“What are you looking for?”
Deculein asked in the darkened laboratory. Epherene quietly let go of the shoe she was clutching. Then, as if swimming, she flailed across the floor with the sleeve of her robe.
“I was cleaning the floor like this...”
“Do you think that makes any sense?”
“...It does wipe— I’m sorry.”
Epherene rose awkwardly and stammered out an excuse.
“I thought the door was open, so I was checking up on things for you... S-since you’d turned off the lights...”
“There are times when the lights must be turned off.”
Snap—!
When Deculein flicked his finger, the lights in the laboratory came on. With that, the darkness within was revealed, and Epherene’s mouth fell open in shock.
“Huh...”
The air inside the laboratory. Magical papers, covered in formulas and magic circles, were floating about.
There were easily several thousand of them, and what result that tremendous collection of calculations would produce was something Epherene, still lacking in skill, had no way of fathoming.
Snap—!
With another flick of his finger, all those magical papers were sucked into Deculein’s briefcase.
Was that briefcase itself a magic item too? Epherene looked at Deculein in admiration.
“Is this your personal research, Professor?”
“No. Class preparation.”
“Pardon? Class?”
“Go back.”
That was all Deculein said. Without any scolding, criticism, or penalty points, he strode outside.
He’s not going to scold me?
Watching Deculein’s back, Epherene slowly crouched down.
Tap-tap—
After timidly flipping over just a couple of tiles in a hurry, she left the laboratory.
“...Oh.”
“Get in.”
Deculein was waiting for her at the elevator. Epherene scratched the back of her neck and said,
“Y-you waited for me.”
Deculein said nothing. Once Epherene stepped in, he simply pressed the close button.
Bzzzzzz──
The elevator descended.
“...”
“...”
To Epherene, it was a time that felt like eternity.
She stole glances at Deculein and recalled something Gindalf had once said.
That absurd claim that Deculein, in truth, cherished her.
But ever since she had heard those words, each and every one of this professor’s actions felt strangely different.
Of course, he was still, without a doubt, her father’s enemy, and also an incredibly obnoxious, wicked professor who assigned impossible research tasks, but...
“Professor Deculein.”
Ding—
Just then, the elevator doors opened. Deculein, who had taken one step out, turned back to look at her. Epherene hurriedly shook her head.
“...It’s nothing.”
“...”
Then he acted unexpectedly. He took a ticket from the inner pocket of his coat.
“Take it.”
Epherene looked at the ticket.
[ Lokralen Conference Invitation ]
Lokralen. It was a place name Epherene had heard somewhere before.
“You are coming with me.”
Leaving those words behind, Deculein strode away. Perhaps because his legs were long, his steps were wide as well. Epherene alternated between looking at his back as it quickly grew distant and the ticket held in her hand.
“...I really don’t get it. Why is he like that?”
Muttering that, she let out a sigh.
* * *
Early the next morning, on the highest floor of the Magic Tower.
“Mm!”
The Chairwoman accepted my lecture plan and the materials for the first class.
──[ The Pure Application of Earth and Fire: Manipulation Series ]──
◆ Overview: Advanced application of the two elements, earth and fire. An advanced class for an in-depth understanding of attributes.
◆ Rank: Advanced.
◆ Description...
──────────
“The intent is good! But the judgment for ranks above ‘Advanced’ is made by the Floating Island, not me! It may be lowered to Intermediate!”
“That is fine.”
I nodded at the Chairwoman’s words. Indeed, even in this Imperial Magic Tower, classes ranked “Advanced” were rare.
“And the related materials?!”
“Here they are.”
I submitted the materials I had written by mobilizing all of 「Comprehension」, which would serve as the framework of the class. Since I had focused solely on earth, fire, and the Manipulation Series, it was practically a thesis.
“I hope it gets judged as Advanced too! That means our Magic Tower’s status will rise even higher!”
Thud─!
Saying that, the Chairwoman stamped the lecture plan.
“Yes.”
“Then you may go now! I’m sleepy!”
