Chapter 217
Chapter 217
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Translator: uly
Chapter: 217
Chapter Title: How to Survive as the Second Son of a Magical Noble House
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“I have no words, even if I had ten mouths.”
The person from the Pentalon division who had briefed us on our duties the first day apologized with a deathly pale face.
“I’m sorry. We don’t have much experience escorting royalty directly, so we didn’t pay enough attention to security.”
“It’s fine.”
Leo shook his head.
“We didn’t expect such a crowd either. From now on, will you provide us with the internal warp coordinates? We understand you need to check our identities because of potential special ability users, so we’ll contact you right before arrival.”
Normally, crowds don’t press too close to royalty, but today, with the barrier in place, they seemed to feel safe clinging right up to it. There hadn’t been anyone controlling them, either.
Or perhaps, since the Imperial Mage Association started its public-friendly strategy after Adrian Ascanien’s appearance, people felt more at ease approaching other royals than before.
‘...If the Imperial Mage Association is copying my brother and that’s what led to this... It could be useful if handled right, but we need to be more careful going forward.’
We listened to the lengthy conversation between Leo and the imperial staff, then received our morning inspection assignments.
I ignored my friends’ puzzled and worried looks as best I could and approached Elias.
“...Sorry, but could I borrow your gloves again? I used my spare pair this morning.”
“Ow, what’s there to be sorry about!”
Before I could finish, Elias pulled the gloves from his clutch and slipped them onto my hands. He grinned widely and waved.
“Have a good day out there~ See you at lunch.”
I smiled back and turned to Leo, who was waiting for me.
Today’s partner was Leo.
I’d heard it was strongly recommended by Ulrike... no, Luise. I’d tried coaxing him endlessly with “I want to partner with you,” but it fell on deaf ears. He was clearly trying to make us get along a bit and eliminate any hint of discord in the team.
We moved to our assigned sector without a word.
Our task today was to inspect everything from Gate A to H, seats and waiting areas included.
During the checks, aware of possible watching eyes, we didn’t exchange a single word. We weren’t big talkers to begin with, but we’d usually cast a soundproof spell and chat occasionally. Today felt strangely new in its total silence.
‘The artifacts only connect to the security team, so no contact through them either.’
It felt like working alone.
We occasionally ran into other contractors, and I ended up talking more to them.
During a short break outside, waiting for the elevator and checking the time, someone spoke to me.
“Ah, it’s so cold today. You okay in just that?”
He looked older, bundled in sweaters under his coat until he was perfectly round.
I was just in a shirt, jacket, and coat. Guess it looked light even from the outside.
“I’m fine. Where you headed?”
“Third floor. I manage the mana lamps. Anyway...”
He glanced at me.
“Mind if I ask something?”
“Of course.”
“Do you wear that until summer?”
The out-of-left-field question nearly made me chuckle.
He was elderly, so I could understand the unexpected curiosity.
“...No, I’ll get new clothes. Or maybe a thinner coat. Haven’t heard yet, so not sure.”
“I see. Looks really sharp on you.”
I gave a vague smile.
Time to wrap up the small talk.
No matter how eager I was to catch the culprit myself, I wasn’t ignoring Naruke’s advice.
Luckily, he said goodbye without lingering and headed up.
I also ran into one of the many people who’d stared at me yesterday. A newhuman kept side-eyeing me again today.
“Something wrong?”
“No. ...Have a good lunch.”
“Thanks.”
Everyone went their separate ways, ending the exchange.
After a few more brief greetings and watching Leo’s, time flew by.
Things went smoothly until lunch.
I’d hoped Mueller showing up again would give me a chance to analyze his behavior, even if I couldn’t catch him outright, but nothing interfered with me.
At least until lunch.
After eating, I read the note on the thin pink slip and hardened my expression.
[You don’t drink much with meals! Sauerkraut and sausage is the best combo. Let’s eat together next time.]
“......”
Leo, who’d eaten with me, snatched the note from my hand.
He stared at it silently, face unchanging.
Someone had slipped it under the break room door.
It looked suspicious, so I rushed out, but no one was there.
We were getting mostly common treatment, no noble privileges—just assigned one break room per pair for lunch, like everyone else.
Sure, having exclusive access was a perk, but still...
‘This can’t go on.’
Leo said quietly.
“Someone’s watching us.”
“Yeah.”
“More precisely, you.”
I nodded.
Leo sighed heavily, looking troubled, then snapped his fingers.
The core’s healing mana strengthened.
If left alone, Wittelsbach’s mana might leak out visibly, so I suppressed the artifact’s mana with my own to let the healing seep into the core.
At 4 p.m., after finishing inspections, we headed to the dorms.
We reported the note, of course.
‘This bastard needs to show up in front of me directly. This is getting annoying.’
Of course, him not showing was safer.
But then I couldn’t punch him, could I?
As I stewed in less-than-ideal thoughts, Naruke walked me to my room and beamed.
“Another day done~ Glad the report went smoothly.”
“Yeah. Thanks for today. See you tomorrow.”
“Lucas.”
At Naruke’s serious call, I turned from the door.
He stood quietly in front of it, looking at me.
