Chapter 139
Chapter 139
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Translator: Ebonarch
Chapter: 139
Chapter Title: Elder (3)
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No one said a word in response to Jamie's greeting.
They simply showed a variety of reactions, as before. Among them, the one who caught Jamie's eye was the middle-aged man sitting in the third seat from the left.
'Oh, not a bad reaction.'
His face was stiff with displeasure, his mouth corners turned downward. His ears were slightly red, as if he was a bit angry.
He had been like that from the moment they first laid eyes on each other.
Jamie knew exactly why this stranger was reacting this way.
'Inferiority complex.'
It was a trait commonly seen among mages.
Mages generally had strong egos, and the more skilled they were, the greater their narcissism.
Especially for those who held elder positions in the magical world, their pride must be immense.
Yet here was a kid they were seeing for the first time, whose realm surpassed their own—a fact confirmed with their own eyes. The emotions that stirred were obvious.
'But... among them all, the only one clearly below me is that uncle over there.'
The woman in the sixth seat, exuding a decadent beauty, was similar, but her realm was definitely higher than Jamie's.
With just the right trigger, she would quickly establish her magical ego and advance to 7th class.
'Glad I came to see this.'
Jamie smiled inwardly as he observed the elders one by one.
Then his eyes met those of the Linmel Marquis.
Last spring, he had first encountered him at the family estate. Thinking he was an intruder at first, Jamie had been quite surprised to learn he was the kingdom's grand mage.
On top of that, he had received a gift—the Full Body Breathing Method, which now handled Jamie's mana supply.
Of course, Jamie had modified it to his taste, making it more efficient than the original.
Seeing him again like this stirred a sense of fondness.
The Linmel Marquis seemed to feel the same, nodding with a smile.
"It's been a while, Jamie."
The Linmel Marquis spoke first.
Having made eye contact, and seeing how masterfully Jamie used the Full Body Breathing Method he had passed on, he appeared even more delighted.
"It's been a while. Thanks to you, I learned a great breathing technique. I've been meaning to come thank you properly, and here we are."
At those words, the other elders glared at the Linmel Marquis with fierce eyes.
Not having expected Jamie to bring up the Full Body Breathing Method, the Linmel Marquis broke out in a sweat, clearing his throat awkwardly under their stares.
"Ahem. You've grown stronger since last time. It won't be as easy to deal with you now."
When they first met, Jamie hadn't been able to do a thing against his magic.
It probably wouldn't be much different now.
Soon, the Linmel Marquis's gaze shifted to Jamie's waist.
He knew what that sword was. It was Scud, the blade the Welton Count had carried in his youth, imbued with the power of acceleration.
'I heard he took up the sword...'
Rumor had it his skill was exceptional.
He had been worried at first, but it seemed he had underestimated a genius.
With the stigmata of the Pyro Goddess on top of that, if he encompassed complex fields as well, he wouldn't be able to treat him playfully like before.
"I'll ask for a spar next time."
"Hoho."
"Hmph. A mage talking about spars? That's crude talk for those who swing their bodies around."
At that moment, the 3rd Elder, Serpent, interjected in a mocking tone.
The Linmel Marquis frowned.
"What do you mean by that?"
"We mages are a kind of scholars. We use our heads. We're not like those who tangle their bodies to improve... "
"You should watch your words."
Unable to listen anymore as Serpent spewed his thoughts recklessly, Jamie cut him off and continued.
"My father is one of those who train their bodies. And so am I."
At those words, Serpent's eyes widened slightly in surprise, then he shook his head as if half in shock.
"Th-that's not what I meant. Sorry if there was a misunderstanding."
"Glad to hear it. I hate to say this as a kid, but your wording wasn't exactly refined either, Elder."
"Pfft!"
"Puhahaha!"
Siegfried burst into laughter at Jamie's sharp retort, followed by Adelhart who couldn't hold it in.
Serpent's face flushed red and purple, but he couldn't muster any excuse. It was fortunate it ended there.
After all, he could have insulted the Welton Count in the process.
Ophen, the leader of the same king's faction, looked at Serpent pitifully before speaking to Jamie.
"He didn't mean it badly, so please don't mind him."
Jamie looked at Ophen.
The old man in the first seat had pure white beard, hair, and eyebrows, with a benevolent face that even seemed incorruptible.
The most famous mage in the Sellam Kingdom. Alongside the Linmel Marquis, one of the kingdom's only two official 8th class grand mages, and the king's teacher.
And.
'The Mage of the Sky, Ophen Ginger.'
The epithet 'Sky' came from his ability to freely manipulate all weather.
Jamie had wanted to see what kind of magic he wielded if they met.
Ophen continued.
"Anyway, your greeting came a bit late. I am Ophen Ginger, the 1st Elder of the magical world. Thank you for responding to our request, my young mage friend."
However, Jamie couldn't help but stiffen at those words.
The elders from the opposing faction to Ophen felt the same, especially Siegfried whose expression soured.
It was because of the emphasis on the final words, 'young mage'.
No one present would miss the implication unless they were idiots.
Siegfried looked at Ophen and said,
"Don't you think calling him just 'young mage friend' is a bit rude?"
