Published at 5th of December 2025 8:12 pm

Chapter 217

This chapter is updated by JustRead.pl

I dont even know where to begin apologizing.

The Pentalon department official who briefed us on the first day looked like death warmed over as he groveled.

Were sorry. We dont have much experience handling royalty directly, so we didnt prioritize security thoroughly.

Its fine, Leo said, shaking his head.

We didnt expect such a crowd either. Could you provide us with the internal warp coordinates from now on? We understand you need to verify our identities due to potential ability users, so well contact you right before arriving.

Normally, people dont crowd around royalty unless the place is packed, but today, the barrier seemed to make them feel safe enough to stick close. Plus, there was no one controlling the crowd.

Or maybe its because the Imperial Mage Association has been pushing a public-friendly strategy since Adrian Askanians appearance, making people feel more at ease approaching royalty than usual.

If the Imperial Mage Associations copying my brother caused this mess it could be useful if played right, but well need to be more careful.

We listened to Leos lengthy exchange with the imperial official and received our morning checkpoint assignments.

Ignoring my friends curious and worried glances, I approached Elias. Sorry, but can I borrow another pair of gloves? I used my spare this morning.

Ugh, whats there to be sorry about!

Before I finished, Elias yanked a pair from his clutch and slipped them onto my hands. Then, with a wide grin, he waved enthusiastically.

Do well today~ See ya at lunch.

I smiled back, gave a quick wave, and turned to Leo, who was waiting.

Todays partner is Leo.

I heard Ulrikeer, Luisestrongly recommended it. I tried countless times to sweet-talk him into partnering with me, but it didnt work. That guys clearly trying to force us to bond and eliminate any hint of team discord.

We headed to our assigned area in silence.

Our job today was to check everything from Gates A to H, including seats and waiting rooms.

During the inspection, we didnt exchange a single word, wary of potential watchers. Neither of us is chatty, but wed usually cast a soundproofing spell and talk a bit. Todays total silence felt new.

The artifacts only linked to the security team, so no calls through it either.

Feels like working solo.

We occasionally ran into other staff, and I ended up talking to them more than Leo.

While taking a break outside, a man waiting for the elevator glanced at his watch and spoke to me. Brr, its freezing today. You okay in just that?

He was clearly older, bundled up in a coat stuffed with sweaters until he looked round.

I was just in a shirt, jacket, and coatprobably looked underdressed.

Im fine. Where you headed?

Third floor. I manage the magic lights. By the way

He glanced at me and asked, Mind if I ask something?

Sure, go ahead.

Do you wear that outfit into summer?

I nearly laughed at the random question.

Given his age, I could let the odd query slide.

No, well get new ones. Or maybe a thinner coat. I havent been told yet, so Im not sure.

Got it. That outfits really sharp.

I gave a vague smile.

Time to wrap up the small talk.

Im dead set on catching the culprit myself, but Im not ignoring Narces advice.

Thankfully, he said goodbye without lingering and headed upstairs.

I also ran into one of the many who stared at me yesterday. A New Human kept sneaking glances at me again today.

Whats up?

Oh, nothing Good afternoon.

Thanks.

We went our separate ways, and the conversation ended.

After exchanging brief greetings with a few others and watching Leo do the same, time flew by.

Everything went smoothly until lunch.

After eating, I froze at the text on a thin pink note.

[You dont drink much with meals! Sauerkraut and sausage is the best combo. Lets eat together next time.]

Leo, eating with me, snatched the note from my hand.

He stayed silent, his expression unchanged.

Someone had slipped it under the break room door.

It reeked of suspicion, but when I went to check, no one was outside.

Were treated mostly like everyone else, not like nobles. We eat lunch in one of the assigned break rooms.

Sure, getting a break room for every two people, off-limits to others, is a perk. Still

This isnt good.

Leo said quietly, Someones watching us.

Yeah.

Specifically, you.

I nodded.

Leo sighed heavily, looking troubled, and snapped his fingers.

