Episode 1109
Episode 1109
"By the way. Don't reveal that His Highness is a dragon, Lee Han."
Professor Garcia whispered in a low voice.
While imperial family members were treated like slightly more expensive pebbles rolling around the Empire, adding 'dragon' before that title changed things considerably.
She was somewhat afraid of how the already slightly insane mages of the Daylily Magic Tower might react if they found out that fact.
"Understood. Your Highness. As you just heard, please don't reveal that you're a dragon."
"Understood!"
Jowurin nodded vigorously.
Though staying in human form felt stifling, thanks to diligent practice during the break, she had grown quite accustomed to it. It wasn't particularly difficult either.
"Hehe. I even prepared an alias for such occasions. I'd like you to call me 'Gainando.'"
"...I think you could just go by Jowurin."
Lee Han suddenly felt embarrassed.
There was no need to imitate him to this extent...
"Are you from Einrogard? This way, please!"
A mage came running from afar and hastily shouted.
Seeing how urgent the situation appeared, Lee Han asked in surprise.
"What's the matter?"
'Did we arrive late?'
If there was something important and they were late, this wasn't the time to be leisurely.
Though the Magic Tower's strange theatrics were partly to blame!
"Hurry! Follow me!"
After shouting that, the mage turned and ran ahead. Puzzled, Lee Han's group followed behind.
"This way!"
"So what's the situation..."
Lee Han tried to ask while preparing some magic just in case, but the other person only kept running without answering. Lee Han wore a bemused expression.
'Is this a trap?'
Lee Han himself had often used this tactic when employing deception at Einrogard.
By pretending to be in a frantic hurry, the confusion would spread to the opponent as well.
Creak!
The mage pushed open a large birch door leading into the hall. Inside, a lavish feast, freshly prepared, lay spread out enticingly.
From silver platters piled high with grapes, pears, peaches, cherries, and other fruits, to whole roasted pigs and bulls seasoned and cooked to perfection, dozens of varieties of fresh and pickled fish, various syrups and sauces, oils, spices...
Steam still rose from piping hot tarts that seemed freshly baked. A mage slurping pasta loaded with clams and pepper whispered to a colleague.
"Wait, our Magic Tower serves food like this?"
"Shh. Just between you and me, they brought in outside chefs."
As Lee Han's group stood blinking in bewilderment, the guiding mage wiped sweat from his brow with a handkerchief and proudly declared.
"Thank goodness! You made it just in time for the meal!"
"......"
"...Ah, yes. Thank goodness."
Lee Han managed to grasp his composure and reply.
However, Professor Garcia couldn't help but ask.
"If it was just about the meal, couldn't you have come a bit more slowly?"
"What are you saying, Professor! You mustn't disregard the joy of eating freshly made food! We of the Daylily Magic Tower never forget life's simple pleasures."
'Hypocrites... and they call themselves mages.'
Professor Garcia inwardly scoffed.
Of course, since she wasn't a mage of the Daylily Magic Tower, she didn't know exactly how they lived.
But one thing she was certain of: no accomplished mage would dine so lavishly.
They'd just toss some cheese, ham, and figs into a bowl and call it a meal...
"Your Highness. Take your time eating."
"Mmmphmmmph?!"
"Have you not been eating properly lately?"
Lee Han was puzzled by Jowurin's enthusiastic eating, which was even more voracious than during vacation.
As a Dragon, Jowurin had no reason to be so fixated on meals like Gainando was.
"Lately, I've been eating the meals prepared by Uman..."
"...You must have been eating a lot. Here. This tarte tatin looks delicious."
Lee Han glanced at Jowurin with a hint of pity.
'Perhaps... His Highness Uman shouldn't stay at the school for too long.'
Though Lee Han found it convenient, seeing Jowurin like this made him feel a little sorry for the prince.
He could understand Gainando, but he never expected Jowurin to be this starved.
After serving the professors their meals (Professor Garcia smacked the back of his hand and went to serve herself), Lee Han took a bite of the meat pie and glanced around.
The mages of the Daylily Magic Tower, forgetting they were supposed to put on a performance for this long-awaited banquet, were comfortably enjoying their meal. In a way, this was a positive outcome of their visit.
"So, what comes after this meal?"
Lee Han asked the mage who had guided them earlier.
He appreciated the hospitality, but he was growing curious about the actual request.
"After this meal, you mean?"
"Yes."
"Next is... a musical performance."
"...Music Magic?"
"No. Just a musical performance. The Daylily Magic Tower often invites some of the finest musicians from the imperial capital for recitals."
'This is such a blatant lie.'
Lee Han thought to himself.
No matter how you looked at it, this was too much!
Who in the empire would believe such an obvious fabrication...
"Lee Han! It would be better to come to the Daylily Magic Tower than Einrogard!"
Jowurin exclaimed, his eyes sparkling.
The Skeleton Principal might feel a little disappointed, but Jowurin thought that was unavoidable.
Gonadaltes was a wise archmage—he'd manage just fine on his own!
"Excuse me, who is this wise and noble person?"
The surrounding mages gazed at the golden-haired girl with eyes brimming with admiration and emotion.
