The Hero's Burden and the Prince's Sword

Honestly, any man born in South Korea who has completed his mandatory military service has dreamed of one thing at least once. They call it a Buster Call. Or perhaps, "calling down a shooting star." It refers to the act of dropping a high-ranking general right into the middle of one's own company. Even though I was a military surgeon, having served in the army myself, I always thought it sounded like a fun story to tell whenever I heard such rumors. I just never expected to actually achieve that dream in this life.

“…That’s why the school is closed for fifteen days. They have to find new teachers.”

That evening, the day the Prince visited the Academy, I heard the news from Freya. It seemed the fallout from my "shooting star" was quite severe. The shooting star I had dropped was none other than the Prince himself. The problem was that his official position happened to be the Chief of Central Personnel. For those who don't know, that is the position that decides exactly which institution every soldier in the empire is assigned to. Isn't it said that in any organization, the personnel department holds the most power? Prince Edmund was the head of that very department. And I had dropped a man like that right on top of the teachers' heads.

‘Hmm… I didn’t know.’

I had been so uninterested in high society. I only knew that the Prince was someone high-ranking in the military. It never even crossed my mind that he was the person in charge of personnel. At the time, I only thought that since the Academy was under military jurisdiction and even my father, a judicial officer, couldn't easily intervene, I had no choice but to seek the Prince's help. For reference, the way I requested help from the Prince at the time went like this:

I hadn't asked him directly. It was just that early this morning, while I was doing a routine check-up on the baby, I looked so exhausted that he asked if something was the matter. When the Prince pressed me, I acted as if I were reluctant and told him about the incident. And the result of that was what I heard from Freya's lips this evening.

“The principal and vice-principal have been dismissed, and thirty-two senior teachers have been forced into early retirement. More than half of the remaining teachers have been given pay cuts or had their promotions frozen.”

Early retirement is just a polite term for dismissal. Unlike the principal and vice-principal, they were at least being given a chance to preserve some semblance of honor. What was even more surprising was that this was only the decision made on the very first day. They said additional disciplinary actions were still being discussed.

“They say that for some teachers, including the principal and vice-principal, there will be further disciplinary measures.”

The Prince’s sword dance was spectacular. It was enough to wipe out more than half of the Adler Colleg faculty. The justification was also ironclad: not only had security been breached at a military educational institution meant to foster the empire's future, but they had failed to take any action while a student was held captive for two days. The final nail in the coffin was that they hadn't even discussed protective measures for the victim after the incident.

However, this refreshing "cider" had a minor side effect.

“But because there are no teachers left to teach the students, the school is closing for about fifteen days until they can fill the positions with new staff. They say it could even be a month depending on the situation.”

That was it. With the teachers effectively evaporated, the school had no choice but to shut its doors. However, my parents didn't seem particularly interested in the school's circumstances.

“Freya. Do you really need to go back to the Academy? Mother is worried that it might be too much for you.”

“I can have you transferred if you wish. Adler isn't the only Colleg (high school division) in existence. If it’s too hard, you can take a leave of absence.”

My parents couldn't bring themselves to tell her to quit school entirely. They knew all too well how much Freya wanted to become a judicial officer. But Freya’s attitude was stubborn.

“No. I want to graduate from there. My friends are there.”

Hearing her say that, I couldn't add anything. The issue of friends is a matter of grave importance.

“Alright. If that’s what you want, Freya.”

“Thank you for understanding, Father.”

With that conversation, the discussion regarding Freya’s academic problems concluded. Since she was still having a hard time, no further talk of school came up. Dinner ended, and the family returned to their respective rooms. I, too, finished the last sip of tea on the table and headed to my room. Sitting in my chair, I was pondering the treatment of the students and the disposal of the captured lizard—not as Julian, but as Director Shun of the Merkur Merchant Group—when it happened.

Twinkle.

The communication orb on my desk was glowing faintly. Checking the crest on the crystal, it appeared to be a contact from Prince Edmund.

“Not at all, Your Highness.”

[Have you eaten?]

“Yes. I just finished dinner with my family and was resting.”

[I’m envious. I’m just about to eat now.]

“At this hour?”

[The baby just fell asleep. It’s a huge problem because she refuses to sleep lately. She cries the moment I try to pick up a spoon, so by the time I get her to sleep, it’s this late… I’m so drained I don’t even have the strength to eat, but I have to.]

