Hopefully, at Your Mercy - Chapter 30

Chapter 16.1

The voice belonged to Carlot, one of Iskan’s most trusted confidants. He had just chimed into the conversation after overhearing talk of accessories being traded between Lord Cavila and Duke Schultz, and something about magic.

Iskan had been silently observing the contract from behind the sofa, and moments ago, he had given him a subtle glance. A signal.

‘Step in.’

Carlot was curious. Why would his master bother to hide his identity just to sit through such a boring negotiation, only to suddenly get involved in the end? His master’s motives were a mystery to him.

It seemed like Iskan had taken an interest in the woman, Delinda Schultz.

But why?

Why would a man who could casually watch another person burn alive without so much as blinking show any interest in this noble lady?

Sure, maybe she was the one who had broken through his magic barrier… but that couldn’t be the only reason.

Besides, wasn’t the duke’s daughter rumored to be a fool? She was such a disgrace to the Schultz family that they kept her hidden away, labeling her the “Foolish Noble Lady.”

“And who are you?”

“My name is Carlot Eisha.”

Carlot’s confident response made Lord Cavila furrow his brows.

Carlot Eisha? Who is that?

Carlot flashed them a grin and threw his hands out as if he were some kind of saint. Above his head, the words “CARLOT EISHA” appeared in large letters.

POOF! White, sparkling magic floated in the air, bursting with light. Crackling like fireworks, they filled the room with noise.

As everyone’s gaze focused on him, Carlot smiled, clearly enjoying the attention.

Delinda watched his smug expression, muttering under her breath,

“Such an attention seeker…”

As Carlot stood there in all his glory, Iskan took a silent step back, while Sir Rowton, the knights’ commander, moved two steps back.

“Who do you think you are, daring to interfere in this contract?!” Crameld the mage leapt to his feet.

“I told you, I’m Carlot Eisha. And it just so happens that I have financial ties to Duke Schultz, who is handling this contract. That gives me every right to interfere.”

Since his master, Prince Iskan, had agreed to lend money to Duke Schultz, Carlot wasn’t exactly lying.

Crameld was furious, and Carlot’s bold suggestion that he’d impose limits on the mage’s authority made him even more enraged.

“How dare you, you insolent—!”

But before Crameld could finish his outburst, he froze. With just a flick of his hand, Carlot had snapped the mage’s mouth shut, and his knees buckled beneath him.

Mmph, mmph—! In the blink of an eye, Crameld was overpowered, left slumped over on the sofa, his eyes darting around in shock. Realizing how outmatched he was, he looked completely flustered.

“Be silent for a moment, would you please? We can’t have a proper conversation otherwise.”

Tsk, tsk. Carlot clicked his tongue and turned his head to look at Lord Cavila.

“Now, since I’m feeling generous, I’ll offer you my intervention. I want you to add a special clause to the contract stating, ’All matters related to spirit stone accessories and magic will be handled by Cavila Shaimond. However, any external consultation must be provided by Mage Carlot Eisha or another mage sourced by House Schultz.‘”

“…”

“In other words, I won’t tolerate any funny business when it concerns accessories or magical matters. Pulling any sort of tricks will ruin the fun for everyone. Of course, feel free to phrase that in a more formal manner.”

Lord Cavila’s mouth hung half-open in disbelief. Carlot summoned a feathered quill and floated into Lord Cavila’s hand.

“I said, write it down.”

Even with a pen now in his hand, Cavila couldn’t bring himself to move. Delinda, who had been quietly observing, chimed in with her own suggestion.

“Also, please add another clause stating that the mine’s finances must undergo external audits. It’d be strange to only consult the magic experts, don’t you agree?”

“…”

Cavila’s hand still remained frozen.

…This isn’t going as planned. I need to stay in the duke’s good graces so that I can enjoy a comfortable life, but I can’t proceed with the contract if these special clauses are added…

He glanced over at Crameld for help, but the mage had already shrunk back, shoulders drooping in defeat. With his mage friend in such a state, there was nothing more he could do.

Delinda leaned forward, pointing to the signature line.

“Why aren’t you writing, Lord Cavila? Earlier, you said you’d adjust the contract terms if we found another mage.”

“…That’s right.”

“Well, we’ve found one, so make the changes.”

“…Yes.”

Looking like he’d just received a death sentence, Cavila began to reluctantly write down the new special clauses. He didn’t have any other option.

Delinda smiled. She was grateful to the mage behind her but also slightly wary.

‘Who exactly is this Mage Carlot Eisha? He’s with Prince Iskan, so he must be one of his close allies…’

She didn’t know why he was helping her family, but this was too good of an opportunity to pass up. She had magical powers herself, so in the worst-case scenario, she could quickly learn how to use them and provide consultations on her own.

Lord Cavila wouldn’t know whether Carlot was the consultant, another mage was involved, or Delinda herself used her magic for consultations.

This way, she could hide her own magic abilities and officially have a mage be their outside consultant. A major win.

After the contract was written to perfection, Delinda left the reception room in a cheerful mood. The special clauses were flawless.

However, Lord Cavila and Duke Schultz wore somber expressions as they exchanged a few words before going their separate ways. Cavila’s shoulders slumped, looking utterly defeated.