Chapter 365
Chapter 365
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Translator: uly
Chapter: 365
Chapter Title: How to Survive as the Second Son of a Magical Noble Family
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I'll leave the task of gathering information from the only person Ismailov will speak to—to Ismailov himself.
It's a sound strategy. A sound strategy, but it becomes a dangerous choice the moment Pleroma says, "We hope Lucas Ascanien will take charge of Ismailov." And yet, the government has assigned Ismailov to me. I wonder why.
'...Maybe they're thinking differently precisely because they've been so upfront about it.'
Since they've openly stated their intentions, they must believe that pairing me with Ismailov isn't their ultimate goal. Both the government and I suspect they have a hidden true objective, but our conclusions differ.
'My head hurts.'
I don't have absolute certainty about what Pleroma ultimately wants either, but I still partially trust Narke's statement. It wasn't long ago that Narke said I needed to stay as far away from him as possible, and now we're stuck together like this?
"Your Excellency Mecklenburg."
The moment Narke spoke up, Mecklenburg responded immediately.
"I don't want to relay this order either. I've suggested reconsidering it several times already, but it was refused."
"......"
Should I write to Abraham? No, that guy would just say, "What connection do you have with the angel of the covenant that makes them point you out? I'm curious." He'd find it amusing.
'Keep him as a last resort.'
Let's try the immediate options first.
"No matter how I think about it, this is unreasonable for me."
I could see mixed emotions flickering in Mecklenburg's eyes. He seemed to be thinking something like, "As Nikolaus Ernst, how could I object?" or perhaps sympathizing with the unfairness because I'm from the 101st batch. He quickly settled on the latter. Turning his gaze away, Mecklenburg said.
"...I'll keep talking to them. Once this man starts adapting to the Empire, things might change."
What was supposed to change? It sounded vague, but it meant that if Ismailov started sharing information with someone other than me, they'd pull him away immediately. In other words, there was no way out right now.
"In my view, this isn't a great choice. It's still too early to have him face our wizards directly. Besides, this man... toward you..."
Mecklenburg gestured with his hand instead of words, wearing a weary expression. He, too, seemed deeply uneasy about Pleroma's messiah saying, "I like you."
"I'm surprised to hear such sound advice from you, Senior."
"...Don't joke around. This isn't the time."
'I meant it sincerely, so why assume it's a joke?'
"There's a meeting with France this week. They might be gathering every card the Empire can play by extracting information from Ismailov. Just endure it until then."
"And if I endure?"
"If there's no gain by then, I'll report that it's best to back off gradually, gains or no gains."
Mecklenburg must assume there won't be any gains. He's scared there might actually be some. I looked at the government wizards awaiting us and quietly said.
"What if I refuse to follow the order?"
"The Chief of Staff would meet you to decide your punishment. Do I need to spell it out? If you push it further, you could even be expelled from the Imperial Magic Association."
"Expelled? Me? They absolutely won't expel me."
I snapped my fingers to cast a soundproofing spell and snorted. But at the same time, a certain possibility flashed through my mind, and my smile slowly faded.
What if these madmen actually expel me? The way the world works—as history books show no matter where you open them—is never rational or reasonable. Individuals and groups have different natures and produce different outcomes in the same situations. Rationality, reason, and optimal choices are fantasies from economics textbooks, especially rare in politics. Thinking of that possibility sent chills down my spine. If they expel me while leaving these 18-year-old high schoolers on the front lines, stranding me alone in civilian life... it's over.
I turned to where Narke was. He was staring blankly at the floor, expressionless. If he had some clever plan, he would've hinted at it by now, but since he hasn't, it means escaping this situation easily is tough. Even I can see that right now. Mecklenburg—this loyal pro-emperor—already tried dissuading them first, yet they're reacting like this, so me stepping up won't change much. Especially since I lack solid evidence to present to them right now.
"From now on, Ismailov will accompany you. More precisely, you'll accompany Ismailov and take care of him. That's the only way to draw out his words."
"......"
"We're monitoring his heartbeat and mana in real-time in case he shows abnormal symptoms while with you. If the cycle shifts even slightly, an alarm will sound, so you'll know too. Just stay safe. We'll head there immediately."
