Chapter 2: The Fallen《Magician》

Four days by stagecoach, or two days by swift horse, north from the academic city of Fejite.

There lies the imperial capital, Orlando—the largest city in the Alzano Empire, surrounded by towering walls.

At the heart of this capital stands Feldrado Palace, the residence of Her Majesty the Queen and the central hub of imperial governance.

At this moment, a meeting of the《Round Table》, the empire’s de facto highest decision-making body, was being held in one of the palace’s chambers.

Seated around a grand circular table at the room’s center were Queen Alicia VII and twelve members sworn to the royal family’s loyalty, fervently debating the future of national policy.

Every member was a pivotal figure in the empire’s military, political, or economic spheres—seasoned veterans exuding dignity and gravitas, forged by years of experience.

“…And that concludes the report on the information control and measures regarding former Princess Ermiana.”

“Well done.”

Queen Alicia VII responded curtly to the report.

“It’s unfortunate that her status as an Ability User has been exposed… but it’s fortunate that her royal lineage has been contained to a select group of trustworthy individuals.”

“…Meaning?”

“Yes. Strengthen the information restrictions and continue to confine Ermiana to the academy. She still holds value as bait to lure that organization. Disposing of her would be less beneficial to the empire’s interests than keeping her in play. However, if her true identity is ever exposed… you understand, don’t you?”

The queen’s chilling gaze and words sent a shiver down the spines of even these battle-hardened members.

(Her Majesty…)

The monocled elderly gentleman—Marquis Gratz Le Edward, Chief of the Queen’s Cabinet—sensed the pain behind Alicia VII’s obligatory words and grimaced with sympathy.

“Now, onto the next agenda.”

“…Yes, Your Majesty.”

At that, a red-haired man in military garb rose to his feet.

Among the formidable figures gathered, he radiated an unparalleled presence, authority, and intimidation.

His stern, unyielding expression, the scar etched across his face, and the myriad medals adorning his chest testified to the countless battlefields he had survived.

“My proposal, as outlined in the documents before you, is a continuation of my long-standing suggestion—”

“Lord Ignite… are you once again advocating for military expansion!?”

Marquis Edward, exasperated, slammed a stack of papers onto the table.

“Surely you’re aware of how much military spending is straining the national treasury!?”

But the man—Duke Azel Le Ignite, Minister of the Imperial Armed Forces and Chief of the Joint Staff—responded with calm composure.

“It’s you who fails to understand, Lord Edward. It seems even the man once called《Wald’s Golden Lion》has grown feeble with age.”

“What did you say!? Say that again, you insolent pup!?”

“Consider the current global situation. Particularly the ancient, unbroken enmity between our Alzano Empire and that accursed Rezalia Kingdom.”

The Alzano Empire and its neighboring Rezalia Kingdom.

These two nations were the dominant powers vying for supremacy over the North Selford Continent.

Though its territory is modest, the Alzano Empire thrives on advanced civilization, superior magical and industrial technology, and a unified political structure centered around the royal family.

In contrast, the Rezalia Kingdom relies on vast territories for primary industries, unifying diverse races annexed through religious wars under the Church of St. Elizares, which effectively governs the nation.

The national power of these two states is currently in perfect equilibrium.

“Have you forgotten? The founder of the Alzano Empire’s royal family traces their lineage to the Rezalia Kingdom’s royal house. As such, the empire and kingdom have always clashed over their respective rights to rule.”

“Moreover, the Imperial National Church, which guarantees the legitimacy of our royal family’s rule, has been branded heretical by the Papal Authority of the Church of St. Elizares, which effectively controls the Rezalia Kingdom, resulting in deeply strained relations between the two churches…”

The Imperial National Church and the Church of St. Elizares.

Originally, both were branches of the same ‘Elizares Faith,’ split into two distinct religious organizations: the Vardia faction (New Faith), emphasizing evangelism, and the Canon faction (Old Faith), prioritizing rituals and worship.

The former is upheld by the Imperial National Church, the latter by the Church of St. Elizares.

