Chapter 34, Nice To Meet You (1)

Translator: Hedge

Editor: Lizzz

 

Arsene Hertz.

 

That was a name that crossed Kalian’s mind from time to time.

 

Naturally, he had prepared for the day they would eventually meet. There was no personal grudge between them. He knew well that the man had killed him not because he was Bern, but because he was a Knight from an enemy nation. In fact, this was the man who even showed proper courtesy when Bern was dying.

 

[Though I could reason it out, why can’t I help but feel a surge of resentment despite everything?]

 

“I look forward to working with you.”

 

In response to Arsene’s words, Kalian replied with a deep smile.

 

“Yes. Oh, the pleasure is mine.”

 

Kalian’s smile bore an odd resemblance to Plants. Allan, the only one who noticed this, alternately glanced between Kalian and Arsene before clicking his tongue softly. He realized the appointment had been a mistake and simultaneously understood that this Mage’s path would not be as smooth as he had hoped.

 

“Since he will be a capable talent joining the Mage Order, getting to know one another well and learning from each other would be of great benefit to you.”

 

Rmain, who did not consider their reactions, made this timely remark.

 

Kalian’s fingers resting on his knee silently traced a long curve. Following the afterimage of his fingertips, the same curved smile appeared on Kalian’s face.

 

“Yes, Your Highness. I will certainly do so.”

 

Seeing that well-crafted smile, goosebumps rose on Allan’s arms while Rmain simply nodded in satisfaction.

 

Though Kalian does not remember it yet, this was actually Arsene’s second time seeing him. Of course, their first meeting was on the day of the funeral for Arsene’s Master, who had taught him magic. It was at the time when he had stopped Kalian from crossing the bridge. Because his first impression of Kalian then had been very favorable, when he received the invitation from Allan, he came to the Royal Palace without any hesitation.

 

Therefore, Arsene failed to notice how different the meaning of Kalian’s smile today was from the smile he had shown that day. He was now looking at Kalian with eyes full of anticipation.

 

“Well then. Are the preparations for the Roselita complete?”

 

Suddenly, Rmain asked Kalian this. Due to the unfamiliar kindness in his voice, Kalian answered with a slightly awkward expression.

 

“Yes. Everything has been prepared.”

 

“But I heard you wouldn’t take the carriage. Won’t that be inconvenient?”

 

With a face that seemed to say, ‘how could it not be inconvenient to ride just a horse instead of using the continent’s finest carriage – which was not only equipped with dozens of convenience spells and various defensive magic casted by none other than Allan Manasil himself, but also had a bedroom, shower room, and bathroom created by the supreme ancient dragon Syspanian using dimensional magic – making it spacious, luxurious, and perfectly furnished’, Kalian replied modestly.

 

“No. It’s fine.”

 

This was all because of Raven.

 

When Kalian entered the carriage, Raven would not walk alongside it. Even the Kyrie Siblings, who had Elf blood in them, which was a race that was said to be especially good with horses, could not handle Raven.

 

Thus, Kalian had seriously contemplated whether to leave Raven behind or the carriage. Following Allan’s advice to get plenty of exercise while he could, he decided to take the Roselita trip with his beloved horse.

 

“The horse is so intelligent that there shouldn’t be any issues.”

 

Allan said this, either trying to reassure Rmain or tease Kalian. Hearing this, Rmain nodded and supported Kalian’s decision.

 

“Indeed. You wouldn’t have had the chance to look around various places in Cyries while in a carriage. I believe it’s a good idea. There won’t be another opportunity to freely travel outside the Royal Palace as a Prince.”

 

Kalian gave a bitter smile.

 

“Thank you for allowing it.”

 

When the conversation with Kalian concluded, Rmain’s head turned toward Allan this time. However, the topic of conversation still remained to be Kalian.

 

“How is the Prince’s magic lately?”

 

“So good that it is enough to move Syspanian to tears.”

 

Though Arsene was present, since he would eventually learn about Kalian’s level as a Mage, Rmain comfortably asked. It was also for the same reason Allan answered just as comfortably.

 

Rmain looked at Allan, with a slightly surprised expression. His expression seemed to ask, ‘are you telling me his talent is that outstanding?’

 

Allan continued with a gentle smile.

 

“Such a shame to have been given the Boon of Syspanian, and not making proper use of it.”

 

*Clank!*

 

The startled Arsene’s hand made a loud noise.

 

Having barely managed to catch the knife he almost dropped, Arsene let out a small sigh of relief. He carefully raised his head to gauge the reactions of the high-ranking individuals sharing this place.

