Episode 601
Episode 601
Even among beastfolk, there were certain bloodlines whose appearances leaned particularly close to their animal counterparts.
Such individuals were commonly described as having 'thick blood.'
And when that animal happened to be one that generally evoked affection—a cute creature—they could easily surpass even the Empire's conventional standards of beauty to achieve remarkable popularity.
-Like Professor Verdus, for instance.
Indeed, Professor Verdus possessed an exceptionally beaver-like and adorable appearance that stood out even among other beaver beastfolk.
Given his personality, one might suspect that his survival thus far owed as much to his looks as to his considerable magical prowess.
"Then why not just take Professor Verdus with you?"
-Have you lost your mind???
"Ah. My apologies."
Lee Han immediately apologized. The Skeleton Principal's expression softened as he replied.
"Compared to Professor Verdus, Pengerin would be a shining star in any social gathering."
"I'd rather not attend social gatherings, though..."
Alsicle interjected cautiously.
Blessed with extraordinary magical talent from birth, Alsicle believed himself destined to devote his life to magic.
A mage with such a calling had no business wasting time on frivolous social activities when he should be focusing on his craft.
"Tsk. I don't want to be a magic school headmaster either, Pengerin. That's just how life is. Get caught trespassing, and you end up doing things you hate. Now. Let's go."
The Skeleton Principal hauled them both back above ground.
Suddenly remembering the other intruder, Lee Han asked:
"What happened to that intruder who turned into a statue?"
"Ah. That spy. Turns out he was sent by a Duke."
"Which Duke?"
"Duke Icaldoren."
"!"
Lee Han was startled.
This was one of the Empire's high-ranking nobles—someone he'd met on several occasions.
"That capricious, eccentric, penny-pinching Duke? I can't believe he'd do something like this!"
"...?"
The Skeleton Principal looked puzzled by Lee Han's description. Alsicle seemed equally confused. 'Penny-pinching?' 'Wasn't he known for being cold and meticulous?' "Duke Icaldoren isn't stingy, is he? Not the type to pinch pennies."
"Correct. I know several magic towers sponsored by Duke Icaldoren—he's hardly a difficult patron. And regarding his personality, I've heard he's so cold-blooded you couldn't draw a drop of blood from him with a needle..."
Lee Han tilted his head at their responses.
Was that so?
"Maybe the rumors were exaggerated? He seemed like a pretty odd fellow to me."
Had Duke Icaldoren been present, he'd have roared, "You're the one who made me flustered, you brat!" in outrage—but unfortunately, the Duke wasn't there to defend himself.
The Skeleton Principal and Alsicle took Lee Han's opinion seriously.
"People's personalities can change."
"Now that you mention it, that's true. Perhaps he grew eccentric and capricious enough to send a spy."
And thus, Duke Icaldoren was summarily recast as a capricious, eccentric miser.
"Seems there are few trustworthy people left in the Empire. For a Duke to stoop to such behavior..."
"An epiphany, I see. How many in this Empire truly have its best interests at heart? Probably just me."
"......"
"...Ah, yes."
Though Alsicle and Lee Han's responses came a beat too late, the Skeleton Principal paid no mind.
"Will you be meeting the Duke on the way, then?"
"No. I've no intention of altering my plans for some pyramid-schemer."
The Skeleton Principal waved a hand dismissively, as if Duke Icaldoren's affairs were utterly trivial.
To the Headmaster's eyes, even a renowned high noble of the Empire was just some lucky brat born into a decent family.
Their political maneuvering and social climbing were downright laughable.
He wouldn't dream of adjusting his schedule for the likes of them.
The matter with the Duke was of the same category as remembering to eat the dessert placed on the table whenever it came to mind.
"I'll deal with it later if I remember."
"Oh, I thought you were angry because of the intruder."
"I was angry when they failed to catch him. At their incompetence."
The Death Knights driving the carriage ahead flinched.
"But now that he's caught, there's no reason to be angry."
The Skeleton Principal's face showed no sign of concern whatsoever.
It sounded completely sincere—more enraged by the fact that they had failed to catch him than by the intrusion itself.
"That brat probably thinks he's special. But that kind of fool appears in Einrogard every year. The ones who believe they're special and convinced they can take something from Einrogard."
Having said that, the Skeleton Principal glanced at Alsicle.
Alsicle, feeling guilty, hurriedly defended himself.
"I wasn't trying to take anything—I was just trying to teach magic—"
"Quiet. Theft is theft, no matter the reason."
Listening to the conversation, Lee Han grew curious and asked,
"What was the Duke trying to take?"
"Undoubtedly something trivial. Probably treasures related to immortality or eternal life."
'That doesn't sound trivial though.'
Lee Han thought so but held back from voicing it, knowing the Skeleton Principal would likely shoot him a disdainful look.
Silence.
A heavy quiet settled inside the carriage as the conversation ended. Only the distant sound of the Death Knights flying the carriage could be heard from outside.
Perhaps out of boredom or an inability to endure the silence, Alsicle spoke up.
"So, have you been practicing much ice magic?"
"Ah. I succeeded in contracting with a lesser Ice Spirit."
Lee Han, who had been drafting letters to send to his friends, answered proudly.
"?"
"?"
Naturally, both Alsicle and the Skeleton Principal gave him looks that said, 'What nonsense is this kid spouting?'
Was he so lacking in achievements that he had to boast about that?
