Chapter 75
-----------------------------------------------------------------
Translator: MadScientist
Chapter: 75
Chapter Title: Mage Tower's Mage (5)
-----------------------------------------------------------------
"Dear, how long do you plan to stay at the Mage Tower? Do you have other plans?"
Eleanor Grandmother naturally shifted the topic.
I wanted to pry into all sorts of things, but the timing didn't feel right, so I casually steered the conversation as well.
"Ah, yes. Actually, I'm planning to stop by the auction house with Department Head Raymond."
"The auction house?"
"Yes. The department head said he'd buy me that ancient magic tome called the Subspace Tome or something."
At my words, Grandmother nodded with a pleased expression.
"Mm-hmm. It's a good book. It'll definitely be a big help for you, who studies space."
"...Ah, yes... I suppose I have to... research it."
I smiled awkwardly and mumbled through it.
In truth, I planned to learn just the subdimensional creation spell inside and then resell it, but no need to mention that.
"What about you, Grandmother?"
I finished draining my teacup and asked her.
"Once I leave, will you go back to sleep... no, I mean, your magic research?"
"Well, I don't think so."
No sooner had I emptied my cup than Grandmother refilled it and spoke.
"I've slept far too long, so I have backlog from the Mage Tower to handle, and I need to comfort the kids from our Illusion Dream School who are all down in the dumps... Above all, I have to prepare to head to the imperial palace, don't I?"
"The imperial palace? Why there?"
"Why? I have to attend my dear's Archmage inauguration ceremony."
...Huh?
Wait. I think I just heard something weird.
"Inauguration ceremony?"
"Yes. It's the glorious occasion where His Majesty the Emperor bestows the title personally."
"Whose inauguration?"
"Who else? Our Lunaris dear, who could it be besides you?"
"Ah, no... Hold on. Isn't it over once I get verified at the Mage Tower?"
Becoming an Archmage is such a hassle.
Why are there so many procedures and steps?
Can't I just cast advanced magic properly?
"Oh my. You didn't know, did you, dear? Officially granting the Archmage title and all the associated benefits is the imperial family's authority."
Grandmother explained gently, as if teaching a worldly-inexperienced granddaughter.
"It's unavoidable. After all, someone who has crossed the wall like an Archmage or Sword Master—strategic-level power beyond norms—needs to be tracked and managed at the empire level."
"Ah..."
"Did Raymond not explain it to you, dear?"
Come to think of it, I vaguely remember hearing something.
...The problem is I was too focused on the subdimension and let it go in one ear and out the other.
"Um... Can't I just skip becoming an official Archmage?"
"Well, it doesn't matter, does it?"
An unexpected answer came back.
I figured she'd at least say something about prestige like Vice Tower Lord Wilhelm or lecture me like Department Head Raymond.
"A nameplate like Archmage—what does it matter? Whether you get the title or not, the fact that you're an amazing mage doesn't change."
"...Really?"
"Of course~ And to me, you'll always be my cute Lunaris dear, now and forever."
I scratched my cheek, feeling unnecessarily embarrassed.
"Still, personally, I'd love to see you shining at the imperial palace."
"...Ugh."
"I hope many people besides me recognize what an incredible mage you are, don't you think? Hehe."
...Ah, that's foul play.
If she'd yelled that I had to go, I could've stubbornly refused out of spite. But like this, it feels like I have to go.
My resolve weakens for no reason.
This grandmother knows exactly how to handle people.
"...I just have to go and stand there quietly?"
"Of course~ You just stand in the hall, receive your robe, and come out."
In the end, I nodded.
Well, just this once.
I want to spend a bit more time getting closer to Eleanor Grandmother too.
...And maybe at the palace, I can hear more details about how Grandmother sees me.
Third day at the Mage Tower.
Yesterday felt suspended in time as I spent the whole day giving statements about the train terror incident.
And today was the auction day.
I headed to the Mage Tower's 20th floor—the commercial district—with Department Head Raymond.
As expected of a place where money flows, unlike the gloomy vibe of other floors, this one felt quite sophisticated.
Wizardboards floating on the ceiling flashed promotional phrases for shops, and the floor was laid with top-grade marble.
The streets were lined with all sorts of stores.
Shops dealing in bizarre magic tools or rare magic stones.
Street vendors hawking alchemy catalysts like dried mandrake roots.
Even tents handling magical creatures caught the eye.
"Mmm~ Luxurious scent~"
In the middle of the street, Department Head Raymond took a deep breath, his face enraptured.
"Haa... It feels like my world-weary body and soul are healing."
"...This place seems as worldly as it gets."
"It's the feeling, the feeling! Anyway, let's go!"
The department head strode ahead excitedly.
I thought we'd head straight to the auction house, but he suddenly turned and—
-Ding-a-ling.
—flung open the door to a luxury boutique.
