HTNSA 87

Chapter 87

Felix nodded in understanding and continued speaking.

“Actually, Eila has been making me a temporary remedy. If I don’t take it regularly, I can’t sense mana.”

“That explains it… I did think it was strange how mana insensitivity could be cured so easily.”

The duke paused mid-sentence, then his expression shifted as if he had just realized something.

“Then the fact that you and this Eila friend recovered from your conditions wasn’t a coincidence, was it?”

“No, you could say I only came to your attention thanks to Eila.”

“…That’s truly an incredible talent.”

The duke expressed his admiration deeply.

It was rare for him to offer genuine praise to anyone.

Perhaps that’s why Felix felt a proud warmth in his chest, as if he had personally been acknowledged.

“And according to Eila, if we can just obtain the herb called God’s Footsteps, she can make a complete cure.”

The duke’s eyes sparkled at that.

“If you take the perfect remedy, you can be completely cured?”

“Yes, if Eila is right.”

“If that’s the case, then you may take as much as you need. Take all that’s left if you wish.”

Felix’s ears turned red at the duke’s enthusiastic response.

He had heard that the herb was extremely rare and precious—he never imagined it would be offered so freely, like handing over a handful of common weeds.

Then the duke added:

“However, there’s one small problem.”

“What problem?”

“That herb you mentioned is located in the Forest of Darkness. It grows by absorbing mana.”

“…”

“And since it’s such an important plant, a divine beast guards it to keep others from taking it.”

Felix’s eyes widened in shock.

“It’s really that important?”

The Duke of Agenta answered nonchalantly.

“Of course it is. It’s something our family has protected for a very long time.”

He stared straight into Felix’s eyes and said firmly,

“But it’s not more important than you.”

“….”

“Everything that belongs to the Duchy of Agenta is yours now. So you may use God’s Footsteps however you see fit.”

Felix was at a loss for words.

It was the first time he realized the duke’s words weren’t just flattery or empty gestures.

“…Thank you, Duke.”

He lowered his head hesitantly.

Seeing this, the duke wore a slightly bitter smile.

But then, as if remembering something, his expression brightened.

“This works out perfectly.”

He continued with a pleased grin.

“Our family has a tradition—when someone comes of age, they must meet the divine beast and be recognized as a successor. This is the perfect chance for you to be officially acknowledged as the heir.”

His eyes sparkled with excitement.

“Go to the divine beast’s sanctuary and prove your worth.”

At those words, Felix’s expression darkened slightly.

“What happens if I can’t prove myself?”

“Don’t worry. Those without the qualifications can’t meet the dragon at all.”

The sanctuary wasn’t an easy place to enter.

While those of the Agenta family could access it with ease, outsiders found it to be an impenetrable fortress.

If it’s Felix, earning the dragon’s recognition shouldn’t be difficult.

Felix had already reached the level of a Sword Expert at a young age—a true prodigy worthy of the bloodline.

His personality was upright and kind, and he was also intelligent.

There was no way the dragon, who safeguarded the legacy of the family, wouldn’t acknowledge him.

Still, seeing Felix worry about his worth made the duke feel a twinge of tenderness.

Just earlier, when asking for the herb, he had been so cautious.

He had no idea that the duke would have given everything he had without hesitation.

Perhaps he still wasn’t used to the idea of being the duke’s heir.

It will take time.

Felix needed to understand his own position.

That if he willed it, everyone in this household would follow him.

Though awkward now, he would soon grow into his status and title.

And once he does, he’ll naturally be able to lead others with ease.

For that, the duke was willing to give Felix anything he wanted, as long as it was within his power.

Felix, still nervous, asked the Duke of Agenta,

“What do I have to do?”

“You need to go to the sanctuary and prove yourself. Only then will the divine beast give you the herb you mentioned.”

“Prove myself?”

“Don’t worry. You don’t need to do anything special. Just stand there. The dragon will decide if you’re worthy. All you have to do is wait for the divine beast to appear and bring back the herb.”

The duke stroked his chin, wearing a satisfied smile.

“You might even gain a special opportunity while you’re there.”

“A special opportunity?”

“Yes. The divine beast sometimes gives gifts to humans it deems talented. I wouldn’t be surprised if something like that happens to you. Oh, right. I have something for you. Come with me.”

With that, the Duke of Agenta rose from his seat and led Felix to another room connected to where they had been.

It was a large parlor.

The duke picked up one of the decorative swords hanging above the fireplace and handed it to Felix.

“Take it. It seems you don’t have a decent sword right now.”

Felix looked at the weapon with a surprised expression.

Even at a glance, it radiated an unusual aura.

But the duke spoke casually.

“It’s made of mithril. It’ll help you against the monsters in the Forest of Darkness.”

Felix almost laughed at the absurdity.

Mithril was a mineral so rare and valuable that even royalty desperately sought it.

It was more expensive than gold by weight. Most commoners would never even see it in their lifetime.

Yet the Duke of Agenta handed it to him like a cheap iron blade.

It made Felix realize once more just how extraordinary the Agenta family was.

With cautious hands, Felix accepted the sword. The duke continued:

“That sword is yours now. Once you enter the sanctuary, offer it as a tribute to the divine beast. It’ll love it.”

“A mithril sword as tribute?”

“Yes. Dragons appreciate rare and expensive items. The one guarding the sanctuary is particularly greedy—just like a dragon should be.”

“…”

“Now that I think of it, you’d better take more with you. The more you offer, the better the reward you might receive.”

The duke ordered the steward to bring more jewels and had them all stuffed into a pouch, which he handed to Felix.

Felix took the jingling pouch with a bewildered look.

Its weight in his hand was substantial—he couldn’t even begin to guess its value.

The duke patted his shoulder and said,

“Since we’re on the topic, let’s head there right away.”

* * *

The path to the Forest of Darkness was harsh.

Though Felix was undeniably talented, he was still just an academy student.

Having little experience with real combat, he was naturally unpolished on the battlefield.

But when I’m with him, I don’t feel like I’m in danger at all.

Felix watched the Duke of Agenta lead the way and fight off monsters.

There was no hesitation in the duke’s blade.

With cold precision, he cut down the monsters before they could even scream.

He truly lives up to his reputation as the empire’s greatest swordsman.

Felix was so captivated by the sight that he couldn’t focus on fighting the monsters himself.

Soon, the duke dispatched the final creature and walked over to him.

“You’re not hurt, are you?”

“No, thanks to you…”