The healing magic in his core intensified.

If left unchecked, Wittelsbachs Magic Power could be felt externally, so I used my own Magic Power to suppress the artifacts energy, letting the healing magic settle into the core.

By 4 p.m., after finishing all inspections, we headed to the dorms.

Of course, I reported the note too.

If this bastard shows up in person, Im ready, but this is getting annoying.

Though, safety-wise, its better if they dont show up.

But then how am I supposed to catch them?

While I mulled over less-than-ideal thoughts, Narce escorted me to my room, beaming. Another day done~ Good thing the report went smoothly.

Yeah. Thanks for today. See you tomorrow.

Lucas.

At Narces serious tone, I turned as I was about to enter my room.

He stood by the door, looking at me.

I dont know exactly, but Ive got a bad feeling. Wanna stay at the militia dorm tonight?

Bad feeling?

Yeah.

Hmm

So they might show up?

If it was that serious, Narce wouldnt have walked me here, so its probably something lesser.

Nah, Im good. Theres no space for me there anyway

I glanced around and continued, Right now, its about gathering data.

Narce nodded readily, then smiled softly. If you gather data and end up with more bad memories, what then? No way~ Im sleeping in your room.

Huh?

Before I could respond, Narce vanished.

After washing up and getting ready for bed, I found Narce unpacking a pile of stuff in my room.

He flopped onto the opposite bed, opened his bag, and out popped a hamster-like lump. Of course, its hopping made it clear it was a rabbit.

Lucas!

Its been a while since I heard that animals voice.

Well, not heardmore like it registered directly in my mind.

Before I could greet Pai, Narce pushed me down and draped Pai over my chest.

Brought him on purpose. Pai therapy~

No such thing.

There is!

Just asserting it, huh.

Whatever, its warm. Pai, probably excited to see me after so long, was squeaking at a barely intelligible speed. As I tried to cover Pai with the blanket, he suddenly stood up.

Huh!

What?

Its Lucas!

Its me?

I could guess the rest.

Pai, ensing Leos Magic Power, spun in circles. Its been a while since I realized you can read confusion on an animals face.

Since its healing Magic Power, Pai seemed even more content and flopped back down.

I infused Divine Power into Pai.

Lately, Pais been mostly in Narces room. Since my dorm changed, he didnt know to come here.

Hes not a magic-casting animal that memorizes coordinates, so Ill need to train him to come here directly. Then hell visit more often.

Pai doesnt trigger the barrier here, huh.

Yep.

Hes too small, and the Magic Power for warping is negligible. Thats why we used Pai to communicate when trapped in the potion lab before.

Unlike other teammates, Pais easy to bring along, which is nice.

If Pai were 500 times bigger, I could sleep on his belly.

As if reading my shameless thought, Pai jerked his head up.

Ong?

Sorry.

Why?!

Just because.

I covered Pais ears, wishing hed grow fast.

Soon, both Pai and I fell asleep.

Nothing happened overnight.

At least not physically.

The next morning, Pai came back with a pink note in his mouth, picked up from the window.

I stayed awake all night, and at 4 a.m., a note hit the window.

Narces face was grim.

I stared at Pai, still holding the note, and muttered, Good thing you were here.

Nah, even if I wasnt, it wouldve stopped here.

Narce replied soullessly, eyes fixed on the note.

Maybe. But I saw it differently.

Still, its better to face this kind of morning with someone to report it with than alone.

Haha, true. Fair point.

Narce gave a hollow laugh, staring daggers at the note.

I thought he was checking for Magic Power, but the note had none.

Wearing gloves, I unfolded the notes one by one.

[You were pretty friendly when we talked during the day. I knew youd be that kind of person. Keep it up next time.]

Ugh.

Chills ran down my spine.

Talked during the day?

I spoke briefly with at least five people todaywhat?

None of them seemed off.

Steadying my breath, I opened the next note.

[Whats that rat-like friend? Doesnt look like a native animal.]

