Chapter 78: Cohabitation (2)

In the far east of the continent lies a secret society known as the Altar. Their aim is to resurrect an ancient, deceased God, and they have established their base in a sanctuary within the desolate wasteland called the Land of Destruction.

Entirely devoted to God's return, they dedicate their lives to this singular purpose, never doubting their beliefs or hesitating to sacrifice themselves. Bound by a dream as a medium—a vision that came to them like a revelation—each follower received the same blessing, pursued the same goal, and built a proud religion in anticipation of God's return.

"It is truly astonishing."

That was the reason why the Altar coveted Deculein's knowledge of the runic language. God himself had conveyed this desire through the dreams of his followers.

“Is that professor diverging from his father’s path?”

However, Deculein had rejected the Altar's proposal, a stance markedly different from the previous head of the family. For the Yukline family, achievement and honor were supposedly the highest priorities.

“We are not certain. Perhaps he wishes to monopolize the runic language for himself...”

“Whatever the reason, it is irrelevant. We need the runic language. Mastering it will enable us to communicate with God.”

Mastering the language would have facilitated communication with God, allowing for more devoted service and potentially hastening his return.

"Keep a close watch on the professor. We need his knowledge. He cannot refuse negotiations indefinitely. Mention the Scarletborn."

The Altar found Deculein’s actions baffling. They couldn’t comprehend why he supported the Scarletborn. While their own motives were clear, his remained elusive. Nonetheless, they planned to fully exploit this situation.

“Understood.”

The Empire was already aware of the Altar's existence. Though they were currently preoccupied with accepting bribes, they secretly viewed the Altar as a group of lunatics. The Altar knew exactly how to manipulate them—claiming to support the Scarletborn. That single statement would be enough. The rest would be driven by the rage of the humans.

***

The Yukline mansion stood grandly. In the garden of the front yard, a guest awaited Yulie and me as we arrived. It was Zeit, dressed sharply in a suit.

“

Oh

, you've arrived,” Zeit said, approaching with a broad smile. “Professor Deculein, you two make a fine pair. And you as well, Yulie.”

“I’m on duty right now. Please refrain from personal remarks,” Yulie said sharply, her expression stern.

Zeit shrugged and circled the car, inspecting it and said, “

Oh

, a new car, I presume? It looks spacious enough even for myself. But honestly, I preferred the one you used to drive.”

“Is that so?” Deculein responded

“Indeed. It’s strange. This one’s design seems more luxurious and modern...”

It must have been because I didn't imbue it with the

Midas Touch

. Zeit’s senses were sharp enough to detect even the subtlest attributes.

“Anyway, I heard you had a run-in with the Altar,” Zeit remarked abruptly, his tone taking on a sharper edge. His gaze was direct and predatory.

“Yes, they sought my knowledge of the runic language.”

The Altar’s identity became clearer as the game progressed, but most named characters already knew about them. Some cooperated and took bribes from the Altar, while others, like Zeit, held them in contempt.

“I figured as much. I’d tear out their guts with my bare hands if I could—”

"Watch the car!" Yeriel scolded, tapping Zeit’s hand away as he absentmindedly kneaded the window frame.

Zeit laughed as he stepped back and said, “

Ah

, I sometimes forget my own strength. This is why cars can’t be used in battle—they just bounce off if you push them hard enough.”

“That’s not the car’s fault, Count. It’s your body’s fault.”

"Is that so? Tell me, Yeriel, sister-in-law, is this a new car?”

“Though not quite a sister-in-law yet, but yes, it’s new.”

“

Oh

, how much?”

"It costs 300,000 elne. Do you intend to purchase it? As Count Freyden, you likely wouldn’t need to draw a number."

“...

Haha

! Far too expensive! No, thank you,” Zeit said with a hearty laugh.

Yeriel smirked and asked, "So, will you be staying with us today, Count Zeit?"

“No. Confirming it was the Altar is enough,” Zeit said, wiggling his eyebrows. “Besides, I wouldn’t want to interfere with any romance.”

His playful gesture caused Yulie to growl with the ferocity of an angry tiger.

“By the way, I heard you’ve started a business yourself, Yeriel, sister-in-law?”

