How to Survive as the Second Son of a Mage Family - Chapter 292

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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 (292)

 

“I apologize for my earlier rudeness.”

 

A young new human with a neat smile and wearing a tidy formal suit extended their hand to me.

 

“As you may have already heard, I am Maria Osterreicheste.”

 

“Pleased to meet you. I am Lukas Everett.”

 

It was now 30 minutes before the banquet began. Before the King’s entrance, dignitaries from various countries had started entering the ballroom of Munich Residenz. I had come here earlier with the Crown Prince, and even now as I met this person from the Osterreicheste family, the Crown Prince was stuck right next to my leg.

 

Anyway…

 

‘Occult artifacts…’

 

That was the only thought in my head. Fortunately, I couldn’t find any strange amulet-adorned cloaks, strange jump magic shoes, or strange medieval helmets right now, and I could only sense a gentle impression from their neatly combed low-saturation light brown hair and light green eyes. Perhaps because the colors resembled Ulrike’s, or perhaps because I had seen that strange initial appearance, the barriers in my heart had somewhat softened.

 

‘Even so, I shouldn’t let my guard down completely.’

 

This isn’t the time for that, so stay alert.

 

They said Maria Osterreicheste.

 

The name I read in the status window was the same, and in the documents I received before coming here, the owner of the Sapphire Peruer, ‘Leopold Osterreicheste,’ also had Maria as a middle name. Since they’re a new human, I can’t guess their gender from their physique or clothing, so this person might be that Leopold. They’re probably just using the middle name Maria like a first name.

 

And according to my prior investigation, this person is indeed the owner of the Sapphire Peruer in this era. Maria smiled properly and answered.

 

“I’ve heard much about you. You’re someone who can use divine power, aren’t you? Your name is widely known in Austria as well.”

 

“It’s an honor that the Duke knows my name.”

 

“You’re being modest. When your fame is rising across the entire continent right now, how could I not know?”

 

For all that, the King didn’t request my accompaniment. It was as I expected. While nobles in the old human era traveled with their spouses, new humans generally don’t have such arrangements, so they bring their children, relatives, or prime ministers. It would be too obvious to reveal his intentions by bringing someone like me who is nothing special, so it’s a natural decision.

 

When I responded with a smile, Osterreicheste also smiled and looked at the Crown Prince beside me.

 

“Crown Prince Leonard really follows you well. You seem to be a good teacher.”

 

When those words came out, Leonard’s grip on my arm tightened.

 

Leonard was clinging to my side as if prepared to hang on like a sloth if necessary, continuously fidgeting with my elbow. He probably wanted me to hold his hand, but it was difficult since I was holding a wine glass.

 

I looked at Leonard and said.

 

“It’s thanks to His Highness’s favorable evaluation. I’m always grateful to His Highness.”

 

Osterreicheste, who had been watching Leonard’s reaction to my words, seemed to suppress a laugh. Honestly, I couldn’t help but feel the same way. For royalty, he was showing his fondness too obviously like a child.

 

Maria Osterreicheste was rolling their eyes for some reason, wearing an ambiguous smile while just moving their mouth. Then, when I raised my eyebrows to indicate I would step aside and moved to the side, they hesitantly stepped back.

 

As I was feeding Leonard fruit and leisurely wandering around the banquet hall, it became time for His Majesty the King to arrive. At this time, Leonard also had to leave me and go out to greet the King.

 

‘Peaceful.’

 

I had spent almost two weeks here, but barely a day would have passed outside. The five-year-old who doesn’t guarantee any privacy and tries to stick by my side constantly even during sleeping hours is still five years old, so I can tolerate it now. Anyway, since those around us help ensure it’s not too inconvenient, like having the secretary take him away when he falls asleep, it’s not very uncomfortable anymore.

 

Of course, it’s too early to completely relax. Learning about Maria Osterreicheste’s connection to the occult made things a bit more suspicious.

 

‘…Well, the gem owner just knows about occult artifacts well, but the gem itself isn’t related to occult artifacts.’

