How to Survive as the Second Son of a Mage Family - Chapter 375

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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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Abraham smiled gently and tapped the table with his fingertips.

 

“My offer to tell you what I know about the Covenant’s messenger was purely out of goodwill. I have no way of knowing whether you’ll make an extreme decision or not, or whether you’ll actually carry it out.”

 

I knew he would say that. It was a predetermined answer from the moment he called my resolve a bluff. I ignored the regular movement of his gloved fingertips touching the table and looked only into Abraham’s yellow eyes.

 

“Then I should return the favor. My advance notice of my decision was purely out of my goodwill.”

 

“Goodwill. What kind?”

 

He whispered almost to himself. I looked at the turbid light beneath his iris—created by the darkness and sunlight behind it in his eyes—and released my voice into that silence.

 

“The goodwill of giving you a chance to change yourself to my liking.”

 

“Change myself to your liking… If you knew what I’m thinking about these words, you’d be shocked.”

 

“There’s nothing to be shocked about now. I’m not underestimating you, so what would surprise me?”

 

“How thoughtful of you. Then, if I keep my promise, how can you be certain that you’ll also keep your promise to me?”

 

“If you can’t trust me now, then don’t be certain. I think we’ve come this far bound together by trust alone, haven’t we?”

 

“Hahahaha!”

 

Abraham burst into hearty laughter and said gently.

 

“Bound together by trust alone… That’s right. How Father Jeremaiah Caetani lured out the Pleroma Monsignor and destroyed my ten years…”

 

That voice sounds like a serpent’s. A slow voice followed, purely savoring only the entertainment of this moment.

 

“I had forgotten. I’m grateful you reminded me.”

 

“…”

 

Trying to converse with someone who expresses pleasure at my word choice this way gives me a headache. Moreover, having it confirmed again that he knows I am Jeremaiah Caetani left me momentarily at a loss. Still, while I had made plans regarding Ludovica Schneider, I had never made plans against Abraham. I was righteous in every sense before this kind of madman.

 

“I cannot hand him over.”

 

Abraham said, lightly stroking his gloved fingers with his other fingers. He removed his gloves and opened a white porcelain cigarette case.

 

“Even if I handed him over, you wouldn’t be able to manage him properly, and he’s already quite satisfied in his own burrow. Even if I wanted to hand him over to you, I couldn’t. How about we do this instead?”

 

Abraham rang the bell on the table to summon a servant. When he held out a cigar, the servant cut the end, lit it, and placed it in Abraham’s mouth. During this, Abraham took out the bracelet we had both become familiar with from the black box on the right side of his desk and put it on. Seeing his truth-verification attack tool, I quietly asked.

 

“How.”

 

“I’ll arrange a meeting. Once should be enough for now. He’s not the type to keep giving answers just because you keep going to him.”

 

“…”

 

“But I’d like to set one condition too. It’s nothing that would really harm you, but could you accept it?”

 

As if showing his willingness to accommodate my tastes, he unusually asked for my opinion kindly. Though I don’t think he’ll actually listen to my opinion. Before I could answer, he made the first move.

 

“I’m certain you drank my blood.”

 

Puk—

 

The smell of blood. Actually, the magic came first. Raw magic, more than any other magic, touched my skin. The bracelet pierced his wrist. Abraham took out a handkerchief to wipe the blood and said.

 

“That’s a lie. I don’t know what you did with the blood I gave you. I have no right, method, or clue to know. So I hope you understand that everything I’m saying now is without any particular intention.”

 

He tilted his wrist. Blood flowed along his pure white palm. Now I’m sick of it just from looking. I hardened the corners of my mouth at the intense magic spreading from him and the surging disgust. No, I almost did. Whether I liked it or not, I was skilled at hiding my expressions, so I could gaze at it with the same eyes and muscles as before. I looked at Abraham with eyes that said ‘what do you want me to do about it.’

 

“If you drink it, I’ll give you the opportunity to meet Daniel.”

 

“…”

 

I knew from his use of honorifics that he regarded me as Ernst, not Ascanien. It was amusing. I was facing someone who would be delighted if Nicolaus Ernst became Pleroma. He’s not someone who would want me to become Pleroma. This person committed the massive betrayal of founding a religious order and is now at odds with Pleroma, and moreover, he’s someone who calls the ability to use blood ‘more perfect than anything else’ and treats it as sacred, so the difference between my initial expectations and Abraham’s actual reaction would be certain. Nevertheless, he’s someone who would be quite pleased with the image gap between Nicolaus Ernst and becoming Pleroma. I looked at the blood beading at his fingertips and raised the muscles below my eyes.

 

“Why should I?”

 

“You’ve been unreasonably stubborn, but you won’t allow me even once? A person can drink blood at least once in their lifetime. I know what you’re worried about, but I have no intention of harming you with this request.”

