“Y-You’re out of your mind!? To demand the whereabouts of Neomium from Her Majesty! Isn’t it the same as openly declaring you’ll research black magic!”
“Yes, that’s right. It’s for academic purposes. So, isn’t Her Majesty supposed to willingly provide the information?”
“Is that really willingly? It looked to me like she was eyeing Master with suspicion. If you fall out of Her Majesty’s favor, it will be the end…!”
As soon as they left the palace, Sylvia was fidgeting anxiously and chattering non-stop.
Perhaps it was because Aslan had shared the aura of the powerful ones from the Empress’s office.
Sylvia was in a state close to panic.
“Do you think I’m just putting on a show?”
“Yes, Master.”
“Don’t worry. I’m more frightened than you think, and I’m too scared to even dream of taking risks. Vermon will never fall out of favor with Her Majesty.”
“…”
Aslan gave Sylvia’s shoulder a reassuring pat with a smirk.
Is the one who claims not to be taking risks really going to jump into a monster horde without any assurance of safety?
…Sylvia wanted to retort but bit her lip and remained silent.
Liar.
Do you think I’m an idiot? You’re lying.
‘Am I in a position to criticize others?’
Sylvia shuddered.
She remembered when they were buried in the collapsing ant nest.
They had to maintain close contact because the barrier she could deploy was so small.
Well, it’s not entirely a lie that a smaller barrier is more solid…
Should it be called a white lie…
Anyway, there were no regrets.
“The academic presentation at the Imperial Magic Academy is coming soon. If we want to present our achievements there, we must try everything.”
“Ah…”
Time was running short.
Typically, it would take months to organize and prepare for a presentation based on years of research.
Currently, Vermon didn’t even have the material to present.
Back when Vermon was still considered a neglected rural city, it wouldn’t have mattered if they made a poor presentation and were humiliated.
But the situation was different now.
A significant blow to Vermon’s image would inevitably affect tourism revenue and the promotion of Vermon Security.
Moreover, Jacob’s business would also suffer.
It might even become an obstacle for Julia and Charlotte, who were just stepping into their roles as a necromancer and a dark knight.
Vermon was no longer just Aslan’s personal affair.
This academic presentation must succeed.
Sylvia was speechless in the face of Aslan’s resolute gaze.
“Presenting research on black magic will only lead to being beaten down…”
“That’s a dangerous mindset. Just because it’s frightening and dangerous doesn’t mean we should ignore it. To confront an enemy, we need to understand it well. If black magic is truly dangerous, then it’s even more reason to research it thoroughly.”
“Aha…”
So Her Majesty was also tacitly endorsing the research with that meaning.
Sylvia understood and clapped her hands with a refreshing expression.
So Vermon was effectively selected as a research contractor for the imperial family, meaning that if something went wrong, it would be difficult to handle the aftermath.
The imperial family indirectly supported Vermon’s research by turning a blind eye, knowing that if things went awry, they could sever ties.
‘Oh? Then in the worst case, that means we could be cut off from the imperial family…!’
Chills ran down Sylvia’s spine.
Although the Emperor appeared to be indifferent and bothered by everything, he was quite calculating.
There was something unsettling about it.
“The mission is to escort the youngest daughter of the Northern Archduke to the capital. We don’t know what dangers might arise, but since it’s an escort mission, it would be better to go with a small, elite group.”
“I agree. In a mission where protecting the escort is a priority, it’s not easy to move while worrying about every minor detail.”
“That’s why I’m planning to include Charlotte and Julia, whom Her Majesty specifically requested, and you, Sylvia. Also, one of the top performers. So, five people in total.”
“Why five? Charlotte, Julia, me, and one more would make four.”
“Shouldn’t I go too?”
“Yes? There’s no need for you to set an example in such a place. You don’t need to risk your life to accompany us…”
“Am I crazy? Charlotte and Julia are going, so I’ll follow them. If it were just you and the staff going, I’d stay comfortably at the mansion.”
“Oh. Yes.”
