The scene continued to repeat in front of Duke Morvane.
The duel was his son's idea, the prize was also his son's idea, but not only did he lose, he wanted to know details on unseen magic from his butler even after the young man risked his neck to save him from a ritualistic curse.
"Very well, we will not discuss upon your research in magic, let's get to removing this curse first."
"But dad!"
"Shut up! Not only you disgraced yourself losing to your butler, you also demand the fruits of his hardwork? Even after he might be the reason you are saved?"
Yom stayed silent, the duke was fuming, but I wasn't happy in the least.
"I want insurance."
The duke frowned, the mana in the room started to agitate and it was clear the situation was delicate, but looking at how Yom was an ungrateful son of a bastard Duke himself, I needed insurance.
"I have never had anything in my life, my life wasn't even mine in the first place. This research is everything I am. So I want insurance."
Duke Morvane seemed to realise what was going on and decided to play with me.
"Are you so disappointed with House Morvane that you require insurance?"
Oh? He thinks I will give reason to extract knowledge with force?
"On the contrary, I merely wish to witness the power a mana contract made with one of the strongest individuals in the entire world holds before others start trying to steal my research."
"Elaborate."
"Once I'm done and sure my magic can uplift The duchy of Disorder even a millimetre higher wouldn't I naturally want to share that research with the house that protected me, gave me food and the chance to actually study?"
Oh boy, if you want to play with me, you're so wrong.
"Very well, then let's put that as well in the contract."
"That would be blackmail."
The mana started to stir again. I was playing with fire, a terrible fire that could disintegrate me at a molecular level. But this was my chance to play with illusions and force everyone to hold back their grubby hands from my magic.
At the end of the day, how would I explain a rune that doesn't exist outside of my path?
I needed to create one.
Not an easy feat, but not impossible.
Before the duke decided it was time to just kill me and get over a lost spell, I give the final push.
"However, if I could get the best Runic teacher and access to the restricted library -only the magic section-, I will gladly sign my research to House Morvane and even give you a hint on the spell I used so that young master Yom and I will be able to continue our working relationship without any issue."
The mana stilled. Everyone's breath was on hold, I was ready to dip and make a run for my life at any given moment, but the Duke started laughing.
He laughed louder and louder and just like when it happened with the elders I found myself giggling nonstop. Yom was actually rolling on his belly while I was trembling holding the laughter but giggling like an idiot.
And when he noticed I was fighting for my life resisting the ecstasy of his resonance he actually exploded laughing even louder, but thankfully he must have done something to the mana because I felt like inside a protective blanket made of mana.
Only after a few minutes of wheezing did the father son duo get comfortable and sat down to actually talk.
"Very well, let's have it your way Butler Crow."
He snapped his fingers, and a mana contract with everything we discussed and even more protection appeared in the blink of an eye.
"I added protection from third parties under the duchy's name, but you must show results everyone else can replicate in a year starting now."
"Were do I sign?"
"Read it all young man, we are disorder after all."
"I did! My physical training for the remaining two weeks before the academy will be in the hands of young master's personal instructor. I have nothing to fear with miss. Anne's healing, pain doesn't really scare me."
At the mention of Anne, once again, Yom's temper was about to flare again, something that didn't escape the Duke's attention.
"Oh this really is a curse from Love."
Told ya.
"Very well, butler Crow. Now let's talk about the spell you used. I want some juicy details. I might even reward you if it's interesting enough."
Oh!?
This was tempting alright. I couldn't tell him everything, but I was sure I could tell him the thing that really would kickstart my studies.
It wasn't even hard to think of what should be said.
"Fake magic Duke."
"You're gonna need to tell me something more."
"What I'm trying to create, is magic that works exactly like mental attacks without the risk of permanently damaging the brain. I'm aiming for destruction without actually doing any harm."
He didn't need to think much of the implications, my fake magic, if based on the confusion magic of his house, could be something terrifying.
"What about lasting trauma effect?"
"That's what I'm studying, aren't I?"
The Duke seemed thoughtful for a second and then signed the contract with vigorous strikes, he almost seemed to have a personal vendetta against it.
"We are adding neurology, biology and anatomy to your studies. You need to experience more with human and monster brains for your research to bear fruit."
I was about to burst out laughing. Maintaining my composure had never felt so difficult.
Those subjects were exactly what I needed. The correlation between illusion and brain, how it effected the body, their cause and everything in between, but that was also what made me realise the man in front of me had realised something.
What a formidable force to be reckoned with.
I looked at him straight in the eyes, not at the Duke, but the person behind him. And asked directly.
"You have already realised what I'm working on. Haven't you?"
"I'm no fool Crow, you aren't the first to research this stuff, but you are the first to achieve some results."
Fuck.
"I would also like to experience that spell of yours."
"And I would love to keep my head exactly where it is Duke Morvane. Attached to my neck."
He smirked, a spark flashing in his eyes and inquired me again.
"Don't you have anything to show me then?"
This greedy ass bastard.
"Well I do have another spell I use to play pranks on the servants…"
He looked at me as if he was screening my entire soul.
"Go ahead."
Sigh.
"Very well."
I didn't chant the spell, since it was merely a party trick, it was extremely easy to cast, but I did snap my fingers to add flair.
At my gesture, 13 will o' wisps appeared before the duke, dancing, racing each other, I even commanded some to pass through him, action that got him startled and me snickering.
But when he noticed the greenish flames pass through everything harmlessly, his eye lit up unexpectedly, like he found a treasure of invaluable worth.
And I was starting to get chills running through my spine.