Chapter 60: Carriage Driver (2)
Translator: RaidenTL
Chapter 60: Carriage Driver (2)
I climbed into the driver's seat of the carriage and gripped the lever-shaped handle. As I channeled mana through it, my senses synchronized with the vehicle, creating a magical link between us.
By releasing mana and pushing the handle forward...
My mana became the engine that drove the carriage onward.
“This is great.”
The higher one’s [Elemental Efficiency], the smoother the ride.
Additionally, I was a student of Märchen Academy. Even if I had only completed one semester, I had received a top-tier education and honed my magical control to a fine point.
To boast a little, my carriage would provide customers with an exceptionally steady and comfortable journey.
I drove the carriage with Eden by my side, feeling refreshed as the light summer breeze brushed against my skin.
As I moved forward, the sight of figures dressed in white knightly attire became increasingly common. They were the Imperial Knights, dispatched to investigate the frequent demon appearances.
While the academy maintained a strict rule against interference from outside forces, this incident was of such gravity that the imperial family had intervened regardless.
I could easily imagine the sheer amount of stress the academy staff was under right now. It was truly pitiful.
‘Well, I’m sure they’ll manage.’
I just had to focus on my own job.
Before long, the carriage arrived at the commercial district. The area was bustling with traffic. These were the citizens of the Zelver Empire, living independently within the economic ecosystem established by the academy.
Channeling the spirit of capitalism, I flashed a bright smile and shouted a promotional slogan at the passersby.
“You’ve never experienced a carriage like this! You won’t even be able to tell the difference between this seat and your own bed! I promise a smooth, premium ride operated by a student of Märchen Academy!”
[Kyuu, kyuu!]
Following my pitch, Eden’s cry mixed with my voice, creating a resonant, attention-grabbing effect. It felt like a live, addictive television advertisement.
The mention of a Märchen Academy student operating a carriage immediately drew the eyes of nearby pedestrians. Their interest was further piqued by the rarity of seeing a student acting as a barker while driving.
“Student! Give me a ride, please!”
My first customer was a cheerful-looking older woman.
She was the talkative type, lamenting how students hadn't been visiting her bakery much lately. Playing the part of the professional, I engaged in a lively conversation with her throughout the trip.
“Thank you, student! Maybe it’s because you’re from the academy, but that ride was incredibly comfortable!”
“Thank you for choosing us, ma'am!”
Being a carriage driver was a performance-based job. I had to pay the rental fee for the carriage and a percentage of the earned Gel, but the rest was mine to keep.
Since I had to balance my training with part-time work, I needed to earn as much Gel as possible in the shortest amount of time. That was how 'Salesman Isaac' was born.
“You’ve never experienced a carriage ride like this! You won’t even be able to tell if it’s a bed or—!”
“Student! Over here!”
“Coming right away!”
My publicity stunt was a massive success. Everywhere I went, people were eager to hop on, some out of genuine need and others out of pure curiosity. It was rare for a Märchen Academy student to work as a driver, and even I was surprised by the level of interest.
I was already welcoming my eighth set of customers: a mother and her young daughter. As we headed toward their destination, the two-year-old child’s continuous crying began to fluster the mother.
“I’m so sorry, student. My daughter just won’t stop... Please, baby, you have to stop crying, okay?”
“WAHHHHHHHH!!!”
The baby’s cries echoed like a siren. She clearly had a strong pair of lungs; she’d grow up to be formidable.
「Ice Generation (Ice Element, ★1)」
“WAHHH... ah...?”
I cast [Ice Generation] in the air and immediately dispelled it, causing a shimmering blue powder to rain down.
Inside the moving carriage, the baby stared in fascination as the beautiful, glittering dust floated past the window.
As the powder began to vanish, the baby reached both arms toward the window, her gaze filled with wonder. I continued to form more powder, keeping her occupied.
“Phew. Thank you, student.”
“It was nothing. Just part of the service.”
Beside me, Eden agreed with a proud [Kyuu!].
It seemed they had business with the Märchen Academy administrative office; the mother’s younger sister was a staff member there. They had come to see her in person and share some tea, as they hadn't been able to find time to meet recently.
Unfortunately, she likely wouldn’t get the peaceful visit she wanted. The academy staff were currently drowning in work.
“...”
After bidding farewell to the mother and daughter, I stared intensely at Bartos Hall. Memories of the Trial of Frost resurfaced, stirring a complex mix of emotions.
