Chapter 341
Chapter 341
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Translator: uly
Chapter: 341
Chapter Title: How to Survive as the Second Son of a Magical Noble Family (341)
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Mecklenburg gripped my hand briefly before releasing it like he was tossing it away. I couldn't help but let out an incredulous chuckle. I stared at my hand for a moment before lifting my head.
"What should we do now?"
"How the hell should I know..."
Mecklenburg trailed off mid-sentence, cleared his throat, and forced a smile.
"The 91st Batch will arrive soon. We'll talk then."
"You're impressive, no matter how I look at it."
"......"
He seemed to grasp exactly what I meant by "impressive." He took a deep breath, his eyes widening as he cast a soundproofing spell.
"So you don't like it? Watch your mouth in here...!"
"No, how could I possibly judge what you're saying, Senior?"
"Was that 'impressive' just my imagination?"
"Probably. Your words couldn't possibly displease me. More importantly, why are you still here instead of heading out?"
"We just arrived too. Time to go."
Mecklenburg waved his hand dismissively, as if shooing me away, and began conversing with Leo. It was baffling to watch him plaster on that gentle expression and spout polite nothings. I found the whole spectacle endlessly fascinating.
After that, we met the 91st Batch, attended the welcome banquet hosted by the Kingdom of Bavaria, and moved to another venue. The 91st Class Representative, a mage as usual, opened her mouth in the Kingdom of Bavaria's conference hall.
"First off, everyone knows we've discussed selecting a small number of A-Class mages for a top-priority operation. But after the terrorist act by the Pleroma Brandenburg Archdiocese, we've decided it's right for us to move in large numbers as well. We'll keep the original selection but deploy everyone upon entry."
'It's weird hearing it from her here.'
And it looked like I'd have to sit there wearing a mask. Being in this lion-infested stone building without one, showing my bare face, felt off. I tried to ignore the Kingdom of Bavaria's emblem embedded in the sky-blue curtains as I listened to them.
"...Our first goal is finding a route into the Munich-Freising Archdiocese. We'll have two days from now—48 hours—to find an entry path, then 24 hours to devise a strategy for Munich-Freising."
'24 hours...'
From the moment we start scouting entry routes, we'll be stirring up Bavaria like crazy. I got why they wanted to move fast to avoid leaks, but... this was risky.
"We might die in the process."
Her words hit right on cue. I met the 91st Class Representative's eyes.
"While we must treat ensuring all 45 of us return alive as a top priority, we can't assume it will happen. Our primary objective is the annihilation of the Munich-Freising Archdiocese and weakening the Pleroma forces in the Kingdom of Bavaria led by them."
"......"
"Anyone afraid of death shouldn't be here. Consider it an honor to die for our homeland."
Short responses rippled through the seated crowd. I didn't reply, just averted my gaze from their faces. It was better not to know what they looked like. Even if I did, it probably wouldn't change my impression much.
No matter how I thought about it, I didn't belong in the Special Operations Command. I lacked any patriotism for the homeland. Yeah, my top priority had never been the nation.
"Fun."
"Heike! No talking, run."
Heike, jogging beside me, murmured just as Leo shouted. We were doing our usual training until the next meeting. It wasn't much to begin with, and even less today. Doing it in a new place made the tedious routine feel fresh. I'd frequented the sparring grounds, but this was my first time here. I returned to my spot with my friends. And right away, I heard something ridiculous.
"Lucas, ten more laps."
"What, why?"
Leo just jerked his head. This guy's got it out for me... Stamina was something you could never have enough of anyway, so I followed without complaint. You never knew when trouble might strike.
Back to the conference room. This time, it was just me, Leo, the 91st Class Representative, and Mecklenburg—the participants of the final strategy review.
"Given the adjacency of the Munich-Freising and Passau dioceses, they likely have frequent exchanges. While scouting Munich-Freising entry routes, prioritizing intel on allied dioceses with Munich-Freising is key... From brief talks with Bavarian informants, they don't know much there. Bavarian agents have captured 36 Pleroma members as hostages in the past month, but only 4 are priests and 32 lay believers, so not much help."
"I see."
"Interrogating the priests... Two passed out immediately after mana restraints, impossible to talk. The other two knew little, and even after mental manipulation spells, the entry routes they described were already dismantled."
