Chapter 129
Chapter 129
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Translator: uly
Chapter: 129
Chapter Title: How to Survive as the Second Son of a Magical Noble Family
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Drip— splatter—
Elias scowled up at the sky.
“I heard the core stability was Special Grade 2, not standard! Regarding the possibility of errors in the test results…”
“Did you drink blood?!”
Amid the barrage of rude questions, it had started raining.
The Empire was always overcast, but he'd never felt the gloomy weather quite so infuriating as today.
“Drink blood?”
Was this something you could say right in the middle of Berlin?
He knew what they feared, and what they mistakenly thought they feared in themselves.
They were afraid Luca might sweep through these streets, ripping throats one by one and drinking their blood.
But that fear wasn't true fear—it was more like an excuse.
“If they were really afraid, they wouldn't act like this.”
A young noble who could have ruled a nation was now something the common populace could legally tear apart under the guise of “safety.” How sweet a fear was that?
The question of whether he'd drunk blood and would drink more in the future wore the mask of public order, but it was transparently vile mockery.
“…Even common sense makes it obvious. If he'd gone that far, he'd have gotten rid of scum like you first instead of coming quietly.”
The attitude they showed Luca was exactly what he'd experienced all along.
It overlapped with the faces of pro-emperor media and experts who'd expressed concern about the nation's future based on their own behavior.
Luca—whether because he was the type to patiently wait for the right moment unlike Elias, or because he truly wasn't pissed off, which Elias found astonishingly different from himself—smiled smoothly, utterly unfazed.
“Thanks to you, brother.”
There was even a hint of amusement in Luca's calm voice.
Whatever he was thinking, it seemed the situation was unfolding exactly as he wished. It was the same tone he always used when pleased.
The reporters, used to dealing with only sensible politicians, were still scrambling for words after hearing such unpolished speech from a Pleroma student.
Naturally, Luca didn't wait for them.
“The test I underwent followed the rigorous procedures of the Imperial Second Education Academy, as always. I understand harboring doubts when the results differ from expectations, but you must realize those doubts question the impartiality of the Imperial Second Education Academy, sponsored by the Imperial Family.”
“But…”
As a reporter began to object, Luca raised his voice, cutting him off.
“Of course, I have no intention of dismissing the fears of the Empire's subjects as mere suspicion of the Academy to evade answering.”
“Ascanien, this isn't a formal interview. We're moving on.”
Luca raised a hand low, interrupting the imperial mage.
“I won't stand by while distorted rumors shake public order and safety. I complied with the summons without wrongdoing because I understand and agree to all this—not because I consent to insults against Ascanien.”
“…….”
“I have a duty to address the legitimate curiosities of the subjects and clear the stigma on Ascanien and my name. So, can you give me some time?”
Elias couldn't help but smile.
He'd said he was staying home, but he never looked it.
Though phrased as a question, a mere imperial mage had no choice.
Having uttered “Ascanien,” he couldn't risk an inter-nation incident.
As expected, the imperial mage exchanged glances with his colleagues and stepped back.
“Speak.”
“You all know how my brother has supported me materially and morally in developing my qualities. This Special Grade 2 core result is due to nothing else but his efforts and dedication.”
The moment he saw Luca's gentle smile, laughter burst from Elias.
“…It's over.”
He'd barely started, but Elias knew instantly.
Adrian Ascanien, having lost the initiative, could only move as Luca planned.
“Regardless of the quality I was born with, raised as a member of Ascanien, I do not subscribe to Pleroma's ideology. Out of conviction, and to prevent the concerns you raise, I devoted myself to treatment with my brother, raising my core stability to the Empire's top 0.1%—using only my own mana, without another's.”
And one more thing.
This was the first time the public saw Luca addressing them.
Everyone preached abolishing the class system, yet paradoxically yearned for nobility more than anyone.
For example, maintaining a relaxed smile even in a cornered situation like this.
Whatever his personal views on class, to seize power in this society, Luca needed to reclaim the lost status of nobility.
And…
Luca's demeanor had perfectly satisfied the public's desires.