 

“This is why people who live absorbed in their own world are problematic. I’m afraid you might make a slip of the tongue during a speech saying that if all citizens drank blood, the German Empire could become prosperous. That would be quite a sight to see.”

 

As if proving my criticism that he was absorbed in his own world, he spoke only his own thoughts in a dreamy voice.

 

“Or would you give me your blood?”

 

“…”

 

“No, that won’t do. That won’t do. You know well what I could do with your blood, so I can’t make such a request. I have no intention of doing so.”

 

My stomach churns as he keeps talking nonsense about wanting to consume inedible things. How did we end up in this crazy world where people use blood for magic… I suppressed the urge to spit from nausea and said.

 

“I’ve never understood why you keep trying to make me drink blood.”

 

Abraham pondered what to answer. More precisely, he pondered what excuse to use to hide the truth. I couldn’t miss it, seeing the pleasure that appeared on his face.

 

“You sound like a Human. Since Human blood naturally has no magic, drinking blood could serve no purpose other than inefficient nutrition or culinary purposes, but it’s different for Espers, isn’t it?”

 

“Espers are also people, so not drinking human blood is normal and common sense.”

 

“Blood isn’t what’s important. Magic is what’s important. You keep obscuring the essence.”

 

“So why do you keep trying to feed me magic? Who’s the one obscuring the essence?”

 

“Isn’t it enjoyable?”

 

So what the hell… It felt like we were in different worlds, so I decided not to waste energy.

 

“Crown Prince is saying nonsense, so as a subject, it’s painful to watch. I wonder if I should say this is typical of someone who just watched even when you must have known the decision to assign Ishmailov to me was wrong.”

 

“At least you acknowledge it wasn’t my decision.”

 

“Inaction is also a decision.”

 

He burst into hearty laughter at my sharp tone and said.

 

“Didn’t you want to try something too? When such a powerful weapon of Pleroma as Mikhail Ismailov appeared, if you weren’t given a chance to try to stop it, I can’t even imagine how severe the helplessness you’d suffer would be.”

 

“Your pretense of consideration is remarkable.”

 

He glanced at the pendulum clock in the wall cabinet and smiled regretfully.

 

“Those are nice words, but I’m busy preparing for the conference, so I can’t have a long conversation with you. So regardless of whether you can get good results or not, simply in terms of being able to gather information, your choice to get information from Daniel instead of me might have been an excellent decision. Getting back to the main point, if you drink my blood here and now, I’ll arrange for you to meet Daniel.”

 

If I had to pick the most blood-obsessed person I know, it would definitely be this person. I noticed he was peculiar from when he said blood magic was the most perfect in the world, but I can never understand it no matter when I see it. I revealed my increasingly cold expression without filter and said.

 

“I wonder who’s making small talk here.”

 

“Does this mean you don’t need to meet Daniel? Then I’ll personally, considering my friend’s feelings, help you stay comfortable. When did you say your friend’s consciousness would return?”

 

“…”

 

“You probably already guessed from your Papal States friend’s reaction, but that’s something no one knows. What would change by asking Daniel?”

 

Flutter—

 

Papers on Abraham’s desk shook in the wind caused by magic. The curtains behind his seat swayed and the chandelier above clattered noisily. He glanced at it and pressed down the bundle of papers with his hand.

 

“There’s a high possibility he’ll never return. Control your magic and calm down.”

 

“Don’t talk nonsense.”

 

“Nonsense? I’ve always answered with sincerity and good faith.”

 

“You should know that nothing kills possibilities more than relying on prophecy for the future.”

 

“Then you should know that there are countless cases in the world where you can’t create possibilities with your own power.”

 

“Do you think I’m going to Daniel to ask about the future?”

 

“Whatever it is, isn’t it reasonable to listen to each other’s unreasonable requests at least once?”

 

“It is reasonable.”

 

When I answered readily, unlike before, Abraham raised an eyebrow. I laughed, not hiding my contempt.

 

“If I’m satisfied after hearing Daniel’s story, and if you comply with my other demand, then I’ll gladly do as Crown Prince commands.”

 

“Ah.”

 

Even though I emphasized the word Crown Prince, Abraham was only absorbed in acting regardless of what element I used to pressure him. He widened his eyes as if surprised. I watched that artificial expression impassively, and observing such a me, he erased his act and raised the corners of his mouth.

 

“Not knowing what this other demand is… and I can’t help but worry about the possibility that you’ll listen satisfactorily and then back out saying you’re not satisfied.”

 

“…”

 

Kwaaaaang—!

 

Cold wind brushed my cheek. The office where I had been sitting just moments ago disappeared, and a desolate park with no people appeared. Abraham pulled me back as I almost fell backward and muttered.

 

“Still, this much should be worth compromising over. I also have no intention of angering you further.”

 

He gently pushed my back forward and continued.