Stay safe.... Isn't it my job to subdue him if needed, not avoid him? I couldn't voice it, knowing they'd accuse me of arrogance.
For now, since I have points to retry, I'll experience it once. Even without that, there's no escaping right now.
I left Mecklenburg behind and walked toward Ismailov.
"Nice to meet you."
Ismailov blinked down at me. Looking into his pale, water-like eyes reminiscent of white, Narke from the Papal Office came to mind, and before that, Ainsidel with his high ponytail and artificial white hair. Thankfully, that itself was a clue.
Since Ismailov just stood there silently, I extended my hand. The government wizards holding him watched his every move. Ismailov glanced down at my black-gloved hand, then at his own, before slowly grasping mine. The way his palm fully pressed against mine felt like someone trying a handshake for the first time. It creeped me out, so I quickly let go. Despite the rudeness—or perhaps unaware it was rude—Ismailov just looked at me normally. Smiling briefly, I greeted him.
"I've heard the gist. Let's get along starting today."
—"I was about to say that, Lucas."
I turned toward the voice. Narke stood rooted in the spot from our earlier conversation, looking at me. Rare for him to lack a smile, but when our eyes met, he smiled.
—"I've thought it over, and this seems best. Let's get along starting today."
"...Huh?"
I smiled awkwardly and raised an eyebrow. Get along out of nowhere? Haven't we been getting along? Besides, with this guy here who might hear, why say it now?
But he offered no explanation I wanted. After glancing at Ismailov, that was it. Leo, noticing something off from my reaction, scowled at Narke, but even under our scrutiny, he said nothing.
"......"
Ismailov silently stared at Narke. I got explanations from another government official and headed to the Bavarian National Medical Center. After dealing with the hostage's human rights issues at the hospital, we entered Nymphenburg Palace. Anything that could serve as information had been cleared out in preparation for his arrival. Leo had gone to protest the measure—insisting I come along, but he ignored me—so only Narke and I led Ismailov to a top-floor room in Nymphenburg.
Creak—
Opening the door, my friends rose from the table where they'd gathered. When I was summoned early that morning, they'd said they'd wait here. Ulrike spotted Ismailov behind me and asked.
"...Who's this?"
"Pleroma hostage."
"What?!"
"What do you mean?"
Elias fixed his gaze on Ismailov and asked. I shrugged at him.
"Just what it sounds like. Introduce yourself, Mr. Ismailov."
"......"
He didn't open his mouth. He didn't even look at my 101st batch friends, despite it being valuable intel. He just stared at the wall beyond them. Ulrike cast a soundproofing spell and asked.
"...Ismailov? Russian? Was calling you out this morning to introduce him?"
If only it were that simple. Hesitating with a resigned smile, I watched my friends' expressions harden. Shaking my head, I explained.
"More precisely, I have to live with him."
"...What?!"
"What kind of crazy talk is this?"
Ulrike and Elias reacted simultaneously. Cheringen narrowed his brow slightly, glancing between us.
From the government's perspective, since I'm the only one Ismailov talks to, they want me to converse with him and extract something. But is there a guarantee this Pleroma messiah will only speak to me? Earlier was just luck; now he might not talk to me, or once relaxed, he could talk to others anytime. Knowing I was being a bit stubborn, I sighed deeply.
Leading Ismailov to the round table, my friends sat with wary eyes. Their gazes fixed on Ismailov and me. Answering my expectant friends, I said.
"It's exactly as I said. I don't know how long, but they say I have to take charge of him."
"Why?!"
"......"
The Pleroma messiah likes me....
I couldn't say that. They might all need holy water to cleanse their ears. Who wouldn't be shocked by such a reckless statement? I hadn't even mentioned he was a Pleroma messiah. Shaking my head, I replied instead.
"They've judged we basically won't cause him irreparable harm. Other batch seniors and the government are still managing him. They say I just need to help him adjust."
"What about your medical leave?"
"Gone. Anyway, since you all live with me, this means we all have to deal with him together."
