“As expected, it’s over. I didn’t think they’d surrender so easily though.”
Hmm, maybe teaching them poker face wasn’t such a bad idea after all.
It’s frustrating but understandable that he’d feel cornered when able to spam magic like that without showing any signs of strain.
Still, I could clearly see he was exhausted from trying to control the power of his spells.
Looks like there’s still a long way to go before reaching Earl’s level.
The fact that there’s still more I can teach makes me happy.
I smiled faintly and asked Balkan,
“Did it meet your expectations, Archmage?”
“Perfect.”
“Right? As expected, taking on a disciple was a good move…”
“Not quite. While my daughter is certainly perfect, I was talking about you.”
“…Eh?”
His unexpected words sent shivers down my spine. When I cautiously turned my head, Balkan was staring at me with an unsettling gaze.
I tried to make a quick exit, but…
“I’m outta here…”
“Amy’s growth in such a short time is undoubtedly thanks to your efforts.”
Balkan’s mana bound me in place. While breaking free wouldn’t be difficult, dealing with the aftermath surely would be, so I stayed put quietly. Still, why does he keep giving me credit for Amy’s abilities?
Noticing the strange situation, Black Wolf turned to look at me, as if asking if it should help.
“Do you need anything? Anything besides family-related, I’ll grant it.”
“I’ve said this before, but Amy’s growth is entirely due to her own remarkable talent.”
“If that’s true, let me restate: pure talent doesn’t exist. Only gods can create something from nothing. Even I wouldn’t have become an Archmage without countless mentors.”
Balkan’s tone grew serious. Though I hate these kinds of discussions, I adjusted my posture and countered his argument.
“Other professors helped Amy grow too, so how can you single me out for reward? If you insist on doing something, sponsor Minerva Academy instead. That’s enough for me.”
Pointing to the flame on my finger, I spoke, but Balkan slowly shook his head.
“While I don’t mean to criticize Minerva’s faculty, they haven’t contributed much to Amy’s development. Sure, they might have taught some basics – elementary magic, mana manipulation, etiquette, history…”
By now, soundproofing magic surrounded us. Even a duke shouldn’t speak ill openly, especially with Angela, the head of the magic department, present…
In other words, Balkan was revealing his true thoughts.
“Knowledge is important, but what I mean is…”
“That kind of stuff can be taught at home, or simply learned from books.”
“Exactly. Unfortunately, Minerva Academy has only been a social venue for Amy until you arrived.”
Harsh evaluation indeed. Of course, this is based on Archmage Balkan’s standards. As far as I know, among Minerva’s faculty, only Principal Heinz is an Archmage. Even Angela complained during our last drinking session:
“Same as before, watching this year’s Olympiad made me realize how cursed my lack of talent is.”
“Huh? What do you mean?”
Her sudden comment made me blink, then she bitterly chugged her beer.
“If I had just a bit more talent and became an Archmage, then… I could have taught so much more…”
“You’re not alone in this thinking. Watching such brilliant talents makes everyone feel that way. If I were a Master, life would be so much better. Without the war, neither you nor I would have become mere professors.”
Even Cain said similar things. Other professors joined in with their complaints about losing talented colleagues during the war.
Soon after, the drinking party ended awkwardly.
Like the dampness of the rainy season, those unpleasant memories weighed on my mood.
Unaware of my feelings, Balkan continued speaking.
“If it weren’t for your talent…”
I coldly cut him off.
“Don’t waste your breath. While being praised feels good, I don’t want to hear it at the expense of others’ hard work.”
Even an Archmage shouldn’t dismiss the efforts, worries, and dedication of other professors. Just because I achieved my current level through loss and sacrifice doesn’t mean anyone’s success comes purely from talent.
“Sorry, that wasn’t my intention.”
Though he apologized awkwardly, I’d already decided to leave. Rising firmly from the sofa, my right wrist vibrated.
– Woooom!
It was the artifact Opheucus. What’s gotten into you now…
Trying to ignore it, I moved, but it called out again.
