Suddenly, a thought occurred to me.
In the world of “Let’s Kill the Demon Lord,” magic exists, and there are those who study it.
Could those who study magic and strive to reach higher ranks be considered a type of ‘workaholic’?
“…Was this woman a magician too?”
Of course, it’s not a particularly intriguing topic.
It was just a thought brought on by the way Flügel’s demeanor changed after seeing ‘Meyer.’
“Who the hell are you calling a magician?”
“That’s right. She’s not a magician.”
Ignoring Meyer’s cursing, Flügel turned his gaze to me.
“To be precise, she’s not aware that she is a ‘magician.'”
“Who the hell are you calling a magician, dammit?”
I also ignored Meyer’s cursing.
“Having lived in the slums, she never had the chance to learn magic.”
At my words, Flügel’s eyes gleamed.
“So, she hasn’t learned mana manipulation?”
I didn’t answer, wanting to further stimulate Flügel’s imagination.
“She formed a ‘mana environment’ within her body without any training?”
Flügel stroked his beard, his face filled with interest.
‘Finally, he’s getting interested.’
Flügel’s sudden reaction was tied to the origins of magicians.
There is a valid reason why magicians advocate for ‘pureblood.’
Magicians who uphold their family’s legacy study the ‘best’ magic and cultivate the ‘best’ bodies to wield it.
Their experiences and knowledge are solidified through generations, becoming more effectively shaped.
“Indeed. Moreover, she can perform ‘elemental magic’ self-taught.”
“…Self-taught elemental magic!?”
However, Meyer had established her own ‘environment’ without the guidance of a mentor.
I spoke quietly, so only Flügel could hear.
“Sir Flügel, isn’t it time you uncover the secrets of the 7th rank?”
His eyes, usually indifferent, now sparkled with an intense desire.
A powerful yearning.
He saw the possibility of something that could lead him to the ‘next’ level.
Despite his nickname ‘Magic Beagle’ and ‘Crazy Wizard’ among players, Flügel was one of the few 6th rank ‘Libra’ grade magicians in the Empire.
For over 50 years, Flügel had been unable to break through the barrier to the 7th rank.
Even after living for 150 years, the old man was beginning to feel anxious.
Although he sustained his life with magic, if that became impossible, he would never see the ‘next’ level of his current state.
Thus, the impatient Flügel began to nurture disciples.
To advance his own level.
Seeking a ‘genius’ who could inspire him.
But so far, it had been futile.
“You know, don’t you? Magical inspiration doesn’t come from accumulated experience…”
“But from fundamental imagination.”
With a sly smile, I spoke, and Flügel completed the thought.
He often used this phrase to comfort himself.
“How much do you know, you sly rascal?”
Flügel’s sharp gaze turned to me, filled with astonishment, and I shrugged.
Magic Beagle, this old man would understand what I was saying.
“Let me ask you one question.”
Flügel turned his gaze to Meyer.
Meyer’s expression showed her strong unwillingness to entertain any questions, but when I gestured for her to play along, she reluctantly nodded.
“Do you see what this is?”
[Trait, <Discernment>, has been activated.]
When Flügel raised his index finger, a small ‘bird’ appeared there.
It was very faint. If not for <Discernment> activating, even I might not have been able to see it clearly.
“A bird made of mana…?”
Of course, Meyer recognized it immediately.
“She certainly has talent. Agnès, that fool who wants to become a royal magician, can’t even recognize this.”
Flügel, continuing to speak, glanced at me.
I decided to deliver the final push.
“What do you think? Doesn’t this seem more useful to you than the research you’ve been doing in the slums?”
“Ahem.”
Having said this much, he should give in. Can’t expect a free ride.
Flügel cleared his throat and pointed to a room with his finger.
“Take any Resonance Stone from the shelf in that room.”
Despite the potential illegality, his desire to transcend his current rank overcame his moral qualms.
“What? What’s going on?”
“Meyer, how about you come here for a while and learn from Sir Flügel?”
“What!?”
“Despite appearances, he is a remarkable magician.”
“But still…”
Meyer, trailing off, looked at her hand with a conflicted expression.
‘Why do I feel guilty?’
In the canonical history of the game, Meyer is Flügel’s top disciple, known as the ‘Pure White.’
Though my actions weren’t entirely altruistic, motivated by the benefits of the Resonance Stone, I felt a twinge of guilt toward her.
“If you really don’t want to, you don’t have to.”
“No, I have thought about wanting to learn magic. It’s the magicians themselves I can’t stand.”
I’m relieved to hear that.
“Then, what’s causing your hesitation?”
Any typical magician would salivate at the title of ‘Flügel’s disciple.’
He is one of the most talented magicians in the Empire.
Despite his focus on nurturing disciples for his magical progress, Flügel did care quite a lot for his disciples, contrary to his nickname.
“Well…”
Hence, I was curious about Meyer’s true reason for hesitating.
