Chapter 349 – Heirlooms of the Marquis Family

“This way, please.”

Malcolm guided me to a corner of Marquis Broderick’s castle. While it wasn’t as large as the Royal Castle’s treasure room, this was still a Marquis’s household. The storage room itself was quite spacious.

However, regarding its contents, it seemed unnecessary items had been disposed of, as I could see traces where large objects had been moved. They probably used them to repay the debts left by the previous generation… Or perhaps the former Marquis or Norman had taken them out.

“Items related to magic are in the small room underground.”

Malcolm took out a key and opened the door to the staircase leading underground from the storage room floor.

We proceeded to the underground storage. As expected of magical items, there weren’t that many. Just enough to display on shelves.

“Is there a catalog?”

“Yes, though I’m embarrassed to say it has some omissions and gaps.”

He showed me the prepared catalog.

“Regarding magical items, due to their significant impact and how easily they can be traced, it seems the previous Marquis and Norman refrained from actively touching them… However, it appears they intended to dispose of them when they eventually ran short of funds. They probably planned to manipulate the catalog first and then find the right opportunity… Since there are family heirlooms passed down from ancestors, they likely didn’t want word reaching the ears of long-serving retainers.”

Malcolm shook his head and let out a dry laugh.

So the previous Marquis Broderick and his second son Norman had been weighing family heirlooms against debt repayment and covering up misconduct. Given their pride in being an esteemed family, I imagine even they didn’t want to lay hands on them.

Well… It’s probably better for Malcolm’s stomach if I don’t dwell too much on the previous Marquis or Norman.

“Is it really alright for me to receive such valuable items? Personally, I feel just having stronger connections is reward enough.”

“I believe it’s better for you to make use of them, Ambassador, rather than letting them sit idle. I think the retainers will understand as well.”

Malcolm said this with a laugh. Hmm… Well, if that’s the case. Refusing too stubbornly would be rude instead.

“Then—I’ll take a look.”

I bowed slightly and accepted the catalog.

Even with omissions and gaps, it probably wasn’t completely inaccurate, and I should be able to understand most things by looking.

I went through the items in the underground storage while reading the catalog.

Magical items, huh? There are magical weapons too… but we don’t have many sword users in our party. Full-body magical armor. None of our party members would use this either.

Suddenly, something caught my eye and I stopped. A rather classical monocle with a silver frame and round lens. The orthodox type with a chain and anti-drop clip. When I shaded it with my hand… I could feel considerable magical power… but it’s not in the catalog.

“Do you know about this one?”

“I’ve heard that was something my great-grandfather received from a traveling magician. It’s not in the catalog?”

“…Doesn’t seem to be.”

“…Hmm. I suppose they thought since it’s relatively small, they could dispose of it without being discovered.”

Or perhaps they planned to prepare a counterfeit and swap it out. Since I can feel magical power, I’m certain it’s genuine.

“What kind of item is it?”

“I’ve heard it allows one to see things normally invisible. Though they say it also depends on the user’s skill.”

While the explanation was somewhat vague, it didn’t seem dangerous.

“May I try wearing it for a moment?”

“Please do.”

So I put on the monocle and looked around.

“How is it?”

…I could faintly see something like mist around Malcolm’s body. From my hand too. Is this… magical power becoming visible? When I manipulated my magical power, the mist wavered too… Yeah. That seems right.

I saw an unmanifested wind spirit enter through the storage door… and then go back out. The wind spirit seemed to smile slightly at me as it left.

Magical power and weaker spirits and such… So it lets you see invisible things. I see.

“This seems quite useful.”

Though the form is slightly different, it might be similar to the Evil Eye that Gardinis had. That’s because I’ll be able to understand the flow of magical power that I’ve only been able to sense intuitively until now in more detail.

Well, since it’s a valuable item, I’ll need to be careful not to break it.

“Are you pleased with it?”

“Yes. If it’s not an inconvenience, I’d like to request this one.”

“Please take it. My great-grandfather would be happy to know it ended up in the hands of someone who’s done a favor for the Marquisate.”

Malcolm’s face broke into a broad smile. As a gesture of gratitude toward me… he might have been somewhat troubled about how to repay me.

I’ll remove the monocle and return to normal vision. If I keep it on all the time, I think the view might be a bit too lively.

“I’ve received quite an interesting item.”

So I headed to the guest room with Malcolm and showed the received monocle to everyone who was relaxing there.

“A monocle… Hmm. Since it’s said to be a magical item, does it have some special property?”

