Chapter 340
Chapter 340
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Translator: uly
Chapter: 340
Chapter Title: How to Survive as the Second Son of a Magical Noble Family
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“Leo. Why’d you call me?”
I wrung out the water dripping from my robe and hurried after him. In the empty, silent building, the sound of droplets hitting the floor echoed loudly. Leo crossed the changing room without looking back at me and headed through the hall, responding casually.
“I definitely called for Sir Ernst, though.”
“......”
I was so stunned I could only gape. I’m going to play with Luca, so you play with Nikolaus—that’s what Elias said. But somehow, the backlash hit me? This childish bastard... I glanced self-consciously at the black bangs falling over my forehead, then looked down at my drenched shower robe, which had no trace of formality. A hollow laugh escaped me. Meeting Nikolaus like this? Yeah, that tracks...
“Understood. But, Your Highness.”
I tilted my head, glaring at his neatly groomed hair from behind.
“Your soundproofing spell is lacking.”
“......”
“I’m not sure if it’s appropriate for me to address you with your title in this state, in such a wide-open building. What if your friends hear?”
“My friends, you say.”
I’d asked if he planned to keep acting so recklessly, but Leo just replied with a faint hint of amusement, unfazed. It stung in an unexpected way, giving me a headache. Why fixate on “your friends”? If I could pry open this guy’s skull and peek inside, that’d be great, but I couldn’t read his thoughts at all. One thing was clear, though: I wanted to smack his core. But as his nominal adjutant, bodyguard, and Minister of Bavaria, I couldn’t justify hitting the crown prince. Luca and this guy were both from ruling families, treated like princes everywhere, but somehow I’d already slipped into a subordinate role despite our equal standing. Sorry about that, Luca. It was a recurring thought, and today was no different.
‘Ah, right. Should’ve drowned him.’
When I’d gone to the outdoor bath with Eli, the ornamental plants had blocked me, but I’d had chances after passing through the inner bath to the hall. Should’ve just dunked him then. Why’d I miss it? Glaring at that impeccably pomaded hair, I finally noticed the changing room we’d passed and stopped him. I’d already cast a soundproofing spell myself.
“Ah, wait a moment, please. Seems like this’ll take a while, so let me change first.”
“Just go like that? I don’t have much to say.”
“Cold.”
Leo crossed his arms with an annoyed look and tilted his head. I spun on my heel immediately.
Truth be told, it wasn’t just the cold—parading around in only a robe while being called Sir Ernst felt off. As a member of this peaceful society, maintaining proper distance based on time and place was only right.
As I opened the door to the changing room, I came face-to-face with someone. Ulrike stood there, hand on the doorknob, eyes wide.
“...Luise.”
My heart nearly jumped out of my chest. Wait, how long had she been there? How much did she hear? Even in this moment of total exposure, Leo stared at Ulrike with the same impassive face as before, like some lunatic. Maybe she’d been at the door only after the soundproofing spell. Ulrike awkwardly glanced between us, then scowled at Leo as if deciding to grill him for answers.
“Uh, Leo. Why’s Luca calling you ‘Your Highness’...?”
Ah, damn. Hope snipped away. She’d heard before the spell. Leo’s blue irises impassively flicked from me to him. As his lips slowly parted, I cut him off.
“...We’re playing around. Probably.”
“Eh?”
“We’re messing around. Y’know? This guy’s such a total prince type, and it’s fun...!”
Leo caught the sarcasm in my words and snapped his fingers, so I ducked. Even half-evading it twisted my core hard enough to make my lungs sting. Hunched over so Ulrike couldn’t see my face, I bared my teeth at Leo in a grimace. Fortunately, Ulrike seemed oblivious to the absurdity of me folding in half out of nowhere at his finger snap and instead clapped in delight.
“Wow, messing around? You two?”
“Yeah, for real.”
“I’m relieved you’re trying to get along. Keep things smooth like this during ops too, guys!”
“We never fought to begin with, Luise.”
“Right, yeah~ I’m off now! You guys come down too! Everyone’s heading here.”
“Got it, see you later.”
The moment Ulrike left, I closed my eyes and took a deep breath. Leo, who’d watched us calmly the whole time, murmured softly.
“Now I see—even more than anyone, Sir Ernst himself wants the most distance from me.”
