Chapter 114
Translator: Ryuma
Chapter: 114
Chapter Title: Journey to the Imperial Capital
"If that's the case... that guy we met in the village last time is part of them...?"
The Luin Church.
As they exchanged stories about them, Lena, who had been listening quietly from the side, cautiously chimed in.
After the village had been raided and they'd fought for their lives.
There was no way Jeon could keep the existence of the Luin Church a complete secret from Lena.
As a result, while she didn't know the full details like Jeon or Baek's affiliates did, Lena was at least aware of the Luin Church's existence.
"Then, what's the reason for dragging me and Lena into this?"
But just because Lena knew about the Luin Church didn't mean she had to get involved in this incident.
So Jeon asked Morgan somewhat accusatorily for the reason.
"I suppose I should explain that as well."
Morgan nodded slowly, as if he had anticipated the question.
"As I mentioned, this operation will minimize any connections to our White Tower. However, that would make it difficult to attend Her Highness's birthday party."
"I could manage it, but..."
"Of course, I believe Her Highness has arranged some way for you to attend, Jeon. But everyone else would be barred from entry."
Just as Morgan said.
The invitation Jeon received was for one person only.
No plus-one companion, strictly for Jeon alone.
"Entrusting everything solely to you carries too many uncertainties."
"True, Jeon knows nothing about social parties."
Lena agreed with Morgan's words.
And as both said, Jeon was utterly hopeless when it came to social matters.
'But Lena won't like it much either...'
Yet in Jeon's memory, she had been utterly deflated at Hardwell—back then in Celleron—due to subtle racial discrimination at a social gathering.
So he looked at her with some concern, and sensing his gaze, Lena snorted lightly.
"What're you staring at? You don't still see me as that scared little kid from back then, do you?"
She puffed out her chest proudly, and Jeon couldn't help but chuckle.
"Huh? Did you just laugh at me!?"
"No, that's not it."
It was a timing ripe for misunderstanding, so Jeon quickly apologized and calmed her down.
'She only grinded away at magic and Imperial Language...'
The reason Jeon smiled was because he found her admirable in his own way.
During that time, she'd devoted herself entirely to magic training and studying the Imperial Language, ignoring social graces.
So her experience in social settings hadn't changed much from back then.
Yet here she was, boldly offering to help him, which made Jeon see her as all the more commendable.
'Well, her self-esteem has probably gone up too.'
Of course, as Lena said, she was more mature now than back then.
Especially since she could now communicate directly in Imperial Language, unlike when her lack of it had hindered her, boosting her confidence greatly.
And above all, her magic skills had skyrocketed from being exceptional for her age to unmatched among her peers.
"As Lady Lena says, that's precisely why I made the request, considering such aspects."
"...Hmm."
Jeon nodded at Morgan's explanation.
If it were just going to fight enemies, fine—but a noble social party, especially the Second Princess's birthday, was an environment Jeon struggled to adapt to.
"Of course, we—the Tower Lord and I—know full well how sudden, rude, and dangerous this request is. But as I said, if they're truly involved, and if they're meddling in the imperial succession..."
"It'd be a disaster. A very serious one."
The reason the Luin Church, with all its power, had lurked in the shadows for so long.
It was because among their enemies was the Empire, the current continent's dominant ruler.
But if that Empire fell into the Luin Church's grasp?
Not only would it create an environment for them to operate openly, but the Empire's military might would effectively become theirs.
"Knowing it's no easy task, that's why I'm making this request."
"No, I understand fully."
"Thank you for understanding."
Jeon stopped Morgan, who bowed deeply, signaling his full comprehension.
The current situation seemed gravely serious to Jeon as well.
"Then, allow me to explain the full plan. The two of you should head straight to the capital as preparations are made and attend Princess Katrina's birthday party in about a week."
"So, what exactly do we do at the party?"
"The Princess's birthday is a major event in the Empire's social circles. And Helena never misses such gatherings."
"We approach her first?"
"No, the opposite."
"...Pardon?"
Jeon's response slipped out involuntarily at Morgan's unexpected words.
But Morgan shook his head firmly.
"We'll avoid contact with Helena as much as possible. Meeting an unknown figure brings no benefit. Even if she quit as a White Tower apprentice, her background will likely draw their interest first."
"Then... we avoid approaching her too?"
"Yes. Avoid direct contact entirely and just gather information. We're not asking you to wage all-out war against them, but to investigate what happened and what's currently unfolding."
As Morgan said, the core of this request was intelligence gathering.
No matter how much Jeon had grown recently, rampaging openly in the capital was impractical.
Moreover, with unknowns like how many ties Helena and her Luin Church connections had, securing solid intel for proper preparation was far more crucial than rash combat.
