Published at 5th of December 2025 8:10 pm

Chapter 209

This chapter is updated by JustRead.pl

No sound came.

I looked down at the doorknob and spoke.

Professor.

Knock knock

I know youre in there.

[.]

After a long pause, the door opened.

A middle-aged mage with a sharp, weary expression greeted me.

Well, greeted isnt quite right. Before I could even say hello, Traut glared at me intensely.

Whats this about? Did I schedule a meeting with a student? Showing up at my faculty residence on a weekend morning, not even my officewhats the deal?

My apologies. I wouldve informed you in advance if I could, but this couldnt wait. I desperately need your help, so I came despite knowing its rude.

Only then did Traut narrow his eyes, still visibly displeased.

Cant be helped.

Theres a limit to winning people over by running around myself.

What did the system want from me? With the Conquerable function updated at the semesters start, its pushing me toward something Id rather not get close to. I dont know what kind of game I played in my life to deserve this ordeal.

So, I wont move as the system intends.

The thought of going against its intentions already warms my heart.

May I come in?

.

Traut scanned me up and down, then shut the door and said.

Ill come out.

***

Lucas Rene Askanian

Title: Sir Nicolaus

Health: +4.0 (+0.4) [+7.0]

Mental Strength: +4.3 (+1.3)

Magic Power: ?

Skills: +5.1 (+0.3) [+8.1]

Impression: -5.8 (+1.2) [+3] [+8.126]

Luck: +5.0 (+0.8)

Traits: Dawn777, Divine Power, Charm (Lv.5), Retry (Lv.3)

The last time I checked my status was two weeks ago during the arts festival.

Sitting in Trauts stark white office, I reviewed the status window.

Everythings gone up a lot.

My Health and Mental Strength have reached the Imperial Second Academys average, and my Skills have surpassed it.

No wonder my magic felt sharper during the exam.

What matters now is the Impression value.

It rose 1.2 points in two weeks, bringing the national Impression to -5.8.

Its been about a month since I escaped -9.9, but that generous number still feels fresh.

The school Impression rose 2 points to +3. Nicolaus, who hasnt focused much on public activities, also gained 0.1.

Ill need to keep that in mind for comparison.

Then, from across the office, Traut asked in an annoyed tone.

Coffee?

No, thanks.

Traut nodded vaguely, dragging his shoes as he slumped into his seat, holding a pitch-black coffee.

I didnt expect you to agree to my request.

I havent agreed to anything.

You came out, didnt you?

I replied with a mild smile.

It wasnt a great response, so Traut looked at me like I was a headache-inducing chore.

Of course, its a hassle, but he didnt tell me to leave or say he wouldnt help.

Is it kindness, wanting to hear out a whining students troubles?

No.

Its closer to not being able to kick me out.

Heres why I had to find Traut.

The day after the warp magic was cast on my room, Stefan Traut barged into an emergency meeting of the Magic Department faculty, urging them to declare my innocence.

Are they trying to pin all this on Askanian? No matter how flawed Lucas Askanians disposition is, whether he drinks blood or not, theres no way to get that potion without approaching Pleroma. Isnt that right?

Thats what he said.

Why would someone so loyal to Adrian Askanian do that? Why would someone who disapproved of me so much wish for my innocence instead of my downfall?

The answers simple when you think it through.

From my perspective, Traut is an enemy, but focusing on that misses the point.

Why did Traut assign a watcher to me? Why did he lock the lab door during the potion contest?

To see if I was using mana.

Using mana would mean the potion my brother feeds me has worn off, meaning the cores leash is loose.

What does it mean if my core returns to normal?

It means my disposition could manifest unknowingly, potentially draining peoples blood and mana to death.

Thats what Traut feared most.

If I killed someone, Adrians reputationwho tried to raise me humanelywould plummet.

For Traut, aligned with my brother, thats the worst-case scenario.

Now its clear.

Trauts goal isnt to attack me but to monitor me to keep Adrian Askanians approval rating intact.

So, with the media frenzy branding me as Pleroma, what does that make Adrian, whos visibly worked to socialize me?

I now know the value Traut and I share.

If we had no common ground, Id have only considered locking him up, but hes shown potential to be a useful tool from the start.

All thats left is to persuade him.

Traut gulped his steaming coffee and spoke.

The inauguration rehearsal mustve started.

Yes. Thats why I dont have much time.

Whats so urgent that you came to me on a Saturday morning?

I pulled a newspaper from my file.

Youve seen this, I assume.

Articles wary of Lucas Askanian were placed before him.

