Chapter 31
Chapter 31
Chapter 31
Colleague (1)
In the past, Luciella was scheduled to be the fiancée of the Third Prince, and even now, she was still awaiting her engagement.
However, in the beginning of the main story, she appeared as someone who had married another person, not the Third Prince.
'I apologize to her future husband, but I cannot allow Luciella to end up like that again.'
Now that Gude had been dealt with, that possibility had disappeared, but in the original work, Luciella was entangled in Gude's schemes and was broken off by the Third Prince, eventually surrendering her position as Guild Master to Gude, who became the Third Prince's father-in-law.
And it wasn't until much later, after Gude was killed by the protagonist Abel, that she could come to the forefront again.
'I hope things work out well...'
Maria and Luciella.
With these two combined, they could certainly create tremendous synergy.
In fact, this meeting was arranged with that goal in mind.
Of course, that would only be possible if this situation was resolved well.
"...Psychic Luminous?"
"Yes, that's right."
Luciella's eyes were full of doubt, as if hearing this for the first time.
Luciella looked at Maria with skepticism.
"You and I are not meeting for the first time. But this is the first time I've heard that introduction."
"That makes sense. There's no official record of us in history."
"Luminous... Psychic Luminous... It's an unfamiliar name."
Changing the name from Psychic Luminous was entirely Rudian's advice.
The second condition was a promise to connect them with the upper echelons of the Empire, but it would not be good to utter the name 'Empire' in front of those upper echelons.
Distrust settled in Luciella's expression.
"This is absurd beyond words. To think that such an unidentified group existed within the Empire..."
"We are merely citizens of the Empire, and we follow the Empire's laws and regulations."
Maria met Luciella's transparent, scrutinizing gaze.
"We are simply a group of individuals who share one ability—psychic power. Much like the Four Magical Towers, which are groups of magicians."
"Did you say psychic power?"
"Yes, that's correct."
Maria then used telekinesis to lift a chair.
"Psychic power refers to abilities like this."
"Oh?"
Then she began to crush the chair, transforming it into a round object.
CRACK! CRUNCH!
When the object that had been a chair made of iron and wood transformed into a round ball, Luciella's expression changed to surprise.
"...How fascinating."
She picked up the sphere that had fallen to the floor, feeling its heavy weight.
Finally, with some of her suspicions dispelled, Luciella spoke.
"I am aware of the existence of psychic abilities. However, I was taught that they were mysterious powers that had been eclipsed by magic long ago."
At the part about being eclipsed by magic, both Maria and Elvin's expressions momentarily darkened.
"Psychic power is not an ability that is inferior to magic, but we are indeed a gathering of those who use such powers."
"How fascinating. To actually see a supernatural ability that seemed to only exist in fairy tales."
In Luciella's eyes, undisguisable interest was aroused.
It seems that due to its closed nature, psychic power had been an ability that was only passed down orally for a long time.
Physical force exerted without the flow of magic or any preliminary signs was enough to surprise her.
Luciella turned her gaze to Rudian with a more relaxed expression.
"Fine. Let's say you used that psychic power to deal with the demon's servant. And if such psychic ability users have formed an organization, it's not unreasonable that you caught what we missed."
Fortunately, she seemed to have accepted the existence of psychic powers.
"Then would you tell me your real purpose in seeking me out? I trust you're not going to end with just saying you came to reveal the truth..."
"Of course not."
That's right.
We've shown too many cards for this to be just a simple advisory visit.
Rudian and Maria knelt respectfully on one knee before Luciella.
"We want you to become our patron, Princess."
"A patron... Me?"
"Yes."
Surprisingly, Luciella was not greatly taken aback by Rudian's words.
Given her position, she must have experienced such requests quite often.
Rudian enumerated the ideology, goals, and military strength of the Psychic Luminous.
In particular, he emphasized that they were a group with pure intentions, not rebels harboring treasonous ambitions.
After listening to Rudian's explanation, Luciella let out a sigh.
"So you wish to be recognized as a field of ability equal to magic..."
"Yes, the hope of psychic ability users is to flourish as a dignified pillar under the order of the Empire."
"Indeed, we Delphiones don't have much connection with the Four Magical Towers. Perhaps the Bellatrix Duchy would..."
Luciella seemed quite tempted by Rudian's explanation.
Rudian pressed his advantage and continued.
"The combined force of psychic ability users and your support, Princess, would effectively deal with demonic forces existing within the Empire."
Moreover, if she became their patron, they could also draw in the Sword Master Kaitel.
"......"
Luciella pondered deeply.
Even after careful consideration, there seemed to be nothing for her to lose.
The Information Guild had obtained intelligence that demonic forces had infiltrated the neighboring Kingdom of Rohans and Ergon Kingdom, and opinions were also circulating that the Morian Empire clearly had signs of such infiltration.