"Th-that's impressive! Contracting with an Ice Spirit is no small feat!"
Alsicle flapped his beak, desperately trying to sound supportive.
The Skeleton Principal was even more dumbfounded.
"Has Pengerin lost his mind in the Punishment Room?"
"Spirit contracts are somewhat remarkable, aren't they...?"
"Even indulgent praise has its limits."
"Anything else?"
Alsicle quickly steered the conversation elsewhere.
"I was too busy to practice much, but... oh, right. I managed to create one ice elemental clone."
"Ghk."
At the merciless genius's words, Alsicle staggered, speechless.
The Empire's capital was a place more commonly referred to as "the capital" than by its original city name.
The most beautiful city in the Empire, the largest city in the Empire, the most bustling city in the Empire...
Even the proudest citizens from other regions of the vast Empire had no choice but to grimace and acknowledge its superiority when its name was mentioned.
Such was the Empire's capital.
At the dozens of city gates, an uncountable number of visitors were already lined up, waiting.
The ancient walls, rivaling Einrogard's defenses in history, loomed over them.
The countless spells embedded in the walls left visiting mages in awe—some had even climbed up just to admire them.
"Is that Lake Anita? The one that grants blessings?"
"People are already crowding there."
"Look at the top of the walls! Illusion mages are showcasing new spells!"
"By the Emperor's grace, it truly is magnificent!"
In any other city or fortress, complaints would have erupted from those waiting outside, but in the capital, such people were hard to find.
Partly because there was so much dazzling spectacle that one's eyes never rested...
But more importantly, anyone who caused even the slightest disturbance would immediately face the Emperor's Royal Guard.
Even the most reckless individuals wouldn't dare cause a disturbance in the Imperial capital.
Bwooooooo—
With a blaring trumpet sound, a carriage shrouded in deathly gloom began approaching.
Experienced mages and warriors shuddered at the powerful aura emanating from the carriage.
Bwooooooo— "Make way! Make way! For His Excellency Gonadaltes, Imperial Magic Officer and Guardian of the Empire's Magical Barrier!"
The Death Knights blew their horns and signaled to the crowd gathered at the city gates.
Upon hearing Gonadaltes's name, people gasped and began clearing a path.
"Hey, move aside! It's Lord Gonadaltes! The Grand Archmage himself!"
"I swear by my beard, I never dreamed I'd see the Empire's greatest archmage here!"
"Don't stare at the carriage! Do you want to be turned into a toad?"
Rumors and misconceptions about the grand archmage sent the crowd into a flurry.
Fear, reverence, curiosity—
A mix of emotions rippled across the faces of the gathered people.
Watching this from inside, Lee Han bowed his head in embarrassment.
Though those outside couldn't see into the carriage, he instinctively covered his face.
"Must we make such a noisy entrance?"
"Would you prefer we fly the carriage over the city walls? There's a proper procedure for everything."
The Skeleton Principal stepped out of the carriage and waved his hand.
A thunderous cheer erupted immediately.
"Long live the Grand Archmage!"
"I pray my son grows up to be a hero like the Grand Archmage!"
'Oh dear.'
Lee Han genuinely pitied them.
To think they'd want their children to emulate the Skeleton Principal of all people!
This was a tragedy born of hidden truths.
"Your Excellency Gonadaltes. We are grateful for your presence."
The knight captain overseeing the city gates rushed over upon hearing the news.
Unlike ordinary visitors, Gonadaltes's arrival was a major event that put all the capital's knights on edge.
"We sincerely thank you for not flying over the walls this time."
"......"
"......"
Lee Han and Alsicle inside were speechless.
He flew over the Imperial capital's walls before?!
The Skeleton Principal scoffed and retorted,
"I've been flying into this city for over centuries. Since before you whelps were born."
"You know full well it wasn't my order that stopped you."
The knight captain looked at Gonadaltes with pleading eyes that screamed, 'Please don't cause any trouble.'
It wasn't the knights but the Imperial bureaucrats who had barred the Skeleton Principal from flying in.
After pouring blood and sweat to establish the Empire's laws and protocols, how humiliating must it have been for them when some ancient archmage waltzed in mockingly?
The moment the Skeleton Principal flew in once, the bureaucrats would come scurrying to the Emperor, whining like children.
"I know, I know. Those pests must've been nagging you again. May we enter?"
"Yes. Please proceed."
The knights cleared the way.
Once they passed through the gates and the Skeleton Principal's carriage entered the main avenue, Lee Han was stunned.
The Imperial capital had as many roads as its massive scale demanded, woven together like veins, some reserved for specific classes.
And the road the Skeleton Principal's carriage now traveled was the Imperial Way—exclusively for the Emperor's use. Despite the bustling crowds around, not a single ant could be seen on the path.
"...Are we allowed to use this?"
"Tch. With all the merits Lord Gonadaltes has accumulated, he's entitled to this much at least. ...Probably."
Alsicle tried his best to maintain noble dignity in front of Lee Han.
But the slight tremble at the corner of his lips was unavoidable.
Fortunately, no knights came charging. It seemed they really had permission.
"Pengerin. I'll take Wardanaz to meet His Majesty privately. You..."
"I have relatives nearby. I can stay with them."
"No. Go meet some bureaucrats and brag about Einrogard for me."
"...Yes..."
Alsicle had much to say but obediently nodded.
With the effects of the Punishment Room still lingering in his body, refusal was impossible.