Chapter 178 — The Return of the War Hero

1

The Caesar Duchy was bustling as it dealt with the aftermath of the war.

Spies dispatched from various families to the Caesar estate relayed the latest news.

The fall of the Blue Lion, the Viltite flood, and the Count’s territory reduced to a colony of the duchy.

It was often said that preparing for and cleaning up after a war was more difficult than the war itself.

Manus was no exception.

He busily occupied his time, working up until just before midterms.

After all, the tasks he handled for his family were far more familiar to him than the knowledge taught at the academy.

“Are you sure you don’t need to return to the academy?”

“There’s still time, so it’s fine.”

His sister, Invidea, asked as she helped him organize the documents.

Although Manus had missed his academy classes, he had brought all the materials and textbooks for the exam.

He felt that studying in his spare time while helping with family matters was more than enough.

It seemed that a smart mind thrived no matter where it went.

Thinking back to his previous life, he realized how much he had improved.

Back then, he had used every excuse not to study—café-hopping, signing up for study centers, visiting libraries…

He remembered how he had constantly avoided studying, making excuses all the time.

“I really didn’t want to study back then, huh?”

There had been no sense of urgency, so he hadn’t felt compelled. He hadn’t been interested, so he hadn’t delved deeper.

Now, studying had become enjoyable.

He wasn’t sure if it was because his mind had become sharper, or because of the unique nature of magic as a subject.

“Well, yeah… just attending class is more than enough for studying.”

“By the way, you didn’t tell Father about… the anomalies, did you?”

“You mean the strange occurrences?”

Manus nodded.

Invidea smiled brightly, a twinkle of mischief in her eyes.

They were both Caesars, but their personalities were quite different.

Manus shifted his gaze away from her.

Knowing her temperament, he felt confident she wouldn’t spill unnecessary information.

The problem lay elsewhere.

“Lord Manus, pardon the interruption.”

“What is it?”

“The Duke is asking for you. It seems you should go immediately.”

“I’ll go at once.”

Manus stood up.

As he turned to leave, Invidea spoke up from behind him.

“Don’t worry. I didn’t say anything. I’m on your side.”

“…Thank you.”

Without turning fully, Manus gave her a small nod of gratitude before heading out.

Why would Father want to see me?

The word carried a certain weight to it.

In his previous life, he had always found conversations with his father tedious.

He had left home without having a real, meaningful conversation with him.

But this life was different.

Now, there was communication between father and son, not just as family, but as part of a greater whole that moved the family forward.

It was strange, but he liked the sincere exchanges, the heart-to-heart talks that made him feel both nervous and warm.

2

Labeth tried moving mana.

He created two magic circles, each containing a different attribute.

For a mage of his caliber, a grand mage, it was an easy task.

However, for some strange reason, combining the two magic circles into one was proving impossible.

[He breaks down the magic circles and merges them again.]

It all started as a light conversation.

Wei had made the comment with a sense of wonder, and Tyrannis had been skeptical.

Combining two independent magic circles.

Labeth had researched the matter in the archives, and what he found was quite interesting.

Today, he had summoned Manus to share this information with him.

It was possible that this particular bloodline might have some distant connection to Manus’ ancestors.

“Manus, you’re here.”

“Father.”

“Come in.”

At last, his son arrived.

Despite having experienced the battlefield, Manus’ eyes remained calm.

He walked into the room as if it were just another ordinary day, as though nothing extraordinary had happened.

Labeth couldn’t help but feel a quiet admiration.

Is this what it means to have an unwavering heart?

Even amidst the fiercest battles, Manus had never lost his composure. He didn’t even seem overly stressed.

As a father, Labeth had been worried about him.

But seeing him now, there was no need for concern.

Watching his son grow so well brought a smile to his face.

“Have you noticed anything unusual with your body after the war?”

“No, Father. I’m perfectly fine.”

“Good. I’ve come across something quite interesting.”

Manus, sitting down, raised an eyebrow, intrigued.

In his blue eyes, curiosity sparkled, and Labeth found the reaction pleasing.

Having someone respond to your words was always a joy.

Labeth opened his mouth and broached what was likely a sensitive topic for Manus.

“I’ve heard you use a rather… unique type of magic.”

“Did my brother mention it?”

“Everyone who saw it did. I imagine even the child hiding in your shadow knows about it.”

Manus nodded heavily.

He hadn’t intended to keep it a secret forever.

In fact, while at the estate, he had used Cadenza quite frequently. There had been situations where it was the only solution.

“Yes, I awakened this ability earlier this year.”

“I’m not bringing this up to reprimand you. Quite the opposite—I’ve found some very intriguing materials.”

“Materials?”

“In the archives, I discovered these.”

Labeth handed Manus two old books.

Their titles read The God of Light and Salt and The Fall of the Light Family.

As expected, the Caesar family had access to everything.

Manus accepted the books, expressing his gratitude.

“Thank you. The Light family…”

“Yes. They were a long-extinct family. Their magic system was different from the current one.”

“You’re not suggesting I’m a descendant of that family, are you?”

Labeth burst into hearty laughter.

