Book 4: Volume 2 Chapter 2, Father and Two Sons

Translator: Kazumi

Editor: Silavin

 

After spending three days on the Management Floor, Towa and Daniela returned to the fifth Floor with bright smiles. Kousuke had barely seen them during that time, but according to the other members, he appeared to have thoroughly enjoyed himself.

 

At Kousuke’s suggestion, they had not remained confined to the Management Floor. Instead, they had ventured to other Floors with Kouhi or Mitsuki as guides, including the fifteenth Floor under Mia’s management.

 

That evening, after Towa had returned to the castle, he made another visit to the Management Floor. Kousuke, who was relaxing in the common area, noticed his arrival and tilted his head curiously.

 

“What’s wrong? Did something happen?”

 

Towa shook his head at the question. “No, I came to thank you.”

 

“Thank me?” Kousuke’s confusion was evident.

 

Towa smiled softly. “Dad, you’ve been staying inside for Daniela’s sake, haven’t you? Perhaps that’s why she was able to relax so much.”

 

During the past three days, Daniela had gradually overcome her nervousness around the other members. She had finally revealed a side of herself that she normally kept hidden.

 

As a candidate for the Crown Prince’s official Wife, she was accustomed to concealing her true feelings behind a carefully maintained smile. Recently, however, that artificial expression had begun to fade.

 

“I was able to see her genuine smile,” Towa said warmly.

 

Kousuke considered his response for a moment, then rested his hand on his chin and spoke with an unusually serious expression. “So, you came all this way just to have me listen to you boast?”

 

“Boast!?” Towa began to protest reflexively, but stopped when he saw Kousuke’s grin. he realized he was joking, though his earlier explanation could indeed be construed as nothing but bragging.

 

“You’re right. I was bragging. I apologize.” Towa said seriously.

 

Kousuke waved his hand dismissively, still chuckling. “It’s perfectly fine. Just seeing that expression on your face is reward enough for me. Though there is one thing.”

 

“What is it?” Towa asked, tilting his head with a slightly sullen look.

 

Kousuke’s smile faded as he replied, “Why don’t we arrange some time to have a drink together?”

 

Towa was momentarily taken aback by the unexpected invitation, then smiled and nodded. “That would be great.”

 

Seeing his expression, Kousuke appeared deeply moved, clearly pleased that he had extended the invitation.

 

A peaceful atmosphere settled between Father and Son, but it was abruptly shattered by a voice calling from the portal room.

 

“Dad! Dad! Dad!”

 

Kousuke and Towa exchanged glances before turning toward the sound. Luka burst into the relaxation area, clutching a piece of paper in his right hand.

 

Towa frowned disapprovingly. “Luka, didn’t Mother Sylvia tell you to remain calm regardless of the circumstances?”

 

Kousuke’s children had naturally begun calling their Stepmothers ‘Mother’, though the title was not imposed by their Parents. Since Sylvia and Floria maintained a cordial relationship, the children remained as close as ever.

 

“Oh! I’m sorry! Wait, Big Brother Towa? Why are you here?” Luka asked, clearly not expecting to find Towa present.

 

Towa shrugged in response. “I come here when I have business to attend to. More importantly, why are you in such a rush?”

 

Reminded of his purpose by Towa’s question, Luka handed the paper to Kousuke. Perhaps mindful of Towa’s presence, he managed to maintain his composure.

 

“Dad, what do you think of this? Please give me your honest opinion.”

 

“Let me see,” Kousuke said, accepting the paper and immediately examining its contents.

 

The paper contained a magic circle drawn with remarkable precision that impressed even Kousuke. Various intricate patterns had been carefully inscribed, creating what appeared to be merely decorative design work. However, Kousuke understood that these patterns served a specific purpose beyond mere ornamentation.

 

“You’ve incorporated quite a lot into this. What does it do?”

 

“I created it myself. Is there anything wrong with it?” Luka asked, blushing slightly with excitement.

 

“I see, Luka,” Kousuke replied casually, then examined the magic circle more closely. “Well, I guess…”

 

His confused expression immediately worried Luka. “Is something wrong?”

 

“Wrong… It’s not exactly wrong, but… how should I say it…”

 

As Kousuke continued studying the magic circle with a puzzled expression, Towa moved closer out of curiosity and peered at the paper. After taking it from Kousuke and examining the magic circle, he looked at Luka.

 

“You showed this to your teachers at school, didn’t you? What was their response?”

 

The moment Towa asked, Luka’s face darkened and his shoulders sagged. “They said it was too dangerous and that I shouldn’t activate it.”

 

“See?” Towa nodded, recognizing the reasoning. As educators, it was their responsibility to prevent such experiments. An unknown magic circle posed significant risks. It could explode and cause catastrophic damage. Since Luka’s creation was entirely unprecedented, determining its safety was impossible.

 

Towa would have made the same decision in their position.

 

However, he refrained from commenting further. Standing beside them was someone who could truly be called a master in this field.

 

Unaware that his own Son regarded him as such an authority figure, Kousuke continued deliberating over how to proceed. He understood the teachers’ concerns perfectly. Simultaneously, he knew with certainty that Luka’s magic circle would function correctly. However, the circle contained a significant flaw, and he struggled with how to constructively address this issue.

 

This was likely Luka’s first original magic circle creation. Kousuke had no desire to simply dismiss it with harsh criticism.

 

After considerable thought, Kousuke reached a decision. “Okay. Let’s test whether this magic circle functions properly, shall we, Luka?”

 

“What?” Luka initially appeared confused, but understanding gradually dawned on his face. “Is that really okay?”

 

“Of course.”

 

Towa looked perplexed as Kousuke readily granted permission. “Are you sure this is safe?”

 

“Don’t worry. We have a specialized room on the Management Floor for exactly this purpose.”

 

The Management Floor contained a room surrounded by powerful barriers designed to prevent external interference when Kousuke tested newly created magical tools and circles. Any experiments conducted there would be contained, preventing major damage even in case of failure.

 

Accepting Kousuke’s proposal, Luka followed him to the designated room with obvious excitement. He was thrilled at the prospect of testing his original creation.

 

Towa had originally intended to return to the castle immediately after thanking Kousuke, but found herself remaining in the Management Floor longer than planned. He too was curious to witness the results of his Half-Brother’s magical endeavor.