Chapter 18: To the Duchy of Levian

Al arrived at the training grounds of the Imperial Guard and decided to first explain the situation to Seles squad leader, Orise. Even though this place was filled exclusively with guards, the matter wasn’t suitable for open discussion, so he pulled her aside to a quiet corner to speak in hushed tones about the Dragon God Cult.

“……So, that’s why I’ll need to borrow Seles for a short while,” he said cautiously.

“Hmm, understood. I’ve heard rumors of the Dragon God Cult before, but I never imagined they would try to get their hands on an Ancient Dragon’s egg. Still, this will serve as valuable combat training. Regarding Seles, don’t worry about the duration—you can use her until this matter is resolved. That’s for her sake, and for the sake of the Orise squad,” she replied with a calm authority.

“I appreciate your consideration,” Al said.

Because the clash of swords would drown out their conversation, the rest of the squad set their weapons aside and watched from a short distance, curiosity flickering in their eyes.

“That’s the so-called Dream-Attribute Court Magician…”

“We didn’t see his at work since we were on an outside mission, but I heard he silenced that rude noble at the medal ceremony in an instant. Even the captain was practically bouncing with excitement while praising him.”

“His face looks mature, and he’s tall too, but he’s probably really young, right?”

“So, how young is he, fiancée-san?”

Seles spoke, a faint blush coloring her cheeks as she replied.

“Al is only eighteen. He just graduated from the academy last year. By the way, he was appointed the youngest court magician in history.”

“‘Whoa—’”

The seniors let out a collective sigh, their envy barely concealed.

“Even a rookie like that has snagged such a perfect boyfriend… and here we are…”

“The Guard doesn’t really give you many opportunities to meet people, and on top of that, they’re always busy.”

“Maybe I should try asking out another court magician!”

“Don’t even think about it… Seles is an exception only because she’s the next heir to a duke’s house. Normally, a mere Imperial Guard wouldn’t dare approach them casually.”

Hearing this, Seles once again reevaluated Al from an outside perspective.

(When I think about it, court magicians are the Empire’s greatest military asset. If the Dragals baronial family weren’t aligned with the Levian dukedom, this engagement wouldn’t exist. Al is, in fact, a high-ranking magician I wouldn’t dare speak to casually.)

In Imperial law, the status of noble children wasn’t clearly defined. However, in public, the next heir was treated almost the same as the current head of the house. In other words, although Al held the rank of a marquis as a court magician, Seles, as the next duke, effectively held the higher social standing.

Yet even Seles couldn’t casually approach a court magician. They were the nation’s greatest weapon, its symbol, its pride, and the hope of the people. A court magician’s title was reserved for only the most extraordinary individuals—an exalted honor beyond rank or power.

In short, they existed outside the normal hierarchies of title and influence. Al and Estella just happened to be unusually approachable, but most were rigid and formal.

“That he got appointed as a court magician at that age and still doesn’t get full of himself… he really is a remarkable person,” one senior commented.

Seles frowned.

“No, he’s not remarkable at all… If I don’t wake him up at home, he’d probably slack off every mission. He’s naturally lazy,” she muttered.

“Wait—you go wake him up every morning?!”

“Kyaa~ so noble!”

“Wow, tell us more about that kind of lovey-dovey story, please!”

“They probably even have morning kisses… ah, my imagination is running wild!”

The seniors ignored her protests entirely, squealing with delight at the thought.

(Even being a court magician doesn’t make him that perfect! I wish they could see him as he really is!) she thought bitterly.

Finally, Al and Orise walked back toward them, apparently having finished their discussion.

“From today, Seles will temporarily leave this squad to assist Al-sama with his mission,” Orise announced.

“I’ll take care of her,” Al said casually.

“Did you hear that? Seles!!”

“A mission date… how enviable,” one senior whispered.

“Maybe I should also get a court magician boyfriend?”

“No way—that’s impossible, just drop it,” another scolded.

Breaking through the cheerful chatter, Seles spoke firmly.

“No, that’s not what this is about! Can we leave now, Orise-sama?”

“Go ahead. Do your best on your first real mission,” Orise replied.

“I will complete it without fail,” Seles said resolutely.

Al, unaware of the inner dramas, nodded enthusiastically.

“Seems Seles has been blessed with good colleagues and a supportive boss. I can relax knowing that,” he said.

“Come on, let’s go!! Hurry!!”

Seles grabbed him by the collar and tugged him toward the exit, her cheeks tinged with pink, just slightly embarrassed. Anyone watching could clearly see they were a happily affectionate couple.

One senior whispered.

“…Squad Leader Orise?”

“Yes?”

“Shall we work harder on… finding someone ourselves?”

“Ah… yes, I suppose we should,” she sighed.

In a way, the Orise squad had made a small step forward.

Afterward, the pair joined Estella and climbed aboard a waiting carriage, setting off for the Levian dukedom.

◇◇◇

The Levian dukedom wasn’t far from the Imperial Capital. After a couple of days’ ride, the city’s walls would come into view.

The carriage carrying the three crossed a vast grassland, the scenery familiar to Seles from her regular trips between the capital and her family estate.

The plants swayed gently in the wind, blissfully unaware of the Empire’s troubles, under a bright, clear sky.

Seles murmured in disbelief.

“I can’t believe there’s a Dragon God Cult branch beneath the Levian First City…”

The First City was the dukedom’s most prosperous city, home to the ducal mansion—the city Seles had lived in for over a decade.

Her anger at not realizing this, despite the duke’s duty to protect the citizens, made her body tremble slightly.

Al and Estella looked at her with concern.

“Don’t blame yourself too much, Seles.”

“Yes. Even the Empire’s intelligence agency hadn’t caught wind of this until now. It’s not really a problem any single duke should bear alone. You’re not at fault.”

Though not fully convinced, Seles forced herself to adjust her mindset given the circumstances.

“Thank you, both of you. My father is probably even more shocked than I am. As the next heir, I must take charge, or the situation will only worsen. Alright, I have to do my best!!”

“You’ve got a good wife there,” Estella said quietly.

“Yes… she’s far too perfect for someone like me,” he murmured.

The carriage pressed on over three days, pausing occasionally to rest.

◇◇◇

Meanwhile, beneath the Levian First City, at the Dragon God Cult branch…

“Crow-sama, the incubation device is finally complete.”

“Good. Begin charging it with mana immediately. If there isn’t enough, extract it directly from the sacrifices.”

“Yes, sir.”

A researcher placed a mana-infused orb into the device, which glowed blue as it began interacting with the Ancient Dragon egg.

Crow, the man behind the operation, watched the process, a smirk curling under his mask.

“Kukuku… Soon, very soon. My lifelong ambition will finally be realized.”