Survival 111

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“You’re back again.”

The old-timer of the dormitory saw me and immediately his forehead, full of deep wrinkles, began to twitch.

“Ahaha… Despite the shame, I had to come.”

“I told you this area is off-limits to nobles.”

Despite having received the pendant, his gaze was incredibly cold and piercing.

‘I remember last time it was warm and friendly; maybe it’s because this is the commoners’ area.’

But there was no helping it.

Professor Marks openly scolded me, but today I had to break through no matter what.

‘I had an appointment to meet Wolbaek. Of course, there were plenty of other ways. But getting Professor Marks’s permission now would be easier for the future. Including Wolbaek, Oparn, and the Saintess. There were many key figures among the commoners who could influence the story.’

In short, I wanted to pave the way so I could come and go as I pleased in the future.

“Just like last time, I urgently have to deliver an item to a commoner friend.”

“Friend, huh…. A noble speaking to a commoner.”

He spoke each word as if chewing on them, his expression sinister.

His eyes were filled with suspicion.

Excuses would only backfire with this old man suffering from a severe distrust of nobles.

Still, there was always a way.

“By the way, I am still using the pendant you gave me. See?”

I had some business.

Really good friends with a commoner.

It seemed better to emphasize a personal connection rather than anything else.

The locket connected by a chain made a jingling sound, and in that moment, Marks’s gaze darted towards it.

But maybe my guess was wrong.

He soon fixed his gaze back on the desk and gestured for me to leave.

‘…Tch, should I have used invisibility magic?’

While I was thinking of another way to re-enter, I started walking towards the entrance.

“Which floor were you planning to go to?”

The voice that caught my ankle from behind made me stop dead in my tracks.

It wasn’t a gesture to leave, but rather to come closer.

“Ah, are you granting permission?”

“…I did consider it, but Hans Byron, you’ve shown a lot, so I trust you completely.”

Oh.

If it weren’t for the hand hidden behind his back, it would have seemed quite trustworthy.

It felt like a threat, like he would kill me if any trouble arose.

“So, which floor were you planning to visit your friend on, I still haven’t heard your answer.”

“Ah, I heard it was on the second floor.”

“…Was it a lady?”

The even-numbered floors of the dormitory are spaces for female students.

Suddenly, it felt as if the temperature of Marks’s gaze dropped below zero.

“I’m beginning to question my decision.”

“Please don’t worry. On my honor, and the honor of the house I serve, I assure you I will not let any harm come to my friend.

As a noble who lives and dies by the principle of honor, this is the greatest blank check I can offer.

Marks then held his head as if it were a nuisance.

I understand his feelings.

Having already given permission once, it would be difficult to take it back now.

“Sigh. I should advise you, though, that baseless rumors might spread just because you’re here looking for a female student. It won’t be good for someone who’s engaged to visit.”

“Ah, don’t worry about that part. Lady Elizabeth probably won’t care much either.”

As I answered briskly, deeper wrinkles formed on Professor Marks’s face.

Elizabeth?

After all, it’s just a contractual relationship where both parties are looking out for their own benefits.

Even if such false rumors spread, I doubt they’d be taken seriously.

No, she might even welcome the opportunity to use it as evidence for an annulment.

“…Well, if you think you can handle it, it’s not my place to interfere. Go ahead.”

Finally.

I had passed through the rigorous dormitory checkpoint.

I immediately went up the stairs and stood in front of a door I had visited before.

Feeling a blatant gaze from behind.

“Wolbaek, may I come in?”

“Oh my, it’s rare to hear such a benefactor’s voice in this place. Of course, I can’t turn away a guest.”

With a slightly exaggerated permission, the door opened.

Inside, a woman with an elegant demeanor smiled warmly at me, and only then did the gaze fall away.

“You managed to convince Professor Marks. He’s quite a tough old man for nobles.”

“It seems I’ve somehow earned his trust.”

“I heard you publicly humiliated the young lady of the Caspera count’s family in a duel? It makes sense that he would favor you.”

As Wolbaek brought out tea, she nodded to herself, seemingly concluding her analysis.

“So, what brings you here?”

“The reason I came to see you is, of course, because you are capable.”

At my customary compliment, implying that her information was reliable, she beamed with laughter.

“Even if you say so, there’s no discount. Information will be charged at its proper value.”

The identity of that laughter was the epitome of capitalism.

It was the face of a shopkeeper welcoming a regular customer.

“…I might go bankrupt at this rate.”

“Stop exaggerating. You manage just fine, since you use our thieves’ guild.”

– Clank.

After glancing at the bag of gold coins placed on the table, Wolbaek soon retracted her smile.

In place of the ever-smiling lady, there was the sharp-eyed head of the thieves’ guild.

“Alright. Can you tell me what the request is? Given the amount of money, it seems like you might ask for something quite challenging.”

“Um. Actually, there’s not just one or two things I need.”

“Oh ho. There must be a reason you paid an advance like this. Let’s hear it. Might there be an additional fee?”

