“Why in blazes would he set fire to it? I just don’t understand.”
“He must have had his reasons.”
Judge Rogerio, Gindalf, and the Chairwoman had gathered in the waiting room and were deep in discussion. Their topic was still Deculein’s sudden action.
“Deculein muttered three phrases in Runic, right? And he used eighteen runes in those three phrases? You definitely felt the wave of mana?”
Of course, the forty-eight could have been Deculein’s characteristic exaggeration, but interpreting eighteen new runes alone was achievement enough.
Deculein had burned that achievement with his own hands.
It was a curious thing.
The Deculein Rogerio—no, the entire magic world—knew should have been a “mage of fame,” one who could never stand not boasting of his own research.
Not fame as in resonance, but fame as in ambition.
“Maybe he thought there would be trouble if the rune interpretations were revealed even to the Ashes?!”
At that moment, Rogerio flinched at the Chairwoman’s unfiltered words.
“Well, no, I mean… sure. I heard those bastards have been planting spies on the Floating Island these days too.”
“Exactly! Those rotten Ashes! The runes got burned because of you!”
“…Ahem. Ah, yes. That may be true, Chairwoman, but your words are a bit, well, steep…”
While they were busily conversing, Ruina alone was sunk in grave contemplation.
“…”
Why had Deculein destroyed his own research with his own hands?
With her wisdom and intelligence, she reconstructed the event.
“Could it be…”
Perhaps he had sought in the runes a clue to cure his illness. Hoping for an ancient power that transcended modern magic.
However, there was no miracle of healing in the runes, only countless possibilities for misuse.
That was why he had destroyed them himself, without the slightest lingering attachment.
Because no achievement, no matter what it was, could grant him the glory he deserved now…
Just then.
Bang—the door opened, and Deculein appeared. Rogerio and the Chairwoman, who had been mid-conversation, flinched and looked away.
Deculein looked at Gindalf among them.
“Elder Gindalf.”
“Mm? Deculein, did you just call for me?”
Gindalf’s wrinkled eyes went round.
“Yes. There is something I would like to ask of you.”
“A request?”
“Could you spare me a moment?”
“I can, but…”
Gindalf left with Deculein. Ruina stared quietly at the door through which the two had gone.
She was not a gossip, but she was curious about this incident. Her whole body itched of its own accord.
Watching her, the Chairwoman giggled.
“Professor Ruina, you’re just like me!”
Ruina narrowed her eyes as if dumbfounded.
“No. I am not like you, Chairwoman.”
“What’s different~?”
Ruina silently sank into the sofa. At that, the Chairwoman’s “gossip antenna” activated.
The comfortably leaning back. The eyes that seemed to say it was laughable. The movement of her fingers. The face caught in slight thought.
That posture was the arrogance that came when one knew something!
Confidence born of an informational advantage!
Eyes sparkling, the Chairwoman stuck herself right beside Ruina.
“What’s different? Professor Ruina~?”
“I don’t know.”
“Aww! Don’t be like that…!”
Unfortunately, Ruina was tight-lipped.
……
[ Achievement Accomplished: Symposium Problem Solved ]
◆ Mana +200
◆ Shop Currency +2
“So restoring this pendant is your request.”
“Yes.”
Meanwhile, I handed Gindalf a pendant. Inside was a photograph of the father and daughter of House Luna together.
“The photograph inside is important.”
“Hmm… The photograph appears somewhat old, but it should not be difficult.”
Gindalf was a named mage who had reached the pinnacle of the Harmony series. That was why I had sought him out.
“However, there is something I would like to ask as well.”
“Yes.”
I nodded, and in that instant, Gindalf manifested magic upon the photograph. It was 「Restoration・Regeneration」 of a level difficult to fathom.
“Is it true that you interpreted forty-eight runes?”
“…Of course.”
I smiled faintly. Gindalf chuckled, stroking his beard, and held out the pendant.
“Here. Take it.”
The restored pendant was clean. I opened its lid and looked at the photograph inside.
“…”
My eyebrow twitched.
Gindalf asked.
“Is that man someone you know?”
“Yes. He was my assistant.”
“Assistant?”
“He committed suicide.”
I said it calmly and put the pendant into my inner pocket. Gindalf scratched his cheek, as though awkward.
“For recompense—”
“Recompense? What need is there? Seeing your achievement today is enough.”
As expected, the named Gindalf’s personality was exactly as established.
If I took his words at face value—if I showed no sincerity at all—he would never accept any of my requests again.
I wrote him a check and handed it over.
“A small token of my sincerity. Please accept it.”
The appropriate amount was fifty thousand elne. Gindalf glanced at it from the corner of his eye, then laughed benevolently and accepted the check.
