Chapter 226.2. The Feast At Kanna Dukedom

-????’s POV
“No one knows that I visited this mansion. This will be a small celebration with Marquis Menou now, I suppose.”
“As the Spatial Witch, no one will notice you.”
“[Teleportation] is tiring, so please add an extra fee.”
“Of course. The next operation is already prepared, right?”
“Indeed, everything is ready. We just need to wait for the operation to begin.”
The woman known as the Spatial Witch chuckled softly. Seeing her, Duke Kanna nodded in satisfaction.
Her work was flawless. She had never failed before. Though it was costly, Duke Kanna could trust her.
“What kind of operation is it? I might be able to assist you.”
Marquis Menou leaned forward with interest, his eyes gleaming, showing his willingness to lend a hand in whatever intriguing plan.
“It’s a simple operation. I’ll only say that it involves the magic armor showcasing its further capabilities.”
The Spatial Witch gently placed a hand on her cheek, wearing a mysterious smile.
“Oh, that’s fantastic. Does it also include Duke Kanna’s power restoration?”
“Let’s leave that unanswered. It won’t be a problem if you don’t know, right?”
While Marquis Menou seemed curious about the plan, Duke Kanna shrugged his shoulders and chose not to respond.
“A secret operation is best when only a few people know about it, Marquis Menou.”
Upon Shin’s words, the Marquis fell silent, giving up on further questioning. He realized it was better to stick to the know-nothing approach.
If the operation gets exposed, maintaining plausible deniability would be the wiser choice. That’s how Marquis Menou judged it.
Assuming it succeeded, it would further promote his magic armor. So Marquis Meniu would wait for the outcome.
“Wise judgment, thank you, Marquis Menou.”
Shin expressed his gratitude with a bow, and Marquis Menou nodded in response.
The modest celebration continued for a while, and the intoxicated Marquis Menou left, declaring it was the beginning of Menou Marquisate’s counterattack.
Now only Duke Kanna, Shin, and the Spatial Witch remained.
“Goodness, Marquis Bulldog is so loud and bothersome, Father.”
Duke Kanna glared at Shin, who disdainfully spoke of Marquis Menou.
“Watch your words, Shin. You never know who might be listening.”
“I’ll be fine. In case someone hears, I’ll simply pretend to be ‘Taiyou’ that’s supposed to be dead. Masatoshi-kun seems to think that way too. So, there might be others who think the same.”
Shin accurately read Masatoshi’s reasoning. The boy’s emotions were easy to read, and his sudden challenge to a duel made his intentions clear.
“Never let your guard down, Shin-san. Your grand scheme, which was supposed to begin with your exile, ended before it even started.”
“Takano County… to think they have such power. Our plans have backfired.”
Originally, Shin was supposed to be exiled as he hadn’t awaken his mana. However, everything had gone awry.
“All that acting of me couldn’t use magic has gone to waste. It’s a big shock to me as well.”
Though Shin laughed and made light jokes, he didn’t seem visibly shocked. 
However, the fact they destroyed Kanna Dukedom’s meticulously planned scheme was undoubtedly a significant blow.
“I believe it’s better to be a good person, Shin-san. Did you make an unnecessary remark to Aguni Masatoshi during the duel?”
“I acted like Taiyou to support his reasoning. It went according to plan, so it’s fine.”
Shin winked at the Spatial Witch playfully. Seeing his casual attitude, she smiled back.
“In that case, you’ll be fine during this orientation too?”
“Of course. Leave it to me, Father. I’ve already prepared everything, even for Nidhogg.”
“After this, we’ll start the operation with Solomon. Both of you, Shin and the Spatial Witch, I trust you.”
“You can count on us, Father.”
“Yes, everything will go smoothly.”
Shin confidently expressed his gratitude, and the Spatial Witch nodded in agreement.
“If this operation goes well, we’ll take action with our allies. I’m looking forward to that day.”
Duke Kanna stood up and left the room. Shin also stood up and turned to the Spatial Witch to bid farewell.
“Well then, see you later, Sensei.”
“Sensei? I don’t recall becoming your teacher.”
“Oh, right. My mistake. Goodnight~”
Chuckling oddly, Shin waved his hand and left the room.
The Spatial Witch, left alone, chuckled to herself.
“I never became your teacher, Shin. Indeed, I never thought of you as my disciple.”
As she drew the teleportation magic circle, she glanced at the door.
“Because I feel guilty sacrificing my disciple, you see.”
The witch’s figure disappeared, and her murmur dissolved into the air, unheard by anyone.
In the original story, the hot-blooded Shin, driven by a sense of justice, and the Spatial Witch, who saw that nurtured his hidden talent.
But, there was no such scene that existed in that way.