-1506- Though you wouldn't dare

The Wiegert Estate.

It was a grand mansion located in the quiet suburban area of "Vebel," possessing vast grounds.

One mansion after another stood at one end of the garden.

In front of them were a fountain and a rose garden.

The entire estate was surrounded by fences, with only one iron gate for passage.

Led by Kirsty Vermilion, Rozen arrived at this place.

As soon as he arrived, Rozen noticed that the entire area was enveloped by an invisible force.

It was...

"A barrier, huh?"

Moreover, it wasn't just a single-layered barrier.

An experienced mage might notice the existence of the barrier but would only detect the outermost layer formed by mana. However, inside this barrier, there were two additional layers.

The second layer was formed by jutsuryoku.

The third layer was formed by Collapse Force.

The three-layer barrier around the Wiegert Estate was constructed using mana, jutsuryoku, and Collapse Force, an extraordinary level of luxury.

Rozen understood almost immediately.

"This was set up in response to my arrival, wasn't it?"

After all, while a barrier made of mana could be dismissed, deploying a barrier of jutsuryoku in human territory would likely be noticed, so it couldn't be used casually.

As for Collapse Force, that was even more secretive—its very existence was not yet fully confirmed. If it were discovered, it would definitely cause unnecessary commotion. Furthermore, this type of power was extremely rare and valuable; no one would deploy it recklessly.

Thus, Rozen was certain that these barriers had been set up specifically in preparation for his arrival.

What's more, who knows how many traps lay within these barriers?

Perhaps, as soon as Rozen stepped inside, he would be ambushed.

Perhaps, as soon as Rozen stepped inside, he would be framed by the enemy.

The various possibilities made it difficult to take a step toward the mansion in front of him.

However...

"I can come in, right?"

Without waiting for a response, Rozen fearlessly moved forward, stepping into the estate.

"..."

Kirsty immediately frowned, casting a deep glance at Rozen's back before silently leading him into the mansion.

Inside the mansion, the servants stood in neat rows, welcoming Rozen's arrival.

Kirsty, however, ignored them, focusing only on leading Rozen deeper into the mansion.

Before long, Rozen was brought into a luxuriously decorated parlor.

Here, a young man exuding an extraordinary presence sat on a sofa.

"At last, I've finally meet you, Rorelei Arneet."

The young man stood up without any airs, flashing a bright smile at Rozen.

"I'm Zeth Wiegert. A pleasure to make your acquaintance."

Zeth greeted Rozen with a noble bow, his every move impeccable and perfect.

In response...

"I've heard a lot about you, Chairman."

Rozen narrowed his eyes, smiling back at Zeth.

The two strategists, who had once crossed paths from a distance, displayed friendliness to each other, smiling all the while, yet somehow the atmosphere around them grew unbearably tense.

At that moment, Rozen and Zeth were evaluating each other.

Rozen saw the miasma rising continuously from Zeth's body, raising his eyebrows.

Zeth, meanwhile, scanned Rozen's entire figure as if trying to see through him.

In that instant, the two had completed the first round of their confrontation.

Then, they each reached a conclusion.

(He's got some skills.)

That was Rozen's assessment.

(As the information suggested, he's unfathomable.)

That was Zeth's judgment.

From their observation and evaluation to forming these judgments, all of it happened in less than a second.

Thus, outsiders wouldn't even notice what kind of exchange had taken place between Rozen and Zeth.

Immediately afterward...

"Please, take a seat."

Zeth politely gestured to Rozen.

"Then, do pardon me."

Without any pretense, Rozen boldly sat across from Zeth.

As for Kirsty, she had already silently positioned herself behind Zeth, coldly observing Rozen.

Under such circumstances, Rozen and Zeth's first meeting unexpectedly proceeded peacefully.

"I've wanted to meet you for quite some time. It's an honor to finally do so today."

Zeth began with a polite comment.

"Oh, it's nothing. I'm just a student, practically a nobody. I can't compare to the Chairman."

Rozen responded humbly, though his face still carried a smile.

"If even you're considered a nobody, then there would be no outstanding people in the world."

Zeth chuckled.

"It's just a little fame. I can't compare to you, Chairman, standing at the highest status. I'm quite envious."

Rozen smoothly returned the compliment.

The two continued exchanging flattering remarks, seemingly having a pleasant conversation. Yet beneath the surface, their gazes and auras had clashed countless times.

Watching Rozen and Zeth, Kirsty's expression gradually changed.

Because she had never seen anyone able to hold their own in a conversation with Zeth like this.

Given Zeth's current status and his extraordinary conversational skills, there were virtually no people capable of engaging him as equals in dialogue.

Though the two were merely exchanging compliments, hidden within those words were countless traps, as they tried to lure each other into controlling the conversation and gaining the upper hand.

This was a fierce mental battle, and neither side was backing down.

However, unlike Rozen, who smiled nonchalantly, Zeth's gaze was growing more and more unsettled.

Clearly, Zeth hadn't expected Rozen to be able to contend with him to such an extent. By now, he must have revised his opinion of Rozen again and adjusted his internal assessment of him.

On the other hand, Rozen remained unbothered from beginning to end, acting as though he hadn't noticed the clash, appearing completely at ease.

(This human...)

Kirsty's expression grew increasingly grim.

Now, Kirsty might have understood why Zeth valued Rozen so much.

This human was definitely not easy to deal with.

Whether in mind or combat, it was the same.

"Lord Zeth..."

Seeing Zeth and Rozen still locked in a silent clash, Kirsty finally spoke up.

Hearing this, Zeth stopped.

Immediately after...

"I heard you took good care of Elis, Mr. Rorelai."

Zeth suddenly brought up this topic.

Rozen still wore a smile, but his tone took on a hint of mockery.

"I thought you wouldn't dare mention this, Chairman."

Rozen's words caused the atmosphere in the parlor to become heavy.

It grew both tense and ominous.