Usually, one would leave such things to a nanny. Perhaps it’s because she is a precious child born after much pain. Despite his status, the Prince’s devotion to the baby was extreme.

“Come to think of it, how is Princess Aster’s stomach ache?”

[Ah, as you suggested, I am applying peppermint oil. It’s quite effective.]

“I say this out of an abundance of caution, but you must never use any medicine other than the one I prescribed.”

[I know. It hasn't even been a few years since the Star Anise incident, so I am naturally being careful. Ever since the palace was in an uproar last time, the maids have been cautious as well.]

“I didn’t get a wink of sleep that day.”

[Ahem. My apologies.]

Was it a few weeks ago? There had been a huge commotion because a maid tried to feed the baby beet porridge. Newborns have immature systems for processing nutrients like spinach or beets. I had told them specifically not to feed her salads, but a maid had thoughtlessly added beets to the baby food, turning the palace upside down. The maid begged to be killed, the Prince panicked, asking if the baby would die from eating it… That dawn, I was called to the palace again and had to calm everyone down, explaining that eating it once wouldn't cause any major problems.

Anyway.

[I am eating right now, would you mind if we talked while I do?]

“That is fine, Your Highness.”

[Thank ‍‍‌‌⁠​​⁠‌​​‍​​‍​‌​⁠‍‌‍⁠⁠‌⁠‌‍‌‍‌‌‌‍⁠​‌​‌​‌‍‌‌‌⁠‍​​‌‍⁠‌‌⁠⁠you for your understanding.]

Working during the day, taking care of the baby upon returning… He is a busy Prince, indeed. Through the communication orb, I could hear the sound of the Prince chewing something. After a moment of that, the Prince opened his mouth.

[Have you heard the results of their disposal?]

It was a question without context, but I knew exactly what he was talking about.

“Yes. I heard it from my younger sister. Thank you, Your Highness.”

[Put the thanks aside. I only did what was natural.]

The Prince chewed and swallowed his food before continuing.

[Ah, this isn't exact yet as the results of the court-martial haven't been released, but it seems those responsible for this incident will be sentenced to Fortress Service.]

Fortress Service. Commonly known as the "Fortress Type." It is a punishment where a noble who has committed a crime is stripped of their title and sent to a frontline fortress as a common soldier. It is intended to give them a chance to redeem their honor by working hard on the front lines. Of course, not many nobles who receive this punishment successfully restore their honor. When others start at zero, those nobles start at a negative. To restore their original honor, they must achieve military merits far more overwhelming than the average soldier.

[Of course, their families will not be stripped of their residency rights in Sanctum Hill.]

At first glance, it might look like he is showing mercy. But one must not be mistaken. That is a hostage situation. It means they will let the family live in Sanctum Hill, so they shouldn't try anything foolish at the fortress. If they betray the empire, their families will pay the price.

“Has it been decided which fortress they will serve at?”

[It hasn't been decided, but I have a guess. As you know, the south has stabilized since I recaptured the key strategic points on the southern front. However, the situation in other defense sectors isn't as good. I heard the western front, in particular, is having a hard time with their fortress situation.]

The Prince said indifferently.

[I suspect they will serve in the west. Although they are second sons, they are still connected to the bloodline of a Count’s family, and they are people who have been in the military. They will survive on their own.]

The Prince finished speaking and picked up his spoon again. I remained silent while he ate. Only after his bowl was empty did I speak again.

“…Your Highness. I am a little worried that I might have made an excessive request.”

[Excessive? What do you mean by that?]

I carefully poured out my inner thoughts.

“I am worried that I might have dared to use your authority to vent my personal frustrations.”

What I wanted in this incident was for justice to be served, not to vent my anger. Because the moment this becomes a venting of anger and the punishment takes on a retaliatory nature, it invites further retaliation. That retaliation invites more retaliation… In any case, it’s a situation that makes people tired in many ways. For me, having already developed overly complicated relationships, it was a vicious cycle I wanted to avoid. Having lived as a doctor, I knew all too well how much that vicious cycle eats away at people.

“May I ask, how are such cases usually punished?”

A silence flowed from the other side of the communication orb. Then, a low, heavy laugh echoed out.

