Chapter 13
-----------------------------------------------------------------
Translator: Ace
Chapter: 13
Chapter Title: Encounter with the Elf Princess
-----------------------------------------------------------------
Right at the crack of dawn, I received the most absurd notification.
[Ddol Ddoli has swept away a Pandemonium branch!]
[Ddol Ddoli's fame rises in the imperial southern region!]
[Pandemonium has recognized Ddol Ddoli's existence!]
'What the hell? Does this thing have some kind of black mage detection sensor?'
I couldn't help but wonder if creating Ddol Ddoli had been pure beginner's luck.
For a first attempt at an artificial lifeform, its level of perfection was way too high.
'Compared to that, Lara...'
...is pretty damn weak.
Of course, I hadn't tested her in combat yet, but you don't always need to fight to know.
She didn't have any clear combat skills yet, after all.
'Eh, Lara will grow strong in no time. She's got potential.'
Lost in such thoughts, I headed to work, only to get an unexpected summons from Deputy Director Bren.
"Oh, there you are. Have a seat."
"What's this about so early in the morning?"
"What'll you have? Coffee? Black tea?"
"Just cold water for me. But seriously, what's going on? Another mission?"
"That's right."
"Ah."
Mission. The word drew a sigh—half exasperation, half resignation—from Ian's lips.
"Knew you'd love it. Just like I thought."
"What's the job this time?"
"There've been multiple mana explosion incidents in the west. I need you to investigate."
"Mana explosions happen all the time. Can't you just send regular investigators? Why me specifically?"
"Reports say elves are involved in these mana explosions."
"Ah."
Ian's face turned ashen. Elves...
"This is gonna be a pain."
"That's why I like you—you catch on quick. Say one thing, and you get two or more."
"Can't be helped if elves are involved. I'll handle it."
Ian gave up any thought of negotiating. Even if Bren loved his slacking off, Ian was a man who got the job done when it counted.
If elves were involved, no ordinary investigator could resolve it.
Mess it up, and it could escalate to international—or interracial—conflict.
Sure, no one would dare challenge the Empire directly, but dealing with those arrogant, nitpicky long-ears was a headache.
"Fine, I'll head out right away. Any deadline?"
"No deadline. Just solve it cleanly. His Majesty wants no loose ends or pointless disputes."
"That's my specialty. Leave it to me."
Ian turned to leave the deputy director's office but paused.
"Something else?"
"About those elves—are they victims or suspects?"
"What kind of question is that?"
"Did the elves get caught up in the accident, or are they the ones behind it?"
"Obviously the former."
"Ah."
Ian's face turned the color of dirt.
'Shit. Stepped in it.'
He'd definitely stepped in it. Having to deal with pissed-off elves.
"No helping it. I'll be off."
Ian left promptly, and Bren, casually flipping through paperwork, suddenly realized something.
"Anyone out there?"
"Yes, sir?"
"Go call Ian back quick."
The subordinate returned much later, panting.
"H-He already left, sir."
"I said call him back. You didn't catch him?"
"Y-Yes. He took the warp portal already."
"What?"
Bren let out a baffled chuckle.
"Way too fast when he wants to be. Slacks off like crazy otherwise."
"What should I do?"
"Forget it. Back to work."
"Yes, sir."
After the subordinate left, Bren scratched his head thoughtfully.
'Forgot to mention a high elf is among the victims... Eh, Ian'll handle it.'
The queasy sensation faded, and his vision shifted. Proof he'd passed through the warp portal.
"Welcome, sir. This is the White Tower Kaindel branch."
A mage with a different voice greeted him. Ian nodded vaguely and headed outside. A landscape unlike the capital welcomed him.
Kaindel. A major city representing the Empire's west. Nearly as developed as the capital, it delighted the eyes and ears.
'Nice view.'
Even as a developed city, its scenery differed.
Unlike the capital's flat, open expanse, Kaindel was built into the mountains. Winding terrain, scattered trees, and buildings harmoniously filling the gaps left a deep impression.
Perhaps that's why elves visited so often. Ian guessed that's how they got caught in the mana explosions.
Walking the streets, Ian patted his front pocket.
"Lara, you can come out."
At his words, the pocket rustled, and a tiny head popped out.
Lara, the homunculus he'd named.
Couldn't leave her home alone, so he'd brought her along.