Thinking my tone wasnt polite, Traut raised an eyebrow.

Yes, Ive seen them.

It seems the public wrongly fears Ill harm society.

Traut narrowed his eyes, staring at me.

He must think its out of the blue.

Of course. Are we close enough for this? Weve barely exchanged greetingspractically strangers.

I continued without smiling.

My brother traveled the country for over a decade, seeking a cure for my disposition that neither religion nor magical medicine could heal. Thanks to his efforts, I live with a healthy core. But the public underestimates his work.

What, you came to talk about this on a Saturday morning?

I cut off Trauts puzzled protest.

As someone indebted to my brother my whole life, I cant stand by while these articles belittle his efforts.

Traut shook his head, looking confused.

Fine. Its certainly disrespectful to His Excellency Adrian Askanian. And to you. But whats this about? Why tell me this?

Dont you know what Im asking?

Traut narrowed his eyes, leaning closer as I did.

You have wide connections, Professor. I believe you can clear the false accusations against our family.

.

Trauts face twisted.

Realizing my intent, he glared daggers and stood.

Go back. Even if Im sponsored by Askanian, Im not obligated to fulfill unreasonable demands.

I expected this.

Someone tied to my brother wouldnt be friendly to me.

But its too early to give up.

You should hear me out. I was surprised to learn youd curse someones arteries.

?

Trauts expression changed as he stood. He stared down at me, eyes wide, as if asking what Id just said.

Just to avoid being a suspect. You knw who locked me in the lab during the potion contest, dont you?

.

No matter how I think about it, I couldnt understand why Jurgen Beck framed me, so I requested a more detailed investigation record. The Bureau said your name came up in Becks statement.

I leaned back in the chair, hands clasped.

His face was now pale, composure gone. I continued impassively.

A mage who gained a professorship through Askanians sponsorship obstructing Askanian? My brother would be shocked.

It was for Askanians safety

Safety? My brother didnt order you to lock his brother in a lab.

Its true.

I thought it back then.

Adrian Askanian isnt the type to take such risky actions. He might send a letter implying fear of my disposition resurfacing, like he did initially, but he wouldnt openly command more.

With his paranoia and perfectionism, delegating tasks to others is impossible.

I know youre aligned with my brother. But do you think my brother, who sees me as a father figure, would worry about losing his dukedom over a high school potion contest? Or that hed see his seven-years-younger brother as a threat? Haha, I wonder how hed react if he knew

Of course, I know thats not why he locked me in.

But from his limited perspective of me, its plausible, and Traut has no convincing excuse.

Traut stepped back unconsciously.

His legs seemed to give out under the unexpected situation.

I watched and continued.

Its insulting. To me and my brother.

Thats not what I meant

Not trusting me is one thing, but at least trust the lord you serve. Oh, no. Maybe thats too much for someone who doesnt even trust the potion my brother gives me.

No response came.

I stood and approached him.

Now youre ready to talk.

.

As you know, I dont want my issues to tarnish my brothers name. Hes my benefactor, guiding me this far despite my flaws. Its time I repay his care. You respect him too, dont you? Then you know how threatening these articles are to Askanian and how they insult his love.

Traut didnt answer. Didnt nod.

It showed how prideful he was.

But his eyes were wavering.

Saying he was ready to talk wasnt a lie. He was prepared to follow my words.

Only if I didnt wound his prideor crushed it entirely.

Time to pull back the whip.

I trust you, Professor. When I entered this school with no friends, living like a ghost, knowing a hometown elder was here was such a comfort.

Trauts shoulders twitched.

Oh.

This is the point?

The first meaningful reaction.

Suppressing a smile, I continued.

Hearing the investigation results from the contest day, I felt betrayed by someone I trusted. Still do.

I locked eyes with him.

Hes someone who lives and dies by trust. When I mentioned betrayal, his eyes began to wander slightly, searching for a place to settle.

I understand your concerns. I deeply respect my brother and swear in Christs name Id never harm him. So, Professor, give me and my brother your confidence again.

.

After a long silence, Traut nodded.

Still prideful, he stared at me.

Fine. Sit.

I smiled, pulling the file from the desk with magic.

I opened it to the right page and handed it to him.

Id told Jurgen Beck to list people who helped gather information, besides Traut.

This was that list. People in my brothers sphere, sharing Trauts goals.

Id said Id investigate everyone and not to lie, but I assumed he wouldnt comply, so I background-checked them all. They were all like Traut, with active connections.

