Everyday Life (1)
Deculein's final order in January was to "stand by."
At that time, hundreds of informants were involved. They used Occlan as a base to scour the underworld and shadowy districts.
Ren was one of the key members, but Deculein's directives suddenly ceased. No further instructions or support came.
Without the core that bound them—the "money"—the hundreds dwindled to dozens in a month, then just two after another.
They scattered to different places.
Ren and Enen had nowhere else to go.
The siblings stayed in that filthy cave, waiting for their master's possible return.
There was a mercenary reason too. With fewer people, their promised compensation would surely increase...
Ren and Enen changed into new clothes. Suits bought directly by Deculein from a tailor near the capital—luxurious fabrics they'd never experienced before.
They scrubbed the grime from their bodies and got haircuts at a salon.
For them, the best disguise was dressing up.
Transformed into completely different people, Ren and Enen entered Yukline Mansion.
Deculein introduced them as his "new personal attendants." At the same time, he renovated a warehouse on the estate grounds into clean private quarters.
"...Whoa."
His younger sister, Enen, gawked with wide eyes at the mansion's scenery. Such a bright, splendid, refreshing residence was a first for her.
"We could even raise a dog here."
A back hill and garden attached to the mansion grounds? Did such a place really exist on the continent?
"...You shouldn't say that."
Ren told Enen. She didn't reply. The cheek he'd slapped was still swollen.
"Does it hurt?"
"What do you think?"
"...Still, you can't say things like that recklessly. Especially not in front of the master."
No pay for six months, yet the siblings had doggedly completed prior orders.
When food ran out, they'd eat rats. Without money to hire help, they handled everything themselves.
"You still believe in the master, bro?"
Enen asked. Ren shook his head.
"No."
Deculein had feigned noble mercy toward Ruina, but when the former Yukline head died...
Ren still couldn't forget Deculein's face then.
In that moment, he was clearly... delighted.
His features twisted in unbearable ecstasy, a smile that could be tears or joy.
"I still suspect him. Who knows when he'll discard us like trash."
A man who welcomed his father's death with happiness. Dangerous, lacking something essential to humanity.
"Still, the master's not hostile to our clan. He kept his promise."
Enen's retort. Ren swallowed hard, glancing at the bag in his arms.
Deculein had doubled the promised amount.
Five million elne. The largest sum of cash in their 21 years.
Enen said,
"...We'll use ten thousand elne ourselves, give the rest to the family."
"Ten thousand?"
"Why not? We slaved seven years for it. We deserve some reward. Just ten thousand. I won't ask for more."
Ren bit his lip, pondered, then nodded.
"...Fine."
Ren and Enen had many family members. Not blood-related, but all family. That bond was why they clung to the lifeline called "Deculein."
Whether the rope was rotten or cut from above, even when the future was hopeless, they'd held on...
"Let's do that."
They were Altiegue.
· · · · · Hello hello~ This is Maho, safely arrived at the duchy thanks to Professor~
Ah, surprised by the sudden letter? Please read to the end!
These days are peaceful and mild, but sometimes I think of that time and my heart skips a beat!
Professor, Professor, without you, I'd be bones by now~?
Ah! Bones! Eek! Scary just thinking about it~ Not writing letters, not speaking, not eating sweets?
Once more, thank you! Thank you~
Oh! I heard from Charlotte. You said it was just a transaction?
Transaction... Sounds cold, but I felt your warm heart!
I believe you helped me for more than a deal, but if I can ever help you, I'll go all out!
Preparing for that day—learning swordsmanship and magic. Still weak, but I don't want to be a burden~
And, you said no more acting needed last time?
You have no idea how shocked I was.
So shocked, really super shocked~
But hey, (super serious face), my feelings back then weren't acting. Just know that.
Finally... Oh right.
Our Yuren Duchy is starting a huge project. Territory redevelopment policy—I think it'll have great prospects.
Because I'm designing it myself!
If you want, Professor, I can offer investment opportunity~ Ignore if you don't believe~
Not because we're short on funds!
Aah! Charlotte's here!
Started at 2 AM, now 7 AM. So much more to say, but stopping here.
Reply please~ Will send more letters~
From Yuren's Princess Maho,
To her lifesaver, Professor Deculein.
I sat in the study reading Maho's letter. The writing mimicked her speech perfectly.