Even Elias, who knew of Luca's ten-plus-year gap, wondered if he'd been perfectly educated as a noble for those 18 years.
“Many believe I have a quality that craves others' mana, but I clarify that is not currently true.”
“If it's not true, how will you prove it?”
“I've requested a precise core scan at the Bayern Magical Medical Center through a professor. I'll inform the subjects as soon as results are out. To ease your anxieties, I'll do my utmost—and if desired, broadcast the process.”
“…Man, I'm curious how Adrian Ascanien will wriggle out of this.”
Wasn't this exactly why he'd kept him locked away at home?
He'd judged him too broken to function and only now sent him to school as a formality.
No one expected such a transformation, so Adrian must have thought the same.
“Finally, I know there's concern about my magic use. Even without impure mana acquisition, if it disrupts society, I intended to hide it. But I can't stand by while Pleroma destroys subjects' lives. I promise to use magic only to resolve the tribulations Pleroma has wrought, solely for the subjects' safety.”
Luca paused, scanning the reporters.
“Belatedly, as a member of the Empire, I'll do my utmost to fulfill the duties I neglected these past 18 years.”
The students around Elias, the reporters at the gate—all fell silent, watching blankly.
With that, Luca gestured to the imperial mage.
In Elias's judgment, the situation was completely, perfectly over.
All that remained was Adrian Ascanien's response.
Elias smirked and headed toward the campus newsstand.
* * *
[Belatedly, as a member of the Empire, I'll do my utmost to fulfill the duties I neglected these past 18 years.]
“…….”
“Squad Leader.”
No one could speak easily.
Adrian Ascanien's golden hair veiled his lowered face. Then it trembled faintly.
Seeing this, the squad members exchanged panicked glances.
They'd never seen him cry in front of them. Or—not certain because his hand covered his face—it might have looked like a subtle smile.
Soon, Adrian Ascanien muttered in a choked voice.
“Over ten years, huh.”
“…….”
The squad members exchanged looks, furrowing brows.
Over ten years indeed.
Since the rumors started that the squad leader's family had Pleroma qualities.
Adrian Ascanien looked up.
His slightly bloodshot eyes smiled.
“My little brother's grown so much.”
“…….”
Everyone in the Empire knew how hard Adrian Ascanien had worked to free his brother from Pleroma qualities. Now that those efforts bore fruit, no one could presume his emotions.
Adrian stopped muttering to himself and began using polite speech, as if addressing the squad.
“He's grown so well, hasn't he?”
“…Yes. Looking now, your brother really resembles you, sir. Great prospects ahead.”
“Haha, who among the new humans these days doesn't? Still…”
Adrian Ascanien smiled, stroking the Imperial Newspaper.
The paused video replayed from the start.
“It's wondrous how he became so similar. He was so different before it was suspicious, but blood ties prevail.”
His warm voice and smile eased the squad's expressions.
Adrian Ascanien checked his watch and asked.
“We've moved to Florence now. Can we summon Imperial Newspaper reporters here?”
“Yes, sir. Anywhere on your word. Tomorrow morning?”
“No, call them now.”
The squad stared in surprise.
“It's 10 PM, sir. You need rest before dawn deployment. Your brother already handled things well…”
“Without my word now, the Empire will tear Luca apart.”
“…….”
“So we must do as my brother wishes, even a moment sooner.”
It was already late. Far too late.
But any more delay, and I'd be the one fully devoured.
Adrian Ascanien smiled without voicing the last part.
* * *
[Adrian Ascanien, Magical Affairs Vice Minister: “All of Lucas Ascanien's Claims True… Will Prove with Objective Data”]
“Adrian Ascanien, Magical Affairs Vice Minister, humbly stated 'All results due to Lucas Ascanien's efforts,' while conveying that his brother's ideology is not misguided, urging restraint in attacks using Pleroma's name…. Where's the humility in that bullshit?”
Elias sprawled on my bed, reading the article word for word.
Adrian Ascanien had retreated one step, as expected.
I'd moved to keep him within bounds, so now both sides had stepped back to watch.
