The next day, I met Aldobaran in the study of the mansion.
We had to discuss the funeral arrangements for the coachman.
“Don’t worry about the funeral. I’ll take care of it.”
Fortunately, our esteemed Patriarch graciously nodded in agreement.
Unlike the Sage, his not asking too many questions was truly refreshing.
“Thank you.”
“Tsk. It’s just procedure when someone dies while handling family business.”
“There are far more nobles who wouldn’t see it that way though.”
Nobles who don’t care a whit about commoners were as numerous as mountains.
Not all nobles could be like him, after all.
I smiled faintly as Aldobaran stopped signing documents mid-stroke and placed the pen down.
“What you think about nobles isn’t my concern…but you should probably drop those preconceived notions. You’ve met only a fraction of the nobility out there. And there are plenty of nobles better than me.”
While I wasn’t sure if any noble matched the Robert Family’s caliber…Aldobaran did have a point.
Thinking back, ever since the war ended, I’d mostly encountered decent people.
Was it really the war that twisted people?
“Yes, I understand.”
Honestly, the deep-rooted perceptions from years of war weren’t going away anytime soon, but it didn’t seem worth changing anyway.
It’s not like I hated or disliked nobles.
After all, I’d already formed connections with quite a few of them.
Come to think of it, they’re all pretty flashy nobles, aren’t they…
Seemed like my network had broadened considerably.
“Anyway, another heretic group, huh? They always pop up when you start to forget about them.”
Aldobaran sighed deeply.
Considering he inherited the head of house position due to complications involving heretics, his reaction made sense.
“What can we do? Those cockroaches just keep coming back.”
“The Empire will get noisy again. How do you think the Royal Palace will handle this?”
“Lux will report back. Still, I am curious how they’ll respond since it’s not exactly a dangerous situation.”
Only one victim – the coachman.
While all lives are equal, I doubt the Royal Palace would move just for one commoner’s death.
If they do act, it’ll likely be because the Imperial Princess was threatened.
“The Eastern Union…they’ve been showing strange movements recently, haven’t they? Seems like heretics have infiltrated them.”
“Do you have any connections with them?”
“One of the union members, Aragon Kingdom, is a business partner. Our family has a hand in trade too, you know.”
That was news to me.
Though I never really cared what kind of business they were doing anyway.
“Can this be resolved?”
“We need to understand the situation first. The Royal Palace won’t blindly trust information about heretics. Depending on their judgment, things might change…”
If the info is true, we need to act fast.
Still, without solid evidence, even the Empire wouldn’t move easily.
They’ll probably confirm at the Eastern Union Conference.
How to verify it, I don’t know with my limited knowledge…
“No matter what, things won’t go as the heretics plan.”
The long war ended with the Empire’s victory.
We’ve accumulated enough experience not to be caught off guard by mere heretics now.
At least, that’s what I believe.
“Hmm…”
After pondering for a bit, Aldobaran nodded.
“In that case, I won’t close the case yet. Let’s monitor and gather more information. It’d be a waste to drop such a good lead.”
“Sounds good. Answers won’t come immediately anyway.”
With that, our business concluded – time to stand up and leave.
“Well then, I’ll take my leave.”
“Soon you’ll have to return to the Academy.”
“Yes. It’s been quite rare to relax like this.”
Shoulders shrugged, Aldobaran smiled and said:
“That’s how it goes when you’ve lived a busy life. Take this time to rest properly.”
“Appreciate your consideration.”
“While you’re at it, try dating a bit. Everyone’s been told to avoid visiting you, but still no news of romance? What gives?”
“…What are you implying?”
Now that you mention it, the estate did seem quieter than usual recently. Was this Uncle Aldobaran’s scheme?
The unexpected revelation left me speechless.
“Such a fine youth wasting away without meeting lovely young ladies. Or are you perhaps at that age where…”
“Enough useless talk. I’ll take my leave now.”
Terrified of what he might say next, I hastily stood up.
“Having someone who loves you is truly a blessing. Remember that.”
“Yes sir. Noted.”
As I gave a perfunctory reply and headed for the door, Sebastian’s voice came from outside.
“Young master, are you there?”
“Eh? What is it?”
“He’s here. A visitor has arrived.”
“Visitor?”
Who would visit me?
Curious, I opened the door to find Sebastian standing there looking somewhat tense.
