Chapter 184 — An Old Friend Reunited

1

Caesar.

Few truly understood the weight of that name.

People had heard it spoken in whispers.

The great family, the house under the Emperor’s favor, the lineage of an Archmage…

But there were scarcely any left who knew of the family’s actual deeds firsthand.

A few aging nobles looked at the crimson cloak with expressions of deep admiration.

Caesar.

The family that once raised the red banner high and swept across battlefields as the Empire grew into its power.

Their knowledge, growth, and innate talent with mana were unparalleled.

“The Archmage has arrived.”

“Oh, to see that cloak again…”

“Indeed. I suppose it’s because the Emperor is here.”

“Haha, I’ve heard they were friends in their youth. It must be true.”

Someone spoke as they watched the Emperor and the head of the Caesar family, Labeth, exchange greetings.

Their eyes gleamed with nostalgia.

“I once saw them from afar. The sight of those two standing tall together was breathtaking.”

“Oh, truly?”

“Such a scene is long gone now, but yes, back then, it was.”

Someone sighed in admiration.

The Emperor descended from the platform himself.

A rare occurrence.

Even those closest to him had never seen him with such an animated expression.

“It’s been too long, Labeth.”

“You’ve grown thinner.”

Labeth placed a hand on the Emperor’s shoulder.

With a mere touch, he released a small flow of mana.

Or rather, from Labeth’s perspective, it was just a small gesture of help.

In an instant, Emperor Bradley’s complexion brightened.

He smiled, expressing his thanks.

It had always been like this.

After a battle or after a night of drinking, Labeth would infuse the Emperor with some of his energy.

Even the Emperor’s guard had witnessed this scene many times.

Labeth was the only one who could touch the Emperor so freely.

“Thank you. I feel much better.”

“No need to thank me. But, it seems the Empress isn’t here.”

“She’s handling state affairs in my absence. If I had known you were coming, I would’ve dumped everything on the secretary and brought her along.”

“There will be a time when we all gather again.”

“And your son… He’s extraordinary. He might surpass you one day.”

The Emperor and Labeth walked together as they spoke.

The atmosphere of the banquet grew even more lively.

All eyes followed the two of them.

It was only natural.

The pillars supporting the Empire had gathered in one place.

The Emperor, the brilliant sun, and the duke by his side.

Though distantly related, the two men conversed in the most radiant spot in the room.

“To be honest, I was a bit worried. But it seems your son is handling his role just fine.”

“He’ll be up to great things soon. Your family matters must be growing complicated.”

The Emperor’s words were a reference to the issue of succession.

Labeth chuckled and shook his head.

“My son seems to have no desire for it. He’s not interested in joining the competition.”

“Oh? In that case, why not send him to the imperial palace? The position of Tower Master would suit him well.”

“I’ll suggest it to him.”

“What about his marriage prospects?”

Labeth glanced over at Manus.

Manus, noticing his father’s gaze, bowed politely when their eyes met.

Labeth’s gaze naturally drifted to the young woman standing beside Manus.

His blue eyes shimmered briefly with mana.

He quickly recognized the unique quality about the girl—Kael—and noticed the happiness of the mana spirits that danced around her.

“I’ll leave that decision to him as well. There’s no benefit to the Caesar family in pushing for alliances.”

“That’s fair enough. And how are Tyrannis and Invidea?”

“They’re doing well. My daughter wanted to come, but she’s been busy lately dealing with some troublemakers.”

At the word “troublemakers,” the Emperor’s face darkened slightly.

He knew about the enemies the Caesar family had been confronting.

The imperial palace had already begun investigating them.

“The ones calling themselves a ‘cult,’ right?”

“Yes. They’ve been summoning demons.”

“That’s a serious issue. If they become proficient in summoning rituals, stronger demons will appear.”

“Their roots seem to run deep. If Caesar makes a full move, they’ll likely burrow even deeper into hiding.”

The Emperor let out a small sigh.

They would need to explore other solutions.

He had a few ideas.

“I’ll set decoys. We’ll need to use the idlers within the Empire.”

“Don’t push yourself too hard.”

“I’m not. Those who threaten the Empire are enemies. We can’t leave a cancerous growth to spread unchecked.”

The Emperor’s resolve was clear.

At that moment, he glanced at Manus again.

The bright, shining star.

And the memories of what he had done to him surfaced.

“The things I put your son through…”

“A Caesar must be capable of enduring such trials. There’s no need to feel guilty.”

“…Thank you.”

Labeth knew well the brilliance of the Emperor’s foresight and wisdom.

The number of plans the Emperor had seen through numbered in the dozens, and every preparation he made, even at great personal cost, had proven invaluable.

A strategist and Grandmaster warrior who had never failed.

That was the power Bradley wielded.

Thus, Labeth said nothing more, trusting his friend, the Emperor, the seer.

He only hoped his son, Manus, could accept the Emperor’s intentions as well.

“Whatever it is you’re preparing for, Manus will endure. You’ve always given him trials to make him stronger.”

“I had intended to do the same this time, but it seems this wasn’t enough.”

Labeth smiled quietly.

Who could have known Manus would grow this much?

What had he been thinking about while at the academy, or while spending time alone in the dormitory?