 

“You’ll come out on your own when the conversation ends.”

 

* * *

 

This park might always be night.

 

“Well, who do we have here.”

 

As I walked between the paths of extinguished streetlights, I heard a familiar voice.

 

“Isn’t this a welcome face. You’ve become a bit more Rosalind than before. Right?”

 

I struck down my staff, spreading red light. A beggar who had been lying sprawled by the lakeside sat up, covering his eyes. I wanted to raise the corners of my mouth to greet him, but no laughter came, so I quietly sat beside him.

 

“What do you mean I’ve become more Rosalind?”

 

“Learning who you really are is a joyful thing.”

 

“It was joyful enough to make me sigh.”

 

“Right? Even if Cobalt ate away half your head, it’s undoubtedly a joyful thing. Since you learned that Cobalt ate away half your head.”

 

“Do you know about what happened to me?”

 

“Lent is a period of purification.”

 

“…”

 

Lent, Ash Wednesday. He’s talking about the day my ability was opened. He knows about my condition after all.

 

“Why did this happen to me?”

 

“I had to rise because I had to rise. Hearing your words reminds me of a certain cry. Though you haven’t yet faced such a crisis.”

 

“Who knows this? Why are there those who know?”

 

Then he raised the veins on his neck and shouted as if standing on a stage.

 

“But now you seek to kill me, a man who has told you the truth that I heard from God— Abraham did not do such things!”

 

“….”

 

So noisy. I pressed my ears firmly and narrowed my eyes. Daniel waved both hands frantically with his face red from drink and heat.

 

“After dealing with Pharisees, now Pharisees who claim they’re not Pharisees appear, and when you deal with them, Pharisees who claim they’re not Pharisees who claim they’re not Pharisees emerge. There’s no end. So now you should see what difference Pharisees and Pharisees who claim they’re not Pharisees show. And what difference Pharisees who claim they’re not Pharisees who claim they’re not Pharisees have as well.”

 

“….”

 

I nodded. I could listen to his words with a more open mind than before. Though not easy to understand, all his words covered in various metaphors were clues.

 

“Those who liken themselves to grapevines plant fig trees in front of their courtyards with pious faces, so in the end they know too. That they who claim to be grapevines appear wrong to others. Ironically, figs have become a means to prove innocence.”

 

“I haven’t even asked about that part yet, but you’re being kind this time.”

 

“The reason they didn’t plant grapevines is simple. They love anything even slightly more ‘suffering.’ The new covenant must have suffering just as the previous new covenant did.”

 

“Hmm. I don’t know what the connection is, but are they deliberately giving suffering to Pleroma’s envoy?”

 

“No, they themselves are intoxicated with the sensation of receiving suffering.”

 

That’s a familiar story. All cults are like that. I quietly watched the lakeside scenery change by moon, stars, and wind. Daniel, who had been sitting silently like me, said a word.

 

“Fakes are swarming everywhere.”

 

“Fakes.”

 

“Especially around you. Be careful of the lap dogs coming to your side.”

 

“Is it related to my ability?”

 

“Why ask when you already know?”

 

“I ask to get confirmation like this. What do you think about the seven stars and seven golden lampstands?”

 

“I don’t like such crude and unpleasant stories.”

 

I wasn’t asking about your preferences. He’s not someone who’ll tell you just because you pry. Considering the possibility of being kicked out for being bothersome, it’s time to move to the next question.

 

“Do you know Heike Einsiedel?”

 

“It’s unfortunate what happened.”

 

“How can I save her?”

 

Then Daniel’s eyes widened. He pulled his head to the side, then whispered while shaking his head quickly with a terrified face.

 

“This is a ridiculous question.”

 

“Why….”

 

“I dare not answer that question! If I do, I become a false prophet. Rather, I should ask. ‘When will you save that poor soul?'”

 

He tilted his head to both sides and lowered his voice.

 

“It depends on my choice, not fate, is that it?”

 

“Whether she dies or lives, that friend’s life is now like a coin floating in midair. Try blowing on that coin once.”

 

I didn’t expect him to give intuitive advice. I turned my head, sighed, and asked calmly again.

 

“So I want to seek advice on what to do.”

 

“You’ve become eager for many things.”

 

“I’m touching an elephant’s leg with my eyes closed right now. I simply don’t have the information.”

 

“I know. The world has always been that way to you.”

 

“What relationship do Heike Einsiedel and Ishmailov have?”

 

“No relationship at all.”

 

“….”

 

“You don’t believe me. But really, no relationship at all! The two barely know each other properly, and if we must say, what you deduced is about all there is. Since I said this, you want to ask ‘What did I deduce?’ or ‘If they have no relationship, why did this happen?’ right? I’d like to know that too.”

 

“…You’re quite the mind reader. Then why did they both collapse at the same time? Is it okay for me to be with Ishmailov?”