“Firstly, …”

After hearing all of my requests, she slightly furrowed her brows.

“Um, it all seems possible. But may I ask you something curious, benefactor?”

“Of course.”

“That… recording magic stone, what do you need it for? Apart from the other requests, just this one seems like it would cost more.”

A magic tool boasting a tremendous price due to its high purity and the complex magical formulas involved.

Moreover, they are usually single-use, truly a luxury among luxuries.

But the price is no big deal.

In the original work, it was merely a functionless feature that could only save a single screenshot.

But for me now, it’s absolutely necessary, an essential item that I need to stockpile.

“Just tell me whether you can get it or not. That’s the most important thing.”

“Of course we can get it. Ah, if it’s difficult for you to answer, just pretend you didn’t hear…”

“A foolish question! Isn’t it obviously to eternally preserve the most beautiful moments of Lady Luciana?!”

“…What?”

Stunned, Wolbaek stared as I launched into a fervent monologue, fist clenched.

“Just a few days ago! That expression mixed with competitive spirit, ambition, and a hint of frustration. However, it was only a momentary thing. It’s a regret that I couldn’t preserve it forever.”

“Ah, yes….”

Tsk.

Foolish beings who don’t recognize Luciana’s charm.

Well, fine.

I didn’t expect empathy anyway.

Additionally, there were tasks like recording the Crown Prince’s weaknesses, documenting embarrassing histories, and so on, but those aren’t important so I omitted them.

“So, how much for that magic stone?”

The supplier just needs to do their job well.

– Clank.

As I pushed a new pouch towards Wolbaek, whose natural smile had turned into a bitter expression.

“There are all kinds of tastes in the world. We can’t run a thieves’ guild worrying about that.”

And upon checking the pouch, Wolbaek regained her bright smile. It was more capitalist in nature than generous.

***

“…It’s been a while since I’ve been here.”

After obtaining information from Wolbaek, I went to a place not far from my room, carrying a letter sealed with a tower emblem in wax.

Just across from my room. It was about the same distance as between Luciana’s room and mine.

“Sir Circleia, are you there? It’s Hans Byron.”

“Ah, right… Now that you mention it, I did call. Come in.”

Soon a low voice came from beyond the door. Stark dark circles underlined by white hair contrasted sharply.

A voice heavy with fatigue. It wasn’t hard to guess that he had been up all night doing magical research.

“It seems I’ve chosen a bad day to visit.”

“Not at all. Rather, you’ve come at a good time. I’ve just finished preparing for my magical research. There’s no better time for a deep conversation.”

Ricky placed a hand on the bridge of his nose and tilted his head back, letting out a huge yawn that seemed to send all notions of noble etiquette flying.

“It’s good to meet you, Hans Byron. As someone from the same region, I’ve always wanted to have a chat.”

“I feel the same. The Tower claims neutrality, which makes it awkward to mix conversations. I never expected to have this chance to talk with Sir Circleia.”

The room was crowded with dried blood and scattered books, no space to step.

That was the workshop of Ricky I knew.

Bookshelves filled with numerous books. Beakers and test tubes on the desk that seemed to be in use for research. Even the experimental materials were neatly arranged.

It was the typical workshop of a mage one might expect.

‘Surprisingly clean inside. He must have cleaned up because I was coming.’

Given the typical mage’s aversion to outsiders, and not likely having servants,

It must have been cleaned by himself.

‘If that’s the case, why not just meet outside?’

I wondered as I took a seat.

…Well, maybe it’s because of the training I received from the steward.

I could still see dust here and there, and the clutter shoved to one side was quite bothersome.

‘Not that I’m going to clean it up.’

Maybe if it was Luciana’s room.

But playing the maid and cleaning up another man’s room was out of the question.

Organizing and nurturing the mess in his room was strictly the protagonist’s role, after all.

To avoid a bad ending, the episode with Ricky, which I was obligated to undertake, started from cleaning.

-“I can’t live like this! Are you in your right mind? What kind of research can you do in such a place? You’ll get sick before achieving any results!”

…Well, since you’re a saint, you could just use healing magic.

-“Quiet! Stop making excuses. What kind of research are you planning to do in such a place? As a child of the Count’s family, should you really be living here? I’ll clean up, so please help.”

This was known as, “You’re the first person to treat me this way.”

Being a naturally arrogant mage, he had never received such kindness from anyone in his life.

That was the intended essence of Ricky’s character — a gesture that melted the heart of a cold researcher dedicated only to the truth… or so it was supposed to be.

‘Of course, that’s none of my business.’

What does it matter to me whether the saint meets with this grimy guy or stirs things up?

As long as I avoid the bad ending, that’s all that matters.

The reason I responded to his call was singular:

To punish him for daring to plan a terror attack against Luciana.

To prepare for that, I slowly sipped the tea Ricky had offered.

“Ugh.”

Indeed, a researcher with no vitality.

The tea tasted terrible.

So bad that I would believe it even if I had brewed it myself.

