The Sword Genius of the Magic Empire - Chapter 39



Only Noblemtl

“Up until now, not only the magicians of the Juga clan but also the Nemesis Knights have been deployed on numerous missions to capture or kill Personas. However, shamefully, we have never achieved any results.”

Theano looked at Enoch sternly and said.

“Even veteran members of the clan, most wizards often failed to even track her movements, let alone engage her.”

“What do you mean?”

She got to the point succinctly.

“How did you deal with that 10th-grade black magician of Vendetta, Persona?”

Theano’s reasonable doubts were cast upon Enoch.

Enoch stared at her for a moment.

Theano’s words had a hidden meaning.

It seems that the words ‘you who haven’t even awakened your magic’ were omitted from the latter part of the story.

So the intent of this question was clear.

‘I suspect that Enoch Elseid is in league with Vendetta to ensure the success of the immunity mission.’

Theano’s purple eyes, waiting for an answer, were still looking straight at me.

In fact, it was natural for people from families like Theano to be suspicious.

A direct descendant who was destined to be expelled soon.

Enoch, a non-magician with no family of followers.

Immediately after he was suddenly declared exempt from duty, he succeeded in all the duties as if it were a lie and solidified his position in the family.

-But how?

Enoch, who couldn’t even use magic, succeeded in suppressing ‘Persona’ alone, which even the main battle magicians of the family could not guarantee would be accomplished.

And it was done so simply, without a single noticeable scar.

Of course, it is something that is difficult for anyone to understand with common sense.

Hearing the news of the success of the exemption mission, I guessed that it would not be strange for others to have doubts.

‘So, is this the case where the deputy commander of the Nemesis personally intervened in this matter?’

Enoch quickly assessed the situation.

The Nemesis Knights, of which Theano is the vice-captain, are a public group that protects the precepts of the House of Ju as an absolutely neutral group.

Therefore, even though she was a direct descendant, it was not strange for her to take the initiative and investigate when such suspicious circumstances appeared.

But the problem is… .

‘If I can’t convince Theano here…’

Soon she, and the entire House of Zhou, will become convinced of Enoch’s collusion with Vendetta.

But that doesn’t mean that all the facts can be revealed straight away.

It was the worst thing that it was known that the direct descendant of the Elseid clan, the pillar of the Magic Empire, was only a swordsman.

‘I guess I’ll have to mix in a little lie.’

If you can’t explain it straight, you’ll have to come up with a plausible story that won’t make people suspect you’re in league with the vendetta.

In fact, there was already an excuse to have anticipated and prepared for this situation.

Enoch, having finished his judgment, slowly opened his mouth.

“In the cities in the northeast where the vendetta had taken hold, there were still those who guarded the ruined streets.”

“Are you talking about the underworld there?”

“Yes.”

Enoch continued speaking to Theano, who tilted his head slightly as if it was a somewhat unexpected answer.

“It’s fallen from its former glory, but it’s still home to some decent wizards. And they… don’t seem too happy about the vendetta suddenly taking over part of their streets.”

“So you’re saying you joined forces with them?”

“Yes. I negotiated with them before the mission, and thanks to that, I was able to obtain the location and information of the Persona. And by joining forces with them, I was able to deal with a number of the Vendetta wizards.”

Of course, in reality, they only received information about the location of the Vendetta branch, and did not receive any direct military support.

But that doesn’t mean this is nonsense at all.

‘Although they were previously criticized as useless by Omen… in reality, the residents of the Dark World are useful wizards of at least level 16.’

Moreover, even in the streets of the fallen underworld, they still maintain their presence.

In other words, it also meant that there were wizards who survived tenaciously even in harsh environments.

Even if the residents of the underworld really did confront the battle magicians belonging to the vendetta that occupied the place, the underworld would have the upper hand in numbers.

Besides, it is also the home ground of the underworld residents.

So the actual power of the two would have been quite equal.

If you combine these various situations, it would be difficult to believe that this statement is false.

“But if it was negotiation, especially the dark wizards would have demanded a corresponding price.”

Grantal, who was listening from the side, asked.

“I don’t think the young master had anything that could persuade them at the time…?”

Enoch answered immediately.

“I am a direct descendant of Elseid.”

Granthal seemed to understand the meaning of the words for a moment.

Enoch continued speaking to him.

“If you cooperate with me during my exemption mission and successfully drive out the Vendetta, I can remain a direct descendant of the family. They can also incur a kind of debt to the direct descendants of the main family.”

Enoch added calmly.

“Perhaps they saw this as a material that could lead to the revival of the fallen underworld.”

“indeed.”

Granthal nodded his head slightly in admiration.

For now, it seemed like he was convinced.

Even though the underworld had fallen, their information power was still at a high level.

Moreover, when it came to the Vendetta forces wreaking havoc on the streets where they operated, it was only natural that they would have much more up-to-date information than Elseid in that faraway place.

But there still seemed to be something unclear, so Grantal asked further.