 

But the owner is the problem. If the owner is fascinated by occult artifacts and became interested in Pleroma, which bears the name of Gnosticism?

 

Gnosticism has long been closely connected to Jewish mysticism and is a Christian heresy that focuses on spiritual enlightenment rather than scripture. The word ‘Pleroma’ isn’t a word they created, but a Greek word mainly used in Gnosticism, meaning ‘full perfection.’ Despite the name, they claim not to be a Gnostic sect themselves, but people still know Pleroma as a Gnostic sect because of that name. Didn’t the newsstand owner I first met in the extra chapter say about Pleroma, “It seems like a Gnostic sect, which is a bit concerning”?

 

While it’s true that those fascinated by the occult in this era tend to dabble in Gnosticism, I’m not certain they’ll necessarily be interested in Christian Gnosticism as well. However, I still don’t think there’s no reason for the gem stolen using the same method as holy relics.

 

Of course, just like when I thought the anagram cipher would be a more sophisticated problem and tried to solve it the hard way using Caesar decryption and various other decryption methods, I’m still wondering if I might be going too deep this time as well.

 

And, on an unrelated note, I now realize that Osterreicheste was superficially on the kind side.

 

“With even Crown Prince Leonard liking you so much, nothing but unparalleled success awaits you.”

 

“Mm.”

 

A foreign royal smiled at me.

 

“Is there any particular reason you chose the position of private tutor?”

 

While some say things like this, others go further saying, “His Majesty the King must also be pleased with your integrity.” The person standing right in front of me now was one of those.

 

In other words, they think I’m going to wield power by riding on the Crown Prince’s coattails. ‘Looking at your abilities alone, you could demand a higher position, but the reason you don’t is because you’re aiming for something bigger.’ They expect me to capture the young Crown Prince’s heart at a relatively malleable age and manipulate the future king like a puppet. No one says it so directly and they disguise it as praise, but that’s their real meaning.

 

I answered the other royal standing before me.

 

“Bavaria is more upright than anywhere else. Those who lack integrity don’t understand His Majesty the King’s deep thoughts and say things contrary to his intentions, but I’m extremely pleased that you understand well.”

 

“…”

 

The royal rolled their eyes, smiled, nodded, and left. It’s a long-standing custom to insult newcomers to high society they don’t like in their own language. They seemed quite flustered, apparently not knowing I could use high society rhetoric.

 

“You must be the one who uses divine power.”

 

As one person left, another was looking for me. When I turned around, I saw a familiar face I’d often seen in the media.

 

“Pleased to meet you. I am Gustav Hohenzollern of Prussia.”

 

Elias’ father. Whether he had suffered twice the mental anguish alone during those 12 years, he looked much more different than the King or other people. Twelve years later, he had a rather tired-looking face, but now he had an appropriate amount of flesh on his face and looked cheerful.

 

“I heard you’re currently serving as Crown Prince Leonard’s private tutor. I’m pleased to meet such a talent of the Empire.”

 

“I’m honored to meet the brother of His Imperial Majesty.”

 

I looked around him and asked.

 

“I understand that Prince Elias Hohenzollern often socializes with Crown Prince Leonard. Is he not participating in today’s event?”

 

“That’s correct.”

 

Gustav Hohenzollern showed an ambiguous smile, as if the topic was awkward to discuss. I could roughly understand without him saying it. I had a feeling. The Emperor probably prevented him from participating in official events.

 

Then, a servant standing by the door announced loudly.

 

“His Majesty King Hildegard II of Bavaria has arrived!”

 

The King and Leonard entered the banquet hall together. The King lightly greeted the nobles welcoming him and strode up to the podium to speak.

 

“I sincerely thank everyone who attended today to celebrate my birthday. Today we have the monarchs of our continent and state ministers from various eastern countries. I’m pleased to be with all of you who always work for Bavaria’s prosperity and continental peace. I hope today’s banquet will be a time for you to enjoy comfortably.”

