How to Survive as the Second Son of a Mage Family - Chapter 235

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This chapter was translated by Lunox Team. To support us and help keep this series going, visit our website: LunoxScans.com
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How to Survive as the Second Son of a Magic Family (235)

The letters discovered today are A, E, E, G, L, L, N, S.

The letters I received previously were T, A, S.

And….

Amidst the screams of rats devouring each other, I slowly picked up one match. It was the only match without an alphabet written on its cut surface. It seemed like the end had been slightly trimmed.

Instead of an alphabet, that stick had holes in it.

Four from the top, then a pause and two more, then another pause and five more.

‘4, 2, 5… perhaps.’

Is the number itself a code, or is it another code that needs deciphering?

If it’s the latter, then D, B, E from the beginning. The fourth, second, and fifth letters of the alphabet in order. A classic and representative interpretation method.

Or perhaps using another classic method, I should look for the first letters of a book’s beginning or pages. Though I don’t know which book to examine yet.

Or since it’s a match, should I look at the periodic table? Then in the order of 4, 2, 5: Be, He, B.

‘beheb.’

Beheben. To correct. To eliminate…. It can be interpreted as a verb, which isn’t bad for a cult to use. Though there are two blind spots.

Or if not that….

‘Hmm.’

“This came for me.”

Haike’s words cut through my thoughts.

I had already found the answer anyway.

I released the smile I had unconsciously formed and muttered.

“I can’t say that’s entirely true.”

Since it started coming the day after Haike and I played together.

However, it definitely seems to be related to Haike as well. Otherwise, the matches would have been delivered in my name instead of Haike’s.

I wrapped the match in mana and carefully lifted it. When I shifted my attention away from the match to elsewhere, I could feel the musty basement smell and the stench of blood and pus piercing my nose.

Unknown mechanical boxes, controllers, and wires were scattered on the shelves.

There were roughly thirty cages around us. The cages were packed full of rats trampling on each other, and counting roughly, there seemed to be about fifty rats per cage.

‘1,500 rats.’

It’s laughable.

What would happen if these were released in the VIP quarters the night before Penthalon? Or if not that, what would happen if all these countless rats were released into the stadium on the day of Penthalon?

All the games would be suspended and half of the 150,000 spectators attending the opening ceremony would go into a rampage. Perhaps they even matched the numbers.

Moreover, these rats wouldn’t just bite the people inside but would quickly spread throughout all of Berlin. To Brandenburg, throughout Prussia, and if not caught in time, they wouldn’t stop there but spread throughout the entire empire. From the corpses of dead rats, contaminated drugs and vitriol would flow out, polluting the land and water.

‘…Is this their Penthalon terrorism plan? It’s a decent plan.’

It’s not too complex, yet it’s clean and classic.

Particularly, while magical beast problems were highlighted as social issues until last year, making everyone on edge, this year more serious human rampage incidents have been occurring, so interest in magical beasts has dropped compared to before.

‘A field that’s actually safer because everyone thinks they’re being vigilant.’

Well thought out.

Of course, there are several blind spots here as well, so I won’t finalize my judgment.

I tapped the artifact and called the investigator above ground.

“Police Officer.”

[Yes. Please speak.]

“Could you find out what the occupations of the two people who just went into a rampage are?”

[Their occupations…?]

“Yes. As quickly as possible, please.”

I brightly lit up the area with mana, then discovered a bulletin board scattered on a side table in the distance and approached it. Each sheet of paper had some kind of execution plan written by date, but I couldn’t tell what was written because coffee had been spilled in the middle.

But that doesn’t mean there’s no way. I unfolded a page that was particularly frayed at the edges and checked the date written at the top.

[2/24] [Saturday]

Saturday.

The day of the Penthalon opening ceremony.

What were they planning to execute at the opening ceremony?

As I thought earlier, their plan is clear.

I read the execution plan where most of the writing had smeared and spoke into the artifact.

“I’ve discovered a Penthalon terrorism plan.”

* * *

“I’m glad you’re safe. I’m ashamed to have shown you such an unpleasant sight.”

