Episode 1077
Episode 1077
"What brings you here?"
"..."
"Who are you?"
"!?"
Lee Han was startled by the senior's indifferent attitude.
'Ah. No.'
Come to think of it, he was the one currently disguised. From Diret's perspective, who didn't know Stedal's identity, it was only natural to be confused.
"I'm Lee Han. Your junior from the Black Magic School, Senior."
"......"
Diret almost blurted out, "I don't have such a junior."
What in the world was he doing here?
"..."
"What exactly are you doing here?!"
"Well, it's a bit of a long story."
Lee Han summarized the events as concisely as possible.
So, to sneak out students from the club, he had created a fake identity...
"It turned out to be surprisingly useful, so I ended up here."
'This is way beyond just "surprisingly useful."'
Despite his confusion, Diret, being a fifth-year student of Einrogard, managed to focus his mind.
Though he couldn't fully process everything, he grasped the key points.
So, the junior had created an identity named Stedal Nago, and roughly...
1. He had been captured by pirates in the southern Empire but managed to escape.
2. He stole the pirates' treasure map and amassed a great fortune.
3. He even increased his wealth during the Bone-Reviving Flower Speculation Frenzy.
4. He had participated in the subjugation of Evil God Worshippers.
5. He had also raided greedy nobles in Granden City.
6. And he had even looted Professor Verdus' belongings...
'Did this junior secretly graduate or something?'
Even after understanding the key points, Diret was still bewildered.
No matter how he thought about it, he couldn't fathom when Lee Han had done all this.
"Did you... actually do all that yourself?"
"Huh? Of course not. Some of it is made up. People just believed the rumors and spread them."
"Aha."
Diret let out a sigh of relief.
Then he froze.
If some were lies, that meant some were true?!
"Senior, you can use this alias later if you need it. Should I write down the detailed personal records for you?"
"Ah, no. It's fine. I appreciate the thought. More importantly, why are you here?"
"I was invited."
Lee Han explained that he had recently received an invitation from Count Jau and couldn't refuse, so he had come.
'What was he invited for?'
Diret was curious about the reason for the invitation, but there were other pressing questions he needed to ask first.
"Junior. Tell me again about the things you actually did, the people who might hold grudges because of them, and the people you've met. I'll organize what you need to be careful about..."
What Diret was most worried about right now was the junior—more precisely, the enemies who hated the fake identity the junior had created.
Given that he had recently been involved in so many incidents and become a hot topic, there were bound to be quite a few in the Empire who viewed him unfavorably.
Enemies weren't just sworn foes. Those who envied, doubted, or sought to trip him up were also enemies.
Given Count Jau's extensive connections, all sorts of guests would be present at the mansion, so they needed to be cautious in advance.
"Lord Nago!"
A noble who had arrived behind them spotted Lee Han and greeted him loudly.
"You accepted the invitation! I'm truly delighted! Today, I'd be overjoyed to hear in detail about the hunt for Bi—no, Professor Verdus!"
"Hah. You can look forward to it."
'Are you insane?!'
Diret was aghast at his junior's rude attitude.
This wasn't Einrogard—how could he act like that toward another noble in front of the mansion where they had been invited?
"Ahahaha! Truly, Lord Nago! I'll be eagerly waiting!"
Yet, the noble opposite him laughed cheerfully despite the blunt response.
This was exactly the kind of rough, fierce mage who could plunder Professor Verdus!
"By the way, who are these...?"
"They're from the Einrogard Black Magic School."
"Ah, of course. You must be searching for some vile poison or curse to use against your enemies."
"Kukuku. Exactly."
"......"
With a dazed expression, Diret muttered, "Exactly what?!"
Did people really think every conversation among black mages was about something evil?!
"Then we shall meet inside!"
As soon as the nobleman was out of earshot, Lee Han immediately apologized.
"My apologies!"
"Enough. Keep your voice down since someone might hear."
Diret responded with a slightly weary tone.
There were more than just one or two people who thought that way about the Black Magic faction, and nothing was going to change that now.
What bothered him more was how absurdly popular his junior's fake identity had become.
"Nago, sir! You've arrived!"
"Sir Nago! Please give my nephew some words of encouragement! Tell him to become a mage like you!"
Why in the world is he this popular?
"Have you heard the rumors? They say that mage from the Nago Family actually defeated Vible Verdus and plundered his treasures!"
"What an incredible mage...! Who knew our Empire had such a hero?!"
"......"
As soon as Diret stepped inside the mansion, he immediately understood the reason.
'No wonder his voice got quieter when talking about Professor Verdus.'
Well, if that was the case, it made sense why he was so popular.
There were plenty who held grudges against Professor Verdus and plotted against him, but very few ever succeeded.
To them, his junior must have seemed like an object of envy.
"How in the world did you manage to increase your wealth during the Bone-Reviving Flower Speculation Frenzy?"
"That, my friend, is wisdom."
"......"
Or was that not it?
Diret wondered if he had misjudged the situation.
Perhaps there were other factors contributing to his popularity...
"Tch. Why on earth did the Count invite such a rude fellow?"
"Now, now. Sir Stedal of the Nago Family isn't rude—he just has strong wariness because he was once captured by pirates in the southern Empire. If anything, it's proof that he's an excellent combat mage!"
"That's right, that's right! Are you implying the Count misjudged his character when inviting him?"
Even if someone envious of his junior's popularity tried to pick a fight, they were immediately silenced by the barrage of attacks from all sides.
It was truly rare to see someone surrounded by such fanatical followers at a noble gathering.
'Just what has this junior been up to...?!'
"Diret. Diret. Look at me. Doesn't this look weird? You guys check too."
Unaware of his friend's complicated thoughts, Coholti approached him.