“I’m not sure if it suits your taste.”

“Ahaha. Would you like to hear an honest review?”

“I’d rather not. It seems unlikely I’ll hear anything good even out of politeness.”

Ricky interlocked his fingers on the table and directed a sharp gaze at me.

“Then let’s get straight to the point. You coming here means you’ve made up your mind, right? Join our Tower. We’ll ensure you’re treated well, including your family.”

“I’m sorry, but that’s not why I came.”

I nearly wanted to flip him off for so blatantly trying to recruit me.

I am a servant of the Duke of Speda.

I must maintain the dignity that befits that position.

Instead, with a graceful gesture, I pulled out a bundle of documents from my pocket.

“Could you please take a look at this first?”

“…What is this?”

“These are documents I happened to come across by chance. It’s a list of items brought into the academy.”

The academy is like the yolk of an egg for all the noble children gathered from across the empire.

Naturally, the items brought into it for their safety undergo strict verification.

Of course, with very rare exceptions.

There are also items secretly brought in by students’ misconduct.

[Item list related to the Tower]

[Magical energy storage bomb]

I

[…]

For instance, like the previous case of the magical energy bomb.

“It’s quite suspicious, isn’t it? I didn’t know whose ledger this was, but to think someone from the Tower meticulously recorded such a smuggling of magical bombs.”

Secret ledgers are a common thing. Parties who could be disposed of at any moment naturally look for loopholes, and digging two is the wise course of action.

However, he couldn’t escape the observant eyes of the thieves’ guild and its capable head.

‘There’s a reason I paid good money to Wolbaek.’

The previously mild atmosphere quickly turned tense.

And for good reason:

[Requester: McKellen Circleia]

At the bottom of the document.

His family name was blatantly recorded in the signature space on the ledger.

Ricky seemed to have noticed it too, as his eyes briefly distorted.

It wasn’t the head of the family’s name.

Probably someone from a branch family.

‘It would have been better if Ricky’s name was written. But if it were that sloppy, it would be more suspicious.’

It’s a family that has been leading the Tower for generations. Just having the family name there was already a big mistake.

Hmm. Certainly that’s true, but what does that have to do with me?

Come on.

You’re a core member of the Tower, and you’re trying to deny it?

Trying to remain calm, Ricky, with his eyes closed, started making excuses.

“The Tower is merely a collection of free scholars and researchers. I don’t know about other people’s affairs. It might just be a misstep by a member of a branch family.”

“……”

“Let me be clear. I don’t have the magical energy bomb. If you’re suspicious, I heard something shady about Lady Caspera.”

Ricky was scheming.

It was almost certain he was involved in smuggling the bomb, but he had already shifted the blame.

Even if testimony came out, without conclusive evidence, it could easily be suppressed using the family’s influence.

But.

“Ha, let’s set aside the magical energy bomb. Isn’t there something else suspicious below that?”

“…What now?”

“Look at the bottom of the document. A scalpel made of western silver and a magical stone, do you think I wouldn’t know? I’m also from the west.”

He pulled it out from the clutter shoved in a corner of his room.

Though it lay there casually like a paper knife.

Despite no visible stains, it seemed to exude a faint odor of blood.

“Tools used for biological experiments on criminals. Why would you specifically bring this into the academy… Indeed, it would be troublesome if it were discovered.”

“……”

“By the way, I’m aware of various things including monsters from the back of that document.”

He closed his mouth, but instead, he opened his eyes which had been closed until then.

Within, his ashen pupils flickered with displeasure as they glared at me.

“Ricky Circleia, know your place and live accordingly. Don’t even think about challenging my lord, Luciana Speda.”

A fair fight would be fine. She would even welcome it.

However, I could not tolerate being entangled in Ricky’s dirty tricks.

‘He’s dangerous but smart. With this warning, he should understand and act accordingly.’

Now that my purpose here is accomplished.

Perhaps it’s time to head back.

Luciana must be waiting.

“…Hm.”

At that moment.

His mouth, which had been tightly shut, fell open.

His laugh included an unmistakable touch of madness.

“Spouting whatever you want, trying to leave on your own terms. Who do you think would allow that?”

“What a funny joke. What, are you planning to imprison me?”

“It’s not impossible. Wasn’t there a mention of fruit juice that can put even the giant creatures of the south to sleep with just a few drops? The effects should be starting about now.”

Effects? What…

“Wow, you’ve really lost your mind more than I thought. Can you handle the consequences?”

“That’s for me to worry about. You just need to sleep deeply.”

From my ears to my head.

An unbearable drowsiness poured over me, accompanied by a severe tinnitus.

– Thud.

Eventually, my knees gave way and I collapsed against the chair I had been sitting in comfortably.

“Hmm. Originally, my target was someone else. But a chicken for a pheasant, I suppose. This one will also make fine material…”

As his mumbling continued, I could no longer hear the rest,

Overwhelmed by the oncoming stupor, I surrendered to the sleep.

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