“Not true? What’re you...”
“I’ll give you one minute. Go change.”
I stared at him, dumbfounded again. One minute? To change clothes? And how long did he plan to keep up this farce? A mask would make “sir” and titles flow naturally, but not now. This was... yeah, school vibes. No strict Korean honorifics, so it wasn’t burdensome in English ears, but “sir” did create distance.
Figuring out why he insisted on “sir” wasn’t hard. I was still smack in the middle of Leo and Elias’s childish rivalry. His attitude was a declaration: no arguments allowed. If I just shut up and followed, he’d drop it soon enough. But staying silent? Not easy. Stubbornness demands greater stubbornness—that’s my subjective view—and bending to a stubborn ass wasn’t simple.
Leo checked his watch and smiled.
“50 seconds.”
“You’re joking.”
Leo tilted his head sideways. I muttered curses under my breath and dashed into the changing room, sweeping everything from the cabinet and roughly slipping a shirt over my arm.
‘Just defy him once, see what happens?’
I was curious. Sure, as friend and royal employee, there’d be fitting discipline, but how far would this guy go?
‘He’ll just chew me out verbally, that’s it.’
Thinking that, I still finished everything in 50 seconds and stepped out. No telling what he’d do, so better safe. Leo narrowed his eyes at my sloppy attire. I draped the jacket over my arm and tucked the shirt into my pants.
“Your clothes...?”
Leo frowned at the black velvet jacket and gray argyle vest on my arm. Elias’s, obviously. I nodded while buckling Elias’s—unnecessarily flashy—belt. Didn’t want to borrow his stuff, but back then I’d accepted to boost affinity or whatever. Unless I headed back to Cheringen Palace, this was all I had left.
Leo’s face screamed utter boredom at the thought of Elias, pointing wearily at the changing room.
“Go back in.”
“Why, you bastard.”
“Think about it—won’t Klaist drag you back to the baths later?”
“I’ll grab spares then. Training a mutt?”
Leo smiled with a “do I have to say it twice?” look and pointed again. I smiled back. Then, seeing his usual smile, a near-truth deduction hit me. This guy knew he was being stubbornly petty. Pure amusement command. He hated being called crown prince, and he wasn’t one to swing power wildly. He’d sooner renounce royalty. So, this farce was possible only because the target was his friend.
‘No way. Wait... it’s a joke.’
Sir Ernst isn’t your subject just ‘cause he’s your friend? Tolerating a friend’s power trip? Hanging with royals is no joke. He’d be a saint-king to the people, but to me... I smirked sarcastically.
“What if I refuse? Just so you know, even if I draw Bavaria’s pay, Your Highness has no authority over my wardrobe.”
“Doubt it. Unless you want double discipline, go in.”
“......”
Double? Ah, one’s already queued? Screw this psycho. I nearly flicked his forehead at that smug grin but breathed deep. Couldn’t risk triple. Elias’s clothes caused this mess. No matter how I sliced it, Elias and this guy played too childish. Lifelong friends, sure... I shook my head and turned.
Changed into a fresh robe. Refreshing. Smacked Leo’s core in the changing room too. When I emerged, he shot me an irritated glare. Following him, we entered the empty dining hall upstairs. No chef access yet, so truly deserted. Amid dim predawn light filtering in, Leo set down his book and asked lightly.
“Luca. Tea?”
“If Your Highness is making it, sure.”
I leaned back against the chair. Leo nodded. Five minutes later, he brought chamomile tea and set it before me.
“What’d you talk about with Elias earlier?”
No playfulness in his face or voice now. I stared straight at him.
“Nothing as Nikolaus.”
My words backfired; Leo froze momentarily.
“Must I report our private friend chat? Is that your royal order?”
“......”
For some reason, Leo’s smile turned icy, so I shut up. That was his face when hurt but refusing defeat. I stayed silent, then met his piercing gaze head-on.
“First time I told Elias what I’ve always wanted to. Didn’t get it all out.”
“......”
“I know you don’t want me spilling my heart on command. So I’ll tell you someday. Not now.”
Arms crossed, leaning unmoving, Leo’s reply surprised me. He nodded cleanly.
“Got it. I’ll wait.”
“...Not like you.”
“If that’s what you want.”