Utterly heterogeneous and cute compared to my current "work."
"Can a letter be this noisy?"
I chuckled and tucked it into a drawer.
Then picked up the ledger Ren had provided.
My expression hardened.
Leviaron's Exploitation of Territory Residents
Beorad Family's Illicit Remittance Records · · · · ·
Deculein had gathered nobles' weaknesses and ordered dozens of misdeeds.
He was the one accelerating Occlan's slums to buy the land cheap.
I don't know why, but it triggered "Tycoon Magnate", so the basis was solid.
"..."
I still don't know all Deculein's crimes. How much money he poured into the underworld...
Connections like Ren and Enen as aides, or deadly enmities.
As Deculein, I can't just gloss over, hide, or ignore them. Those seeds will sprout wildly someday.
Thus.
"...Only way is to use them."
Twist Deculein's karma toward aiding the main quest.
The best I can do.
Knock knock—
—Master. Lady Julie has arrived.
Hearing that, I snapped to and was at the door. My body moved on instinct.
I opened the entrance.
Julie stood there in armor beyond the threshold, her loose white hair neat as snowflakes.
"...Have you been well?"
Julie said, her lips trembling. A forced, awkward smile—fluttering.
I smiled faintly.
"Come in."
"No. It's not so grand that I should—"
"I said come in."
"...Yes."
Julie tried to enter, but I blocked her this time.
"?"
"Changed my mind. Let's talk outside."
"?"
This emotion needed blocking at my end, I realized belatedly. Julie blinked, then nodded.
"Understood."
"What is it?"
"I've been assigned a task."
"Task?"
"Yes..."
Julie clasped her hands, fidgeting.
"As you know... I unexpectedly became a tutoring knight?"
"Yes. An imperial order?"
"Yes. Prince Kreto desires your autograph, Professor... If possible."
Julie offered a book. Seeing the cover, my face heated.
Prior Deculein's writing. Utterly embarrassing content.
"Can't do it."
"Ah. I see."
"..."
Julie accepted too easily. I flipped through the book.
Sorry to past Deculein, but not even worth kindling. He'd know why—deliberately convoluted theory for publication.
"I'll issue a revised edition soon. Return a new copy then, signed. Don't mention this to Prince Kreto."
"...Yes. Thank you."
Julie saluted knight-style: right hand on opposite shoulder, body tilted.
"Then."
She left without lingering. I didn't stop her.
But her steps halted midway. White hair fluttered. Lost in thought, alone.
Um...
Mumbling too faint to hear. Then she turned.
"...Would you play chess with me?"
Julie's shy question flushed her cheeks.
I could guess what happened with the emperor.
"Fine."
I needed practice anyway.
Read chess books, studied grandmasters' games, but nothing beats real play.
"Follow me."
I led to the garden, under tree shade. Julie sat in sunny chair, staring.
Blink blink—blink blink—eyelids fluttering.
Waiting for the board, but I made one. Raised pavement stones for board and pieces, decorated with leaves and grass.
Poured some effort in.
"Ooh. Amazing."
Her childlike awe was cute.
"Play."
"Yes."
Julie placed hands on knees, deep breath.
"Beginning."
Clack! With overly grave face, Julie advanced a piece,
"Checkmate."
And lost in 15 minutes.
Mana spent: mere 300.
"...How?"
Julie gawked, scanning board cluelessly.
"See here. You shouldn't have moved the bishop. Too hasty."
I explained kindly.
Julie nodded, enlightened. "Ah~ Indeed. Impressive. Beyond my imagination. If not rude... one more game?"
"Fine."
"Thank you!"
One became two, two three.
Julie challenged four times, routed without threat.
"You're terrible."
"...Sorry."
"If you keep disappointing like this, we'll drift further."
I joked. Julie glared, lips pouting sullenly.
"Is that so... But in our knights, I'm top three..."
"You have talent. Enough for today. We both work soon."
"Yes!"
I stood. Julie perked at the praise, replying energetically.
"Take the board and pieces. Reflect on today's loss and improve."
"Ah, yes. Thank you~!"
Julie's reply was bright. She valued sentimental gifts over worth.
Meanwhile, Ifrin slept on the clubroom sofa.
"Heh heh..."
Smack smack—contented smile, savoring aroma and juicy meat.
