Chapter 292
Chapter 292
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Translator: uly
Chapter: 292
Chapter Title: How to Survive as the Second Son of a Magical Noble Family
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“Forgive my earlier rudeness.”
A young New Human with a neat smile and impeccably tailored suit extended his hand to me.
“You’ve probably already heard, but I am Maria Österreichische.”
“Pleased to meet you. Lucas Everett.”
It was thirty minutes before the banquet began, just before the king made his entrance. Guests from various countries were starting to fill the ball room of the Munich Residenz. I had arrived early with the crown prince, and even now as I met this member of the Österreichische family, the crown prince was plastered right by my side.
In any case...
‘Occult artifacts...’
That was all that filled my head. Fortunately, there were no strange talismans on his cloak, no shoes enchanted with bizarre jump spells, no odd medieval helmets—nothing like that. His neatly parted light brown hair and soft green eyes gave off a gentle impression. Maybe because the colors resembled Ulrike’s, or perhaps because I’d already witnessed his initial eccentricity, my mental barriers had eased somewhat.
‘Even so, I can’t let my guard down completely.’
This wasn’t the time to relax. Stay sharp.
He’d said his name was Maria Österreichische.
That matched what I’d read in his status window, and the documents I’d received before coming here listed “Leopold Österreichische,” owner of the Sapphire Pleuror, with Maria as his middle name. New Humans made it impossible to guess gender from build or attire, so this could be Leopold himself. He was simply using his middle name like a given name.
From my prior investigation, he was indeed the one who owned the Sapphire Pleuror in this era. Maria smiled politely and replied.
“I’ve heard so much about you. You wield divine power, yes? Your name is well-known even in Austria.”
“It’s an honor that Your Excellency knows of me.”
“How modest. With your reputation soaring across the continent, how could I not?”
For someone who knew that much, the king hadn’t invited me to accompany him. Just as expected. In the Old Human era, nobles attended with their spouses, but New Humans rarely did, usually bringing children, relatives, or aides. Taking someone insignificant like me would make his intentions too obvious.
I returned the smile, and Österreichische smiled back before glancing at the crown prince clinging to my side.
“His Highness the Crown Prince seems to hold you in high regard. You must be an excellent tutor.”
At those words, Leonard’s grip on my arm tightened.
Leonard was stuck to me like a sloth ready to hang on if needed, fiddling with my elbow nonstop. He wanted to hold hands, but I was holding a wine glass, making it tricky.
I looked at Leonard and said.
“It’s thanks to His Highness’s kind evaluation. I am always grateful to him.”
Österreichische watched Leonard’s reaction to my words and struggled to suppress a laugh. Honestly, I couldn’t help it either. For royalty, he was showing his delight far too childishly.
Maria Österreichische rolled his eyes for some reason, flashing an ambiguous smile as he smacked his lips. Then, when I raised an eyebrow to signal I’d step away and shifted aside, he stiffly backed off.
After that, I gave Leonard some fruit to nibble on and wandered the banquet hall languidly. It was about time for His Majesty the King to arrive. At this point, Leonard would have to leave my side to greet him.
‘Peaceful.’
I’d spent nearly two weeks here, yet barely a day had passed outside. The five-year-old offered no privacy, even clinging to me during sleep, but I could overlook that now. His aides handled everything to avoid fatigue, whisking him away when he dozed off, so it wasn’t too uncomfortable anymore.
Of course, it was too soon to fully relax. Learning of Maria Österreichische’s connection to the occult made things even more suspicious.
‘...Well, he just owns a jewel and knows about occult artifacts. The jewel itself isn’t one.’
But the owner was the issue. What if the owner of a Gnostic-named Pleroma had grown interested in it?
Gnosticism had long been intertwined with Jewish mysticism and was a Christian heresy centered on spiritual enlightenment over scripture. “Pleroma” wasn’t a term they coined but a Greek word they favored, meaning “full perfection.” Despite claiming not to be a Gnostic sect, people knew Pleroma as one because of the name. Hadn’t the stall owner from the extra chapter said something like, “It seems like a Gnostic sect, which is a bit off-putting,” when I first encountered it?
It was true that occult enthusiasts in this era often dabbled in Gnosticism, but I wouldn’t assume unwavering interest in Christian Gnosticism specifically. Still, I couldn’t believe a jewel stolen via relic-like methods had no reason behind it.
Of course, I was still wondering if I was overthinking it, just like when I’d struggled with that anagram cipher—deploying Caesar decryption and every other method—only to realize it might not be that sophisticated.
And, unrelated, but I’d just realized: Österreichische was actually on the friendlier side outwardly.
“With even His Highness the Crown Prince so fond of you, nothing but success lies ahead.”
