Chapter 29
… The northern part of the empire was largely divided into the Northwest, the North, and the Northeast, and three families governed each of the territories.
Their main duty was to defend against external enemies. The ‘Freyden’ were the most famous since they had the warrior’s shrine, and the ‘Dahman’ family in the north boasted a reputation that was second to none.
“Salute! I hope the Bercht conference goes well!”
On the platform of Harlan, Dahman’s capital, the palace guards saluted Glitheon, who nodded with a smile.
“Thank you. Make sure to deliver the goods to Count Dahman.”
“Yes, sir!”
The train station was further north of Harlan, which was already a northern territory. Sylvia looked at the snowflake at the tip of her nose.
“It’s snowing in April.”
Glitheon smiled, thinking how cute Sylvia was. “Well, we’re in the North, after all. Come. It’s time to go.”
“Okay.”
“We’ll leave you behind if you move too slow, my lady~”
“Shut up.”
Their party boarded the train not long after.
The VVIP cabin was half the size of a standard room. Equipped with not only a bed but also a sofa, carpet, desk, and chairs, it was more than just cozy.
“How long until we get there, dad?”
“It’s 6 hours to Harlan, then another 3 hours from the platform to the mountain range,” Glitheon replied as he sat on the sofa. The ‘platform’ the Bercht express train used was simply called the ‘platform’ since there were no villages or renowned locals around it to be named after. Only the platform was there.
Upon arriving there, one would need to change trains to head straight to Bercht.
“What was the classified information about?” Sylvia placed her writing materials and notes on top of her desk as she raised a question.
“An ambush.”
Sylvia’s eyes widened as she sat down behind the desk. “You’re supposed to inform the others.”
“Notifying them doesn’t mean the enemies won’t attack. If I revealed it, they’d have to come up with another plan, which would definitely cause unnecessary bloodshed since it was formulated in a rush. It’s only right that wizards deal against wizards.”
Sylvia looked like she didn’t understand. Hence, Glitheon further elaborated with a smile. “Bercht has always been like this, child. It was actually even more perilous 15 years ago. Attending the conference itself was a war.”
“Why?’
“Because Bercht serves as a great honor and memento for prestigious families. Just attending it engraves the names of the 12 Traditional Families and the 8 Exemplary Families.”
Fifteen years, twenty years, seventeen years.
Since the interval between each summon was so long, Bercht’s authority had reached the heavens before it could even be held more than enough times to normalize it. Hence, being allowed to attend it was considered a clear indication of a family’s power, nobility, and magical prowess.
“However, Bercht has special rules.”
Families who didn’t attend the conference even though they were summoned wouldn’t be invited again. In the event of a deficit in numbers during the conference, a new family would be summoned before proceeding. If the deficit were from the 12 Traditional Families, one of the new families would be selected as part of the new tradition.
“What do you think is the best way to bring down the 12 Families?”
“…”
Sylvia immediately understood. “Won’t you be punished for such an act?”
“Hahahaha.” Glitheon laughed loudly. At times like this, he sometimes wondered if he had been too overprotective of his daughter.
She had to learn of the world’s cruelty anyway, so he thought it would be better to start now.
“Which of the 12 Families have been part of the tradition since the beginning, child?”
“… Ah.”
“Exactly. If we’re to be punished, then the others would have to be sanctioned as well. This is why in the end, no legal action can be taken against us, and why death on the way to Bercht and while at Bercht is considered a magic related death by nature.”
It’s only during such moments that the leaders of each household could go after each other’s throats legally. After all, during the summons, the sophistry of ‘the victim is a fool’ became the right logic.
This phenomenon was even worse in the past.
In order to join Bercht and for their names to be born anew, many spotless families were shut down.
The Riwaynde Family, led by Ihelm, was one such case.
“Compared to the past, we’re in an era of peace right now. Of course, Bercht’s authority is still absolute. Dzekdan, its new leader, however, hates conflict, so he came up with ways for families to cultivate their reputation while also removing the need for us to feel as pressured and cautious towards being summoned.”
“…”
“It can’t be denied that it’s still riddled with perils, though.”
Sylvia nodded, and Glitheon laughed silently. Syrio, beside him, smirked as he looked out the window.
Chiiiiiiiiiii—
The sound of the mana stone burning echoed seemingly endlessly as the train moved. Using that noise to her own advantage, Slyvia sat behind the desk and began studying and reviewing Deculein’s class.