“But I wonder. Are you saying that in the fallen underworld, there was still power left to deal with Persona?”

Enoch answered Granthal’s question without hesitation.

“I received help from ‘Omen’, who is currently acting as the master of the streets in the underworld.”

“Did you say Omen? I have also heard reports about him….”

Granthal also seemed to know.

In fact, that makes sense, because in the original, Omen appears as a powerful wizard of level 10 or higher.

Omen, who appears as the owner of a fallen underworld street in the political world we know.

According to the original information, even 5 years ago, he was already an outstanding player who had surpassed the 10th level barrier.

Although he may not be as powerful as the masters of the underworld streets of the old generation, looking back at his activities in the original work, it was clear that he was a man of ability comparable to the many powerful men of the empire.

‘But the reason why Omen has never directly confronted Vendetta, who has entered his path, is probably because he judged that it would be too risky to confront the Persona himself.’

Persona, a strong member of the Vendetta faction who has defeated numerous level 10 or higher magicians.

Even if Omen was a wizard of the same level as her, it would have been difficult for her to make a rash move against a persona with such a record.

Since Persona has an uncertain element called ‘unique magic’ whose identity is unknown, Omen, who has to move and take responsibility for the entire streets of the underworld, would not be able to move it himself.

And the family will know about those circumstances.

“First of all, I have an overview of the exemption mission you performed.”

As expected, there was nothing to nitpick about what he had said, so Theano said this.

but….

‘It seems you still aren’t convinced.’

Enoch instinctively felt that she was still a little uneasy.

Should I say that I feel good?

“… … .”

Theano was still looking at me with a determined look in his eyes that made it difficult to read his intentions.

Enoch slowly stood up from his seat, checking her appearance out of the corner of his eye.

“… If my business is finished, I will leave.”

Swish.

Enoch left Theano, who was still looking at him intently, and went out the door of the office.

When the door made of such luxurious wood closed behind him, Enoch let out a small breath.

‘I’ve given it up for now.’

However, even if the suspicion of collusion with the vendetta was somehow dispelled for the time being, it cannot be said that the suspicion on this side was completely resolved.

‘You must absolutely avoid being accused of being a black magician or someone involved in black magic.’

That fact remains unchanged.

Perhaps this is a problem that will have to be solved gradually in the future.

At that moment, a familiar voice was heard from the side.

“Your Majesty, are you finished with your business?”

When I turned my head, I saw Lien waiting outside the office door. She was greeting me with impeccable politeness.

Even though I knew that it was just an act on the outside, looking at this aspect alone, Lien was a perfect maid.

Enoch nodded his head timidly at her appearance, which he still had difficulty adjusting to.

“I will serve you.”

She spoke as emotionlessly as usual and walked naturally one step behind.

Although her attitude was as natural as that of the maids wandering around the castle, people were already gathering attention around her, perhaps because of her beautiful appearance.

It wasn’t a new experience for me, as I had already seen this scenery many times while accompanying Lien.

Rather, there was something much more surprising about her in the question I heard in the office just now.

Enoch recalled the conversation from just a moment ago.

‘Theano’s question did not include the story of Lien, who accompanied him on this exemption mission.’

It’s not that it’s not, it’s just that it has such a striking appearance.

If Theano or Granthal knew anything about Lien, they would have certainly asked her if she had contributed to this mission.

But that doesn’t mean… .

‘Most of the Elseid family still doesn’t know about Lien’s true identity!’

Even in the Juga clan, where only the best magicians in each field of the empire gather, magicians of level 10 or higher are considered quite valuable.

Even she possessed tremendous skills, not just in simple magical ranks, but also in practical combat.

It’s so strange that such an outstanding talent is working as a maid for someone who is about to be expelled.

…who would think that with common sense?

At that moment, this fact was something that even I, who had possessed Enoch himself, had not expected.

Moreover, Enoch was a direct descendant who had been confined to a room semi-forcibly until now. And Lien was Enoch’s exclusive maid who always stayed by his side.

Therefore, it is very likely that most people in the family still do not know much about Lien.

He doesn’t have any followers right now, though… .

‘Rather, I don’t know that there is a maid of rank 10 or higher who easily surpasses most of the other direct descendants who follows me around!’

Of course, it goes without saying that it is better not to reveal these facts as much as possible.

Enoch, who is currently enjoying unintended fame due to his success in the current exemption mission.

If there was a rumor going around that there was a maid of a non-magician’s direct lineage who was above level 10, then he would attract even more unnecessary attention.

Also, considering the events that could occur within the Zhu family in the future, it would have been much more advantageous to not reveal Lien’s identity in the future.

This very maid might be a trump card for Enoch, who is a direct descendant of the family and has no followers yet.

***

“… What did you think?”

After Enoch finished his interview and returned.

Grantal, who was sitting in the office, looked at Theano and asked in a low voice.

“Your Majesty, aren’t you the one who arrested Lord Enoch a while ago?”

Theano did not answer for a moment.