 

As always, his words weren’t long. The King had already given a thank-you speech to the Bavarian people outside, and now it was time to meet and greet the numerous royals and ambassadors from various countries.

 

After we finished the reception, gift presentation ceremony, and even the meal, we moved to Munich’s opera house. Leonard was to travel with the King again this time, so he would arrive a little later than us.

 

The seat next to me naturally belonged to Leonard so it had to be left empty, and Emmanuel sat in the remaining seat, but for some reason he moved. Looking to the side, Osterreicheste was sitting next to me with a smile.

 

“We meet again.”

 

“Indeed.”

 

I’m grateful they’re being proactive, but why?

 

To even exchange seats with their friend to sit next to me. Usually people don’t easily do such things because even seating positions are diplomacy. It means Archduchess Maria had difficulty changing seats, whether by threatening or asking Emmanuel.

 

‘What do they want to say.’

 

The more they talk, the more information they’ll give, so I welcome it. Suppressing my expectations and smiling while looking at Archduchess Maria, they smiled back and looked at the stage while saying.

 

“Do you like Idomeneo?”

 

Idomeneo is the opera we’re about to watch. I thought they would seriously make excuses about their earlier appearance, but they’re not particularly doing so. I answered appropriately.

 

“I know well that it’s a work that premiered at Munich Residenz Theatre, but I haven’t seen it yet. I’m curious.”

 

“Idomeneo is an opera Mozart created before coming to Vienna. I didn’t expect to watch it here today, but I’m quite pleased. The next performance is Tristan and Isolde. This was also premiered in Munich, wasn’t it?”

 

“That’s correct.”

 

There’s a reason for their pleasure. Although Mozart did present Idomeneo in Bavaria, he eventually moved to Austria and made Vienna his main stage of activity. As an Austrian, that must be nice.

 

“Tristan and Isolde. As the name suggests, it’s a work based on Arthurian legend. The playwright Wagner was very interested in medieval legends. Are you interested in medieval literature?”

 

“I studied it, but no matter how much I study medieval chivalric literature, it doesn’t really appeal to me. Your Grace seems to have high knowledge, so I envy that you’ll be able to appreciate the performance more richly.”

 

At my offhand comment, the Duke suddenly stiffened and showed all sorts of troubles and anguish on their face. Then they smiled mechanically and shook their head.

 

“…I also… I don’t know it well either. For us with an Enlightenment worldview, it doesn’t quite fit well. Stories with strong mythological elements in an age where human reason kills God.”

 

“…”

 

Suddenly?

 

They’re being a bit excessive.

 

To bring up the Enlightenment and say ‘it doesn’t suit us well,’ there’s actually no special reason to mention only chivalric literature like that. If you’re going to criticize chivalric literature, you’d have to treat 90% of the literature that appeared on this continent from ancient times to the 19th century the same way. In other words, the Duke said something close to nonsense.

 

Why they’re saying such things was actually clear.

 

‘That damn occult is still bothering them…’

 

Is the appearance they showed me earlier that concerning?

 

The reason this person is acting like this now is because of the occult. Many things from the medieval period are inevitably connected to 19th-century occultism. They’re trying to subtly back away, worried that if they say they know medieval literature well, I might connect that to the occult again. It’s excessive defense.

 

Perhaps knowing they were excessive, the Duke cleared their throat and continued talking from the side.

 

“Are you planning to watch Tristan and Isolde as well?”

 

“No. I need to look after Crown Prince Leonard, so I’ll only watch Idomeneo and leave. His Majesty the King will also go outside then.”

 

“Good.”

 

The Duke answered resolutely.

 

What’s good about it…

 

They seem to have something to say but don’t continue speaking. This person keeps becoming a robot – someone please help them out. They’re going to keep creating embarrassing moments here. The Duke kept agonizing alone beside me, pressing their forehead and sighing repeatedly, then asked seriously.

 

“Count Everett. What do you think about the current state of affairs?”

 

“Pfft…”

 

A laugh came from beside the Duke. Emmanuel was artificially covering his mouth and laughing. However, the Duke was serious, and I was dumbfounded.