I nodded. This matched the brief report I'd sent to Nikolaus. He had significant involvement in Bavaria's Pleroma matters, but he didn't participate in every step. Naturally. Bavaria handled its own administration, and I mostly advised on rampage policies. So my knowledge wasn't much different from theirs.
"Which diocese do those two sleeping Pleroma priests belong to?"
I knew, but asked anyway. I could feel Mecklenburg glaring at me intently. I guessed the reason for his burdensome stare but decided to ignore him—I had a rough idea why.
"Augsburg Diocese."
"And the other two?"
"Munich-Freising Archdiocese."
Right, just as I'd read. I asked to avoid suspicion; now I'd pretend to mull it over and share my take. Even if these three knew who I was, I had to cover for the other one and the 40-odd rest. Better safe. I clicked my fountain pen shut and bowed slightly.
"Hm, thank you."
"For figuring it out?"
I'd been jotting down the diocese names on paper. I lifted my gaze with an ambiguous smile.
"...Pardon?"
The 91st Class Representative beamed at me approvingly. Leo looked calm, while Mecklenburg narrowed his eyes alone. I hadn't done anything yet—why were they all looking at me...?
'It feels like the professor's in front of me.'
Come to think of it, she'd always had high expectations of me, and I'd mimicked my first-timeline self in her class, so her view hadn't changed. I glanced at them and spoke.
"Among the Augsburg Diocese's bishopric, there's a Pleroma with an innate sleep ability. It's adjacent to Passau like this place, so frequent exchanges mean likely support troops—troublesome. Munich-Freising runs entry routes more fluidly than usual, suggesting superior spatial magic tech compared to other dioceses. Even their captured priests know nothing, indicating a highly secretive, thorough diocese. Might be tough finding an entry in 48 hours."
"Good. Straight to inferences from brief words—you're very knowledgeable on Pleroma. Studied a lot?"
"Thank you."
Truth was, most of that 'study'—Pleroma trend data—came from me... My conscience pricked. I felt Mecklenburg's scrutinizing gaze, resisted the urge to jab his core, and smiled. The 91st mage nodded contentedly, continuing.
"We could use someone this versed in Pleroma. How about safely getting Sir Nikolaus Ernst's help this time?"
"...!"
Mecklenburg's jaw dropped at that instant—I had to smack his core. He clutched his chest, convulsing.
"Hngh...!"
"Something wrong?"
"...N-No, nothing."
Mecklenburg straightened up, coughing awkwardly. As Leo's flustered gaze turned to me, I saw his face crumple. It'd been a while since I subjugated Mecklenburg, but with so many implanted memories, he hadn't realized until now. Yeah, not exactly humane. I knew, but what could I do? This guy, who'd mimicked inhumane methods with artifacts, had no right to that expression.
'More than that, he's breaking a sweat.'
Why couldn't this guy control his face? Before knowing my identity, he'd smirked smugly in any situation. Why freeze up at Nikolaus's name? I hoped he'd keep that ruling family dignity here too.
"So, is it okay to request Sir Nikolaus Ernst's cooperation?"
The 91st mage's gaze and hand naturally shifted right. She finished, addressing Leo.
"Sir Wittelsbach."
"......"
Nikolaus Ernst was right here. No speaking rights for me soured my mood. Leo answered curtly, eyes not on me.
"Regrettably, no."
"Why?"
"Everyone knows you came here in secret, but Brandenburg officials being vacant might already have reached Pleroma ears. We can't reveal not just our presence but Sir Ernst's too. Instead, though he can't come for meetings, I'll maintain ongoing communication with Sir Ernst to secure data."
"Hm."
Stroking his chin, the 91st mage smiled and nodded.
"Good. Means we can cooperate via you, Sir Wittelsbach."
As we left the conference room, I patted Mecklenburg's shoulder.
"A fly could've flown into your mouth unnoticed."
"What did you...!"
Yeah, the noble ruling family couldn't handle words like that. I observed Mecklenburg avoiding my eyes, then turned away.
