Chapter 46: Would You Become a Mage for Me? 2

About a week had passed since I became Count Turen’s son and the Lord of Bohemia.

During this time, I devoted myself to ‘gathering information’ to fill the eleven-year gap as the grown son of a lord.

The key figures within the lord’s castle, the relationships between surrounding nobles, and the current internal affairs of Bohemia.

Fortunately, the eleven-year gap since my supposed departure at thirteen served as an excellent shield, allowing me to claim a lack of memory regarding that period.

Thanks to this ‘buff,’ not only Count Turen but most others tended to be generous towards me, given my awkward demeanor as a nobleman and family member.

Benefiting from this, I was able to unexpectedly absorb information from my surroundings with ease, swiftly solidifying my position as Santana, Turen’s son.

Throughout this process, I was once again acutely aware of the precariousness of my current situation.

‘Indeed… There are many troublesome aspects to consider…’

Bohemia was on the verge of war with the Holy Imperium’s Emperor Sigismund.

Their total deployable forces amounted to around 13,000, with an additional 7,000 expected to arrive from Prince-Elector Friedrich’s reinforcements from the Pfalz region.

However, according to the original work, the Emperor’s forces advancing on Bohemia numbered approximately 25,000.

While the numerical disparity didn’t seem insurmountable at first glance, this was merely the initial force that could be hastily assembled, with more troops to follow.

Moreover, even this discrepancy belied a far greater disparity in actual military might.

‘The Emperor’s forces include a staggering two thousand mages, while our mage contingent barely reaches a thousand… This disparity alone is a significant disadvantage beyond mere numbers.’

In this world, mages possessed power akin to modern tanks or greater.

While individual capabilities varied, a single mage was generally considered equal to a hundred infantry soldiers, with powerful Archmages capable of unleashing the might of an entire battalion singlehandedly.

From this perspective, the inferiority in mage strength indicated a substantial gap between the Emperor’s forces and ours, far exceeding a simple numerical disparity.

‘While Bohemia’s mages are admirably skilled on average… Engaging them head-on with these forces is absolutely impossible. Considering the impending complications, the situation will only worsen.’

Beyond the sheer disadvantage in manpower, various forthcoming issues – not yet fully manifested but looming nonetheless – further diminished our chances of victory, ultimately leading to Bohemia’s defeat and utter devastation in the original narrative.

‘With our prospects of victory being so slim, a swift retreat would normally be the answer, but that is currently impossible. The only remaining option is to somehow overcome this gap and secure victory…’

The subsequent events remained daunting, but enduring through this initial onslaught was crucial for any future in this life.

Moreover, not only for my own sake but also to protect Cazeros and Polena, emerging victorious in this war was imperative.

As I contemplated how to achieve victory in our current circumstances, that was when it happened.

“Hmm… Hmm…”

“!… Ah… Father.”

Count Turen, who had approached unnoticed, stood beside me.

Slightly startled, I immediately rose to greet him, but he gestured for me to remain seated.

“It’s alright, stay seated. It seems I have interrupted your deep contemplation. My apologies.”

“No, not at all. I should have been more attentive. But what brings you here unannounced?”

While one could simply interpret it as a father visiting his son, everyone understood that our current situation afforded no such leisure.

With war looming, Count Turen, as the lord and de facto military commander, was inundated with tasks. For him to personally seek me out implied an important matter.

“Well… The truth is… I have a proposal for you.”

“And what might that be?”

Count Turen spoke with a hint of caution.

His demeanor and tone suggested this would be no ordinary request, and he soon confirmed my suspicion.

“First, this may stem from a selfish paternal desire, but I wish to make a request of you once more.”

He hesitated momentarily before finally mustering his resolve and cautiously inquiring.

“Santana… Would you consider walking the path of a mage once again?”

“Pardon?…”

Caught off guard by his unexpected words, I wore a look of surprise.

In response, Count Turen began pouring out explanations with a tension bordering on excessive, as if making excuses.

“Ah… No… I’m not trying to force you… It’s just that, in our current circumstances, pursuing magic might not be such a bad idea… Of… Of course, if you dislike the notion, I would never insist…”

“I accept.”

“…Huh?”

“I shall do as you suggest. While I cannot guarantee success, I will endeavor to walk the path of a mage, as per your wishes, Father.”

“Truly?… Truly, you mean to become a mage?”

“Yes, if it is your desire… I shall gladly oblige.”

“Thank you… Truly, thank you, my son.”

My firm assent prompted Count Turen to grasp my hands tightly, overwhelmed with profound joy.

Observing my father’s reaction, I couldn’t help but feel a peculiar sensation, coupled with an inward sense of satisfaction at having seized this ‘opportunity.’

‘A mage, you say? Of course, I have no objections. I’ve long yearned to wield true power beyond this useless Aura…’

While his suggestion had emerged unexpectedly, and his initial caution and subsequent elation were somewhat puzzling, from my perspective – having coveted the power of mana and magic since arriving in this world – I had no reason to refuse.

Thus, I readily accepted my father’s request to become a mage. In response, Count Turen regarded me with a serene expression, as if a long-held burden had been lifted, and spoke.

“Very well, since the decision is made, let us begin promptly. A passionate and capable magic tutor has already been prepared.”

“Thank you, Father.”

While his description of the magic tutor seemed rather grandiose, I graciously accepted without dwelling on it.

After concluding his conversation with his son, Count Turen left the room.

At this moment, he felt as though he were soaring in the sky, liberated from his various worries.

‘My son… My son has finally acquiesced to my wishes… At last, he has agreed to become a mage as I desired!’

Count Turen, a renowned mage in Bohemia and the Holy Imperium, naturally expected his offspring to grow into formidable mages as well.

Indeed, his daughters had all blossomed into accomplished mages, a source of immense pride and satisfaction for the Count.

However, his son had been different.

From a young age, Santana had shown an inclination towards religious scriptures and the faith.

Initially, Turen had seen no harm in nurturing his son’s piety, but over time, Santana’s obsession with religion grew excessive.

In the process, he developed a negative view towards mages – beings the Church officially prohibited, though permitted in practice for pragmatic reasons. Ultimately, a dispute with his father on this matter had led to Santana’s departure, leaving behind his intention to serve the Church as a Holy Knight.

Reflecting on this past, Count Turen had long blamed himself for being too forceful with his son. Even in proposing the path of a mage to his returned son, he had tread carefully, bracing for rejection.

Had he not heard of Santana’s excommunication as a Holy Knight…

A suggestion he would never have dared make, concluding that his son had grown disillusioned with the Church after such an experience.

Yet, defying his apprehensions, his son had accepted the proposal with astonishing ease…

Readily embracing the very notion that had been a lifelong source of concern, stating he would oblige his father’s wishes.

Overwhelmed by this gratifying outcome, Count Turen once again savored profound happiness, his affection, faith, and expectations for his son swelling even further.

Additionally, he felt grateful towards the ‘magic tutor’ who had passionately proposed this idea.