 

‘Suddenly?’

 

…I wanted to ask, but I couldn’t.

 

“At least Bavaria, I think, is well-governed. But why suddenly…?”

 

“I see. I think the same way. This Continent is also living in quite a peaceful era. But how long can the peace of this entire Continent be maintained?”

 

“….”

 

I can hear Emmanuel snickering beside me.

 

I understand perfectly why this person keeps saying such pointless things to me. I smiled without revealing my thoughts as much as possible.

 

“Aristotle said this: In a nation, education is an indispensable tool that unifies that nation into one community. As Your Highness said, Bavaria is in an era of great peace, and I also think the Austro-Hungarian Empire is the same. In such times, if our continent doesn’t strive for a common unified community….”

 

He’s been saying things that don’t quite add up from the beginning, so I wish he’d use a deductive approach if he’s going to do this. As I nodded my head earnestly with my brain turned off, I finally heard the conclusion.

 

“So, after this celebration ends, would you like to have tea with me?”

 

“…Ah, yes…. That sounds good.”

 

I couldn’t understand how we went from Aristotle to having tea together. I just waited for the King and Leo to come as soon as possible.

 

Only when intermission came did Emmanuel grab me and drag me outside. Then he burst into hearty laughter.

 

“Hahahaha!”

 

“Why are you doing this again, Your Highness? I’m tired.”

 

“Hahaha… The Archduke is trying to make a good impression on you, Teacher. That conversation earlier, I mean.”

 

“Trying to make a good impression? Where?”

 

“Well…. I don’t understand it either. But don’t you feel the intention? He’s desperately bringing up conversation topics that circulate in high society to somehow shake off his reputation as an occult artifact maniac.”

 

Right. I felt that much too. I answered with a hollow laugh.

 

“Your Highness Emmanuel did wrong. If Your Highness hadn’t dragged me to a meeting with your friend, he wouldn’t be trying to recover his image like that.”

 

“I didn’t know my friend would panic like that, so I’m sorry. But the misunderstanding has been cleared up, hasn’t it? It’s not a false rumor—he really is a maniac.”

 

He’s still teasing his friend.

 

When I didn’t answer and was lost in thought, Emmanuel waved his hand.

 

“You don’t have any particular thoughts about it, do you, Teacher?”

 

“If you’re referring to his artifact maniac tendencies, I don’t. In fact, I’m pleased.”

 

“That’s good. Actually, while you’re working here, if you ever need to make artifacts, I was thinking of introducing you to use my friend for that purpose. This artifact was actually given to me by that friend too.”

 

He pointed to the brooch attached to his jacket. It was an artifact made of glass and gold.

 

“He has insight into artifact development. What’s its function?”

 

“With this, I can relay situations like this.”

 

He took out a small folding mirror from his pocket and showed it to me. My clothes were visible in his mirror. So what was reflected in the brooch’s glass was being displayed on another artifact.

 

“Conversely, not only can it show what’s reflected in the brooch, but it can also send situations reflected in this mirror directly to other mirrors. He learns all sorts of magical formulas. Sometimes he even makes them himself. This is comparable to commercially sold ones, don’t you think?”

 

Indeed. He might be good at making artifacts. The flow of magical power I sense is a bit rough, but judging by its function, he seems skilled in magical studies. It’s not crucial information, but it won’t hurt to know, so I’ll remember it.

 

“I showed Count Everett’s match to Crown Prince Leonard with this too. Crown Prince Leonard probably has the same thing.”

 

“I haven’t seen anything like that.”

 

“Ah~ His Highness must have thoroughly hidden it from you, Teacher.”

 

Emmanuel raised his eyebrows and looked into the mirror. I frowned at a sudden thought and asked.

 

“Then by any chance, right now….”

 

“Right now, all the conversation we’re having is flowing to His Highness the Prince. Leonard, are you listening?”

 

Emmanuel, who had been laughing playfully, pulled my shoulder and held the mirror up.

 

“Your teacher and I have already become this close.”

