How to Survive as the Second Son of a Mage Family - Chapter 392

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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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“Simon Sabelli.”

 

I grasped his hand and carefully examined his face. In this brief moment of leisure, I began to assess him. Unlike Narke, who wore gentle smiles as he went about—though sometimes becoming strange—but was generally calm, this man seemed to always have a lively personality. His open mouth and the natural movement of his cheek muscles were natural. His hairstyle was extremely ordinary, and his clothing was the same. He had a moderately thin and tall, slender build, and his face was the likeable type that would catch one’s attention even from afar. If drawing a wanted poster, such phrases would probably be written in the characteristics section. Though he wasn’t wearing clerical robes, his wand was from the Papal States. In his status window’s traits section was ‘Interrogation (Lv. 5)’. I couldn’t tell exactly what ability that was. Sabelli. A family that produced a Pope. They wouldn’t place someone far beneath them as an aide. Considering Narke’s upbringing, there was a high possibility they were childhood friends who had interacted since young. Hmm, meeting Narke’s childhood friend at Trier Cathedral… I smiled and continued speaking.

 

“Pleased to meet you. I’m Nicolaus Ernst.”

 

“I know, Your Highness. I will strictly maintain secrecy as ordered by His Holiness the Pope.”

 

He winked his left eye, grasped my hand firmly then released it, stood beside Narke and waved his hand forward. It seemed to mean let’s go in quickly. He spoke again to Narke, who had returned from expressionlessness to his usual smile.

 

“I’ve read all the records, so you needn’t worry. You’re His Highness Narke Farnese, aren’t you? You came as an exchange student to Imperial Education Institute No. 2. Ah, your grades were high, as befitting His Highness Farnese. Even if you took exams with your eyes closed, it would still be difficult to hide your abilities.”

 

I observed Narke’s expression. He merely maintained his previous expression, showing no particular reaction.

 

Narke wouldn’t like the type who noisily chatters about obvious things. This person doesn’t seem to match well with Narke. Instead of Narke, who didn’t respond, I asked.

 

“How did you come here? And for what business?”

 

“I came by train. Hahaha! My, it was difficult. I warped as much as possible to places where I could warp, but the train was so slow that I slept in there for about two days… or was it three days? Civilization strangely makes people lose track of time. Now I feel nauseous just looking at trains.”

 

“…”

 

“And my primary mission while you’re in Trier is to assist His Highness Farnese. Of course, if His Highness Ernst also utilizes me 100%, I would be more than pleased. You understand, don’t you?”

 

“Haha. How should I best utilize Count Sabelli?”

 

“If you tell me about any inconveniences, I’ll appropriately convey them to Trier and the Papal States. If not that, you can call me if you need a sparring partner for trivial matters. Or you can utilize me in areas where I can provide helpful information…”

 

“Very well.”

 

That wasn’t my answer. Both Simon Sabelli and I looked at Narke with widened eyes. Narke, who had interrupted Simon Sabelli’s words, smiled slightly and answered once more.

 

“I’ll do that, Count Sabelli.”

 

“…Oh, Count Sabelli… You should call me Simon.”

 

“This is Germany.”

 

“…”

 

“What’s wrong with being German? I’ll address you with honorifics, so please feel free to call me casually, Your Highness. It’s been over half a year since Your Highness called my name, so now I miss Your Highness’s affectionate voice.”

 

Simon Sabelli was definitely the type to make others uncomfortable. Even with a first-time meeting person beside him, he was speaking quite freely.

 

Narke seemed to let his chatter go in one ear and out the other, then asked emptily.

 

“Count Sabelli, is Father well?”

 

“Of course.”

 

After all that chatter, now just one word in response. Even just hearing it sounded strange. I walked toward the lodging maintaining an expressionless face. Narke asked once more.

 

“Does he wonder how I’m doing?”

 

“Of course he…”

 

“Me as myself, not me as a tool.”

 

Narke’s voice was gentle yet somehow cold. The atmosphere was becoming increasingly tense.