“Why, you needn’t have… I shall use it to foster younger scholars rather than for my own selfish desires.”
……
I came out to the back garden of Mejiseion. At the place we had arranged in advance, Cretor was there, of course, along with Yeriel, Epherene, and Sylvia.
First, I bowed my head to Cretor.
“Thank you for attending.”
“Haha. Not at all. Rather, it felt as if my eyes had been opened wide. Your lecture was truly remarkable. How did you come up with such an idea? You truly are a mage worthy of walking the royal road. Which is why I ask…”
Is there truly only that single original of the runes? Cretor covered his lips and asked casually.
“Yes. There is no longer an original in this world.”
“…Do you not regret it? You said you had immersed yourself in it for a long time.”
“I intended to destroy it from the beginning. This era is not yet mature enough to use runes.”
“Mature?”
“Runes issuing from the mouth of a wicked man will surely transform into weapons that kill people. In that case, it is better to eliminate them.”
At that, Cretor’s mouth fell half-open. There was an almost burdensome degree of respect in the gaze with which he looked at me.
“Also, this is the book you requested before.”
I took the signed first edition of [ Yukline: Understanding Pure Elements ] from my briefcase.
“May I truly accept something this precious? You said it was not sold on the market.”
Cretor’s eyes sparkled as he looked at the book, and the hand with which he stroked the cover was careful.
“It is because it is precious that I am giving it to you…”
It was then.
“What’s your name?”
Epherene’s voice as she spoke to someone was not ordinary.
A little tense, I turned to look in that direction.
“Hehe. You’re cute.”
—……
“Your legs are super short.”
Epherene was talking to a cat. The cat silently glared at Epherene.
The red-furred munchkin looked extremely cute on the outside, but as someone who knew its true identity, all I could do was pray for Epherene’s soul.
“Pfft. Why? What? What are you going to do if you look at me like that? Now~ look at this~”
Epherene created a foxtail grass and waved it in front of the cat. The cat reached out a paw toward the grass.
Swish, swish—swish, swish—the short front paws moved after the grass Epherene was waving.
Even after possession, the habits of the original body seemed to remain.
“Ah. That child is a cat the Imperial Family entrusted to me.”
Cretor smiled brightly. Only belatedly did I realize why Sophien was behaving herself.
Cretor did not yet know that the cat was Sophien.
“Epherene. Sylvia.”
I called them before the matter grew larger.
“In this recent Baron incident involving the Ashes, the accomplishments of you two Debutantes were significant.”
I took a checkbook from my inner pocket, wrote one check each, and handed them over.
“It is your reward. Buy whatever you want on the Floating Island, regardless of price.”
Sylvia nodded calmly, Epherene looked as if she could hardly breathe, and Yeriel, who had been watching from behind, was horrified.
“G-girls, what are you going to buy with that…?”
Tap tap tap—Yeriel hurried over and, while pretending to ask, examined the type of check. Then she whispered in my ear.
‘Damn it, these are family checks! Why not personal checks!’
The Floating Island did not accept personal checks.
……
Meanwhile, Yulie was sightseeing around the Floating Island alone.
“The roads are complicated.”
…In truth, she was lost.
It had been fine up to the point when she left the Grand Hall.
When she came to her senses, she was in the city streets of the Floating Island.
The most basic principle of finding one’s way—just walk along the wall—did not apply on the Floating Island.
On some streets, the road itself floated up into the sky, and on others, it sank straight beneath the ground.
“…Mm?”
While wandering around the area like that, Yulie happened to discover a certain shop.
[ Brand Doll Shop ]
A smile rose to her lips.
So there was a doll shop even on the Floating Island.
When she approached, there were many cute stuffed animals on display. An eagle, a rabbit, a panda… Among them, she looked at the panda.
Gomtang Panda.
Unlike other pandas, this one had brown patches around its eyes, and it was a famous panda brand Yulie had known since childhood.
“…Ah?”
But suddenly, the shopkeeper opened the display case and took out only the Gomtang Panda.
It had just been sold!
Just as Yulie was smiling bitterly in disappointment—
Jingle—
The shop door opened with the sound of a bell.
The person who came out was a celebrity Yulie knew well: Sylvia. In her arms was the Gomtang Panda.
“…”
“Hello, Miss Sylvia.”
“Yes.”
Sylvia seemed a little flustered by this sudden encounter, but soon caught that Yulie’s gaze was fixed on her doll.
Sylvia said proudly,
“It’s a gift.”
“Who are you giving it to?”
“No. I received it.”
Sylvia had unknowingly said something rather strange, but it was not wrong to begin with.
