How to Survive as the Second Son of a Mage Family - Chapter 431

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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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Really, how could this happen? At this particular time, of all times.

As long as Pleroma dreams of such a worst-case scenario, we must act immediately. If we don’t resolve this war with Pleroma right now, this insane act by the German cult Pleroma—in other words, if the massacre of Italian nobles continues—Germany will turn Italy into an enemy. When that happens, naturally, relations with the Papal States will also become precarious.

The political map I drew yesterday evening vividly comes to life. I bit the inside of my lips.

It wasn’t difficult to guess why Adrian Ascanien was here, right now, in this place, before me on a day when the international situation had become like this. It was the best choice. To prevent the damage to Italy and the Papal States from spreading into hostility toward Germany and demands for reparations in the current situation, to stop this incident from escalating into uncontrollable diplomatic fury, this was the right thing to do.

“At 1 AM today, Vice Minister Adrian Ascanien of the Ministry of Magic will depart for the Papal States. It seemed proper to arrange this opportunity for him to personally bid farewell to you, his younger brother.”

“…”

The Crown Prince’s low voice could be heard. Adrian Ascanien said nothing and looked at me with a smile.

There was no need to act out an expression of having lost something. Even though I had anticipated having to return to Italy, to the Papal States, the moment Italian nobles died, Adrian Ascanien’s return became about 99% certain, but I couldn’t believe it.

‘Adrian Ascanien is leaving the Empire.’

He’s going back to Italy again?

This should be something to celebrate. Adrian Ascanien will kill me—during the long time I thought this, the problem was quite simple and what I had to do for survival was also clear. However, right now Adrian Ascanien has no intention of killing me. Since this person who has no intention of killing me is not unrelated to the possibility of change, the race for survival loses its direction and goal.

I must somehow move forward. But now, how, in which direction? Is raising favorability points and revealing the true nature of the ‘Venerable’ to the world still a viable plan? The biggest variable before my eyes reveals nothing of what he’s thinking. In a situation where even the system cannot grasp his purpose, I cannot help but think this. What if raising favorability points is temporarily beneficial to both me and Adrian Ascanien but detrimental to me in the long run? As long as there are no variables for me until the end of dawn, the system allows me long-term rapid growth, but what if this growth is a race toward isolation of inevitable death after an inflection point that will inevitably come someday through the accumulation of variables, where the end can only be checkmate?

Thus, the statement that Adrian Ascanien sincerely tolerates my social success does not become positive. It means this—a collection of unpredictable things. The possibility of death, even if it hasn’t increased, hasn’t decreased in the slightest yet.

I remember the time when the eldest Ascanien stood leisurely in the headquarters’ arena, radiating harmoniously refined confidence that was neither lacking nor excessively overflowing to the point of making others frown, and greeted just once. I remember the strange semi-fanatical atmosphere of the headquarters that day and the determined look in people’s eyes. I witnessed him make a small crowd part of himself. Therefore, now that Adrian Ascanien can immediately interfere in Imperial politics, whether he drops the possibility of change or not, remaining in the Empire is not a good sign for me.

But…

“Congratulations on the successful Austria-Hungary intelligence operation, Luca.”

But not now.

A warm scent draws closer. Adrian Ascanien smiled warmly and placed his hand on my shoulder.

“You cannot know how happy and relieved I was when I heard the news that you had returned safely and successfully. I knew you could do it.”

“…”

“And yet you always surprise me.”

He didn’t speak long enough to resolve my questions. The Crown Prince was watching us. Thoughts roll endlessly far away, far away, like a ball dropped from a hilltop, never stopping. Even if he’s unnecessary to me, he’s necessary to the Empire. He who normalized an irreversibly ruined government in just one day is returning to Italy on the first day that biological warfare on the continent has begun in earnest.

The government didn’t function properly without him. Whether it worked completely properly with him—from my perspective, not at all—but at least he thoroughly prevented unnecessarily decisive national administration like Prussia under Wilhelm II in A.D. Even though I had no idea how Adrian Ascanien normalized that rotten government, I couldn’t help but feel that the government was racing toward victory under his touch, as if his hands were Midas’s hands. That disappears from this moment on.

Adrian Ascanien led me to a chair with a face that contained not a single trace of negative emotion. Then he turned to the Crown Prince and said.

“Your Highness.”

What he meant was clear. The Crown Prince nodded to permit our autonomy and took his seat. In one corner of the spacious golden reception room was a piano, where an elderly pianist who appeared to be Human was performing music. Scherzo No. 2. I sat in a position where I could see the profiles of both Adrian Ascanien and the Crown Prince. Adrian Ascanien looked at me with complete satisfaction, and the Crown Prince looked at him. The Crown Prince slowly turned his head toward me and said.