"If you return successfully... the Tower Lord will grant you access to the Tower's 1st Grade Library."
With the request outlined, Morgan brought up the reward.
"The 1st Grade Library?"
"It's where ancient grimoires and great magic tomes have been preserved since the Tower's founding. Only with the Tower Lord's approval can one enter—it's entirely unlike a regular library."
A repository of magic books collected from the Tower's inception to now.
"Does it include grimoires discovered in ruins, by any chance?"
"Of course."
Jeon's eyes sparkled at Morgan's mentioned reward.
'Jackpot?'
How much effort had he poured into acquiring Rune Magic?
The 1st Grade Library might house troves of such runes—or even if not, a vast array of tomes could expand his magical repertoire.
"We know how dangerous your task is, so it may seem modest, but please accept our request."
"No, it's more than sufficient."
Jeon shook his head at Morgan's apologetic tone.
The reward was excellent, but while it started from Luke's personal matter, it had become crucial for Jeon, Baek, and all forces checking the Luin Church.
"Thank you for understanding."
Morgan smiled in relief at Jeon's attitude, then reached into his pocket.
In his hand were several documents.
"Here you are..."
"Papers for leaving the White Tower and tickets for direct travel to the capital."
"Ah, straight there?"
"Naturally. The capital is quite far, so swift travel is best."
"Right."
The distance to the capital was indeed vast, so no mistake there.
Surprised by Morgan's thorough preparations, Jeon and Lena began signing the documents without pause.
"Sign here once, and here as well. Then sign the tickets, and they'll be ready for your use..."
By the time the flurry of signatures ended and they came to their senses.
The pair had arrived at the station for the capital-bound train.
The Eldraon Empire, ruler of the current continent.
Even among its overwhelmingly superior aspects compared to neighboring kingdoms, one place stood unparalleled in development.
'The Imperial Capital, Eldrasil.'
The Empire's heart, seat of the Emperor—the capital.
As such, every major, developed territory had a direct line to the capital via train station.
And the current location of Jeon, Lena, and Risar was one such place.
"Whoa... three days to the capital? That's insanely fast."
"It's built for the shortest route straight to the capital, so of course. Plus, it stops at minimal stations."
While Jeon marveled at the station—blending medieval fantasy with his past life's train stations—and the train's performance.
Lena, standing beside him, explained with a tone implying what was so surprising.
But even she couldn't stop glancing around curiously.
"You're just as new to this, so what's with the attitude."
Jeon chuckled at her.
Though noble, Lena had never visited the capital.
Thus, she'd never ridden a capital-bound train either.
"...Ahem."
Lena cleared her throat awkwardly at Jeon's point.
Amused, Jeon turned his gaze back to the surroundings.
The station, lavishly adorned in gold, fused this world's medieval aesthetic with magically advanced civilization.
Creating an atmosphere distinct from his past life's stations.
'Always fascinating to see.'
Like when he'd first seen the White Tower.
This world's pinnacle technology rivaled—or surpassed—his past life's.
As Jeon took it all in.
-The capital-bound train departing at 5 PM will arrive shortly. Passengers, please prepare to board without delay.
The station-wide announcement rang out, and in the distance, a golden train approached.
Its ornate, antique design belied cutting-edge mana engines.
It decelerated smoothly from high speed to a perfect stop, comparable to his past life's high-speed trains.
'Impressive.'
After a moment of awe at the train.
Seeing the rush of passengers, Jeon's group joined the crowd to board promptly.
"Whoa, lots of people."
"Plenty always want to visit the capital. Ever heard 'to make it big, head to the capital'?"
"...People are the same everywhere."
Jeon smirked at Risar's familiar proverb.
Thanks to early arrival, they boarded before the chaos peaked.
"Whew, hectic."
"Yeah."
"Good thing the other knights didn't come; it'd have been worse."
Today's capital travelers: Jeon, Lena, and Risar—three in total.
Morgan had struggled slightly to secure same-day tickets.
'We'll look a bit understaffed for a couple days... but unavoidable.'
To Jeon, Lena was familiar, but she was Langley Kingdom's second-in-command, the Silvermont Duke's only daughter.
Having just one knight and one mage as entourage lacked proper appearances.
Still, the other knights would secure tickets in a couple days and join by the party.
Musing on their capital tasks, Jeon sank into his train seat.
'These seats are leagues better.'
The tickets were pricey, and worth it.
The seats felt like luxurious sofas, plush and comfortable.
As Jeon began to smile contentedly at the coziness.
"Hey, what the hell do you think you're doing!?"
A sharp voice echoed from Jeon's car.