 

‘Sigh…’

 

And speak so I can understand in one go. I wanted to give them the words Elias had said while hitting my back earlier. Here, only I was rolling my eyes knowing nothing.

 

‘Still, just Narke speaking out provides enough clues.’

 

With just a few clues, I could always deduce. Elias had asked earlier, ‘Why didn’t you fully convey your deductions about the Holy Relic to Trier’s clergy?’ And I had asked Elias earlier, ‘Why didn’t you draw the curtains when there was something outside the window?’ With just that one question, Elias grasped why I had given a somewhat roundabout statement about the Holy Relic to Trier’s clergy. Elias was an excellent friend, but it wasn’t because he was excellent that he could understand. It was the same with their conversation now, so while it might not be easy for me to understand, it was a good opportunity to gather information. Though it could never be called an opportunity given that Narke seemed to be in a bad mood.

 

The talk about Narke’s ‘father’ ended there. When we reached the lodging, Simon Sabelli pointed to the hall table and asked.

 

“Ah, how about having a cup of tea before going in?”

 

Narke would have tried to say no, but I didn’t look in his direction and immediately nodded.

 

“I’d like that.”

 

“No.”

 

As expected, Narke’s voice followed at the end of my words. He lightly grasped my wrist and continued.

 

“Let’s go in. His Highness Elias will be waiting too.”

 

“Mm, His Highness Elias would be waiting for Your Highness. Since you share the same room. You look tired, so Your Highness should go in first.”

 

“…”

 

Narke stared at me intently, then pressed his lips together, closed his eyes, and smiled.

 

“No. Since you came as a guest, it’s proper to host you briefly. I’ll join as well.”

 

* * *

 

Though we could have had servants do it, we personally brewed tea and set it on the table. Simon Sabelli’s eyes widened when he saw the tea Narke offered, then he stood up from his seat.

 

“…Why is Your Highness doing this?”

 

Perhaps tired even of that question, Narke made a weary smile and answered roughly.

 

“One must know how to live independently.”

 

“No, I should be doing this. Please sit from now on. If Rome and the Vatican learn of this, they’ll reprimand me.”

 

“…”

 

Narke closed his mouth, sat down, and said nothing. Anyway, personally brewing tea wasn’t something for a person of Sabelli’s family status to do either. If only Narke and Sabelli were left in this world, aide Simon Sabelli would do it, but actually, in buildings with servants everywhere like this, both would normally rely on servants’ help. Narke would have thought he had shed many remnants of his old life while at Imperial Education Institute No. 2. The life where he had to stand alone with just one animal in a foreign land, without the extreme courtesy he received as heir of the Farnese family, Cardinal, and Minister of the Congregation for the Doctrine of the Faith, would have been rather satisfying. But Simon Sabelli was instead dragging up those old memories and, not content with that, urging him to live like the old days, so from Narke’s perspective, it was understandable to be dissatisfied. That was only thinking from Narke’s perspective.

 

“Still, I dare not refuse what Your Highness has made, so I’ll gratefully accept what you’ve made. To think I’d drink tea made personally by Your Highness—I’m glad I came to Germany.”

 

“…”

 

“Ah, it’s really delicious. Your Highness truly can do anything.”

 

I glanced at Narke then cleared my throat. The more I listened, the more this person seemed to… like Narke too much. If it were just liking, anyone would gratefully accept such human affection, but this side seemed to bother Narke a bit.

 

‘Maybe this is why he dislikes it.’

 

“Narke… Ah, yes. I’m newly realizing, but doesn’t the pronunciation sound round and nice too? Of course, whatever name Your Highness has carries a correction effect in itself. If His Highness Farnese had the name Giovanni, I probably would have viewed the name Giovanni more magnificently than I do now.”

 

“…”

 

The ‘ke’ gets caught in the mouth, so it’s not particularly round. What impressive rose-colored glasses. More than that, I learned the useless information that Simon, a Roman noble and Narke’s aide, dislikes the name Giovanni. When no one answered, Sabelli took a sip of tea and spoke.

