episode_0017

Pervace Zodiac Mansion.

On the table, where the cold air flowed, only each person’s bowl was placed.

The food in the bowl was presented perfectly as usual, but John could not easily taste it.

“… … .”

John quietly lowered his head and looked only at the food.

Even though some time has passed since the food was served, Duke Perbache remains quiet.

There was no conversation going on.

Only the faint sound of spoons and bowls clashing broke the silence.

Francia did not join us for dinner. The Duke had arranged this because he wanted to talk to John alone.

“Hmm.”

In the cool atmosphere, the peacock tasted the food and tilted his head slightly.

John expected him to say something, but the Duke returned to his meal.

‘Why are you doing that?’

In fact, I have a suspicion that he may have hoped that I would not be able to keep my promise.

“You officially became a special wizard.”

Then, the Duke finally spoke. John nodded, maintaining his tension.

“Yes. I reached the first level within the promised period.”

“Not only did he single-handedly deal with the special demon that suddenly appeared, he also saved the knights and soldiers of the 2nd public office.”

“Yes.”

The peacock slowly closed his eyes and nodded.

“… Yes. You kept your promise, just like you said back then. You did an excellent job on your first reconnaissance mission. ”

Click. The Duke put down his plate and looked at Johan with cold eyes. His red eyes, just like Francia’s, sparkled.

“I acknowledge your fellowship with our Francia.”

“… !”

Just as John was about to smile at the unexpected and cheerful permission.

The peacock continued, saying,

“I swear that I will protect Francia no matter what happens.”

“… Isn’t that obvious?”

“Even if it’s obvious, it’s different from an oath. Now, swear.”

Anyway, I was going to protect Francia until the end. I could easily make a verbal promise.

“I swear to protect my lover, Francia Perbache, no matter what happens, at the origin of mana.”

“Yeah.”

The peacock smiled affectionately, seemingly satisfied.

“After your civil service is over, come to the Perbace home in the north with Francia. Then change your last name to Johan Perbace.”

Changing one’s last name meant that one would take the woman as one’s son-in-law, and that one would be allowed to marry her.

“Thank you.”

“Still, it would be better not to let your guard down.”

The peacock let out a breath that seemed somewhat stuffy.

“There are many obstacles waiting for you and Francia in your relationship. Do you know why?”

“I guess that’s because I’m only the third son of the Harsen family. On the other hand, Francia is the daughter of the Perbace family, a noble family.”

“That’s right.”

Duke Pervace nodded once.

“An enemy that is too difficult for you to handle may come. For example, the crown prince.”

“Did you know he was interested in Francia?”

“What do you think of Perbache? Of course, he has a vassal who is well-versed in social circles.”

The Duke of Pervace knew this. John had no idea about this fact.

“Francia is currently the most talked-about woman in society. Many people are after my daughter. Some want to ride on the reputation of the Perbace family, but most of them just want to have my daughter.”

That was true. Francia, with her peerless beauty, was not strangely called the only woman.

In addition, she has a good reputation in social circles. She has the image of an angel who does not discriminate against anyone and extends a kind hand.

But he only shows his rough side to the Crown Prince and Cassis Lenokhonen.

“She can even use rare healing magic. It’s strange for me, her father, to say this, but Francia’s value is increasing day by day. There are even rumors in the Imperial Council that the Crown Princess should be replaced.”

The duke stared at John with sunken eyes.

“But still, can you overcome them?”

“I will increase my strength.”

“It won’t be easy even if you raise it.”

“I’m aiming to become a transcendent wizard.”

Transcendent wizard. To transcend the realm of superhumans and become a transcendent being that no one can approach. This was John’s second goal.

“Becoming a Transcendent Wizard is not an easy task. I have reached the realm of Transcendence, but it is only the beginning. I see it as impossible to grow further from here.”

A realm of transcendence, literally. A powerhouse that is unparalleled even in this vast empire.

The same level as the Master of Masters. In terms of Sword Masters, it’s like the Grand Sword Master.

A being that transcended humanity. An unapproachable being. That was the transcendent wizard.

The Duke continued speaking.