The definition of a gift was “an item someone else purchased for oneself.”
In that sense, since the person paying the price for this doll was not herself, it was not unreasonable to call it a gift.
…It’s not forced logic.
I received it as a gift.
“I received it as a gift.”
Sylvia confidently held up the Gomtang Panda with both hands. At that, Yulie smiled as if finding her cute and asked,
“I envy you. Have you ever seen a panda in person?”
“Yes. When I was young, I saw a real Gomtang Panda.”
“Oh. Truly? I’m envious!”
“Yulie.”
At that moment, a familiar voice flowed in from behind Yulie. Sylvia recognized the owner of that voice at once.
Deculein.
Having found Yulie, he was smiling.
“So this is where you were.”
“Ah, yes.”
Deculein’s gaze belatedly moved to Sylvia.
He introduced her to Yulie.
“This is Sylvia. A mage overflowing with talent. She is quite capable of challenging the rank of Eternal.”
Sylvia looked back and forth between Deculein and Yulie beside him. The Gomtang Panda doll she had so proudly displayed was, at some point, hidden behind her back.
“I know. We were just having a conversation—”
“I’ll be going now.”
Sylvia cut off Yulie’s words and nodded. Then she left as if fleeing.
Yulie watched her from behind.
“By the way, Yulie. Did you understand my explanation?”
At Deculein’s question, Yulie’s face flushed bright red.
In truth, she had not understood even a little of what he had said. She had only sensed the flow of mana generated from the runes.
Deculein smiled faintly.
“Never mind. I had no expectations. You came in the first place because of Zeit, did you not?”
At those words, Yulie flinched, but soon shook her head.
“No. Of course the Head of the House gave me the invitation, but coming here was my own will.”
“Is that so?”
“Yes. I am serious.”
“…In that case, Allen?”
The assistant professor who had been toddling along behind Deculein all this time appeared.
“Yes.”
“Help Yulie with her sightseeing. It is not often that a knight has the opportunity to visit the Floating Island.”
“Ah, yes. Understood. It’s a pleasure to meet you, Sir Yulie!”
Allen smiled brightly and bowed to Yulie.
“I will take my leave now. If I am here, Yulie, both you and I will be uncomfortable.”
“That is not necessarily—”
“It necessarily must be so. Is that not right?”
He asked her that in return.
Understanding what he meant, Yulie merely smiled bitterly and nodded, and Deculein left her behind.
“Th-then. I’ll prepare the sightseeing course… Ah, first to the main island—no, not the main island, should we go to the surrounding islands first? Ah, no, then… Oh, perhaps, Knight Yulie! Could you tell me how much time you have? Depending on the time, the sightseeing course…”
To Allen, who was floundering in a panic, Yulie spoke generously.
“It’s all right. I have plenty of time, so there’s no need to worry too much.”
It was a tone that put the heart at ease.
* * *
A clear sky. A vast sun. Shimmering heat haze. A hot, humid wind… One day, when every condition that defined the Empire’s summer filled the earth.
After completing the symposium proof, I returned in triumph to the Magic Tower. The board of directors reserved an entire upper floor to hold a welcoming party, the professors offered me words of praise, and Adrienne gave me the title she had promised.
[ Planning and Finance Coordination Office Director Deculein ]
In truth, the Magic Tower was a tower built more on gold than on magic. It rejoiced or despaired at the investments of nations, territories, and corporations, and regarded the mana stones supplied each year as its lifeblood.
The only fuel that moved this tower was money, and for that reason, it was the most capitalistic place in the world.
In such a Magic Tower, I had seized the absolute power known as “finance”…
“Professor! Here are the final lesson plan and the notice for career counseling week.”
Allen appeared then and handed over several documents.
The many lectures at the Magic Tower were now nearing their end, and it was time for the debutants to think about their careers.
“Career counseling.”
“Career counseling” was when debutants or first- to third-year mages of the Solda rank sought advice from professors about their futures.
In that sense, no one would apply to Deculein.
“Three people applied to you too, Professor!”
Allen said brightly.
I did not particularly like that nuance.
“…Three people ‘too’?”
“Ah, I, well! That’s…”
“It’s fine. I already know.”
“I-I’m sorry! I didn’t mean it like that—”
“I know. Leave.”
Allen looked back several times as he went outside, and I took a letter from the sponsorship mailbox.
This time, too, it was a letter from Epherene.
[ Hello, this is Epherene, my sponsor. Thank you for your reply. Vacation is coming soon… ]
As I read the letter, I took the pendant out of the drawer.
“…”
The Epherene I knew was honest, and not skilled at hiding her emotions.