7 PM.

The chairman of the Imperial Mage Association put on a deliberately regretful expression and personally greeted the high school students from the French Academy.

The delegation including Antonie Gramont had moved to the Imperial Mage Association chairman’s private residence, far from the hotel.

Brandenburg’s Tis Hotel had been sealed for safety reasons, so this was chosen as temporary quarters and a temporary countermeasure meeting place until new VIP accommodations could be arranged.

Mathieu, who came after hearing the news, shook his head.

“No. The children are safe so there’s no problem, but I’m only worried about the welfare of the victims who were sacrificed. I sincerely pray that the Empire can escape from this calamity as soon as possible.”

“Thank you.”

Antonie Gramont glanced at his classmates looking around the residence and frowned again, shaking his head.

The chairman must be quite wealthy, as he owned an endless house in Brandenburg.

Thanks to the mana lights installed throughout, the garden looked splendid. Even when everyone was captivated by the vast garden and the chapel-style interior of the building, Antonie Gramont still couldn’t relax his stern expression.

He knew his classmates were subtly watching him, but he had no desire to calm his temper.

Until midday, it had definitely been a day no different from yesterday, but the situation changed in an instant.

No matter how low-risk the rampagers were, without the help of the two Eschede members, they would have been helplessly caught up and killed. The risk level of rampagers is just a difficulty level communicated to the mages who handle them; it doesn’t mean those rampagers don’t pose a lethal threat.

In the end, only this fact remained from today’s events.

He owed his life to Ascanien, whom he had been competing with and scratching at all day.

None of his classmates seemed to think they owed him a debt, but for Gramont, the fact that he had been saved by someone he had subtly considered a rival felt much more significant.

As soon as he entered the meeting room prepared for the countermeasure report, he saw Eschede’s Ascanien and Ainsiedel, who had arrived and were already seated.

“We meet again.”

Ascanien waved his hand slightly upon seeing Gramont. Gramont glared at him with eyes that had been sharp all along and sat down. Instead of showing displeasure, Ascanien just shrugged his shoulders.

“…The incident was completely resolved at 6:25, and Lucas Ascanien, Eschede Vice-Captain, handled everything from the report to the aftermath. The vitriol concentration in the air of that area is currently 1.8%, a level that poses no health hazard even if inhaled. The water quality also had no problems. Both rampagers were harmed by contact with contaminated rats, and no additional damage occurred from this. Also, while there was no direct attack on the Tis Hotel’s barrier….”

This was followed by presentations from the Investigation Bureau and mages from the Imperial Central Hospital.

After 30 minutes, the end was finally in sight. At some point, the association chairman himself had come out to introduce meaningless countermeasures to the French delegation and government officials.

“…We plan to quickly establish a quarantine system to prevent recurrence and make it public by tomorrow. We have also assigned Eschede member Narke Farnese, a mage capable of using divine power, and two priests directly under His Majesty the Emperor to the French delegation. Finally, would Lucas Ascanien, Eschede Vice-Captain, and Haike Ainsiedel please come forward.”

The two Eschede members stepped forward without any particular expression.

“You two have truly accomplished something great. On behalf of the Empire, I offer my thanks, albeit in a brief ceremony.”

A vastly superior knight—not just in level but as association chairman—bowed his head to mages who had just been appointed to the Imperial Court. Ascanien and Ainsiedel smiled properly and shook hands with him. Ceremonially and naturally, all the mages except Gramont applauded.

“Now we have a meeting scheduled, so we’ll move to another location. The VIP quarters have been decided to be moved to Berlin’s former Crown Prince Palace. Since preparations aren’t complete yet, please wait here a little longer. You’re welcome to look around anywhere inside this building.”

When the announcement ended, numerous mages including Ascanien stood up and began leaving.

The association chairman’s servant approached and offered to escort them outside, but Gramont just sat there without responding.

Had about an hour passed?

When he had been sitting alone for a while without responding to anyone’s words, the door opened.

“Still haven’t left? Your friends are outside sightseeing.”

Antonie Gramont silently raised only his eyes to look at the other person.