Moving her fern-like little hands, she began spreading out her bedding. The location was atop her work desk.
“Adrienne II! Come here!”
—Woof! Woof!
Adrienne II jumped onto the desk. The Chairwoman fell asleep just like that with the little dog, and I left.
......Six hours later.
On the Floating Island, rumors spread steeply.
However, only when they are on magical academic subjects.
They have no interest whatsoever in ordinary gossip—what incident happened in the Empire, who had an affair with whom, and the like—but when an astounding magical discovery or theoretical paper appears, half a day is enough for it to spread throughout the entire Floating Island.
“An Advanced lecture, is it?”
News of Deculein’s Advanced lecture likewise reached Roserio before long by a similar logic. It was mentioned by the Grand Prince, “Creto,” whom he happened to meet.
“So it seems.”
“Will it be judged as such? It’s not the Floating Island, but the Magic Tower.”
Magic Tower lectures usually stop at the Beginner to Intermediate level. Of course, not all Beginner classes are the same Beginner, and not all Intermediate classes are the same Intermediate, so even within the same rank, the difficulty varies wildly, but Advanced is on a somewhat different dimension.
If one were to define “Advanced” in the magical world, it is “a rank capable of bringing about qualitative development for a generation, or creating new value.”
In that sense, the Floating Island was extremely strict in assigning ranks, and for the past twenty years, classes of Advanced or higher had existed only on the Floating Island.
The stereotype that the Floating Island was academia beyond the heavens, while the Magic Tower was research of the mundane world, was no coincidence.
To begin with, there were only a few Advanced-rank lectures even on the Floating Island.
There were few high-ranking mages who were relaxed enough to teach someone right away and good at explaining things, and even if there were, they opened classes only when they felt like it.
“Who knows. If it’s that man Deculein, it might receive the judgment.”
“Huh? Your Highness, you shouldn’t be calling him ‘that man’ with respect like that. People of the Imperial Family aren’t supposed to admire anyone, you know.”
“I’m a fan, you see. Hahaha.”
Creto laughed. But looking at him now, his attire was rather strange as well.
“Now that I see it, Your Highness, aren’t you dressed like Deculein too?”
“Lately, there is no one in the capital who does not follow Deculein’s fashion.”
“In any case. It’ll be something if it’s judged Advanced. Though I’m skeptical.”
Roserio slurped up his spaghetti. At that moment, a similar sound came from the next table. It was the statement that Deculein was preparing an Advanced lecture.
“By the way, could you not go and listen to it? I graduated a long time ago, but you are, nominally, on leave.”
“That may be true, but still. If it truly is ‘confirmed as an Advanced lecture,’ the Floating Island will be the first to get restless. Then whether it’s a hologram lecture, a transcript of the lecture, or whatever, we’ll be able to obtain it. Isn’t that right?”
The Floating Island is the island with the most money in the world. Also, the upper echelons are full of lunatics obsessed with academia, so their basic stance is, “If you won’t sell it, we’ll take it.”
We can give you however much money you want, but if you won’t give it to us at all, then you are our enemy. Something like that.
“That is probably true.”
“Oh, right. I heard they’re holding a conference in Lokralen. Are you not going, Your Highness?”
“I was not invited. I have been somewhat neglectful of research lately.”
“...Mm. Is that so?”
Roserio narrowed his eyes and took a Lokralen invitation out from his breast.
“Shall I give you one?”
* * *
Two weeks before the start of classes.
Solda Epherene was looking at the Wizboard in the clubroom of the Ordinary Magic Research Club.
—From Solda onward, your series is the most important. Unless your attribute is extremely unusual, differences arise from the series. Therefore, classes must absolutely focus on the series...
It was advice from a senior mage.
“...So establishing my series is important.”
Epherene crossed her arms and thought about her own series.
There are eight basic categories for a mage’s series in total: “Summoning and Spirits,” “Destruction and Support,” “Manipulation and Alchemy,” and “Illusion and Harmony.” It seemed that from Solda onward, that classification became more definite.
