Sylvia fell fast asleep. Haa, haa—her breathing was steady.
I laid her down somewhere safe. Then I looked at the enemy.
The Baron of Ashes.
He was watching me with distorted eyes, but he did not seem particularly threatening.
In truth, the fact that he had parasitized McQueen’s body was something I was grateful for.
“Foolish thing.”
─······.
“Why would you devour someone whose body did not even suit you?”
He was incomplete. He seemed to have taken control of about seventy percent, but the remaining thirty percent still belonged to Ruina. It was because he had devoured too outstanding a Named.
“You know it too, don’t you? With that body, you cannot challenge me.”
Moreover, the Covenant coiled within her body still remained.
He could not inflict any harm on me.
“It’s a dead end, parasite.”
─······!
I spoke as if sneering. At that contempt, he convulsed. His pitch-black pupils flared viciously.
And then, in the very next instant.
He made a decisive move even I had not expected.
Kwaaaaaaaa───!
The Baron burst out of Ruina’s body. Currents wrapped in ash billowed in every direction. He wound around me like an enormous storm, and within it revealed a grotesque face.
─Yes. I was foolish.
The Baron of Ashes spoke from the air. He grinned.
─But you would be different.
He seeped into me just like that. His particles were absorbed into my body. From the bottom of my chest, a violent voice rose up as if to tear me apart.
─An insignificant wretch dares call me a parasite?
It was a rather unpleasant sensation. He touched my unconscious, and several memories, unearthed like grains of sand, floated to the surface.
I answered calmly.
“······Think again. I say this for your sake.”
─The likes of you are nothing! I can erode someone of your level easily!
Slowly, I closed my eyes.
Memories of the past, all manner of dark misdeeds, cancerous emotions. Deculein’s ego raced through my veins.
······Enduring all of it.
I asked in a low voice.
“Can you handle it?”
─······.
The Baron of Ashes did not answer. I could clearly see him floundering in panic.
I merely smiled.
“Inferiority, jealousy, envy, rage, resentment, hatred······.”
An ego that would not be swept away by any illusion or impulse.
“Cries like those are, rather, as elegant as classical music.”
Deculein is never someone who “collapses on his own.”
─······Kraaaaaah!
The Baron of Ashes thrashed inside me. It was a struggle to escape. I did not allow it.
“Baron. Speak.”
Open it───! Open it────!
“Who was down there?”
I was simply curious.
The being the Baron of Ashes had encountered in the underground of my consciousness.
“Was it Kim Woojin? Or was it Deculein?”
─────!
The Baron’s scream gradually transformed into that of a beast. Swept up by Deculein’s ego, he was crushed into incoherent fragments.
“Whoever is inside, take a good look.”
Despite his frenzied seizures, my mind remained as calm as a lake.
“That bottom is your grave.”
There was no answer. He would never return.
The Baron of Ashes vanished just like that.
He was not absorbed by me. Nor was he assimilated.
He had simply been crushed to death by the “ego” that filled this place.
“Tsk. What an idiot.”
An existence that is not me cannot exist within me.
That is Deculein.
“······.”
I looked at Ruina, collapsed on the road surface.
The body the Baron of Ashes had discarded was asleep, exhausted.
* * *
Ruina had a nightmare.
It was a dream of envying and hating someone. A dream in which she became drenched in inferiority and defeat, turning into a monster. A dream in which she became like “that bastard,” whom she had hated enough to wish dead.
There had once been days when Ruina, too, had been swollen with pride in her own talent. There had been a time when she had been proud, believing she herself would revive McQueen.
The passion to leave a mark on the world of magic. The wish to become a magic professor respected by the Empire. The desire to create her own school and light a beacon across the continent······.
······All of it had been blocked by one man.
“······.”
Ruina opened her eyes. Clutching her throbbing temples, she looked around.
“Ah······.”
The entire floor was ash. Everything was charred black as if a great fire had broken out, and ash was scattered across the floor.
Buried within it was a single nameplate.
[ 23rd Floor: Visiting Professor Ruina ]
“Th······ this can’t······.”
Only then did she realize it had not been a dream.
The faint memories of what she had done while being dominated by that thing came back to life.
“Ruina von Schlot McQueen.”
“!”
A voice called her. Startled, Ruina turned around.
There stood the enemy of her house.
“······Deculein.”
His blue eyes stared at her. It was a direct gaze, without the slightest wavering.
He said,
“This scene is not a dream. It is what you did together with ‘that thing.’”
“······Yes. I know.”
