Reincarnated as the Baron's son: My Infinite Card Upgrade System-Chapter 89: No responsibilities

(House of Lorik, Forgeno region, Verdenis kingdom.)

A knight, dressed in white attire, with a long blade resting on the ground, bowed his head before the duchess.

"I have news from the House of Ragard," the knight uttered, his blonde hair covering the left side of his face.

He was the First Commander of the Meren army, holding the rank of Diamond. He was rumored to be the legendary sword saint due to his immense fighting capabilities.

The duchess, Meren Lorik, was seated on her throne, looking down at the knight.

Her hair was silver and long, her eyes crystal blue, beautiful enough to enchant anyone.

She was beautiful; every part of her made any man yearn for more. Her legs were long and attractive, her soft lips ones most men would die to kiss, but even more, her physique was that of a goddess.

With a calm look, she replied, "And how exactly did it go?"

"Well, he has agreed to aid us. All I was told was to deliver the message to you. Nothing else was shared with me," the knight replied.

"In other words, he is waiting to see which side would favor him. I don’t blame him for thinking that. The House of Dergen would pull any major strings. Joining the stronger side is the best move a leader could make."

She grunted a bit, pinching the bridge of her nose. "Honestly, all this for a bunch of northerners who don’t pose any real threat to the nation."

The knight raised his head slightly. "I assumed the reason this war was taking place is that someone from the north is trying to murder Duke Dergen."

"A lot of things are going on that you probably don’t understand. Regardless, if this war is to take place, we should be ready to use every option we have. So get your men ready for combat."

"As you command."

"Oh, and also, I should have a guest very soon."

"A guest, you say?"

"Yes, in a few days. Treat him with care when he arrives. He is the only hope we have left if we truly want to avoid this war."

Meren uttered, a small smile tugging at the side of her lips.

...

Back at the Montclair Barony, mining ground.

"Push!"

The men all screamed out as they pushed the trolley filled with magic crystals out of the cave.

About fifteen men could be seen dragging the huge trolley, their entire bodies bulging in such a way that their muscles could almost pop out.

As this was going on, Alaric stood at the side, watching all of them work their asses off.

Holding his hand was Auzure, while Ava took the left side to stay.

’Hmm, this has been going on for two days straight. I didn’t think the first floor would have so many materials. It’s like they keep spawning back after a while.’

Alaric looked to the side, where he could see another group working to extract the crude oil leaking from the side of the cave.

’Funny how they’re working so hard even though I haven’t paid them their salaries.’ He was about to give out a devilish smile.

"Lord Alaric, I didn’t want to say anything since I didn’t expect you to give me a straight answer. But... seeing as people all have the same look on their faces when they see you, I guess I have to."

Alaric looked at her. "What are you talking about?"

"Why... do you have a mask over your face?" Ava pointed with a deadpan look.

"Oh?" He grinned. "Cool, right? You can barely recognize me in this," he said.

On his face was a multicolored mask that covered every part of his face, including his hair.

"Isn’t it hard to breathe with that on?"

"Of course not," Alaric replied. ’Mainly because I purchased a card for breathing difficulties. But whatever.’

"It’s literally glued to your face. Why are you even wearing it to begin with?" Ava asked.

At first, Alaric looked away, focusing back on the workers, and then he replied...

"I’m trying to hide from my father," he said. "Yesterday, he told me the duchess wants to see me. He was quite adamant about it too. I tried to refuse, but that didn’t go too well either."

Ava’s jaw dropped. "The Duchess Meren?!" she exclaimed.

"Eh? Yeah, her, I suppose."

Just as Kika was like a mother to Ava, the duchess also held the same title.

Ava grabbed Alaric by the hand and pulled herself close with an excited look on her face. "Lord Alaric, I beg you to accept her invite."

"Uhn? No way. If I go to her, I know for a fact I’ll just be going there to carry out some weird-ass responsibility. I don’t plan on doing that."

Alaric yanked his hand away from Ava’s grasp. "I am way too close to getting my grand retirement. I don’t plan on taking any more unwanted jobs or whatever. Erica can go in my stead."

"But she requested you specifically. Rejecting the duchess isn’t a smart move, my lord. She might view it as an act of defiance."

Alaric stayed quiet for a while, realizing that Ava was somewhat right in the matter.

Although, part of the reason he stayed quiet was due to how excited Ava was.

"What are you feeling happy for? Do you just enjoy seeing me suffer?!" Alaric shouted.

"Seeing you suffer?" Ava wore an innocent face. "Why would I want to see the man I love suffer? I simply just want to see the duchess again. It’s been so long since I’ve seen her face."

Alaric wondered how Ava could say something so boldly and not bat an eye.

Then again, she had always bullied him since he had known her, and she always did it with a straight face.

Shame was probably her worst enemy.

Alaric sighed.

"Honestly, what the hell even is all this?"

Just then, a worker arrived in front of Alaric.

"Lord Alaric, we have cleared the cave," he announced.