He didn’t believe in such baseless speculation.

However…

“You’re my son, not some adopted child. Your mother bore you, and that fact will never change.”

Labeth’s words held a different meaning, though.

Beninitas.

Manus’ mother and the one who had made the already great Caesar family even more brilliant.

Although she had been born a commoner, her exceptional abilities had set her apart.

She had become the duchess purely through her own talent.

The Light family had been skilled in magic, but not all of them were born with the gift.

The talent might have been buried deep in their genes, dormant for generations.

“Ask your mother about it. Your abilities are a blessing from the heavens. Make sure to hone them well.”

“I will.”

“Always be cautious.”

Manus nodded.

He understood why his father had urged caution.

He was beginning to grasp the scale of the cult’s influence, the power they wielded, and how they could sway the world.

Manus knew his abilities were far from ordinary.

His father’s words, though few, carried complex emotions.

Having had some experience in social interactions, Manus could more or less understand their meaning.

Though he couldn’t fully grasp the depth of his father’s thoughts, he recognized that it was just the way fathers were.

With a bow of respect, Manus left the room.

He planned to spend time with his family before leaving again tomorrow.

3

“Oh, my son. I’ve heard you’ve worked so hard. Are you feeling well?”

“Yes, Mother. I’m glad to see you returned in good health.”

Beninitas was more beautiful than any celebrity Manus had ever seen.

Her black pupils, encircled by ruby-red irises, resembled finely polished jewels.

Her eyes, filled with light, radiated warmth and affection.

Motherly love.

An unconditional affection.

It overflowed from her gaze, enveloping him completely.

As Manus received her love, he didn’t feel burdened by it.

Perhaps, in truth, he had longed for this kind of love.

“Don’t worry about me. But, my son, has anything happened at the academy?”

“The academy always seems to be full of incidents.”

“Hehe, you’re sharp-tongued, just like someone I know. Even His Majesty is aware of the anomalies occurring there. I know about them too.”

“…The academy is treating it like a secret, but it seems more people know about it than I thought.”

Beninitas chuckled softly.

There were fewer secrets in this world than people believed, and true secrecy was rare, if not impossible.

She had understood that early on and had devoted herself to the Caesar family, which had given her salvation.

Thanks to her, the Caesar family’s intelligence network had grown tremendously.

While they were already strong in military power, she had filled in the gaps that had once been lacking.

Because of her, the Caesar family could no longer function without her.

She had a vague understanding of the hardships her son had faced, even in the recent war.

“My son, you don’t have to work yourself so hard. Some things, the adults may be able to resolve for you.”

“In my opinion, Mother, that place is one where adult ambitions shouldn’t be allowed to interfere.”

“Is that so? My, my…”

Beninitas paused her words.

Her son had drawn a line, indicating that it was an issue they had to deal with themselves.

If too many families became involved in the anomalies, the academy would cease to be a place of learning and instead become a battleground for disputes.

“Don’t worry too much. The anomalies are being investigated. There are only so many people available to do so, after all.”

“Alright. I trust that Aden will look out for you.”

“I’m confident there’s no need for concern.”

When had he become so reliable?

Looking at him now, she saw the same bright, talented young man that Labeth had once been.

The same youthful glow, the same peak of brilliance, when his magical talents had fully blossomed.

Labeth, too, had won her heart with that calm and confident demeanor.

Now, that same unwavering strength could be seen in Manus.

It felt as though no trial could shake him.

Manus was becoming a pillar of strength, just like his father.

“Is there anything I can do for you?”

“Not at the moment. Oh… perhaps you could help block certain information. Just for two years—no, even one year would be enough.”

“Of course. But if things get dangerous, we may need to release some of that information. And there are a few places, even for us Caesars, that we can’t fully control.”

“I understand. But it will be fine.”

Beninitas nodded.

There was no reason to refuse her son’s request when he seemed so determined.

She didn’t know exactly what was happening, but it was clear that it was important to him.

Her eyes, full of affection, lingered on her son.

“Learn well at the academy, Manus. I’m already looking forward to seeing what role you’ll play in the family.”

“I just want a peaceful life, but I don’t plan on losing my spot as the academy’s top student.”

“Hehehe, yes, peace is best. I hope everything turns out that way.”

The issues unfolding at the academy had to be resolved within its walls.

Only then could the world outside carry on without disruption.

Manus talked with his mother until the sun began to set.

“It’s time to go now, young master.”

“The time has already come. Son, be careful on your way. Do well on your exams.”

“Yes. Don’t worry.”

Manus smiled faintly.

As he walked toward the teleportation magic circle that would take him back to the academy, his steps felt unusually heavy.

Someone had once said it.

There’s no place like home.

For once, Manus wholeheartedly agreed.

No matter what, a happy family was truly the best thing.

It was a universal truth that anyone would nod along to.

When the teleportation ended and he opened his eyes, the guide smiled brightly at him.

“You’re back, war hero.”

“The rumors have already spread?”

“Hehe, the academy is buzzing.”

Manus had already accomplished something that no other student had.

It was just another day, and midterms were quickly approaching.

–TL Notes–
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