“Hm.”
Foreign royalty smiled at me.
“Is there a special reason you chose the role of personal tutor?”
Some said things like that, while others went further: “His Majesty will surely appreciate your integrity.” The man standing before me now was one of those.
In short, they thought I was riding the crown prince’s coattails to seize power. “With his skills, he could demand a higher post, but he doesn’t—because he’s aiming bigger.” They figured I’d captured the young, malleable crown prince’s heart to puppet the next king. No one said it outright, cloaking it in praise, but that was the gist.
I replied to the other royal before me.
“Bavaria is more honest than anywhere else. The dishonest fail to grasp His Majesty’s wisdom and speak against his intentions, but Your Excellency understands well, which brings me great joy.”
“......”
The royal rolled his eyes, then smiled, nodded, and departed. Heaping disdain on disliked social newcomers in their own language was a long-standing tradition. He hadn’t expected me to wield salon banter so deftly; his flustered expression gave it away.
“You’re the one who wields divine power, right?”
As one left, another approached. Turning, I saw a familiar face from the papers.
“Pleased to meet you. Gustav von Hohenzollern of Prussia.”
Elias’s father. The twelve-year gap must have doubled his worries alone; he looked far more aged than the king or others. In twelve years, he’d appear utterly worn, but now his face had a healthy plumpness and a cheerful air.
“I hear you’re currently tutoring His Highness the Crown Prince. It’s a pleasure to meet an imperial talent like you.”
“The honor is mine, meeting the Emperor’s own brother.”
I glanced around him and asked.
“I’ve heard His Highness Elias von Hohenzollern often plays with Crown Prince Leonard. He isn’t here tonight?”
“Indeed.”
Gustav von Hohenzollern flashed an awkward smile, clearly uncomfortable with the topic. I could guess without him saying. The emperor had likely barred him from official events.
At that moment, the footman by the door announced loudly.
“Her Majesty Hildegard II, Queen of Bavaria, has arrived!”
The queen and Leonard entered the banquet hall together. She lightly greeted the cheering nobles and strode to the podium.
“I sincerely thank you all for attending to celebrate my birthday today. Among us are the monarchs of our continent and ministers from the eastern nations. I am delighted to share this with those who always strive for Bavaria’s prosperity and continental peace. I hope this banquet brings you all a relaxing time.”
As always, her speech was brief. She’d already thanked the Bavarian people outside, and now it was time to greet the myriad royals and ambassadors.
After the reception and gift-giving, we finished dinner and moved to the Munich opera house. Leonard would travel with the queen, arriving a bit later.
My seat was naturally reserved for Leonard, and the other was taken by Emanuel—though oddly, he’d switched. Glancing over, Österreichische smiled and sat beside me.
“We meet again.”
“So we do.”
I appreciated the initiative, but why?
Swapping seats with his friend just to sit by me. Seating was diplomatic too; such moves weren’t casual. The grand duke must have pressured or begged Emanuel for this.
‘What does he want to say?’
The more he talked, the more info I’d get, so I welcomed it. Holding back expectations, I smiled at the grand duke. He smiled back, then gazed at the stage.
“Do you like Idomeneo?”
Idomeneo was the opera we’d watch. I’d expected a full defense of his earlier antics, but no. I replied casually.
“I know it premiered at the Munich Residenz Theater, but I haven’t seen it. Curious, though.”
“Idomeneo is Mozart’s opera from before he came to Vienna. I hadn’t expected to see it here tonight—delighted. Next is Tristan und Isolde, right? Another Munich premiere?”
“Yes.”
He had reason to be pleased. Mozart premiered Idomeneo in Bavaria but ultimately moved to Austria, making Vienna his stage. An Austrian would enjoy that.
“Tristan und Isolde—based on the King Arthur legends, as the name suggests. Playwright Wagner was fascinated by medieval tales. Interested in medieval literature?”
“I studied it, but chivalric romances never grabbed me, no matter how much. Your Excellency seems so knowledgeable; you’ll appreciate the performance more richly. Enviable.”
My offhand remark made the grand duke freeze, his face twisting with distress and anguish. Then he mechanically smiled and shook his head.
“...I... I don’t know much either. It doesn’t suit us Enlightenment thinkers well. Stories emphasizing mythic elements in an age where human reason slays God, you see.”
“......”
Suddenly?
He was overacting.
Bashing the Enlightenment and saying “it doesn’t suit us” over chivalric lit? No special reason singled it out. To critique chivalry that way, you’d dismiss ninety percent of continental literature from antiquity to the nineteenth century. Nonsense, basically.
Why say it? Obvious.
‘Still hung up on that occult stuff...’
Did his earlier display bother him that much?
