Chapter 49
Translator: RaidenTL
Chapter 49
Demian.
The name rang a bell. He was one of the more eccentric NPCs in the game.
Under normal circumstances, you couldn’t raise his affinity or recruit him as a companion. He could only be brought onto your side by commissioning and completing a very specific construction quest.
That was exactly why I was entrusting him with the design of Izelin Academy’s new dormitory.
He has a prickly personality, but his skills are the real deal.
I glanced at Demian. If I could recruit him now, I wouldn’t have to worry about the design or construction of any future buildings. He would be a massive asset for developing uncharted territories and pioneering my own lands.
Though this was just the first step, it was a crucial move for the future.
I sat on the sofa and held out the formal request for the new construction project.
“You’ve probably heard the gist of it. I want you to design the new dormitory for Izelin Academy.”
However, instead of looking at the document, he stared directly at me.
“Why me?”
“What do you mean?”
“Exactly what I said. Why did you choose me as the designer? There are plenty of other skilled architects at Tulay Academy. I heard Klimt was around, too. Why pick me over him?”
“Why else? Because you’re the most suitable person for the job.”
“Hmph, what a pointless answer. If you can’t give me a proper explanation for why you chose me, I won’t accept the commission.”
He was a difficult one, just as the rumors said. I shrugged and spoke plainly.
“Because I thought you’d find this job interesting. For you, 'fun' comes before the commission fee or the design’s intent. I also know that you don’t show off your full skills, maintaining a modest rank within the academy. After all, your academy’s commission fees are determined by academic performance. In other words, you’re cost-effective.”
Demian’s rank within the academy was low compared to his actual design abilities. That meant his commission fee was lower, allowing me to get top-tier work for a bargain price.
At my explanation, Demian’s eyes widened in surprise.
“It seems you’ve done your homework. I can accept that much. But if it doesn’t pique my interest, it’s all for nothing. As you know, if it’s not fun, I don’t do it. Are you confident?”
“Of course. I guarantee it’ll be interesting. In return, you’ll have to promise to keep this matter strictly confidential.”
“That goes without saying.”
Demian might be a man who chased entertainment, but he wasn’t the type to blab about a client’s private information.
I nodded and held up three fingers.
“This construction project has three main objectives. The first, naturally, is the expansion of the dormitory.”
We would build a new dormitory and cafeteria for the old Izelin Academy to improve student welfare. This would be the most visible change at the academy since the victory in the territory war—an achievement that would solidify Eleina’s support among the students.
“The second is to search for a hidden relic on the grounds of Izelin Academy.”
“A relic?” Demian tilted his head.
“Yes. There are ruins hidden beneath the Izelin Academy grounds. The Student Council President is aware of their existence, right?”
As I glanced at her, Eleina answered.
“Yes. I heard that the first Student Council President of Izelin, my distant ancestor, established this place for that very reason. Although various circumstances have prevented us from searching for the relic until now, we intend to excavate it during this project.”
“We want to search for the relic without the information leaking out.”
“...A diversion, you mean.”
“Exactly.”
Of course, even this relic hunt was just a cover to find the ‘Cognitive Acceleration Stone,’ one of the academy’s three great divine artifacts, but there was no need to reveal that yet.
“Interesting. But if that’s all, it’s a little lacking.”
“No, there’s one more thing.”
I folded my last finger and said calmly, “Third, we will create a passage connecting to the underworld.”
The vast underworld located beneath the Union grounds. We planned to build a new passage in the basement of the Izelin dormitory that would lead directly to it.
At my declaration, Demian’s face hardened. “...Do you have any idea what that implies?”
“Of course. I’ve already spoken with the people down below.”
Actually, I hadn’t. But since I planned to visit the underworld soon anyway, it didn’t matter. It was better to have the design and construction plans ready in advance. It was just a matter of sequencing.
When I claimed I had already negotiated with the underworld, Demian narrowed his eyes.
“You... you’re a scarier bastard than you look. No... are you just insane?”
“I’ll take that as a compliment.”
“...And now I see why you came to me specifically. No other designer would accept a job like this, nor could they pull it off.”
Swish—
Only then did Demian pick up the commission request I had placed on the table. He read it carefully, then let out a strange, sharp laugh.
“Heh heh, fine. I’ll accept. I’ll even do it for free. I like your style.”
Demian took out a pen, scribbled something on the form, and looked up. “Can I design the dormitory to my own taste?”
“No. Please stick to a conventional design.”
Knowing this guy’s aesthetic, there was no way I was giving him creative freedom. One wrong move and the dormitory would end up looking as gloomy as a Demon King’s castle, giving the students nightmares every night.
“A shame.”
I ignored his pouting and asked, “Can you manage the construction so the workers don’t notice anything?”
“Construction and supervision aren’t exactly my specialty, but... it should be possible. We can use earth spirits for the sensitive parts that might arouse suspicion. Well, some of the sharper workers might find it a little odd, but they won’t figure out the true purpose.”
“That’s good enough. Then sign it.”
“Mm.”
Demian readily signed the request form. I watched him finish with a small smile.
With this, I had taken the first step toward obtaining the Cognitive Acceleration Stone—and recruiting a rare talent.
*
Ding-dong—
At a dormitory in Eredor, Yuliana grimaced at the sound of the doorbell and dragged herself out of bed.
Who could it be this early in the evening?
She had taken a few days off to rest following the recent incident, and now an uninvited guest had arrived. If this isn't important, I'm going to lose it.