“More like, everyone's only talking Luca magic outside now, huh?”
“Yeah?”
Figured.
A Pleroma who couldn't use magic suddenly crafts a Special Grade 2 core and joins anti-Pleroma trials? Bound to be talk.
Leo brought up the trials right then.
“Anyway, it's Saturday dawn now, right?”
“Yeah.”
“First round splits into two: 1-1 tomorrow Sunday, 1-2 next Friday.”
Elias lifted only his head.
“Why not just call the second 'Round 2'? Four rounds must feel burdensome.”
“No, first test has no eliminations. Second, you pair up freely, and pass/fail decides. Team activity to check joint attack efficiency. Of course…”
Leo closed the booklet, looking at me.
“The minister who designed it knows better than my explanation.”
The first first-round test was just gauging individual skill, not a real exam.
The real deal was the second.
Real ops need at least pairs, so mages poor at teamwork or in those settings get sidelined.
Thus, Bayern Kingdom's true first round was our school's pair test.
“Plopped it in wholesale.”
“Now Imperial standard, not just Bayern. Anyway… Second test next week is key. How're you pairing?”
“Huh? Then tonight's last booze chance?”
“Stop drinking, you…. How many times a week as a student?”
“Only three this week.”
“…….”
Leo cursed with his eyes.
Leo spoke again.
“Partners due two days before, but everyone's paired already somehow. So, Lucas, who're you teaming with?”
“Hm.”
Obvious why everyone's paired.
Then Elias waved.
“Luca, team with me!”
Narke laughed awkwardly.
“Haha, Lucas doesn't seem keen on any of us.”
“What?!”
Spot on.
I nodded.
“Starting with you guys raises flags. Everyone's avoiding me already; me unproven with top practicals like you? Too obvious.”
“Hm…”
Elias pondered, then nodded reluctantly, smacking lips.
Seemed convinced.
I asked Leo.
“Pairs after 1-1 test, right?”
“Yeah. But your score's tied to partner's. Bad partner hurts you.”
“Hey, Luca worries about test scores~?”
“You guys pair among yourselves, submit to profs. Don't mind me.”
I replied, steering away.
I watched the three chatter on my topic, then opened my status.
[Lucas René Ascanien]
Title: Sir Nicolaus
Stamina: +3.2 (+0.2) [+6.2]
Mentality: +2.1 (+0.6)
Mana: ?
Technique: +4.5 (+0.1) [+7.5]
Impression: -9.8 (-0.2) [-7] [+8.01587849]
Luck: +3.6 (+0.3)
Traits: Dawn777, Divine Power, Charm (Lv.2), Retry (Lv.1)
Pre-incident school impression: -3.
Now…
-7.
Fear of my magic use, probably.
Here, honestly, time to upgrade traits.
Charm is common for leaders et al.
Adelbert, Emperor, brother, Elias—even Ainsidel had it. Kinda.
Initially disappointed seeing it, but knowing who has it made me want max it.
Need to fix Lucas Ascanien impression; might as well use traits for quick gains.
“Issue is points shortage.”
[Charm Lv.2]
— ‘Wanna be friends!’ +3 favorability certain targets
— ‘You're right.’ 30% persuasion boost
— To next level: 3.0 points
* Held points: 2.0
* To next point: Luck 0.40
Points only from luck now; after 10, no clue.
“Games with favorability? Weird.”
Know some, but not my genre—feels novel.
Benefit me if there.
More info, better.
“First, raise luck… training time.”
Sipping earlier tea, white text appeared.
〈 Chapter 6. Act Righteously and Fear No One 〉
[Proposal 1: +300 favorability within deadline (0/300) (167 hours 59 min 59 sec) ]
* Route 1 — 〈 +15.0 points 〉
* Route 2 — 〈 Proposal 2 〉
“Pfft…!”
“W-what, Luca!”
“What's up?”
Crazy? Gotta be.
Whose dog is named 300?
“…How fill 300 in a week?!”
But +15 points tempting.
Route 2 not ominous, just “Proposal 2.”
Doable game.