"Now, of the remaining 48 hours, 24 are for data analysis. The others will head back to Brandenburg and Berlin to avoid suspicion... You'll return tomorrow, so only Eschet, Senior Mecklenburg, and Senior Hohenzollern stay here till then. Senior Albertina Hohenzollern will contact the Bavarian royals."
I beckoned Leo beside me.
"His Highness the Crown Prince here is set to contact me, on the surface."
"......"
Mecklenburg eyed us warily, alternating glances, then nodded. I smiled, pointing out the window.
"Guest rooms are all at Nymphenburg Palace, right? No need to drop by?"
"...True, but why?"
"Senior, come with me from now. Got something to show you."
Leo cut in.
"Where you going? Say something first."
"Nikolaus's office."
"No."
"What?"
* * *
I buried my face in my hands. The noon sun blazed unnecessarily bright. It was so hot I could've smacked my friend's core. After groaning for a while, I yelled at Leo.
"You're kidding?!"
"Your office and quarters are here now. Hope you like it."
"It's your room!"
"Yeah. So?"
That's why we're doing this, you lunatic... I reached for his collar but turned and banged my forehead against the wall instead. Felt cool on my brow.
"No room for me at Nymphenburg, I guess."
"Obviously. Assigned everyone but you. After this op, always come here in Bavaria."
His voice was impossibly warm saying that—I had to chuckle bitterly. Clearly doing this on purpose.
"...Punishment?"
"Yeah."
He'd literally hauled the desk away—how could I not be pissed? Sure, I'd had an office in the Magic Department building, but was this okay? Why there? All my work tied to the department. This stubborn ass struck again. Unless he'd added a warp mailbox, I'd take it as permission to slack off. Cooling my head against the wall's chill, I gritted my teeth.
"...How kind. Nicest punishment ever. Gonna raid your room service, so brace yourself."
"No room service... It's my house. And that's raidable?"
"Don't argue. Might never come to Bavaria."
I shoved him aside and slammed the door shut. I surveyed the room, wondering where it ended. More house than room... Unfortunately, doors besides the living room were locked. He used the living room like a normal bedroom. I tossed my bag on my familiar desk and flopped onto the new bed. Naturally, the room's owner casually entered, tidied my bag.
"Who lies in bed midday?"
"Your fault I'm pissed."
"Sit. Let's meet."
"Call Senior Mecklenburg too."
"He's here."
"I see. Quick, Senior."
I said that to a baffled-looking Mecklenburg and stood. He'd separated from us briefly while we talked to Leo but arrived fast. He eyed everything suspiciously, like stranded on an alien planet, and sat cautiously.
"Let's start. Office kindly warped here. Senior, come here for the next two days."
"Why'd the office warp?"
"Good question. Weird, right? First..."
I leaned in, pulling an envelope from the bottom desk drawer. Gesturing to open it, Mecklenburg frowned warily, carefully untying it. He stared blankly at the contents, then at me.
"This... Pleroma-issued official document?"
"From Osnabrück Diocese earlier. Shows they plant political spies in each diocese. Pleroma's varying ops and policy shifts limit use, but great for data accumulation."
"...W-Wait. Osnabrück? When...?"
"You wouldn't know, Senior, but I promised His Majesty to root out Pleroma before. Got authority to use divine power on suspected politicians. Did Imperial government's purge early this year."
"Early this year?! I didn't know?!"
"You weren't supposed to. How close do you wanna get?"
"......."
Mecklenburg chilled instantly. Light faded from his eyes. Finally calm and focused ahead, I handed him copies of my Bavarian Defense Ministry report.
"I've already cleared Pleroma from Bavaria. Here: two in the Lower House, three judges in local courts. Judges on promotion hold, Lower House under close watch. More in business, but too risky—hold off. Use these five politicians for entry routes."
Mecklenburg flipped pages, stroking his chin.
"No word from those informants earlier. Impressive."
"Why else keep them in Lower House and courts? This is top secret."
"...What? And I'm seeing it...?"
"Must succeed, so Command needs to know. I control access paths for the two Lower House ones. Just don't know if movable or other safeguards."
"Safeguards..."
"One Federal Council rep set to explode under conditions—Pleroma precaution for political plants. Never seen such hassle for non-special ops Pleroma. Confirmed ours didn't explode entering dioceses. Safeguards might overlap spatial magic, but we hold entry keys. Now, how to win in Munich-Freising?"
