Chapter 55: Favor (2) Outside the restaurant, once the unofficial meeting had concluded, we saw off Nikolaus, the Master of the Magic Tower.
"I had a pleasant time today."
"As did I."
Nikolaus climbed into his car with a flushed face and departed, leaving me alone with Chiron.
"...Ahem. Max. Thank you."
Chiron spoke first, his tone slightly awkward.
"Not at all. I was only able to handle things smoothly because you were so quick to catch on to my intentions, Sir Chiron."
"Haha. Then, as I thought, you also believe Vice Commander Anton is..."
"Yes. It simply cannot be allowed."
Chiron lowered his head and let out a small chuckle.
Anton lacked the caliber to be a Knight Commander. He was too upright and stubborn—not the type of man who could navigate the complexities of this era.
"However, Sir Chiron."
I looked at him—specifically, at the watch strapped to his wrist.
"May I ask one favor of you?"
"...A favor?"
Chiron asked back, his voice suddenly tense.
Perhaps it was because I'd had a bit to drink, but it had been bothering me for a while now, and I couldn't stand it any longer.
"What kind of favor?"
"It's nothing major, but if we happen to meet privately again in the future..."
The wristwatch.
"I would prefer it if you didn't wear a watch."
Tick—tick—tick—
The movement of the watch was incredibly grating. I didn't know exactly why. If I had to guess, it was likely because a watch could never keep up with 'absolute time,' and it created a constant discrepancy with the 'sense of time' inherent in my mind.
"Oh... right. I understand. I'll do that."
Chiron looked bewildered, but he nodded in agreement.
"Thank you. Well then, we shall take our leave here."
"Very well."
Chiron gave my shoulder a cautious pat. I gave him a polite nod and stepped into my car.
* * *
Flash! Flash!
Camera flashes erupted in the press conference hall. I stood on the podium as a Sentinel Knight. Since the 'Head-Eater' case had garnered significant attention recently, a large number of reporters had gathered.
"...The suspect known as the 'Head-Eater' has been confirmed by the Sentio Magic Tower's precision analysis to have used the forbidden Chaos Magic, 'Brain Chimera.'"
The long-standing serial killer, the Head-Eater.
The Sentio Magic Tower had provided conclusive magical evidence that Pexy was the culprit.
"For more details regarding the Chaos Magic 'Brain Chimera,' I will turn it over to someone who assisted my investigation with all her heart."
I pointed toward a corner of the hall.
"Mage Ezel of the 4th Circle, from the Sentio Magic Tower, will provide the explanation."
Ezel finally stepped up to the podium. Her face was stiff with nerves.
"Yes. I am Ezel of the 4th Circle. First, I will... I shall present the materials I have prepared."
She spoke haltingly, her movements stiff.
"The Chaos Magic 'Brain Chimera' is a horrific spell that involves consuming the brain energy of others—no, consuming it to steal their bodies. It is strictly forbidden under Imperial law. It's not that this specific spell alone is banned, but rather, all types of magic that 'could cause chaos within the Empire' are prohibited."
Despite her trembling, Ezel continued the briefing well enough.
"Upon conducting a precision test on the spinal fluid of the suspect detained by the Sentinel Knights, who is presumed to be the Head-Eater, we detected numerous different types of brain energy. Therefore, this suspect is not Pexy von Arjen."
I took the microphone back at that moment.
"As of now, the suspect is presumed to be an unidentified 'sub-species.'"
Sub-species. At those words, Ezel glared at me. Her brow furrowed significantly.
"Further details will be announced following the investigation. That is all."
I ignored her look and ended the press conference.
Tug. As I stood up, Ezel grabbed my sleeve.
"What is it?"
Ezel looked up at me.
"How can you be so sure it's a sub-species?"
Her question was rational, but I could only give an answer rooted in prejudice.
"Because an Aranian of the Empire would never do such a thing."
"..."
Ezel stared into my eyes for a moment before quietly letting go.
"Good work, Max."
"Yeah. You too."
I left the press conference hall. I didn't look back at Ezel, who remained behind alone.
* * *
I returned to the mansion. I was quite tired, but there was still a mountain of work to process—information that required my approval or reports on completed tasks.
I opened the documents.
