Chapter 120

Chapter 120 – Book Eating Magician (3)

Kurt III had taken the throne with the support of all the magic towers, led by the great magician Blundell . When Kurt III was crowned, he had been but a puppet king of the Magic Society in many ways . He had been merely 20 when he reached the throne of the magic kingdom and jumped directly onto the battlefield against the Andras Empire .

After decades of washing away blood, the boy king had grown into a king with sober eyes . He used strong soldiers and a system of reward and punishment . His rule absolutely adhered to these two principles, and the kingdom had now reached its greatest heyday since its founding .

He was a ruler who stuck to these principles but didn’t forget to understand the ecology of magicians and that he could be flexible . This was the ideal ruler for the current Meltor Kingdom, Kurt III .

Theodore had grown up knowing about Kurt III’s achievements .

‘If they persuade him with proper logic and rationales, he will listen to the words of a person below him . ‘

Then the problems which Theodore needed to solve was narrowed down to one . The question wasn’t how to persuade the king, but how to talk to the king alone .  Theodore had some accomplishments which raised his status, but it was still difficult to meet the king personally . It was only possible for the tower masters and the top nobles of the kingdom .

However, his worries were for nothing as shortly thereafter, Kurt III asked Theodore to join him for dinner .

“Theodore, it is time . ”

It was a place where other nobles or servants wouldn’t be present, so confidential matters could be discussed . Theodore, who wanted to avoid the attention of others as much as possible, accepted the invitation without hesitation . He had no idea that things would be resolved so easily .

Thanks to that, he opened the door with a much lighter heart .

“Yes, I’ll go straight away . ”

The middle-aged man waiting for Theo was the one who had delivered Kurt III’s invitation .  The royal chamberlain, Douglas, was a person who had risen from being a commoner to being the closest to the king . He was unusual as he gave off an impression that made people comfortable .

“I will guide you there . Ah, if your body feels uncomfortable…”

“It’s okay . ”

“Then we will proceed as scheduled . Follow me please . ”

Theo was a young man of a lower standing, but Douglas’ attitude didn’t shake at all . He didn’t care if Theo was a hero or young . Douglas just served with an attitude that didn’t mix in any personal feelings . This faithfulness to his duties was probably what had caught Kurt III’s eyes .

In any case, all the preparations were over .

“His Majesty is waiting inside . ”

Douglas stopped in front of a gorgeously lavish guarded door . The patterns symbolizing the magic towers were harmoniously intertwined with the patterns symbolizing the royal family .

It meant that neither side was above or below the other and that they were both the pillars of the Meltor Kingdom . These patterns might be sensitive to some authoritarian nobles, but it made independent magicians feel a strong sense of belonging .

Beyond this, the man standing at the top of the Meltor Kingdom was waiting .

‘…Let’s go . ‘ Theodore placed his hand on the lavish door without shrinking back from nerves .

Was there weight reduction magic on the door? Compared to the weight he’d expected, the door under his palm was much lighter . It was huge, but he had no problem pushing open the door .

The scene beyond the door unfolded silently .

“Eek . ”

Theodore forgot all the words he planned in advance .

*     *     *

Theodore had no idea how the situation had flowed into this direction .

It was good that he had achieved his purpose of meeting Kurt III in isolation . The meeting place was also quite good . It was a restaurant in the palace where no one could eavesdrop—the chamberlain’s restaurant .

However, he never thought there would be such a variable .

“Now, ahh—” Veronica placed a big chunk of meat on her fork and extended it to Theodore’s mouth .

It was a well-known action used by parents for their children… or between lovers . It wasn’t to be used at a royal restaurant, right in front of the king’s watchful eye .

“T-Tower Master . ”

“What, do you dislike me feeding you?”

“That isn’t…”

The dour expression placed a high pressure on him, making it hard to turn her down .  Theo eventually ate the meat that Veronica gave him while feeling like a child . A place for a serious conversation had turned into this .

Fortunately, Kurt III interrupted the interesting exchange between the two of them . “Haha, this is the first time I’ve seen this . Veronica doesn’t take care of anyone, so she must be quite taken with you Theodore . ”

“Y-Your Majesty!”