Ascanien standing before him was wearing the formal attire worn when having an audience with the Emperor, looking down at him. The moment he met those red eyes that appeared even redder in the shadows, Ascanien spoke.

“Now that you’ve confirmed it directly, you won’t be curious anymore.”

“….”

‘Confirmed it directly.’ What he was referring to was clear.

It was true that throughout the tour, he had scratched at Ascanien hoping he would understand his intentions, but now that the situation had turned out this way, he rather wished he hadn’t noticed. However, he clearly knew what Gramont had been saying and what he had wanted all along.

“Or do you still want to face off directly? Then go get permission.”

At those words, Gramont furrowed his brow.

After leaving the reception, Representative Mathieu Aubigny had told them about Ascanien: ‘I didn’t talk with him for long, but he doesn’t seem like a student whose first place is highly questionable.’

Those words weren’t wrong. Mathieu Aubigny had stood at the podium in France for over ten years, so he should have believed those words.

Setting aside that having the skill and mana worthy of entering the Imperial Court was basic—he didn’t want to think again about how he was definitely exceptional—Ascanien was completely a mage skilled in actual combat. He didn’t know how that was possible when it hadn’t even been two weeks since Eschede’s launch.

Because Gramont himself was superior to others, he could easily assess what kind of abilities someone possessed.

Ascanien’s pink eyes, now appearing almost transparent due to reflected light, gazed into Gramont’s eyes before slowly moving downward.

“No answer. I’m quite willing to accept, but has your intention disappeared now?”

“….”

Then did he think there would be any intention left after seeing that scene earlier? What was his ulterior motive in saying such things when he clearly saw what kind of attitude I displayed?

The corners of Ascanien’s mouth turned up. His eyes leisurely swept over Gramont’s crumpled face.

“Then I shall courageously request this despite the risk of disciplinary action, to the valedictorian of the Royal Academy Puissance High School of the French Third Empire. Would you spare 10 minutes of Your Excellency’s time to spar with me?”

“….”

A polite and gentle tone with no trace of mockery. However, it was clearly meant to provoke. His expression as he looked at him with his head tilted sideways contained an utterly relaxed smile.

He must have found it so amusing how he had frozen like an idiot earlier, unable to do anything. Even knowing everything, he couldn’t refute it. The sound of his heartbeat pounded madly against Gramont’s eardrums. It was irritating to have his face, which must have turned red as if about to burst with anger, scrutinized.

I know.

I don’t want to think about technical skills. Even considering just that, I wasn’t certain whether I could beat him or not.

But considering his composure and response ability, the current me couldn’t beat him no matter how many times we sparred. Practical sense and mental strength are just as important as technique. After building up such pride, in the end we were beings who couldn’t even think of running away from the dregs created by Pleroma, and we owed our protection and even our lives to that Pleroma Ascanien.

Gramont didn’t answer and swallowed his shame and sense of defeat with his eyes downcast. Ascanien observed his face for a while before speaking quietly.

“I already know that you are an excellent mage.”

“…?”

Gramont raised his eyes with a frown.

“You are the valedictorian of Academy Puissance’s high school division. You don’t need to be impatient or jealous, nor do you need to blame yourself or feel ashamed for not being able to respond immediately to today’s events. You’re already a prepared mage anyway, and you’ll eventually reach the top position in the field where you’re currently feeling defeated.”

Gramont blinked while moving his lips slightly.

‘…What?’

What was he saying now? He couldn’t understand whether he was mistaken or what.

Why was the person who had been sarcastic until just now suddenly praising him?

‘Is it flattery?’

That couldn’t be it. As expected, he could tell it wasn’t from the very next words. Ascanien patted his shoulder and said.

“However, if you have excellent qualities but are immersed in self-destructive emotions and reveal malice to yourself and of course to me as you did today….”

“….”

“You should know that such a future will not come.”

It wasn’t flattery but a lecture.

It was quite bewildering to receive a lecture from someone the same age.

However, he inwardly knew that it wasn’t wrong. He was accurate.

