Chapter 53

-----------------------------------------------------------------

Translator: Ace

Chapter: 53

Chapter Title: The Cushiest Job in the Empire

-----------------------------------------------------------------

Ever since becoming a court mage, Ian had been convinced that the position of Senior Magic Investigator in the Imperial Magic Bureau's Magic Management Division was the cushiest job in the empire.

That conviction turned out to be dead wrong.

There were jobs far cushier than being a Senior Magic Investigator.

Cushy jobs?

Sure, there were plenty if you looked.

The problem was that most of them came with serious downsides.

They paid peanuts, offered lousy social status, involved contempt from others, or were just plain dirty work. There was always some flaw, but the Senior Magic Investigator role was miles away from all that.

Not much work, great social standing for a commoner background, and decent pay to boot.

The only real gripes were slow promotions and the occasional annoyance from higher-ups.

Otherwise, it was peak work-life balance.

That's what he'd thought.

Until it wasn't.

There was a job that paid even better, came with a much higher rank, and didn't demand insane workloads.

The Imperial Court Mage.

"Is it really okay for me to just be standing around like this, Your Highness?"

"What do you mean, 'standing around'? You're working right now."

"Pardon? How so?"

"What's your position?"

"I'm the Court Mage, Your Highness."

"Besides that. There's more."

"What was it again? Imperial Guardian Mage?"

"Oh yeah, that's one. But not that. The one I appointed you to."

"If it's something Your Highness appointed... Ah, I remember. Crown Prince's Exclusive Magical Escort Officer?"

"Exactly. You're the Crown Prince's Exclusive Magical Escort Officer. So what does that job entail?"

"Protect the Crown Prince from magical threats, perform magical bodyguard duties, and ‍‍‌‌⁠​​⁠‌​​‍​​‍​‌​⁠‍‌‍⁠⁠‌⁠‌‍‌‍‌‌‌‍⁠​‌​‌​‌‍‌‌‌⁠‍​​‌‍⁠‌‌⁠⁠provide magical counsel to His Highness... something like that?"

"Right on the money! You have a duty to protect me from all sorts of threats, and you're doing a stellar job of it. Aren't you?"

Ian found himself nodding at Asteon's words, delivered with a straight-faced stare.

It wasn't wrong.

"You're right, Your Highness."

"See? Told you."

Still, it was absurd.

'Was he serious about that? I thought he made it up.'

Come to think of it, tagging along after the Crown Prince didn't make sense either.

He was supposed to be holed up in the Imperial Magic Tower.

"Does hanging around with me bother you?"

"No, not at all."

"Don't lie. Be honest. I like honest guys."

"I am being honest. It's not a bother. If anything, it's too good to be true."

"Huh?"

"I'm wondering if it's okay to be this idle."

Asteon burst out laughing at Ian's words. He seemed pleased with the answer.

"It's so leisurely it's almost troubling—like, is it really okay to be sucking honey this hard?"

"I have the answer to that."

"What's the answer?"

"Enjoy it."

"Pardon?"

"Enjoy it. Savor it to the fullest. That way, I can work you twice as hard when something important comes up."

Asteon chuckled as he strolled through the garden. Ian mulled over the words for a moment, then smirked and hurried after him.

Ian trailed after Asteon, exploring every corner of the palace. No, not just the palace—he even poked around the areas where other officials worked outside the grounds. But Ian quickly realized this pointless outing by the Crown Prince wasn't pointless at all.

'He's introducing me to the nobles.'

He was making sure every central noble knew about the new Court Mage, Ian—stamping the image firmly in their minds.

Once he figured that out, Ian realized the Crown Prince, whom he'd dismissed as a mere playboy, was no ordinary fellow.

'It's both an introduction and a warning. Don't you dare underestimate ‍‍‌‌⁠​​⁠‌​​‍​​‍​‌​⁠‍‌‍⁠⁠‌⁠‌‍‌‍‌‌‌‍⁠​‌​‌​‌‍‌‌‌⁠‍​​‌‍⁠‌‌⁠⁠or mistreat Court Mage Ian.'

But that alone didn't make Ian think Asteon was impressive.

He had a hunch why they were wandering so aimlessly, corner by corner, at such a leisurely pace.

'Asteon knows about the secret mission from the Emperor.'

The Emperor's order to root out the evil infiltrators who had wormed into the empire's heart.

If Asteon knew about it?

'Maybe he's helping me. Telling me to check every noble carefully, one by one.'

Ian couldn't say for sure.

But one thing was certain.

This was a golden opportunity.

'Chances to meet high nobles all at once like this don't come often. Even imperial balls don't draw everyone.'

It was still morning, and there were plenty of places left to visit. Time to get serious.

"Your Highness, I need to use the restroom."

"Gotta take a dump?"

"Well, yes, but saying it so bluntly harms Your Highness's dignity..."

"Dignity my ass. Can't a guy say he needs to shit? Hurry up and go. I'll wait."

"Yes. Thank you for your consideration."

Ian dashed off to the restroom. Confirming no one was around, he quickly summoned Lara.

"Mmm, delicious... Oh, Master Ian!"

Lara had cream smeared around her mouth—she'd clearly been eating something.

'Every time I see her, she's munching on something.'

Wasn't she worried about gaining weight?

"Lara, have you been well?"

"Of course! And you, Master Ian?"

"Yeah. Listen, I need your help with something."

"Yes! Anything I can do, I'll do it!"

"Good. Get in my pocket for now. No talking out loud—we'll communicate via message magic. Got it?"