“I heard the entire process of recovering Atropos from the Austro-Hungarian Empire. Starting with no clues and ultimately contributing to the peace of our continent reminded me of watching Minister Ascanien himself.”

“That Your Highness found my older brother in me is thanks to your generous evaluation.”

“How modest.”

Abraham as Crown Prince, despite his formal speech, could not be called dignified in attitude, and even now he was enjoying the emotional tension created by this group. In other words, he was scrutinizing my face piece by piece.

Abraham wanted to observe Adrian Ascanien’s reaction as well. I could feel that fact. Those words just now were also support the Crown Prince was sending me, a sign that he could pressure the Duke of Anhalt. When the lemon-colored eyes closed once and opened again, that gaze was directed toward Adrian Ascanien.

“If Minister Ascanien had not obtained information about Atropos in Italy, we would all be unsafe today. We Hohenzollerns always feel deep gratitude for the achievements of both Ascaniens.”

“Because His Majesty and Your Highness have always laid the foundation of national administration, our Empire was able to respond in a timely manner.”

At that calm and noble voice, I looked at Adrian Ascanien. Ascanien was looking into the Crown Prince’s eyes with a sage-like smile.

“Since we meet after such a long time, it would have been good to have more opportunities to discuss national affairs with Your Highness, but I personally feel regretful about leaving Germany so urgently.”

“…”

It was the kind of speech typical of nobles where you had to think about the underlying meaning. The reason I looked at him was that the first content, unlike his noble voice, had ambiguous corners. And when he spoke for the second time just now, I was certain. When dealing with someone other than me, he used polite and elegant euphemisms like other nobles, yet unlike other nobles, and even when you examined the underlying meaning, it was never accusatory or sarcastic like the euphemisms that came from other nobles’ mouths. He was showing his position to someone who wanted to taste frivolous entertainment. Just as I knew what Abraham was trying to do because I knew the Crown Prince’s true nature, Adrian Ascanien had already seen through his opponent. He didn’t take a submissive attitude just because his opponent was the Crown Prince. Nor did he sharpen his edge in wariness of his opponent. He simply revealed himself as usual and was generously strong as usual.

My stomach churns. This confirmed that he had become infinitely gentler in front of me. Perhaps he might show the same aspect in relationships he could call friendships, but I had no way of knowing that.

The Crown Prince answered with the same peaceful smile as before, as if he had heard nothing from his opponent’s words.

“That’s not necessary. Isn’t it all for Germany?”

‘…For Germany.’

He is going to Italy for Germany, after all. The Emperor, who couldn’t afford to lose a ‘divine power-holding nation’ that should be kept as an ally due to Pleroma spreading across the continent and causing problems, dispatched a high-ranking official who was a Vice Minister of Magic to that country to protect security. With that, as the nation where Pleroma originated, he maintained courtesy and friendship toward the international community—especially the Papal States. It will be the same this time. However, no one will be able to fix the reckless politics happening in mainland Germany now.

‘But does that mean sending someone else instead of Adrian Ascanien now?’

That won’t do. Now that four Italian nobles have died, it would be like fanning the flames of a burning house. It would be better to delay the return date altogether. As I knew from the beginning, Adrian Ascanien has high prestige overseas and is recognized as a capable person throughout the continent. If they now completely recalled him and the 89th unit to Germany and sent other mages, from Italy’s perspective, there would be a high possibility of criticism that instead of reflecting on who caused their nobles’ deaths, they’re only pursuing national interests. It would be fortunate if it stopped at criticism. Abraham thoroughly observed my face before smiling at Adrian Ascanien and saying.

“Then, please say your farewells comfortably.”

Adrian Ascanien smiled at the Crown Prince and said to me.

“Coming here and not being able to spend much time together, only to leave in less than a week—it’s truly regrettable. There was so much I wanted to teach you.”

He didn’t cast sound-dampening magic. I finally felt my breath catch at Adrian Ascanien’s neat gaze directed at me again. Still, I answered.

“I didn’t know you would leave so quickly.”

“Neither did I. Time doesn’t allow it. But wouldn’t it be better to share our thoughts instead of being sad?”

Adrian Ascanien said gently, softly half-closing his eyes.

“I was truly happy to meet you again, having grown so much, Luca.”

“…”

I know. Whatever anguish I go through, the possibility of change hasn’t dropped at all, so you must have been truly happy. At least you didn’t have to bite your nails thinking things had gone wrong. The Crown Prince watching me had his lips faintly curve upward. Adrian Ascanien, unconcerned by my silence, continued speaking with warm eyes.