As he said, it was a story from less than two weeks ago.

A dangerous artifact that was being studied by the family.

Enoch was caught on the spot trying to steal it.

Because the one who arrested him at that time was none other than Theano himself.

“There is nothing we can be sure of yet.”

Theano answered him quietly.

She opened her mouth, looking at the door of the office that Enoch had just left.

“However, as I felt when I arrested Enoch the other day. He was not the type of person to achieve such results. In many ways, it is difficult to consider him as having manifested magic.”

At her words, Granthal nodded slowly.

“If Your Majesty saw it that way, then it wouldn’t be a wrong story.”

Despite his very young age, Theano was a wizard who rose to the position of vice-captain in the Elseid elite knights.

At her level, it would be possible to easily gauge someone’s capabilities with just a cursory glance.

At least Enoch, at the time of his arrest for theft, seemed to have been in good hands.

“… However, there are quite a few people who have testified about Master Enoch’s skills.”

Granthal spoke to her as he sorted out the papers.

“When you completed your first immunity mission in Leopolis. There are many eyewitness accounts from children in the orphanage who actually witnessed Enoch’s engagement.”

He handed the papers to Theano.

“I couldn’t confirm the details of the battle because most of them witnessed it while they were kidnapped and held captive, but it’s difficult to judge that it was fabricated testimony based on their consistent statements and various circumstances.”

However, Theano lowered his long eyelashes and shook his head slightly as if he was not convinced.

“That is exactly what I am wondering about.”

Theano continued, glancing briefly at the other side of the door to the study that Enoch had opened and left.

“Even if you were to manifest magic in such a short period of time, it is not common sense for the current 9th rank, who has never received any training or education in combat, to achieve such results in actual combat in such a short period of time.”

Magic, like all skills, requires time to get used to.

It usually takes more than just magical talent to become a competent battle mage.

Learning magic suitable for combat.

Sufficient training and understanding of combat.

And you must go through a training period equivalent to that.

Given such common sense facts, Enoch’s case was certainly unusual.

“I have never seen a case of magic manifesting since I was 13 years old….”

Granthal simply shook his head and added:

“As long as he is carrying out his duties with utmost sincerity and is achieving such results, I have no reason to take issue with this.”

Elseid’s steward simply replied that way.

But he had already agreed for a long time that there was something definitely fishy about Enoch Elseid.

-When his immediate family, who had been locked in their rooms until the age of seventeen, was suddenly faced with expulsion, he awakened his abilities, achieved unprecedented results, and finally returned after successfully completing the exemption mission, La…

But still, could there be such an artificial story?

Theano dismissed it.

“Even if we leave aside the possibility that he was in league with the vendetta, the circumstances under which he came to power so suddenly are suspicious.”

“Well, I’m curious about that fact too. No, I’m not the only one.”

It’s not that there weren’t any rumors going around inside and outside the family.

─Stories about how Enoch Elseid manifested magic and what form it took.

In fact, that was natural.

The first ever immunity mission in the Empire was a success.

Fame was a natural consequence for Enoch, who had accomplished such a great feat.

And as much as it gets that much attention.

Many people will have questions.

Swish.

Theano then quietly stood up from his seat and greeted Granthal politely.

“… I’m sorry, but I guess I’ll have to go back now.”

“Ah. Now that I think about it, Your Majesty, you must be busy preparing for the upcoming entrance exam for the Knights.”

Entrance exam for the Nemesis Knights.

A three-stage entrance exam held once every five years.

This was an external opportunity to join the Nemesis Knights, known as the elite of the Elseid family.

But even if such a large test is conducted publicly, only a very small number of people become members of Nemesis.

The Knights of Nemesis are determined solely by the ruthless competition between the so-called test takers and thorough individual ability evaluations.

Only after going through such a fierce selection process can one become qualified to become a Nemesis. Only a few survive until the final test.

This fact also served as evidence for why they were called ‘elite’ even within Elseid, where only the best battle magicians in the empire gathered.

“You always work hard.”

“It’s just my duty as the Vice-Captain of Nemesis.”

Theano answered as usual and left the office.

She quietly pressed her hat against her desk as the office door closed behind her.

Swish.

The shadow of the black hat, like the uniform of the Knights of Nemesis, fell on Theano’s azure eyes.

Her long, loose violet hair rippled in the cold air as she walked down the hallway.

At that moment, under the usual shade of the court, her eyes suddenly sharpened as she saw something.

Because I didn’t miss the moment I caught sight of the black-haired boy walking down the hallway on the lower floor.

‘Enoch Elseid.’

Theano followed Enoch’s back with his eyes and looked down at him from the upper hallway, quietly mumbling to himself.

‘I can’t take my eyes off you until all the questions are answered.’

Theano took note of the figure of pitch-black hair disappearing into the crowd.

She recalled her duties as the Vice-Captain of Nemesis and made a soft pledge.

‘…at least until we can judge whether that person really has the skills to match his achievements.’