[Kuhuhu… Hahaha!]

“….”

[Ah, forgive me. It’s just that you are so… yes. I’m laughing because that is such a "you" thing to worry about.]

The Prince stopped laughing, looking amused, and said.

[You are so upright that it’s a flaw. Rest assured. Not a single drop of my personal feelings was mixed into this punishment. The Fortress Service is a punishment for false reporting. That is a serious violation of military law.]

“I apologize for doubting you, Your Highness.”

[Not at all. If anything, you are too kind-hearted. If it were me, I would have begged for a harsher punishment, wouldn't I?]

Eh? Could there be a harsher punishment than this?

“May I ask… what that harsher punishment would be?”

[Hmm. The first thing that comes to mind is burning out their mana circuits and exiling them to the H-Sector of the Limbus Pit.]

Eh? That’s possible too?

[You said your younger sister was involved, right? Then it was a matter where they could have kidnapped you through her, and if they had used you as a sacrifice for black magic, the Imperial Prince could have been in danger. If I had put forward that justification, it would have been possible to burn out that family’s mana circuits and exile them.]

“….”

[Or, do you wish for me to do that? The disciplinary action hasn't been finalized yet, so it is possible.]

I shook my head vigorously. If he did that, my reputation would be shattered first. A Baron’s son who used the Prince’s authority to burn out an entire family’s mana circuits. Just hearing the description, I couldn't shake the impression that I would sound like a treacherous sycophant. Furthermore, the Prince’s political standing is also an ‍‍‌‌⁠​​⁠‌​​‍​​‍​‌​⁠‍‌‍⁠⁠‌⁠‌‍‌‍‌‌‌‍⁠​‌​‌​‌‍‌‌‌⁠‍​​‌‍⁠‌‌⁠⁠issue. If rumors spread that he sat in the position of Chief of Personnel at a young age and executed punishments based on his emotions, the Prince would also be in trouble in many ways. I didn't want to punish them that much.

“I am just grateful that Your Highness helped me this much.”

[If you say so… Very well. Then I will finish it with the Fortress Service.]

“Thank you, Your Highness.”

[Now, let’s leave that story aside.]

The Prince’s tone became light again.

[The reason I contacted you is not for that, but because I have a proposal I would like to make to you.]

“A proposal?”

I hope he isn't asking me to be his personal physician again, or to be the godfather of his child.

[Where should I start… Yes. First, let’s talk about the cause of this incident. Are you aware that a court-martial has been opened regarding this case?]

“Yes. I heard.”

[In that process, the full story of the incident has been revealed to some extent. First, the fortunate thing is that the principal was not in collusion with a dark mage.]

“Is that so?”

[It was pure dereliction of duty. No bribes, no collusion. He was just lazy. That is a surprisingly shocking result.]

I was surprised too. I thought he had at least taken bribes behind my back. To think it was pure incompetence. In a way, it’s a more pathetic reason than collusion.

[Looking at the investigation results, it wasn't that there was a defect in the Academy’s security system itself.]

“Then why was it breached?”

[It’s a matter of security priority.]

The Prince continued, sipping his after-meal tea.

[As you know, the top priority for Academy security is Demons. The second is Mimic-type Magical Beasts. Dark mages fall into the third priority.]

I know that. Although the Academy is breached by dark mages every other day, surprisingly, news of demons or magical beasts invading the Academy is rarely heard. This is because the majority of the empire’s military institutions prioritize blocking the intrusion of demons and magical beasts. The Academy is no different. The dark mages know this, which is why they target the easy Academy. For reference, dark mages don't touch important military institutions unless they are insane. Because from that point on, the knights who hunt magical beasts come to teach the dark mages a lesson. Looking at it this way, it feels like one giant WWE match.

[As you know, the budget and manpower don't stretch to blocking dark mages as well. Besides, it’s not cost-effective.]

That is also true. Originally, security is like Rock-Paper-Scissors. If you know the opponent is bringing scissors, you prepare a rock. But in this world, black magic is like pulling out a gun in a game of Rock-Paper-Scissors. They attack, but there isn't a proper way to block it. And the root cause of all these problems is…

“It happened after the Great Sage Louis destroyed the 13th Tower of Magic.”

