Chapter 47 — In the Intermission

1

A peaceful day at the Ceaser family mansion.

As usual, Labeth walked the long path from his bedroom to the dining room while listening to reports.

It was a peaceful day.

Suddenly, he was reminded of an old tale.

They say our ancestors always lived in the midst of war.

What was it called again…

Not monsters, but they fought against more evil beings for control of the continent-

“This concludes my report.”

“Invidea is doing a good job.”

“Yes, she is… a genius after all.”

In the Ceaser family, the bar for being called a genius was quite high.

Even this place couldn’t escape the Night of the Dead.

It had been a while.

Labeth cast magic as he looked down upon the outskirts of the duchy, the city, and inside the castle.

He didn’t forget to check on the battle scenes of his children and retainers.

Every time his black hair and blue eyes flashed, mana that could shake heaven and earth surged.

The eldest son with overwhelming destructive power.

The eldest daughter with elegant and balanced strength.

The youngest, still inexperienced but showing promise for the future.

‘They say Manus single-handedly cleared an underground dungeon.’

The corpses piled there were all charred, and the one presumed to be a black mage was dried up and twisted.

There was damage from heat everywhere.

The air inside was so stuffy it was hard to breathe-

‘His body clearly didn’t have much mana. Yet he could unleash magic of such power.’

This had become a topic of concern for Labeth recently.

This was a world governed by mana.

He was aware that nothing would be surprising when it came to what could happen to people.

Still, there should be limits, and theories do exist.

These past few weeks.

Manus’ sudden change perplexed even Labeth, who prided himself on mastering the theories.

For over a decade, such talent couldn’t have been hidden.

It couldn’t have escaped his own eyes, of all people.

‘I’ll have to investigate…’

As he organized his thoughts, the doors of the massive dining hall opened before him.

His lovely children standing at attention.

And his even lovelier other half.

Grateful to the heavens for completing another splendid day, Labeth took a step forward.

“Everyone’s here.”

Another day began, same as always yet brand new.

The meal was delicious, and they had time to briefly discuss recent events.

When hungry, or just waking up.

The act of eating, drinking, and chewing had the effect of clearing one’s mind.

There’s a reason for having time to talk while eating delicious food after a good rest.

The eldest daughter spoke up.

“The Dire Order has been found to have nested in a desert temple to the northeast. I think we should exterminate them.”

“The northeastern desert, I see. That’s a location they favor.”

It was once a place where mages practiced demon worship.

An area where all structures were buried in sand by someone’s curse, and where powerful monsters appeared.

If they’ve gathered there, they must be commanding an army of powerful undead and monsters.

Those who worship demons liked to use vile things as materials.

Labeth stared at his daughter intently.

“Can you handle it?”

“Of course. And I’ve requested Manus’ assistance.”

She too had graduated from the academy.

Invidea, who returned as a member of the family after rejecting countless love calls.

The youngest was already far removed from power, and Manus lacked talent.

As the important role of carrying on the next generation, she was competing with her brother.

In the Ceaser family, competition meant everything.

From table manners to the academy, post-graduation paths and family affairs, etc.

-Invidea had grown frighteningly, threatening her older brother.

“-You still believe in that half-wit, sister.”

The eldest son spoke up.

Arrogant and relaxed.

His narrowed eyes seemed to see through everything.

He already had the eyes of a beast, and that pressure was worthy of the nickname “tyrant”.

Labeth kept his mouth shut and decided to watch the siblings’ war of words.

Manus.

The third child who was once insignificant suddenly began to rise.

-How interesting.

“I speak based on results. He has clearly proven his abilities.”

“Fine. I’ll cheer you on. With him around, I guess I’m not needed.”

Invidea nodded.

Her brother Tyrannis despised Manus terribly.

Perhaps because he was reminded of the time he was held captive because of Manus in the past.

It was a mission that shouldn’t have failed, and couldn’t afford to fail.

There should never be defeat on the path of Ceaser.

Tyrannis still hated Manus.

“I still can’t trust that guy. He’ll make a mistake at the critical moment.”

“Then I’ll raise him well. I’ve seen it.”

Potential.

The potential to assist her and make the Ceaser family her own.

Invidea gained conviction from her meeting with Manus.

He was definitely worth investing in.

More than expected, he had changed too much.

“-Do as you please.”

Tyrannis focused on his meal again.

Labeth entrusted her with the task, and she accepted.

As the meal was coming to an end, a secretary knocked on the door.

“A letter has arrived from the second young master.”

“Bring it in. We’ll have tea here.”

“I’ll bring it right away.”

Labeth told his family they could get up if they wished.

The eldest and youngest had things to do, so they got up, and Invidea was about to stand as well.

If not for the secretary’s words.

“A letter has also arrived for the first young lady, in addition to the head of the family.”

“Ah, then I’ll read mine here too.”

So she sat back down.

The two each received an envelope with their names written in elegant handwriting.

After a brief rustling sound, the two pairs of eyes moved slowly.

The head of the family, Labeth, gave a hollow laugh, while the eldest daughter Invidea slightly furrowed her brow.

