episode_0026

“What is this all of a sudden…? … ?”

Of course, it wasn’t just Kyle who was surprised. Rather, Duke Nicholas, who came in with a water tiger, was even more surprised.

The attendants who followed him and the wizards in the hall were frozen by the sudden situation.

In a difficult situation, where the spirit brought by the duke is hostile to the magician belonging to the Arche Tower.

Even though Adela could be attacked if she made a mistake, no one came forward.

This was because there was absolute force in this place.

“Hmm.”

Olpin Glassburn. One of the eight great wizards in the empire.

As long as Orphin, the symbol of the Magic Tower and the force itself, was there, if the water tiger had really intended to attack Adella, he would have made his move.

Nevertheless, Olpin just stroked his beard with a slanted face.

“Your Excellency the Duke, what kind of thing is that…? … ?”

“… … This is my daughter’s spirit.”

“You mean princess? Then why don’t you come in person… … Hmm.”

Olpin mumbled something unintelligible for a moment.

He soon nodded as if he understood.

“Well, there must be some circumstances.”

“Olpin Magic Top Lord?”

“Look at that spirit… … It seems like you like this creator quite a bit. That kind of overprotection. Are you familiar with each other?”

“It is a spirit that was nearby when I stopped by the Duke’s House.”

“Hehe, then it’s worth it… … … I also do it. How about it? For now, let’s leave the spirit to the creator and continue guiding. Adela, you too should be friendly with spirits. It will be a good connection in the future.”

Why do we talk about personal connections when it comes to becoming friends with spirits?

Others said that if you become familiar with the princess’s spirit, you can form a relationship with the princess—but they only understood it in that sense.

Adelaman was able to understand the true intentions of the Olpin Mage Tower.

In fact, it had no choice but to be so. Others may not have known, but Adela could clearly see the identity of the water tiger.

‘Two souls coexist in one body.’

Adella was especially sensitive to ‘boundaries’ among the tower wizards. It was also a blessed talent for the wizards of Arche who manipulated the magic of light and darkness.

When she saw the water spirit, she felt a sense of alertness within her. The border of the soul is clearly divided in two.

One is the original owner, the water spirit, and the other is an uninvited guest.

Nevertheless, the fact that an uninvited guest took control of the body and the owner quietly gave it up—

“Adela?”

“… … … I follow the tower owner’s orders.”

Adela with sharp eyes looked alternately at the water tiger glaring at her and at Kyle Byron, who was tilting his head.

Even though the spirit suddenly jumped in and threatened Adela, Kyle did not stop him. Instead, he just looked embarrassed, as if he knew the spirit well.

… … It is clear that there is a relationship between the two that she does not know about. It’s also a fairly close relationship.

At least, even if it wasn’t Kyle, the other side even used that method to come see him.

‘No, what does it matter to me who Kyle Byron is involved with in the first place? anyway… … I was so rude to that man.’

Memories of the day I attacked Kyle with illusions still appear in my dreams.

Every time that thought came to mind, Adela would kick the blanket and throw it flying, which was rare. And for no reason, I lingered around Kyle even more.

Because I have to apologize. I have to say I did something wrong.

Although he should have apologized a long time ago, Kyle just brushed it off as if it really wasn’t a big deal. But that couldn’t ease Adela’s emotional debt.

That’s why I played board games. I did Abracadabra.

At first it was revenge, but every time I played Abracadabra with Kyle, who loved board games, I felt like my guilt was relieved little by little.

It was just a relationship. It’s a relationship that will eventually be forgotten once Kyle leaves, with Adela only one-sidedly feeling indebted to him.

… … Adela believed so.

“Oh, would the producer please follow me for a moment? I called you earlier.”

“I heard it on my way home. So, tiger? Adela? Please go up first. I’ll follow along soon, so let’s do abracadabra together!”

“… … … … … .”

[…] … … … .]

“Then let’s go.”

Kyle Byron turned to the tower owner and the duke. I said I had something to talk about, so I’ll be back soon.