 

“…!”

 

So that’s how it gets transmitted. The moment that thought occurred to me, I pushed Emmanuel away. Emmanuel closed the mirror lid with a loud snap at good timing, so unfortunately that scene didn’t seem to reach Leonard either.

 

“You startled me. What’s wrong? Am I the only one who considers us friends while you still see me as royalty? We’ve been playing together for two weeks.”

 

“That’s right…. Let’s stop talking.”

 

That’s right, but there are things a five-year-old can take as a joke and things they can’t. He’s playing this prank knowing Leo’s personality. Sometimes he acts like he’ll play with him for life, and this guy is also an uncle who’s serious about teasing his nephew. If Leo gets sulky next to the King because of this, how can I face those two?

 

‘Speaking of which….’

 

Somehow, I had felt it was a bit out of the blue when Leonard brought up the celebration party to me as soon as I arrived, but it turns out he said that after hearing the whole process of me being dragged around by Emmanuel and drinking. Since I was going to be stuck with Emmanuel, he was worried I wouldn’t play with him and brought up the party story to me right away.

 

I hope he didn’t hear the conversation I had with other royal families earlier. If he did, I’d have to hit this Emmanuel guy.

 

‘But… that’s not what’s important. Why didn’t he register a patent?’

 

Like when I made the communication artifact, if he had registered this the same way, he would have made a fortune. Did he hide this too as part of his occult activities? It seems trivial but it’s a concerning point worth remembering.

 

When we returned to our seats, Leonard looked at Emmanuel expressionlessly. Instead, he greeted me with his usual peaceful smile. Even at this age, he seemed to understand well that Emmanuel had teased him. As I sat down, Leonard called me quietly.

 

“Teacher.”

 

“Yes, please speak.”

 

“Could you spar with me later?”

 

I take back what I said about him being peaceful.

 

“Later is a bit difficult because I have an appointment. How about tomorrow?”

 

“….”

 

Since Leonard delayed his answer, I corrected what I had said.

 

“This evening.”

 

“No, please come after you’ve finished all your business, Teacher.”

 

I was about to say I would do that, but shook my head.

 

“I’ll come early.”

 

When I held out my finger, Leonard asked with puzzled eyes.

 

“What’s this?”

 

“Learn it in advance.”

 

I hooked my hand to his pinky finger. Unlike the 17-year-old Leo, he was overflowing with the will to learn even trivial pranks. It’s comfortable since he finds everything fascinating. Leonard seemed to like this activity and returned to his relaxed face to watch the play.

 

* * *

 

“How did this friend end up in this gathering too….”

 

The Archduke glanced sideways and showed his displeasure.

 

“Because it’s my house.”

 

Emmanuel answered with a smile.

 

As soon as the first play ended, we came out and gathered at Emmanuel’s Mansion to drink tea. Archduchess Maria shot a strong look as if telling him not to open his mouth and said.

 

“May we continue the story we were having earlier? I believe an educational system that unifies the European continent should be created following Aristotle’s teachings. If that happens, this continent will become much more organized and stable. Moreover, considering that the Eastern countries, which were unknown worlds to us, have built their own powerful magical systems, I think we too need to unite and become stronger.”

 

“You think so.”

 

Still the same.

 

He’s still thinking of showing ‘normalcy’ to me here. I want to tell him to stop because that’s even stranger.

 

I stirred my tea once with divine power, drank it, and said.

 

“I think the occult is a truly fascinating field of study.”

 

“…!”

 

The Archduke, who choked, coughed as if vomiting with a bright red face. Emmanuel handed him a handkerchief and scolded.

 

“Why are you doing this…. How disgusting.”

 

“Be quiet.”

 

The Archduke glared at him with eyes asking if he didn’t know whose fault this was. When his effort to focus the topic on something ordinary turned to nothing, the Archduke’s eyes became fierce. He forced a polite smile and waited for my words. I could feel his resolve that if I asked about his earlier behavior, he wouldn’t go easy like he had until now.