“It was truly a meaningful time for me. I don’t know when we’ll be able to meet again, but it won’t be too far off now. So…”

I don’t know if he’s talking about August, or after completing even the extended mission entirely. Yes, August would be soon. I don’t know whether I’ll be alive until August in these daily crisis situations.

But if it’s before that, when I imagine the day we’ll meet again, I think of a day when the sky is stained blood red. He probably thinks the same. If we meet again before the mission is over, it can only be after Germany has suffered tremendous damage. For a situation to arise where he could temporarily suspend his duty to handle Pleroma in the Papal States and return to Germany, the Papal States would have to be relatively fine while Germany would have to take a beating from evil.

“I must go now. Since we’re not parting forever, what meaning would there be in keeping us sad?”

Adrian Ascanien stood up. As he rose, the servant beside him also followed, carrying his luggage. Another servant brought his coat and helped him put it on. When it was time to receive the luggage, Adrian Ascanien stopped there and appropriately spread his arms.

“Could I hug you one last time?”

“…”

On his face was the peaceful smile that cared about nothing, as always. The Papal States defense mission, Prussia’s heavy workload, the tremendous pressure that came with German-Papal States diplomacy in his hands—none of it could scratch his stability. There was a peace in him that seemed like even the end of the world couldn’t destroy. Every time I recalled that the key to destroying such solid peace was his younger brother, my insides twisted. This should have been an impossible proposition. If it had to be established, it should have been for one purpose only—because he wanted to kill me directly. Now that I know that’s wrong, I had no choice but to slowly turn my head forward, unable to do anything about my churning stomach. I slowly gripped the armrest of the sofa, stood up, emerged from between the table and chair, and stood before him. The smile of the person standing before me with outstretched hands changed into a purely clear laugh. Another’s hand touched my shoulder blade. Human warmth spread through the cold coat he had just put on.

“Having such an excellent mage as you in the Empire puts my mind at ease.”

“I feel the same way.”

I suppressed my core and acted out a voice no different from usual.

I feel the same way—that statement is true. Even if I can’t help the government’s foolish acts, it’s true that by going to Italy, this person will thwart Pleroma’s plan to shoot in all directions. This person still holds major responsibility for the Atropos terrorism incidents affecting the continent. Perhaps it might be better for him to go overseas and successfully control Pleroma to buy time rather than remaining in the government. As I continued my thoughts, a quiet voice flowed near my ear. I could hear a heartbeat.

“What I can do, you can do too, Luca.”

I slowly moved my downcast gaze straight ahead. The servants’ gazes were directed at me, but that wasn’t important. Adrian Ascanien removed his arms, lightly grasped below my shoulders, and separated our bodies. He smiled the smile I had once seen in young Luca’s memories and said.

“You’ll do well. I’m counting on you for my part too.”

“…”

Your part too. This was rather shocking words. I could see interest seeping into the Crown Prince’s face.

Adrian Ascanien’s arms still seemed to press against my ribs. I smiled while looking at a face that seemed like my own.

“Of course I’ll have to do that, Hyung.”

* * *

“What kind of day is today~?!”

Ulrike grabbed our shoulders with a bright smile.

At 6 AM, I was in the residence living room with Narke. Since no one had summoned us today, we were either in our respective rooms or wandering around the living room. I grabbed Ulrike’s hand that was draped over my right shoulder and answered.

“Well, if the seniors don’t order us to train or something… there’s nothing to do.”

“Ah~ that’s really great. Then shall we seven…! …no, six of us play board games together for the first time in a while?”

“Haha. Actually, you guys can rest, but I have to go out. You guys play among yourselves.”

Narke picked up the luggage bag he had left beside the sofa and smiled awkwardly. Ulrike’s mouth fell open as if he hadn’t thought of this. Narke couldn’t stay at the residence and had to go to the government alone. Specifically, to the Ministry of Magic.

Even though he was a special management grade Arcane Mage belonging to the Papal States, he was treated this way because he had been in Prussia. They’re calling him first without even trying to develop medicine like Bavaria. Narke probably won’t be able to visit us all day.

“Then let’s play with five people! I actually have a 5-player game.”

“Then let’s play that, and after that, let’s do one more thing together.”

Ulrike raised his eyebrows at my words. He seemed surprised since I had never suggested doing something together first. I’m a bit sorry, but it wasn’t about playing. I smiled at him and then said seriously.

“Luise, tonight I’m going to Bavaria to meet the holy relic thief. We all need to have a strategy meeting.”

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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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