Ruina lowered her head. She let out a faint sigh.
“I know everything······.”
Now, both her body and mind were utterly exhausted.
She no longer had any will to do anything. She simply felt at a loss.
Suddenly, regret came over her.
Should she have bowed her head from the beginning?
Should she never have resisted?
If she had humbled herself before him like the other mages, it would not have been this difficult.
“I won’t run. I’ll turn myself in. This is my fault.”
The best choice she could make in this situation.
Ruina spoke weakly and wiped her tears.
“No.”
But Deculein shook his head.
He looked down at her as if she were pathetic.
“That is not part of the contract. Is breaking promises a hobby of yours?”
“······.”
“If so, it is a truly detestable disposition.”
Ruina was suddenly overcome with anger.
“Then! What exactly am I supposed to—”
“Remember what I told you.”
Deculein cut her off.
To Ruina, whose breathing had grown rough, he continued step by step.
“You are to become the chief professor······ No.”
He gently closed his eyes and corrected himself.
“You will become the chief professor. No matter what.”
“······How can you say that in a situation like—”
“Is all of this your fault?”
At that, Deculein smiled faintly. It was a sneer close to contempt. However, its target was not Ruina.
“Of course, I cannot say you bear no fault. But listen. Blaming yourself will not change the world. Even if you cry, only tears will flow; the world will not spare you any attention. It will not recognize you. You will simply be forgotten.”
“······”
“But if you say it is not your fault, then it is not your fault.”
Ruina could not understand what he meant.
“I will make it so.”
Step, step. Deculein walked toward her.
His shoes stopped at her feet, close enough to touch her knees.
“Ruina.”
Because he called her name, she looked up.
“Yukline does not abandon those it has once taken in.”
He extended his hand to her, who had collapsed in such a miserable state.
“If you take my hand.”
In his blue eyes, her reflection was covered in soot. She looked so wretched, and felt endlessly ashamed.
But Deculein paid no heed to such things.
“I will not let you go, either.”
His clean glove
wanted her ash-stained hand.
“That is the fence of Yukline.”
Swaaaaa······.
The windows of the Magic Tower, where the ash had cleared.
Beyond them, with the sky revealed, dawnlight poured in. A brilliant cluster of light burned away the darkness.
“······.”
Ruina fell silent.
No, she blankly took his hand. Instinct had moved her.
“······.”
Deculein nodded without a word.
Pulled to her feet, Ruina looked at him. He turned around and walked through the center of the ashes.
Ash crunched underfoot and spread like mist.
Particles mingled with the wind, scattering nauseatingly through the air.
Even within them, he did not become sullied. He simply walked without a single inch of disarray.
Watching him, Ruina found a small question rising in her mind.
When had that man’s back become so broad?
Had he been exercising diligently all this time?
“Honestly······.”
······Finding herself ridiculous for thinking that, Ruina ended up laughing.
* * *
The day after the so-called “Ashen Terror,” in which the Magic Tower had been occupied by some inexplicable ash.
“Hahaha. That is correct. Of course, of course.”
The Jefferson family, a prestigious house acknowledged by all as having risen through the pen, had produced directors of the Bureau of Justice and the Bureau of Internal Affairs for generations, and their grandfather had even served as a minister. Today, they were busy with an unexpected reception.
“As expected of you, Professor~”
It was because a continental big shot, currently on a steep rise, had come to visit.
“Ah, naturally. I have no doubt whatsoever that this report is false. Sir Ruina is, well, someone of good nature. Ah, right, this fellow is Viscount Derin.”
“It is an honor to meet you! I am Lopez Derin, currently serving as deputy director at the Bureau of Justice.”
“He is a remarkably capable fellow. Also, since he said he was a fan of yours, Professor, I knew it was impolite of me, but I introduced him······ Goodness~ you shouldn’t have~!”
Jefferson and Lopez accepted the small gifts the professor had prepared.
Clearly, they were tokens of sincerity.
There was nothing that violated the law.
The two, smiling with satisfaction, soon heard his main point.
······.
The residence of Lopez, deputy director of the Bureau of Justice, after the meeting with the professor ended. He made a call to somewhere.
“Ah, have you been well? It is nothing else. There is someone I would like to introduce to you. Come carefully, and quietly.”
Deputy Director Lopez called a few people through the crystal ball to help with his simple task. Then he smiled in satisfaction.
“Hahaha. To think I would form a connection with the professor like this. Is this a divine sign that the director’s seat is not far off······ My luck has been quite good lately!”
······.