My friends' expressions grew grave. Even Heike narrowed her eyes at him briefly. She quickly returned to her usual blank face, but Heike showing such an expression, even momentarily, was shocking.
I asked Ismailov, still staring at the table.
"Do you have a preferred tea?"
"......"
I hadn't expected a response. Ordering black tea from a servant, I sat quietly watching him. Ulrike recast the soundproofing spell and whispered.
"Lucas. Is it really okay to be with that Pleroma guy?"
"I don't know. And even with the soundproofing, he'll hear everything."
"Huh...?!"
"Right? Or does it depend on the situation?"
Ismailov glanced at me then looked away. Must be right. Good. Breaking the silence, I said once more.
"As a Pleroma, you know your image isn't great. If you want to stay comfortably while here, talk when the opportunity arises."
No answer. Now Elias wrinkled his nose, glaring at him.
"Say something at least. What conditions were exchanged for him?"
"We didn't hand over anything. Just asked them not to attack their dioceses for a while."
Elias spread his hands in disbelief, letting out a hollow laugh. His expression said it all without words. It was the face of "Does that even make sense?" In paraphrase, something like "You think they won't attack anyway?"
"...This is insane. No, everyone's gone mad. What if our info leaks through him?"
"No."
Everyone's heads turned at the sudden voice. I looked at Narke, who spoke for the first time since arriving. His expressionless face continued.
"They wouldn't use such a shallow trick. We had sense-sharing at first, but it was all released on the way back."
Elias, sharper than usual with Pleroma present, slowly nodded, rested his chin, and asked coldly.
"Then why bring him?"
Ismailov kept staring at the table regardless. I answered right after.
"To foster peace and friendship."
"...I know they can do that, but why does it feel so fishy?"
"Can't be helped with Pleroma as the counterpart. We didn't even force their surrender, so no reason to take such a wizard as hostage."
My friends seemed to infer from "such a wizard" that he was quite skilled. More importantly, I needed to do something else now. To separate Ismailov from us, I had to help him adapt to the Empire or practice talking to people so he'd open up to others.
'...To get him talking, maybe leave us alone.'
"Kids, can you give us the room for a bit?"
Surprisingly, it wasn't me who said it. Narke voiced my exact thought, smiling. Meanwhile, Elias bared his teeth, speaking in a suppressed voice.
"Not until this Pleroma opens his mouth."
"That's what we're trying to do. Please."
"......"
Elias pouted at Narke's words, sighed, and left. Cheringen nodded as if no objection, stood, and quietly said.
"Tell me if something happens."
"Will do. Thanks."
Even after everyone left, Narke stayed seated beside me. I cautiously called him.
"Narke."
"Hm? Me?"
"Yeah, you.... Can you step out for a sec?"
"Oh~ No can do."
Narke brightly smiled and flatly refused. No can do? Why...? I was momentarily speechless, mouth agape, then shook my head.
"Narke. I need to ask this guy something..."
"Make yourself comfortable~"
Make myself comfortable. I was planning to start by asking what "I like you" meant. Swallowing hard, I ran simulations. If Narke knew already, it'd be a hollow laugh; if hearing now, I'd want to bolt immediately.
"With you here, he won't say a word."
Narke looked like that made sense, smiled, and stared straight at Ismailov.
"Give up."
"......"
Ismailov slowly blinked, his gaze rising from the table to Narke's eyes. Alternating glances between Ismailov and Narke, I gave up and asked something else.
"What did you do before coming here?"
"...Pleroma."
"......"
Hearing his voice for the first time since interrogation, I looked at Narke. Narke, staring intently at Ismailov, sensed my gaze and smiled softly.
Did Narke's "give up" work? Stroking my chin, I asked again.
"What did you do in the Order?"
"......"
"Then before joining Pleroma?"
"......"
Both silences felt similar in texture. From their eye movements, they weren't deliberately refusing. Earlier, he recalled something but couldn't express it verbally. It felt déjà vu—someone whose myriad signals in an expressionless face I had to interpret, and she'd been at this table until moments ago. No malice or hostility in his face, so I replied briefly.
"We'll figure it out gradually."