"Roahawk, you... come here... heh heh... plump..."
Overjoyed, she rolled and fell off.
"...Guh!"
Coccyx hit marble floor. Ifrin rubbed her back, standing.
"Sigh. What a mess."
Deep sighs. Dorm 3 collapsed three days ago, so homeless, crashing in clubroom.
Yesterday, barely sane. Notebook safe in bag, but nearly lost all dad letters.
Luckily, magic coating preserved them.
"Yaaawn~"
Ifrin yawned to bathroom.
Splash splash—cat wash, back to clubroom. Exams soon, opened notes—but door burst.
"Ipi! Look at this!"
Julia, Ferit, Rondol, many members entered.
"What?"
"Look!"
They spread huge photo on desk.
Neatly collapsed Dorm 3. Vertical shot of cleared site.
"Hated targeting Dorm 3 first? But look! These black marks?"
Julia traced marks with pen, forming ritual circle.
Infused mana—magic activated, sentence appeared.
"Expect the Wrath of Ashes. The time to test your frailty and weakness has come."
"See this! Declaration of war from 'that place'?"
"...Nah, no way."
Chilling, but Ashes Heap attacking university tower? Even they're not that bold.
"No way my ass! Look—the ritual structure's totally different from tower teachings!"
"..."
True. Spiral deviating wildly from orthodoxy. Rumor: Ashes Heap mages favor such abnormals.
"Tell the professor?"
"I hesitate... Will they believe us?"
"Still, warn them! More commoners die otherwise! See? Only Dorm 3 collapsed! Cowards. Nobles did worse."
Julia ranted. Ifrin understood—profs' attitudes confirmed it.
Unless we act, they won't change.
"Yeah. At least try telling. Can't hurt, right?"
*
"Get lost, punk! Spouting bullshit when I'm on edge! Before I deduct points for all—scram!"
Bang!
Rellin slammed door. Gust tousled robes and hair. Julia gritted teeth.
"That fat prof really..."
"Told you. Do it ourselves. I've grown magically lately? So—"
"No, Ipi. One left. That professor."
Julia said. Mid-tiers from Siara to Rellin shut them out, but one remained. Ifrin knew who.
They faced each other, gulping.
Chief Professor Deculein
...Sweaty palms. Name alone steepened breath, heart pounding madly.
"Hoo..."
Ifrin deep-breathed. Members urged from behind. She—they knocked.
Knock knock—
Door opened. Thought Deculein, but slid automatically. Never locked.
"What?"
Ifrin peeked through gap.
Bobbed woman rummaging Deculein's office.
Ifrin yelled first.
"Who are you!"
"Kyaaah! Sorry! Did nothing!"
Woman screamed, tripped clumsily, teary-eyed at Ifrin.
"...What."
Then scowled fiercely.
"Who are you—"
Thonk! Magic book fell from drawer, bonking her head.
"Ow!"
Clutching crown, groaning. Pain turned rage, she bellowed.
"Damn it, hey!"
Ifrin and members recoiled.
"Who are you! Don't come closer! I'll report you!"
"Who else! Master's sister, duh!"
"...Sister?"
"Yeah! Scared me! Who are you punks!"
Yeriel's finger-gun startled retreats. Ifrin bowed hastily.
"Ah, sorry... Door opened."
"Whatever. I'm your senior by ages? What do you want? No, what's your name?"
Yeriel scratched sore scalp, pointing at Ifrin.
"That..."
"Answer quick? Don't piss me off. Still hurts? Before I sue!"
"...Ifrin."
"...What?"
Yeriel's face stiffened.
"Ifrin Luna?"
"Yes."
"..."
She pondered briefly.
Soon, forgetting anger, nodded.
"I'm Yeriel. What brings you?"
"Uh? Oh, that..."
Then.
Ding!
Elevator arrived outside. Yeriel's eyes widened, slammed office door.
"Hide!"
"Huh? Why? You're his sister."
"No, I snuck in without telling! So, damn! Why so early?"
Actually, Yeriel infiltrated to verify "Deculein kidnapped Ruina."
No one else suspect. Hate to, but had to.
And, painful as imagined, if true, plan countermeasures...
"W-We can just leave—"
"No questions! Hide quick!"
Yeriel hid under desk. Spacious underside, surprisingly good spot.
Members enviously found hides.