Chapter 49: Entering High Society (2)

By the time the bottom of the stew bowl was visible.

“Yulian.”

“Yes?”

“Come to think of it, there’s something more we need to discuss about the engagement.”

Father pushed his cold soup bowl aside, reigniting the topic I thought had ended.

I dabbed my mouth with a napkin and met Father’s eyes.

“Is there anything I need to do before the engagement?”

“Yes.”

Father nodded and neatly folded the napkin that had been on his lap.

“Before we begin, let’s confirm something again. Do you know how Yulian Nihilrit is known in High Society?”

I shook my head.

Come to think of it, aside from the fact that I’d have to become an Adopted son-in-law to maintain my Noble Title, I had no idea about my own Reputation.

Since I mostly operated in Limbus Pit or Civitas Square, I didn’t have any close noble acquaintances to tell me.

Father nodded as if he had expected as much.

“The eldest son of a Baronial Family who is somewhat handsome and from a slightly wealthy family, but has never been seen going out.”

Hmm. My reputation is even more of a mess than I thought.

The reason for it seemed to be the Vaccine.

After I distributed the Vaccine, quite a few Black Magicians lost one of their Signature Skills.

In particular, the Black Magicians who had been making a tidy profit from the Curse of Decay became Unemployed overnight.

Naturally, the Black Magicians wouldn’t leave me alone.

So on the day I invented the Vaccine.

Following my Teacher’s advice, I had applied to the Imperial Court for personal protection in advance.

'The Information Bureau certainly does a thorough job.'

After that Incident, the connection between Director Schun and ‘Yulian Nihilrit’ vanished.

I don’t know what kind of scheme they pulled.

But people couldn’t seem to connect Director Schun with Yulian Nihilrit.

However, this resulted in a minor Side Effect.

Yulian Nihilrit had become a Profligate Loafer who had never left his house until the age of 15.

'I feel like the Homeless Spider Boy.'

Of course, for a protagonist in a Misunderstanding Genre, this was perfect Positioning.

But in the Marriage Market, it was a different story.

“Yulian. I am well aware of the good deeds you are doing down below. But what can be done? Nobles only remember what happens in their own world. No matter what Angel-like Accomplishments you achieve below, they will not care much.”

That’s true.

Volunteer Work doesn’t count as Qualifications in the Marriage Market.

If anything, it would be a demerit.

“That is why next year is so important. Within a year, you must make your abilities known among the nobles. Do you have anything in mind?”

I shook my head.

“Do you happen to know what other children my age do?”

“Children your age either help with their parents’ work or make a name for themselves by fighting Outside the Wall once they turn sixteen.”

“Then I suppose I fall into the former category.”

“I would imagine so.”

Father paused for a moment.

After a short hesitation, he spoke again.

“Yulian. As it happens, my work will get busy starting early next year. I have a few backed-up cases.”

“Your work, Father... you mean your duties as a Judicial Officer?”

“Yes.”

The official title of Handel Nihilrit, head of the Nihilrit Family, within the Royal Court is Judicial Officer.

You can think of it as a medieval version of a Prosecutor.

It’s a position that primarily handles Unsolved Cases where magic might be involved, investigations into disputes between nobles, and various other special crimes.

It’s no wonder he panicked when the Priestess cast Heal on Freya incorrectly that one time.

With Father’s position, socially ruining a single Priestess would be a trivial matter.

“Lately, the workload for Unsolved Cases has been piling up. I was hoping you could help me out a bit.”

“Me? Can I be of any help?”

I am a Doctor.

Not a Detective.

Of course, I know the basics of an Autopsy.

Because Forensic Medicine is a required course for a Medical Student.

Besides, as they say, assembly is the reverse of disassembly.

As a Surgeon, I know the general Principle of an Autopsy.

But,

'Would they even let me cut open a body?'

Given the era, I doubt they’d permit an Autopsy.

I’d be lucky not to be branded a Black Magician.

As if he could vaguely guess my inner thoughts, Father chuckled and spoke.

“Don’t worry. I’m not asking you to catch the criminal.”

“Then what on earth...”

“I’m asking you to do what you do best. Saving people.”

Saving people?

Why is that necessary for an investigation?

As if answering my question, Father continued.

“The Investigators who look into these cases or the witnesses who come to report them are often injured somewhere. It would be good to have you there at those times.”

“Ah. What kinds of injuries do they usually come in with? I’ll need to prepare in advance.”

Father closed his eyes gently and rubbed his chin.

“All sorts. There are nobles who cast curses to eliminate witnesses, and some who are shot with a Gun or an arrow on their way here.”

“???”

“There was even a case where an Investigator died of a Heart Attack after returning from an investigation.”

“...”

Right.

This was a Dark Fantasy world.

There’s no way investigations would proceed with normal procedures like in the 21st Century.

That’s why Father, a 3rd Rank knight, was appointed as a Judicial Officer in the first place.

It is rare for a Judicial Officer to be attacked directly, but they must protect witnesses and Investigators.