Invidea burned the letter with magical flames and stood up.

“I’ll be going first.”

“Did Manus say he’s not coming?”

“-Yes. He says he’ll come after the survival evaluation. I’ll investigate thoroughly in the meantime.”

Labeth nodded.

She’s a smart child, so she’ll do well.

Invidea was a veteran who had been through countless battlefields.

She would do well even without specific instructions.

Rather, his eyes were drawn to Manus’ letter.

After taking his eyes off his daughter who had hurried away, he turned his gaze back to the letter.

『To Father,

I trust you are well. Did you have any trouble during the Night of the Dead?

I’ve discovered various enemies besides the Dire Order.

…(omitted)…

The Imperial Palace is trying to test me.

I’ll be coming to introduce a new family member soon.

You wanted me to do nothing, but time was too precious for that.

Stay well, and I’ll see you next week.

-Manus-』

“…What a praiseworthy boy.”

As a father, pride welled up seeing his son like this.

Manus had changed a lot.

He even knew how to say rather admirable things now.

Just a month ago.

He remembered when Manus had sent a letter telling him to do nothing.

More importantly, has the Imperial Palace finally made a move?

‘My friend, my son won’t be easy to deal with.’

He smiled, thinking of his friend who was probably managing imperial affairs with his chin resting on his hand right now.

His friend who always dreamed of battlefields and said they must prepare for the future.

He was one who constantly gathered information, searching for shining stars.

It was strange.

He had no interest in the two older children, but had he suddenly taken an interest in the third?

Come to think of it-.

‘There was also that Harrison family kid.’

Whatever his friend’s thoughts were, he decided to respect his choice.

Of course, he wouldn’t be able to take his son’s life.

He spoke to the air.

“Listen.”

The shadows rippled.

No matter how close a friend, there are lines that must be kept.

It’s a father’s duty to keep him in check so he doesn’t cross the line.

“Keep an eye on the Imperial Palace’s movements at the academy.”

[We obey your command.]

The gentle eyes disappeared.

Eyes even more ferocious and refined than those of Tyrannis, who was called beast-eyed, were revealed.

Not a caring father, but a great mage who commanded the continent.

No organization is free from the shadows.

Even if it’s the Imperial Palace.

Beninitas, sitting quietly beside him, chimed in.

“Shall I help?”

“I’ll ask for your help after a long time, my dear.”

“-I should go meet some old friends.”

She stood up.

Labeth nodded lightly.

The duchess of the principality.

Beninitas, who proudly sat in this position despite her commoner origins, was on the move.

Queen of high society and idol of noble ladies.

A hunter who never lets go of her target once marked.

Perhaps the woman who knows even more than Labeth is moving.

“I’ll go out to town. I should call the tailor and get new clothes made. You’ll allow it, won’t you?”

“-Of course. I’ll play the role of a parent after a long time.”

“I’m glad.”

In places unknown to Manus, movements for his sake were taking place.

Time flows.

It flows equally for everyone.

Some indulge in knowledge, some prepare for the future ahead.

The time given to each person turns in different forms and sizes.

The diligently turning gears combine to turn the great wheel of fate.

Labeth, Beninitas, and gears somewhere else shook off their dust and began to move.

Like a broken compass not knowing where it points or where it’s headed.

2

“So, you’re saying we should give special treatment to the second-years?”

“Special treatment? It’s clearly in the school rules. Someone who didn’t trust the students’ abilities decided arbitrarily, that’s all.”

Mythos Academy.

An interesting topic came up at a meeting attended by professors of all years.

Second-year students.

Permission for those with sufficient skill and mana to summon familiars.

Some conservative professors shook their heads in opposition, but Professor Chandler appealed strongly and accurately.

The conservative professors seemed to have no retort when the old school rules were brought up.

The only argument they could make was about immaturity.

“Aren’t second-years still too young? What if there’s an accident from mishandling a familiar?”

“There’s another issue. It could raise problems of discrimination among students.”

The professor who said that blinked, wondering ‘What did I just say?’

It was a mistake.

Several professors who had opposed clicked their tongues and shook their heads.

Arguing about discrimination at Mythos Academy?

This disqualified them as educators.

This is that kind of place.

A place that lays the groundwork for stepping up higher.

Mythos Academy should provide knowledge and strength fitting for those who want to devour it greedily.

There is no equality.

Mythos Academy is a place where those with the will and ability to learn should receive benefits.

“Hoho, Chairman. What do you think about what they’re saying?”

Chairman Nyx gave a faint smile.

The answer was as good as decided.

Yes, Mythos Academy is certainly a place to nurture the strong.

There’s no need to suppress those with ability.

“Mythos Academy has no favors to bestow on weak students.”

His heavy voice impressed upon the professors once again.

That Mythos Academy does not block the path of talented individuals.

“On the contrary, this place, Mythos Academy, should give abundant opportunities to talented individuals.”

“Hoho, I’ll be able to use them as good assistants in the next lecture.”

The victor was Professor Chandler.

–TL Notes–
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