Children of the Rune – Winterer - Chapter 332

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This chapter was translated by Lunox Novels. To support us and help keep this series going, visit our website: LunoxScans.com
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Episode 102.
Ninety-Eight Souls (15)
In that instant, Maximian’s indifferent demeanor underwent a complete transformation.
“Wait, are you truly saying it takes only a fortnight to reach the South Sea of Anomarad?”
“That’s accounting for the fact that you lot won’t handle the controls properly. If I were aboard, it would take no more than ten days, I assure you.”
“If it’s possible, there’s no faster method in existence.”
Maximian cast another glance at the ship, adorned like a plaything. It was evident he was weighing whether to believe what he’d just heard.
“But it sounds far too preposterous to credit….”
Given Maximian’s temperament, it was certain that simply trusting the notion of a ship that could soar through the heavens would be no trivial matter. Had it not been for the peculiar architecture of this dwelling and the existence of its barriers—things that had manifested since yesterday—he would never have believed in Juspian’s magic at all.
Yet with that magic, he couldn’t even peel a potato.
“I simply cannot bring myself to trust your word….”
In moments like these, Joshua—unexpectedly the most pragmatic in his courtesy—stepped forward.
“Juspian, thank you for your understanding. And I offer my sincere gratitude for the consideration of lending us such a precious vessel. We shall resolve all matters with utmost haste and return to put an end to the violin matter.”
“Hey, Joshua, are you now asking me to have you return and serve as my assistant for three years….”
Juspian cut himself short.
“No. I’ve changed my mind.”
Maximian’s expression grew increasingly uneasy.
“I’m transferring ownership of the Capriccio Violin to you. And I’m lending you the means by which you can resolve your troubles most swiftly and return. Of course, I won’t keep you, Maximian, as my assistant. Instead.”
“Instead?”
“Once matters are settled and you return, you shall study magic formally.”
“What did you say?”
Juspian repeated himself with an unyielding expression.
“Learn magic. From the fundamentals, diligently.”
“Why should I!”
“Because I gave you the Capriccio!”
The two locked eyes with formidable intensity. For Maximian to be suddenly commanded to learn magic was not merely absurd—it was grim. He had never harbored interest in such pursuits, and more crucially, his nature was entirely unaccustomed to having his future dictated by anyone. Even his parents had never interfered in his life.
“What does the violin have to do with magic, anyway!”
“Have you been ignoring every word I’ve spoken? That violin is a legacy of Ganapoli magic, one that cannot easily be recreated. For its owner to know nothing of magic’s essence—how could such a thing be permitted! The reason I resolved to transfer it to you is precisely because, save for that accursed Demonic Hispanie, you are undoubtedly the sole person in this world capable of playing the Capriccio Violin. Did you think I was giving it to you out of fondness? But as you yourself said, I am a mage. A most principled and excellent one at that! Thus, as an excellent mage, I absolutely cannot entrust a magical legacy to one ignorant of magic! Therefore, I shall teach you magic whether you like it or not!”
“I said I don’t want to! Once I’ve said I dislike something, I dislike it entirely!”
“What? Then I won’t lend you that ship!”
“Listen, once you’ve agreed to lend it, you lend it. What do you mean suddenly changing your terms?”
“It’s mine, so it’s my choice!”
“What kind of conduct is that for an excellent mage!”
Juspian, who had proven sensitive to the phrase “excellent mage” throughout this exchange, hesitated briefly before shifting his argument.
“Fine then, I’ll lend you the ship… but I won’t provide even a fingernail’s worth of fuel for it!”
“What? That’s petty, you’re being too petty!”
“Petty or not, what’s it to you?”
Regrettably, the “excellent mage” logic seemed unlikely to prevail this time. According to ancient tales, mages were the sort who greatly enjoyed such wordplay as “I give you the boat, but not the oars” or “I grant you eternal life, but you shall age eternally.”
“I can procure the fuel myself!”
“Do you think that’s possible? Do you even know what the fuel is?”
Sensing that Juspian seemed about to offer some explanation, Maximian quickly asked.
“What is the fuel?”
“Gold.”
Joshua couldn’t help but be taken aback by this answer.
“Gold? Just how much of it do you need?”
“Well, to make a round trip to Periwinkle… based on a month’s journey each way, roughly ten thousand ounces—about thirty-one grams per ounce?”
“Good heavens.”
Riche’s mouth fell open and remained there, while Maximian, utterly flabbergasted, choked on his own breath. Only Joshua murmured softly to himself.
“It doesn’t seem to require as much as I thought.”
“Not much? Ten thousand ounces—do you have any idea how many gold rings that could make?”
When Riche pressed him, Joshua laughed awkwardly and replied.
“I was thinking that when you said fuel, perhaps it meant something like kindling or firewood. Either way, it would be the most expensive vehicle in the world.”
“If people could fly through the sky for that price, I’d say quite a few would be willing to pay it.”
Juspian spoke with confidence, and Joshua nodded in agreement.