In this situation, having a useful force voluntarily come to her was fortunate for her.
However, because the timing was too coincidental and the offer too sweet, Luciella avoided making an immediate decision.
"This is not a matter I can decide alone. Let me consult with my family."
"Of course."
Rudian had no doubt that she would accept his proposal.
'If she continues to meet the Third Prince, I'm sorry, but she'll have no choice whether she likes it or not.'
Despite the existence of his fiancée Luciella, Gude Belstad had inserted his own adopted daughter to get his hands on the Third Prince.
I can guarantee that the relationship between Luciella and the Third Prince is not very good.
Especially with that adopted daughter by the Third Prince's side, if she were just an ordinary adopted daughter, it might be different... But that was certainly not the case.
***
To put it bluntly, this meeting ended with a 'pending' status.
For Rudian, it meant failing to keep his promise to the Psychic Luminous, but considering Luciella's demeanor and the circumstances of the Delphione Duchy, future developments would likely be encouraging.
"I guess I can ask now."
"What?"
As they moved some distance away from the Information Guild, Maria blocked Rudian's path.
"How did you know that Princess Luciella was the master of the Information Guild? Does your organization have imperial family members?"
If that were really the case, they wouldn't be struggling like this...
Although they had extracted information from Viscount Belstad, there was no specific mention that she was the master of the Information Guild, even if she was referenced.
For Maria and Elvin, this was the first time hearing about Gude's villainous plot.
"Imperial family..."
Rudian smiled gently and deflected her question.
"I will not comment on that question."
Because even if I wanted to comment, there's nothing to say.
"Even in an alliance, one cannot reveal all their cards, can they?"
"Ugh! That's..."
Well, it's 100% bluff on my part, but this kind of posturing prevents the other side from easily doubting your strength.
Rudian cleared his throat slightly and continued.
"Anyway, if we can secure the backing of the Delphione Duchy, Psychic Luminous can rise as an emerging power within the Empire. The political burden will be significantly reduced."
What they lack is not power.
What they need most right now is political status.
They needed either someone to handle that area or a force to back them, but in the original work, they had neither, which ultimately led to their downfall.
"Just watch. I... No, we will make Psychic Luminous one of the recognized pillars of the Empire."
Both Maria and even Elvin looked at Rudian with astonished expressions at such a bold declaration.
After staying quiet for a while, Maria finally spoke.
"...Why are you doing so much for us?"
"Why, you ask..."
In truth, Rudian had received compensation from the Psychic Luminous side for the alliance.
But the value he was giving far outweighed what he had received.
'Of course there are various reasons.'
The power of Psychic Luminous was a core resource that would be responsible for the military aspect of numerous undertakings Rudian would initiate in the future.
Of course, in the world of , there existed other forces no less significant than them, but such forces either had excessively impure motives or formed such closed societies that it was difficult to penetrate them... They were full of various drawbacks.
But if he had to identify the biggest reason...
"Perhaps... It's because it's a waste"
"A waste?"
"Yes, not seeing the light, not walking the path you desire... And ultimately heading toward catastrophe—I found that wasteful."
"What on earth are you talking about...?"
Maria saw sincerity in Rudian's eyes.
But that made it all the more confusing.
'They have both power and a noble cause.'
But in the end, Psychic Luminous was created to make the protagonist Abel and his party shine.
And they are victims of the story, prepared to move on to the next narrative, constructed by the author.
"Well, as a fan, it was infuriating."
"...?"
The character Rudian loved most in was not the protagonist Abel, nor the Sword Saint Crux, nor the Great magician Gray.
It was Maria Kepler, the person standing right in front of him.
Of course, Maria wouldn't understand what he was saying now.
But at least he wanted to demonstrate through action that there was one reader who cheered for them in the novel.
"Keep fighting. I mean this sincerely."
Maria still couldn't understand Rudian's words until the end.
***
Although he had stirred up some events, Rudian's daily life remained unchanged.
"...He trains so diligently."
Some passing undergraduate students glanced at him with tired expressions before turning their gaze away.
After classes ended, he would torture his body at the training ground or dojo until sunset, then collapse from exhaustion—this routine repeated.
Naturally, most of the Knight Faculty knew about Rudian's behavior.
"Why does he work so hard?"
"Once admitted to the faculty, knighthood is guaranteed, isn't it?"
"Isn't he wasting his youth?"
His peers in the Knight Faculty couldn't hide their puzzlement at Rudian's behavior.
Since Rudian's enrollment, students of the Knight Faculty and related faculties could see him dedicating himself to training after school every day without fail.
Even Elvin and Karen, who were called geniuses within the faculty, didn't devote themselves to training to this extent.
'Five more years... At the very least, I must become a Sword Master before entering the original work!'
