Please Give Me Your Son
The Magic Tower Master slowly scanned the outdated reception room. The Ash Baronial Estate was indeed falling apart. The wallpaper was faded, the furniture showed multiple layers of repainting, and even the porcelain pieces displayed in the cabinet didn't match as a set. Strangely enough, though, it didn't feel shabby. There was a stubborn persistence unique to old houses that had endured for a long time. Anyone could see the family was in dire straits, yet it didn't come across as pathetic. If anything, it felt like a home that clung fiercely to its pride, refusing to collapse no matter what.
And at the center of it all sat a man. Albert Ash was lifting his teacup with an easygoing smile. On the surface, he looked like nothing more than a good-natured noble—perhaps even a slightly airheaded father. But the Magic Tower Master had already realized that this man hadn't yielded control of the conversation even once since it began.
"I think we've exchanged enough pleasantries. You're a busy man, aren't you, Tower Master? What brings you all the way to a place like this that's practically crumbling?"
"I've come to apologize."
"Apologize?"
"There was an unavoidable incident during the recent practical training."
The supervision had been inadequate. Ian Ash had nearly suffered a serious injury. Fortunately, his exceptional performance had prevented any major accident. The Magic Tower Master had been prepared to rattle off a long explanation. After all, parents were the kind of annoying creatures who required such justifications.
Which was why the Magic Tower Master was surprised. Albert was smiling kindly.
"Things like that can happen when you're studying at the academy."
"Even so, I cannot simply let it pass."
The Magic Tower Master pulled a single check from his robe and placed it on the table. One billion krone. A number heavy enough to press down on the air in this dilapidated reception room. Even an ordinary noble's eyes would change at the sight. For a family on the brink of ruin, it was an amount that would stir intense desire.
Albert glanced at the check once, then asked with concern, "Did my son get hurt?"
"No, he did not."
"Ahahaha! Whew. You really startled me."
Albert laughed brightly, as if relieved. "I thought something terrible had happened. In that case, this money is unnecessary."
"...You're refusing it?"
"Yes. It's not as if we need it for hospital bills. There's no reason for me to accept it."
Despite the cheerful laughter, his words were firm. The Magic Tower Master's eyes narrowed. He was more resolute than expected. The type who, even while barely holding a collapsing family together, refused to bend his own principles. 'I see.' That must be why the family had fallen so far.
The Magic Tower Master abandoned any thought of circling around the issue. Deception and appearances wouldn't work on this man anyway.
"The truth is, I have another matter to discuss."
Albert nodded. "Speak freely."
"Please allow me to take Ian Ash as my disciple."
A brief silence fell. The Magic Tower Master unconsciously bit the inside of his lip slightly.
"Ian Ash's talent is significant... No." He immediately corrected himself. "Ian Ash's talent is extraordinary."
There wasn't a single person who didn't understand the weight of those words. It was rare for the Magic Tower Master to call anything "extraordinary"—especially when referring to a student. Albert knew this very well.
Perhaps that was why he broke into a wide grin instead.
"Oh my. Our Ian? This is truly wonderful news."
The corner of the Magic Tower Master's mouth twitched upward ever so slightly. Yes, parents were all like this in the end. A single compliment about their child was enough to sway their hearts.
"Trust me with him. I will raise him to become the next Magic Tower Master."
"Ah, about that." Albert continued with the same smiling face. "What matters is whether Ian wants to do it."
The Magic Tower Master blinked. Even the emperor rarely rejected his proposals so gently. Yet the head of this nearly ruined baronial family was drawing a clear line with a smile, as if it were nothing.
"I believe a child's path shouldn't be decided by their parents." Albert scratched the back of his head. "Of course, I'm not much of a father myself."
Even so, his gaze never wavered. "Still, I can't sell my son, can I?"
The air in the reception room grew icy cold. The Magic Tower Master's blue eyes sank deep. 'So that's where the boy gets that upright look in his eyes.'
His greed only grew thicker. The harder something was to obtain, the more he wanted it. Ian Ash. And this strange family surrounding him. How very interesting.
"Whoa, what's with the atmosphere in here?"
The words slipped out the moment I opened the study door. My father was scratching the back of his head, while the Magic Tower Master wore an expression like he'd just been pulled out of a freezer. What the hell? Did they trade blows or something? Why does it feel like Dad won?
"Ah, you're here." Albert Ash chuckled warmly.
In contrast, the Magic Tower Master stood up and walked toward me. As he passed by my side, he murmured in an extremely low voice, "Interesting, Ian Ash. The more difficult it is to obtain..."
"......"
What the hell is that yandere-obsessive line? A chill ran down my spine.