[Your rooms too Bavarian, isnt it? Anhalts eagle is so much coolerwhy keep that clunky lion decor?]

The curtains were drawnhow did they see?

That was the biggest issue. Second

Is this bastard here to critique or what?

Flipping the note, I read more.

[But if you chose it, I like it.]

I opened another.

[Just leave your reply anywhere, and Ill read it.]

***

Someone I talked to.

The person who grabbed my hand was a New Human with an Old Human womans hand.

What does that mean?

This criminal is a shapeshifter.

Whether such an ability exists in this world is something to verify now, and I still dont know how they shook off my grip and kept singing.

But one things clear: I dont know what mask theyll wear when they show up.

Hello. We meet again.

Inside the all-white stadium building, by the cast-iron elevator, I ran into the old man from yesterday.

When I just stared without answering, he tilted his head. Something wrong?

No. Good morning.

It was so cold yesterday, I borrowed a heating artifact for my vest. But todays warmtoo hot.

Haha

Take care of your bones when youre young. New Humans have stronger bones than Old Humans, so you might think youre fine, but end up like me. I spent half my days exercising like a maniac when I was young. Felt great then, but decades later

Ding

He finished as the elevator took him upstairs. I smiled, tipping my hat slightly. He smiled back, returning the gesture.

Not long after, someone tapped my back.

A kid, startled by my eyes, asked in a small voice, Uh, do you know where Exit 22 is?

They probably didnt realize it was mePleromas Askanian.

Unless this is the stalkers act and not a real kid.

I forced a smile and pointed to the side passage. Go left down that passage, then straight back.

Thanks.

Whys a kid here? Before I could think, Elias spoke behind me. Guess that kids Magic Power is needed here?

Hmm

Another case like Narce and Heike.

Judging by their Magic Power and demeanor, everyone Ive met so far seems genuine.

Yeah, if they admitted to disguising yesterday, showing up today as someone else would be amateurish.

All day, my nerves were on Muller.

No matter how much I tried to ignore it, I couldnt relax, knowing I had to catch them if they appeared.

Also

Its getting to me, humanly speaking.

Even setting aside my resolve to catch them, knowing someones watching me all day isnt exactly pleasant.

Why me, damn it?

Sure, its better than this creep targeting the other six here, but with so many mages in the world, why me?

From the notes, it feels less like genuine support and more like half-jealousy. If thats their version of affection, fine, but having a jealous stalker nearby is the worst.

Thankfully, Elias stuck by me, chattering nonstop about trivial stuff, which dulled my frayed nerves a bit.

By 4 p.m., we prepped to return to the dorms.

Holding Narces hand for his help, I quietly told my friends, Im sleeping at the militia dorm tonight.

Huh? For real? Stay in my room! Narce and I share it.

Elias made a fuss.

That night, I couldnt sleep.

First, I had to stay vigilant.

Second, Elias, hyped that I was there, pulled out liquor and a board game.

Lucas too good at this! I wanted to beat you once, but you never lose.

Elias grabbed Narces wrist as he spoke.

Narce, caught, squirmed away, narrowing his eyes. Ugh, why just me?

Smack

Elias slapped Narces hand and laughed heartily, flopping onto the bed. Ah~ That pays back the hit I took at Heikes place.

What, it stuck with you *that* much?

Narce, rubbing his reddened hand, burst out laughing.

I forgot, but setting up the board tonight brought it back!

Haha huh?

Narce turned absentmindedly, then froze.

He jumped up, flung the curtains open, and opened the window.

Seeing what Narce held, my face hardened like his.

A pink note.

I took it and unfolded it.

[Think I wont find you if you change locations? Your expressions worth seeing. Havent seen it yet, but its vivid in my mind.]

I heard Elias tap his artifact to call the police.

This bastard thinks they know my expression?

I felt a laugh slip out as I tried to unclench my fist.

Cant tear it since I need to submit it. Ill burn it with a filter instead, like in Asman.

Then, something hit the window again.