“What? Why did you mention that?!” Yeriel exclaimed, her voice rising as she glanced at me for my reaction.

Of course, she believed I was unaware. However, I had received reports from Ren and Enen since the moment she began.

“Yeriel.”

Yeriel flinched as I called her name, sweat forming on her temple.

Zeit scratched his head awkwardly and said, “

Ah

, it seems you acted on your own, sister-in-law. Well, I’ll be going now~”

Yeriel glared at the retreating bear-like figure of Zeit, gritting her teeth.

I called her again, “Yeriel.”

"... The weather is nice, isn't it...?" Yeriel said, trying to change the subject.

“Answer.”

“... Well, you see... Automobiles have more business potential than carriages,” Yeriel stammered, then abruptly changed her tone to speak bluntly.

“It looks cool, so what! We should have a factory under our family’s name. And those assholes from the Brunhilde family act so superior just because they make cars. ‘We can provide a car for Head Deculein, but Lady Yeriel’s car is backordered—’... and that fucking bullshit!"

Yeriel puffed out her cheeks and pounded her chest, then cautiously glanced at my face.

“So... I want to manufacture cars. We have plenty of mines on our territory.”

“Then manufacture them. Why haven’t you done so already?” I said.

Yeriel’s mouth fell open. Her reaction was telling. It was obviously because of Deculein. He likely thought that manufacturing was beneath them—handling metal was unworthy of their status.

“There’s a talented craftsman at the hardware store I invested in. I’ll send him to Hadecaine, and I’ll provide you with the design today. Use it as your foundation.”

"A hardware store?! Someone like you invested in that?!" Yeriel exclaimed.

"... Someone like me?" I said, narrowing my eyes.

Yeriel tapped her mouth nervously and replied, “I’ll be heading to my room now. I have things to do...”

With that, she hurried off, moving swiftly like a rabbit.

***

At Yulie’s request for the smallest room, I assigned her the mansion’s smallest guest room. Despite its size, it was well-equipped with a bathroom, shower, and even a dressing room.

"Use this room," I said.

"It's too—"

"This is the smallest guest room in the mansion," I interrupted. "Don't underestimate Yukline hospitality. There’s nothing smaller."

"... Okay," Yulie replied, placing her bundle on the bed without further protest.

"... That appears to be from a bygone era," I observed, chuckling as I noted her bundle wrapped in cloth.

In an age of handbags, backpacks, and suitcases, she still carried her belongings in a cloth-wrapped bundle.

"

Oh

, it may look old-fashioned, but it's a magical item. It can hold as much as two or three regular bags. I acquired it at an excellent price four years ago," Yulie said, pride evident in her voice. She even smiled, likely reminiscing about the moment she purchased it. “I successfully negotiated the price down from five thousand elne—”

"Spare me the stories," I interrupted sternly. "Is your duty around the clock?"

"Yes. Nighttime is likely the most dangerous. Their attacks won't end with just one attempt."

“Indeed. But the second attack could be a year away. Rather than living together for a year, we might as well get married.”

"... The duty lasts only three months," Yulie replied, avoiding my gaze as she unpacked her bundle, which was packed with many items.

“Take this,” I said, handing her a small crystal orb, the size of a coin.

Yulie examined it curiously and asked, “What is this?”

"It’s a crystal orb linked to the mansion’s barrier," I explained. "It will alert you first if there’s an intrusion. It also functions as a communication device, allowing constant contact with the security team in the basement."

“

Oh

, it’s essential for my current duty.”

Yulie nodded, reaching for the orb, but I pulled it back.

“However, you're too clumsy to keep it as an orb,” I said.

“Excuse me? How am I clumsy?” Yulie protested, frowning.

I alloyed my solid gold tie pin into a necklace using

Ductility

, threaded the crystal orb onto it, and placed it around her neck. She started to resist but stopped when she heard my next words.

“I heard you lost the ring I gave you last time.”

Yulie had lost the ring I had given her—or more likely, she had simply discarded it.

“It’s fine. I understand—”

As I spoke, I suddenly froze.

... Why do I have this memory?

Yulie, misunderstanding my expression, lowered her head in silence. Feeling flustered, I patted her shoulder before leaving the room.

