Inside the Clock Tower's black market, the grand estate's halls bristled with tension.
Boy and girl faced off. Behind Rhodes floated sixteen guns of every caliber—compact submachine guns, heavy sniper cannons—all glowing with magecraft. They weren't ordinary firearms but Mystic Codes, each one far deadlier than its mundane counterpart.
At his side, RyuZU lifted her skirt hem ever so slightly. Two black scythes slipped out from beneath the fabric, their edges gleaming cold, engraved with flowing runes that marked them as anything but simple blades.
"You…" The orange-haired girl ground her teeth, glaring at Rhodes's defiance. "I am Barthomeloi Lorelei, heir-designate of the Barthomeloi Family. You'd provoke the Barthomeloi themselves—over nothing more than an Automaton?!"
"Oh? Nothing more than an Automaton?" Rhodes sneered. "You underestimate my work's worth. RyuZU's value easily eclipses that of even a Magician."
He wasn't wrong. Her power to command Time Stop was enough to rival true Magic.
"You…" Lorelei's brow furrowed in disgust. "Magicians are humanity's pinnacle! To compare one to a mere Automaton is a betrayal of our race!"
"Tch. Throwing labels around, are we? You're awfully practiced at that." Rhodes laughed, derision laced through every word.
"Don't nobles pride themselves on bartering for advantage? Tell me—what do you have that could ever match my RyuZU? Strip away the family name and bloodline you were handed at birth, and you're nothing."
"You dare insult noble honor?!" Lorelei roared—only for Rhodes to cut her off, voice sharp with fury.
"Then duel me! A parasite who lives off her ancestors has no right to speak as my equal!" His handsome features hardened in rage. To insult his cherished creation was nothing less than a declaration of war.
"Hmph! You'll regret this!" Lorelei spat the words like a curse, raising a Mystic Code to transmit word back to her family.
But before the message could fly, a formless barrier blocked all communication across the estate.
"You've gone too far, Lorelei." A slim figure appeared between them, halting the clash. "Best to keep the peace. You're still under review for the family headship, aren't you? Cause trouble now, and you can kiss the seat of power goodbye."
It was a woman with long orange hair, appearing no older than thirty, though she had lived more than half a century.
Rhodes had long since forgotten her name, but he knew her standing well.
The Sophia-Ri family's rise had been under her hand. One of the Twelve Lords, and her presence here was no coincidence.
"Sophia-Ri? You'd shield this insolent brat?" Lorelei's anger blazed, but Sophia-Ri only chuckled.
"You underestimate him. Even if you passed word to your family, those old fossils wouldn't make an enemy of Rhodes over a petty squabble."
"Tch…" Lorelei knew she spoke the truth, but her aristocratic pride twisted her face with frustration.
"Enough. Both of you. A duel here would be disgraceful."
Seeing Lorelei back down, Sophia-Ri sighed in relief.
"And Rhodes—there's also something I'd like to ask you. About Mystic Code deployments. Might we speak elsewhere?"
"Of course. I'd rather not keep breathing this foul air." Rhodes's voice was mocking. Lorelei said nothing, only turned on her heel and stalked toward the gates, eyes still flashing with murderous intent. This wasn't over.
"Rest assured, Rhodes," Sophia-Ri said softly, her tone equal parts reassurance and veiled threat. "With the Twelve Lords backing you, not even the Barthomeloi's Department of Law can coerce you. A Seal Designation will never touch you."
"Good. In that case, I'll trouble you with one matter." Rhodes inclined his head. "I need a batch of criminals—vicious, strong ones. The more the better."
"Eh…" Sophia-Ri blinked, then smiled wryly. "Of course, that's not difficult. But why criminals? Wouldn't ordinary mortals suffice?"
"Simple." Rhodes shrugged. "Ordinary men lack the will to survive my experiments. They'd break too easily. You didn't think I was doing this out of kindness, did you?"
"Of course not. I overstepped." Sophia-Ri studied the boy's face, then named her price. "In return, I'll need some of your inscription knowledge. That much isn't too much to ask, is it?"
"Naturally. I'll have an Automaton deliver it." Rhodes smiled faintly. "A pleasure, Miss Sophia-Ri."
"A pleasure, Lord Rhodes."
◇◇◇
Later, back in Rhodes' estate.
The young magus slumped on his sofa while RyuZU brewed tea with practiced grace. The delicate aroma filled the study, intoxicating.
"I have a question, Master." She offered him a cup with a gentle smile. "Why did you stand up for me against that woman? I'm only an Automaton."
"Yes. You're only an Automaton." Rhodes's tone was mild. RyuZU's eyes dimmed—until his next words set them shining brighter than ever.
"But even as an Automaton, you're mine. My maid, and mine alone. Don't belittle yourself, RyuZU."
"As you will."
The girl's pale arms slid around his shoulders, her soft chest cushioning his head.
"I'll serve you unto death, my Master."