Hm. I truly don’t understand you two.”

Estor clicked his tongue lightly before turning back to Yuri.

“In any case, once we reach Alderan, I’ll be busy paying visits here and there.”

Before being the Sword Dragon, Estor was the heir of the Orsia family—and the grandson of the Sword Emperor.

No matter that the Orsia family led the Pride martial houses, it was proper etiquette to pay respects to the leading powers of any city one visited.

“First, I’ll visit the Maybeld family and request passage on an airship bound for the East. Then I must go to the Havert Magic Tower. After that, I’ll visit the temple of the Earth Church and make a donation.”

Though the main Grand Temples of the Churches were all gathered in the religious federation city of Union, ordinary temples had branches in every great city.

In Alderan, the religion established there was the Earth Church, long allied with the Havert Magic Tower.

“Don’t we need to go with you?”

“If I go alone, it’ll be quick since they know me. If you come along, it’ll only make things longer and more troublesome.”

It was obvious. If the recently famed Cloud Dragon accompanied him, the visits would not end with simple greetings—the conversations would drag on.

“This time of year, Alderan hosts the Magic Exposition. You use magic too, don’t you? Go take a look with Lady Haryeong. I’ll give you some pocket money.”

“….”

“Why that look?”

“No, I was just saying thanks.”

Unsure how to react to being told to go have fun with pocket money, Yuri simply answered honestly.

“Will you give me pocket money as well? Thank you. I am not the sort of assassin who refuses money simply because it comes from someone younger.”

As Alderan’s city walls drew near, the carriage slowed.

—

—

 

With its airship port, Alderan was a key hub between West and East.

Though two other Western cities possessed airship ports, for various reasons the Magic Exposition was held only in Alderan.

That was partly why it was difficult to secure airship tickets at this time of year. Estor had modestly claimed that even without him they would not have had to pay for tickets—but in truth, without Estor, even the name “Cloud Dragon” would not have secured passage.

The Exposition was a place where mages displayed their magic. That was its pure purpose—but scratch the surface, and complexities emerged.

Magic required money. Some mages undertook Adventurer’s Guild commissions or other unsavory jobs to earn funds, but others were eccentric enough to refuse any labor unrelated to magic.

Even guild commissions covered only basic living expenses. Purchasing grimoires or research materials required far more than commission fees could provide.

Thus mages constantly thirsted for patrons—especially freelance mages unaffiliated with a Magic Tower.

The Exposition was a hunting ground for securing continuous sponsorship. It was a stage for self-promotion—proclaiming that one was capable of developing such magic and, with sufficient support, could create even greater spells.

There was also a competitive aspect—ranking superiority. Mages of Magic Towers openly looked down on not only rival Towers but also freelance mages. This Exposition was a peaceful battlefield where they did not kill each other with magic.

“If possible, I’d like to return tonight, but that seems unlikely. Don’t wait up unnecessarily.”

They stood in a luxury inn in central Alderan. In truth, there had been no need to book such lodging. If Estor had sought it, the Maybeld family or other influential Cartel houses would have personally welcomed him and offered spacious rooms in their estates.

But Estor had chosen not to. He had considered that Yuri and Haryeong might feel uncomfortable staying in another family’s manor.

“I’ve already paid, so relax. Meals will be provided—if it’s not enough, ask for more.”

Estor tossed a small pouch to Yuri. It felt light as a feather—but only outwardly. Enhanced with advanced spatial distortion and other spells, the pouch was filled with cash and jewels.

“If you run short on money, use that. But don’t overspend. Don’t buy useless things.”

“Uh… yeah.”

Yuri stammered, nodding, holding up the nearly weightless pouch with both hands as though supporting something heavy.

“How much is inside?”

After Estor departed, Haryeong sidled up and whispered.

Yuri was just as curious. Swallowing hard, he opened the pouch.

“Ghk…”

“Eek…”

Back in Lutran, Haryeong had teased him with the nickname “The Man of 3.5 Billion.”

The pouch now contained even more than that… Even Namgung Jin had required days to gather one billion cel in cash. Clearly, the Orsia family and the Namgung clan existed on different levels of wealth.

“What do you think about the two of us running away with this?”

Even Haryeong’s usually expressionless face wavered at the sheer sum. Yuri did not answer—he simply stared at her in disbelief.

“Do not misunderstand, Yuri-nim. I am not a foolish assassin blinded by money.”