Anyone who heard this would think him 100% mentally ill.
But for Rudian, it was a desperate yet realistic goal.
From the beginning, in , there were tricks that could easily shatter the constraints of time without following the proper path.
'Especially Adi's absorption ability.'
Although the target of absorption had to be of a certain level and the absorption rate was at its worst, the ability itself was extraordinarily close to divine power.
And as a result of the increased magic, Rudian's overall abilities were explosively increasing over time.
Setting aside the wall of enlightenment, being free from magic constraints was an enormous advantage for those walking the same path.
"Don't overdo it."
"When you're bored, try going to places like balls. As a student, you'll be welcomed anywhere."
Occasionally, some peers would say such things to Rudian.
'They don't have bad personalities.'
Rudian murmured quietly as he watched their backs.
In fact, when enrolling in Maha Empire Academy, Rudian had somewhat prepared himself for contempt and discrimination due to status differences.
But surprisingly, discrimination based on status was hardly found here.
Rather than discrimination, he was often startled by noble peers who approached him without formality.
'Is it because being admitted to the academy itself makes us equal?'
Having seen much of the nobles' arrogance under Calline, it was all the more strange.
'Or perhaps it's because Princess Luciella is backing me.'
In any case, having people who treated him well wasn't a bad thing.
"You're working hard."
As Rudian continued to train his body and swordsmanship, Elvin, who had appeared out of nowhere, approached him.
"Hello, senior."
Although Rudian was puzzled by Elvin's sudden approach, he still showed proper respect as his senior.
'What business does he have?'
Did Maria leave some message?
Rudian waited patiently for Elvin to speak.
"Do you know something?"
But Elvin began with an unexpected statement.
"What are you referring to so suddenly?"
"The fact that the reason I started walking this path was to become the disciple of the Sword master and gain the power of knights."
Well, that makes sense.
The Elvin Kepler that Rudian knew was a powerful psychic ability user, not a knight who wielded a sword.
The fact that such a person was in the Knight Faculty, especially as a protégé of the Delphione Foundation, clearly indicated a different intention.
"Though not as exceptional as my sister, I'm a decent psychic ability user too. I can handle average Expert-level knights with just my psychic abilities."
'Indeed...'
Elvin's abilities, as seen through the Eye of State, were certainly exceptional.
In fact, if he hadn't wasted his talent on swordsmanship and had focused solely on developing his psychic abilities, he would have been far more formidable than he is now.
Elvin let out a somewhat strange sigh.
"Still, I have some attachment to this path. Thanks to walking this path, I've at least acquired the proper eye to judge people."
Why is he suddenly saying such things?
While Rudian was puzzled, unexpected words flowed from Elvin.
"I heard you used magic during your duel with Karen."
"......"
"I had expected it from the moment you were known to wield a magic sword, but hearing it directly from the person who experienced the situation feels different."
"It seems there must be a spy around Senior Karen."
No matter how friendly everyone might be, excluding Elvin and Karen, the fact that the story leaked from that situation means someone close to Elvin must be involved.
There were only three people at the scene besides Rudian and Karen.
'Adel? Oliver? Claudia?'
While Rudian was carefully identifying the culprit.
"No, the person who said that was Karen."
'...Huh?'
"She told me willingly after I bought her a parfait."
'...Huh?'
Seeing Rudian's incredulous gaze, Elvin sighed as if he understood.
"Sigh, actually, my relationship with Karen wasn't that bad. We've known each other since childhood, and before we matured, we even promised to marry each other."
'Hmm... Should I punch him?'
Elvin continued speaking, unaware that Rudian's gaze was turning disrespectful.
"Our relationship began to deteriorate when I eyed the position of the Sword master's disciple that was supposed to be reserved for Karen."
In fact, Psychic Luminous hadn't been completely inactive during this period before the original work began.
Elvin was the evidence of that.
The leading Kepler family was determined to form external connections, even at the cost of sending their direct line down a different path.
"No matter how capable Maria is, she can't handle everything alone."
"That's right, I understand."
'But why is he directly mentioning a secret history known only to the parties involved?'
Rudian's question was soon answered.
"If we can gain the support of the Delphione Duchy through Princess Luciella, there's no reason for me to enter as the Sword master's disciple. Our relationship will soon return to normal."
"You're already close enough to eat parfaits together."
"Huh? Well, that's true..."
Elvin sensed a deep unpleasantness in Rudian's tone but couldn't find a way to express exactly what it was.
"Anyway, I'm grateful."
"Hmm..."
"But separately."
SHING!
Elvin's sword was suddenly at Rudian's brow.
"I cannot trust you."
"...Why not?"
Rudian's expression hardened at Elvin's sudden action.
"More precisely, because of your contradictory behavior."