At that moment, the water tiger tried to follow Kyle, but Adela blocked it with a wave of her hand. I heard a purring sound, but I didn’t pay any attention.

After Kyle and the others became distant.

“… … … … .”

[…] … … … … .]

In suffocating silence, the wizards in the hall quietly hid their presence. As expected, they were wizards, so they had admirable insight and management skills.

Without any conversation or sound.

Adela takes the lead, followed by the water tiger. Contrary to when I came down with Kyle, the steps I took back up were deep and heavy.

[Whirik… … … .]

Only the sparrow spirit, Piyak, who was caught between them, cried pitifully.

After walking and walking and entering the room where she and Kyle were playing board games, Adela looked back.

“Please stay still until the man returns. I don’t want to subdue you too roughly.”

[…] … … Ugh.]

“What are you doing?”

But the water tiger didn’t even pretend to listen to Adella.

He was staring at Abracadabra, the board game on the table.

and.

“… … … !!”

dump!

He immediately throws himself on the table and knocks down the entire board game.

If Adella, who sensed something, had not hastily used magic to levitate Abracadabra in the air, it would have fallen and become a mess.

Adela, who had protected the board game, looked down at the water tiger with grim eyes.

“You are crossing the line. What a suspicious topic.”

[Rung!]

“Did you think I didn’t know? I’m so worried about Kyle Byron that he’s using such shady methods without even coming to visit me in person.”

[…] … … … … .]

Adela’s eyes were colored with intensifying emotions.

He appeared so suddenly, intervened between Kyle and Adela, and tried to ruin the board game Kyle and Adela were playing, but he was so shameless.

Adela knew very well what she was feeling right now.

It’s an ugly and shameful feeling to feel.

‘jealousy.’

What was her relationship with Kyle Byron in the first place, so why would she feel jealous of that unknown being?

For a moment, Adela remembered that day and missed the blanket kick again.

‘This… … Protecting that man. There’s no way a relationship coming this way could be normal in the first place. Even Kyle Byron didn’t seem to know.’

Perhaps Kyle Byron’s deep relationship is with the water spirit who originally owned his body, and he may not be a stranger to other spirits.

No, almost certainly. Otherwise, there’s no way he could have posted it like that, like a vicious stalker, right? Adela nodded and felt confident, burning with a sense of duty.

After all, this is a ‘natural’ action to repay the sins committed against that man.

“… … … … … .”

[…] … … … .]

They glare at each other again. It was the same as in the hall a little while ago, but the crucial part was different.

Right now, there is no board game producer or other observing eye that they should look out for.

In a sharp atmosphere that feels like it will explode at the slightest chance.

Squeak!

“Do, master! Well, you must be hungry, so what snacks do you like? … … ?”

“… … … .”

[…] … … … .]

“? Why are you looking at me like that, you bitches? You guys are bothering me, I have nothing to give you.”

… … Even the maid Sally smiled, saying.

I just hope Kyle Byron comes back soon.

Piyak held his breath desperately.

*

Time passes and the sun sets.

The earth was slowly immersed in darkness, but only in Geass did another sun rise.

Usually, the artificial sun was not raised very often considering the lifestyles of the residents, but today it was a different story.

This was because countless nobles and magnates gathered due to invitations sent throughout the empire.

“I’m looking forward to this. When was the last time the 6th Magic Tower sent such a large-scale invitation?”

“About three years ago, Agni Tower sent me a request to provide support to the principality. In that sense, this will be my first time receiving a moderate invitation.”

“I heard from my grandfather that more than 100 years ago, Arche Magic Tower used a giant board game board as bait to send out invitations to the entire empire.”

“I see. It’s the Arche Magic Tower again… … … .”

Those who received invitations to the Magic Tower were only those who were famous or powerful, such as powerful nobles, merchants, famous adventurers, and other Magic Towers.

In fact, it was no different from the result of mobilizing all the connections of the Olpin Mage Tower and the value of the name Arche Mage Tower.

Because it was a place with as many as six major magic towers, it was able to gather this many people.

Of course, it wasn’t without any cost.

