Chapter 25: The Boy Who Read a Book
Only then did the young servant realize the master of the house was standing at the doorway.
Startled, he quickly dropped to one knee in respect.
"These treasures were won by the Young Master during a recent gambling match," he said, voice low but firm.
"He won? He... actually won?!"
Jun Takumi's voice was laced with disbelief. Inside his mind, a parade of shock and joy was rushing through the streets of his thoughts, all demanding attention at once. His eyes stared blankly ahead, his mind whirling, trying to grasp the reality he was just told.
If no one else had been around, he might've started dancing with joy. And yet, underneath that fleeting happiness, there was a stubborn, nagging suspicion. Since when could that boy win anything? Wasn't he always coming home broke? If his allowance hadn't been limited, the entire mansion might've been pawned off by now. But now… he actually won? And not just won—he brought back high-grade items?!
"It's true. I wouldn't dare lie to Master," the servant said proudly, his chest puffed like a sparrow kicking an eagle out of its nest. "He even brought home three million lien in silver. Apparently, he won it all from Young Lord Abe and Young Lord Mori. After returning, he asked me to organize these items… then went straight to the library."
"The library?"
Jun Takumi's expression froze like a statue carved from ice. His hand slowly touched his forehead. Fever? No. Hearing's fine. He wasn't dreaming, right?
"...He's… reading a book?"
His confusion grew deeper. He didn't know whether to feel impressed or terrified. In an instant, countless possibilities collided in his head. The lazy, irresponsible boy he knew had just won big… and was now reading?
He stood motionless, like someone who'd just witnessed a dragon performing ballet. After a long pause, he let out a heavy sigh.
"When he gets back, tell him to come see me," he said, voice flat but laced with hidden concern.
Then Jun Takumi turned and left, bringing the house steward Old Pang along. Meanwhile, the young servant returned to admiring the treasure, his eyes sparkling like a child discovering a candy shop.
"These three soul-infused pendants… a hundred thousand lien. These beads and gemstones… another hundred and fifty thousand lien. Plus the silver... wow…"
Outside, Jun Takumi still looked stunned. His heart was still pounding as he tried to accept this unbelievable turn of events.
"Old Pang," he asked, tense, "what do you think that boy is up to?"
Old Pang stroked his not-so-long beard—the one he always treated like a life trophy.
"I do not know, Master… but lately, his actions have been surprisingly decent."
Jun Takumi snorted. "If he really wants to read, maybe I should send him to the Alchemy Academy."
Old Pang coughed awkwardly. "The Alchemy Academy, huh…"
That institution was known to be filled with prodigies in science, alchemy, and arcane arts. Getting in required rare talents and passing strict evaluations—or a powerful recommendation.
"…That may be… quite difficult, sir," Old Pang said carefully. After all, wasn't this the same boy who could barely read last month?
"Maybe… we should wait and observe for now. No need to rush."
Jun Takumi let out a long breath and grumbled.
"If I send him to study, he sleeps. If I send him to the military, he runs away. If I try to get him into business, he goes bankrupt before anything even starts. So what should I do? Wait for him to die of old age?!"
Old Pang tried the classic approach: "But Young Master does seem to be changing, doesn't he? Maybe this is his turning point…"
"And that's the most cliché line I hate the most!!" Jun Takumi snapped, glaring.
Old Pang smiled wryly. Not that I want to say it out loud, but everyone knows your grandson is a walking disaster. Even if fate gave him a golden path, he'd still find a way to fall off a cliff.
But then Old Pang suddenly remembered something.
"There is… one method that might protect the Young Master. But it comes at a high price."
Jun Takumi turned sharply. "What method? Tell me now!"
Old Pang hesitated, then finally said:
"We could try acquiring a Soulguard Artifact—crafted by Tier A alchemists or higher. These are designed to protect the user from assassination, curses, and spirit invasions. The artifact bonds with the body and activates automatically when danger arises. But…"
"Stop. Just stop right there. You think we can buy something like that as easily as cabbage at the market?"
Old Pang offered a bitter smile. "Of course not. Those artifacts are extremely rare, often custom-made for high-ranking noble families or legendary figures. The price goes into the tens of millions of lien—and more than the price, getting access is the real challenge. They only appear in underground auctions or through exclusive connections."
Jun Takumi fell silent, brows furrowed. He knew Old Pang wasn't exaggerating.
"I'll find a way," the old general muttered. "No matter how expensive or how difficult it is."