My Disciples Think I’m Strong – Chapter 45

“Right?”

It was a well-known fact in the Empire’s library that the Purification Stone emerged around the time of the First Hero.

It wasn’t a small stone like it is now; it used to be a solid chunk, but during the process of sealing the Demon King, it was significantly damaged and shattered into pieces—this was the detailed story of the Purification Stone.

“…What should we do then?”

As I slightly applied pressure with my gaze, she flinched and took two steps back. The smile she wore froze solid.

“I’m just asking a question. No need to get all serious about it.”

“So, what exactly do you want to say?”

I mean, it’s all good, but can you please avoid speaking informally to a Grand Duchess?

At this rate, I’ll end up talking informally to the Emperor too.

“That confidence… It really is just as others said. A seemingly endless supply of mana, and your face is decent enough to pass.”

…Face?

“Oh, anyway, there seem to be a lot of people around here. How about we move somewhere else to talk?”

Ella scanned the surroundings and spoke up.

Surely, talking about artifacts wasn’t suitable for an open space.

“Alright. Let’s do that.”

I agreed without hesitation.

“I’ll be right back for a moment.”

“Wait! Why do you want to talk alone with Ella?”

Urka blocked my path.

“Step aside, Urka. This is important.”

“…I’ll wait for five minutes.”

I nodded.

I went inside the house with Ella.

Creeeak.

As soon as the door opened, Ella looked around the house.

“Is this the mansion where Lord Praus resides?”

The size of the place was just that of a typical household you could find anywhere in the village, hardly a mansion.

“It’s quite a tidy place. How many people live here?”

“Stop with the unnecessary small talk.”

Thud!

I deliberately slammed the door shut. Her gaze shifted toward me.

“What do you want to say?”

“Where did you find the Purification Stone?”

“I picked it up.”

“Come on. You know I won’t believe such a thing. Let’s not beat around the bush. I’ll be honest too.”

“I really did pick it up.”

“Hmph. You’d better not lie to me. You’ve known from the start that the Purification Stone was necessary for me.”

Being a Grand Duchess must mean she was VIP in the Secret Garden, so hiding my information was out of the question.

“Otherwise, why would you leave a message for the black market trader saying, ‘There’s a noble who needs this. Sell it to that noble for a much higher price’?”

She pulled out the Purification Stone and Sylphy’s Ring that I had sold to the black market.

Oh no. Has the cat been let out of the bag? That guy…

I had taken precautions so that Ella could buy it, but I ended up leading to traces back to me.

Someday, I’ll kick that guy’s butt.

“This ring is a nice accessory. It enhances agility overall.”

“Whoever sold it, your life was spared. Isn’t that the important part?”

“True. That’s all that matters. But I came here because I’m interested in you.”

In the blink of an eye, she was suddenly right in front of me.

“I… I have no interest in you.”

“Yeah, right. If that were the case, you wouldn’t have sold this artifact.”

Ella rolled the Purification Stone and Sylphy’s Ring in her hand.

“P.raus, why did you try to save me? If you hadn’t sold this artifact, I would still be suffering on my bed.”

“…Would you really have managed to make it through? I know you’re a resilient woman.”

I spoke bluntly yet firmly.

“Lord Praus…”

“I’m glad you’re alive. Really.”

Having someone useful was a good thing.

Since there’s an artifact in the north as well, I should visit there someday.

If I could leverage the connections of the Todiah Family, who holds most of the northern territories, getting a status would definitely be smoother.

As I thought this, she trembled, then raised herself up to her tiptoes.

“Let’s get engaged right away!”

“No way.”

“The Todiah Family has a custom of not forgetting those who have done them a favor. I’ll repay that favor with an engagement! Just come!”

“…Get lost.”

“Did you just tell me, a Grand Duchess, to get lost without hesitation? I’ve never felt something like this before. It’s… refreshing.”

No, seriously, you crazy girl… please.

My head spun from the twisted affection.

“…We’ve been talking for quite a while.”

I suddenly recalled Urka.

This guy must be eavesdropping.

It was clear he hadn’t barged in since five minutes had passed.

I opened the door, leaving Ella jabbering on her own. There stood Duke Tori, looking a bit taken aback.

“Long time no see, Praus.”

“…Indeed, Duke Tori.”

I glanced past him.

Urka was facing off against the Three Heroes.

“Let’s see how strong the apprentices Praus took in are!”

Urka suddenly pointed at the heroes with the end of his blade.

Though I hadn’t taken them as apprentices, sparring with S-Class Urka would certainly benefit the heroes significantly.

“Anyone can come out.”

“I’ll go first.”

The first to step forward was Iris.

As she drew out “The Unbreakable Glory of the Past,” her pupils transformed into those of a beast.

In her beast-man form, Iris let out a low growl.

“Nice to meet you.”