“It is an honor, Professor. I am Geron, head of personnel at the Bureau of Justice.”
“I am Alberg, deputy director of the Bureau of Internal Affairs.”
“Haha. Everyone, have a seat. Our professor is feeling uncomfortable.”
The gathering arranged by Lopez.
Geron and Alberg bowed deeply before taking their seats. To them, the unnamed professor merely handed over a single report.
“Mm. So this is it. Yes. Of course. The rumors are already widespread, after all. If a trial is held, it will end without any issue.”
For some reason, however, the professor seemed displeased even by the idea of a trial being held.
Geron and Alberg hurriedly corrected themselves.
“······That is true! However, we, too, wish to do as you desire, Professor. There are only a few issues, but we will speak with the Public Safety Bureau ourselves!”
······.
Alberg, Geron, Lopez, and Jefferson.
The quartet of bureaucrats visited the office of Deputy Director Lilia Primien of the Public Safety Bureau.
“Deputy Director Primien. I have come today because I have something to say.”
“I have nothing to discuss with you people, so get out.”
“Now, now, Deputy Director! At least hear whose proposal it is before you answer.”
Primien looked as if she were thinking, What are these vermin— but when she heard what they had to say, her expression changed slightly.
“If you refuse, that professor will come see you personally.”
“That professor” was someone even Primien found troublesome to deal with, and she also had a small debt to repay him.
After pondering it, she had no choice but to nod.
······.
And finally, today.
They had finished all preparations, but they encountered an unexpected reef. Jefferson continued his call carefully through the crystal ball.
“Yes. I apologize. There was one problem. Recently, there is an official burning with a needless sense of justice······.”
······.
“He is from the Bureau of Justice. He is capable, but a truly impertinent fellow. He said this report, too, requires a thorough investigation, or some such······.”
······.
“There is no need for you to step forward personally. We will soon······ Ah, yes. I apologize. His name is Joseph.”
······
Joseph was a high-ranking official of the court.
He was the child of some random noble, his status nearly that of a commoner, but with his unique intelligence, he had passed the judicial examination at the youngest age and become an official of the court.
However, compared to his ability, his connections were poor, and he had no friends with whom he exchanged even casual greetings.
“For such an honored person to come to a shabby place like this······”
Today, a university professor visited his small home. He was no ordinary professor; meeting him in person, Joseph felt tremendous coercion.
“Sit.”
He acted as though he were the master of the house. Joseph accepted that lordly attitude very naturally.
As soon as Joseph sat in the chair, he held out a report.
“It is the report on the Magic Tower Ash Heap Incident.”
“Yes.”
Joseph quickly scanned the contents with sharp eyes.
“These are matters I have already verified. Even so, it is rather lopsided to say the suspect Ruina bears no fault whatsoever. A fairer analysis……”
“Ren.”
The professor gestured to the attendant standing behind him. Ren approached in a single step and placed a long box on the wooden desk.
The luxurious box covered the scratches on the shabby desk.
Joseph furrowed his brow and asked.
“Is this a bribe?”
“……”
For a moment, the professor’s expression stiffened coldly. He took a breath and crossed his legs. That series of gestures strongly pressured Joseph.
“Your words are quite rude.”
“I’ve often been told I’m frank—”
“One must distinguish between being direct and being discourteous. Mustn’t one?”
“……”
Joseph lowered his head silently. Without realizing it, he hunched his shoulders. It was an animalistic instinct.
He was originally known for his integrity even in the courts, yet this professor’s eyes were strangely difficult to meet.
“I apologize. However, if it is not a bribe, then what is it?”
“An opportunity.”
“……An opportunity?”
“Indeed. An opportunity to become my man.”
The professor tapped the report.
“I wonder if the problem isn’t this stubborn mindset of yours that insists on scrutinizing this report.”
“That is not the case. A more reliable investigation is necessary. Not only was the on-site investigation unfair, but the most important interrogation of Professor Ruina has not even taken place—”
“If you wish to be that fair.”
The professor cut him off.
“You ought not to have had a family.”
Joseph’s eyes widened. The professor sank into his chair expressionlessly. A crooked, twisted gaze stared at him.
“Your son is six years old, is he not?”
“……”
“How is it? Is love enjoyable?”
Joseph could not say a word. His breathing grew rough.
“Does a man as impartial as you love your child, your wife, and others all the same?”
Unwittingly, Joseph looked at the door to the inner room. The room where his wife and child waited.
The professor spoke.
“I know full well. You are different from the other rotten officials; you are just.”
