“Her Royal Highness?”
“Ah, you don’t know, Yuuki?”
Brother Zeros leaned in closer to examine my face.
“Her Royal Highness is about to become an apprentice at the Magic Guild.”
“I understand.”
I nodded in response.
“The Lindbell Magic Guild has many high-ranking nobles as members. That’s why royalty also learns magic as apprentices. In other words, it has already been decided that Her Royal Highness will study magic as an apprentice. So, as a member of the guild, you’re here to assess Brother Zeros’ abilities, right?”
“W-wow, that’s impressive. You really understand, Yuuki.”
“I’ve heard you and Professor Kahel talk about it many times.”
This was before I regained my memories of my past life, though. Since Instructor Kahel arrived, he had said repeatedly, “Brother Zeros will likely study Ancient Magic at the Magic Guild in the royal capital as a result of my guidance. It’s a place you won’t have any connection to, Yuuki.”
“But why would Her Royal Highness come all the way to the baronial estate?”
“My efforts have paid off. Of course, if she didn’t possess magical power like Brother Zeros, my actions would have been in vain.”
Kahel said, his breath heavy with excitement.
“The Magic Guild manages and maintains Ancient Magic. To become an apprentice there, one needs a high aptitude for magic. The eighth princess, Iris Leetia, possesses an exceptionally high aptitude. While it has already been decided that she will study magic at the guild, she is looking for a partner there. That’s why she has taken the initiative to assess talented individuals.”
“This is quite rare.”
“While there are examples among dukes and marquesses, this is the first time for a baronial house. This shows just how much Brother Zeros’ abilities have been recognized.”
“Thanks to Professor Kahel’s guidance!”
“I also worked hard to write a recommendation letter to the Lindbell Magic Guild.”
At that point, Instructor Kahel turned to look at me. He glanced at Father, cleared his throat, and then—
“On the day Her Royal Highness arrives, Yuuki, you must not leave the house.”
“Leave the house?”
“We cannot allow the illegitimate son of the baron to be seen by Her Royal Highness. I want you to stay hidden in your room with the curtains drawn, keeping silent.”
“Teacher!?” “Professor Kahel!? Are you serious!?”
“Brother Zeros and the baron must remain silent!”
With a loud clap, Instructor Kahel struck Brother Zeros on the back.
“Now, Brother Zeros, you must tell Yuuki as well.”
“M-me?”
“Can you truly master magic without being able to educate your illegitimate brother!? Or will you introduce Yuuki to Her Royal Highness? ‘This is my illegitimate brother.’ Is that what you want? To be seen as equals? You would surely be looked down upon at the guild’s educational institution!”
“…Ugh.”
Brother Zeros stepped forward. It’s been a while since I looked him straight in the eye.
He had blonde hair and blue eyes. His hair came from Father, while his eyes were inherited from his legitimate mother. He resembled Father quite a bit. That’s why I couldn’t bring myself to dislike Brother Zeros.
“Yuuki. You must not… show yourself before Her Royal Highness.”
“Yes, Brother Zeros.”
“Her Royal Highness is of royal blood in this country. An illegitimate child… should never be seen by her. You must… you must…”
“Brother Zeros.”
Suddenly, Instructor Kahel tapped Brother Zeros on the shoulder.
“Can you really demonstrate your authority as an older brother with that kind of talk?”
“…Teacher.”
“Speak more clearly. Tell us how you truly feel about Yuuki!”
“…Yuuki.”
Brother Zeros hesitated for a moment before looking directly at me.
“You are the child of a woman I do not know, born from Father on the battlefield. Your black hair and black eyes bear no resemblance to him. Someone like you should never be seen by Her Royal Highness. Understand? You must absolutely stay in your room on that day! Got it!?”
“Yes, gladly.”
“…Huh?”
“That’s right, gladly.”
Who would want to meet a princess? I was a being once called the Demon King, after all. The so-called “Immortal Sorcerer,” Dean Nosferatu, who was feared (unilaterally). I wanted to keep my distance from anything related to the royal family.