“Who? Luca, or Nikolaus?”
“You.”
I paused, then nodded.
“Thanks.”
Leo offered a faint smile and opened his book to read. Called me to read? Nah. I was briefly dumbfounded but waited. Outside, Karlsruhe’s skyline and a slightly brighter dawn sky. Still dark dominated, the crisp blue morning air taxing for reading. Gazing at the quiet city and cloudless sky, I turned to Leo with Principia.
“Hard to read anyway—spit out your business. So, why drag me here?”
“Can’t I just call you? I’m your friend too.”
“Bored? For real?”
Feeling my fist clench, I smiled. Leo shrugged at me, closed the book, and handed over an envelope. Breaking the red seal revealed stiff paper inside. The eagle emblem at the top center and massive blackletter text choked my breath.
“Pleroma Munich-Freising Archdiocese Entry Order.”
“......”
“Right after leave ends.”
Just handled Brandenburg Archdiocese, now Munich? Not dragged in reactively—we had to go first. Seeing my face harden, Leo pulled out a newspaper. Looking straight at me, he said.
“Understand. I refused too... but this is why HQ’s forming a new all-A-Class team. No veto power.”
“...Yeah. No need to waste effort.”
When I’d pushed Brandenburg first in some timeline, he hadn’t dismissed it as newbie nonsense and dragged me along. That’s why. HQ planned Pleroma for month’s end—Brandenburg. We preempted in new team strategist trials, got wrecked... and won. Thought we won. Didn’t expect another target post-Brandenburg; Munich-Freising as backup.
“...Can’t just slack. I get needing action.”
Rubbing my temple, I closed my eyes. Paper rustled as Leo slid it over; I opened them slowly and took the paper. Leo pointed to the article.
“Yesterday’s front page. Germany’s mediating the Austria-Hungary-France summit set for month’s end, but France suddenly rejects, pulling in Britain and Belgium.”
“......”
Slightly different, but familiar setup. Same region, era—makes sense.
“...Belgium out of nowhere, testing independence theft yet desperate. No Russia? Worried Ottoman Empire might join us later.”
“Russia’s testing too. With Pleroma on us, can’t pour into geopolitics. Must ally Papacy now. Empire hitting Munich-Freising is joint op.”
“Drawing Papacy domestic for expanded German influence.”
“Yeah. Empire yields step for alliance. Giving Catholic foothold by clearing Bavaria’s Pleroma. Positively... good for Bavaria.”
“Only if it succeeds.”
Leo nodded at my firm words. He’d tried optimism, but didn’t love it.
From start: Empire can get Papacy one-offs while they’re willing. But key’s political alliance beyond Pleroma aid. Prussia banks on Bavaria for Papacy ties, boosting Bavaria’s German clout. Prussia trusts Bavaria won’t botch, and it won’t—but politically gains Bavaria.
Assuming Munich-Freising entry and Pleroma annihilation succeed.
Failure pins blame on Bavaria too. Empire op, but Bavaria incident needs kingdom support. Plus, stirring southern Pleroma hornet’s nest. Fingering the eagle-embossed order, I fixed my gaze.
“As Nikolaus Ernst, time to succeed and repay Bavaria. Failure ends Eschet’s safety—and Bavaria’s.”
“Don’t. No pressure.”
“Success or death.”
My stark words made Leo’s gaze distant instantly. Spotting weary fear in his irises, my breath caught. Silence stretched. Suddenly wondering if his desolate features mirrored mine—unable to see my own—I said.
“We can do it. Not dragged in blind. Prep time—let’s nail it.”
“......”
“With Papal divine mages even.”
Leo finally mustered a perfunctory smile.
What I’d said was obvious. From imperial selection, it’d always been success or death—he knew, everyone knew, standard doctrine. Bad timing now, knowing what I’d endured, what he’d read.
‘...Won’t complain if he keeps “sir.”’
Better playing with “sir.” Tightening my loosened robe sash, I changed subjects.
“Topic done. So, discipline? Just talk?”
“......”
Leo stared, lips curling. After an eye-staring contest, I switched again.
“...Fine. You really skipping baths? More play with guys later.”
“Arm like this—how?”
“Bull. You’d mana-shield and play. Just lazy.”
“Hm.”
