Part 2, 3, and 4 of the circuitry lectures have concluded. Although he has only covered half of the material, Yuric’s fame in the capital’s magical community had soared to unprecedented heights.
A prodigious magic genius appeared like a comet. Moreover, with his outstanding looks, he was said to have kept countless maidens awake at night.
However, despite his soaring fame, Yuric never became arrogant. He would not dismiss even the words of wandering mages lightly.
In particular, in this capital where politics were rampant, nobles salivated over Yuric. While skill does not directly translate into power, it is an indispensable factor that cannot be ignored. Therefore, political factions moved to attract the talented Yuric. It seemed certain that if the young, handsome, and highly skilled Yuric entered court politics, he would bring about a new storm.
Of course, he lacked a strong background, but that could be overcome through marriage. Moreover, because Yuric was alone, the nobles were even more eager for him. While such situations rarely happened, they could still decisively cut ties if necessary.
Many nobles’ representatives came to find Yuric. He never refused any guests. However, he rejected both large sums of money and positions. Even some offers promised him the position of Court Mage in the future, which he politely declined with sincere apologies.
“I must go west to study. Alas, I have never met a mage who would turn down the position of Court Mage at the royal palace.”
The count, who was refused after proposing marriage to Yuric’s daughter to have him join their family and become a Court Mage, complained to the Duke of the Royal Court like this.
“I have never seen someone so ungreedy before.”
“…Perhaps it’s not that he lacks greed, but rather that he has a greater goal.”
“Greater goal? …Could it be that he aims for the position of Chancellor?”
The Duke of the Royal Court smiled faintly and remained silent. The count assumed he was joking and laughed it off lightly.
Even nobles who had previously been politically connected asked the Duke of the Royal Court to persuade Yuric.
“It would be a good thing, wouldn’t it? They say there should be some changes recently.”
But the Duke of the Royal Court raised both hands, saying he couldn’t do it himself.
“Whether it’s good or bad, it has to work out. Do you know Count Karl? He ended up empty-handed too.”
“Indeed, what a stubborn young man. There must be another motive behind him. Who would refuse wealth and power?”
Seeing Yuric, the Duke of the Royal Court recalled his own arrogant youth. Looking back now, it was truly laughable. His arrogance and greed created many enemies unnecessarily…! This led to countless people being disgraced. It was indeed excessive and dirty ambition.
In the end, all that was left to him was flattery and finger-pointing. He had no friends or colleagues left. Not even his family members dared to approach him out of fear.
‘Things should have gone with the flow.’
Looking at Yuric now, he could see how firmly he acted on his beliefs.
Being the Court Mage at the royal palace was a position that mages would fight tooth and nail to get. However, the Duke of the Royal Court no longer thought it was worth that much.
Until recently, he still had lingering attachments to politics, but seeing Yuric made him realize many things.
…When he was young, the Duke of the Royal Court also loved magic purely. He once dreamed of using magic to benefit the world. But eventually, his magic became a tool for power and politics. His magic lost its romance and ideals.
Seeing Yuric’s magic and the people who listened intently to his public lectures, the Duke of the Royal Court reflected on his own magic.
Had my magic ever benefited the world?
Did my existence have any value?
The Duke of the Royal Court found himself deep in thought, unable to sleep well lately.
Finally, Yuric’s public lectures came to an end after a month-long journey.
The Duke of the Royal Court spent a relaxed moment alone with Yuric. Yuric looked much more relieved.
“I’ve pondered a lot about how to make the lectures more beneficial. I’m glad it ended well.”
As the Duke of the Royal Court carefully examined Yuric’s face, he shifted his gaze to the sunset sky far away.
“I’ve lived my life trying to elevate my own worth. I struggled to gain more power, even a little bit. Magic was my tool for power and politics.”
Yuric listened quietly to the Duke of the Royal Court’s regretful words.
“But in the end, nothing remained. Yes, I realized late that those were just mirages that couldn’t be grasped.”
The Duke of the Royal Court exhaled deeply.
“I did become a central figure in power and wielded it as I pleased… If I had used it well, I wouldn’t be like this. But I desperately struggled to gain more power. In the end, all that remained was malice, resentment, and regret. Looking back, it was a position beyond my capabilities.”
“Your Grace…”
“Yuric, I envy you.”
The Duke of the Royal Court was sincere.
“You have something big and vast that I could never imagine. Now I can see it. Yes, this is true power.”
The Duke of the Royal Court chuckled.
“It’s not about forcing others through position and power, but genuinely touching people’s hearts. You have that kind of power.”
The Duke of the Royal Court looked at Yuric intently.
“Would you tell me about your story?”
Yuric told him everything about his life. The Duke of the Royal Court listened intently, nodding with a contented expression.
The Duke of the Royal Court held Yuric’s hand and said,
“I will always support your path. Never forget that I am with you, not as the Duke of the Royal Court, but as a mage who wants to walk with you.”
“Yes, I won’t forget, Your Grace.”
The next day, the Duke of the Royal Court rode alone in a carriage to a church outside the capital. His wife lay buried in a cemetery behind the church. The Duke of the Royal Court caressed her gravestone. His distant gaze returned to the past.
“Forgive me, my wife.”
He placed a flower in front of the grave.
“Until I meet you again, I will dedicate my remaining life to truly meaningful endeavors.”
The Duke of the Royal Court closed his eyes. Their happy memories didn’t last long. He had devoted himself entirely to politics, becoming a poor husband and father.
Although he had already become a poor husband and father, he shouldn’t become a poor grandfather.
“There is a good young man. He is far better than I am. Please bless his future.”
The Duke of the Royal Court stood up after praying one last time.
“I will come again, my wife.”
The Duke of the Royal Court left the cemetery where his wife lay.
The flowers in the pots waved gently as if waving goodbye in the wind.
*
Summer was fading, and autumn was slowly approaching.
Lady Marsheng, who had enjoyed a two-month summer vacation at her parents’ home, had recently returned. She seemed very reluctant to part with Yuric, who had been like a grandson to her, and repeatedly emphasized that Yuric should visit her family home.
“Of course, I will, Madam.”
Yuric had also been teaching the Duke of the Royal Court’s granddaughter for a while after finishing his public lectures. However, since he had a clear goal of going west, he couldn’t stay here indefinitely. It was time for him to start preparing to leave.
When Yuric informed His Grace that he planned to leave in ten days, he looked genuinely disappointed. He wished he could marry Yuric to his real granddaughter and keep him by his side forever, but he knew it was impossible.
His granddaughter heard the news and looked extremely sad. Her grandfather sat beside her and gave her a warm smile, holding her hand.
“I understand your feelings completely. But what can we do? He is a man who cannot be held back.”
But fate is unpredictable.
“Don’t be too sad. If it’s meant to be, it will come back to you. So, Catherine, hone yourself to become worthy of him. Love is something you must strive for. I will never let go of this chance. Then, surely another opportunity will come. Do you understand?”
“Yes, Grandfather.”
“Yuric is a fine man. He will surely appreciate your sincerity and effort. So, don’t rush.”
“Yes, I understand.”
The Duke of the Royal Court’s granddaughter, Catherine, was no ordinary person. Although she had to part with Yuric for now, she had a firm resolve and perseverance.
They knew they would not see each other for a long time, so they tried to enjoy their remaining ten days to the fullest.
But ten days are just fleeting moments compared to a lifetime.
The time to part had come quickly.
