Chapter 5 – The Footsteps of Decline (Viscount 1)

Viscount Lardrich vented his anger on his butler in place of Aix, who had left in the middle of his lecture, leaving him unable to contain his rage.

“That idiot peasant, who thinks he can rise above his station, can only use basic magic!”

“Indeed, my lord.”

Finally calming down, he breathed out a sigh of relief as the cold air from the tube he held to his reddened face cooled it down.

“What was the name of that peasant again?”

“Aix, my lord.”

The viscount’s face twisted into a wicked smile.

“Don’t let that failure of a peasant escape the domain. And put pressure on those around him, not just adventurers, to prevent him from doing any other work. If his funds run dry, even a peasant will realize his mistake.”

“That’s a brilliant idea, my lord. I’ll arrange it immediately.”

The butler gave his stamp of approval to the viscount’s frightening plan, but they were fundamentally mistaken.

Afterall, Aix had no intention of working.

“Hehehe. I’m looking forward to it. I can already see the peasant begging me to give him work. We need to educate him better this time to prevent him from rebelling. Let’s see… ”

“Aix, my lord. By the way, what is that tube?”

Looking at the new tube that had been cooling his face, the butler, Yesman, asked with interest.

“It’s my invention, a portable device that gives basic ice and wind magic from that defective mage.”

“Oh, I see. I never thought such a thing could be useful to someone who can only use basic magic. You have a keen eye, my lord.”

The viscount felt pleased by the butler’s praise.

“So, where is it? I had five made, but since that useless Aix ran away, I’ll give you one. I planned to make 200, but he fled.”

“Thank you very much, my lord. I am truly grateful. By the way, about the kitchen…”

The butler waited for the right time to bring up the problem, knowing that the viscount’s mood had improved.

“What about it?”

“The water bottle in the kitchen stopped working. What should we do? It was made by Aix, who ran away, so I’m not sure what to do.”

The viscount’s face turned exasperated.

“You should call another mage or use a magic tool if it’s cheap.”

“Yes, my lord.”

The butler broke out in a cold sweat.

The viscount’s unreasonable demands were now being directed at him instead of the peasant.

The quiet footsteps of the decline of the Lardrich family were slowly approaching.