"Ah, hahaha. This old fool made a mistake. Sorry about that, Jamie. A proper 6th class mage, and I treated you like a child. My apologies."
Even though his intent was obvious, he switched attitudes so nonchalantly that Siegfried looked exasperated.
That was Ophen.
Uncomfortable, but he never crossed the line, always belittling others with words.
And when called out, he brushed it off as no big deal.
It wasn't shamelessness.
Many mages in the magical world disliked Ophen's demeanor.
"Hoho. Since we've met like this, let's get along well from now on."
"I hope so."
Jamie replied, looking at Ophen.
'This guy just tested the others' attitudes with that remark.'
It sounded like he was trying to undermine Jamie's position, but Jamie saw it differently.
By saying that, Ophen was checking how many would agree with him and how many would show resentment.
'Not sure what his aim was.'
Probably part of politics.
People like Ophen were tricky to deal with. Hard to read their intentions.
He really was like a snake.
'Enemy or ally? I'll find out by watching more.'
With that thought, Jamie refocused on the elders.
"Come on now. We've got a new family member here—let's liven things up! Everyone was waiting for Jamie, weren't they?"
Luke clapped to shift the mood and draw attention.
With his usual playful expression, he asked everyone,
"So, what did you all think of your first impressions of Jamie?"
'5th Elder, Luke Presel. Leader of Equality, huh?'
Jamie thought as he watched Luke trying to heat up the atmosphere.
'He's the same type as Ophen.'
Different method, but he could draw out the other elders' evaluations in a setting like this.
But one step below Ophen.
Ophen wouldn't have been so direct.
It would hand data to the opposing faction too, benefiting the enemy for his own gain.
"Shall I start?"
Luke smiled, trying to get responses.
But the woman next to him, Adelhart, clicked her tongue and yanked his ear.
"Ow! Adel, what the hell?"
"Shut up and sit still."
Adelhart glanced at Ophen, then glared sharply at Luke.
'Good partner she has.'
If Adelhart hadn't caught Luke's blunder and stopped it quickly, it would have benefited others.
On the other hand, the noble faction leader, Linmel Marquis?
'...He doesn't seem to care.'
Unlike the king's faction and Equality engaging in mind games, the noble faction showed no particular reaction.
He had heard the Linmel Marquis wasn't very proactive, but not to this extent.
The 4th Elder, Raymond Floris Shan, was the same. He hadn't spoken once since the beginning, just watching Jamie with interested eyes.
As Luke and Adelhart bickered, Siegfried spoke up.
"More importantly, when will the house and lab for Young Master Jamie be provided?"
"Hey, Siegfried. Why are you acting like his guardian?"
Adelhart tilted her head provocatively, and Siegfried smiled coolly in response.
"If you don't like it, take it up with Count Welton."
"You've grown cocky, kid."
"I've been taller than you since I was little."
"Want to go at it after so long?"
'This is intense.'
As Adelhart exuded faint killing intent and lunged at Siegfried, he stood arrogantly as if inviting her.
Watching them, Jamie realized the magical world wasn't what he had imagined.
He knew the Elder Council was rife with political fights, but he hadn't expected it to be this brutish.
"Enough, both of you."
Zzzzt—
Ophen glanced coldly at Siegfried and Adelhart at an angle.
"You're being rude to Jamie."
"...Tch."
Adelhart withdrew her killing intent and sat down.
Siegfried snorted and turned away.
'What was that just now?'
Jamie got chills from the aura emanating from Ophen.
It was only for an instant, but Ophen had unleashed a killing intent hard to manifest at his current realm.
'It was Fear.'
There were many ways to dominate an opponent's psyche, but the highest was Fear.
The dragons' specialty, the product of monsters beyond superhumans.
What Ophen had shown was precisely that Fear.
'Not perfect, though.'
He never expected him to have mastered Fear.
As expected of one of the kingdom's top grand mages?
At that level, he wouldn't yield even to a Sword Master.
"Everyone, calm down."
Ophen returned to his benevolent face as if nothing had happened.
"The house and lab for Jamie are important, yes. But... we can't just hand out a lab whenever we want."
"He is a 6th class mage."
"His realm qualifies, but achievements are needed to some extent. Don't you all agree?"
At Ophen's question, the other elders looked hesitant but nodded.
Personal labs were available from 5th class and up. Jamie met the conditions, but he was a newcomer.
"You mean verification is needed?"
"Exactly, Jamie."
"Should I demonstrate 6th class magic?"
"The realm itself doesn't matter. This is to see how well you adapt to the magical world."
At the word 'adapt', Jamie furrowed one eyebrow.
What were they planning to make him do?
As Jamie looked at Ophen, he grinned and said,
"Today is the entrance ceremony for Phoenix Academy, right? Academy President Siegfried."
"Ugh."
Suddenly put on the spot, Siegfried looked troubled.
He didn't say it outright, but Ophen was rebuking Siegfried for neglecting his duties.
"Yes, it is. But why bring that up so suddenly...?"
Ophen rested his interlaced hands under his chin and said,
"How about serving as a student teacher there for a month?"
At those words, both Jamie and Siegfried frowned.