Reflecting on every word he said, she did her best to understand his lessons and apply them to the mana in her body. She soon pulled out another note, however.
It was her art notebook.
She drew something by scribbling her pencil. Unknown to her, her drawing had eyes. They were blue, and tears dropped from them.
*****
I was working on an item in the separate building of the mansion.
[Geork Suit Jacket]
[Geork Suit Vest]
[Geork Suit Dress Shirt]
Geork was the most famous tailor on the continent. Nonetheless, I used [Midas’ Hand] on certain parts of it.
My current actions were no different from arming myself heavily for Bercht.
Efficient armor that provided a wizard with great defense was extremely limited throughout the world, considering artificially produced artifacts had a lifespan, and infusing magic into products proved difficult to accomplish.
That was why even though many magic books were in the prestigious Yukline Household’s possession, they didn’t wear many artifacts.
What if I donned armor instead?
The magic infused in the armor might interfere with my magic. Hence, I decided to coat my suit with [Midas’ Hand] instead.
——— [Geork Suit Jacket] ———
◆ Description:
– Customized overcoat made by Geork, the best tailor in the continent.
– Its durability has been increased dramatically by [Midas’ Hand]
◆ Category: Apparel ⊃ Suit
◆ Effects
– Low-intermediate Physical Resistance.
– Low Magical Resistance.
[Midas’ Hand: Level 3 ]
—————
Physical resistance at mid to low levels was comparable to steel. It wouldn’t tear even if a sword were to try to slash through it.
By now, I had used up about 24 thousand mana in the last two days to strengthen my equipment, so I was certain they finally offered me adequate defense.
Knock knock—
“Who is it?”
“It’s me.”
Yeriel. She immediately opened the door and came in.
“You’re going like that? You’re not going to wear this?”
Yeriel bluntly handed me a trench coat. It was a ‘treasure’ that transcended artifacts, called the [Ancient Yukline Trench Coat].
“Were you saving that for times like this?” The kid seemed worried about me.
As soon as I thought about that, she brusquely snapped.
“Don’t be mistaken. It’s just that it’ll make it hard for me to succeed the throne if you die before the turnover.”
“Don’t worry. I won’t die.”
“I just said that I wasn’t worried, didn’t I? If you get killed unceremoniously and abruptly, the Bercht conference will be delayed, and my coronation will become more difficult to realize…”
Yeriel stopped talking for a moment before sharply asking me a question. “More than that, don’t you have anything to say?”
“Not really.”
“… Really?”
“Thanks for the trench coat.”
Yeriel shrugged and soon shook her head. “Not that. I mean about Bercht… Ah, forget it. Do what you want with the Bercht conference or whatever. I’m leaving.”
Turning back gruffly, Yeriel opened the door, only to find Roy in front of her, standing with a guest behind him.
“My Lord, Allen has arrived.”
Yeriel shot a glance at Allen, who was hunching down. “Who are you again?”
“Ah, I’m Allen, Head Professor Deculein’s Assistant Professor.”
“… Ah~ So it was you, huh? I see.” Yeriel alternately looked at him and me as if something about him dissatisfied her.
“Good luck. Traveling with that person will most likely exhaust you like you’ve never felt before, so make sure you keep an eye out for your mental health whenever you’re around him.”
Allen bowed at Yeriel as she exited the room before he came inside.
“What’s the plan, professor?”
“We’ll depart tomorrow afternoon, so get ample rest for now.”
“Yes, yes. As you command.”
Allen’s face wasn’t comfortable despite his answer, though. The dark circles around his eyes seemed to have grown even bigger. That was only natural, though, since he hadn’t slept a wink since last night.
“Allen.”
“Yes?”
“Take this.”
Using psychokinesis, I handed him the [Protection Robe] that I bought last night.
It was an artifact with excellent performance, which was why even though it only had a 2-week lifespan, it was still priced at 30,000 Elnes.
“I-I even get to have this—” Allen suddenly burst into tears.
“Stop crying. You might make me angry if you cry in front of me.”
“Oh, yes, yes! I apologize!”
My mysophobia didn’t even allow tears. And snot made me feel repulsed.
Allen quickly held back his tears and carefully wore the robe. Seemingly overwhelmed with emotions, his eyes reddened again.
“Rest in your room.”
“O-okay. I’ll be waiting!”
I still had a lot of things to do.
In addition to the [Ancient Yukline Trench Coat] that Yeriel gave, at least five wooden steel were waiting to be strengthened by [Midas’ Hand].