She shuffled to the door and checked the peephole. Her eyes widened. Standing there in casual clothes was Beatrice.
“!”
She scrambled to her feet and threw the door open.
“Y-Your Highness.”
Yuliana looked awestruck as she ushered Beatrice into the room. But a second later, she froze as she realized the state of her living quarters.
Dorm rooms were typically for two people, but thanks to Beatrice’s influence and her own position as Chief Administrator, Yuliana had a single room. The excuse that a roommate had made the mess wouldn’t fly.
Yuliana hurriedly apologized as Beatrice stepped inside. “I-I’m so sorry for the mess!”
“It’s quite all right.”
Judging by her usual composed demeanor, one would never have guessed, but Yuliana’s room was a disaster zone. Beatrice stepped over stray books and clothes and took a seat in the only available chair.
“Um... I’ll get you some tea.”
Beatrice glanced at the cluttered sink and the dusty bowls in the cupboard, then shook her head. “The thought is enough.”
“Yes, well...”
Yuliana scratched her cheek awkwardly and sat across from her. I should have cleaned up if I knew she was coming. She had been too drained lately to care about chores.
Beatrice placed a get-well gift on the floor and looked at Yuliana with concerned eyes.
“I heard that while you weren’t physically injured, you suffered a considerable mental shock from the incident. Are you feeling better?”
“Yes, y-yes. I’m fine now.”
She had been prepared for death when the pack of dire wolves surrounded her, but that was in the past.
“I feel heavy-hearted, as if I sent you to your death. I apologize,” Beatrice said, bowing her head slightly.
Yuliana shot up from her seat, waving her hands frantically. “Not at all! If I had just carried the artifacts Your Highness gifted me, there would have been no danger whatsoever. It was entirely my own negligence, so please don’t blame yourself!”
“...”
Beatrice seemed taken aback by the sudden outburst. She soon gave a gentle smile and nodded.
“Thank you for saying so. From now on, please make sure to keep your self-defense artifacts on you at all times.”
“I will.”
Yuliana had already contacted her family, asking them to send every artifact she had stored at home to the dormitory. There could be more dangerous situations while tracking the Dark Mana Stone. She wasn't taking any more chances.
The two exchanged pleasantries for a while longer before Beatrice shifted to the main point. Her expression hardened.
“I don’t know if you’ve heard, but Assistant Professor Demer has gone missing.”
“Don’t tell me...?”
“Yes,” Beatrice nodded. “The map of projected locations for the Dark Mana Stone that Roen gave me included Demer’s research lab. I believe his disappearance is directly related to the stone.”
“...”
“It’s possible that even the incident during the practical exam is connected. The timing is too perfect to be a coincidence.”
Demer’s disappearance and the anomaly during the exam had occurred simultaneously. The common thread was undoubtedly the Dark Mana Stone.
Yuliana thought for a moment before asking, “Your Highness, do you think the Empire will dispatch an inspector?”
“Given the gravity of the situation, I expected they would. But I heard the Chairman handled it.”
“The Chairman?”
Hengard Ubelon, the Chairman of the Union. It was common knowledge at the academy that he was little more than a figurehead. For him to step in and block an imperial inspection... it was hard to believe.
“Yes. That man might be surprisingly competent.” Beatrice paused, lost in thought, before continuing. “And Roen, as well. I’ve always thought of him as an unremarkable man, but lately, it’s become difficult to grasp his true nature. Speaking of which, Yuliana, I heard he was the one who saved you this time.”
“H-How did you know that...?”
“A reporter named Chloe included it in an article. There was also an editorial defending Professor Verdandi, which I found quite interesting. You should read it when you have the chance.”
Yuliana quietly clenched her fists under the table. To publish my disgrace for everyone to see... Chloe, was it? I won't forget this.
Beatrice continued, her voice turning firm and cold. “Yuliana. I know you still hold a grudge against Roen, but use this opportunity to find out the source of his information on the Dark Mana Stone. I believe he knows more than he’s letting on. This is important. You must complete this task.”
“...”
The atmosphere shifted instantly. The warmth Beatrice had shown while asking about her health vanished, replaced by the aura of a ruler.
Yuliana swallowed hard, staring into Beatrice’s blazing red eyes.
Truly, the Imperial Princess.
Her recovery and the mission were separate matters. Regardless of the circumstances, she had failed to retrieve the Dark Mana Stone, and this was her chance to make amends.
Beatrice could be incredibly warm, but she could also be ruthless. That was the virtue of a leader. She was the master Yuliana had chosen to follow.
Yuliana smiled inwardly with satisfaction and bowed her head deeply.
“As you command, Your Highness.”
*
A weekend evening, after darkness had fallen.
I arrived once again at Traum 9th Street.
I had changed into casual clothes, tucked a black card into my wallet, and set out. I couldn’t put off heading to the underworld any longer.
Leaving the bustling main street, I entered a secluded alley. In the distance, a single shop glowed with a faint light. I picked my way past the trash and crates scattered in the narrow path until I reached the old storefront.
I stood still, observing the shop. There was no sign of life.
Jingle—
As I pushed the door open, a soft light illuminated the dark interior. The shop was small and smelled faintly of musty mold and old wood—an antique shop filled with various curios and knick-knacks.
Swish—
I ran a finger along a shelf cluttered with worn items; a thick layer of dust came away. It was so poorly maintained that it barely qualified as a functioning business.
I dusted off my hands and looked toward the back of the store.
Rustle—
After a moment, the sound of movement echoed from the shadows. A girl slowly walked out from the back room.