Mecklenburg raised a hand to wait.
"Not totally hopeless, but test safeguards first? Could block entry."
"Test how? Only interrogate ourselves. Carefully, so they don't know it's interrogation."
"In person?"
Leo's words. Our gazes turned to him.
"With vigilance this high, minimize approaches. Like Bavaria knew they were Pleroma, they know they're watched."
"Consider bait, you mean. But what else?"
"......"
"You're right, but no action, no info."
Leo smiled without replying. Mecklenburg, clueless, glanced between us.
In the end, I couldn't go. After a long joint meeting, Mecklenburg returned to Nymphenburg Palace. Dusk had fallen. Lying on the bed, I rose slowly.
"Gonna hit the bathroom."
"Why head to the hall? One in the room."
"......"
At the door, I nearly snuck a peek but flopped onto the sofa instead. Leo glanced, then back to documents.
"Thought you were going."
"You know what I was up to and gonna milk it?"
Escape foiled. I knew why he wanted me sidelined. Why solve everything via brainstorming and planning. I called a servant for drinks, set on the table. Leo eyed the wine, looked up.
"Bedtime. Strategy meeting tomorrow."
Leo nodded silently. Vacation-long abstainer, he sipped once. Just a glass.
"You were attacked at your residence. In the vanished timeline."
"......."
He drank quietly, then spoke abruptly. I nodded.
"Reminded me of your dorm early this year. Don't wanna risk anywhere now."
"Makes sense. Very you."
So lock me in your room. Flopped on the bed, I munched pretzels Leo brought, mumbling. Reading his gaze, I continued.
"Nah, it's fine. Thought before—this country's best spot, right?"
"......"
"Clinging to the best's great. Your solo act annoys, though."
Leo laughed. My annoyance probably rang insincere now. Yeah. Eyes closed, I heard him clear the table. Opening them, past midnight. Day wasted. Lights off.
"......."
I'd waited. Can't leave it like this. Points critically low, two days left. No telling what happens after, so I rose.
'Bathroom...'
Here. I turned the familiar ornate handle, locked the door, layered spells, sat in the empty tub staring out. Crown Prince Palace lake visible even here.
So, what now.
Extra Chapter
Stage 1: Therefore, if anyone is in Christ, the new creation has come: The old has gone, the new is here!
Stage 2: Turn from your sins and act in accordance with law and justice
Stage 3: ―
…
―
S Stage ■ : ■■■■■■….
Not Leo's extra chapter this time. Given trust built there, as trusted divine mage, staying by Leonard's side is best—no rash moves.
I'm entering Stage 2, Mecklenburg's extra chapter.
How do I know? I touched it, confirmed with my own eyes after. No more thinking. I pulled Elias's rum from my jacket, drank. Nausea from mere thought quelled.
Prep done. Staring at Stage 2.
"...What? You okay?! This guy...!"
"...!"
Someone shook me awake. I bolted up. Night moments ago, now sunlight stabbed. Unknown students frowned at me.
"Scared me. You good?"
I nodded vaguely, looked around. No mind for words... Suitcase there. Mysterious one on the floor.
Luckily not road middle this time—remodeled church school building. Grabbed suitcase, checked attire. Wearing uniform, oddly.
'Never seen this.'
Unlike pale Imperial Education Academy Class 2 uniform, dark brown jacket, black pants. Read jacket emblem.
Mecklenburg-Strelitz National Magic School.
'...Starts here.'
Albert Mecklenburg's future-ruled nation. Need Bavaria, end up Empire's opposite corner.
"......."
To not ruin Lucas Everett's buildup, entering here inevitable. Whatever system's doing, one thing clear: Can't be tied down! Even planning stage, clashes my plans. Leo's left passport, dropped; now magic school? Student? Or impersonator? Eye color now?
Fored head, decided.
'Alright. Expulsion time.'
Only way. System whatever, I forge my future. Must reach Bavarian capital. Grabbed passing student's arm.
"Uh, quick question. Warp coordinates here...?"
"Yeah? Lucas."
Stranger widened eyes, patted shoulder.
"Grand Crown Prince coming soon—what're you doing? You gotta swear in!"