“You’ve talked plenty about money since the first time we met.”

“That was a misunderstanding. It was not because I needed money.”

“Then why?”

“Professionalism.”

“Professional…?”

“Yes. At the time, I was a professional assassin employed by contract. No matter how compassionate I may be for someone unsuited to assassination, as a professional I cannot act freely without a contract or a fee.”

“Then why are you suggesting we run off with this now?”

“Even if I am an assassin detached from greed, when faced with such a vast sum of money, one’s eyes may momentarily roll back. Of course, I only say that in jest. There is not a shred of sincerity in it. It is merely a light joke.”

Was it really a joke? Yuri looked at Haryeong with undisguised suspicion before tucking the pouch into his clothes.

“Wouldn’t it be better if I carried it?”

“That will not do.”

“You must not treat a person like a thieving cat, Panty.”

Estor had already left. Only Yuri and Haryeong remained in the room. Even so, that dangerous nickname had to be addressed.

“I am not Panty.”

“Indeed…”

“I said I am not. So, what shall we do?”

“For the sake of Lord Estor, who is making the rounds for our sake, it seems only proper that we enjoy ourselves to the fullest. I do not have much interest in magic, but I do have interest in spending someone else’s money freely.”

In the end, she was suggesting they go out. Yuri, too, had no small interest in this Magic Exposition. It was not that he felt an immediate need for new spells, but he did want to observe the magic being demonstrated to attract sponsors.

And it was not only mages who revealed their magic and sought sponsors at the Exposition. In some sense, alchemists were even more desperate than mages. Alchemy required far more money than magic.

“Would you not consider purchasing a new robe?”

Haryeong asked, a slight curve forming at her lips. Yuri did not respond at once and instead glared at her briefly.

“It would be nice if there were a decent dagger.”

“Oh my, you have said nothing about it since Panteleon, so I thought you had forgotten.”

“I haven’t.”

At his reply, the curve of Haryeong’s lips deepened slightly.

—

—

 

Inside the exposition hall, crowds bustled everywhere.

“This tiny thing is a bomb?”

Though she had claimed little interest in magic, alchemically crafted items seemed to be another matter. Haryeong’s eyes gleamed as she examined a bead no larger than a fingernail.

“Yes. It is called an Explosive Pellet.”

The man at the booth labeled *Daively Alchemy Workshop* hurriedly elaborated.

“This Explosive Pellet can be used even by non-mages. Even a small amount of internal energy—around 2nd Rank—is sufficient to activate it.”

“And how strong is it?”

“It has enough power to blow a person apart.”

The content was chilling, but Haryeong listened with a serious face.

“You do not need such things.”

The dagger Haryeong threw after infusing it with aura would not lack power compared to an Explosive Pellet. Yet she clicked her tongue softly and shook her head.

“That may be so, but tools are more convenient the more one has.”

“Of course. If the power is unsatisfactory, we can also take custom orders. We handle phenomena other than explosions as well.”

“Are flashbangs or signal flares possible?”

“Yes, of course. We have those prepared already…”

Apparently they even carried bombs that detonated bursts of cold energy to freeze the surroundings. That type piqued Yuri’s interest as well.

It was not only lethal tools on display. Nearby booths offered potions for wounds, potions for wrinkle reduction and beauty treatments—an array of fascinating items.

There were many dubious products whose performance had not been fully verified, but the large workshops crowded with customers exuded an air of reliability.

The alchemy hall, loud and energetic with craftsmen hawking their wares and aggressively courting customers, offered something worth seeing in every direction. If one stopped to inspect each booth and listen, a single day would not suffice.

“Will you take long?”

“Yes.”

Haryeong nodded, still seriously inspecting concealed weapons crafted through alchemy.

“Are you planning to look for my dagger now?”

“No.”

“In that case, do not worry about me. Yuri-nim, you should also go look around.”

It meant she did not intend to move immediately.

“Then let us meet in front of this booth in one hour.”

“Yes. Yuri-nim, would you be disappointed to part from me?”

“I will see you later.”

He did not bother replying to her teasing and walked away.

‘Perhaps I should look at the magic section…’

He exited the alchemy hall and headed toward the magic exhibition area.

“Yuri-nim?”

A voice called from afar, cutting through the distance and drawing near. Yuri halted abruptly and looked toward the source.

Amid mages in robes of every color stood a woman in a pure white gown.

“You are Yuri, correct?”