 

“While sending me to Germany, His Holiness asked me to convey a message. Don’t move hastily.”

 

Since Narke didn’t respond, I answered instead.

 

“Right now we’re moving as slowly as possible. We’re being cautious. If we move hastily, we might lose the Holy Relic forever.”

 

“No, he said it for the sake of His Highness Elias Hohenzollern, Prince of Prussia’s safety.”

 

“…”

 

When Elias was mentioned, Narke’s brow furrowed slightly.

 

“That’s the second reason I came here. He’s also someone I must assist.”

 

“I understand. But I’m curious why His Holiness the Pope gave such orders. Is there someone trying to harm His Highness Elias Hohenzollern?”

 

“Isn’t all of Germany full of that person’s enemies? There are more than a few who eagerly await his death…”

 

“Count Sabelli.”

 

Narke curtly reprimanded him with an expressionless face. Simon Sabelli immediately bowed his head and answered.

 

“I was rude to Your Highness’s friend. But it’s certain we must be careful to that extent.”

 

It’s hard to adapt to Narke being this cold. However, Simon Sabelli seemed more accustomed to such a Narke. I watched the two of them and calmly spoke.

 

“Count Sabelli, I have one question. In my judgment, His Highness Elias Hohenzollern was supposed to be safe for a long period ahead.”

 

“…”

 

“But why is the Papal States trying to protect his safety directly like this?”

 

Of course, thinking about how spectacularly Elias had overcome death crises as the protagonist, it’s a bit much to say he’s safe, but still, he lives at least until his late twenties. This high school period is a completely non-dangerous time in Elias’s life. Of course, many things have already changed and now that he’s become a Royal Mage, which wasn’t even planned, his life’s end might have been moved up… But for the Papal States to send someone directly? This is a different dimension of problem.

 

Simon Sabelli, who had been quietly observing me, nodded.

 

“There’s a reason His Highness Farnese took notice of you.”

 

At those words, Narke was about to grasp his throat and let out a deep sigh. It was rare for this friend to react this much, so it was interesting. I patted his shoulder to reassure him.

 

“Don’t worry, Your Highness. I’ll listen appropriately. I’d be grateful if Count Sabelli would answer my question.”

 

“Because it was His Holiness’s words, I don’t know. How His Holiness makes decisions is top secret. Also, he said the protection mission would be completed midway through this Holy Relic recovery operation.”

 

“Midway?”

 

“We don’t know how long this operation will last, but wouldn’t he be able to become safe within that time? So, regarding the Holy Relic, have you found any suspected culprits?”

 

“I’m always making guesses.”

 

“Oh, I see. Then why aren’t you moving? It would be better to move together with the Papal States people earlier.”

 

“The possibility that suspect is at their base is low.”

 

I answered briefly. There are three reasons we’re not moving immediately. The first is what I just said, and second, we’ll buy time here. The third is…

 

“There’s a reason we can’t take the initiative to strike them. It should be seen as a governmental issue. All missions are being carried out without a hitch, so you needn’t worry.”

 

Narke answered instead. Though he too didn’t voice details, I could intuitively tell he had recited my third reason. Despite us speaking almost like twenty questions, Simon Sabelli was savoring his tea then slowly opened his mouth to hit the core.

 

“Aha. This seems to have a surprisingly easy answer. It’s not a difficult problem at all, is it? Since it’s easy to get caught, the culprit would have hidden and used their ability… But why hasn’t the Empire still identified suspects for the case where one Eschete was harmed?”

 

“…”

 

On the surface, he seemed like a thoughtless person. At least appearance-wise, he was good-looking enough that no one would easily give negative evaluations, but when conversing, he felt like someone who didn’t think deeply about anything. That was the simple first impression.

 

‘First impressions really can’t be trusted.’

 

His words were correct. Because it was an easily detected crime, he would have thoroughly hidden himself. So we have no choice but to set fire to the field to make what’s inside come out.