How could she say exactly what they wanted to hear?
"That's... His Highness Jowurin."
"Ah! A member of the imperial family! No wonder every word and gesture exudes such nobility!!"
"N-No, it's not like that..."
Jowurin felt embarrassed.
Though he had received plenty of praise in his Dragon form, being complimented like this in human form in front of others was a rare experience.
Flattered by the mages of the Daylily Magic Tower, Jowurin had completely turned around.
"Lee Han, I don't think you need to return to Einrogard at all!"
"Your Highness. Did you forget everything we just discussed?"
Lee Han was slightly bewildered.
How could he think that after witnessing this shameless charade?
But Jowurin was unexpectedly serious.
"Of course, I heard that all of this was a prepared act. But even considering that, the fact that the Daylily Magic Tower wants you this much means it's worth choosing over Einrogard!"
"...!"
Lee Han was startled.
He hadn't expected Jowurin to make such a logical argument.
And it was even more unsettling because he couldn't refute it.
"What were you all talking about? Why is everyone... looking at His Highness Jowurin as if they want to crown him as the new Emperor?"
Professor Garcia, who had brought an entire roasted pig on a platter, tilted her head at the strange atmosphere.
Why were the mages venerating His Highness Jowurin like this?
"Actually, His Highness was recommending the Magic Tower."
"What?! Why?!"
Professor Garcia was even more shocked than her student.
After Lee Han briefly explained what had happened, she was left speechless and flustered.
"Th-That's wrong, Your Highness."
"In what way?"
"So... that's..."
The shock was all the greater for Professor Garcia, who had naively assumed the Daylily Magic Tower mages wouldn't dare poach her student.
No way...
No freaking way...?!
'Ah, no. Even if Lee Han is a Dragon Contractor, he wouldn't be persuaded so easily, right?'
First, Professor Garcia turned to Professor Voladi, sending a silent SOS.
'Professor! Help me!'
Of course, Professor Voladi didn't notice. He quietly sipped his green tea while deeply engrossed in the magic tome containing his next lesson.
'Ugh!'
Professor Garcia vowed to always bring another professor along next time before speaking up.
"H-how can you trust what the Daylily Magic Tower mages say?! Mages are all liars by nature!"
"Gasp...! I-I didn't know that!"
"......"
The Daylily Magic Tower mages stared blankly at Professor Garcia.
They'd suspected as much when she refused their offer and stayed at Einrogard, but now it was confirmed...
'She truly is Lord Godanaltes's loyal subordinate!'
'Her usual kind demeanor was just a mask!'
While Professor Garcia's reputation took a nosedive, newly arrived knights were conversing in another section of the magic tower.
They were none other than the White Poplar Knights.
Instead of establishing headquarters in any particular region, these knights wandered the empire with just a single horse and suit of armor, seeking out dangers.
Though knights and mages generally didn't get along, this knightly order was an exception. The Daylily Magic Tower didn't issue guest restrictions despite the sudden visit, instead sincerely welcoming their guests.
...Though they did ask them to wait a little!
"Seems something's happening in the magic tower."
"Indeed. I've visited a few times, but it's never been this chaotic before..."
The knights spoke with slightly worried voices.
A chaotic magic tower wasn't a good sign. It meant something big enough to fluster even seasoned mages was happening.
Had they known the entire tower had halted all operations to put on an elaborate performance just to recruit one student, even the righteous White Poplar Knights wouldn't have been able to suppress their contempt.
"Sir Bamandam. How's the artifact?"
"It's quiet. Perhaps its power has waned."
The elderly knight Bamandam lightly brushed the surface of the large chest he was cradling.
Despite being sealed with dozens of chains, a powerful energy pulsed from within. This was no ordinary artifact.
Though still unopened, this relic from the western mines had already caused ominous events in its vicinity.
Mine collapses, landslides, water contamination...
It was only because frightened miners quickly contacted the knightly order that worse disasters were averted.
"Still, it's taking quite a while. Whatever the magic tower is facing must be serious."
"Hah... Truly concerning. Let's ask if there's any way we can assist."
-Hey.
"?"
Lee Han, who was participating in a meditation break (the next event after the music appreciation session) by the lakeside, glanced around.
Had someone just spoken to him?
-...The staff! The staff, you idiot!
"Ah."
Only then did Lee Han turn his gaze to the staff.
Apparently, the wicked spirit in his staff—one that only showed up when it needed something—had spoken to him.
"Hold on. Where are your manners?"
-...This isn't the time for that! There's something dangerous nearby!
Saratan declared triumphantly.
He was certain this rude, arrogant mage would change his attitude upon hearing this information.
"Dangerous?"
Upon hearing this, Lee Han's eyes flicked sideways.
Was he talking about Professor Voladi?
-...Not that mage, you lunatic! A spirit! A spirit!!
"You little— Wanna keep being disrespectful? Feel like meeting my teacher?"
-Ah, no. My apologies, Mage... It's just... urgent...
Saratan shriveled up again. Then he grew puzzled.
Huh?
'Why am I groveling...? I'm the one with the information here...?'