It was correct, but since he didn’t want to meekly agree and bow down, Gramont couldn’t answer and just rolled his eyes.

Was the reason for telling me this that he wouldn’t tease or blame me anymore? So, he would forgive my rudeness first, so let’s come to our senses and move on peacefully?

It was a grateful gesture now that all will to spar had completely disappeared, but accepting someone else’s goodwill was a matter of wounded pride. Above all, if the opponent I provoked came out like this first, I couldn’t stand myself.

Gramont, who had lost words to say in various ways, frowned and swallowed.

Ascanien observed this and opened his mouth.

“Since we belong to the royal families of our respective countries, there will be times when I meet you again someday. You’ll also have occasions when you must see me.”

“….”

“When that time comes, let’s meet with smiles.”

Ascanien applied pressure to the hand holding Gramont’s shoulder, then seeing his eyes clearly showing confusion, smiled and stood up from his seat.

* * *

Probably only I will be smiling. Even if I meet those guys again someday later.

Still, I had to have that conversation.

I came out of the room where Gramont was and gestured to Haike who was standing next to the door.

‘That Gramont guy isn’t in the valedictorian position for nothing.’

Although his way of thinking was very similar to Philip’s, his skills would probably be equal to mine, and his unique ability would be quite excellent too. While unique abilities are in the realm of talent and hard to call skills, you can’t ignore unique abilities if you want to rise to the top position in any organization.

In other words, even if not me, Luca would have to see him for decades to come. Unless he commits a crime, there’s no chance of him being fired by the Imperial Court, and he only has a future of continued success ahead.

‘But I didn’t expect him to look like he was about to cry just because I gave him the same treatment back.’

A kid is still a kid. I was honestly a bit surprised when his face looked like it would explode just because he was angry.

Still, it’s admirable that despite being that angry ‘with that personality,’ he didn’t attack me or smash furniture. If he had been such a rotten character, I would have had to firmly fix his head right now, but since he didn’t, it’s fortunate. I can’t do anything about his lacking personality, and I need to establish hierarchy. Especially since we’ll often meet diplomatically until one of us retires from politics.

Haike said matter-of-factly.

“That friend has been dealt with.”

“Dealt with?”

“He kept disrespecting our country. And disrespecting you too.”

He knew about this?

The fact that Haike knew about this feels amazing.

I nodded and said.

“You were paying attention.”

“Of course. He kept saying things to you.”

Haike spoke with his usual stoic face. To hear such words from Haike is truly surprising. But apart from that, I don’t know how to react.

“…Mm, right. You knew. But you don’t need to worry about it anymore. Actually, most of them will be like that. If they’re from our surrounding countries, most probably don’t have good thoughts about the Empire and me.”

Gramont just stood out alone because he particularly showed his true feelings, but inwardly everyone would want to pick fights like that. To be honest, if I were a high school mage from a surrounding country, I think I’d be curious about my skills too.

‘It’s not like the Pleroma rumors started yesterday.’

“I can’t directly show them every time like today.”

Haike said exactly what I was thinking. He smiled for once and said something unrealistic.

“If you entered the International Friendship Tournament on opening day, it would all be settled at once. Actually, I want to participate in that. I’m curious about the skills of mages from other countries.”

‘He wants to participate in that?’

Since Haike had eyes lost in fantasy, I gave an awkward smile and brought him back to reality.

“It would certainly be a good opportunity. But, Haike. We can’t participate because we’re not athletes.”

“That’s true. Too bad.”

The International Friendship Tournament is an opening ceremony event where representatives from each country are matched in sparring games. Naturally, representatives are chosen from the athlete teams competing during the Penthalon period.

He wants to try participating in that. He didn’t look like it at all on the surface, but as Helene Einsiedel said, he seems to have great passion for magic.

‘You need that level of competitive spirit to be in the upper ranks at Imperial 2nd Education Institute.’

I answered with a light smile and walked in silence, looking for a place to rest in this manor.

When I had time to chat with friends, it felt like living a normal life, but actually it wasn’t a situation where I could be at ease.

How could I be, having discovered a Penthalon terrorism plan?

