The Problematic Child of the Magic Tower
[Translator - Night]
[Proofreader - Gun]
Chapter 155: Back to Everyday Life (1)
For a moment, Oscar's breath caught in his throat.
He struggled to interpret the words spoken by the presence beyond the crystal orb.
‘Is your new life an enjoyable one?’
What did that mean?
Could it be that this person knew he was Oscar Sage?
Or perhaps... was the one who had placed his soul into this body the Emperor himself?
It was entirely possible.
As the ruler of this continent, he could ignore any taboos and accomplish anything he desired.
However, in the next moment, Oscar’s gaze abruptly settled.
He exhaled.
He had to admit it—he was a bit too excited by this unexpected encounter.
At this rate, it wouldn’t be surprising if he made a mistake.
‘That won’t do. Especially considering who I’m speaking to.’
The opponent was the Emperor.
The ruler of this continent, the sun of the Empire, the sky itself.
More than anything, he was a monster who had not only survived but also devoured the treacherous world of imperial politics.
Quickly calming himself, Oscar took a step back from the situation and reconsidered.
‘New life... I can’t be certain that those words were aimed at my past self.’
After all, they could also apply to the young Oscar.
To the outside world, he was someone who had illegally taken elixirs, teetered on the brink of death, and lost his memories.
After a brief moment of contemplation, Oscar knelt on one knee and spoke.
"I greet the sky of the Empire. I am striving to ensure that this second life, granted like a miracle, leaves no room for regret."
The emperor, who had been silent for a long time, muttered in a subtle voice.
—A life without regrets... That is a difficult path. However, it is one worth walking at least once.
The Emperor’s command fell upon him.
—I sincerely hope that you will not have any regrets in your life. You may rise and take a seat.
"Thank you."
As he straightened his knees and cautiously sat on the sofa, the Emperor continued speaking.
—I have heard of your remarkable achievements during the Night of Mages. I regret that I could not witness them with my own eyes.
"You flatter me. It was nothing extraordinary."
—Then, according to the ninth prince’s report, it seems the document is filled with falsehoods.
The Emperor began reading a passage from the report aloud.
—With a level of magical control so flawless that even my own discerning eyes could find no faults, and with an overwhelming magical presence that covered the entire space, his every action—from selecting strategic positions to producing potions—was guided by clear rationale and logic, instilling absolute trust in his subordinates. Furthermore, with masterful social finesse, he united the magic towers into one force, and his cold yet impeccable command rendered his enemies powerless. This was undoubtedly the very image of a ruler.
"This is... an overstatement."
Oscar’s face grew hot at what was practically a confession from the ninth prince.
Seeing his reaction, the Emperor chuckled softly and continued.
—The reason I have summoned you here is to grant you a reward befitting your achievements. Do you have any particular requests? Wealth, honor, elixirs, or artifacts, perhaps?
The mere mention of a reward made Oscar's eyes sparkle.
Especially since he knew that the Emperor was never one to be stingy.
On the contrary, when it came to those he favored, he was known to be overwhelmingly generous—to the point where receiving his gifts could feel burdensome.
‘What should I ask for first?’
A flurry of thoughts rushed through his mind, but in the end, the answer was clear.
"There is one request I would like to make."
—A request, you say...
The Emperor’s voice trailed off.
He wasn’t foolish—he must have already realized that this "request" would likely be more troublesome than the rewards he had listed earlier.
—Speak.
"...I ask that what I am about to say remains strictly confidential."
—I give you my word.
With the Emperor’s assurance, Oscar slowly began his story.
"A few months ago, a legacy of the former Tower Master was discovered on the grounds of the White Tower."
The crystal orb flickered brightly for a moment.
The former Tower Master referred to none other than Oscar Sage, a legendary grand mage with deep ties to the Emperor himself.
From the silence beyond the crystal orb, Oscar could sense the Emperor weighing the truth of his words.
—...I had only intended to bestow a gift, but it seems this conversation will be longer than expected.
It was clear that he was preparing to probe further.
As Oscar braced himself, the crystal orb glowed.