Of course, I had other things to worry about.
‘I want to try using [Clairvoyance] for surveillance.’
I wanted to use [Clairvoyance] to monitor Alice as much as possible. However, watching her directly was a dangerous gamble that could trigger Extra Bad Ending #11: [Instant Death].
Her Cheshire had an exceptional ability to sense the presence of others. If I directed [Clairvoyance] at Alice, Cheshire would immediately detect the eerie gaze fixed on its master and come to kill me.
‘She’s not here right now, anyway.’
Alice had returned home for the break. I used [Clairvoyance] to peek inside the student council room instead, but everything seemed normal.
Well, that was a problem for later.
I began driving the carriage once more.
As night fell, I parked the carriage at the station and calculated the day’s earnings. It was a substantial amount. At this pace, I would only need to work for about three weeks to cover both my living expenses and tuition.
After finishing my training, I fell into a deep sleep back at the dormitory.
*
Immediately after waking up the next morning, I extended my left arm. The 8-star familiar contract circle engraved on my wrist had transformed into a summoning circle, hiding its presence beneath my skin.
Focusing on the flow of mana within, I visualized the form of the Frost Dragon, Hilde.
Suddenly, the summoning circle revealed itself, emitting a brilliant azure light.
I felt a sensation similar to when I summoned Eden. However, it felt as if a massive barrier was blocking the path; the being within simply couldn't break through.
“Damn it...”
I lowered my arm. I was trying to summon Hilde in a miniaturized form, exhausting my mana to its limits every morning to make it happen.
According to the lore of ❰Magic Knight of Märchen❱, when a familiar is unsummoned, it transforms into pure mana and resides within the contractor’s heart. Because of this, it was theoretically possible to summon a smaller manifestation of a familiar.
In other words, mana consumption could be reduced by decreasing the size and presence of the familiar. However, this technique heavily depended on the contractor’s level and [Elemental Efficiency].
Given my current level and skill, summoning the Frost Dragon—even in a tiny form—was still impossible.
“I want to talk to her.”
I had already decided what I would say.
I would tell her the truth about everything and ask for her help. I didn't want to deceive her while exploiting her power.
But while those thoughts were being transmitted to the Frost Dragon, I still couldn't speak to her directly.
For now, I had to focus on my duties as a driver.
I resolved to try summoning Hilde again tomorrow.
After changing into my uniform, I left the dormitory.
...
It was the fifth day of my job as a carriage driver.
Today, the atmosphere was unusual. The academy staff were on edge, and even the Imperial Knights seemed preoccupied.
I quickly discovered the cause.
‘The Lightning Sovereign?’
He was an Archwizard dubbed the Elemental King of Lightning. Apparently, he was visiting Märchen Academy under the guise of an investment opportunity.
Currently, Märchen Academy was losing investors due to the frequent demon appearances. The school's coffers were in a steady freefall.
However, rumors were circulating that high-ranking nobility—including the Imperial Princess, the Saintess, and even the Priestess—would be attending next year.
It wasn't surprising that the Lightning Sovereign would see this as a chance to invest in the academy while its value was at its lowest.
Even so, something felt off.
‘Why is he coming in person?’
Sending a messenger would have been enough. Why show up himself?
There was no mention of this event in the original ❰Magic Knight of Märchen❱ timeline for the summer after freshman year.
The Imperial Knights and academy staff were visibly tense, clearly suspecting a hidden motive behind the visit.
The Lightning Sovereign wasn't inherently good or evil; he was a neutral party. His presence shouldn't have been a problem, but since this was a deviation from the original story, I couldn't take it lightly. Something had definitely changed.
This wasn't the time to be driving a carriage. I parked in a secluded alley, hid the vehicle, and activated [Clairvoyance].
「Clairvoyance (Neutral Element, ★7)」
I observed the main entrance of the academy. The Imperial Knights and staff were lined up, bowing their heads in respect. Only a handful of people in the world received such treatment—the Imperial Princess, the Saintess of Manhalla, or... an Elemental King.
An opulent carriage, decorated in deep violet and vibrant gold, passed through the gates. It was so grand it made my own carriage look like a wooden crate.
The carriage was flanked by guards in matching purple military uniforms.
The servants opened the door, and a man stepped out.
He wore a black robe, and his aura was overwhelming. His short, violet hair exuded elegance, and his eyes shimmered with natural static electricity.