Unlike the bulky Ddol Ddoli, she was tiny enough to carry.
How tiny? Pocket-sized.
"Phew! Thought I'd suffocate."
"Sorry. Might have to do this more often."
"It's fine. But where are we? Not your house."
"Right. This is Kaindel. A city as developed as the capital."
"Oh, got it. Kaindel. I like it here."
Lara kept her head out of the pocket, looking around excitedly. Her little eyes sparkled at everything new.
'Makes sense. First time seeing this stuff.'
It had been a week since Lara's birth.
That week, she'd been confined to the lab.
So no wonder she was thrilled at her first outdoor glimpse.
"Wow, what's that?"
"Magic lamps. They light up with mana."
"And that? Smells delicious!"
"That's called meat pie. Want one?"
"Yes!"
Seeing her eyes light up like an excited kid made Ian feel a pang of guilt.
'Should've let her get some fresh air sooner. Kept her cooped up too much.'
True, he'd kept her in the lab to avoid prying eyes.
But seeing her so happy, he'd have to let her explore more.
'More experiences will boost her differentiation rate anyway.'
No differentiation rate, and maybe he wouldn't bother—but with the system in play, Ian wanted to raise her properly.
In crowded areas, he tucked Lara away; in quiet spots, he let her out, showing her the world en route to the lord's castle.
The ruler of Kaindel, Marquis Palas, received him.
"Ian from the Magic Management Division. Pleased to meet you."
"Hm. Yes. Been waiting."
Marquis Palas eyed Ian up and down. Ian sensed trouble from that gaze—not pleased at all.
A far cry from Count Acra's warm welcome. Ian now felt the rumors firsthand: Palas was aristocracy through and through.
"They say a commoner mage in his early twenties became a senior magic investigator and rose meteorically. Must be you."
"You're too kind. Just got lucky."
"I hope that's mere humility. If it's truly luck, I'll hate myself for requesting help from your division."
"I'll do my utmost to please."
Ian bowed, grumbling inwardly.
'What a stickler.'
Not irritation-worthy yet. Some nobles spat curses from the start.
"Can you figure out the mana explosions?"
"My head butler will brief you."
At the marquis's gesture, the elderly butler approached with a light bow.
"Mage, follow me. I'll guide you to the site."
Ian followed the butler and soldiers out. Along garden-lined paths to the city's outskirts, acrid smoke and clamor greeted them.
"Smells nasty. Like a battlefield."
"Yes. The explosions weren't small..."
Ian nodded. It looked the part.
Clustered homes charred black, smoke rising. Despairing residents sat slumped in streets amid laborers hauling debris shirtless and sweating.
A war-torn cityscape.
'Definitely mana explosions.'
Thick mana hung chaotically—hallmark of such blasts.
"Please do well, mage. His Lordship has high hopes."
"Didn't seem that way from his attitude."
"H-His Lordship is just shy. Please forgive him."
Ian didn't buy it.
'Bull. He's dumping this on me 'cause he doesn't wanna deal.'
Obvious. Judge a man by one look.
Indifferent to his injured subjects? No escort for the pro fixer?
'No wonder accidents happen.'
Magitech is finicky. Needs expert care. Smart lords pamper mages.
Palas didn't. Ian knew without seeing.
Proper mage treatment prevents such blasts.
Not that he didn't get it.
Mages guzzle funds. Even a few drain budgets. Lords hate that.
'All boils down to greed. Drop a bit, and risks plummet. Tch, that greed.'
Ian clicked his tongue but didn't blame Palas.
Differing values. Wrong to skimp on mages? No.
His choice, his consequences.
"Butler."
"Yes? Need something?"
"Where are the elves?"
"E-Elves?"
"Yes. Heard they're among the victims."
"Ah, w-well."
"Guide me. Need to check their status first."
"B-But."
The butler fidgeted awkwardly.
"Problem?"
"They refuse human visitors. Won't meet anyone. You'll likely be rejected too."
Ian chuckled. That all?
"No issue. Elves gonna elf."
"You sure? Might insult you..."
"I'm good. Won't happen."
"B-But His Lordship was greatly offended. Barely stopped him from executing that elf wench. Oh, don't tell him I said that. Please."
"Of course. Lips sealed."
Ian nodded, smirking inwardly. 'Elf wench'? Fiery guy.