“Until my mana regenerates…” I took out a book.
[Ertrand Martial Arts, Intermediate]
It was a publication written by the martial arts legend ‘Ertrand,’ who often charged and dominated through the front lines with his skills.
The cost of finding this intermediate-level item alone cost almost 500 thousand Elnes.
Still, I found it worth it, considering it was the ultimate martial arts made out of the accumulation of every other martial arts’ positive points.
I started to move my body according to the content.
*****
Allen and I left for the road at 2 PM on a Saturday. Roy and my attendants sent us off, and Yeriel had already returned home.
After seven hours, we finally arrived at ‘Giden’ station, where we immediately rode the express train to Dahman’s capital, Harlan.
Reaching our destination, we first had dinner and bought books the [Man of Great Wealth] found notable and striking. Only after that did we ride the train again for 6 hours to the north.
It wasn’t until Sunday morning that we arrived at the Bercht platform.
“Wow….”
Allen was in awe, which was only natural. Even I had never been to a place like this before.
Snow stretched all the way to the horizon outside the station, but its exterior was rather warm and cozy. The platform itself was no different from a small village.
I saw five restaurants with quite a few people in them. There were also hotels, a simple hospital, and even a magic store.
“Good morning.”
Just in time, a knight approached me, the pattern embossed on his upper chest immediately catching my attention.
“A Freyhem knight?”
“Yes, I’m Veron. I am tasked with escorting you on the train.”
“Just you?”
“Yes, there’s only one escort on each train. Usually, wizards are accompanied by guards of their own, so…”
I turned on [The Villain’s Fate] just in case.
It didn’t sense anything from him. He was colorless and odorless. Even the [Man of Great Wealth] had no response.
“There’s a lot of people today.”
“It’s a station where 300 people come in a day, but there shouldn’t be many passengers going to Bercht.”
Well, that much was understandable. This place was a famous hunting ground, and medicinal herbs also grew around here, making it a good location to level up or farm.
“Allen, is it okay if we don’t eat breakfast?”
Allen nodded. “I bought a lot of packed lunches anyway. Do you want me to heat one for you, Professor?”
“No, it’s okay.”
After about 15 minutes of waiting, the head of the train appeared at the end of the railroad, upon which the staff on the platform began shouting.
“This is today’s first train! Since the Bercht conference will be held tomorrow, five trains will be coming and going today to provide those who want to linger around the time to do so! Please keep that in mind!”
“I’ll be on my way.”
Veron bowed and approached the track first. Meanwhile, Allen and I stood together at the VIP aisle. Soon enough, the staff walked over to us and checked our tickets.
“You can sit anywhere in the VIP area, Head Professor Deculein. Haha. Now that I’m looking at you in person, you are even more handsome than I’ve heard.”
I got on the train and took off my fedora.
A total of seven carriages were divided into VIP and regular. The only difference between them was that the VIP carriage was much more spacious, and its chairs were more luxurious.
“Huh? Aren’t you Professor Deculein?!”
As soon as I sat down with Allen, an unidentified person immediately spoke to me. At first glance, he looked like a noble, but he was carrying a camera in his arms.”
“Haha. I’m Roen, a magic analyst, and journalist. Uhm, well, I can’t believe I’m riding the same train with Professor Deculein. It’s a great honor…”
I looked at him, taking note of the unnatural movements of his facial wrinkles and his smile, because of which the corners of his mouth shook.
Screeeech—
“Oh, it’s leaving now.” Roen looked out the window and sat down.
The train departed.
Screech— screech—
The express train moved at a speed that wasn’t much different from that of the Mugunghwa-ho.
“Wow…”
Astonishment filled Allen’s face as he looked out the window. Even I was left speechless for a short while by the scenery beyond our carriage.
The view was so beautiful it made our slow travel speed completely tolerable.
“We’re riding on top of a cliff right from the start…”
Within arm’s length was a steep cliff flowing like a waterfall, its edges covered in fog.
“That’s a long way down…”
“It’ll take three hours to reach the bottom.”
“Wow…”
Allen’s vocabulary dropped in level. His eyes seemed drowsy, almost as if he had been freed from all of his nervousness.
“Sleep if you’re tired.”
The express train moved forward while sticking to the mountain range’s edges, but it would still take about 3 hours to reach Bercht’s first building even with such a route.
“Huh? Ah, yes…Then, just a little bit…” Allen closed his eyes, and I put my briefcase on the floor of the train. There were a total of 11 VIP passengers.