In truth, Labeth felt a pang of guilt for the things he had failed to do as a father.

Sensing this, the Emperor gave his friend a gentle push on the back.

Their conversation was mostly complete.

If anything more was needed, the Emperor could always visit the Caesar family or summon Labeth.

“Go greet your son. My daughter will soon be entering the academy as well. When that happens, I might make a surprise visit just like you.”

“That’s a fine idea. If you’ll excuse me, then.”

“Let’s meet again in a more casual setting.”

Labeth nodded and approached his son.

All eyes once again shifted in their direction.

‘This is getting awkward,’ Manus thought.

He did his best to maintain a neutral expression and meet their gazes calmly.

By now, he had surely left an impression on everyone.

He could also feel Kael freezing up beside him.

It was no wonder.

The man before them was regarded as the strongest mage alive.

The sheer pressure of his mana seemed to constrict her chest.

Because of his overwhelming presence, no noble dared to approach him.

“I’m glad to see you’re doing well, my son.”

“You could’ve given me some notice.”

“Then it wouldn’t be a surprise visit, would it? And this young lady?”

“Ah, h-hello. My name is Ka-Kael.”

Kael bowed deeply, her hands clasped together in a formal greeting.

It just felt right to do so; her body moved instinctively.

Labeth gazed at her for a moment before turning to his son.

“This must be the girl you’ve been paying attention to.”

“…Yes. She has a talent similar to mine.”

The way he said it could easily be misunderstood, but Manus let it pass.

Kael, however, blushed at Labeth’s sudden remark.

‘What did he mean by “paying attention”?’

“She has great potential. Come visit us during the break. I’ll teach you some techniques if the opportunity arises.”

“…Thank you. I’ll definitely come.”

Kael, looking dazed, bowed her head again.

Those around them widened their eyes and jaws in shock.

Did the Archmage just say what they thought he said?

“She’ll grow into an exceptional mage. I’m surprised to find myself interested in someone outside of our family.”

“She’s my most cherished junior.”

“I can see why. If nothing urgent comes up during the break, I’ll train both of you. Make sure you come. Understood?”

“Yes, of course. I don’t have anywhere else to go, anyway…”

Kael was an orphan.

Her parents had passed away before she was old enough to remember them.

Naturally, she had plenty of free time during the breaks, with nothing in particular to do.

Otherwise, she would probably spend her days climbing the tower endlessly.

“When exactly is the break?”

Labeth asked.

Manus responded.

“From the end of June to September.”

“There’s plenty of time, then. I’ll set aside the month of August. You’re welcome to visit anytime.”

“Understood. And… thank you.”

“It’s a small reward for my son’s hard work. And this young lady will need to become much stronger, I assume?”

Manus nodded.

His father must have already picked up on what was happening, just as his sister had.

Other families were likely gathering the same information by now.

Using a subtle movement of mana, Labeth sent a message spell.

It was a type of coded magic, designed so that only the recipient could understand it when it reached their mind.

[Father, I have a request.]

[What is it?]

[Please prevent the other families from interfering with the academy.]

[…Is this about the strange occurrences?]

[Yes.]

Labeth nodded.

He had already heard about it from Beninitas.

Although he had planned to spread false information, he decided to take things a step further.

[Understood.]

[Thank you

.]

Enough about business.

Today was a day for eating, drinking, and celebrating.

Labeth decided to set aside his heavy thoughts and enjoy the moment.

As he glanced around, he saw a group of eager nobles, their eyes sparkling with anticipation.

Their bodies practically screamed that they were itching to strike up a conversation.

Perhaps indulging them a little wouldn’t hurt.

“Enjoy yourselves.”

“Yes, Father.”

“It was a pleasure to meet you, young lady.”

“Th-thank you.”

Kael bowed once again.

Labeth had appeared suddenly, and just as suddenly, he was gone, like the wind.

The nobles began to gather around him like clouds.

But that wasn’t the end of it.

“Prince Caesar, might I have a word?”

“…Of course.”

“And perhaps the young lady as well?”

Kael nodded slightly.

The person who approached them had hair strikingly similar to someone else’s.

More and more people began to gather around Manus.

The first to arrive were members of their club.

“There you are! I wanted to introduce myself to your father as well.”

“Senior, don’t say things like that! People might misunderstand.”

“So what? He’s the father of my close junior. By the way, Kael, did you really get invited to train with him?”

It was Nia and Anais.

And then—

“Mother, you’re here. Should we go greet Duke Caesar?”

“He seems busy right now. Let’s go a bit later. But tell me—when did you all become so close?”

“Ah…”

Manus glanced at the mother and daughter who had just arrived, smiling softly.

Then, with impeccable manners, he greeted them.

With perfect poise.

“It’s an honor to meet you, Lady Harrison.”

“Oh my, look at me! How rude of me. I am Abrel Nia.”

“I’m Anais of the Flois family.”

The silver-haired woman responded with a warm smile.

Though the mana she exuded was enough to chill anyone to the bone.

–TL Notes–
Hope you enjoyed this chapter. If you want to support me or give me feedback, you can do it at patreon.com/MattReading

Join my Discord! https://discord.gg/BWaP3AHHpt