“……”
“Therefore, let me say it again. This is not a bribe, but an opportunity.”
The professor’s gaze swept Joseph up and down. He noticed Joseph’s tightly clenched fists.
“You must know as well. Justice that begins from the bottom is of no use whatsoever.”
“……”
Joseph’s mouth shut firmly. Yet everything could be read from the lines of his face.
“Then, I shall see you again next time.”
The professor rose from his seat. Joseph’s wife and child, having judged the timing, followed after and greeted him.
The professor simply smiled and walked out of the house.
After that, he got into the car waiting outside.
“Did he take it?”
Dekyullein waited a moment, then asked Ren.
Ren nodded with eyes closed. Ren’s five senses were gazing clearly into the interior of Joseph’s house.
“Yes. He opened the box, and his wife also saw its contents.”
“He’ll take it, then.”
After all, a man of such temperament wouldn’t accept mere money. No, even if he accepted it, he wouldn’t use it.
Therefore, the gift he had sent was for the child.
[ Academy Admission Certificate ]
[ Academy Lifetime Scholarship ]
“Yes. The two are currently fighting, but……”
—Do you not know what Imperial Academy admission means?! It’s a place you can’t get into even with money!
—Let me think!
—What is there to think about! Our child at that place……
“It is only a matter of time.”
“Indeed.”
Dekyullein nodded.
If it is not money, and not jewels either, then even the most upright person surprisingly accepts it easily. If it is a “privilege” related to one’s child, all the more so.
Cajoling and coaxing is a hassle, and the effect is uncertain, so it cannot be helped.
This is my way of hushing up an incident, and also my method of securing connections.
Joseph, that man, is a treasure discovered by chance.
Because the radiance of a “wealthy tycoon” he exuded was quite special.
“Let us go now.”
“Yes.”
Under Ren’s driving, the vehicle smoothly glided away.
* * *
……The public trial or hearing that had been a source of worry was never even held.
The Ministry of Justice, the Ministry of Interior, and the Public Security Bureau stamped [Investigation Complete] on the report written by Dekyullein, the professor under his command, and Debyutan; all related witnesses also took a stance favorable to Ruina, and this incident was concluded solely as the deed of the parasitic soul called the “Baron of Ash”.
—[ Dismissal as Imperial Court Tutor Mage ]—
Although the incident at the Magic Tower is understood, the qualifications of the Imperial Court Tutor Mage include unblemished mental fortitude. Ruina von Schlotte McQueen is hereby stripped of her position as Imperial Court Tutor Mage……
────
Thus, the price for this incident was merely dismissal as an Imperial Court Tutor Mage and offering a sincere apology to Debyutan, who had suffered because of her.
Of course, the fact that not a single fatality had occurred proved decisive.
“……Hah.”
Ruina smiled bitterly and looked up at her office.
[ 47th Floor: Ruina’s Office ]
For some reason, she had become a professor who had done her duty by fighting the Baron of Ash to the end and ultimately being devoured, and her office had risen by a full 25 floors.
“So this is politics.”
It was likely thanks to Dekyullein’s machinations.
Indeed, that enormity was truly something to marvel at.
“Hmm……”
Ruina looked around the 47th floor. It was an office much more spacious and cleaner than the 23rd floor.
She sat at her desk and took up a fountain pen. First and foremost, replying to the letter from the Imperial Court was essential.
“……”
While agonizing over the wording, suddenly.
“Five years.”
The span of five years came to mind.
“Why, I wonder.”
A clause that had been questionable since writing the contract.
Five years.
Why not one year, why not ten years, why not a lifetime, but precisely five years?
“……He was in seclusion for a week.”
Ruina brooded, even jotting things down on paper. At the time, Dekyullein’s seclusion had been quite an unusual incident, so Ruina knew of it as well.
“According to various rumors, he changed as a person after that.”
One week of seclusion.
From that moment, Dekyullein changed.
If so, had there been a shocking incident during that one week?
No, even if it was not particularly shocking, she was curious.
What on earth could have happened for that obsessive Dekyullein to lock himself away, ignoring all schedules for a whole week?
……Then.
A single word flashed through Ruina’s mind like a streak of lightning.
“It couldn’t be……?”
[ Terminal illness? ]
She tapped the word scrawled on the paper with her fountain pen.
If one were terminally ill with an incurable disease, then a period of five years was plausible enough. It also lent some credibility to why a person might suddenly change.
If one’s own death were not far off, anyone would……
“……No way. That’s absurd.”
Ruina forced a smile and put the paper into a drawer.