 

Kalian continued his leisurely meal as if he had not heard the knife sound or Allan’s words. While Rmain was staring intently at Allan, he Archmage was gulping down water.

 

Rmain quietly spoke toward Allan.

 

“You are indeed consistent at your straightforward words, Lord Manasil.”

 

“How could I not be?”

 

Finally, Rmain’s deep blue eyes turned back to Kalian.

 

“It has certainly truly been a long time since a Mage has emerged from the Royal Family. Though Lord Manasil behaves so poorly, his ability is outstanding, so after returning from the Roselita, learn more from Lord Manasil and work hard.”

 

For Rmain to use the expression ‘poorly’ showed just how Allan typically conducted himself before Rmain. Kalian put down his fork and knife, slightly bowed his head, and obediently replied.

 

“Yes, Your Highness. I will definitely work harder.”

 

Rmain nodded, not knowing that his Son had mastered his Third-Circle at the mere age of 14, an achievement one year faster than Allan Manasil.

 

Having received unnecessary criticism due to his Master, who had too high expectations for his Disciple, Kalian focused on his meal with a serene expression as if he had nothing to feel wronged about. Of course, Allan was eating with his consistently unchanging demeanor from the start. Only Arsene was left moistening his dry mouth, weighed down by the presence of the three.

 

Thus, the luncheon concluded with several conversations exchanged.

 

After the always-busy Rmain and internally-hurried Arsene left first, Kalian and Allan walked out together as if by prior arrangement. Ian and Kyrie followed at a distance.

 

Kalian and Allan walked side by side down a green path, where neatly trimmed trees lined up like a corridor. It was a splendid walking path that wrapped around Senu Hall like a wall.

 

The hot August sunlight filtered through the leaves to place pearl-like patterns on the fine gravel path.

 

Allan cast Silent, as if it were the natural order of things. Seeing this, Kalian laughed softly. It was because this Archmage’s most frequently used magic since coming to Cyries was merely Silent. Of course, Allan, who did not particularly care about such things, quietly turned his head and asked Kalian.

 

“Should we withdraw the appointment for the formal introduction, Prince?”

 

He was talking about Arsene.

 

Unconsciously stroking one corner of his chest at the thought of him, Kalian made Allan decide not to ask about the relationship between Bern and Arsene.

 

Listening to the faint sound of cicadas, Kalian asked.

 

“How old is he?”

 

“He’s just twenty-eight now. I was looking for a young Mage who was capable while being of a good age to spend time with the Prince. That had led me to choose him.”

 

This meant he had served as a Commander at thirty-eight when he attacked Bern. To lead the Mage Order at that age meant he was talented. There was no reason to miss out on such talent just because of a knot that only Kalian remembered.

 

Kalian smiled and shook his head.

 

“Leave it as is. I’ll handle it myself.”

 

Allan did not yet know that ‘I’ll handle it’ was the declaration Ian feared most in the world. So, Allan just nodded, none the wiser.

 

“Are you already gathering Mages? Isn’t it too early?”

 

It had only been three months since preparations for creating the Mage Order began.

 

“It seems you’re gathering people first when there isn’t even a building for them to train and stay in yet.”

 

Allan replied with a relaxed smile.

 

“No. We only called him early for your protection. Don’t worry. Since there aren’t many Mages in Cyries who could be called talented, it will take some time to fill the numbers.”

 

[Well, out of everyone, he would surely know how to handle it.] With this thought, Kalian readily nodded. Watching him, Allan smiled slightly and opened his mouth.

 

“I’ve decided on a name for the Mage Order.”

 

Kalian’s head turned toward Allan.

 

Since it was an army created by Rmain, Kalian had hoped that even if he created it in advance, at least the name would be decided by Rmain himself. Therefore, Kalian had not revealed that name he already knew well to Rmain.

 

“What was it decided as?”

 

Then Allan looked at Kalian with eyes full of mischief. He wanted him to guess. Kalian chuckled and opened his mouth.

 

“Valkan.”

 

“As expected.”

 

Allan smiled.

 

“Yes. Rmain said to call it that, so I agreed.”

 

“You did well. Now that even the name has been decided upon, it feels a bit more concrete.”

 

Allan nodded and opened his mouth.

 

“I’m planning to soon call my Daughter-in-law and Granddaughter staying in Liberen. You’ll probably be able to meet them around when you return from the Roselita.”

 

“You have… a Granddaughter?”