 

“Haven’t you already concluded that you have no choice but to be with him now?”

 

“….”

 

“Why they collapsed at the same time. First, it’s not as simple a reason as your friends think. Survived by sucking blood and charging magical power? Ridiculous. Because the Russian friend is stronger? No! It’s not that kind of reason. I’ve told you a lot now, so you should be able to draw at least the elephant’s knee with your eyes closed, right?”

 

“Haha.”

 

What can I draw with my eyes closed. I need to put all his words in my head, go back and record them immediately, then interpret them for a long time.

 

“Anything else you’re curious about?”

 

“You’re kinder than before. I’m curious about many things. I’m just worried about your patience.”

 

“I’ll try to sit here as long as my strength allows. You’re different from Elise. But before that, something about you just flashed through my mind like a ray of light.”

 

Daniel made a strange sound, bowed his head, and pressed his forehead. Something about me came to mind? If that was in the realm of prophecy, I had to listen quietly. I looked at him silently, and he continued in a low voice.

 

“You see. I’m neither god nor anything, not an ascetic nor anyone great, but if this insufficient me were to give you one piece of advice right now.”

 

He slowly raised his head. His gaze was directed toward the air.

 

“After Gautama Siddhartha left home, he met teachers. The first teacher claimed one could ultimately reach heaven through asceticism, but Siddhartha, who wanted to know how to escape reincarnation rather than methods to gain sweet rewards in the afterlife, eventually left him to learn from another teacher.”

 

“….”

 

“But that teacher focused his mind on the eternal self, and the next teacher wasn’t much different either. So Siddhartha left them. And after a long time, Buddha gained countless disciples, and the time came for Buddha to leave this world too. Do you know what Buddha said to his grieving disciple before entering nirvana?”

 

I looked quietly into his eyes and answered.

 

“Be a lamp unto yourself, make the dharma your lamp.”

 

“Ah, yes! You know well. You’ll understand well. Surely you’ll understand better than me. Make yourself an island and rely on yourself, make the teaching an island and rely on the teaching. Just as Buddha told Ananda, just as he told his disciples, there’s no need to grieve that Buddha left this mundane world…. Whatever hardships arise, you must believe in the truth and yourself. No one should become a refuge where you can entrust your body. No matter what anyone says, you must stand on your own.”

 

Yes, good words. But….

 

Compared to saying Caesarea is right ahead or that I should become Rosalind, isn’t this more in the realm of reflection and spiritual practice rather than prophecy?

 

I couldn’t hide my doubt as I looked at him. Just then, Daniel spoke as if reading my thoughts.

 

“If I intended to preach dharma to you, I wouldn’t have brought it up at all. What’s important comes next. There are people who want you to stand on your own. Do they have Buddha’s broad heart that he had for his disciple Ananda? That would be good if so.”

 

Daniel looked ahead again and continued.

 

“You should be wary of those who want you to stand on your own. You might be confident that you know them, but don’t be confident. Trust no one and be wary even of me. It’s better for your safety to be wary of everyone.”

 

* * *

 

Clatter— Crash—!

 

I struck the floor with my staff as a walking stick. The mishap of falling to the floor didn’t happen, but….

 

“Eh, Ernst? Why are His Highness’s….”

 

The Foreign Minister sitting in Abraham’s study is looking up at me with a surprised face. Abraham, sitting at his desk in front of him, gestured to the minister.

 

“Please step out.”

 

“Pardon?”

 

“I’ll call for you again later.”

 

The minister looked back and forth between me and Abraham with bewildered eyes, then went outside reluctantly. As soon as the door closed, Abraham smiled and looked up at me.

 

“Was the question and answer session satisfactory? You were there quite a long time.”

 

If I answer that it was satisfactory, I’ll be closer to a future of drinking human prophet juice. I feel like everything I ate is coming back up. However, I did hear good macroscopic yet essential stories. Now it’s time to combine more intuitive information with those vague prophetic stories, and the first step is right in front of me. I reached out and opened the box on his desk, throwing the bracelet to him. Abraham’s eyebrow twitched as he saw the artifact that had just pierced his wrist.

 

“What are you looking at. Put it on. Now it’s your turn.”

 

“As I said earlier, I don’t have time for a long conversation with you, so that’s unfortunate. The Foreign Minister is also outside….”

 

“Make time. This is the other demand I mentioned.”

 

“….”

 

Abraham stroked his chin and fell into thought for a moment, then opened his mouth.

 

“After meeting even Daniel saying that what I know about Count Ishmailov is insufficient, you’re trying to catch both rabbits in the end.”

 

“If you don’t want to, let’s pretend our earlier conversation never happened.”

 

Abraham put on the bracelet and flicked his finger to push the chair next to me with magic. He clasped his hands and smiled.

 

“I never said I didn’t want to, but you’re hasty. Sit down.”

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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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