– Wooo! Woooom!
“Why are you…”
Suddenly, certain words flashed through my mind.
「Fire Seal, Apostle’s Proof, Helios Family, God’s Apostle, Trial」
Mimir’s conversation came back vividly – how strange to have forgotten it. Wasn’t this the fastest way to resolve the curse?
According to World Tree, one can gain divine approval from the east as well, but…
Still, better to keep all options open.
“…I have a favor to ask.”
After pretending to be ready to leave, making this request felt a bit awkward…
Fortunately, Balkan laughed heartily without noticing.
“Haha! Finally, our son-in-law gains some respect. What do you want? Gold coins? Weapons? Armor?”
…Is this old man really that simple?
Maybe he’s deliberately acting this way for our relationship’s sake.
Shaking my head, I said,
“That’s fine. Rather, does the Helios family have any special trials? Something passed down through generations.”
“…Where did you hear about that?”
Balkan’s expression turned serious, different from just moments ago.
As I explained my conversation with Mimir, the unusual atmosphere deepened.
“Wasn’t the Book of Wisdom at Minerva? Lucky. At least the family secret hasn’t leaked… That’s knowledge only the patriarch is allowed to know.”
Book of Wisdom, what a fitting name.
Tilting my head, I asked Balkan,
“Do you know why it’s forbidden literature?”
It must be an extraordinary book if it holds such tightly guarded secrets of the Helios family.
While treasures might make sense, treating it as forbidden literature is honestly puzzling.
Smirking, Balkan answered,
“Inherently, tools aren’t at fault. It’s the people using them who cause problems.”
“Ah!”
Just that brief statement was enough to understand.
Holding all truths of the world in your hands is no small feat.
How much blood must have been spilled by those seeking the Book of Wisdom…
As I absentmindedly played with mana, a small flame appeared on my fingertip.
…Seems fine?
Embarrassedly clearing his throat, Balkan continued,
“Hmph, it’s just rumors anyway. Or… wasn’t it called Opheucus? Maybe that artifact is exerting some power. Artifacts still hold many mysteries.”
– Woof!
Opheucus proudly cried out.
True, I’ve seen Mimir struggle with this thing.
What exactly are you?
– Uuuuwoof!
It sounded like urging me to hurry up and grow stronger.
Chuckling, I asked Balkan,
“So, can I take the trial?”
“Hmm…”
“After saying you’d give me anything…”
Pressuring him, Balkan shook his head.
“Sigh… Can’t be helped. With the Olympiad going on now, it’s tough, so come by when you have time later. Vacation should be coming up soon, right?”
“Yes. I’ll visit during vacation.”
“I’ll explain the details then. Phew, today sure was full of surprises. Well, I should go. The butler’s probably waiting.”
“Please walk safely.”
“Grrr…”
Groaning as he stood up, Balkan waved and left the room.
After he disappeared, the professors let out quiet sighs.
They must have noticed the soundproofing magic but couldn’t even breathe properly while it was active.
I bitterly smiled and said,
“Thank you all for your hard work.”
“Hard work? Um, may I inquire about what conversation you had…?”
Cain’s question made me pause and think.
Stripping away unnecessary thoughts and sentences, there was only one thing I could say.
“Balkan thanked you all for teaching Amy well.”
“Huh? The duke…”
“Really? He complimented us?”
“Receiving gratitude from an Archmage…!”
Seeing their delighted expressions warmed my heart.
Remember this, Balkan.
I’ve protected your reputation.
Feeling satisfied, Angela timidly approached.
This feels like déjà vu…
“T-that… When will we get the autograph…?”
“Autograph!”
“And mine too!”
Caught off guard by the commotion, I simply smiled faintly.
Then quietly activated my Divine Power.
[Divine Power: Forced Harmony]
Dark Shadow Transformation
“Aaah! They escaped!”
“That’s too mean, Professor Allen!”
Sorry.
Next time, I’ll definitely bring them back…