‘It really is the Lightning Sovereign.’
Why was he here?
Every knight present, led by Vice Commander Fenrir of the 4th Division, saluted him. Since the Commander was currently in the capital, Viyans, the Vice Commander was the highest-ranking officer on-site.
The Lightning Sovereign remained completely indifferent to the knights' display.
Suddenly, he turned his gaze directly toward my position.
“...!”
I immediately cut off [Clairvoyance].
‘Fuck!’
This is bad...!
I had only planned to take a quick look, but I had been caught instantly.
I needed an alibi, and I needed it now.
I hurriedly drove the carriage out of the alley, summoned Eden, and began shouting my usual business slogans as if I had been working the whole time.
“You’ve never experienced a carriage ride like this! You won’t even be able to tell if it’s a bed or a carriage! I-I promise it won’t even s-shake...!”
BOOM───!
“Whoa!”
He closed the distance like a literal bolt of lightning.
A strike hit the ground directly in front of me, forcing the carriage to a screeching halt.
In the spot where the lightning had struck, the Lightning Sovereign appeared instantaneously.
[Jaul Dragoniac]
Lv: 199
Race: Human
Elements: Lightning
Danger: ???
Psychology: [???]
Sparks rippled through the air as he stared at me with a composed, electrified gaze.
Cold sweat poured down my back.
I’m fucked...
As the Zabrok carriage entered the gates of Märchen Academy, Jaul Dragoniac, the Lightning Elemental King, felt a magical presence.
“Lord Lightning Sovereign?”
“...Wait a moment.”
Spark—
As an Archwizard, Jaul possessed the ability to transform his physical body into his element—a technique known as Elemental Transformation.
The Imperial Knights watched in terror as he dissolved into pure lightning.
“I’ll be right back.”
With those words, he shot into the sky.
In his lightning form, he traced the source of the spell and reached Isaac, who had been using [Clairvoyance], in a flash.
“Hmm?”
Jaul narrowed his eyes.
The boy with the heterochromatic silver-blue and red eyes... he was the one Aichel had mentioned.
Jaul had found the magic unusual, but he hadn't expected to find him here.
‘I didn't think we would meet so soon.’
He could sense an aura far beyond his imagination. The boy standing before him was, without a doubt, the candidate for the next Ice Sovereign.
Why he was wearing a uniform and operating a common carriage, Jaul didn't know.
Still, this was the person who had predicted the demon outbreaks, enrolled in the academy, and was secretly eliminating threats while keeping his identity hidden.
It wasn't likely he was doing this for the money. Perhaps the fine mana control required to drive the carriage helped him master his own power?
The reason Jaul wanted to see Isaac personally was because he possessed a discerning eye. He wanted to see for himself who Isaac really was, the extent of his power, and whether their values aligned.
Depending on his assessment of Isaac, the reason for his visit to the academy would change.
As planned, he would speak with him. And the best way to do that was to use the service the boy was providing.
“Give me a ride.”
“...Huh?”
Jaul’s tone was commanding, leaving no room for refusal.
“Y-Yes! Welcome, valued customer!”
Isaac responded respectfully, sweating profusely as he realized he had no choice but to comply.
“I-I promise you a comfortable ride without any shaking!”
Ignoring the promotional slogan, Jaul simply stepped into the carriage.
The interior was cramped and lacked the luxury of the Zabrok carriage he usually traveled in.
It didn't matter. He sat with his arms crossed and legs folded, staring at the front window where he could see the back of Isaac’s head.
“Drive with grace. Our destination is the main entrance of the academy.”
“Y-Yes, sir!”
Isaac began driving toward the entrance.
As they moved, Jaul’s eyes sparked with static as his gaze narrowed.
‘I knew it...’
How could he not recognize the nature of the ethereal blue aura emanating from Isaac?
To those who had reached the pinnacle of an element, a distinct aura would manifest. The Fire Elemental King, the Water Elemental King, the Wind Elemental King—Isaac was just like them.
If Isaac had reached the level of an Archwizard, he might even possess a truth-seeing ability similar to Dorothy Heartnova’s [All In the World].
What Jaul saw within Isaac was a terrifying entity adorned with countless eyes, capable of devouring everything in existence. A monster possessing near-infinite mana.
[ ■■■. ]
Be gone.
As the monstrous entity within Isaac spoke, Jaul felt a genuine chill run down his spine.