They would quickly throw coins at adventurers, demanding they slay the Demon King. In my previous life, a self-proclaimed hero came to my ancient castle. He was starving, so I fed him well and convinced him I was harmless. After that, he worked hard as a guard for Fila Village. By the way, that was Lyle’s grandmother.
In any case, the royal family and princesses were endlessly bothersome presences. I didn’t want to be involved with them, even after being reincarnated.
“Don’t worry, Brother Zeros. I won’t enter Her Royal Highness’ line of sight. Just as you said, I’ll keep the curtains drawn and make sure I won’t be found.”
I said.
“If you’re worried, I can stay at an inn in town on that day. That way, I definitely won’t catch Her Royal Highness’ attention. If Father permits, I could even go on a journey somewhere far away…”
“…Yuuki.”
…Father, why are you wiping your eyes? Did I say something wrong?
“…I’m sorry. I… made you say that.”
“Father?”
“I must have been mistaken. In trying to have you join the ranks of high-ranking nobles, I have pushed my child to this extent. I…”
“…Yuuki. You…”
Brother Zeros clenched his fists and glared at me.
“I only said to keep your face hidden during the exam. Talking about going to town or traveling… are you being sarcastic!? Are you trying to undermine my exam, Yuuki!?”
“I didn’t mean it that way.”
Rather, I was supporting him. He was someone I admired in my previous life. An older family member. So, I didn’t want to be misunderstood. I needed to be clear.
“I simply have no interest in the Magic Guild or Her Royal Highness whatsoever.”
“Wha—!?”
“I’m satisfied just living in the baronial house. I don’t want to stretch myself thin and meet Her Royal Highness. I just want to be true to myself.”
“…”
“If it’s Her Royal Highness, she must have etiquette that even Father doesn’t know. I don’t want to embarrass myself in front of someone like that. I would become a laughingstock among the other nobles.”
“…Grr.”
“If possible, I would prefer to attend a school for commoners. I want to learn and interact with them to understand how this country was built. Frankly, I don’t care about Ancient Magic. The fall of the Sanctuary Church proves that power alone cannot solve everything.”
“…Grrr.”
“To sum it up, I genuinely feel no value in meeting the princess. Please, Father, Brother Zeros, and Professor Kahel, handle it yourselves. I wish for Brother Zeros to join the guild and study Ancient Magic.”
Wanting to hide when the princess arrives wasn’t sarcasm; it was my true feelings. Of course, I didn’t want to be a hindrance to Brother Zeros. He was an important family member. After saying all this, Brother Zeros should understand—
“Don’t you dare mock meeeeeee!!”
“Brother Zeros!?”
“Stretching yourself thin!? Being unworthy!? You think I’m forcing myself!? Are you saying that entering the Magic Guild is unworthy of me!!?”
“How did it come to this, Brother Zeros!?”
“Be grateful that you can even stay in this mansion! An illegitimate child! The child of a woman Father met on the battlefield!! And yet, you dare look down on me!!”
“Stop it, Zeros!!”
“Father!?”
“Yuuki did not intend to look down on you! Calm down, Zeros!!”
“Then… Father. Please, see my strength!!”
“Your strength?”
“You should be able to tell how strong I’ve become, Father. Please let me demonstrate the power of Ancient Magic that Professor Kahel taught me in front of Yuuki!!”
“…Hmm.”
“Baron, I also ask this of you.”
Instructor Kahel stepped forward, glaring at me from the corner of his eye.
“Yuuki has spent his childhood in a remote area. It’s understandable that he doesn’t know the value of Ancient Magic. We should show him the difference in our strengths.”
“I ask this too, Father!!”
“…Understood.”
Father raised his face and said,
“Someone, bring a wooden sword!! We will now have a mock battle between Zeros and me.”
Next time, Episode 8 is scheduled to be updated this evening.