[Completion of Genen Annex]
[Wiretapping and Eavesdropping Logs]
The Genen Annex was finished, and Schatz had added intelligence: one of the Revolutionary Group's bases had been identified last night. Solid evidence had also been secured.
There was no need to drag this out, so I decided we would move out tomorrow.
Next.
──[Official Authorization]──
Subject: Final Approval for the Establishment of a New Educational Institution
Name of Institution: Special Magical Engineering Academy...
* * *
The new school and dormitory had been completed on the vacant land I had purchased. Official permission from the Empire had been granted as well. Lorenzo became the headmaster, and Armand became the first student.
It was good news.
Next.
[Completion of Hermes State Airport and Request for Operating Permit]
[Signature Required]
The airport in Hermes State, home to the Rommilton Mountains, was finished. I signed the document authorizing the start of operations.
Now, Southern Hermes would serve as my firm stronghold.
Next.
[Mana Stone Purity Grade Table]
These were the results related to the mana stones. The new equipment, 'Kitty,' had been introduced to Rommilton, and the efficiency of mana stone mining had skyrocketed instantly.
I also established a workshop to process the mined stones directly on-site. This space was not only for the 'Mana Carving' Lorenzo had mentioned but also for ultra-precision processing to elevate high-purity mana stones to the highest possible grade.
[Request for Hiring Mana Stone Artisans]
[Approval Required]
I signed it immediately.
Processing highest-purity mana stones requires skilled artisans. This is because mana stones with a natural purity of over 96% are almost non-existent.
However, training an artisan inevitably involves massive costs and failures.
Only after breaking precious 96% purity stones and degrading them to 70% dozens, or even hundreds, of times could a true artisan be born—one capable of producing 98% or 99% purity.
I would not spare any expense.
Next was the audit document for the predatory company, [Golden Grain].
[Aide Dieter Schmidt: Golden Grain Audit Proposal]
Golden Grain. A company with patented technology for repeatedly distilling and fermenting top-tier grains harvested from the granaries of the Eastern Empire with mana fluid. Through this process, the grain transforms into a special magical substance sold as expensive elixirs.
Items like the 'Elixir of Youth' that nobles were obsessed with.
However, they neglected their duty to treat magical wastewater and illegally discharged it into the nearby sewers. As a result, the surrounding villages were contaminated, and many residents suffered from mysterious illnesses and deformities.
Below that was a plan written by Dieter himself.
──[Proposal: Acquisition of Golden Grain]──
According to Headmaster Lorenzo's research, Golden Grain's distillation technology has a high potential to be developed into a combat recovery agent that stabilizes the mana circuits of wounded soldiers and maximizes recovery speed, going beyond simple elixir production.
* * *
Medical supplies are crucial on the battlefield. They are essential not just for treatment, but for maintaining morale.
The belief that the military can save you even if you are shot or cut by a sword actually improves the soldiers' combat effectiveness.
Such excellent patents and facilities were being wasted by these vermin to produce mere luxury goods.
I called Dieter.
"Dieter."
—Yes, sir.
"Start the operation on Golden Grain. Report back if you see any other worthwhile patents."
—Understood.
An Ebenholtz uses any means necessary.
If there is something I want, I take it. If there is something I want to destroy, I crush it.
Tap.
Just then, the sound of a stone hitting the study window echoed.
Tap.
I opened the window. Priya was standing in the training yard below.
"Hey, kid! Why aren't you coming out?"
"...Ah."
I forgot today was a lesson day.
"I'm coming right now."
I vaulted straight out of the study window. Priya's brow furrowed instantly.
"You're fifteen minutes late. Double the tuition."
"Fine."
"Look at you, acting all high and mighty just because you have money."
"...When did I ever do that?"
"Just swing your sword."
I picked up a longsword. No preparatory movements were needed. I simply swung the sword in the silence.
...
Now, my sword no longer made unnecessary noise.
Furthermore, the Ebenholtz draw—
Step.
I had become accustomed to it enough to cover dozens of meters with a single stride fueled by mana.
If I added my 'sense of time' to this, I might even be a threat to Priya.
"Oho. You've polished it well. Try it on me."
Priya raised her sword.
"Yes."
I poured mana into the blade. A silver trajectory blurred. It rushed toward Priya—no, it flowed into her.
Clang! Clang! Clang!
A silent swordsmanship deployed at full power. Priya parried with minimal movement. She looked completely at ease, but a deep smile had formed on her lips.