 

Kalian’s feet momentarily faltered before moving forward. A very awkward smile appeared on his face. Allan, who looked even younger than Arsene, smiled like a Grandfather.

 

“She’s a spirited and pretty child. However, I’m calling them because of my Daughter-in-law, not my Granddaughter. Since she’s currently teaching magic in Liberen, I thought she would be helpful in training the Valkan Mages.”

 

Kalian did not know much about Liberen. He only knew that Mages were treated well there and that the people’s temperament was extremely free. Therefore, not knowing much about the magic education in Liberen, Kalian asked Allan.

 

“I’m curious about the Magic Academies in Liberen. Is it possible to learn enough there to work as a Mage?”

 

He was asking because he was not sure how effective teaching magic to multiple students at once would be. Allan nodded and answered.

 

“Yes. It’s similar to Beurisen’s Knight Training School. Since results follow talent and effort, there’s no difference between them.”

 

No response came from Kalian to that. Sensing he was lost in thought, Allan quietly took leisurely steps beside Kalian.

 

Kalian’s mouth only opened when they had almost circled Senu Hall once.

 

“Master, do you have any other schedules this afternoon?”

 

“Nothing in particular.”

 

Allan shook his head without hesitation. After all, he was the type to clear his schedule if Kalian sought him out.

 

Kalian nodded. However, this time, what Kalian sought was not Allan. Kalian smiled brightly at the expectant Allan and said.

 

“Please lend me your carriage.”

 

[My carriage? That came out of nowhere.] Having heard these unexpected words, Allan looked at Kalian with questioning eyes and asked.

 

“You have business with my carriage rather than me?”

 

It was quite a strange thing to say, so Kalian laughed briefly before answering.

 

“I just need to borrow your name for a brief moment. You can come along if you like, but you’ll probably find it quite boring.”

 

He was saying he would use that luxurious carriage, that clearly belonged to Allan Manasil, while trading on Allan Manasil’s name. Allan, who was not the type of fool to tag along somewhere he had not been specifically invited to, shook his head and replied.

 

“I don’t like boring places. Anyway, it would be strange if I were loitering outside the Royal Palace while you use my carriage. In that case, I’ll just have a chat with Rmain for a while. You should just go ahead as you please.”

 

“Yes. Thank you.”

 

With that, Kalian boarded Allan’s carriage with Ian and Kyrie and left the Royal Palace.

 

When the Grand Chamberlain informed Rmain that Kalian had left the Royal Palace in Allan’s carriage, Rmain said to stop reporting when the Prince and Allan went out together. This was his way of expressing of trust in Allan.

 

However, no sooner had those words were said, Allan suddenly appeared behind the Grand Chamberlain. Seeing this, Rmain’s expression became deeply wrinkled.

 

[This damned Mage! You let my child go out alone?]

 

…

 

Melpir Pollun, the head of Pollun Trader’s Guild, was currently standing by a small pond in the rear garden of his mansion, feeding the fish. That was to say, he was spending a very peaceful and leisurely time. At least until now.

 

As he was enjoying a long-awaited rest, a servant ran up to tell him that a black carriage with mother-of-pearl decorations had entered the mansion.

 

Melpir’s round eyes widened as large as those of the fish.

 

“Lord Allan Manasil has come?”

 

“Yes, Baron. I just confirmed that carriage has just entered.”

 

The servant answered while silently grasping for air, after running all the way to the rear garden.

 

“My… I wonder what business brings him here.”

 

Melpir handed the bowl of fish food to the servant standing behind him and patted his hands to dust them off. As he was heading inside with hurried steps, another person ran up to Melpir.

 

Dressed in a black suit, he was not a servant but the butler. One of Melpir’s eyebrows rose.

 

If his elderly butler was personally running like this, it meant that this was something important. Soon, the butler approached Melpir’s side and whispered in his ear. Melpir’s eyes grew even wider than before.

 

[Someone else is in Lord Manasil’s carriage?]

 

Having heard those words to the end, Melpir barely managed to lift his leg that had almost fallen into the pond. His face had turned pale by now. The voice that had prevented a potential accident at the King’s birthday festival celebration rang in his ears.

 

[‘The space above seems unsafe. Please check it.’]

 

Kalian, who had saved his life with those brief words, had come. He had come to collect the price of his life, that had been postponed for three months.

 

And he had come in broad daylight, in person!

 

Hoping that he was at his sharpest among the many days he had lived so far, Melpir hurried to where Kalian was.