“Looking at it, even if I receive teachings, I’ll probably have to help out with various tasks, right?”
That’s true.
In a way, it’s like being a graduate student.
“Then, shouldn’t I get paid daily for it…?”
Wait, what?
Ah, that’s what she was worried about?
But saying that as a learner…
Oh, right, she’s from the slums.
Hmm, that’s true too.
Money… is important.
***
I distributed the Resonance Stones received from Flügel to the ‘Blood Ghost Clan’ and the ‘Nameless Clan,’ with strict instructions.
“If the Resonance Stone reacts at any location, please inform me. There’s no need to investigate further.”
After that, I wrapped up my tasks quickly and listened to Razlot’s report.
“Sir Julian, there’s a message that Bishop Pintel would like to have a word with you.”
Pintel?
What’s this about all of a sudden?
With that thought, I headed to the meeting place mentioned by Pintel.
To the outskirts of the capital.
The rendezvous location turned out to be a desolate hut.
Why did Pintel want to meet me in such a place? Sometimes, I’m curious about what goes on in his head.
“Here we are, Sir Julian.”
As we approached the dim hut, Pintel stepped out and greeted me politely.
At the same time, I sensed several presences behind him.
They seemed to be his private soldiers, but there was no hostility from them.
‘It doesn’t seem like he’s planning anything.’
Considering my history with Pintel, I couldn’t help but be suspicious.
Although he seemed more docile now compared to the past, human nature is fickle, after all.
People can easily switch sides for their benefit.
“I heard you wanted to discuss something with me?”
“Yes, Sir Julian, I have something urgent to discuss with you. Please, come inside.”
Pintel bowed courteously once more.
‘If things go south, I can test out my new technique here.’
The thought of possibly using the ‘one-stroke mastery’ I learned from the ‘Blind Warrior’ here made a mix of tension and excitement churn within me.
Entering the hut, I saw a staircase leading downwards.
As Pintel descended first, I followed him.
Contrary to the dilapidated exterior, the underground was surprisingly well-maintained, with metal bars lining the area.
“Ugh… Ugh…”
Inside was a man in a pitiful state.
He looked familiar…
…Huh?
Bishop Korund? Why is he locked up here?
“Well, well, Sir Korund is in quite a state.”
Unable to believe my eyes, I let out a small laugh and muttered in disbelief.
Pintel, hearing this beside me, nodded as if he had expected this reaction.
“It seems Sir Julian knew about this.”
What? Knew what?
“After his negotiations with Aiden failed, he tried to ally with other bishops using that as leverage.”
“His goal was to overthrow you, Sir Julian. You anticipated his moves, so you let him be.”
No way.
As Pintel revealed this elaborate scheme, I couldn’t help but be impressed.
“You did this to test me.”
So, I’m the mastermind behind this scheme, without even realizing it.
“If I had sided with Korund, Sir Julian would have eliminated us all. Isn’t that why you visited the Magic Tower today?”
Actually, no, that wasn’t the reason.
“You’re truly remarkable, Sir Pintel.”
Sure, I’ll accept this misunderstanding since it’s in my favor.
“Oh… as expected!”
Any guilt I felt about lying quickly disappeared when I saw Pintel’s admiration.
The problem now was Korund.
What should I do with him?
Killing him would be an issue.
Leaving him here was also problematic.
The disappearance of a bishop would surely provoke a sensitive reaction from the Archbishop Tenellon.
‘Ah, there’s that method.’
A good solution came to mind.
“Sir Pintel.”
“Yes!”
“Would you release Sir Korund?”
A moment of silence followed.
The underground air grew colder than the iron bars.
It seemed he couldn’t understand.
“This man conspired to kill you, Sir Julian. Why would you…”
“Do you not understand?”
“Yes… I thought Sir Julian would never tolerate someone who showed such hostility towards him… Ah.”
Pintel’s expression was thoughtful for a moment.
He soon let out a sigh, his lips trembling as if he had just come to a realization.
“I see. Understood! If that’s what Sir Julian wants, I will comply!”
Having gone through similar processes a few times, I could now tell.
This guy was thinking something else.
“Hey, what are you doing? Release Bishop Korund as Sir Julian ordered!”
But this time, even if I knew, I decided to let it go. The misunderstandings caused by Pintel often created awkward situations, but they were never troublesome for me.
“Cough, cough!”
As the ropes binding his hands and the gag were removed, Korund coughed and looked up at me with eyes full of fear.
Since Korund was a magician, there was a risk he could cast spells if the gag was removed.
‘Judging by the color of negativity, that doesn’t seem necessary.’
The color of perfect fear was vividly visible above Korund’s head.
“Sir Korund, well, well. I never thought we would meet again under such circumstances.”
“Eek…!”
Ignoring Korund’s terror, I continued speaking to him.
“You said there would be no noble who would show their teeth at me, yet here you are.”
Cliche Novel 