Reinventing Magic: An Inventor's Tale-Chapter 47: The Duke’s Curiosity

The Duke’s study was a testament to his love for artifacts and the arcane. Shelves lined with ancient tomes and scrolls stretched from floor to ceiling, while glass cases displayed an array of enchanted items, each a marvel of magical engineering. Softly glowing orbs cast a warm, ethereal light throughout the room, highlighting the intricate carvings and runes adorning the walls.

Duke Marcus Marveil had always been fascinated by the mysteries of the arcane. His family’s wealth, amassed over generations through strategic marriages, vast land acquisitions, and prudent investments, had allowed him to indulge his passion for collecting rare and valuable artifacts.

The Marveil trading empire, renowned for dealing in spices, silks, and precious metals, further bolstered their fortune. The discovery of rich mineral deposits within the Duke’s lands had led to the establishment of highly profitable mining operations, cementing the family’s financial dominance.

His keen eye for innovation and progress had made him a patron of inventors, alchemists, and mages, resulting in groundbreaking discoveries and enchanted artifacts highly sought after. His collection was more than a mere display of wealth; it was a testament to his dedication to preserving the arcane heritage and fostering new advancements.

Kael stood before the Duke, his calm and composed demeanor belying the urgency of their situation. The cool confidence in his eyes conveyed a depth of experience unusual for someone so young.

"Your Grace, I will bring Alice to you as soon as possible," he said, his voice steady.

The Duke’s eyes gleamed with excitement, his curiosity piqued. "I would like to see her immediately. And I wish to ride the Aetherwing Skiff."

Kael nodded, understanding the Duke’s eagerness. The Duke turned to the guard standing by the door. "Summon the chamberlain," he ordered.

The guard bowed and departed, returning moments later with the chamberlain, a stern-faced man with a meticulous demeanor.

"Your Grace, you summoned me?" the chamberlain inquired, bowing slightly.

"I plan to visit the Valtieri estate," the Duke announced. "Make the necessary arrangements."

The chamberlain’s expression darkened with concern. "But Your Grace, you have a scheduled meeting with the King tomorrow afternoon. Missing it could be unwise."

The Duke waved a dismissive hand. "Make up an excuse. The king will likely ask for more money, increasing their debt. I have more pressing matters to attend to."

The chamberlain sighed, knowing better than to argue. "As you wish, Your Grace. I will take care of it." He bowed and left, his footsteps echoing down the hallway.

Turning his attention back to Kael, the Duke asked, "Tell me, Lord Kael, is the Aetherwing Skiff available for purchase?"

Kael met the Duke’s gaze steadily. "I built it with the intention of selling it to you, Your Grace."

The Duke’s eyes widened in astonishment, a mix of wonder and disbelief flooding his expression.

"You... you built this for me? How is that possible?" His voice trembled with incredulity. "It’s unfathomable to think that someone just sixteen or seventeen years old could create such a marvel. I remember you mentioning it, but hearing it again, in all its glory... it’s beyond belief. This defies everything I know about the limitations of magic and craftsmanship."

Kael offered a small smile. "I understand your skepticism, but I did build it. And to be honest, I also enchanted the ring I sent you, the staff our estate mage wielded during the banquet, and my gauntlet. All of those are my creation."

The Duke’s astonishment deepened. "How can a young man create such artifacts? I have searched for remarkable artifacts for years and met famous artificers, but this... this surpasses anything I have seen."

Kael’s honesty was a calculated risk, but he knew he needed to demonstrate his capabilities to earn the Duke’s trust, especially for Project Golem.

The Duke shook his head in disbelief. "The staff that your mage wielded... I remember her using it during the banquet. It did allowed her to bypass incantations. And the ring... spatial magic is incredibly rare. I’ve never encountered such advanced enchantments before."

Count Edgar, who had been silently observing, couldn’t help but feel a swell of pride. His son, whom he had once underestimated, was now conversing with the Duke as an equal, earning his respect and admiration.

The Duke stood, his mind made up. "I will prepare to leave immediately. Pietro," he called, summoning a trusted knight commander, Pietro. "You will accompany me as a guard."

Pietro bowed. "As you wish, Your Grace."

The Duke turned back to Kael, a determined look in his eyes. "Some of my most important belongings are already safely stored within my infinite storage ring, so there’s no need for me to pack further. Let us proceed outside without delay."