—Half of Magic Tower mages choose only one series. This is called “Series Specialization.” The remaining half are divided into “Multiple Series,” in which they learn two or more series equally, or “Main Series and Sub-Series,” in which they place one series at the center and the others below it.
Epherene nodded.
Most mages choose no more than two series.
Of course, one could also pretend to be crazy and challenge three or more series at the same time, but it went without saying how many classes one would have to take in that case.
“...What was Professor Deculein’s series again?”
“Deculein? That professor is Manipulation and Alchemy. Destruction and Support. I heard he has four series?”
Julie said from beside her. Epherene glanced at her. Around her neck was a valuable item Epherene had never seen before—that is, an artifact necklace.
They said “Pig’s Flower” had skyrocketed like crazy these days. So she bought an expensive item like that.
I’m jealous.
“Then Deculein has four series?”
“Yeah.”
“...Then I will too.”
Epherene decided.
Destruction and Support, Manipulation and Alchemy.
If Deculein does it, so will I!
“Eek. Are you crazy, Ephi? How many classes would you have to take?”
“Hmph. It’s fine. Do you know what kind of studying I’ve been doing lately?”
The thirteen advanced books Professor Deculein had assigned her.
If she didn’t understand, she searched through papers; if she didn’t understand those papers either, she searched through lower-level papers; and if she didn’t understand even those lower-level papers, she even visited up-and-coming professors, including Kellog.
“Well... Ephi, these days you practically sleep in the clubroom.”
“Yeah.”
Pillow, blanket, quilt, toothpaste, toothbrush, and so on. The clubroom was full of Epherene’s scent.
Julie said,
“Then what about course registration? If you want four series, you’ll probably have to take twelve classes in one semester, right? All of them as required series courses.”
“...Ahem.”
Epherene cleared her throat and looked at the course registration list on the Wizboard.
“...Huh? This professor isn’t teaching Debutante anymore?”
Suddenly, Deculein’s lecture caught her eye.
──[ The Pure Application of Earth and Fire: Manipulation Series ]──
◆ Instructor: Head Professor Deculein.
◆ Overview: Advanced application of the two elements, earth and fire. An advanced class for an in-depth understanding of attributes.
◆ Main Textbook: Personal writing by Head Professor Deculein.
◆ Credits: 6 credits, 3 hours every other week.
◆ Course Registration Method: Selection by Deculein from among applicants.
◆ Lecture Rank: To be announced upon later confirmation.
──────────
“Wow. It’s a 6-credit lecture?”
Julie laughed as if she found it fascinating. Epherene, who had seen that section, also opened her mouth in astonishment.
“How is it 6 credits when it’s not even every week, but every other week? Is it because he’s the Head Professor?”
“I know, right~? Ephi. Don’t take this. It’ll be extremely difficult.”
“...Hmm. If it’s 6 credits in the Manipulation Series, then if I take this and just one more 1- or 2-credit basic lecture, my quota for the Manipulation Series is done.”
“That’s true, but it’s 6 credits every other week. It seems like it’ll be really hard. If you slip up even once, it’ll be difficult to recover. Since it’s selective, it doesn’t look like everyone who applies will get in, either.”
“It’s fine.”
Epherene was full of confidence these days. It was because she had finished reading two advanced magic books and was working through one more.
Of course, advanced magic books and an Advanced lecture would be on different dimensions, but...
“I can do it. Whose daughter do you think I am?”
Epherene clenched her fist and nodded.
* * *
The Imperial Palace, the Hall of Learning.
“I have heard that Rohalak Prison is nearly complete.”
Sophien said. I looked down at her with somewhat dumbfounded eyes. As the lessons continued, Sophien’s posture had grown more and more relaxed, and today, in the end, she had lain down completely.
“...Yes.”
“That is why I say this, but Marik’s mana stones are now circulating smoothly in the market. It is only natural that the merchant groups who had been shaking the market price through collusion until now suffer enormous losses.”
“Yes.”
Sophien smirked.
