Ch.106106. The Prodigal Son Returns (2)

The little rats that snuck in.

When I heard those words, what came to mind were the demon worshippers. In the current situation, they’re probably the only ones who could be described as rats. When I showed a look of understanding, Laura nodded as if confirming my suspicions.

“As you suspect, Hero, it seems that followers of the demon god have infiltrated the magic tower.”

“Wouldn’t it be faster if the Tower Master herself weeded them out directly?”

Laura shook her head with a gloomy expression in response to my question.

“Those vermin operate in secrecy without my knowledge, and if I were to step in, it would only put them on guard. The people I can command are limited to mages, and even then, I cannot be certain they aren’t demon worshippers themselves. Sadly, it seems you’re the only person I can truly trust within the tower right now, Hero.”

Demon worship and magic. Such activities should be noticeable, but I know the world of mages is strange. A world where people can hold knives to each other’s throats simply for interfering with research. This rule, which transcends social status, applies without exception even to the kingdom’s greatest mage.

“Forceful suppression would cause backlash. The world of mages is complicated, isn’t it?”

“Indeed, which is why it’s better to bring in a reliable outsider. For instance, someone like you, Hero—a living legend who has defeated three of the Calamities and is a common enemy of demon worshippers.”

The praise feels heavy. I frowned.

“See? Just as His Majesty said, you immediately become wary when praised.”

Did the Queen say such things? Are they that close? I avoided Laura’s gaze as she looked at me with amusement. This person might become uncomfortable for a slightly different reason.

“[Ilroy, that mage is nothing but an old fox. Be careful when dealing with her.]”

The Holy Sword muttered with a groan. I already knew. Every time I looked into Laura’s odd eyes, I could feel the deep rippling of mana. A profoundness impossible to obtain at her apparent age. Suddenly, I wondered what her real age might be.

“…Well, anyway, this was something I needed to do, so I’ll gladly take on the task. Although I have absolutely no clue how or where to begin investigating.”

At my mention of having no clues, Laura puffed her cheeks in dissatisfaction.

“Even so, it’s not as if I have no clues whatsoever. I do know how and where you should begin your investigation.”

Laura handed me a booklet. I opened it and raised my eyebrows.

“All these circles are…”

“Not all, but you should focus your investigation on these individuals. Well, they’re the type who wouldn’t reveal their research results even if the world’s end was approaching, so be careful.”

I sighed at Laura’s words.

“You do know I’m still on vacation, right?”

“I’m not saying you need to start right away. When the semester begins, that’s when we can start together. By then, you’ll need to show your face as a lecturer occasionally, so it won’t seem strange.”

I glanced at the booklet and then folded it, handing it to Daphne. She nodded and took the booklet, then snapped her fingers. Laura looked startled as she watched the booklet burst into flames, but it had already turned to ashes and disappeared. I gathered the ashes and looked at Laura.

“I’ve memorized the faces and names well enough, and I’ll receive reports on the rest as needed. If something like this were to leak, all our plans would be ruined.”

Laura showed a surprised expression.

“So the Hero isn’t as naive as I thought. I believed you were more of a romantic.”

“Think what you like. So what should I do before the semester begins?”

Laura seemed displeased with how I was brushing off the topic and furrowed her brows again.

“There’s currently a society observing the sixth Calamity. As you probably know, it hasn’t been long since they spotted and began monitoring the comet. So enjoy your vacation for the remaining month while keeping an eye on the asteroid’s movements.”

Laura’s gaze shifted from me to Daphne. Daphne had regained her composure. Laura seemed more focused on her than on me since she entered the room.

“The genius 6th Circle mage. Weren’t you once part of our tower?”

“I’ve forgotten those days.”

Daphne gave a firm reply. Laura rested her chin on her hand as she looked at Daphne.

“Have you considered transferring back to the magic tower? Or perhaps officially succeeding me?”

Looking at the odd eyes that began to flow with greed, Daphne rubbed her arms as if she had goosebumps.

“If being part of the Hero’s party is the issue, I can wait until all the Calamities are subjugated and the world finds stability. After that, I think it would be fine to formally proceed with the succession process.”

Laura poured out words like a waterfall. Daphne looked at me desperately, as if asking for help.

“Someone like you could surpass me and look toward the next level. There has never been anyone who created the sixth ring at your age and advanced toward the seventh, and there never will be.”

I placed my index finger on the forehead of the Tower Master, who was leaning forward more and more, and pushed her back. I could feel her struggling at my fingertip, but I ignored it and looked at her expressionlessly.

“Daphne belongs to the Hero’s party. And it was the magic tower that failed to recognize her talent and keep her when she was there in the past. I heard that during her studies, she was worked like any other tower mage under her supervising professor until graduation.”

Laura frowned at my barbed words.

“If I had seen Daphne even once back then, she would now be right below me, preparing to become the greatest mage in history.”

Well, it sounded more like the cry of someone who missed an opportunity rather than a serious request. I continued to push back Laura’s forehead as she kept flailing her arms, trying to reach Daphne. Her whining voice circled around my earlobes.