One was Roen just now, and the other eight’s nationality and identity were subpar.
I discreetly opened the briefcase in a way that no one would take notice. The treasure slipped out and crawled through the train’s floor, located at the corners of the 8 VIPs.
Tak—
Something touched my shoulder at that moment.
It was Allen, who had buried his face on my shoulder and was breathing like a baby bird.
Coo coo coo—
My disgust rose at that moment, but I managed to suppress it. It should be fine for as long as he didn’t drool. I let him be and instead took out a book.
[Ertrand Martial Arts – Intermediate]
I had only been suspicious of its contents so far, but my defense had clearly become better because of it.
Hence, I decided to just read this book until something happened…
*****
Tick-tock-tick-tock—
Time flew by.
Roen looked at the pocket watch on his trousers. It had already been 30 minutes.
The express train arrived at the first station, and three passengers got off.
He looked at Deculein, who was still reading a book.
Roen calmly opened the newspaper.
Tick-tock-tick-tock—
Time flew by again.
He roughly knew the flow by feel: One hour.
We arrived at the second station, and two passengers got off. Deculein was still reading a book.
Roen drank cold water to soothe his heartbeat. There should be nothing for him to worry about.
His mission was going as scheduled.
There would be no harm coming back to haunt him.
No, he wasn’t even doing anything wrong in the first place. His mission was just to simply get off at the fourth station.
We arrived at the third station, and two passengers got off again.
Now there were only two people left aside from Deculein and his assistant.
Deculein was still reading a book.
The assistant was leaning against his shoulder, but Deculein’s noble posture never once wavered.
He seemed perfect, almost as if he was a painting, so much so that he even felt the urge to take a picture of him.
Tick— Tock—
The vibrations from his pocket watch were starting to irritate him. Silence truly did drive people crazy. Time flew by in such a painfully slow way he felt like he was in hell.
Finally, two hours had passed, and they arrived at the fourth station.
“Whooo—”
Roen let out a sigh of relief and stood up from his seat.
All passengers got off at the fourth station aside from Deculein and his assistant.
“Haha. Professor Deculein. It was an honor to be in the same space, even if it’s just for a while. Then I’ll get…?”
He couldn’t move.
His feet kept running idly, but he remained in the same position even after taking a dozen steps. Roen, who had been whining for a long time, finally looked back.
“…”
Deculein was still reading a book without saying a word, But he, too, didn’t move as if his body had been bound.
“What is this? I have to get off— I need—”
Not long after hurriedly scanning his surroundings, he finally found the cause of it.
His pocket watch.
His watch was stuck in the air, and its line was pulling his waist.
Of course, Deculein was the only one who could cause such a bizarre phenomenon.
“Decul— Professor Deculein? W-why are you doing this?”
“Think about this one more time before you leave.”
“What? What are you talking about?”
There was no way he could have noticed it.
No, he wouldn’t have taken this train if he noticed!
He wouldn’t be sitting in the VIP carriage, at the very least!
‘Let me go, you piece of shit!’
“I’ll give you a chance.”
“No, that’s not—”
“5”
He started counting down.
“4.”
Screeeech—!
The train departed again. It quickly regained its speed as Roen turned purple.
“3.”
“I-I don’t know anything!”
“2.”
“No, it’s just… W-wait! I was told to leave in the 4th station for 30 thousand Elnes! Ah! Oh, shit! I need to leave right now, so let go! It will explode—!”
“…”
Only then did his psychokinesis break. Roen fell forward and rolled to the floor. Hurriedly, he tried to crawl out.
“It’s too late.”
Booooooom— Dooooooom—
A powerful tremor reverberated throughout their carriage.
———!
A huge shock hit the bottom of the train not long after that.
The explosion had commenced.
“Arrrrggh—!”
Roen screamed.
Boooom—!
A deafening roar thundered through their vicinity.
Immediately afterward, their view was turned upside down. The bomb underneath their ride had been detonated, as expected.
Roen knew the train would shoot up, roll down the cliff, and fall. They would die in such a way that nobody would be able to find even their bones.
He was dead!
And it was all because of Deculein!
However…
Only his first prediction was correct. The train did shoot up.
“Kuuugh!”
Roen floated momentarily in the air and landed on the ground, his face and whole body aching.
“Uuughhh….”
Groaning, he opened his eyes, only to cringe from embarrassment. The train remained unscathed.
He wondered if the explosion was just an illusion but soon realized it definitely did happen.