Leo shrugged, chin-jerking at me.
“You—why wear robe in water?”
“Just.”
“What ‘just’? Gotta tailor to you.”
“Tailor what? Plenty to tailor?”
“More than you think.”
Leo propped his chin, awaiting reply. What’s plenty? He muttered he’d ask Elias, turning away. Why bother? Waving it off, I answered simply.
“No biggie. Don’t like skin showing.”
“Ah.”
Leo let slip an exclamation, pondered, then rubbed chin, narrowed eyes, gestured wildly, and nodded.
‘What’s that mean? Doesn’t suit?’
“Sorry. Should’ve said wear Elias’s.”
“Yeah, so ease up on pranks... and don’t look away. Worse.”
“Never yield, huh.”
Leo chuckled lightly, clasped hands, leaned in.
“Luca, later...”
“No later.”
I turned at the voice behind. Elias waved at the dining entrance. Seeing him, Leo’s lips twisted. Elias shrugged at Leo, grinning.
“Let’s go down! Time to play!”
* * *
No clue how the day passed. Hit baths; Heike calmly notified me her skin pruned—truly red, shocking—Elias, Narke, Cheringen teamed to dunk Leo finally. I followed soon. Whiskey and wine? Over ten bottles easy. Tormented by booze and baths till morning, I escaped to bed. Thought I’d sleep all day in Cheringen’s guest room...
“...!”
I swung a fist, bolting up. Chilly wind on my cheek prickled every hair.
“Whoooaaa!”
“You’re up!”
“What the—...?!”
Outside. I threw off the thick blanket and stood. Unknown highland field; six friends circled me. Cheringen grinned.
“Back to Munich by morning, right? Wanted to show this first.”
Cheringen flopped on the field. I looked where his gaze led.
“Spot Leo, Elias, and I came as kids. Sky great?”
Stars blanketed the sky. Unseen brook gurgled faintly with held breath. Perfect trance view, but Ulrike and Heike ignored stars/water, rummaging clover.
Leo beside Cheringen murmured.
“Brings back memories. Wish you’d come too.”
“......”
Knew who instantly. Leo’d say that. Luca couldn’t hang with same-age rulers ‘cause of Adrian Ascanien. Quick-checked Heike, Ulrike—clover-focused, missed Leo.
“Man, hungry. Always ate wild strawberries here—none now...? Hey, Bavarian. Should’ve brought Schneeballen!”
“What?”
Leo opened book, blocking Elias’s nonsense. Elias sprawled, mumbling.
“Ah~ Still vivid—Leo’s spell, nosebleed.”
“What?”
“Leo yeeted me into a tree. Week hospitalized.”
“Sparring mishap. Apologized hundreds times since.”
Leo snapped, ear covered. Ulrike finally looked up, dazed.
“Leo messes up too? Thought total class prez.”
No clue relevance, but Leo shrugged it off as Ulrike thing. Cheringen, eyes starry, murmured.
“Once back, who knows next group trip. Hope for peace now.”
Everyone knew no. Even Cheringen.
“Wish on a star? Op success please.”
Narke’s light words drew Cheringen’s smile. Then Ulrike barged, ghost-faced.
“Woo! Found it! Eeeeeek!”
Dawn, we boarded train to Bavaria. Returning to Munich—not Brandenburg/Berlin—felt like homecoming (Nikolaus dorm counts). Kinda excited. Friends vacation-vibed too. Faces bright. Pleroma op loomed, but no ruining trip end with worries. Flipping Ulrike’s yesterday clover bookmark, I thought. Ulrike spotted me passing rail corridor, bounced.
“Whoa, made my gift a bookmark?”
“Yeah, Leo did.”
“What? You guys really trying for team.”
“Nah, actually...”
Before explaining, he vanished spotting Cheringen. Whatever. I stood—München Hauptbahnhof, time to disembark.
Short trip. Entering Bavarian Palace’s Munich Residence, familiar faces.
“......”
Friends saluted 98th A-Team on sight—they’d come from Brandenburg for op. Mecklenburg’s mild face twisted to forced smile at me. Having seen varied Mecklenburg expressions, I read it. Glancing at our wary team, I extended hand.
“Meeting in Bavaria again, Senior.”
“......”
“Let’s do well together this time too.”