“You’ve just reached the beginner level. You’ve learned magic slower than others. Do you really think you can do it?”

John nodded without hesitation.

“It’s not a question of can. You have to. Because that’s the only way to be with Francia.”

When you reach the level of Transcendent Wizard, everything becomes easy.

Those who reach the level of transcendence are given titles as great powers of the empire.

“No matter how long it takes, I will definitely get there.”

“… I like one answer. You fox.”

Although he said that, the duke smiled happily because he liked John’s answer.

“You had that same attitude when we first met. You always had that confidence that you could do it. That’s why I rated you so highly.”

In fact, the reason John had such confidence was because of his talent.

Not only did he learn the runes on his own, he also had the talent to use magic.

I don’t know if it was a special gift from the reincarnation, but that talent always gave him confidence.

“Please take good care of my daughter. Johan Harsen. No, Johan Pervace.”

“Please leave it to me.”

“… That foxy guy. Even now, I don’t like being trusted. ”

What do you want me to do? John’s eyebrows furrowed subtly.

“Let’s eat first. From the social party to the work ahead. There’s a lot to talk about today.”

* * *

After dinner at the Perbache mansion.

“Take this too.”

“This too?”

“And this too.”

“Again?”

John was being baptized with a precious gift from the Duke of Pervace.

“You will be the son-in-law of the Duke of Pervace. Are you so weak that you can’t use it?”

Most of the items that Duke Pervace gave to John were ‘potions’.

An elixir that maximizes your senses and further enhances your magical affinity.

An elixir that expands the blood flow throughout the body and increases magical power utilization.

An elixir that strengthens the magic circuitry, preventing major side effects even when using magic power to its limit.

And so on.

They were all elixirs that understood the essence of the magic that John used and were tailored to it.

“You excel in the basics, such as the amount of magical power, the ability to use it, and affinity, but you have only learned a small number of magic spells.”

The Duke continued, handing a small vial of elixir to Johann.

“But you never know when, where, or what will happen. This is the only way to greatly increase your fighting power right now.”

“Yes… … .”

John took one of the elixirs the Duke gave him and drank it with a bewildered look on his face.

My body fills with heat. I feel something moving, and my whole body’s senses reach their peak.

“It takes quite a while for the elixir to digest. However, if you have a high affinity for magic like yours, there should be no need for an adjustment period. Drink one bottle every time it is digested.”

“Yes… … Thank you… ?”

The Duke smiled contentedly as he looked around the guest room of the Imperial Pervace Mansion, which had now become John’s room.

John’s room was filled with rare elixirs that were hard to obtain.

“Please take good care of Francia, John.”

“Of course. Just leave it to me.”

Although still dumbfounded by the sudden onslaught of gifts, Johan’s eyes lit up as he took the hand the Duke extended.

This will help cover the basics that you haven’t been able to build up.

“If it’s a social party attended by someone like the crown prince, something is bound to happen. You have to be prepared.”

He patted John on the shoulder, hardened his expression, and emphasized again.

“Please take good care of my daughter.”

* * *

Lenokhonen’s mansion in the zodiac.

Someone’s carriage stopped at the front gate of the mansion.

“Welcome, Lady Ratalen.”

It was Violet Rataleen. She smiled and nodded to the butler of the Lenokhonen Imperial Mansion.

“What about Duke Lenokhonen?”

“He is in the office.”

“Can I come in?”

“Yes. The message is… … .”

“No. Don’t tell me. I’ll take care of it.”

Crunch. Crunch.

Violet entered the mansion with brisk strides, her shoes making a clicking sound.

The sight of someone climbing a three-tiered staircase without hesitation is incredibly familiar.

Knock. Knock. Knock.

Violet opened the door to the office without waiting for an answer after knocking three times and smiled.

“You are very busy today, Prince Lenokhonen.”

“It’s a small business. Shouldn’t you have told me the title in advance?”

“What’s between us.”

Violet chuckled and sat down on the sofa in her office.

Cassis Lenokhonen asked, narrowing his eyes.

“So, what brings you here today? Your engagement proposal─”

“Ah, the engagement is over. I’ve already changed my mind. I’m not interested in you anymore.”