“I heard that Arche Magic Tower’s deficit has worsened in recent years, but I guess this was quite unreasonable.”

“I guess they are planning to recreate the trend from 100 years ago. It’s an old idea. There are so many other things to see and enjoy in the Empire, but what about board games? At least it’s a game where you catch the opponent’s king.”

“Are there any board games other than that? Anyway, it worked out. If this deficit gets worse, we will have no choice but to reach out to the outside world. I’m looking forward to seeing how much I can eat.”

Merchants who know the true state of the Arche Magic Tower and want to bite it.

“I was invited, but it’s quite unpleasant. Even merchants and adventurers with no roots? What do you think of us?”

“The Magic Tower is also unreasonable. If nothing special happens, there will be no problem in stopping donations to the Magic Tower from now on. You can use this visit as an excuse.”

“At best, it’s like this in a board game, tsk.”

Nobles who don’t like the idea of inviting so many people.

“Hehe, how much is this? It’s my first time seeing you since the last meeting.”

“That’s right. Shall we move this to that side and talk about it?”

“Hmm. The announcement of the Magic Tower will begin soon… … … .”

“It won’t be a problem even if it’s a little late. Isn’t it just that board game from 100 years ago anyway?”

“That’s probably true too. Heh heh!”

Even those who only focus on the meetings of various nobles and powerful people without any interest in what the Magic Tower does.

Not only those who purely had goodwill or interest stepped into the Arche Tower. If this announcement is not to their liking or falls below expectations, it will be a fatal loss to the Tower of Magic.

But that doesn’t mean everyone is like that.

“Meeting His Highness the Prince.”

“Duke Everts, it’s been a while. By the way, this is the first time in my life that I have seen this many people gathered in one place.”

“Me too, Your Highness.”

“Is Duke Grandel like that too? This is definitely a very interesting event. What about you? I want to hear it from the perspective of the same magic tower.”

“Astron Tower always hopes for Arche to make a comeback.”

“Stop hitting me like that. While praying most desperately for it to fail.”

“… … Since you are in front of His Majesty the Prince, please think carefully about what you say. It’s a shame that we are the same archmage.”

“Jul.”

“Such a dog──”

A circular auditorium prepared in the hall on the first floor of Arche Map Tower.

Even there, where seating and refreshments were prepared for VIPs from all over, a clear hierarchy existed.

Adventurers and merchants sit in the closest and lowest seats around the illusion prepared in the center, and nobles sit in progressively higher seats according to their titles.

And even higher than that. The most noble people were seated in a space set aside in the air so that they could best see the entire hall and the illusion.

The Empire’s 3rd Prince, Duke Everts, Duke Grandel, Marquis Leonhard, and the two great wizards of the Astron Tower and the Glesia Tower.

Each one of them was someone who could shake up the empire, but surprisingly, the situation was quite messed up.

“Please keep your dignity!”

“Yes, I don’t like it.”

“Aaagh!!”

The two great wizards were fighting as if they were grabbing each other’s hair.

“That looks pretty delicious.”

“So I ate it.”

“… … As expected, eastern hillbillies are not generous with food.”

“Haha, wouldn’t it be better than the unlucky guys in the West?”

“Hehehe.”

“Hahahaha.”

The two dukes of the West and East, who had traditionally been rivals and had already had bad regional feelings, were laughing and gnashing their teeth.

“Marquis Luttenhark, who do you think will win among the archmages?”

“… … … … well… … I don’t know… … … It’s me… … … .”

“Well. I didn’t expect anything from you either.”

“… … … .”

“But don’t be too glum.”

When it came to the prince and Marquis Ruttenhark, they were just having a meaningless conversation.

At first glance, their actions and words were unbecoming of their position and would cause serious concern about the future of the empire.

Rather, they were able to act comfortably because they were more honorable than anyone else in this position.

Not in front of the 1st or 2nd princes who were competing for the throne, Everts and Grandel were deeply tied economically even though they were at odds with each other, and the two archmages had been friends since childhood. As for Marquis Ruttenhark, he became personally close to the 3rd Prince.