“Don’t be shy . I called this tomboy here for you to relax, so please do so . ”

So, the culprit was the king . This caused Theo to sneak glances at him . Even Veronica didn’t dare interrupt the king’s meal without permission . This meant that she had been given permission in advance or that she’d been invited .

Well, Kurt III seemed to have invited her because he thought Theo would be nervous if it were just him . In a sense, it was a small consideration, but it turned out this way .

Theo sighed deeply, looking like a person who didn’t get a good night’s sleep .

‘Well, it can’t be helped . ‘

Additionally, there was a chance that Veronica would side with him .

The situation was different from what he’d expected beforehand, but it didn’t change what he needed to do . He conversed with the two of them while waiting for the right time to bring out the topic .

‘I don’t know if it’ll be more appropriate to talk about it after a few dishes and drinks…’

They talked about what had happened in Elvenheim . Theo described the five, out of six, high elves he’d met . He also mentioned the power of a guardian’s arrow .

During the description of the close battle with Laevateinn, the thirsty Veronica and Kurt III often emptied and refilled their drinks . One person was a ruler of a country, while the other was too strong to go on adventures . Therefore, they felt satisfied hearing his stories .

By the time Theo’s eventful tale stopped, the desserts and tea were brought out .

Kurt III exhaled and muttered in a weak voice, “…How great . I also want to live like you . ”

“I am undeserving of those words . ”

“It is a good thing that I issued you the national treasure . Someone might say that I had a vision, but it was just luck . This is why the king shouldn’t be stingy . ” Kurt III took another gulp of alcohol and placed his empty glass on the table .

The king had already gone through a few bottles with Veronica, but his purple eyes weren’t shaken at all .  His expression was as attentive as always as he asked Theo, “So, what do you wish for now?”

“…!?”

“Don’t say there is nothing . At the very least, you must be thinking about something inwardly . I’ve listened to your story happily, but that isn’t the point of this dinner . ”

Theodore bowed his head as he struggled not to reveal the astonishment on his face . He was worried about showing a disgraceful expression in front of the king .  Kurt III had a friendly presence, but Theo was still below him . This was the man who had brought Meltor to its golden age . Theo’s ignorance about this area gave him a weakness .

Fortunately, he managed to maintain his composure due to training his mental power steadily after absorbing Umbra .

“…I’ll be honest . ” It meant nothing to avoid it now . Theo realized this fact and opened his mouth to explain .

Regardless of who spoke first, the hierarchy here didn’t change . Right now, although he was a hero and worshipped in this country, he still had to ask for his wish in a respectful way .

After his words, the faces of the two people stiffened slightly .

Veronica didn’t say anything, while Kurt III asked with a puzzled expression on his face, “Leave? At this time?”

Looking at Theodore Miller’s life, this was the most effective time to raise his status . He had the biggest merit in the Elvenheim mission . Theo was a hero who had embarrassed the Andras Empire and elevated the kingdom’s status .  If Theodore captured this opportunity correctly, he could become a marquis or an earl . No, he could get away from the nobility and receive the treatment of an elder in the Magic Society .

Kurt continued in a voice which showed his lack of understanding, “You made a big achievement with the book you took from the Zero Library last time . It is now a completed version of ‘Battle Song,’ and Meltor’s military power has increased by nearly 10% thanks to that . ”

It was a feat which had raised Theodore up to the Superior rank in the shortest period of time . Nobody cared even about the excuse he’d made that the original book had been damaged in the process .

Theodore’s existence was like a good luck charm for the Meltor Kingdom . The royal family and nobles increased their favorability toward Theo and would give him rewards .

“So, I will give you the right to take another book from the Zero Library . ”

“……”

“It isn’t just one book . As a Prime, you have the right to freely rent any books in there . Isn’t it much more efficient to train in such a rich environment?”

“…Your Majesty . ” Theo understood Kurt III’s feelings .

From the standpoint of his country, Kurt III couldn’t let Theo go so easily .