That aspect seemed to have continued from her childhood; Epherene in the photograph was still smiling brightly, but…
“What was the reason?”
Not Epherene’s father.
He was not smiling.
He stood in stark contrast to the happy Epherene.
His expression was that terrifyingly rigid.
* * *
Wednesday noon. The 77th floor of the Magic Tower.
Sylvia stood before Head Professor Deculein’s office and knocked.
Knock, knock—
Career counseling week, which continued for a month before and after the final exams.
Debutants with many concerns asked various professors for counseling, but Deculein was not on that list of professors.
According to what was written on the Wiza Board, it was because “Deculein’s blunt manner of speaking and behavior are burdensome,” or something like that.
…Only for weaklings like you.
Knock, knock—
Holding them in contempt, Sylvia knocked once more.
Assistant Professor Allen opened the door.
“Ah, Ms. Sylvia. Please wait here. Another consultation is going on right now.”
“Who is inside?”
“Yes~ It’ll be over soon.”
Sylvia sat quietly and waited. Allen tapped at the new model typewriter that had been released this time.
Tak— ta— tak— ta—
It was an extremely slow hunt-and-peck method of typing.
After waiting like that for about ten minutes, the consultation room door opened. Sylvia raised her head and glared at the mage.
“Impudent Epherene…”
Naturally, she thought it would be Epherene.
“Hmm? Ms. Sylvia?”
“…”
But it was Drent.
The man whose thesis Deculein had burned at the stake during the debate conference.
“Ah, is it unexpected? It is for me too… Hahaha. Anyway. Take care.”
Drent scratched the back of his neck awkwardly and left. Sylvia could not understand it at all, but soon entered the consultation room.
The Head Professor’s consultation room was spacious and luxurious. No, the atmosphere exuded by a certain person colored the space with dignity.
Deculein was seated at the counseling desk. Sylvia approached demurely and sat in the chair.
Deculein asked with indifferent eyes.
“This is unexpected, Sylvia. You, seeking career counseling.”
“Yes.”
Sylvia nodded.
In truth, calling it counseling was questionable. After passing the Solda promotion exam, her career path was already half determined.
“Very well. What is your concern?”
“…”
Sylvia remembered what Epherene had once said to Deculein.
—I will apply. Under you, Professor. There, I will uncover what happened! Why my father committed suicide, why it had to be that way!
Deculein would not want such an impudent and foolish mage. Rather, he must have lamented something like, Do I have to accept even that foolish mage?
Therefore, Sylvia decided to step forward herself.
“Should I apply to serve under you, Professor?”
She asked in return. Because she wanted to hear the definite answer from Deculein’s own mouth.
Puffing out her cheeks, she wriggled the fingers resting on her knees.
“…”
Deculein looked at her in silence. His face was uncommonly surprised.
Had he been moved?
In truth, it was only natural.
I am Sylvia, after all. If I said I would apply to serve under them, there was no professor who would not welcome it.
Professor Deculein would be no exception.
Just as one plus one equals two.
There was no need to worry about what answer would come back. Of course it would be affirmative.
Good thoughts popped and burst in Sylvia’s mind.
Pop, pop— pop— pop-pop-pop-pop—
…However.
“That would not be a good choice.”
Deculein shook his head.
“…”
For a moment, Sylvia could not comprehend his action.
Had shaking one’s head become affirmation now, and nodding become denial? Had social language changed in the meantime?
“You do not possess a talent meant to be beneath anyone.”
“…”
At those words, Sylvia was flustered. Without realizing it, she brought up that girl.
“What about Epherene?”
“Epherene is worth raising. She is also my former assistant’s daughter, and compared to you, she lacks in many areas.”
Sylvia stared blankly at Deculein.
Her cheeks, which had been puffed up brightly, shriveled hollow.
“Sylvia. You have the qualities of an Archmage, so you should rather ascend to the Floating Island. One to two years will be enough for your abilities to fully bloom, and you will have ample time to challenge the rank of Archmage as well.”
…He was sincere.
Professor Deculein was speaking sincerely. He was clearly praising her.
But why did she feel like this?
Why did it keep feeling as though a sharp needle was pricking her heart, poke— poke— again and again?
“Even if you apply, I will not accept you.”
It was a critical hit.
Sylvia bent her whole body like a withered bean sprout.
For a long time, she said nothing. She simply remained that way.
“…?”
To Deculein, it was puzzling.
It had been praise he had offered while suppressing the envy and jealousy, the twisted feelings, surging up from his nature.
“Sylvia. Raise your head.”
Sylvia did not raise her head. Her reaction was unusual.
Beneath her deeply lowered eyelids, a small light glittered.
…Surely not.
It couldn’t be tears.