Apart from the fact that a rampage occurred, neither the French representative team nor the media yet know that we discovered the terrorism plan. Perhaps worried that Penthalon would be ruined, a gag order was placed on this matter from the moment we reported the terrorism plan to the Emperor.

So everyone is still smiling peacefully, but knowing the truth, I can’t be relaxed.

There’s no way Pleroma only prepared that. Was the commercial building in Brandenburg their only material storehouse? I don’t think so.

In 30 minutes, another strategy meeting including the Crown Prince will be held. Since it’s a terrorism plan targeting Penthalon’s opening day, there was a need for even the Crown Prince to come out and discuss countermeasures.

The problem is that he’s also crazy, but anyway, I need to set up the board in the upcoming meeting so Pleroma can’t do any more foolish things.

Depending on how you use the same resources, there are cases where you can’t prevent incidents you know will happen.

I worry about that worst-case scenario.

Thud—

At that moment, something small fell through the large window on the side of the building.

It was a blue note folded in a familiar shape.

“…Oh.”

Haike inhaled and stopped walking. I confirmed there was no one around, then approached the window and picked up the note to unfold it.

[See me now.]

“….”

I tried to smile but suppressed the corners of my mouth.

It’s obvious who sent it.

The Archbishop of Freiburg is looking for me. It had only been two days.

“…I can’t leave from here.”

I can’t just barge onto someone else’s rooftop.

After saying that and standing still in place waiting, another note fell from outside the window.

[I’ll send a pigeon, so just come to that spot.]

He’ll send a pigeon? Why go to such lengths?

‘Hmm.’

It’s a situation worth going to meet him.

I should go see him anyway to play along with the rhythm.

If he’s urgently looking for me at this timing, there must be a clear reason.

“Lucas. It’s here.”

Haike pointed outside the window. A pure white pigeon was circling outside the window. He must mean to follow that.

When I signaled to Haike, he turned around and disappeared without any reaction. The Eschete team members had agreed not to show any response when the Stalker was definitely watching.

Still, the fact that the Stalker had called me out now meant that Haike knew, so if problems arose, dealing with them would be easy.

‘No, that’s not right.’

My approach was wrong.

Seeing that he sent the note even knowing my colleague was nearby, he must be planning to send me back on time without causing problems.

I checked my watch and went down to the garden outside the manor.

The pigeon headed toward the art museum within the grounds of the Union President’s residence without even looking back to see if I was following. Then it quickly disappeared from sight.

I memorized the pigeon’s route and went to the back of the art museum where the pigeon was last seen.

‘Is this the place?’

It was a spot hidden by the art museum building where none of the manor’s windows were visible. Also…

“…!”

I felt the ground suddenly sink. This was a situation I had already experienced before at the dormitory. My vision turned completely black, then light came back in.

I almost lost my balance.

Someone supported my back, so the disaster of cracking my head didn’t occur.

“Ah, sorry.”

A familiar Human voice.

I slowly opened my tightly shut eyes.

The Stalker’s face was above mine—no, behind me—wearing a mask and with his hair tied up like when we went to see the opera, and this place was…

It seemed to be his manor. The same scenery I had seen before was spread out, and the shape of the moon visible through the window was different from that of Our World.

The Stalker, who had been covering my nose and mouth with his gloved hand, asked quickly with a stiff expression.

“How much time is left until your next schedule?”

“…”

“I was too hasty. I’ll speak and you just nod. More than 6 hours, 5 hours, 4 hours, 3 hours, 2 hours. None of those, I see. 1 hour, 50 minutes, 40 minutes, 30 minutes… Ah, 30 minutes then.”

Crash—!

I swung my arm to shake off the Antagonist with magic and slumped to the floor. Whatever I did, he muttered with a half-dazed expression.

“Good. 30 minutes here is half a day. It’ll be Thursday on your side soon, so I’m a bit pressed for time. I have something to ask you.”

He looked around frantically before sitting down to match my eye level.

I had never thought of him as a sane human, but his eyes were more unfocused than usual.

“Have you ever seen any strange phrases or letters?”

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