That’s why. Much of the medieval inevitably linked to nineteenth-century occultism. Admit knowing it well, and I’d tie it to occult again—so he backpedaled. Overkill defense.
Aware he’d overdone it, the grand duke cleared his throat awkwardly and kept talking.
“Will you stay for Tristan und Isolde too?”
“No. I must attend to His Highness, so just Idomeneo, then leave. Her Majesty will exit then as well.”
“Excellent.”
He replied solemnly.
What’s excellent...?
He seemed to have something to say but wouldn’t continue. He kept robotting out. Someone pull him out before he piles on more black history. The grand duke agonized alone, pressing his forehead, sighing repeatedly, then asked gravely.
“Sir Everett. What are your thoughts on the current state of affairs?”
“Pfft...”
Laughter erupted beside the grand duke. Emanuel was covering his mouth theatrically, chuckling. But the grand duke was serious, and I was baffled.
‘Out of nowhere?’
...I wanted to say, but couldn’t.
“At least Bavaria is well-governed. But why suddenly...?”
“I see. I agree. The continent enjoys relative peace. But how long can it last?”
“......”
Emanuel’s snickers continued beside us.
I knew exactly why he kept spouting this drivel at me. I smiled, hiding my thoughts.
“Aristotle said: In a state, education is the indispensable tool that unifies it as a community. As Your Excellency says, Bavaria is in an age of peace, and I believe the Austro-Hungarian Empire is too. In such times, our continent must strive for a shared community...”
His words had rung mismatched from the start; better get to the point. Nodding brainlessly, the conclusion came.
“So, after this celebration, would you join me for tea?”
“...Ah, yes.... Sure.”
No clue how we’d gone from Aristotle to tea. I just hoped the queen and Leo would arrive soon.
At intermission, Emanuel grabbed me and dragged me outside, bursting into laughter.
“Hahaha!”
“Why are you like this, Your Highness? I’m tired.”
“Haha... The grand duke’s trying to impress you, that’s all. That conversation earlier.”
“Impress me? How?”
“Right? I don’t get it either. But don’t you sense the intent? He’s tossing out trendy salon topics to shed the ‘occult artifact maniac’ stigma.”
Yeah. I’d sensed that much. I chuckled dryly.
“You messed up, Your Highness. If you hadn’t dragged me to meet your friend, he wouldn’t be scrambling to rehab his image.”
“Didn’t expect him to panic like that—sorry. But the misunderstanding’s cleared, right? It’s not baseless rumor; he really is a maniac.”
Still teasing his friend.
Lost in thought without replying, Emanuel waved a hand.
“You don’t mind, do you?”
“If you mean his artifact mania, no. Quite the opposite—welcome.”
“Good. Actually, if you need artifacts made while working here, use him—that’s partly why I introduced you. This artifact’s from him too.”
He pointed to the brooch on his jacket lapel. Glass and gold artifact.
“He’s skilled in artifact development. What’s the function?”
“This lets me relay situations like so.”
He pulled a small folding mirror from his pocket. My outfit appeared in it. So the brooch’s glass reflection displayed on another artifact.
“And not just showing the brooch’s reflection—it can send what this mirror sees to another mirror directly. He’s mastered every magic formula. Sometimes makes them himself. Comparable to commercial ones, right?”
True. Artifact crafting suits him. The mana flow felt a bit sloppy, but the function suggested magical prowess. Not crucial info, but worth noting.
“I used this to show Crown Prince Leonard what Sir Everett was up to. Bet His Highness has one too.”
“Haven’t seen it.”
“Oh? He’s hiding it from you thoroughly?”
Emanuel raised an eyebrow, peering into the mirror. A sudden thought made me frown.
“Then... right now...”
“Everything we’re saying is flowing straight to His Highness. Right, Leonard? Listening?”
Grinning mischievously, Emanuel pulled my shoulder, angling the mirror up.
“See, teacher? We’re already this close.”
“...!”
That’s how he gets him. Realizing, I shoved Emanuel. He snapped the mirror shut with perfect timing; thankfully, that didn’t transmit to Leonard.
“Startled you. What’s wrong? Think I see you as just a royal while you see me as a friend? After two weeks playing together.”
“True.... But let’s not.”
True, but some jokes a five-year-old can’t take. Knowing Leo’s personality, it was targeted teasing. Telling him to play forever one minute, then this uncle was dead serious about pranking his nephew. If Leo sulked by the queen, how could I face them?
‘Anyway...’
No wonder it felt abrupt when Leo jumped straight to the celebration upon my arrival with him—he’d heard everything via Emanuel as I got dragged around drinking. Worried I’d stick with Emanuel and ditch him, he’d blurted the banquet talk first.
Hopefully he hadn’t heard my chats with other royals. If so, Emanuel deserved a smack.