—Repeat what you just said.
There was no trace of magical force in the Emperor’s voice.
Yet, upon hearing it, Oscar instinctively swallowed hard.
‘...The Calderan Royal Family’s unique ability.’
A gift passed down to only one person per generation.
A power granted solely to the Emperor of the Empire:『The Ears That Discern Lies』.
A terrifying ability that allowed him to distinguish truth from falsehood in any statement.
‘It’s been a while since I’ve encountered this.’
Feeling his heart tremble slightly, Oscar nodded.
"Understood. A few months ago, a legacy of the former Tower Master was discovered on the grounds of the White Tower."
Of course, this was the absolute truth.
In his personal hideout, he had found books filled with his own knowledge.
—...Continue.
"We discovered Oscar Sage’s breathing technique, along with several other magical techniques."
—The breathing technique... Could it be the Oscar-style breathing technique?
Ugh, that name again.
Oscar replied with a slightly exasperated expression.
"Yes, that is correct."
—That is something worth celebrating. Among the techniques left behind by Oscar Sage, it is one of the top three.
"Yes, thanks to it, we have been able to significantly improve the overall skill level of the White Tower’s mages."
Pausing for a moment, Oscar asked a somewhat ambiguous question.
"Did you know? The former Tower Master never abandoned the White Tower. He had made thorough preparations."
—Preparations? What do you mean?
"Before he left for the Great War, he entrusted all of the White Tower’s magic and records to someone."
The Emperor remained silent for a long moment, likely absorbing the shock of the revelation.
His ability must have confirmed that Oscar was speaking the truth.
Though, of course, this "truth" was not something he had discovered from the legacy.
It was simply something he had always known.
‘If the Emperor were his usual self, he would have asked whether I had learned this from the legacy as well...’
But he seemed too preoccupied with the shocking news to think that far.
—Who is this person?
There was a trace of disappointment in his voice, as if he had expected it to be him.
Oscar immediately answered, ensuring there was no room for doubt.
"Edna Sol Laplace, known as the Mediator of Balance."
—...Did you just say Edna Sol Laplace?
[Translator - Night]
[Proofreader - Gun]
A sharp question shot out from beyond the crystal orb.
Oscar, knowing exactly why, nodded without hesitation.
"Yes, that’s correct."
—Hmm...
There was no way the Imperial Family had failed to track her for twenty years.
Even if she had crossed the Red Mountains, they must have at least known her general whereabouts.
—I see. That explains why the records were never passed down...
"Do you happen to know where she is now?"
—Edna Sol Laplace. She is currently in the Gray Zone beyond the Red Mountains.
Just as expected.
Having acquired the information he sought, Oscar bowed deeply.
"My only request is this—please allow me to meet her. If I can, then restoring everything the White Tower lost will no longer be a dream."
There was a moment of consideration beyond the crystal orb.
Then, after a long silence, the Emperor finally spoke.
—I, too, wish for that. But it is not as simple as you think.
"Why not?"
Oscar blinked in surprise.
The Emperor was a man who could bend mountains and command the heavens.
For him to say something was difficult... seemed almost impossible.
—Because she is beyond the Red Mountains. As the leader of the Special Task Force, you should understand why.
Right.
It had been the Imperial Family’s will to place him in the Special Task Force.
Oscar stared at the crystal orb and asked,
"Is it because of the demons?"
—Precisely. You are aware, aren’t you? The demons have begun to stir once more.
Oscar, who had already had several encounters with demons, nodded as he recalled his memories.
"Yes, I am aware."
—Then you must understand why the Imperial Family is extremely cautious about matters involving demons.
"...You're saying that sending the military into the Gray Zone is impossible."
—Exactly. If such an action were to spark a second Demon-Human War, it would be disastrous.
In other words, from the Imperial Family's perspective, they wanted to minimize any trouble with the demons as much as possible.
It had been twenty years since the war ended.
That wasn’t nearly enough time for people to forget its lasting impact.
"...Then is it truly impossible for me to meet her?"
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The Emperor, who had been pondering for a moment, slowly spoke.