 

But only the Pleroma leadership and I would find the answer easy. Only they and I have the clues necessary for deduction. Conversely, since I’ve already identified suspects, there’s a strong possibility Pleroma has also identified suspects. That is, if they also know what happened to Heike Einsiedel and Ishmailov. In other words, it’s natural for the Empire government, which lacks information, to waste time.

 

‘That aside, there’s one more problem.’

 

One Eschete was harmed…

 

How does this guy know a secret among secrets? It’s a story that didn’t even appear in newspapers. And if he heard it through Trier Cathedral, as can be sufficiently determined from the reactions when conversing with clergy here, even Trier Cathedral’s Archbishop doesn’t know about Heike and Ishmailov’s matter. Does the Papal States have some information source that knows everything? Did Narke convey that news? Considering his rather uncooperative attitude—though it would be cooperation in his own way—toward the Ishmailov case so far, it makes sense, but Narke doesn’t seem like he would easily give information to the Papal States.

 

And most decisively, if Narke had passed information to them and the Papacy had officially obtained that information, Simon Sabelli would have boldly brought up the Haike story when I asked earlier why I should protect Elias’s safety. He’s someone who babbles endlessly, so even while saying ‘I don’t know His Holiness the Pope’s exact intentions,’ he would have mixed in his own speculation. Something like, there’s already someone among your team members who’s become someone’s target and has one foot in the grave, so wouldn’t Elias Hohenzollern, who already has enemies everywhere, be no different.

 

I looked at Narke, but he didn’t look at me. I silently watched them before opening my mouth.

 

“Since you’re not even used to it yet, how about refraining from using your unique ability during conversations.”

 

“Huh.”

 

Simon Sabelli and Narke simultaneously turned their gazes to me. The two, eyes wide, looked at each other and then back at me. Simon Sabelli opened his mouth, tilted his head, and asked.

 

“…How do you know I used my unique ability?”

 

“Since you knew classified information, I took a guess.”

 

It’s an ability similar to insight. His ‘interrogation’ ability must be randomly finding out some of the information the opponent possesses in some way.

 

“Took a guess…”

 

Simon Sabelli let out a hollow laugh and then corrected his expression.

 

“That’s right. I never thought human-level insight could be comparable to Your Eminence Farnese’s insight… Your Eminence Farnese’s insight is truly remarkable. How did you meet such a person.”

 

“Let’s end this here.”

 

Narke abruptly stood up from his seat and grabbed my arm to pull me along. I nearly kicked the desk as I hurriedly stood up following him. Narke impatiently struck the floor with a bang and warped to the front of the room.

 

“…Hah…”

 

“Sorry.”

 

Narke grabbed my shoulder to support me and opened the door. He made a bitter expression and rambled.

 

“I thought it would be good if you could rest comfortably and take it easy now, but to let in uninvited guests like this… I don’t feel good about it.”

 

“…Sorry, but he’s not particularly an uninvited guest to me. He just seems like a friend from your hometown.”

 

“Ah.”

 

Narke opened his mouth, then dropped his gaze to the floor and muttered.

 

“Right. That’s how it would be for you.”

 

This kind of Narke is also a first.

 

If I said it’s refreshing… would that be something to get hit for. But Narke isn’t the type to hit a friend even as a joke unless it’s during board games. He pushed me into the room and called my name quietly.

 

“Lucas.”

 

“What.”

 

“Don’t reveal too much to that person. He’s got his eye on you. Can’t you tell?”

 

“When the Papacy has already appointed me as Cardinal, is having eyes on me or not the issue?”

 

Narke blinked at my words and turned his head. It’s been a while since I’ve seen him deliberating over an answer. I asked once more.

 

“That was also arranged by you. Besides, bringing me to the Papacy is your mission.”

 

“…That’s true. Ah, so you went along with this because that person is my friend. Yeah, that could be it.”

 

Narke continued his monologue while rubbing his face with his hands. Just when it was getting slightly creepy, he smiled and said.

 

“That mission is canceled from now on. Okay?”

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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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