‘But... more importantly, why no patent?’
Like my comms artifact, patenting this would make a fortune. Part of occult hobbies, hidden? Trivial, but nagging—note it.
Back at seats, Leonard stared blankly at Emanuel. To me, he smiled calmly as usual. Even at this age, he knew Emanuel had teased him. Sitting, he murmured my name softly.
“Teacher.”
“Yes?”
“Could you spar with me later?”
Scratch “calm.”
“Later’s tricky with plans. Tomorrow?”
“......”
Leonard delayed, so I corrected.
“This evening, then.”
“No, finish your business first.”
I started to agree but shook my head.
“I’ll come early.”
I offered my pinky. He eyed it curiously.
“What’s this?”
“Learn ahead.”
Unlike 17-year-old Leo, his eagerness extended to silly games. Everything amazed him—easy. Leonard liked it, relaxing into the performance.
* * *
“How did even this friend end up here...”
The grand duke side-eyed, displeased.
“My house.”
Emanuel grinned back.
After the first act, we’d gathered at Emanuel’s mansion for tea. The grand duke glared fiercely, as if to silence him, then spoke.
“May I continue our earlier talk? Emulating Aristotle, we need a unified educational system for Europe. It would make the continent far more organized and stable. And considering eastern nations—once unknown—have built potent magic systems, we must unite to grow stronger.”
“I see.”
Same as ever.
Still trying to show me his “normalcy” here. More suspicious—stop.
I stirred my tea with divine power and sipped before speaking.
“I find the occult a truly fascinating discipline.”
“...!”
The grand duke choked, face red, coughing violently. Emanuel handed a handkerchief, scolding.
“Why do that.... Gross.”
“Be quiet.”
The grand duke glared—who did you think caused this?—his eyes fierce as his normalcy ploy crumbled. He smiled politely, awaiting my words. If I asked about his antics, he vowed not to repeat them.
Right. Asking about that would be mere curiosity. First, build rapport.
Recalling Hermetic occultism I’d crammed for the Hermetici Gesellschaft club interview—Lion’s Treasure Chest—I chose words carefully.
“Your Excellency seems to live ‘as above, so below.’ At least to me, you balance spiritual experience and daily life masterfully.”
“......”
Emanuel raised a brow. His reaction suggested familiarity with Hermeticism too. “As above, so below”—core Hermetic axiom. My follow-up riffed on it.
The grand duke narrowed his eyes, more confused than before. Seizing the moment, I pressed.
“Hermeticism is magic’s foundation. Especially its path ‘more divine’—our era’s magic touches it in parts.”
“......”
“The mana we wield is divine grace infused. Fuse it with Kabbalistic mysticism Hermeticism embraces, and each Sephirot expresses divinity multifacetedly...”
Emanuel smirked silently—why do you know this?—then eyed the grand duke. Whose face had turned profoundly serious.
Trailing off, the grand duke continued.
“All emanates from the Holy Spirit Keter and returns there. That’s Kabbalah’s divine emanation.”
“......”
“That’s what you mean? Quite abstract.”
He’d bitten.
I nodded. Wariness lingered in his eyes but softened to favor and curiosity.
“Though I say this, I know little of Hermeticism. Just lots of interest in the occult, no clue where to start. Barely gleaned scraps from a few hard-won books.”
“......”
“So, meeting someone I click with... thrilled me...”
I averted my gaze, lips parting.
“If mistaken, embarrassing.”
“......”
Emanuel watched incredulously, then whistled. The grand duke stayed silent long.
Finally, softly:
“No mistake.”
Raising my brow, he continued solemnly.
“I too meet my first novice with such Hermetic passion. One question, then. What Magnum Opus do you seek, Excellency Everett?”
“......”
Easier than the Lion’s Club question. But unknowing of alchemy? Stumped. Generally an artist’s masterpiece, here: transmuting base metal to gold. Similar vibe.
“Nothing so grand yet. Just... now seeking a treasure chest that opens with holy water and holy blood.”
Not a lie. Need that for relic club entry.... Beyond truth, it was fact.
Emanuel’s eyes widened. He exchanged long glances with the grand duke, tilting his head at me. The grand duke asked stiffly.
“Where’d you hear that?”
Hm.
Problem. Said something off-limits? Post-12-years thing, undiscovered yet? Or their secret relic.
Mid-dilemma on reply, the grand duke leaned in gravely.
“I’ve long dreamed of this. Thought years away, no rush to start.... Let’s be founding members, we three.”
“Founding?”
No intent to escalate. Founding what? Eyes gleaming, he declared vigorously.
“We form our own occult artifact research society. Name it Hermetici Gesellschaft. What say you?”