“Even so, there are quite a few merchant groups that seem to have suffered no losses at all. Naturally, that must be because it cost them nothing to mine the mana stones.”
She traced a finger through the air as she continued.
“The reason they could mine magic stones without incurring any costs? Obviously because, in Myeolji, they received the magic stones mined by those Altar bastards at a low price—or for free.”
“Yes.”
“With only the disclosure of Marik, we were able to sift out quite a number of merchant companies.”
Sophien smiled faintly, then hardened her face.
“Deculein.”
“Yes.”
“Here. Take it. It is the list of merchant companies that accepted the Altar’s money.”
There were thirteen merchant companies in all. Sophien recited coldly.
“Brand them as Jeokgwe, brand them as criminals—kill them however you see fit.”
“Yes. I will have all merchant companies destroyed in that manner confiscated by the Imperial Family.”
Sophien furrowed her brow and tilted her head.
“I would not mind if you took them for yourself.”
“It is better not to possess wealth that will bring trouble.”
It was also something to be wary of, for too much power to concentrate in Yukline. Sophien’s face looked thoroughly dissatisfied, though she must have known that when she made the suggestion.
“······Very well. Do as you please. However, from now on, I shall begin the full-scale internment of the Jeokgwe.”
“Yes.”
“You, too, must capture the Jeokgwe.”
“I have already finished the investigation. Before long, I should be able to bring you good news.”
“Oh? Is that so?”
At my words, Sophien’s eyebrows twitched.
Indeed, the day I had promised Karixel was now not far off. I would arrest Karixel and have him confined in Rohalak.
“Yes. If the operation succeeds, I will confine him in Rohalak as an example. However, before that.”
I looked at Sophien without a word. Sophien, realizing what I meant, gave a small laugh and recited a single word.
───.
A rune word that rang through the brain.
It was ‘רֶטֶט,’ meaning vibration.
“Thank you for your effort.”
I rose from my seat. Sophien, still lying down, looked up at me.
“······Deculein.”
“Yes.”
“You always make me do troublesome things······. No, you alone trouble me.”
Her disheveled hair, her pupils languidly loosened as though she had already grown weary. The Emperor looked especially afflicted by ennui today.
“Deculein.”
She asked me.
“Yes.”
“Are you not afraid of me?”
It was a significant statement from the Emperor—one that would make the heart of any subject of the Empire sink. Yet I did not ponder its implications.
I did not hesitate in the slightest.
I simply nodded.
“I am not afraid.”
“How insolent······. Why?”
“Well. It is rather strange, but.”
Meeting Sophien’s eyes, I said,
“I fear nothing in this world.”
This was not a lie.
The phenomenon called death that would someday arrive in the distant future, the vague feeling that I would one day lose the self known as Kim Woojin, the possibility that Yuli might leave me—I merely disliked them.
A manifestation of the self that felt not fear first, but the emotion called ‘loathing.’ Perhaps something exceedingly Deculein-like.
“I will take my leave.”
Today’s lesson, too, ended with a single word.
“Fine. Get out of my sight, you insolent thing. Instead, when you come next, bring me a Jeokgwe.”
Saying so, Sophien smiled.
* * *
······Late August.
A certain road in the eastern part of the continent.
Karixel, hiding in the cargo compartment of a carriage, steeled his resolve once more. He had properly entrusted his three children to his wife and younger sibling, and the duties and position within the 「Cradle of the Tree」 to ‘Elesol.’
Now, the rest was his share.
“······Leader. Do you truly trust that professor? It is not too late, even now.”
It was the words of Dhal, a member of his clan who would accompany him to the prison camp. Karixel shook his head.
“He is someone I have already decided to trust. Do not try to find fault with him now. No, without even speaking of trust, this is merely a transaction. Dhal, you have told no one of this, correct?”
If one wished to deceive the world, it was right to deceive one’s allies first. That was why he had not informed anyone in the secret society 「Cradle of the Tree」, nor even his wife and children, of this matter.
Surely, information would leak from somewhere.
“Yes. Of course. Only the two of us······!”