Turns out theres quite a network between Jurgen Beck and you. Two each in the Imperial Newspapers political and social sections. Plus the Berlin Dailys editor-in-chief, and even Dasrothes Berlin branch.

Unlike my smile, Trauts face darkened again.

As I flipped through, showing their details, he swallowed, trying to relax his expression.

Of course. I reminded him of his crimes.

I didnt directly crush his pride with harsh words, but I needed to keep him in check so he wouldnt get cocky or plot revenge.

I closed the file and said.

48 hours.

?

Trauts eyes, filled with fear and discomfort, met mine.

Sensing wariness, I clasped my hands and spoke.

By Monday morning, turn Berlins atmosphere completely around.

***

I saved his skin, so I deserve this much.

Just this once?

Ill milk him like a bone for broth.

Lets move to the right!

Someone shouted from afar.

At the Imperial Court, practicing meaningless position changes dozens of times, I half-tuned out, lost in thought.

Those articles from 6 a.m.dont they feel familiar?

Theyre the same as the reactions after the January militia exam.

[Pleromacan it be cured?]

[Anhalt Protestant Church Union: An era of Pleroma handling Pleroma strongly criticized]

[Lucas Askanian, the Askanian familys only path forward]

[We cant entrust citizens to Pleroma resolute opposition to Imperial Second Academys decision]

These were last months articles post-first exam.

Back then, I thought:

This is natural. If the publics negative perception flipped overnight, *that* would be stranger. Itd mean someone high up is controlling the media with intent.

That hasnt changed.

So, how do I gather 10,000 favorability points in this mess?

Its actually perfect timing.

The medias been dragging the same topic for a month, and public interest has waned. Lucas Askanian joined the Imperial Second Academy Militia exam remains unresolvedwhat more can they do?

In early January, the public wanted me expelled or my safety confirmed.

The school didnt expel me, and I proved my cores stability at Bavarias Magic Medical Center.

People quickly adapt to stimuli. They soon crave something more shocking.

The media likely thought my top ranking and Imperial entry would be that more shocking stimulus.

Good call.

But I cant wait for the publics negative perception to flip overnight to earn points. So, what to do?

The answers clear.

Its time to control the media.

Thats it!

The Imperial protocol team leader, using amplification magic, shouted.

It was already 6 p.m.

Ugh so tiring.

Elias shuffled over, draping his arms over my shoulders, slumping.

This is so boring. Right?

Yeah.

Lets go eat. Their foods rotten, but my familys cooking is top-notch. Been a while since I was home, so Im craving it.

My family fair enough.

Im not used to him casually calling the Imperial Court his home, but its typical.

With a wry smile, I glanced around.

Not just Eliaseveryone looked drained.

No wonder.

While my friends arrived at the Imperial annex at 7 a.m., I got here at 2 p.m. Im still fresh, but they arent.

Elis rambled about playing poker with Heike during breaks, then leaned close to my face, shouting.

By the way, whyd you show up so late~? It was boring without you!

Had something to assign to a professor.

Assign?

Yup.

I nodded, spotting Narce running toward me.

Lucas!

Hm?

He was holding a stack of newspapers.

Before I could tell him not to run, the papers dropped at my feet. Narce mustve warped them first.

Elias quickly grabbed the Imperial Newspaper, skipping the First Academy militia story on the front page.

Whoa.

Flipping to the next page, articles filled the spread.

[Lucas Askanian, Imperial Second Academy Militia final selection top ranker]

[Imperial Mage Union: No disqualifying factors for Lucas Askanian Fully qualified]

[Lucas Askanian following Adrian Askanians path?]

[Karl Reitzberg, Imperial First Academy honorary professor: Lucas Askanian has the greatest potential as a mage]

.

Quite different from this mornings 6 a.m. headlines.

My eyes met Eliass. He cast a soundproofing spell and slapped my back.

Hey~ Wasnt Nicolaus in a tough spot? You even managed the media as Lucas?

It worked out.

Nice!

Narce, whod reached us, laughed and answered simultaneously. Though outside the soundproofing spell, he probably read it with Insight.

Elias included Narce in the spell and said.

But that professor couldnt snag the front page.

True.

If he had that much pull, hed have gotten out of detention without my help. Though, how many have the influence to free someone the Emperor locked up?

I shook my head, laughing.

Getting my criticism off the front page is profit enough.

With high newspaper reliance, it didnt need to be the front page.

And

Thats not all I prepared.

***

At the same time, in Berlin.

In a pub frequented by commoners, someone quietly listened to their group.

I just dont get why theyd put someone like that in first place. Even if he had the scores, how do you pass someone with those rumors?

Share