Thud

Narce stood, grabbed another note, and brought i over.

[Oh, Im touched. Keeping my letters forever? Creepy. Guess were the same kind.]

I didnt sleep a wink.

Sheer stubbornness to see whod win kept me awake.

I submitted last nights notes to the Royal Investigation Bureau, got a promise of five mages for personal protection, and headed to the stadium.

Considering the daily cost of five mages, it seemed decently arranged. Though, who knows how much effort went into that decision.

Its only useful for Old Humans or weak New Humansnot much help to me. Besides, I asked them to catch the culprit, not protect me. Leo alone is worth more than those five.

So, the mages were stationed around the dorms. Not that itll help much.

Right now, Bavarian investigators are probably searching my lodging.

Tired.

At our teams meeting point, I stashed my belongings in the cabinet and looked out the window.

Who among the people passing on this street is the culprit?

Somewhere, someones watching me, and I dont know where.

My spine and shoulders feel stiff. I dont know where to look. Since yesterday, my senses are heightened; even the hum of the lights feels audible. The arched ceilings curve and the magic light in the center shimmer in my eyes. My nerves are so shot, I cant even tell the lights color.

But my fist was very much alive.

Ready to swing hard if they show up.

Come out in front of me, you bastard

Just messing with notes and not showing up leaves me no way to catch them.

Fine. Youre not gonna reveal yourself openly now, huh.

Got it.

They think keeping me on edge puts me under their influence, even without showing up.

Theyve half-achieved what they want, so why risk getting caught?

Then Ive got a plan too.

Lucas, you look rough.

Tsheringen looked at me with a serious expression.

Do I?

Yeah.

Tsheringen pulled a cola from her bag and held it out. You like this, right? You drank it nonstop during the second exam. Have some to lift your mood. It wont fix everything, but its all Ive got.

Oh, thanks.

I drank cola because it was there, but I guess I drank it enough to seem like a favorite.

I appreciate the gesture.

By the way

This Yulias the real one, right?

Focusing my blurry vision, I asked, Yulia.

Yeah?

I held out my hand, and Tsheringen looked surprised.

She lightly tapped my hand. Her Magic Power tingled my skin. Wittelsbachs Magic Power surged to the spot, triggering healing magic.

I clenched and unclenched my hand.

The attacking sides Magic Power transfers to the passive side. I usually tapped her hand, so I didnt notice, but today, the Magic Power I felt was definitely her, like during sparring.

Its you.

Tsheringens mouth opened slightly, then she smiled. Yeah. We sparred on Tuesday, right?

Sorry for doubting.

No, its natural in this situation. And you should be this thorough.

I gave him a soft smile. Yulia, Ive got a favor to ask. Can you hear me out and think it over?

Maybe because this was a new attitude, Tsheringen looked a bit surprised. She nodded, stepping closer.

The investigations stalled, and the culprits just sending notes without showing up. At this rate, we cant catch them.

Right. Its a mess if it stays like this. No way to handle it.

So, could you be my partner today?

Oh, sure! But Ulrikes probably gonna push for you and Leo again.

True. How about the three of usme, Leo, and you?

Fine by me if we can arrange it.

We already worked as a trio with Elias and Leo yesterday, so approval shouldnt be an issue.

When I didnt say more, Tsheringen asked gently, Was that the favor? I can do more.

Well, theres one more thing.

Its not over.

Will partnering with Tsheringen make the culprit show up?

Nope.

To draw them out, I need to take one more step.

This might be a weird favor, but could you act extra friendly with me today?

Act friendly? We are friends oh.

Tsheringen, puzzled, opened her mouth.

A grin spread across his face.

Shed figured out why I brought this up.

Were friends. But I mean, could you make it more obvious?

Hahaha, I get what youre going for~ Leave it to me.

Thanks.

Tsheringens confident laugh made me smile in gratitude.

You wont show up in front of me.

Fine. Thats fair.

Lets see how long you can keep that up.

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