It was Lacy Yuzuha.

For a moment, Yuri could not answer, his eyes widening. A mage of the Dercia Magic Tower. Elena’s senior. Perhaps even a possessor…

Of the various facts about Lacy that flashed through his mind, the one that made him flinch most was not that she might be a possessor—but that she was Elena’s senior.

‘Surely not.’

Had Elena come as well? His heart pounded so loudly it drowned out the surrounding noise. He composed his expression.

For now, Lacy appeared to be alone. Dressed in a pristine white gown, she wore a strangely tasteful necklace, an odd hat perched on her head, and oversized glasses on her face. In both hands she carried several large shopping bags.

Surely she had not arrived dressed like that. The necklace, hat, and glasses looked brand new—there was even what appeared to be a price tag attached to the hat.

In other words, Lacy Yuzuha had been thoroughly enjoying the exposition.

“W-Wait.”

Before Yuri could properly speak, Lacy’s expression stiffened. She hurried over and grabbed his wrist.

“Please come with me.”

“Pardon?”

“I’m asking you.”

For a fleeting moment he wondered if she feared being seen in such strange attire, but her expression was far too desperate for that.

The place Lacy led him to was a private room—not only for resting but also for testing the performance of purchased spells and items.

There were not many private rooms. Unless one was the owner of a major workshop or a wealthy patron, it was nearly impossible to rent one.

For Lacy, however, that was irrelevant. Though her reason for attending the Alderan Exposition was personal interest, here her status was as the representative of the Dercia Magic Tower Master. Orca herself had considerable interest in the spell catalogs of promising young mages and in alchemical items.

“What is this about?”

Once inside, Yuri’s expression hardened slightly as he stared at Lacy. Being abruptly dragged by the wrist into a private room made her intentions difficult to discern.

‘Is she going to interrogate me?’

The thought crossed his mind, but her face did not resemble that of someone preparing an interrogation. She still looked desperate enough to break into a cold sweat and had been glancing around cautiously before entering.

“Just—just a moment.”

Lacy stammered. Click. The single door locked. As if that were insufficient, she inspected the spells engraved on the door and walls, drew the curtains, and cast an additional spell to prevent sound from leaking out.

“Will you tell me what this is about?”

At that point Yuri’s expression inevitably grew more severe. Regardless of her own expression, her careful precautions were highly suspicious.

“I…”

After ensuring everything was secure, Lacy let out a deep sigh and sat down.

“I want to maintain a good relationship with Elena.”

It was an abrupt statement—more than enough to bewilder Yuri.

Why was Elena’s name suddenly brought up here? As Yuri frowned without replying, Lacy sighed again.

“I cannot say I have been… faithful to that child until now, but in any case, I do not wish to become her ill fate.”

“What are you suddenly talking about?”

“Think about it.”

When he asked again, unable to grasp the meaning, Lacy pointed at him.

“If it were to become known that I met Yuri-nim here—even if by coincidence—what do you think would happen between Elena and me?”

The answer made no sense. Why was Elena being mentioned at all? Yuri wanted to ask outright—but even uttering the name “Elena” felt difficult. His mouth stung as though he were about to spit out thorns.

“What do you mean?”

Yuri asked, his face pale. Lacy let out yet another deep sigh.

“You are a possessor, aren’t you? The suspicions around me have lessened now, but I too was once heavily suspected of being one. If it were known that I met with you separately—even by chance—would that not cause Elena to misunderstand?”

That was not the only reason. A few months ago, in the Magic Tower’s first-floor lounge, Elena had had a fit after seeing an article about Yuri and Haryeong together. Had Lacy intervened even a little later, the lightning Elena fired might have killed Arist.

But—Yuri and Haryeong were not strangers to each other. Their contract had not been broken midway, and the arrangement with the Salho Gate had ended cleanly.

Some people, upon learning the truth of a possessor, would feel anger, disappointment, or betrayal. Others might accept it without much fuss.

In Elena’s case, she had a special bond as the childhood friend of the “real” Yuri, so it was understandable that she could not accept the current Yuri. But Haryeong had not known the real Yuri. The Yuri she knew was only the possessor.

‘Jealousy? Betrayal?’

And other emotions besides.

“Are you not the one misunderstanding, Lady Lacy?”

Yuri frowned and glared at her.

“A possessor? What kind of nonsense is that?”

The words came smoothly—without even needing to wet his lips.