In the dimly lit hallway, I leaned against the wall and ran a hand through my hair. Images flashed through my mind of Deculein forcing a ring onto Yulie’s unwilling finger, bending it roughly, and tears welling in her eyes. Those memories, though not mine, felt vividly real.

I knocked and opened the door once more. Yulie, in the midst of unpacking, turned to me with a startled expression.

“W-what is it?”

Among the half-unpacked items on her bed, I noticed a stuffed animal.

“

Hmm

...”

As my gaze landed on it, Yulie let out a small yelp. She quickly snatched up the panda and hid it behind her back and said, "It’s... i-it’s a lucky charm. E-every knight has one—"

“Here’s the room key. Keep it locked at all times. I might drop by unexpectedly,” I said, handing her the key.

Yulie’s face turned beet red. She accepted the key with a solemn demeanor, maintaining the poise of a knight.

“Thank you.”

“Or should I hang this key around your neck as well?”

“N-no! That’s not necessary! Please leave now; it’s my personal maintenance time!” Yulie stammered, pushing me out.

I found myself chuckling in the hallway. Just then...

“

Hmph

!”

I heard a disgruntled noise. When I turned around, I saw Yeriel.

"You look ecstatic," Yeriel said, sarcastically.

"Yeriel. I thought you had left," I said

“... What? You promised to give me the design.”

“The design?”

“For the car!”

"

Ah

, right. Follow me," I said, nodding. I walked with Yeriel down the corridor.

Yeriel kept grumbling, "That smile was so creepy, like a grinning centipede. You never smiled like that in front of us. You should do it more often."

"Be quiet," I commanded as we reached the study.

I took out paper and a fountain pen and began sketching, relying on my modern knowledge and

Aesthetic Sense

. It wasn't a blueprint, just a design. The detailed plans would be handled by the engineers.

“Take this,” I said.

“Two designs?” Yeriel replied.

"One for the car, and one for the watch."

"A watch? Why a watch?" Yeriel said, glancing at my waistcoat. "You already have a nice pocket watch. If you’re not using it, give it to me."

"Leave it to my hardware store employee. He is more than capable of managing it."

Yeriel began to leave but paused, asking hesitantly, "Fine, whatever... But can I really start this business? You won't back out or say something strange later, right...?"

“If you fail, you’ll face the consequences.”

“... Who’d take that?” Yeriel asked, glaring at me before storming out of the study, her eyes blazing.

***

I submitted the final exam proposals to the Chairwoman at the Mage Tower the next day.

“... This seems quite ordinary?!” the Chairwoman exclaimed, her eyes widening as she reviewed the documents. “It’s so different from the last exam!”

“How is it?” I asked.

“It is quite good, but... it won’t have the same impact as the last one.”

“It won’t be as ordinary as you anticipate,” I replied.

The Chairwoman, still appearing slightly dissatisfied, placed the proposal in her drawer. She then retrieved another document.

“By the way, as the Director of the Planning and Financial Coordination Office, you approved the first project for Professor Louina!” the Chairwoman exclaimed.

“Yes, I have.”

“That project is extraordinarily expensive! The initial funding alone is ten million elne! Has she gone mad?!”

“It will yield significant returns,” I assured her.

The Chairwoman squinted at me, muttered something about it being my responsibility, and then stood up.

"Alright! Let's head out together. I want to see the renowned escort knight, Yulie!" the Chairwoman said.

“Of course, you’re already aware.”

"Aware?! The rumors have spread far and wide, even reaching the archipelago!"

I entered the elevator with the Chairwoman. When we reached the first floor, Yulie was there, waiting. Several knights from Freyhem were likely positioned strategically nearby.

“

Oh

! Knight Yulie! You look beautiful today!” the Chairwoman said.

Yulie did not respond.

Seeing the Chairwoman’s puzzled expression, I explained, “She remains silent while on duty.”

For some reason, the Chairwoman smiled ominously and said, “Is that so...?”

Standing beside Yulie, she cleared her throat and launched into a nonstop stream of chatter.

"Knight Yulie, it’s been a while, hasn’t it? About two weeks, right?"

She kept up her relentless prattle, ignoring Yulie's stoic silence.