As I withdrew my sword, she spoke.
"You've become natural."
"Like flowing water?"
"And like moonlight."
I gave a small smile. Priya pointed her sword tip at my jaw.
"But what's with your appearance? You've got dark stubble growing."
"I've been a bit busy lately."
"Didn't I tell you? An Ebenholtz must always be flawless in that regard."
"It grows naturally when there's no time."
"Then at least grow it out stylishly. Like Zebestian."
"...I loathe beards."
I had lived like a total beggar during my days as a fugitive. I hated facial hair now.
"Keep this in mind. Always maintain your mindset and your appearance with diligence, and forge your spirit into something unbreakable. Become a noble who does not waver."
I looked at Priya. She was always a mystery—someone who knew the Ebenholtz better than the Ebenholtz themselves and lectured an Ebenholtz on what it meant to be one.
I wanted to ask who she was, but I knew I probably shouldn't.
"Yes. I will keep that in mind. However, I won't be able to be a purely 'noble' person."
"Why is that?"
Moonlight suddenly descended, illuminating the training yard. It was a full moon tonight. Before I knew it, the moon had become full.
Time was flowing so quickly.
"...Because I have to kill many people."
I was already prepared.
Before long, once my foundation was complete and 'that time' finally arrived...
I would gladly wield my heart.
"If that is your conviction," Priya said to me.
"If you establish your conviction and never give up on it, that in itself is noble."
* * *
Golden Grain, the company that owned the golden granaries of Ementhal in the Eastern Empire.
Its chairman, 'Chamber von Wagner,' let out a hollow laugh as he looked at the document handed to him by the man sitting opposite him.
"Ha. What is this?"
The man wearing glasses replied in a stiff voice.
"An acquisition proposal, Chairman Wagner."
"I'm asking what the hell this is. I think you missed about six zeros here."
"No company in this Empire is worth 50 billion dollars."
The amount written on the check was a mere 50,000 dollars. Chamber glared at him, his face contorting.
"...What kind of crazy bastard are you?"
"Before that, please read this as well."
The man placed another stack of documents on the table. It was a chemical analysis of the wastewater illegally discharged from the Golden Grain factory. It was evidence that the drinking water the nearby villagers had been consuming was contaminated with magical waste.
"In exchange, we will cover the damages for this criminal act and the restoration costs for the entire village."
"..."
Chamber's face turned pale.
"Hey, you. Do you even know who I am?"
"You are Chairman Chamber of Golden Grain."
"That's right. Eastern Ementhal is my territory. No one here can say a word to me. I—my family—has been feeding this entire city for three generations. Do you have any idea how much I pay in taxes? You idiot?"
The man nodded.
"I see. I am Dieter Schmidt."
"Big deal. A mere commoner—"
"I am the aide to Sir Maximilian von Ebenholtz."
At that moment, Chamber froze.
He felt like he had just heard the wrong name.
"...What? Who?"
"If you accept the proposal now, he has agreed to overlook all charges, including tax evasion, embezzlement, and bribery, in addition to Golden Grain's criminal acts."
"No, who... what are you even—"
Dieter handed over a new document from his coat.
[Correction Order]
It was a correction order from the Sentinel Knights, issued by Maximilian.
It was indeed signed with the scrawl of an Ebenholtz.
"..."
Chamber swallowed hard. Cold sweat broke out on his forehead.
Was it a forgery? No, what kind of insane con artist would impersonate an Ebenholtz to acquire a company?
"If you refuse this proposal," Dieter said dryly, staring straight at Chamber.
"You will likely have to see the Knight himself."
Chamber's breathing grew ragged. He picked up the acquisition proposal with trembling hands. He licked his dry lips and glanced at Dieter.
Dieter stood up calmly.
"I will give you three days. Please make your decision by then. And remember: this is the 'last' favor the Knight is graciously bestowing upon you."
Step. Step. Watching the aide's retreating back, Chairman Chamber clutched his chest as he began to hyperventilate.
...Two days later, 「Veritas」 acquired Golden Grain's facilities and patents. Proper compensation was paid to the villagers, and Lorenzo and Armand began developing facilities to treat the magical wastewater.
Once the wastewater treatment system was completed, Golden Grain would eventually be redesigned into a pharmaceutical factory for the coming war.
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