Sylvia was about to be slightly touched but quickly cooled down.
Of course.
Aslan, who cared so deeply for the children, would never rest comfortably at the mansion while sending them on an escort mission.
He would be worried about them, unable to concentrate on his work, and would become exhausted from the stress, eventually falling ill and dying.
It was predictable.
“And it’s a rare chance to make an acquaintance with the Northern Archduke. It would be a shame to miss it.”
“That’s definitely true.”
“So until now, you’ve been just talking nonsense?”
“…I didn’t say it like that.”
Ah, there was a proper reason after all.
Sylvia was inwardly relieved, feeling reassured that this person wasn’t entirely obsessed with the children.
“Let’s first meet the top performer. I’ll conduct a personal interview. Although it’s a short journey and both you and I will be accompanying, it’s still someone who will act with the children. I need to check their character in advance to ensure they won’t cause any mishaps.”
If someone were to cause trouble, it would probably be the Master.
Swallowing those words, Sylvia answered.
“It might not even be necessary to hold an interview.”
“What do you mean by that?”
“Because it’s someone you know well. It’s Yuri. Oh, I mean, Yuria in Vermon Security.”
“…”
Aslan’s expression hardened immediately.
Wait a minute. That guy?
Does that make sense?
“How is that possible? Yuri has been missing training all week because of exams.”
“Yuri participates in training only once every two weeks due to a busy academic schedule, but he consistently scores overwhelmingly high. His swordsmanship and martial arts are already close to the level of a Sword Expert, and he’s the only one who has mastered all the basic spell magic.”
“Are you saying he’s talented enough to adapt easily even if put into practical duties?”
“Yes, that’s right.”
Sylvia answered confidently, and Aslan tilted his head, overwhelmed by a sudden headache.
Oh, this is driving me crazy.
He had set conditions to make sure the trainee couldn’t fool around and focused on studying. But this crazy guy was excelling in both academics and fooling around. What kind of absurdly overpowered character is this? Aslan rubbed his temples and clicked his tongue.
“Ugh…”
“Should we exclude Yuri from the mission? Since the scores aren’t disclosed to the staff, it’s simple to manipulate them.”
“No. We’ll take him. Proceed as planned.”
“…?”
Sylvia’s eyes widened at the unexpected response, thinking Aslan would naturally exclude Yuri.
“Didn’t you want to keep Yuri away from the children?”
“That’s just a temporary measure. It can’t be avoided forever. Eventually, they will meet, and if it’s too late… they’ll all blame me greatly.”
“…”
“I was waiting for the right timing, but it seems now is the moment. Moreover, leaving Yuri here makes me uneasy. It wouldn’t be surprising to come back and find the mansion in ruins.”
“Ah.”
That’s certainly true.
Yuri seemed very emotionally unstable…
He was always muttering incomprehensible things and glaring with hatred. It was startling each time.
He seemed to exude an aura of menace, like someone whose family had been kidnapped by a villain and was training for revenge.
It seemed like he was emitting some kind of murderous intent. It was as if someone had their family kidnapped by an evil villain and was gathering strength for revenge.
Leaving such a dangerous person in Vermon’s territory was unthinkable.
If both Aslan and Sylvia were away, controlling Yuri if he went on a rampage would be nearly impossible.
It was indeed best to take him along and maintain control.
Sylvia nodded in agreement with Aslan’s decision.
‘He may seem frivolous and scheming, but he’s surprisingly deep.’
Yes. That’s the kind of person Aslan is.
Even if it looks like he makes ridiculous decisions, he’s actually someone who only makes rational choices.
Maybe I’ve been too suspicious.
Sylvia smiled to herself and followed Aslan.
Meanwhile, Aslan was thinking.
‘I wish I could get permission from Yuri to marry Charlotte and Julia this time. Is that too much? Acting hastily could ruin things. Stay calm. For now, start by leaving a good impression. Getting permission for the engagement can come later…’
His mind was filled with thoughts of clearing up misunderstandings with Yuri and improving their relationship.