—It’s not entirely impossible. If the Imperial Family cannot openly send people, they simply have to send those who aren’t part of the Imperial Family.
People who aren’t part of the Imperial Family?
Did he mean mercenaries or adventurers?
Oscar voiced a small concern.
"The Gray Zone beyond the Red Mountain Range is an extremely dangerous place. Only those with exceptional skills could hope to survive."
—That's correct. Which is why the ones crossing the mountains must be the very best.
The Emperor, who had been calculating something in his head, suddenly seemed much more at ease.
—Yes, this should be feasible.
"Really?"
—I do not indulge in the distasteful habit of speaking falsehoods or contradicting myself.
"If that's the case..."
—I promise. When all of this is over, the materials that Oscar Sage entrusted will ultimately return to the hands of the White Tower.
Clench!
Oscar tightly clenched both fists.
‘It’s done.’
If the Emperor had spoken of a promise, then it was as good as a guaranteed future.
He was someone with both the power and credibility to make it happen.
"Thank you very much."
—It’s still too early for gratitude. But... are you truly satisfied with just that as your reward?
"Yes, of course."
—...Hmm. No, this does not sit well with me. I shall prepare a personal reward for you, if you don’t mind.
"If Your Majesty is willing, I would be most grateful."
If it was from the Emperor, even a modest sum of money would likely be of a staggering scale.
Oscar noticed the light of the crystal orb dimming and spoke up.
"It has been an honor to converse with Your Majesty."
—Somehow, I feel we will meet again.
—Your Majesty, the meeting is about to begin...
A small conversation could be heard from the other side of the crystal orb.
Then, the Emperor gave a parting remark.
—I shall be watching, Oscar Crucian.
—Little King.
The light of the crystal orb flickered out completely.
On the way back to his room after his private audience with the Emperor—
"......."
Sensing an unusual magical presence, Oscar narrowed his eyes and stopped walking.
Then, gazing into the shadowed corridor ahead, he spoke.
"Do you have business with me?"
"Hah, you are certainly no ordinary one."
A light chuckle echoed as an old man emerged from the opposite side.
The moment Oscar recognized his face, his eyebrow twitched slightly.
‘...Kudel Redmane.’
A man who had been the master of the Red Tower long before Oscar became the master of the White Tower in his past life.
The old man who took Lloyd away.
And the eccentric who arbitrarily considered Oscar his rival.
Blocking his path, Kudel glanced over Oscar’s shoulder.
"Hmm. It seems I’m not the only one with business with you."
"?"
Following his gaze, Oscar turned around slightly—
A man in a yellow robe was emerging from the opposite corridor.
‘Tony Havertz.’
First the Red Tower, and now the Yellow Tower?
Could it be that they held a grudge over the King’s Game and were planning to cause trouble?
As Oscar swallowed dryly and readied himself to channel his magic at a moment’s notice—
"Oh-ho, this one’s got quite the temper. I like it. But don’t bother. I didn't come for something so trivial,"
"......."
Even with those words, Oscar remained tense.
Seeing that, Kudel Redmane's gaze momentarily turned sharp.
"Heh, I know a thing or two about people like you. Hot-blooded ones only learn when they’ve been hit firsthand."
"......!"
A forceful and oppressive magic weighed down on Oscar’s shoulders.
He tried to redirect it as much as possible, but the overwhelming difference in sheer force disregarded both skill and experience.
"Ugh...!"
As Oscar grimaced in pain, another wave of magic intervened, shielding him.
"That should be enough. He’s still just a child."
"Hmph, insolent brat. Do you realize? To me, you’re just a child as well."
"I am well aware."
Tony was the first to withdraw his magic, signaling that he had no intention of hostility.
With his amusement spoiled, Kudel snorted and withdrew his magic as well.
"......."
So why had these men sought him out?
Feeling irritated at being dragged into yet another mess, Oscar frowned—
"Hey, brat from the White Tower."
Kudel Redmane spoke first.
"Have you ever considered becoming my disciple?"
[Translator - Night]
[Proofreader - Gun]

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