“...This is a hypothetical question, but which would be more dangerous, being Outside the Wall or assisting you, Father?”

“A ridiculous question. Isn’t it obvious that Outside the Wall is more dangerous?”

Tsk. He’s right, but.

Why does it feel like the danger level isn’t all that different from fighting Outside the Wall?

If there’s one consolation, it’s that no one would likely try to kill me outright.

A Judicial Officer on Official Duties represents the Imperial Court.

Mess with them, and you could be charged with Treason.

Naturally, as someone accompanying such a Judicial Officer, I’d be treated much the same.

Of course, the more I distinguish myself, the more the other side will try to eliminate witnesses and Investigators.

'Looks like I've got a rough road ahead of me.'

“...I understand. I look forward to working with you, Father.”

“A wise decision. We won’t start right away. I’ll call for you when I’m certain a case is safe enough for you to join, so until then, carry on as usual.”

With that, all discussion regarding my engagement for the evening came to a close.

***

[...For that reason, I will be away from my seat irregularly more often in the future, Teacher.]

A voice flowed from beyond the Crystal Orb.

The Great Sage Louis Edelhardt looked at the Crystal Orb placed in a corner of his Study and set down his teacup.

“Helping Judicial Officer Nihilrit with his work. You must have your hands full.”

[Do you know my father?]

“I do indeed. The Judicial Officer in charge of Unsolved Magic Cases. He’s quite the figure, making a name for himself in the Royal Court these days.”

[Is that so?]

“Yes. His track record is so good. He’s a fellow who is often mentioned as a candidate for the next Chief Judicial Officer.”

Chief Judicial Officer.

To borrow Yulian’s phrasing, it was the position of a Chief Prosecutor.

[...]

“Are you surprised?”

[It would be a lie to say I’m not.]

The Great Sage chuckled to himself.

He didn't say that a Lion Cub couldn't possibly be raised by a cat.

“It is a good thing. There is something to be learned from everything. If you follow him, you will be able to learn things I cannot teach you.”

Inspiration can come from an unexpected Connection.

The Great Sage himself had come to realize countless Truths in such a manner, so he did not mind his Disciple postponing Class for a while.

“Go and see many things.”

[Thank you, Teacher.]

A moment of silence flowed from beyond the Crystal Orb.

Louis quietly gauged the texture of that silence.

Usually, such a silence occurred when Yulian had something on his mind.

Louis lifted his teacup, took a sip, and waited for Yulian to speak.

[Scratch, scratch]

From beyond the Crystal Orb, the faint sound of a pen running across a Notebook could be heard.

He must be preparing to take notes before asking his question.

Presently, the sound of the pen stopped.

[...Teacher.]

“Speak.”

[When do you think it will be possible to reveal Director Schun’s identity to the world?]

Louis set down his teacup.

It was the question he had expected.

He understood it, too.

The Disciple of the Great Sage, the creator of the Vaccine, and the Co-CEO of the Merkur Major Trading Company.

It was only natural to feel wronged by the fact that he had to bow his head in the Marriage Market despite holding these positions.

But Yulian was not yet ready to reveal his identity.

“Yulian. As you know, your reputation is still too heavy for you to bear.”

It was truly a contradictory statement.

That his abilities were so outstanding that he could not handle the fame that came with them.

But it couldn't be helped.

Yulian’s Vaccine had antagonized too many Black Magicians.

His other medicines would provoke the jealousy of the nobles.

Considering he had recently cured the Demon Disease, the shadow of a ‘mere’ Baronial Family was not enough to protect him.

That was why the Great Sage was protecting Yulian's identity.

“You are asking for a specific standard for when you can reveal your secret, I take it?”

[Yes.]

“It would be when you have at least a trustworthy 4th Rank Escort Knight, or when you have acquired enough Capital that even a Ducal Family cannot ignore.”

A slightly large amount of Capital cannot replace a Sword.

However, overwhelming Capital can become a Sword in itself.

In fact, there are several Guild Masters who, though commoners by Title of Nobility, possess power comparable to a Ducal Family through overwhelming Capital.

The Great Sage spoke as he recalled their faces.

“Do not be too hasty. You still have plenty of time. It’s a problem that will naturally resolve itself by the time you’re 30.”

Instead of an answer, the sound of a pen came from beyond the Crystal Orb.

Scratch, scratch.

Louis chuckled to himself as he listened to the sound.

What on earth was there to take a Memo on here?

The Great Sage waited quietly until his Disciple’s pen stopped.

A moment later, the sound of a Notebook being flipped through came from beyond the Crystal Orb.

What could he be looking for so earnestly?

Just as the Great Sage’s curiosity deepened, Yulian’s voice was heard again.

[In that case, I think it’s about time I start making some real money.]

“?”

What was that?

For a moment, the Great Sage suspected he had misheard.

“...What do you mean by that?”

[Until now, I’ve been making medicines that aren’t very profitable in order to save people. But now that the Company’s Standing has grown reasonably large, I think it’s okay to make some medicine that brings in some money.]

Hmm. Right.