The moment the Magic Tower Master left and the door closed, I immediately turned to my father. "What was that about?"
"Hahaha. The Magic Tower Master said he wants to take you as his disciple."
"That bastard pulled such a dirty trick?" Since I wouldn't budge, he went after the family? Truly underhanded and effective. If I were in his position, I probably would've done the same.
I quickly looked at my father. "You didn't accept, did you?"
"He offered a billion krone."
"Where's the billion? Of course you accepted, right? No matter how much you want to claim ownership, that money would come from selling me, so it's mine. Please give it to me. Actually, since you are the family head, I'll give you about 1%. The remaining 990 million is—"
"Hahaha! Calm down, son."
How am I supposed to calm down?! It's a billion!
"I refused."
"Why would you refuse— Wait." I took a deep breath. Calm down, Ian Ash. Remember why you need money. It's so I can live comfortably drawing erotic manga and living the sweet life. Would I throw that away and become the Magic Tower Master's disciple just because of money?
'That wouldn't be sweet at all.'
Think about it. Becoming the direct disciple of that twisted Magic Tower Master? I'd be worked like a dog. Actually, being worked like a dog might be the better outcome. I could end up as a frog on a dissection table. Obviously not. Nope.
"Y-You did well to refuse." A weak voice crawled out of my mouth.
My father, still smiling, asked, "Do you really have no interest in learning magic?"
"...None." I do want the billion, though.
"Then what do you plan to do?"
After a short pause, I answered honestly. "I want to succeed through art."
My father stared at me quietly, then suddenly burst into loud laughter. "Hahahaha!"
Why are you laughing? I'm being serious here.
"Does it sound too unrealistic?"
Albert Ash slowly shook his head. "I'm a pathetic father who couldn't provide you with money."
"......"
"So how could I crush your dreams as well?"
His unexpected words left me momentarily stunned. My father always seemed sloppy, like someone who chased nothing but romance and ruined the family—and to some extent, that was true. But sometimes he hit me with lines like this.
"Do whatever you want. As long as it's not a crime. No, as long as it doesn't harm others, I'll support you."
Whoa. That actually moved me a bit. I spoke with a slightly choked-up expression. "Father..."
"Yes?"
"Go do some work."
"Ugh!" My father clutched his chest. "Son, that one actually hurts."
"My insides hurt more."
My father stayed with a wounded look for a while before suddenly remembering something. "Ah, by the way. Count Youngstern asked again if we really have no thoughts of an engagement."
"Please firmly reject that too!" He really knows how to shock people!
When I shouted, my father scratched his head and laughed. "Wasn't bringing Lena today supposed to be for a greeting?"
"No! We came to practice dancing!"
"Hmm. You two seemed to get along quite well."
"What do you mean?"
"You've always looked good together since you were little."
"That's just because we're childhood friends!"
"Many couples start as childhood friends, you know."
Wow. This guy really knows how to get under my skin. I let out a deep sigh and turned away. "Anyway, stop saying weird things. Lena doesn't want it either, so why talk about an engagement?"
A low chuckle came from behind me.
Even after leaving the study and walking down the hallway, my irritation wouldn't subside. Instead of just smiling like a nice guy, he should clearly shut down any talk of political marriages. Damn it. Why does the idea of a political marriage feel so unsettling? Is it because this is a romance fantasy world full of people with romance-obsessed brains, or am I the weird one? I don't know.
Anyway. For now, dance practice is what matters.
"......"
Honestly, Lena's the one who's debuting, so why am I the one practicing dancing? It's understandable to complain about it. But that's exactly how important the academy debutante is for noble young ladies.
Lena Youngstern is my childhood friend, but she's also a business partner I can talk openly with. I don't want her to get bad rumors in high society because of me.
"Man. Where else would I find a business partner like this?" Even I have to admit I'm a pretty good guy.
Muttering half-crazed nonsense to myself, I headed toward the music room.
Creak—
When I opened the door, an old piano greeted me under the moonlight. It cost more to move than it was worth, but throwing it away seemed wasteful. So here it remained, the unlucky piano.
"You're here, Ian?"
At the voice coming from beyond the sparkling moonlight, I slowly turned my head.
"......"
For a moment, I forgot how to speak.
A dress that fell neatly along her waistline. Neatly arranged brown hair. A neckline that glowed pure white in the moonlight. Lena, who met my eyes, moved her lips with a face flushed red all the way to her ears.
"W-Why are you looking at me like that?"
I stood there stupidly, still gripping the doorknob, and ultimately swallowed the single thought that rose in my head.
...Her looks are insane.