* * *
The moment Ismailov was foisted on me, my return to Eschet duties was as good as complete. So what does that mean I have to do?
On a street in Bavarian Nuremberg, I pulled out my signaler and tapped it.
"Mission complete. Returning."
Thud—
Narke slammed his staff down, white divine power spreading everywhere. After purifying the vitriol on the ground, Narke switched his staff to a wand and smiled.
"Who knew you and I would team up. Been a while since an 8th-grade victim."
"Yeah, sure."
We took on every report that came in. Or rather, "I" did. The 101st batch handling high-risk victims doesn't need to take low-risk reports. Right now, I chose to go alone, and Narke just tagged along.
'...Hmm.'
As Narke's morning words resurfaced, he patted my shoulder with a grin.
"Let's head back, Lucas."
"...Yeah."
Turning around, I saw Ismailov standing blankly in the distance, doing nothing but watching us. Right, he followed me too. Narke and I warped straight to Nymphenburg Palace, and Narke quickly brought Ismailov along.
And so, a surprisingly ordinary day passed. From the thunderbolt morning news and chaotic noon, evening was now approaching.
Positively speaking, one good thing came from taking Ismailov: I finally escaped Leo's room in the Crown Prince's Palace and got my own room in Nymphenburg like my friends.
"......"
And now, I'm chuckling wryly.
The government might need info from Ismailov, but I don't. So my choice was neglect. I did my usual duties, chatted moderately with friends, sent victims to the hospital, drank tea.
And Ismailov followed me around all day.
"Stop."
In front of the archive bathroom, I turned and glared at the two.
"If you don't have business, get out."
Why two? Not just Ismailov, but Narke too, trailing me all day without fail.
"Oh, this is a bit much."
Narke snickered and waved as if understanding. He's doing it on purpose, so no need to deal with him.
I turned to Ismailov, who tilted his head expressionlessly. I was at a loss for words.
"......"
"......"
Silence flowed. Utterly baffling. Even Heike wouldn't ask why.... What lunatic follows someone to the bathroom when they have no business there? Elias might pass, but anyone else defies human logic. Resigned, I gestured at him.
"Scram.... I mean, please leave."
"......"
Ismailov obediently retreated. Makes me wonder if he's socialized or not. Compared to somewhat normal Heike—at least I think so now, maybe adapted—he was on another level.
Returning to the archive, I stared at the empty bookshelves. Some info control due to Pleroma staying. To the silent Ismailov, I said.
"Read a book. They moved everything except fairy tales for you."
Since he stood still, I picked a picture book and handed it over. Unsure if he could read. Meanwhile, I headed to a shelf with slightly more books.
'He's following again.'
No magic books left, naturally. I pulled a history book and opened it. Ismailov stood a bit away, slowly turning pages.
"......"
Five minutes later, I admitted defeat. No concentration possible reading with a Pleroma messiah. Closing my book, I watched Ismailov flip through the picture book like seeing it first time—though probably not, his actions....
Hospital scenes flashed: artifacts and drugs suppressing his mana, costing a fortune. Now, he was barely more magical than a non-wizard, and had to be. Unsure if fully suppressed, but no mana felt during handshake. While observing him, he ignored me, finished the picture book, closed it, and arbitrarily picked another. Pointing to the heartbeat artifact on his wrist, I asked.
"Not uncomfortable?"
"......"
"Well, even if it is, I can't help much."
"I know."
Narke, sitting far off, grinned like "Why ask then?" I shrugged and asked another.
"What are you reading?"
He blinked, perhaps thinking, then answered shortly.
"Augustine."
"......"
Augustine? My mind froze. Why read a theologian? Trinity and wild thoughts raced. Approaching, I closed the book cover.
"Let me see."
"......"
It was indeed on the Trinity. His position made it iffy, but no deeper issue—still, why curious about the Trinity? Creepy. As I was about to say better read something else with a wry smile, a discordant alarm sounded.
Beep beep beep—
"...Hm?"
Heartbeat? Wait. No memory of doing anything problematic.
Narke looked at me baffled, and I stared up at Ismailov in disbelief. At that moment, Albertina Hohenzollern and Mecklenburg warped in simultaneously.