“Honestly, I think I’d be tempted to ride it myself.”
“That’s only true when you were Arnim Duke. But now that you’re on what amounts to a pauper’s journey, I’d appreciate it if you understood that you don’t have even a single fingernail-sized piece of gold dust to your name.”
Maximian turned sharply to face Juspian.
“Then, if I had listened to you, were you planning to provide the gold for the fuel yourself?”
“Then where would you have gotten the gold from?”
“On the condition that we repay you later?”
Juspian fixed Maximian with a displeased glare.
“Do you think I live in this humble place because I’m poor? It’s merely because of my modest, refined, and nature-loving tastes. Among the materials for magical reagents, there are things far more valuable than gold. You should know that someone of my caliber has mastered the secrets of alchemy.”
“Then you’re saying you can create gold?”
“Goes without saying.”
Joshua noticed that Maximian’s demeanor was gradually shifting.
“Ah, well then, based on your earlier answer… you’re saying we don’t have to repay the gold?”
Juspian replied with affected dignity.
“Well, the gold used as fuel for the airship doesn’t completely disappear, you see.”
“It doesn’t disappear?”
“Gold is the king of all metals. The ruler. That essential nature of gold dominates the crucible of magical power that moves the airship. When you place gold into the furnace inside the ship, it melts, and the molten gold flows into the crucible. As long as that crucible remains full, the ship operates without issue. However, some is gradually consumed, and if you don’t continuously replenish it, the various parts of the airship gradually malfunction and cause problems. Taking that into account, I calculated the necessary amount of gold. So when your journey ends, the crucible will still be full of gold. Only a portion will have been consumed, and you needn’t return even that much.”
“Ah, I see.”
Maximian’s expression showed genuine admiration. From Joshua’s perspective, there was no way this fellow would respond so obediently without some ulterior motive.
“I may not have gold since I’m poor, but riding such a ship even once in a lifetime wouldn’t be bad. Such opportunities don’t come around often. I’m deeply grateful for your consideration in lending us such a precious vessel, and now that I think about it, learning magic doesn’t seem like such a terrible idea after all…”
“Oh, really? Have you finally made up your mind?”
Even Riche now cast a suspicious glance. But Juspian seemed completely oblivious, utterly absorbed in explaining the remarkable features of his airship.
“However, I’m afraid studying under you would be rather difficult. This place is far too distant from my homeland, and I have many younger siblings who need my care when I return home.”
Of course, as Maximian spoke these words, he was thinking that as long as Juspian didn’t trap him here, whether he learned that man’s magic ten years from now or as an old grandfather was none of his concern.
“Oh, of course there’s no need to study specifically under me.”
Surprisingly, Juspian accepted the proposal readily.
“It’s been so long since I’ve taught a complete novice like you that I doubted whether I could do it well. A teacher specializing in foundational education would probably be better for you.”
“Huh? Ah… well, I suppose so.”
Just as Maximian sensed a wave of unease, Juspian reached his conclusion.
“Enroll in Nenyaple.”
Maximian blinked.
“Nenyaple? What’s that?”
“It’s a school.”
Maximian’s expression shifted as though he might hiccup at any moment. Juspian pressed on regardless.
“Hirak Kalmarin, the headmaster of Nenyaple, is an old friend of mine—and one of the precious few young mages whose abilities I actually respect. I’ve heard the standards there are quite respectable. Learn the fundamentals at the school, and when you’re ready for advanced studies, come find me. If my mind hasn’t changed by the time you graduate, I’ll take you on as a true apprentice. Though I must confess, for your future’s sake, it’s rather unfortunate that my opinions tend to shift rather easily.”
“Wait, hold on.”
Maximian adjusted his glasses and stepped toward Juspian. The two, who had been debating moments before, suddenly began shouting at each other.
“A school? Of course there’d be class schedules and break times and all that nonsense, meals at fixed hours, having to return to the dormitory on time—that sort of place, right? I absolutely despise having people meddle in my life!”
“You hate school? Look at you—clearly a hopeless wretch with no viable prospects whatsoever—and here I am offering you such an excellent milestone for your life, yet you whine endlessly! Learning magic becomes such a magnificent insurance policy, and employment possibilities skyrocket dramatically…”
Listening from the sidelines, the conversation gradually began to sound like an advertisement.
“Once you graduate from Nenyaple, I’m telling you, places will be lining up to hire you! You’ll amass wealth quickly and secure a comfortable retirement…”
Whether those words moved Maximian’s heart remained uncertain, but after remaining silent for a while, he suddenly asked.
“Supposing I graduate from there… are you then saying I should come back here and serve as your assistant?”
Children of Runes – Winterer
Author: Jeon Min-hee
Publisher: 14 Months Publishing
The rights to this book belong to the author and 14 Months Publishing.
To reuse all or part of this book’s content, written consent from both parties is required.

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This chapter was translated by Lunox Novels. To support us and help keep this series going, visit our website: LunoxScans.com
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