“That’s right. I was able to see subtle flows of magical power and weaker spirits. Though I hear it depends on the user’s ability too.”

“Oh ho.”

Old Siegmund nodded with admiration.

“Theodore-kun, would you show us by wearing it?”

“Sure.”

Since Valentina asked, I put it on to show everyone, and all eyes gathered on me. Grace smiled.

“It suits you well.”

“Indeed. I think it suits the Ambassador.”

“You’ll want a hat and staff now.”

Princess Stephania nodded at Malcolm’s words. Hmm.

“No… I think items like these should really be used by someone with more dignity.”

Since being exposed to everyone’s gaze was somewhat uncomfortable, I removed the monocle. For example, I think it would suit Old Siegmund well.

Rosemary watched this and laughed happily behind her feather fan.

“It does seem useful. When working with magic, it might help with detailed tasks.”

“Maybe. When needed, I think everyone can use it. Since we have the chance, why doesn’t everyone try it?”

I said this and passed it to Grace.

Let’s have everyone try wearing the monocle and see if their vision changes. Since the catalog lacked detailed explanations, I want to understand its capabilities to some extent.

“Then excuse me. Um… is this magical power? I can see that those who can use magic are enveloped in it.”

Grace looked around at everyone and nodded.

“That’s true. I can see something like mist. In my case, I can see it around almost everyone…”

Ashley, who had received the monocle, looked around.

“Can you see spirits?”

“No… nothing like that.”

Marlene, who received it from Ashley, was scanning her gaze everywhere. Marlene might be able to see spirits too.

I see. It probably depends on various factors like whether the wearer is accustomed to handling magical power, their affinity with spirits, and so on. It seems that those who can use magic can at least see magical power around everyone.

Claudia, who received the monocle from Marlene, put it on and then stroked Marlene’s hair with a smile. Rosemary also put on the monocle, looked around, gathered magical power in her palm, and nodded.

“Quite interesting. I think it would be useful when creating magic tools and potions.”

“Yeah. I’ll borrow it later.”

Alfred gave a wry smile.

“Does it suit me?”

“You look like a phantom thief from a story.”

When Sheila put on the monocle and swished her mantle, Irmhild chuckled quietly… I feel like the purpose has somewhat shifted.

Seraphina also peered through the monocle, and Tephra and Floria tried wearing it too—they seemed to be enjoying it quite a bit. Well, since they’re having fun, it’s fine.

We stayed in the Marquisate for about two days… and then the day came to return to Termwills.

We headed to the training ground by carriage and loaded our luggage.

“Well then, Marquis, Lady Bertille. Thank you for your hospitality during our stay.”

“The pleasure was ours.”

“If Sir Theodore hadn’t been present, who knows what might have happened.”

Malcolm and I shook hands as he said this. Since we were returning, it seemed the members of the mine investigation team and Edgar’s group had come to see us off.

Not just the investigation team, but crowds had gathered around the training ground again, hoping to catch a glimpse of Princess Stephania and Princess Adriana. From the ship’s railing, Corulis was watching us with just its nose visible. Rather than watching, it might be sensing the surroundings through smell.

“Theodore-sama. Thank you so very much.”

“Please do visit the Marquisate again.”

“Yes. I definitely will.”

After exchanging greetings with Edgar, the adventurers, and the miners, I climbed the lowered gangway and boarded the Sirius. When Princess Stephania and Princess Adriana smiled and waved to the people from the deck, the locals seemed quite excited.

As I began climbing the gangway, cheers came my way too.

The adventurers and dwarves were waving enthusiastically toward me. Some of them were from the village near the mine, so they might have heard about the battle with Corulis from them. I bowed to them and then stepped onto the deck.

“Confirmation of luggage and personnel is complete.”

Mercedes came to report. I looked around at everyone and nodded.

“Then let’s set sail.”

First, we need to pick up Elliot and Camilla from the Barony of Silun. Then we’ll return to Termwills.

As the Sirius slowly rose into the air, I looked down at the excited dwarves below. On this journey, we unexpectedly gained members like Floria and Corulis… Yeah. It was quite an enjoyable trip.

Thank you for reading my work.

I’m always grateful for pointing out typos, your impressions, bookmarks, ratings, PV, etc.

Being able to continue this serialization until now is thanks to all of you. I express my gratitude once again.

Now. Since we’ve reached the 350th installment from the start of serialization and the number of characters has increased,

I’ve posted a simplified introduction article for characters from 251 to 300 in the activity report.

To prevent spoilers, it contains minimal information, but I hope you’ll find it useful.