“I don’t know details, but my gut says no good. Want to stay at the student legion dorm tonight?”
“Bad feeling?”
“Yeah.”
Hm...
Like he’d show up in person?
If it were that bad, Naruke wouldn’t have brought me here. So something less.
“No, I’m good. No room for me there anyway...”
I glanced around and continued.
“Right now’s the time to gather data.”
“......”
Naruke nodded readily, then smiled softly.
“What if gathering data brings back bad memories? Nah~ Better if I sleep in your room.”
“Huh?”
Without answering, Naruke vanished.
By the time I showered and got ready for bed, he’d hauled bags from his dorm and unpacked in my room.
He flopped onto the opposite bed and opened his bag. A hamster-like lump bounced out. But its hopping made it unmistakably a rabbit, so no mistaking what it was.
“Lucas!”
Long time no hear that animal voice.
Well, not hearing exactly—more like direct recognition in my head.
Before I could greet Pie, Naruke shoved me down and spread Pie over my chest.
“Brought him on purpose. Pie therapy~”
“No such thing.”
“Exists!”
He just bulldozed through.
Anyway, it was warm. Pie, excited to see me after so long, chirped at an indecipherable speed. As I pulled the blanket over us both, Pie suddenly sat up.
“Huh!”
“What?”
“It’s Lucas!”
It’s Lucas?
I could guess the rest.
Pie spun around, sensing Leo’s mana. I hadn’t felt animal faces express doubt in ages.
Anyway, healing mana was a plus—Pie seemed even happier and flopped back down.
I infused Pie with divinity.
Lately, Pie stayed in Naruke’s room mostly. With my dorm change, he hadn’t figured out how to come.
Not like he memorized coordinates for spells, so I’d train him to warp here directly next time. Then he’d visit my room often.
“Pie doesn’t trip the barrier here.”
“Nope.”
Too small, mana cost negligible for warping. That’s how we’d communicated by warping him in when he was stuck in the potion lab before.
Other teammates aside, easy to bring Pie—nice.
‘If Pie grew 500 times bigger, I could pillow on his belly.’
No idea how he knew my shameless thought, but Pie’s head shot up.
“Oong?”
“Sorry.”
“Why?!”
“Just is.”
To mean “grow fast,” I covered Pie’s ears with my hands.
Soon, Pie and I both drifted off.
Nothing happened overnight.
‘Physically, at least.’
Next morning, Pie brought a pink note from the window sill in his mouth.
“Didn’t sleep, stayed up. Hit the window at 4 a.m.”
Naruke said, face stiff.
I watched Pie keep fetching notes and muttered.
“Good you were here with me.”
“...Hm, nah. Would’ve stopped here even without me.”
Naruke replied soullessly, eyes fixed on the note.
Maybe. But I thought different.
“Still beats greeting morning alone with this crap. Nice having someone to report with.”
“Haha, true. Guess so.”
Naruke smiled with his mouth, staring holes through the note.
Trying to sense mana? None on it.
Gloved, I unfolded each note.
[You were pretty friendly chatting with me earlier. Knew you were that kind of person. Be nice again next time.]
“Huh.”
Chills.
Chatted with me today?
At least five short talks— which?
None seemed off.
Steadying my breath, I opened the next.
[What’s that rat friend? Looks like no domestic animal.]
[Room’s too Bavarian, isn’t it? Anhalt’s eagle is so cool—why keep that crude lion decor?]
Curtains drawn—how’d he see?
Biggest issue first, second...
Was this guy here to critique or what?
Flipping it revealed more.
[But if you like it, I approve.]
“......”
Next note.
[Leave replies anywhere—I’ll see them.]
* * *
‘Someone I talked to.’
The one who grabbed my hand was a newhuman with an oldhuman woman’s hand.
What’s that mean?
Culprit’s a shapeshifter.
Whether such ability exists—we’d find out. How he shook my hand like teleporting and kept singing? Unknown.
But certain: no telling what disguise he’d use next.
“Hello. See you again.”
“......”
In the all-white arena interior, by the cast-iron elevator, I met yesterday’s old man again.
Ignoring him, I just looked down—he tilted his head.
“Something wrong?”
“No. Good morning.”
“Borrowed a heating artifact yesterday ‘cause it was cold, tucked in my vest? Warm today—hot even.”
“Haha...”
“Take care of your bones young. Newhumans have tougher ones than oldhumans, so you’re fine~ Or you end up like me. Spent half my youth exercising. Went all out, but decades later...”
Ding—
He boarded the upward elevator mid-sentence, so I tipped my hat with a smile. He smiled and waved back.
Soon after, someone tapped my back.
A kid looked into my eyes, startled like he’d jump, and asked in a hushed voice.
“Uh, know where exit 22 is?”
Probably didn’t know I was me—Pleroma Ascanien—if real kid, not stalker acting.
I gestured to the side passage, forcing a smile.
“...Left down this hall, straight back.”
“Thanks.”
Kid here for mana needs? Elias spoke from behind as I wondered.
“That kid must be here for mana work?”
Hm...
Running into Naruke and Haike cases again.
Combining mana and demeanor from everyone so far—no fakes.