It’s because of my master. After my master destroyed the Black Magic Tower hundreds of years ago, research into black magic defense didn't develop much. Originally, bulletproof vests are only made after guns are invented. But since the tower disappeared, the "bulletproof vest" for black magic still hasn't been properly created. This is the very reason why the vaccine received such a huge response. It was the only countermeasure for a plague-curse that previously had no way to be blocked.

The Prince gave a bitter smile.

[You hit the nail on the head. As you said, after the Great Sage wiped out the Black Magic Tower, research into black magic itself became a taboo. ‍‍‌‌⁠​​⁠‌​​‍​​‍​‌​⁠‍‌‍⁠⁠‌⁠‌‍‌‍‌‌‌‍⁠​‌​‌​‌‍‌‌‌⁠‍​​‌‍⁠‌‌⁠⁠The atmosphere is such that if you officially say you are researching it, you are treated as a heretic.]

“The dark mages pass it down secretly in the underground, but we aren't researching defensive technology. As a result, the spear keeps getting sharper, but the shield has been stuck for decades.”

[Exactly.]

Perhaps the reason medical technology hasn't developed is related to this. It’s already taboo knowledge, and there is holy magic that can fix most things with a snap of the fingers. In a world like this, it’s only natural that medicine would struggle to develop.

[The reason the Academy was breached this time is also simple budget deficiency. I read your incident report, and it said they used a Fairy Ring. It seems the countermeasures for that were insufficient.]

“….”

[Still, the fact that security was breached can be taken into account. In fact, the court-martial took it into account. But they shouldn't have reacted that way after the breach. At the very least, as soldiers, they should have taken the situation seriously.]

The Prince clicked his tongue while looking at the report.

[Reading the report, it seems the principal tried to deal with it lazily when the students disappeared.]

Since those students weren't precious knights or nobles, but mere commoners, he acted appropriately "lazily." Of course, he wouldn't have known it would turn out like this. Contempt was etched onto the Prince’s face as he said that.

[Those who learn tactics from books rather than in real combat are always like that. War isn't a numbers game. Tsk tsk.]

Anyway.

[As a representative of the military, I will apologize for this part. I hope you won't be disappointed.]

“I am not disappointed, Your Highness. Because I know that at least there is someone like you.”

[… Thank you.]

I could hear the Prince quietly letting out a breath. And a moment later, his voice continued.

[So, actually, the reason I contacted you today was to talk about this. Regarding the defense system against black magic… I would like you to help me develop it.]

“Me, Your Highness?”

[You and your fiancée have been quite famous lately. I heard you are skilled at deducing cases where cold cases and black magic are intertwined?]

“I am far lacking compared to my fiancée.”

No matter how much I try, how can I compare to Charlotte? But the Prince didn't seem to think so.

[I heard that even in this incident, you deduced the Fairy Ring just by hearing about it and identified their base in a single day. The people who call themselves experts at the Academy took a full day just to find a single trace of magical power.]

“It is a talent of little consequence.”

I won't deny that. It was a rumor I intentionally spread during the process of separating Julian and Director Shun. The Prince seemed to be focusing on that rumor.

[That is why I intend to establish a Black Magic Defense Course in the Academy’s Bachelor Department.]

The Bachelor Department. The final educational process that produces heroes and knights. If the Academy’s high school division is what we commonly call high school, the Bachelor Department can be seen as the cliché Academy. The Academy’s Bachelor Department holds a very important position in the empire. This is because the pillars of the empire—heroes, healers, knights, bureaucrats, and so on—are produced through this course. As such, even the military, which half-neglects the high school division, shows a lot of interest in the Bachelor Department.

[It is a subject that teaches future heroes how to track and defend themselves when they encounter black mages. It is an area that no one has taught until now.]

“That is a great idea. If my advice can be of help, I will gladly assist.”

I can certainly help with establishing a black magic course. In fact, it’s what I want. I’ll be able to quietly put my name on the list of people who helped establish the black magic course. “Then, is there someone to teach it?”

[There is.]

The Prince laughed shortly.

[Aren't you talking to me right now?]

“….”

Immediately after hearing those words, I quietly closed my eyes. Yes. It has finally come. The event where a leash is placed on the protagonist of a misunderstanding story who keeps longing for freedom and trying to escape.