Since he had to go apologize to Count Jau, not a single speck of dust could be left on his clothes.
"I'm busy right now, ask the other juniors."
"Why are you busy? What's going on?"
Coholti didn't understand his friend's words.
Since he didn't know who Stedal Nago was, his reaction was only natural.
"See that mage over there?"
"Ah, the mage from the Nago Family who increased his wealth during the Bone-Reviving Flower Speculation Frenzy? I was thinking of asking him to invest in my research later."
Coholti, completely oblivious to the other's true identity, said cheerfully.
Then, as if realizing something belatedly, he turned to look at Diret.
"You're trying to get funding too, aren't you?! No wonder! Were you two discussing that earlier...?!"
"...No. Never mind."
"Hey. Compared to you, my research looks like trash."
Coholti spoke indignantly.
Already, being from the same Black Magic faction (unlike other magic factions, overlapping Black Magic factions made it harder for both to secure funding), if compared to Diret, Coholti's curse-focused research...
"I told you, it's not like that. Just focus on meeting the Count."
"Ah, fine. Nothing looks off, right?"
Diret nodded that it was fine, but the other juniors were brutally honest.
"Your cloak looks a bit cheap. Like something you'd wear at Einrogard."
"How about changing your bracelet? It makes you look obviously from the Black Magic faction..."
"I was an idiot for asking you guys. Fine! I'm going now!"
Coholti snapped at his juniors before turning away. Honestly, he even wanted to take back the ice cream he had given them earlier.
Sigh. Don't get nervous.
Count Jau's mansion, located in the imperial capital, exuded a refined and understated elegance.
The artifacts and furniture decorating the party hall all appeared to be decades old, yet they shone with an antique dignity, free of even a single blemish, further enhancing their prestige.
There aren't many people who can exude such dignity without putting on airs.
Though the Empire had its fair share of nouveau riche who hastily amassed wealth, no matter how quickly they hired servants or threw lavish parties, they only ended up becoming the subject of ridicule rather than admiration.
Coholti, who knew this all too well, couldn't help but grow even more nervous. Frankly, he would have felt more at ease if his host had been one of those pretentious upstarts.
"Count, Count Jau. Good evening."
"Ah, welcome! You must be a mage from the Wasteland Star-Catchers?"
"Y-yes. I'm Coholti, a mage from Einrogard, currently serving with the Wasteland Star-Catchers."
"To think I'd have the honor of meeting a young talent dedicated to serving the Empire. Truly an honor."
The kind old count spoke with genuine warmth.
Anyone who had graduated from Einrogard and still chose to work with the Wasteland Star-Catchers must have been someone of extraordinary dedication.
Who in their right mind would willingly take on such hardship?
Feeling the sincerity in his words, Coholti was deeply moved.
"Thank you! The honor is mine."
"By any chance, is there anything this old man can assist you with?"
Count Jau was as perceptive as he was kind. He had already sensed that the mage had come with something to say.
"W-well, you see..."
Steadying his nervous voice, Coholti finally broached the main topic.
While working as a Wasteland Star-Catcher, he had made a slight mistake—one born out of a sense of duty...
"I came to personally apologize to you, Count, given your family's standing."
"Ah, I see."
The old count smiled, immediately grasping the underlying meaning.
Though Coholti had framed it as an apology, it was clear he had really come to seek mediation.
"Understood. Understood. That was undoubtedly my nephew's fault. The Star-Catchers had warned him about the dangers of that object, yet he refused to dispose of it."
"My lord...!"
"Fortunately, my nephew happens to be here tonight. I shall summon him at once."
The count rang a small bell, ordering his nephew to be brought forth. Relieved and touched, Coholti waited peacefully.
However, the nephew's reaction was the exact opposite of what he had expected.
"No."
"!!"
The old count glared at his nephew with a furious expression.
Though the young man had always been a troublemaker with his reckless lifestyle, to stubbornly defy him in front of guests and tarnish the family's dignity like this—
"What did you say? Repeat yourself!"
"Uncle, why do you always take the side of outsiders?! That mage barged into my home and tried to destroy my belongings!"
"......"
Coholti was at a complete loss for words. Even if I say that's just how we do things at Einrogard, it'll only backfire, won't it?
The count's nephew huffed and glared at Coholti.
"I demanded even half of what I paid for it in compensation, and he refused!"
"W-well, the Star-Catchers' budget isn't exactly..."
"Exactly right! You should be apologizing! How dare you act so rudely toward someone who sacrifices themselves for the Empire?"
"Hmph!"
Even the count's reprimand couldn't sway his nephew's stubbornness.
Instead of resolving the issue, it seemed like a new conflict was brewing within the count's family, leaving Coholti on edge.
"What's going on here?"
Just then, a rough voice called out from behind.
The only mage at this gathering dressed like a wanderer—Stedal Nago—stood out even among the neatly attired attendees, including Coholti.
"O-oh, it's nothing!"
The count's nephew jumped as if ashamed to be seen in such an embarrassing state by someone he admired.
"Let's go over there! Tell me more about those pirates from earlier!"
"If you want to be a mage strong enough to make Professor Verdus kneel, you need to be bold."
Stedal's voice was sharp, and though his words were casually spoken, they seemed to reverberate through the hall.
"If someone smashed a cursed artifact for you, you should boldly express your gratitude. Otherwise, who would want to join you in hunting down Professor Verdus?"
"...You're absolutely right...!"
The count's nephew nodded as if entranced.
Then, turning to Coholti, he bowed his head in apology.
"I'm sorry. I acted disgracefully out of greed."
"N-no, not at all. I was too hasty myself..."
Coholti looked at Stedal with eyes full of admiration.
This mage... is truly amazing!