Thud!
At that moment, the carriage stopped.
Karixel and Dhal swallowed.
Step, step, step.
Exactly three footfalls.
It seemed the coachman was arguing with someone, and then—
────!
Suddenly, the entire carriage shattered and shot up into the sky.
As if time had stretched, in the instant his whole body floated up along with the wreckage of the carriage,
Karixel saw a pair of eyes staring at him from the ground.
Deculein.
Kugugugugung—!
Karixel crashed onto the road along with all manner of wooden fragments and clutched at his back.
“Does this look like ordinary cargo to you?”
“Ah, well, that is······.”
“Professor! L-look at this bastard’s face!”
A knight pointed at Karixel with perfect timing. He held the composite sketch Deculein had given him in advance.
Karixel, too, had grown his beard and hair so that he would resemble that face.
“It’s Brollin, an executive of the Jeokgwe secret society!”
“······.”
Deculein twisted the corners of his mouth without a word. At that performance filled with contempt and disdain, Karixel was impressed.
······Or perhaps, it might not have been acting.
“I told you. You should have kept your mouth shut.”
At the signal they had agreed upon, Karixel sprang up and began to cause a disturbance, but the knights rushed in. They pressed Karixel down with their bodies. Karixel struggled desperately, and in the meantime, Deculein picked up Karixel’s bag.
“Is there nothing besides this bag?”
“There are many magic stones.”
Deculein shook the bag out and dropped its contents onto the road. All of them were only ordinary equipment and tableware.
“Were you planning to set up house somewhere?”
“P-Professor. What should we do with these magic stones······? There are quite a lot of them.”
The knights asked. Their voices dripped with anticipation and greed. Their avarice was the very reason Karixel had deliberately prepared the magic stones. They were for diverting their attention.
As Deculein put the items back into the bag with 「Telekinesis」, he said,
“Those and these are all evidence, but as for the magic stones, leave only enough to deliver and handle the rest yourselves.”
“Ah, yes! Thank you!”
The knights bowed without the slightest suspicion.
Karixel smiled inwardly.
Now, if only the contents of that bag made it into the prison camp, he would be able to feed his clan······.
“You vermin bastard!”
At that moment, one of the knights struck Karixel between the brows with the tip of his foot. He lost consciousness immediately.
* * *
Three days later, the Imperial Palace. The Emperor’s lounge.
“That insolent bastard does what he is told quite well······. He caught a Jeokgwe as if he were buying ice cream.”
Sophien gave a small laugh as she ate bead ice cream presented from the Heodran territory.
“Indeed. He is a truly capable professor.”
Keiron answered while winding a bandage around his right wrist.
“They say that Brollin fellow is being sent straight to Rohalak······?”
“Yes. He is guilty of organizing a secret society, but as there is no record of him committing any other crimes, it seems he avoided execution. No, Rohalak may be harsher than execution.”
As soon as Sophien nodded, she lay back down on the bed. She left even the half-finished ice cream where it was.
“But really······ these days, even eating is tiresome······. By the way, were you injured somewhere······? Wrapping yourself in bandages like that, what nonsense······.”
She muttered languidly, as if yawning.
Keiron fiddled with his swollen right hand and shrugged.
“Zeit came to the capital. We sparred a little.”
“You lost?”
“Is there any knight on this continent who could defeat Zeit? Zeit has become a monster even beyond my father.”
At Keiron’s words, Sophien gave a small laugh.
“A man who calls himself the Emperor’s knight goes around getting beaten like an idiot······. If I studied a little diligently, I could defeat that bastard Zeit too.”
“Why did you not study, then?”
“By the way, why has Zeit come?”
“He is looking into wedding venues.”
“······.”
Sophien silently worked her lips. A wedding venue—then it must be for Deculein and that knight Yuli.
“I see.”
So that bastard was getting married.
He said there was nothing he feared, and it seemed even marriage, which would bind his life forever, did not frighten him.
Sophien nodded without showing much, and Keiron, pretending otherwise, watched her face.