Chapter 47
Chapter 47
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Translator: MadScientist
Chapter: 47
Chapter Title: The Heretic of the Magic Tower (6)
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Morning. Namei openly wore a look of discomfort. Somehow, Justina had gotten wind of the news and, with Karin in tow, was questioning her about the commission she and Ermina were set to undertake.
The Lebedev family regularly dealt face-to-face with demons, so it was only a matter of time before they learned about this commission, which was essentially demon cleanup. But had the Lebedevs' intelligence outpaced even the Magic Tower's awareness of the situation?
"Even if it's demon-related, I have no intention of bringing outsiders along on a Magic Tower commission."
"I believe the Lebedev family knows more about demons than anyone in the Imir Kingdom. Wouldn't risk management be necessary when taking along Miss Ermina, who still lacks real combat experience?"
"That's for me and the client to handle after accepting the commission. I don't think it's any of your business."
"Is it, really?"
"What?"
Normally blunt and straightforward without beating around the bush, Justina was uncharacteristically skirting the issue today, her expression tinged with what looked like good humor. It was a little irritating.
And to top it off, Karin—who'd recently been roped into something by Justina—looked utterly exhausted, on the verge of collapse. Seeing that, Namei could pretty much guess what Justina was scheming.
That crazy brother-obsessed freak wouldn't miss any lead on her brother.
"Demons have far higher average strength than humans. That's especially true for Demon God cultists or Demon King revivalists, who draw power from unique sources."
"So?"
"Judging by the extent and scope of land corruption the Lebedevs have identified, this incident likely involves a demon worshiping a Demon God who's climbed to quite a high rank. And with no reports of imperial VIPs on the move... we can conclude it's a powerhouse who hasn't ascended to a key position in the empire."
"...You're not seriously suggesting Julius is involved, are you? That's a huge leap."
At Namei's words, Justina's lips curved into a sinister crescent moon.
Ermina flinched beside her, and Karin let out a squeak.
"A leap? Low probability? No way? What does any of that matter? If you keep suspecting and searching and digging, you'll find him eventually. My brother isn't the type to die off somewhere anyway. No matter how much time it takes or effort it demands, in the end, he'll return to lead the Lebedev family and become a shining example for the nobles of Imir Kingdom..."
"Fine. I get it. We all know how much you adore Julius—how you revere and respect him. So calm down already."
"Hoo. I think Miss Karin here, who doesn't know my brother, needs a full explanation."
"And what would that change?"
"She could picture his greatness and help me more enthusiastically."
Namei was momentarily speechless. Back when Julius was a first-year, Justina had hounded the academy for every internal event just to see him. But after over a year without even a glimpse, was she finally losing it?
She didn't interact much with Justina, but it was true—she'd seemed increasingly off lately.
Should I just let this slide? Namei felt an ominous premonition that someone was headed for a rough fate.
"If you refuse, we'll just proceed on our own."
"Huh? Me too?"
"Yes. Of course."
Seeing Karin's head droop filled Namei with an indescribable mix of pity and exasperation. But siding with her wasn't an option either—not when Justina's suspicions were so worrisome.
And she didn't like the faint glimmer of hope flickering across Ermina's face at the mention of Julius, either.
Shameless bunch.
She inwardly cursed them out while keeping her expression neutral, opening her mouth as calmly as possible.
"Fine. I'm curious about Julius's whereabouts too, so tagging along isn't a bad idea."
"Excellent. Shall we consider that settled?"
"Yeah. In exchange, you'll assist with our commission."
"That's no problem at all."
"We're planning our first visit this weekend. You want to start right away?"
"No reason to delay."
Namei clicked her tongue at the beaming Justina, patted Karin's shoulder, and turned to leave. Any more talk with this brother-obsessed nutcase, and she'd start losing her mind too.
Eat shit.
**
"He says he's motivated since it's something new."
『That's a relief. We were second-guessing ourselves while discussing it. Feels like the Manager's doing everything alone, but suggesting we diversify the menu seemed heartless.』
"The Manager just plops down wherever, figures out our tastes, and whips something up."
『Thinking back, last time he asked about all sorts of things and came back with everything ready.』
"It's amazing."
『Didn't you mean 'cool'?』
"What're you talking about, Dalia?"
『You two seem so close, I figured it was obvious.』
"It's not?!"
Dalia laughed femininely through the communication device. As far as Leimi knew, no other woman embodied the allure people typically imagined in "feminine charm" quite like her.
She was worlds apart from someone like Leimi, who slept in her underwear, rolling around and kicking clutter aside with her feet to get up.
Maybe when she'd asked the Manager about his tastes yesterday, the answer she'd anticipated came from someone like Dalia.
After unintentionally learning he was a Lebedev, she'd naturally assumed a well-bred noble youth like him would prefer refined ladies. But bringing up preferences had led to that weird response.
Her face heated up at the unwelcome memory of yesterday.
『Oh my. What's this? Saying 'no' but your face is turning red.』
"...It's really nothing. I was just caught off guard by something yesterday."
『What? Something romantic? Spill!』
"Don't get so excited..."
Worried it might lead to misunderstandings, she hesitated—but ended up recounting the facts anyway.
『Damn. The Manager's a player. Bet he's broken plenty of hearts.』
"Not sure about tears, but he must've been popular."
『And honest Leimi, who wasn't entirely uninterested, got all fluttery at those words?』
"...Like a little brother!"
『If it were a little brother, you'd be furious, face red with rage. Just admit it. He's a great guy, right? Hardworking. Handsome in a pretty way, good manners, no rough edges.』
"You've barely met him."
『That's all from what you've told me. I've heard everything.』
"...."
Leimi kicked the clutter off her messy bed and flopped down.
The call continued even as she lay there.
『Lying to yourself that there's nothing there will just make you sick. Speaking from experience.』
"So what?"
『Even if it doesn't work out later, express yourself properly now. Make the time you spend together count.』
"He's not big on romance."
『At his age? Early to mid-twenties?』
"Seems like some weird woman from his childhood led him to enlightenment."
『Healing that heartbreak is a woman's role too. Go for it, Leimi.』
"Ugh, this is why I hate talking like this with you."
Her girlish giggle while teasing was usually an enviable trait Leimi lacked—but right now, it felt twice as mocking, souring her mood.
Quit teasing me.
『I didn't bring it up to tease. This is an official line, so I'm being careful, but that old geezer's coming back to the Magic Tower.』
"...What?"
『Probably looking for you. His Majesty didn't know you're there, so he's assuming you're at the Tower.』
Leimi felt like cold water had doused her head, which had been burning with embarrassment and irritation moments ago. The reason she'd left the Magic Tower for here—and why she could still do business with them despite the ugly exit.
The thought of that damned professor, who'd been demoted and punished, returning to hunt her down brought a torrent of curses bubbling up, only to subside.
"That's none of my business anymore."
『Exactly why I'm telling you. Romance or marriage makes a perfect excuse. Better to face him head-on and reject him outright than keep dodging.』
"You want me to use the Manager for that?"
『No. If you're not even a little interested, sure, don't. But if there's any romantic spark, express it right. Explain your situation. You get me?』
"...Sigh."
『What? Scared it'll mess up the friendship?』
"Wouldn't you be? Argh, seriously... But yeah, since I trust the Manager, I should talk to him properly."
『Good. He's trustworthy.』
After a few more brief exchanges, they ended the call. Leimi glanced around her filthy room and started cleaning.
The thought of having a serious talk with that worryingly endearing guy made leaving the mess intolerable.