Chapter Thirty-Seven: Visit (2)

"Arcanist!"

This was the first word Lando heard upon meeting Count Umut Brasso, and after the initial shock, he couldn't help but give a wry smile.

Because he noticed that, upon seeing his own expression of surprise, Umut Brasso was equally stunned. Clearly, the abrupt statement at their first meeting had been a test, and Lando's reaction had revealed the truth.

'That's why I despise these endless intrigues,' Lando cursed inwardly, his expression turning cold.

By then, Umut Brasso had already recovered from his shock and immediately stood up to bow. "Honored Arcanist, on behalf of the Brasso family, I greet you."

"How do you know about the existence of Arcanists?" Lando asked.

Umut Brasso first invited Lando to sit, then said to Metaru, who was standing by in confusion, "Go and prepare some tea for our distinguished guest—use the blue orchid tea from my study."

Metaru, still dazed, made his way out, then suddenly froze in realization.

"Arcanist?!"

He suddenly remembered a fairytale his father had told him as a child, in which Arcanists were mentioned!

Now only Umut and Lando remained in the parlor. Lando had regained his composure outwardly, sitting quietly, waiting for Umut to speak.

Umut had no intention of being secretive. After a brief hesitation, he began, "You must have heard the stories of our family's founding patriarch."

Seeing no reaction from Lando, Umut continued, "In truth, at first our ancestor Chahar found little despite many hardships. When he was about to give up, he discovered ruins!"

"Ruins?"

"Yes, what appeared to be the laboratory of an Arcanist. Inside were not only many unfinished experiments and data, but also the Arcanist's personal journals."

"It was thanks to what our ancestor gained there that he was able to establish a foothold and gradually build our family's strength."

Lando considered this, then suddenly asked sharply, "There is no trace of an Arcanist's aura upon you."

An Arcanist at the very least possesses an Arcane Furnace. For another Arcanist, unless there is an especially clever method of concealment, it is easy to recognize.

"Indeed," Umut replied with a bitter smile. "That master vanished for reasons unknown, leaving behind the laboratory. Much of what he left is incomprehensible to us—only a small portion could be deciphered, and among it, there was no method for becoming an Arcanist."

Lando thought of the Wailing Soul Necklace, and asked thoughtfully, "Do you know anything of the laboratory's master?"

"We know little about him, only that he was an Arcanist from the Necromantic school." After a pause, Umut added, "Although we are not Arcanists, the necromantic arcana we inherited is used strictly in accordance with necromancy laws—never exceeding the permitted bounds."

"May I visit this laboratory?" Lando asked.

Umut merely smiled, giving no answer.

"...It was indeed a foolish question," Lando thought.

He focused carefully, sensing that although Umut bore faint traces of necromancy, it was not the same as the deathly aura he had encountered before; there was none of that violent, icy feeling.

In the early days of the Arcane Empire, there truly had been a Necromantic school among the nine major arcane disciplines, its aim being the study of magic concerning the dead.

However, the study of necromancy was strictly forbidden and highly illegal—one could never dabble in it. The Empire permitted this school solely because it deemed it necessary to understand the spells wielded by its enemies in order to defeat them.

At that time, necromancers and undead creatures were the enemies of all living beings, and every effort had to be made to eradicate their influence. The Arcane Empire was no exception.

Necromancy was not limited to raising the dead; it had many other applications.

Masters of this sinister art could create horrifying plagues, condense shadows into flesh-searing energy orbs, and harness the power of death to instill terror among the living.

Necromancy could even be used to reconstruct the flesh of undead beings, allowing these monsters to persist even after being killed.

Such fascinating magic—how could those Arcanists possibly resist? Rather than letting them study it in secret and risk disaster, the Empire ultimately decided to establish a school of necromancy, but with equally strict regulations to restrain the Arcanists.

This situation put Lando in a bind. Although he had no intention of acting rashly against the Brasso family, their status as the largest slave traders in the Bluewater Kingdom was enough to sour his opinion of them. If an opportunity arose, he would not mind giving them a lesson.

Now, though he could not yet be certain if Umut spoke the truth, he could hardly act directly—not when he wasn't so self-righteous as to involve himself in the slave trade solely out of principle.

Having wasted so many days only to achieve nothing left Lando somewhat dispirited. He waved his hand. "Very well, if that's all, I won't interfere further. Take care of your own affairs." With that, he prepared to leave.

"Please, sir, wait." Seeing Lando about to go, Umut hurried to stop him.

Lando froze at these words, then suddenly tensed, barely restraining his impulse to draw his sword and strike.

"You must be weary from your journey. Allow me to offer you some hospitality. If there is anything you require, just say the word—the Brasso family will see it done. In the Bluewater Kingdom, our family still carries some influence."

At these words, Lando suddenly realized that, left to his own devices, there was only so much he could accomplish. But with the backing of a powerful faction, could he not operate far more efficiently?

With his thoughts now clear, he found Umut much more agreeable and forgave him his earlier indiscretion.

"I'm someone with a keen interest in history, antiquities, and treasures. If possible, I'd like to see relics and artifacts from all over the world."

"You have refined tastes, sir. Our family has collected many such items, though their provenance is often uncertain. I hope you might examine them for us. Rest assured, anything that strikes your fancy is yours for the taking."

Lando shook his head. "The things of this world are of no value to me; it's the thrill of exploration that I enjoy."

Hearing this, Umut's eyes flashed. After a moment's thought, he said, "In that case, I will immediately send word to the largest auction house in Heckle to organize an appraisal and auction event. We will also invite the local nobility and various factions. I trust they will show us some courtesy."

Lando had not expected Umut to go to such lengths, but he had no reason to refuse. This was an excellent opportunity to reap all the rewards at once.

"In that case, thank you, Mr. Umut."