Yeah, admitting disguise yesterday then showing sloppy today? Amateur.
All day, my nerves were on Mueller.
Tried ignoring, but if he appeared, chance to strike—couldn’t relax.
Also...
‘Humanly, it bugs me.’
Even without punching intent, someone watching all day wasn’t pleasant.
‘Why me?’
Better than him on the other six, sure. But with so many mages worldwide, why?
His notes seemed half-jealous over support. If affection, fine—but jealous stalker nearby? Worst.
Elias stuck by, chattering trivia nonstop, easing my taut nerves some.
At 4 again, prepping to return to dorms.
Grabbing Naruke’s hand for help, I told my friends quietly.
“Staying at student legion dorm tonight.”
“Huh? For real? My room! Naruke and I share.”
Elias exclaimed excitedly.
And that dawn.
Couldn’t sleep.
First, vigilance.
Second, Elias hyped I was there, brought booze and board games.
“You’re too good, Lucas? Wanted to beat you once—no losses.”
Elias grabbed Naruke’s wrist.
Naruke, caught, leaned away, eyes narrowed.
“Uwaaa~ Why only me?”
Smack—
Elias slapped Naruke’s hand, laughed heartily, and sprawled on the bed.
“Ah~ Paid back that hit at Haike’s last time.”
“No, that stuck with you?”
Naruke rubbed his red hand, bursting into laughter.
“Forgot till we set up the board today!”
“Haha... Huh?”
Naruke turned casually, then froze.
He bolted up, yanked the curtain, opened the window.
“......”
Seeing what he held, my face hardened too.
Pink note.
I took and unfolded it.
[Think I won’t know if you switch rooms? Your face must be priceless. Haven’t seen, but can picture it vividly.]
“......”
Elias tapped his artifact, contacting police.
How’d he know my expression?
Laughter leaked as I tried relaxing my fist.
Can’t tear—must submit. Cover in filter, burn with iron. Like with Asman.
Then, something hit the window again.
Thud—
Naruke fetched another note.
[Aw, touching. Keeping my letters forever? Creepy. Anyway, same major as me, right.]
Really couldn’t sleep.
Defiance kept me up—who’d win?
Submitted last night’s notes to investigators, got promise of five mages for protection, then to arena.
Five mages’ daily pay seemed decent effort. How much deliberation?
Useless guard for oldhumans/weak newhumans—not for me. Asked to catch watcher, not protect. Leo alone worth more than five.
So mages only around dorm. Barely helpful.
Bavarian investigators checking my room now.
‘Tired.’
At team rally point, stowed gear in cabinet, stared out window.
Which passerby was culprit?
Someone watching from unknown spot.
Spine and shoulders stiff. Where to look? Senses amped since yesterday—lamps humming audible. Curved arch ceiling, central mana light blurring. Overstrung nerves muddied the color.
One fist sharp, ready.
If he appeared, wouldn’t miss—strike hard.
‘Come out already, bastard...’
Hiding behind paper—no way to catch.
‘Right. Won’t show openly anymore.’
Got it.
No need to appear—me aware puts me under his sway, delusionally.
Halfway to his goal—no reason risk capture.
My counter then.
“Lucas. You look pale.”
Tserlingen said seriously.
“That so?”
“Yeah.”
He pulled a cola from his bag, held before my eyes.
“Like this, right? Chugged during second exam. Drink, change mood a bit. Won’t energize, but that’s all I got.”
“Ah, thanks.”
Just nostalgic then, but apparently frequent enough to seem favorite.
Appreciated.
Anyway...
‘This Yulia’s real, right.’
Focused hazy vision, asked.
“Yulia.”
“Yeah?”
I extended hand—he looked surprised.
Light slap. His mana seeped, skin tingled faintly. Wittelsbach’s mana spread from contact, triggering healing.
I clenched and opened fist lightly.
Attacker’s mana flows to stationary. Always me slapping, so hadn’t noticed—but today matched sparring mana.
“It’s you.”
“......”
Tserlingen’s mouth parted, then smiled.
“Yeah. Sparred Tuesday, right?”
“Sorry for doubting.”
“No, makes sense. Gotta be thorough.”
I smiled softly.
“Yulia. Got a favor—hear me out?”
New tone? He looked startled, nodded closer.
“No progress investigating, culprit sends notes without showing. No way to catch at this rate.”
“Yeah. Tricky. No way to handle.”
“So, partner with me today?”
“Of course! But Ulrike’ll pair you with Leo again.”
“...True. How about you, me, Leo—three?”
“Fine if schedulable.”
Yesterday with Elias/Leo already—permit likely.
I didn’t add more; Tserlingen asked gently.
“That the favor? Can help more.”
“Hm, one more actually.”
Not end.
Partnering Tserlingen won’t lure him out.
To draw— one more action.
“Odd request, but act close to me today?”
“Act close? We are. ...Ah.”
Bewildered, then realization—smile spread.
Got why I asked.
“We are. But more overtly?”
“...Hahaha, I see~ Leave to me.”
“Thanks.”
He grinned confidently; I smiled gratefully.
‘Won’t appear before me.’
Fine. Possible.
Let’s see how long.