"Yes."

With Lara tucked away, Ian returned to Asteon.

"Back quick? Must've been a good one."

"Yes."

"Let's go. Still got a lot of places to hit."

Ian followed behind.

Now it was time for the real black magic hunt.

Ian exchanged greetings with countless nobles while shadowing Asteon, checking each one for traces of black magic or demonic energy.

Strictly speaking, Lara did all the checking. All Ian did was ask.

-Lara, what about that guy?

-He's squeaky clean!

-Oh? Then the fat one next to him?

-That one's... suspicious. Not clean. I need to push harder. Okay?

-Yeah, go for it. I'll cast a micro-concealment field, so amp up the holy power.

-Got it. Hold on... Gasp!

-What?

-Foul stench! Demonic energy! Confirmed black mage! Those vile bastards!

He just asked.

That's all.

Yet dark cultists popped out like weeds. How convenient was that?

'Wow, demonic energy detector on point.'

Ian reflected on his favoritism toward Ddol Ddoli lately.

How could he neglect such an amazing Sacred Fairy Queen?

-Great job. Perfect! You're the best, Lara.

-Really?

-Of course.

-Hee hee hee.

-Lara, want anything? Anything you need, just say.

-I do!

-What?

-Imperial cream cake!

-Huh? That's it?

-Not just any! Imperial cream cakes are super expensive! Hard to find even in Eltea Forest!

Lara was adorable.

She did such great work, and all she wanted was cream cake?

Of course he'd get it!

-Tons after this. Eat till you burst.

-Yay! Master Ian is the best!

"That's it for today. We'll do the rest tomorrow."

"Tomorrow?"

"Obviously. Aren't you stamping your face in their minds? Tons of attention coming your way—gotta let 'em see you to prepare. Right?"

"Fair point."

"Good. Now clock out."

"Is that okay? Still early."

The sky was still bright.

"Tch, go home if I say go. You want more work?"

"No."

"Then go quietly. Enjoy that work-life balance crap."

"Yes, sir."

"And don't quit whining I don't care. Go rest. What'd I say this morning?"

"Enjoy it?"

"Yeah. So shut up and enjoy. Rebel, and I'll charge you with insulting royalty."

"Gah, heading out now!"

After early clock-out, Ian got straight to compiling the hit list.

Lara's perfect memory meant no one was missed.

He even introduced Kez to Lara.

No idea why Kez was sweating bullets today—probably busy with chores.

Where else to find such a devoted assistant?

"Time for an upgrade."

"Upgrade?"

"Yeah. To wrap this mission perfectly."

For even better detection.

Not many options.

Just five.

But one stood out for Lara right away.

Mana amplification circuit installation to boost mana amplification and output.

Modifying this reinforcement project.

New reinforcement via project modification.

'Nice.'

One cherished World Tree branch and leaf, two holy soul attribute stones he'd been saving, and even holy water.

All in, no holding back.

'Difficulty lower than expected?'

Compared to when dragon scales spiked it sky-high, yeah.

And the success rate was solid.

'Must be the World Tree branch as a sacred relic.'

Infused with transcendent power.

A true sacred item.

That's why it worked its miracle on success rate.

Leagues beyond some creature's heart like a dragon heart.

Not that he'd get complacent.

'No repeating mistakes.'

Added two more World Tree leaves for 100% success.

Success was guaranteed.

"Huh?"

Permanently gains Blessing of Light?

Ian scratched his head.

This was way beyond what he'd expected.

The next day, Ian shadowed Asteon again, mingling with central nobles.

And the day after.

And the one after that.

Over four days—short or long depending on perspective—Ian networked with them all and finally completed the full hit list.

"Whoa, this many?"

Ian whistled at the list.

Over fifty names, all nobles of decent standing.

No low-level bureaucrats here—proper nobles tangled in black magic.

'The empire's heart is rotten to the core, huh?'

Impressive, but not his problem.

'As long as it doesn't touch me.'

Ian infused mana into the communicator from the Imperial Guard Captain.

Static, then a voice.

-You called?

"Yes. Got a report."

-On my way.

Line went dead.

Two minutes later, a figure in black robes and mask appeared before Ian.

'A woman?'

The curves gave it away.

'But out in broad daylight? Isn't that embarrassing?'

The outfit clung revealingly.

No one around anyway.

"Imperial Shadow, right?"

"What's the report?"

"Ahem, please deliver this to His Majesty."

No chit-chat.

Strict one.

"A report?"

"Yes. You'll see."

"Understood."

Poof!

Gone in a blink.

Ian was awestruck by the speed.

'Aura burst from her soles for explosive leap.'

Insane skill.

An assassin of that caliber could end him.

'Good she's not an enemy.'

Ian headed to his office.

Report done—now kick back and watch the fireworks.

'When will His Majesty strike?'

Probably take time to verify.

Even for an emperor.

Exactly two days later.

The capital—no, the entire empire—erupted in chaos.

Imperial Central Army, including the Imperial Guard, raided spots across the capital.

"Round up every treacherous scum plotting to overthrow the empire!"

"Yes, sir!"

From early morning, countless officials were dragged away. The capital became a hellscape.

"Wh-what's this about?!"

"I-I'm no traitor! Why me... Argh!"

"Sob! M-mercy! Pl-please!"

Screams and wails everywhere like a painting of hell. Ian picked his nose and watched, chuckling dryly.

'Whoa, Your Majesty. Isn't this too fast?'