Stepping out into the cool night air, the Duke’s eyes gleamed with childlike wonder as he beheld the Aetherwing Skiff. Kael guided him inside, followed by Pietro. Count Edgar and the rest of the group boarded next, the skiff’s eight seats accommodating them comfortably.

Kael took the pilot’s seat, his hands resting on the controls. With a gentle hum, the Aetherwing Skiff lifted off the ground, its anti-gravity enchantment creating a shimmering aura around the vessel. The Duke watched in awe as the skiff ascended smoothly into the night sky.

"This is incredible," the Duke murmured, eyes wide with wonder. "The operation is so smooth."

Kael smiled, his gaze fixed on the horizon. "Let’s go home," he said. With a gentle push of the controls, the Aetherwing Skiff soared into the night, leaving the Duke’s estate behind.

As they flew, the Duke’s excitement remained palpable. He marveled at the skiff’s design, the intricate runes glowing softly on the hull, and the wind enchantment propelling them forward with remarkable speed and agility. Kael answered the Duke’s questions patiently, explaining the mechanics and magic behind his creation.

The journey back to the Valtieri estate would typically take a week at normal speed. However, the Duke, with urgency in his voice, requested that the Aetherwing Skiff fly at full speed.

With a firm nod, Kael adjusted the controls, and the skiff responded immediately. The vessel accelerated, cutting through the night sky with astonishing speed. The stars above blurred into streaks of light, and the ground below became a distant memory.

The Aetherwing Skiff flew gracefully, rising higher as the first light of dawn began to chase away the darkness. The sky transformed into a canvas of vibrant colors, with hues of pink and orange heralding the new day. The Duke stood at the edge of the skiff, mesmerized by the breathtaking view, the wind tousling his hair.

Kael glanced at the Duke and smiled. "At this speed, we should arrive within two to three days," he said, his voice filled with determination. As the skiff continued its swift journey, Kael remained unaware of the chaos that had engulfed their territory.

---

The morning sun crept over the horizon, its golden light barely reaching the towering walls of the royal palace. Inside the grand chamber, the air was thick with tension as the royal spies knelt before King Julius Ardania. Their heads were bowed, their breaths shallow, knowing well the wrath of the king was as swift as it was merciless.

One of the spies, a wiry man clad in dark leather, dared to speak. "Your Majesty, we followed Count Edgar and his son as instructed. They entered their family estate in the capital last evening, but thirty minutes later, when we infiltrated the mansion, it was... empty."

Silence stretched in the throne room, so profound that even the crackling torches seemed to hold their breath. Then, with an explosion of fury, King Julius hurled his goblet of wine across the chamber. The cup clattered against the marble floor, spilling crimson liquid like fresh blood.

"How can a simple task be so utterly beyond your competence?" the king bellowed, his voice echoing through the chamber. His piercing gaze bore into the kneeling spies. "You had one job—to watch and report their movements. And yet, you come before me with empty hands and empty words?"

The spy flinched but remained still, knowing that any further explanation could just as easily lead to his execution. The others dared not speak, their heads bowed even lower in silent submission.

King Julius exhaled sharply, his fingers drumming against the gilded armrest of his throne. His mind raced. Those fools are hiding something. He had underestimated them once, but he would not make the same mistake again.

His gaze shifted to the small pedestal beside him. Resting upon it was a spirit crystal embedded artifact—one he had seized from Kael in an earlier confrontation. With a flick of his fingers, the artifact flared to life, projecting a spectral image into the air. A hazy, flickering figure emerged, its hollow voice delivering a dire warning.

The man in the holograph continued to speak, "The rifts... they opened faster than we anticipated. Thousands of them, spewing creatures from beyond this dimension. Our defenses, even with the most advanced artifacts, were no match. Billions are dead. The cities..." He paused, his voice faltering. "The cities are gone." free𝑤ebnovel.com

Julius clenched his jaw, staring at the ethereal message. He did not believe in prophecies or fate, but he did believe in power—and he would not let his slip away. The Valtieris, whatever they were, had secrets. Secrets that could strengthen his rule.

His voice was low but filled with menace as he addressed the spies. "Find out what they are hiding. I do not care what methods you employ. I want results. This time, I will not tolerate another failure."

The lead spy swallowed hard and nodded. "It will be done, Your Majesty."

King Julius waved them away, his expression dark and unreadable. As the chamber doors shut behind the retreating spies, the king leaned back into his throne, his mind churning. Count Edgar and his son were more resourceful than he had anticipated, but it did not matter.

Everyone had a weakness.

And he would find theirs soon enough.

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