“Who is it?”
“It’s…”
“I’m right here.”
Behind the hesitant Sebastian came a familiar voice.
Looking down at the short figure in maple-colored robes with an exhausted tone, I saw Erias staring intently at me.
“Erias-sama, what brings you here?”
The Empire’s strongest Archmage ignored my question, instead summoning mana and declaring:
“I’m borrowing this kid. Any objections, Lord Robert?”
“None whatsoever. Just please return him safely.”
Even Aldebaran dared not refuse Erias, who might be older than his own father.
Satisfied with the answer, Erias nodded.
“Let’s see what we can do.”
“Wait…where are we going…!”
Ignoring my panicked question, Erias simply cast a spell with an emotionless face.
[Transcendent Magic: Spatial Transfer]
That way, I found myself transported to an unknown Place with Erias.
The scene felt strangely like deja vu.
***
“You’re still lacking. Getting kidnapped without resistance?”
The words greeted me as soon as I regained consciousness.
For a kidnapper, that was quite the brazen statement.
“How was I supposed to resist in that situation?”
My mutter went unheeded as Erias responded.
“How do you even know it’s really me and not a heretic in disguise? You’re awfully complacent.”
“I can tell the difference. Anyway, where are we?”
Further arguing would only harm me.
Surveying the surroundings, I noticed a rather elegant garden.
First was a pond shimmering under soft moonlight-like illumination, with a large pavilion tastefully constructed from wood and stone at its center.
Following the stone bridge leading to the pavilion, my eyes landed on an unexpected figure – someone no imperial citizen could possibly fail to recognize: the Emperor himself.
“Figured it out, I see. He’s waiting, so let’s go.”
“…Yes.”
Though I wanted to ask about the situation immediately, the Emperor was watching.
Following Erias awkwardly, I felt an unusual flutter in my chest.
Perhaps it was guilt over Lux.
“The situation must have startled you. Have a seat first.”
Attempting to bow formally, I halted awkwardly at the Emperor’s words.
“The formalities are unnecessary. There’s no one else around.”
“…Understood.”
Fidgeting, I sat down as Erias used telekinesis to serve tea.
“Have some. It’s one of my favorites.”
“Much appreciated.”
Only after seeing the Emperor take a sip did I dare drink.
Surprisingly sweet despite my expectation of bitterness, the tea was pleasant.
Uncomfortable silence stretched on until the Emperor finally spoke.
“I heard you encountered the High Priest again. I summoned you to express my gratitude for protecting my daughter once more.”
“Merely a decoy. Nothing would have happened even without me. In fact, it might have been my fault she was endangered.”
I spoke honestly.
Had I not been there, she likely wouldn’t have crossed paths with the High Priest at all.
The fiend seemed to have been searching for me.
“Still, your presence made a significant difference in the outcome. And you did resolve my daughter’s curse.”
The Emperor repeatedly expressed his gratitude.
Seeing this, it was clear Lux was indeed the Emperor’s daughter.
Even in such a high position, he showed appreciation for small favors.
“With that aside, let’s discuss the information you’ve gathered.”
As expected, the topic turned to this.
“The heretic situation is too serious to overlook. If the Eastern Union falls to them, the Empire will inevitably be threatened.”
“That’s correct.”
“Also, I heard you plan to attend the Eastern Union conference.”
“Yes, that’s right.”
World Tree’s words about sowing seeds of unrest in the east came to mind.
Perhaps those seeds referred to the heretics.
“Soon we’ll form a diplomatic delegation. The Crown Prince Theron will lead it…would you consider guarding him?”
“I’ll follow any orders. Though…the Twelve Constellations would be better suited than me.”
Lowering my head, I replied.
There was still potential for the seeds of unrest not being heretics, and I preferred moving alone.
To be honest, working with Crown Prince Theron still brought up unpleasant feelings…
“Rest assured, Infantry Palace will also participate. I merely feel the Special Task Force Commander is more reliable.”
More reliable than Erias? What was that supposed to mean?
Glancing at Erias, who quietly turned away, she seemed to have made quite a few mistakes in some situation.
“In any case, please do your best. Don’t worry about Academy duties. It’ll be vacation season anyway.”
“…Understood. I’ll do my best.”
I had no choice but to accept.
There was no room for negotiation.