"In the past, you would have refused this mission! No matter the former Emperor's orders, you wouldn’t have taken it personally! But you accepted it this time! Amazing! Before, you would have delegated it to a subordinate! People find that incredibly fascinating! The rumors spread so fast!

“So, can we say that you two have completely reconciled? Or perhaps you already have? In that case, will the wedding proceed without any issues?!

“It’s truly remarkable! Silence means agreement, after all! The professor must have been very concerned! That’s why he personally came to protect—”

“

Oh

, really! My ears are ringing!” Yulie exclaimed.

Yulie’s outburst brought a silent smile to my face.

***

The upcoming final exams had put the entire university under immense pressure. Students from undergraduates to those in the knight department and Mage Towers were all feeling the strain.

The library was constantly crowded, and the cafeteria, which used to close at 9 p.m., now stayed open twenty-four hours a day. Mages in the Mage Tower were not only studying for their exams and refining their skills but also continually seeking ways to surpass each other.

Today was the day of the final exam announcement for Deculein's class, Understanding Pure Elements. With the exam being worth a substantial five credits, Epherene had arrived in the lecture hall a full half hour early.

"Just as I expected, it's crowded."

As expected, 140 out of 150 students had already arrived. Epherene took a seat and began studying while she waited. At precisely three in the afternoon, Allen, the assistant professor, walked in, looking exactly like someone who would be a typical assistant professor under Deculein.

"Hello, everyone! This paper contains the final exam materials. Please take one," Allen said, handing out the papers with a broad smile. Suddenly, his expression turned serious. "However, do not lose this paper under any circumstances! If you do, you may be unable to take the final exam!"

Epherene considered the difficulty of the upcoming exam. The midterm had been challenging, and she wondered if this one would be the same. Taking a deep breath, she looked at the paper. Blinking in confusion, she flipped it over and then checked other students' papers. This reaction was natural, as every student in the lecture hall did the same.

"Alright, you can all go now. The final exam will start three weeks from Monday!" Allen announced before departing, but Epherene's confusion persisted.

With the assistant professor gone, Epherene's bewilderment only deepened.

"... What is this?" Epherene muttered to herself, glaring at the paper in disbelief.

The paper was completely blank. Despite the assistant professor's stern warning not to lose it, it remained an empty sheet.

***

Sylvia walked out of the Mage Tower, staring at the blank sheet of paper in her hand. It seemed like an ordinary piece of paper. Despite the assistant professor's emphasis on its importance and the warning not to lose it, its significance remained unclear. Wondering if the paper itself was part of the exam.

As Sylvia walked across the courtyard, she noticed another mage. It was that arrogant nepotism fool, Epherene, lounging on the grass and examining her own sheet. She held it up to the sunlight, rotated it vertically, then horizontally, and even spun it around. Frustrated, she clenched the paper and trembled with irritation.

"... Idiot," Sylvia muttered with a sneer. She intended to walk past but then entertained a sinister thought. "Should I just tear Epherene’s paper in her hands? That might cause her to fail..."

“Whatever,” Sylvia shook her head.

Tearing Epherene’s paper wouldn’t necessarily benefit Sylvia, and she no longer wished to engage in actions unworthy of her noble status.

At that moment...

Riiiip—!

A loud ripping sound echoed through the courtyard. Sylvia flinched as someone ambushed Epherene, tearing her paper in half.

“Whaaaaat—?!” Epherene screamed, her eyes bulged as she stared at the torn sheet, shock written all over her face.

“

Heh

.”

Sylvia couldn't help but laugh. Clearly, another mage had the same thought—that tearing the paper might lead to failure.

“Who... who... who...”

Epherene, the victim, gaped in disbelief, struggling to accept what had just happened.

"Which bastard—?!" Epherene shouted, now enraged like a wild boar. "Who did this—?!"

Sylvia found Epherene's shouts both amusing and pitiful.

“Come out—! You little—!”

Sitting near the Mage Tower was foolish. Mages were known for their ruthlessness in exploiting weaknesses.

“Come out! Show yourself!”

“

Sigh...

”

Sylvia then approached the foolish girl. Since it would repay the information she had received earlier, she thought it wouldn’t hurt to help her out a bit.