“You’re quite firm.”

Laura slumped dejectedly onto the desk.

“Think about it after defeating the sixth Calamity. Depending on how the magic tower conducts itself this time, Daphne’s impression might change as well.”

With a clicking sound of her tongue, Laura raised her head. As her eyes, still unable to let go, followed Daphne, Daphne spoke up.

“Even when it’s all over, I have no intention of returning to the magic tower.”

Laura was struck speechless by that resolute declaration.

“My place is with the Hero’s party, now and in the future.”

After making that declaration, Daphne looked at me. Laura sighed deeply and rose from her seat. She approached the door with dragging steps full of regret and opened it.

“I understand. Then I’ll first guide you to the society where you’ll receive reports on the situation. Follow me. I think you should know what they do.”

As I was about to follow the trudging Laura, Daphne grabbed my sleeve. She held onto it with her head bowed low.

“I… I’m not going anywhere.”

“Even if you cried and made a fuss about wanting to go, I wouldn’t let you.”

“…Is that because I have exceptional talent as a mage?”

Daphne asked in a hesitant voice. When I turned to look at her without answering, she lowered her head even more, as if trying to escape.

“Have I become unsatisfied with just being a mage recognized by the Hero?”

Daphne said in a self-deprecating voice and raised her head again. I placed my hand on top of her head. Daphne blinked as she looked up at me stroking her hair. For a long time, I stroked Daphne’s hair while feeling Laura’s piercing gaze from behind. Daphne seemed to have regained her composure, as she suddenly shook her head with a reddened face.

“Are you okay?”

“…Yes.”

Daphne, sensing Laura staring at her, moved away from me in embarrassment.

“I was a bit… unsettled. I’m sorry.”

Laura’s gaze as she looked at us was mineral-like. I smiled at Laura, who was urging us with her eyes as if asking why we weren’t coming, and approached her while holding Daphne’s wrist. As we followed, Laura shook her head and opened the elevator door.

“…We’re going to the 11th floor. The home of the Astronomical Society.”

The elevator we boarded already had the button for the 11th floor pressed.

“It hasn’t been long since the name changed from astrology to astronomy. It’s no longer just about observing the movement of stars, but has become a discipline that explores the world by tracing their structure.”

Clunk.

After getting off at the 11th floor, Laura began walking briskly down the corridor with familiar steps toward somewhere. Mages walking in the corridor looked at me curiously and then turned away. Those who didn’t turn away from me were zombies with dark circles under their eyes.

“Um… Laura. Those people…”

“They appear occasionally. Slaves who have sold not only their souls but also their health to those who have sold their souls for research achievements.”

Laura spoke in a light tone as if it was nothing to worry about and passed by. Daphne’s expression darkened as she passed them.

“It reminds me of the old days.”

“…You’ve been through a lot.”

We walked down the corridor for quite some time and reached a large terrace with a glass roof. At the end, there was a man bent over with his eye pressed against a telescope, observing something intently. What was he doing when it wasn’t even night? As we stood quietly, the man’s voice reached us.

“During the day, the stars are hidden by the sun. I’m looking at the moon right now.”

The man straightened his back and turned his head toward us. He appeared to be in his early 60s. He had grown a long beard like a scholar. I could immediately recall his face and name.

“I’m Edwin Blueb. I serve as the chairman of the ‘Comet’ Observation Society.”

Edwin Blueb smiled kindly. I recalled his face and name circled in red in the booklet. Yes. A demon worshipper and Calamity worshipper. It was only natural to suspect someone who could observe the Calamity’s movements from closer than anyone else. Whether he was truly a demon worshipper or not remained to be seen.

“I never thought I’d see the Hero this close. I’ve always admired you.”

I returned a gentle smile and shook Edwin Blueb’s outstretched hand.

“Thank you for your efforts in observing the Calamity. It’s thanks to people like you, Professor, that we’ve been able to prevent the Calamities.”

The professor’s grip tightened. It was quite strong for a thin man in his 60s.

“Not at all. Even if we discover something, what use is it if we don’t have the power to stop it? It’s all thanks to your dedication, Hero, that we’ve been able to safely prepare for the sixth Calamity so far.”

Edwin Blueb shrugged and tapped the telescope. Is he wary of me too? I glanced at the professor’s eyes and smiled. The professor smiled back warmly as if he knew nothing.

“I’ve heard a lot about Daphne behind you as well. They say she has far surpassed this old man’s level at such a young age.”

Edwin Blueb was a 4th Circle mage. He seemed more like a scholar than a combat mage.

“In any case, I look forward to working with you. Until we destroy the comet that’s approaching us from beyond the sky.”

Thud, thud.

And footsteps approaching the observation terrace. Even without turning my head, I could tell whose hurried footsteps they were.

“Chairman, I wanted to give you the compiled reports from the members first…”

Nella then saw my face and continued with an expression like she had bitten into a bug.

“…I’ve brought them.”

And I involuntarily recalled the red circle that had been drawn over her face as well, furrowing my brow.