I Was a Loner, but My Class Got Summoned to Another World…-Chapter 242: Duke Kalder

The Duke's castle resembled a Mediterranean-style mansion rather than a traditional fortress. Encased within large, protective outer walls, its interior radiated an air of distinct elegance and charm.

Terracotta-colored roofs crowned the structure, complementing the sandstone walls that lent the mansion a timeless, rustic appeal intertwined with sophistication. The long road leading to the mansion's grand entrance was adorned with marble statues of humanoid figures, strategically placed alongside majestic fountains whose cascading waters breathed life into the scene.

Surrounding the estate, beige towers and high walls stood as a protective yet harmonious backdrop, merging fortification with refinement to encapsulate the Duke's distinguished residence.

Near the mansion, gardeners busily harvested olive-like fruits from trees, tended to small cypresses, and maintained the various magical plants lining the path to the house. In this tranquil setting, only two soldiers, alongside Silvia and Logan, lingered outside.

The air was warm, yet tempered by a gentle breeze that kept the atmosphere pleasant and comfortable.

As Logan and Silvia approached the mansion, a man and a woman emerged through a door, held open by two attentive servants. The man's wavy black hair and piercing black eyes were striking, but it was the aura of darkness encircling him that set him apart.

The woman at his side was equally intriguing, her purple hair a rare and unusual trait that captured Logan's attention immediately—he had rarely seen such features before.

While Lisa had streaks of purple in her hair, the Duke's wife seemed to radiate the color throughout her entire presence. Logan noticed faint sparks surrounding her, quickly deducing the element she wielded.

The group soon reached the steps leading to the mansion. Observing the Duke's approach, Logan noted the man's deliberate actions. As a king himself, Logan understood the importance of avoiding even the smallest displays of weakness—such as standing below others—so the Duke ensured that Logan wouldn't need to ascend to greet him.

The two men began by shaking hands, their exchange formal and composed. Following this, Logan mirrored the Duke's gesture to Silvia, taking the hand of the Duke's wife and planting a polite kiss upon it, respecting the customs of their meeting.

"Thank you for granting us permission to enter your borders, as well as your king's," Logan began, presenting a handful of electrical crystals—a gift no one could refuse.

"Thank you for your generosity. Since we know so much about you and Miss Silvia, it is only fair that I properly introduce myself. I am Duke Joel Kalder, brother to the King of Eta, and this is my wife, Sereta Brimston," the Joel said, his tone warm yet formal.

"It is a pleasure to confirm the rumors about your majesty, the King of Highrule, and your remarkable ability to create such wonders. We have also heard of how your city is thriving. Our merchants are eager to establish stable trade agreements to acquire the exceptional crafts you and the other heroes have introduced, Hero of Taming," he added with a respectful nod.

As he spoke, the Duke gestured for them to follow. Once inside, Logan took note of the carefully orchestrated display. Maids and butlers stood in two perfectly aligned rows, bowing respectfully as they entered. It was a clear demonstration of wealth and status, but Logan found himself unmoved, bored even. He knew this meeting would follow the same routine as with all the lords he had encountered—the usual speeches about his kingdom's prosperity, his betrothal to ward off ambitious daughters, his personal growth, and the reasons behind his visit.

The discussions dragged on for hours. The monotony was only broken by the exceptional food served during the meeting. Even Silvia, who was not easily impressed, indulged with enthusiasm, particularly when presented with candies that had a rich, chocolate-like flavor.

"So, how long do you expect to stay here, Logan?" Joel asked. Dinner was behind them, and now they rested in a cozy room where only the Duke, his son, and Logan were present.

The Joel's son, a fifteen-year-old boy, sat quietly, his eyes sparkling with awe as he gazed at Logan.

"I still need to visit two other sites—you may know them, Duke Kalder. The ents and the hydra are the creatures I seek before heading off to the Empire to assist with the war," Logan replied, savoring a sip of hot chocolate. Its rich sweet aroma kept him from gulping it down too quickly.

"I do know of such creatures," the Duke Kalder said with a thoughtful nod. "I just hope you might stay for at least a few days. We'd like to hold a parade in your honor—it's the first time a hero has visited our lands. Our people need someone to lift their spirits. Many of them are soldiers' wives or children who may never see their fathers again." The Joel sighed, his concern for his people evident.

Logan offered a small smile, touched by the Duke Kalder's compassion. "Forgive me, sir. I really am in a hurry. I also need to complete the labyrinth in my kingdom. I'm aiming to become as strong as possible before heading out."

He then shifted the topic, sharing details about the inventions in his kingdom and his need for mines to cultivate crystals.

Throughout the conversation, Logan noticed the Duke's eyes sparkling with newfound motivation. Whether it was discussing the extension of train tracks to his country or granting Logan mining rights after consulting the king, the Duke seemed intent on creating opportunities to ensure the Hero of Taming would return to his lands.

"Actually, we do have a way to make a return trip here easier, if needed," Logan began, explaining Silvia's ability to create teleportation arrays. He described how keeping one active would only require someone to periodically sprinkle mana powder to maintain its functionality.

"No need to explain further, Hero," the Joel interrupted, his tone shifting slightly. "There is just one small favor I would ask of you." The Duke's gaze then shifted toward his son.

"My boy here is also a tamer. He even bonded with an electric rodent from the electrical fields you plan to visit. My hope is that you can teach him. My wife and I have decided that, if necessary, you may use your power on him. We've been informed that it is possible to make him stronger this way."

Duke Kalder's voice carried a mix of pride and concern. His son was nearing the age where he would soon head off to war, and the Duke wanted him to be under the guidance of someone who might ensure his survival. If Logan were to tame him, perhaps he could make the boy as formidable as the rumors suggested.

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"I… will have to think about it, sir," Logan replied hesitantly, glancing at the boy. The young tamer looked back at him with unwavering admiration, his gaze brimming with determination despite being only three years younger than Logan.