To think that he, one of the strongest beings alive, had briefly felt fear. How long had it been since he felt such a thing?
Yet, paradoxically, the amount of mana he could actually sense from Isaac was tiny. Jaul possessed transcendent mana perception; he could detect even unreleased mana to gauge a person's maximum capacity.
‘What on earth is this boy...?’
Jaul stroked his chin, lost in thought.
He was the master of the Frost Dragon and the Frostscythe. He possessed an aura that could only be obtained by reaching the pinnacle of the ice element. And he had an unknown, monstrous existence hidden deep within him.
Was it possible for someone who harbored such a creature to have such a pathetic amount of mana? It made no sense.
In other words, as he had discussed with Aichel, Isaac must have manipulated his mana reserves to conceal his true identity. Like Jaul himself, the boy was likely an Archwizard in disguise.
Coming to the academy just to confirm this was worth the trip.
Now that he knew how terrifying Isaac was, he needed to verify one more thing, even if it required pressure. Was Isaac a threat or a potential ally? The answer would determine Jaul's future actions.
“Are you a student?”
“Huh? Y-yes, sir.”
“What is your name?”
“It’s Isaac.”
“You don’t seem to have a family name.”
“Y-yes, I’m a commoner...”
“What do you plan to do after graduation?”
“Ah, I want to be a wizard. That’s why I joined the Department of Magic.”
Jaul felt a flicker of annoyance. Someone of Isaac's caliber pursuing such a mundane career path? He shifted the direction of his questioning.
“What kind of wizard do you want to be?”
“What?”
“There are many paths for a wizard. You could be a court mage for a noble, a researcher in the Magic Tower, a mercenary, or an explorer. Even then, you will be divided by your beliefs. There are those who use magic to protect, and those who use it for selfish desires. When I ask what kind of wizard you wish to become, that is what I am asking.”
Silence followed, broken only by the rhythmic sound of the carriage wheels.
After a brief but deep silence, Isaac responded.
“I haven't decided on a specific career path yet, but I have decided on the kind of wizard I want to be. It might sound a bit cliché to you...”
If Isaac were to remain in this world after defeating the Evil God Nephid, he would need to be a wizard to make a living.
So, what kind of wizard? After the Trial of Frost, Isaac had reached a conclusion.
“I want to be a wizard that people can be proud of.”
He spoke with a faint smile.
During the final test of the Trial of Frost, he had remembered his mother back in Korea.
His mother, who nagged him to stop drinking soda because it was bad for him. His mother, who worried constantly. His mother, who always filled the fridge with his favorite side dishes. His mother, who prepared his favorite meals whenever he visited. His mother, who sent him "I love you" texts out of the blue.
His mother, who had believed in him until the very end.
She had passed away while he was studying for the civil service exam. The moment his world collapsed had overlapped with the final test of the Trial of Frost.
In that moment, he decided that if he was going to keep living, he would become someone his mother could be proud of.
“...I see.”
Jaul closed his eyes.
Isaac’s values and actions seemed to align with his words. There was no hint of a lie.
Jaul was satisfied.
Although they hadn't reached the main entrance yet, it was time for him to leave.
Spark────!
“Wait, what?!”
Jaul transformed into lightning once more and shot out the window. Startled, Isaac instinctively cried out about his fare, but Jaul was already gone.
Crash───!
A bolt of lightning struck the ground in front of the academy’s main gates. While the staff and knights jumped in shock, the Zabrok escorts remained indifferent, clearly used to their master's dramatic exits.
The lightning condensed into mana, taking the form of Jaul. With an impassive expression, he walked toward his original carriage.
“I have what I came for. Let’s move.”
“Yes, my Lord!”
As Jaul boarded and the procession began to move again, the knights and staff could only stare in dazed astonishment.
Inside the luxurious carriage, Jaul gazed out at the academy scenery. Opposite him sat a female knight named Hera, her sword resting on her lap.
“I’m glad I came in person. It wasn't a waste of time.”
“Did you meet the potential Ice Sovereign?”
Jaul nodded.
“We... must ensure he never becomes our enemy.”
That creature within him, possessing strength like an endless abyss, was one thing. But Isaac’s thought process—which seemed no different from an ordinary student despite his immense power—suggested he was hiding something deep.
“Still, he isn't a bad person.”
If, one day, Isaac took his place among the Elemental Kings, Jaul decided he wouldn't be against it.