Since they knew each other’s situation well, they only managed to set the tone appropriately, and their behavior itself was rather comfortable.

Of course, if the nobles below or others saw it, everyone would immediately become solemn, but that wasn’t the case.

How long did it continue like that?

The Third Prince, who was watching the fight between the two dukes and the two archmages with refreshments, suddenly turned his head.

“You are here, Olpin Mage Tower.”

“Meeting His Highness the Prince. Other people too.”

“Hmm, hmmm! Hello, Olpin Magic Tower.”

“Olphin is here. Let’s stop now, voyeurism.”

“So… … !! Ugh, this bitch is the representative of the historic Glesia Magic Tower… … … .”

When the host of the invitation, Archmage Orphin, appeared, the dukes’ bickering and the archmages’ dog fights came to an end.

Just because it’s in front of Allpin doesn’t mean it suddenly sets the mood, but at least I had to be self-respecting in front of the host.

Among them, Duke Nicholas, who was the only one who was silent, approached Olpin first.

As if trying to confirm something important.

“Lord of the Magic Tower, have you finished preparing for that guy?”

“It’s perfect because of what I said earlier. Instead, he was shaking.”

“I’m shaking… … ? I can’t imagine.”

“I was so excited that everyone would soon discover the charm of board games.”

“Huh.”

What does their conversation mean? When did Olpin Matapju and Duke Nicholas become friends? Who is that guy mentioned in the conversation?

There were many questions, but the 3rd prince asked only one with a smile.

“Anyway, is it okay to be here? It’s time to start soon.”

“Thank you for your concern, Your Royal Highness. But I’m not the main character anyway.”

“What… … ?”

“The real protagonist is… … Because it’s separate.”

Invitations were sent in the names of the Magic Tower and the Archmage, and people gathered in the tower’s hall, but if they are not the main characters, then who is the main character?

At Orphin’s words, the prince, Duke Grandel, Marquis Ruttenhark, and the two archmages looked down at the center below with questions.

“───You’ve waited a long time!”

At the center, watched by hundreds of nobles, magnates, and powerful people.

A young man walked out confidently, spreading his arms wide and shouting.

“My name is Kyle Byron. I am a board game producer.”

“Board game… … producer? Not the wizard of the tower?”

“If it’s Byron, what about the Byron family? It’s a name I’ve never heard of before, so it sounds like the third son or cousin.”

“Have you not heard yet? A month ago, my second son… … … .”

“What?”

“Anyway, a novice like that became the representative? You know the level of Arche.”

No good sound comes out. That was natural, and at the same time, it was expected.

Even though he heard whispers, Kyle Byron just smiled.

“Everyone is waiting, so I will skip the vulgar words. then… … .”

Wow.

Light and darkness rise from Kyle Byron’s wide open hands.

This is a basic magic that any wizard in the Arche Tower knows how to do.

but.

“What… … !!”

It rattled.

It wasn’t a great level, but since he was the 3rd prince with a talent for magic, he was able to notice it right away.

Kyle Byron has no magical talent at all. Of course, he was not a wizard, but he used the magic of the Arche Tower.

The moment when the prince inadvertently stood up and looked at Kyle Byron.

“Shall we go?”

match.

With applause, light and darkness come together. Magic appears in the hands of an incompetent person, not a wizard.

Light and darkness came together to create an intense flash, and all the VIPs in the hall, except for a few, covered their eyes from the dazzling light that illuminated the entire hall.

When they open their eyes again.

“… … … … This is.”

In the center where there was nothing but the floor, something was sticking out.

Three towers rise in a bizarre yet majestic manner. A wide, flat space at the top.

And the monuments falling into three towers forming a triangle.

bang!! bang!! bang!!!

Since the illusion of Arche has no substance, there should be no sound or vibration, but it feels very vivid.

The entire hall was silent due to all the changes.

Only Kyle Byron, standing on a platform floating in the air, grinned.

“From now on, we will invite you to the wizards’ board game.”

Anyone can become a wizard.

A board game of dreams and fantasy.