I must be hearing things because I pulled an all-nighter doing Research.

The Great Sage added a little Diluted Potion to his tea and took a sip.

Unfortunately, what Yulian was saying from beyond the Crystal Orb did not change.

[However, I would like you to guarantee the Patent Right, Teacher. It's a medicine that other nobles will covet, so there’s a risk of it being stolen.]

“...What in the world is this medicine?”

[It’s a secret. For now, let’s just say it’s a medicine that ‘may’ improve heart function.]

“...”

Quinine, Insulin, Heparin, IV Fluid, Colchicine...

With these medicines alone, Yulian had elevated the trading company to a First-Class Major Trading Company.

A First-Class one, no less.

A Major Trading Company now without rival in the Empire.

And yet Yulian was saying that those medicines were not very profitable.

A past conversation flashed through the Great Sage’s mind.

— You don’t need to feel bad about the Vaccine patent, Teacher.

If that truly wasn't an empty promise...

'Should I be stopping Yulian right now?'

A medicine that would make Quinine, the Vaccine, and even Insulin seem the work of a Mortal.

The Great Sage was curious about the medicine, yet he also feared it.

'...I must be getting old, for my delusions to have grown so severe.'

Surely, it couldn't be that potent.

The Great Sage shook his head, trying to dispel his anxiety.

“Ho ho. My Disciple does exaggerate.”

[We shall see. You will know when you see it later.]

“Then perhaps, may this teacher join in researching that medicine as well?”

[Uhm... I’m sorry, but I already finished the research when I made Quinine as a child. I was just thinking about when to release it to the market.]

“...”

Hmm.

The Great Sage stopped thinking right there.

Instead, he pressed his throbbing temples with two fingers.

It seemed he needed the tea with Diluted Potion much more than before.

'That Baron Nihilrit fellow. Why did he have to go and provoke the boy? If he’d just left him alone, everything would have resolved itself just fine.'

From Louis’s perspective, Yulian’s engagement problem was not something to worry about in the first place.

If left alone, a good Connection would have rolled his way on its own.

'Ugh... It's too dangerous if his reputation grows even a little more at this stage.'

Making a lot of money wasn’t a bad thing in itself.

In fact, it was a good thing.

The problem was what came next.

When the medicine hits, his reputation will grow.

When his reputation grows, more eyes will be on him.

With Black Magicians and greedy nobles already searching for Director Schun's identity, this could be like pouring a barrel of oil on the fire.

He himself wasn’t confident he could handle all of that.

That worry, reaching its peak, manifested as a Headache.

'Tsk. But as a Teacher, I can't just block my Disciple’s path.'

What could he do?

He had no choice but to work harder to provide a shadow for his Disciple.

Louis let out a deep sigh and leaned toward the Crystal Orb.

“Yulian.”

[Yes, Teacher.]

“Let's stop talking about the medicine for now. There is something more important to discuss.”

[Yes. Understood, Teacher.]

“Before you go off to follow your father’s work, there is something you must review.”

[Please speak.]

“Black Magic Back-tracing and Dispel. Your Level of Mastery is already beyond what I can presume to comment on, but just in case, wouldn't it be good to review them one more time?”

[That certainly seems wise. Thank you, Teacher. I will keep honing them until they become second nature.]

Louis chuckled.

Usually, when disciples who have reached this Level of Mastery are given such a warning, they dismiss it as needless worry, letting it go in one ear and out the other.

The world treats Mages so well that their egos tend to get inflated.

But a Mage is not invincible.

If an Assassin cloaked in Fighting Aura launched a Preemptive Strike, their throat could be pierced before they even prepared the Catalyst.

Countless Mages have lost their lives in vain to a Curse or Magic they never saw coming.

He had lost more disciples that way than he could count on his fingers.

However, despite having reached this level, Yulian never lost his humility.

'He's going to be great, truly.'

“The Variables for Back-tracing and Dispel are only within your own body, so as long as the Conditions are met, it should be possible for you. However, the Catalyst will be difficult for you to obtain, so I will send it by parcel. Wear a Protective Magic Tool as well, just in case.”

[I am truly grateful, Teacher.]

“Yes. And Yulian.”

Louis chose his words for a moment before adding briefly.

“Do not overexert yourself while following your father’s work. A cornered beast sees nothing. There are those who would rather take a companion on their way down than lose everything, so you must be careful, and careful again.”

[I will keep that in mind.]

Louis removed his hand from the Crystal Orb.

The sphere’s light slowly faded, and the Study fell silent once more.

The Great Sage leaned back in his chair and looked up at the Ceiling.

After staring at the lattice pattern on the ceiling for a while, the Great Sage muttered to himself.

“...This might actually be a good opportunity.”

He pushed himself up from the backrest, took a pen, and began to write a letter.

— My dear. There is a child I would like you to meet.

After writing that short sentence, the Great Sage whistled.

Chirp.

The Great Sage tied the Note to the back of a Ferret that appeared at the window.

“You know where to go, don’t you?”

The Ferret nodded and disappeared beyond the window.