"Welcome! Oh, isn't this Raymond Cloud Elder himself?"
No sooner had we entered than an uniformed clerk rushed over.
"It's been so long since your last visit!"
"Heh heh. I've been swamped this semester and couldn't come at all."
The department head haughtily lifted his chin and continued.
"Since it's been a while, I'd like to browse the latest arrivals. Bring the catalog."
"We keep an updated catalog just for you, Elder."
The clerk bowed at a perfect 90 degrees and handed over a thick booklet.
"This season's theme is formal event attire and accessories?"
"We heard rumors you're visiting the palace as the mentor of the youngest Archmage-to-be, so we prepared accordingly."
At the clerk's flattering words, the department head's lips curled up to his ears.
He cleared his throat with a dignified 'ahem' and subtly placed his hands on both my shoulders.
"That's right. I am Raymond Cloud, the one who taught that youngest Archmage, Miss Lunaris~ That's what it says. Oh ho ho hot!!"
Watching him laugh loud enough to shake the store, I mentally facepalmed.
What can I say... It's a bit pitiful.
"Overall, very nice. Excellent selection."
The department head flipped through the catalog, then ran his finger down the entire page.
"Send me everything in this catalog, all colors."
"Thank you as always, Elder."
The department head making such an outrageous order, and the clerk treating it as normal.
Neither is quite right in the head.
"As usual, deliver to the top floor of Elterion Academy's magic building?"
"Yes. Since time is short, add the warp magic express delivery option."
The department head pulled a check from his pocket and signed it without hesitation.
"Bill the Imperial Bank in full at once."
"Thank you as always, Elder."
Leaving the clerk—now bent over more than 90 degrees, practically folded in half—we exited the store.
"Haa~ Nothing beats shopping for stress relief. This fulfillment... Heh heh, oh ho ho ho...!"
His face looked refreshed, like decade-old indigestion had vanished.
"Is it okay to spend money like that? You'll still buy my ancient tome, right?"
"Miss Lunaris, what do you take me for? This is nothing."
He snorted at my worried question.
"By the way, when we return to the academy, stop by my lab and take whatever you like."
Our department head sure has a big heart.
The VIP treatment continued at the auction house.
Fierce-looking guards stood at the ornate building entrance, but we passed with just a glance.
At least on this 20th floor, Raymond Cloud was king.
"Welcome, Elder of the Elemental School, Archmage Raymond Cloud. And the person beside you...?"
"This is my prized disciple, Lunaris Evermoon. I vouch for her."
"Ah! You're that famous one making waves in the Mage Tower lately...! An honor to meet you!"
Everywhere we go, the reactions are the same.
Fawning over VIP big spender—not customer—Raymond Cloud, then surprise at his disciple, me. Rinse and repeat.
We followed the manager's guidance down a VIP-only corridor.
Up one flight of stairs to the lounge.
According to him, a room for select VIPs only.
Regular customers bid from the public seats before the stage, but VIPs use private rooms with proxies for discreet bidding?
I decided not to ask how much useless junk he'd bought to earn this treatment.
Obviously, a ton.
"The auction will begin shortly. Please wait a moment."
Soon after the manager left, another clerk entered with a tray of wine glasses.
"Your usual Chateau Brulerie 30-year vintage."
"Ah, not today. I'm with a minor."
The department head waved it off casually.
This world's age of majority is 18.
I'm still 16, so yes, a minor.
"My apologies. I didn't realize someone on the cusp of Archmage promotion was underage."
"Heh heh. Fair enough. Today, I'm here to buy a gift for my disciple."
"A fine mentor you are."
At the professional flattery, the department head hummed contentedly.
Now I fully get why he was so desperate to drag me to the Mage Tower.
Soon, a thick leather-bound catalog was placed on the table.
The list of today's auction items.
"Want to take a look? Plenty of fun stuff besides the Subspace Tome."
At his urging, I scanned the catalog.
Magic tools galore, latest inventions, mysterious artifacts—even cursed ones. Lots of everything.
Nothing caught my eye.
Forget not knowing what they were; the starting bids—from dozens to hundreds, even thousands of gold coins—took my breath away.
"Oh, by the way, buying might be tight on funds. They don't take checks here."
Okay. All out.
"Thank you for waiting! First item of the day, coming up!"
...But that resolve.
"As you see, an egg of unknown origin, whose life it holds a mystery... but the condensed vitality and mana density inside are extraordinary!"
"Highly recommended for Life School mages researching rare creatures and collectors seeking the unique!"
Shattered the instant I saw the dark, mottled egg introduced by the host's lively voice.
"That's... a magical beast, Nebula's egg."
Why... why the hell is this here?
"As the first item, starting bid lightly at 20 gold!"
"I'll bid."
The moment the host finished, I called over the waiting clerk.
"20 gold for now."