Afterward, the butler guided Ian to the clinic housing the elves.
"This way."
"Pretty remote."
Understatement. Outside the castle walls.
"Yes. They avoid humans..."
"Figures. Thanks. I'll take it from here."
"Very well. Stay safe."
The butler bowed repeatedly and left. Ian eyed the clinic.
Large building. Elf soldiers with spears guarded it.
"Who goes there!"
"From the Imperial Magic Management Division. Here to discuss the incident for the investigation..."
"Begone. We forbid filthy humans— Hm?"
The elf, who'd spoken coldly without looking, eyed Ian and brightened.
"Oh ho. Unlike lesser humans, you're quite refined."
"Thanks. Does that qualify me to speak with you?"
"Hm, barely. Wait here."
As the soldier entered, Ian smiled faintly.
'Elves, alright.'
Elves judge by mana quality. Rich and potent? Respect. Weak or none? Scorn.
Why they're called arrogant.
Most humans lack detectable mana.
But Ian, with his cheat-stats character, had massive mana belying his youth.
"Enter."
"Yes."
Inside, Ian was stunned.
The mana from the elf woman on the bed was extraordinary.
'Wait. That's a high elf!'
High elves ruled elven society.
High chance she was royalty.
Even if not, high nobility at least.
'Damn, Deputy Director should've led with that. Skipped the key detail...'
"Oi! Don't stare at nobility like that!"
"It's fine. Not like staring wears it out."
"B-But, Princess."
Ian doubted his ears.
'Princess?'
So the elf queen's cherished daughter got caught in a human mana blast?
'Shit.'
Ian's face paled. Worse than thought.
But professionally, he composed himself. Ugly face here? Those fierce spears might impale him.
"Princess. He's human. Qualified or not, can't let him near..."
"I said he's fine. Far greater than you think."
'Huh?'
Me?
'You know me?'
Doubtful.
The elf princess sat up. Ian inhaled sharply.
'Whoa. Stupidly beautiful.'
Pure admiration. Actress material.
"Princess! You're not recovered! Don't rise...!"
"I said I'm fine."
Scolding her subordinates sternly, she met Ian's eyes and smiled brightly.
"Mage. May I have your name?"
"P-Princess? N-No need for such courtesy..."
Elves panicked, but Ian was most shocked.
'What?'
Ian, top fixer who stayed cool on missions, was rattled.
'She really knows me?'
Even if, not like this.
Why so friendly? Smiling like that?
'An elf... honoring me?'
A human? Sun rises west first.
"Uh, Ian."
"Lovely name."
'Lovely? It's meaningless.'
No noble flair; plain commoner name.
"Ian. I sense tremendous mana from you."
"Y-Yeah, but could you let go of my hand first?"
Ian glanced sideways. Soldiers glared murderously. Her aides worse. This'd end in blood.
"Really. Among humans I've met, none match your mana."
"Look, the hand..."
"But an even stronger power emanates from your front pocket. Know about that?"
"Pardon?"
"Truthfully, it's driven me mad since you entered. Who possesses such power to make my heart race?"
Her cheeks flushed. Ian tilted his head.
'Pocket?'
Only one thing there.
"If not too rude, could you show me what's in it?"
"W-Well, it's..."
"Please."
She bowed; soldiers thrust spears.
"For the Princess!"
"Reveal the pocket item now!"
"Knew it! Must be a weapon!"
Ian scratched his head awkwardly.
'Damn. Knew there was a high elf, wouldn't have brought Lara!'
High elves sense mana keenly. She'd detect hidden Lara easily.
'Useless Deputy Director!'
No choice. Ian had to reveal Lara.
'No way they'll kill our Lara, right?'
He opened the pocket and tapped. A whine, then Lara's head poked out, sleepy-eyed.
"Mm. Morning, Ian. Good morning. Where are we?"
Sudden silence. Looking around, elves gaped slack-jawed.
"Th-That..."
"L-Legendary..."
'Legend?'
Why so shocked?
"Fairy!"
"A real fairy...!"
"Huh?"
Fairy? What?
"Oh, gods."
"A-A divine oracle?!"
"Princess, that's why!"
Clang!
Soldiers teared up, dropped spears, prostrated.
The princess smiled knowingly.
Ian scratched his head, baffled.
'What? Lara's a homunculus, not that.'
Seemed the elves were thoroughly mistaken.