The king wasn’t concerned about betrayal . However, Theo was confirmed to be a tower master candidate by Veronica and was a national guest of Elvenheim . So, it was uncomfortable to place such excellent timber outside his field of view . The king was also worried about the empire, who would be furious after this incident .

However, Theodore didn’t bend in his wish . “Your Majesty, please understand my heart . ”

“You…”

“Additionally, I’ve already got a clue about the 6th Circle . I realized that the experience I gained from the mission is the foundation for it, and it is different from wrestling with ink in my room . ”

Theo raised his head and confronted Kurt III’s grim gaze . There wasn’t any killing intent or fighting spirit in Theo’s eyes, but it made the person facing him feel a strong will .  A heavy expression appeared on Kurt III’s face as he turned toward Veronica, who had been struggling for a while .

The moment that Theodore’s expression was darkening…

“-Hoo, I don’t know,” Kurt III muttered .

All of a sudden, something flew toward Theo .

Tak .

The item which came from Kurt III was caught by Theo . It was a heavy metal, but it was thin and filled with magic power . This bracelet, bare of any decorations, was an accessory the king had worn .

Before Theodore could ask what it was, Kurt muttered in a low voice, “It is a self-defense artifact made by the Yellow Tower Master . I don’t know if it will help you, but it is better than nothing . ”

“Y-Your Majesty . ”

“As soon as you leave this room, you will be struck with inspiration and won’t leave your laboratory for a few months . It isn’t an uncommon phenomenon . Isn’t that right?”

“…Yes, that’s right,” Theo agreed, noticing the meaning behind the king’s words .

Theodore Miller was too famous . If he left the kingdom without thinking, he would have to pay attention to assassins and spies .

So, he should cover up his tracks . Using the fact that magicians were often shut up in a room while involved in research, they would make it seem like Theo was still in Meltor . It wasn’t a perfect camouflage, but it would buy him some time .

In other words, it was the same as allowing Theodore to leave .

After making the drastic decision, Kurt touched his left forearm a few times . Then he turned toward Theo and said, “Then it is time for you to go . There is a lot of preparation needed to stay in a room for a few months . ”

“…Thank you for your kind words, Your Majesty,” Theo replied in a small, trembling voice before leaving .

The benefits which Kurt III mentioned were privileges that hardly anyone else enjoyed . Theo could rent books from the Zero Library freely, and he would be treated as an elder . It was a huge kindness that the king had granted Theo’s request .

Theo’s heart was beating wildly, and a strange heat spread from it .

He now understood why so many people praised the cold Kurt III .

*     *     *

After Theodore left the room, Kurt III and Veronica were silent . They sipped their bitter tea and swallowed it . Then they bit and swallowed their sweet dessert . This process was repeated again and again until someone opened their mouth .

“…It is surprising . ”

“Huh?” Veronica looked at Kurt with confusion .

“I thought you would say that you want to follow him . It is rare for the Red Tower Master to do any work directly . I was going to allow it if you grabbed my collar and shook me . ”

The Blue Tower Master and Red Tower Master… It would be painful for one of the two pillars of the Meltor Kingdom to leave for a short time, but that was how valuable Theodore Miller was .

Theo was a magician who seemed blessed by the heavens . He had become stronger at a faster rate than anybody else, leaving behind achievements which were usually seen in the old stories . Theo was a youth who was following the footsteps of a ‘hero . ‘

Veronica looked down with a strange expression . “Umm, I wanted to follow him too . ”

“But?”

“I was going to go with him when I was struck with a thought . I don’t want to deal with him at this age . ”

This time, Kurt III was the one who made a strange expression . “Was there an incident?”

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“I thought he would catch up with me in 10 years, but it now seems more like 5 years . ” As she said so, she licked her dry lips lightly . The sight of the red tongue moving smoothly could shake the heart of any man .

Even though it was only a quarter, she was the great magician who had inherited the lineage of a red dragon . The desires and passion running through her blood could never be compared to men and women of the human species . It was the fate of every generation of draconians to ignite desire in both men and women .

Veronica’s instincts, inherited from her blood, were thrilled .

“…Perhaps I won’t be able to call him a kid anymore . ”

Her heart beat violently as she looked at the door through which Theo had left