“… What does that mean?”

Violet smiled and tilted her head, her red hair hanging down.

“Why? Are you sad that I gave up now?”

“That’s not it. I was just worried that you might be up to something.”

“Haha. It’s true that you’re being sarcastic.”

Her eyes widened.

“But it won’t hurt you either.”

“What the hell are you talking about.”

“Francia Perbache.”

Tall. Cassis’ hand holding the pen stopped when he heard that name.

“I don’t know why her name is mentioned.”

“What do you not know? You are crazy about Princess Perbache.”

“… … .”

“Listen to me, it won’t harm you.”

Violet crossed her legs with a friendly smile, resting her chin on one hand.

“There’s a social party coming up soon. Come be my partner.”

“… Was that a trick to deceive me?”

“Listen to the end.”

As Cassis’ expression hardened, Violet shrugged and continued.

“We’ll secretly switch partners during the party. I’ll go after Johan Harsen, and you’ll go after Princess Perbace.”

“… Johan Harsen? Were you interested in him?”

“Yes. That’s a lot. So much that I want to go out and get it myself.”

A meaningful smile appeared on Violet’s lips.

“You focus on Princess Perbache. I’ll take care of the rest.”

Cassis put down the pen she was holding and got up from her seat. She sat down on the sofa across from Violet and listened.

“Listen to the plan in detail.”

“I guess you finally feel like joining us.”

Violet continued with a grin.

“Since there’s a social party going on, the two of them have no choice but to part ways for a while. Princess Perbache is a famous person.”

“So?”

“Then I will approach John. I have a secret plan to force him to come.”

“Hmm.”

Cassis stroked his chin and narrowed his eyebrows. The air was one of deep thought.

Violet added.

“When the distance is that wide, you will have a chance to approach. Then, do whatever you want. I will focus on Yohan.”

“Not bad.”

Cassis nodded with a faint smile.

“Lady Ratalen. It seems like we’re on the same page for the first time.”

“Right? Then plan your work properly. You have to separate the two.”

After finishing speaking, Violet stood up from her seat.

“That’s all for now. Will you do it, partner?”

“There’s no way they wouldn’t do it since their interests coincide.”

“Okay. Then please take care of it then?”

Violet smiled and tilted her head slightly. Cassis also snickered.

“I’ll be going now. Make sure to prepare properly.”

She came in without hesitation and was just as hesitant when she left. A completely invisible regret. Cassis thought as she watched Violet’s back.

‘It seems like your heart has definitely left me.’

It makes my head hurt to think about how much she’s courted me. She sent me engagement letters and a bunch of gifts that I didn’t care about.

‘Johann Harsen. I should be the first to thank you.’

Cassis chuckled again and rang the bell. The butler came in immediately.

“Did you call?”

“Contact the hyenas.”

“Yes.”

It was unfortunate for Violet, who had come up with such a brilliant plan, but Cassis had no intention of leaving Johan alone.

In order to break through the solid wall surrounding Francia, we must first isolate her.

It’s a shame that they can’t move directly, but the hyenas alone should be enough to deal with Johan Harsen.

‘It doesn’t matter if he’s a high-ranking wizard.’

It is true that Johan Harsen’s skills are superior to those of other high-ranking magicians, but he is a magician with clear limitations in battle. Without a vanguard, he will inevitably become prey to hyenas.

“I’m looking forward to it.”

Cassis got up from the sofa and looked out the window of her office. The moon was out that night. The moonlight was particularly beautiful.

‘Princess Pervace. I’ll be waiting for the day when we can be together.’

I fell in love at first sight. It was my first time feeling this way. I wasn’t the type to look at a woman’s appearance, but there was a charm mixed in with Princess Pervace that I couldn’t help but fall for.

Not only that. I liked the smile she made when she looked at the scenery, the frown she made when her feet hurt from standing too much, and the way she blankly stared at the other person when explaining the operation.

It was heartbreaking to see him put on such a calm and insignificant expression, yet only look at me with such contempt.

Of course, if you force yourself to get drunk, you’ll get a lot of looks like that.

Cassis smiled again.

Thinking of Princess Pervace, who would one day come into his arms.