 

Right. If I asked about his earlier behavior, that would be a question driven by curiosity. Naturally, at times like this, I should establish common ground first.

 

I recalled the Hermetic occult philosophy I had frantically researched while studying the Hermetic Gesellschaft club interview question—the Lion’s treasure box—and slowly chose my words.

 

“Your Highness the Archduke seems to be someone living ‘as above, so below.’ At least to me, you appeared to maintain an excellent balance between spiritual experience and daily life.”

 

“….”

 

Emmanuel raised his eyebrows. Judging by his reaction, this guy seems to know Hermeticism well too. ‘As above, so below.’ It’s a phrase like the motto of Hermetic studies, and what I said afterward was also an application of that.

 

The Archduke narrowed his eyes with a face that looked a bit more confused than before. I didn’t miss that opportunity and continued speaking.

 

“Hermeticism is the foundation of magic. Especially in that it’s a path to becoming ‘more divine,’ the magic of our era can be said to be connected to Hermeticism to some extent.”

 

“….”

 

“The magical power we use is imbued with God’s grace. If we try to fuse the Kabbalistic mysticism that Hermeticism has accepted here, each Sefirot is a diverse expression of divinity….”

 

Emmanuel looked at the Archduke with a face asking why he knew even this, laughing silently. The Archduke’s face had become more serious than ever.

 

When I trailed off, the Archduke continued my words.

 

“All of that emanates from and is integrated into Keter, the Holy Spirit. This process is the emanation of Kabbalistic divinity.”

 

“….”

 

“This is what you meant to say, isn’t it? You’re making an abstract attempt.”

 

He took the bait.

 

I nodded. The wariness that had melted in the Archduke’s eyes still wasn’t completely gone, but it was much more favorable than before and overflowing with curiosity.

 

“Though I say this, I still don’t know much about Hermeticism. In fact, I only have a lot of interest in the occult, but I don’t really know where or how to approach it. I’ve barely gained knowledge from just a few books I managed to collect.”

 

“….”

 

“So, I was really happy thinking I had met the first person I could communicate with….”

 

I closed my mouth and averted my gaze.

 

“It would be quite embarrassing if I was mistaken.”

 

“….”

 

Emmanuel beside us looked on as if dumbfounded and let out a sharp whistle. The Duke remained silent for a long while.

 

Then, only after a long time had passed, he spoke quietly.

 

“Mistaken, you say.”

 

When I raised my eyebrows and looked at him, he continued with still a solemn expression.

 

“I too have never met an initiate with such passion for Hermeticism. Then let me ask just one thing. What is the Magnum Opus that Lord Everett seeks?”

 

“….”

 

Much easier than the Lion’s Club entrance question. However, it’s a question that cannot be answered without knowledge of alchemy. Generally it means an artist’s greatest achievement, but in this field it refers to transmuting base metals into gold. Well, the meanings are similar in feeling.

 

“Nothing so grand yet. However… currently I’m trying to find a treasure chest that opens when holy water and holy blood are added.”

 

It’s not a lie. I need to know that to join that artifact club… Beyond not being a lie, it could be considered fact.

 

Emmanuel’s eyes widened. After exchanging glances with the Duke for a while, he tilted his head and looked at me. The Duke also asked with a stern expression.

 

“Where did you hear that story?”

 

Hmm.

 

This is problematic. It seems I said something I shouldn’t have. Since it’s from 12 years in the future, perhaps such an artifact hasn’t been discovered yet. Or… maybe it’s an artifact only they know about.

 

While I was pondering what to answer based on my intuitive thoughts, the Duke leaned forward with a serious expression.

 

“I have a dream I’ve held for a long time. Actually, I thought it would take several years, so I had no intention of creating it right now… Let’s make these three the founding members.”

 

“Founding?”

 

I had no intention of escalating things that far. What does he plan to found in the first place? The Duke spoke forcefully with shining eyes.

 

“We’ll create an occult artifact research society among ourselves. Let’s call it Hermetic Gesellschaft. What do you think?”

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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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