In simple terms, the former takes a lenient stance, valuing respect for God and scripture while coexisting with other sects. The latter demands absolute obedience to God and scripture, enforces strict commandments, and seeks to eradicate other sects, even through violence.

“The Rezalia Kingdom has a history of expanding through religious wars, annexing diverse nations and peoples. It barely holds these varied races together through faith.”

“Everyone here knows that! What does this have to do with military expansion—?”

“You’re suggesting that the church’s control is reaching its limit, aren’t you?”

Queen Alicia VII’s dispassionate confirmation prompted Lord Ignite to continue.

“Precisely, Your Majesty. The era of ruling people through faith is long over. In recent years, discontent has begun to erupt among the kingdom’s disparate populace.”

“Yet the royal family’s authority has already crumbled, and the Rezalia Kingdom faces the imminent threat of internal collapse. However, it seems the church cannot forget the dominance it wielded during the Divine Reverence War forty years ago.”

Sweeping his gaze across the《Round Table》members, Lord Ignite declared with gravitas:

“…Surely you all understand by now?”

“Got it. To unite a fractured alliance, nothing works better than an enemy—a clear, justifiable foe, strong enough to pose a challenge but defeatable. Hah, so the church is eyeing us again, huh?”

A flamboyantly dressed, roguish old man—Sir Abram Luciano, head of the Luciano family, which controls the empire’s longstanding mafia, the ‘West Mahard Company’—spoke with a playful tone.

“Exactly, Lord Luciano. They have plenty of justifiable causes—our governance rights, their heresy accusations. Annexing our nation would also secure the lucrative trade routes to the West Mahard Continent, a significant economic strategy.”

“Their anti-empire education for their citizens is thorough, making us the perfect target to redirect their populace’s frustrations through war. The recent political pressure they’ve exerted on us stems from precisely that… isn’t that right, Your Majesty?”

“…Yes, Lord Ignite speaks the truth.”

Queen Alicia VII spoke with a grave expression.

“In recent years, the Rezalia Kingdom has openly pursued a diplomacy backed by military might against our nation. For now, we’re countering this through covert alliances with their moderate influencers, but… I regret to say the risk of a second Divine Reverence War is growing year by year.”

A faint ripple of unease spread among the members at the astute queen’s judgment.

“Hmph. Did you hear that? Her Majesty’s words. That’s precisely why we must prepare now for the inevitable.”

“B-but—! You militarists… haven’t you been getting too bold lately!?”

Lord Edward clung stubbornly to his opposition against Lord Ignite’s words.

“Lord Ignite… your faction’s recent arrogance is intolerable! Just the other day, one of your allies in the Ministry of Education went rogue, pushing aggressive wealth-and-military policies and educational reforms, then appointing that extreme militarist Maxim Tirano as headmaster of the Alzano Imperial Magic Academy in a ludicrous personnel decision! And it’s all because you—!”

But—

“I support Lord Ignite’s judgment.”

“Likewise. As Lord Ignite says, measures against our neighbor are essential.”

“Besides, though somewhat forceful, isn’t this educational reform necessary for our nation?”

Voices of support for Lord Ignite immediately rose from the newest members of the《Round Table》, exactly half of the assembly.

The imperial government is divided into various factions, but broadly speaking, they split into the ‘Militarist Faction,’ led by the Ministry of the Armed Forces and hardline parliamentarians, and the ‘Civilist Faction,’ led by the Ministry of Magic and moderate parliamentarians.

The Militarist Faction’s goal is clear.

To advance further wealth-and-military policies—and, if possible, to provoke war with the Rezalia Kingdom and annex it. The shift in the Magic Academy’s direction is merely the first step.

“D-do you realize what you’re saying!? Further military expansion could bankrupt our economy! And the Alzano Imperial Magic Academy, founded by the great Queen Alicia III, is a proud tradition our nation boasts to the world—!”

Lord Edward vehemently objected, but—

“…There’s no helping it. On this matter, we shall follow Lord Ignite’s intentions.”

Queen Alicia VII sighed in resignation.

“Y-Your Majesty!? But that would mean…”

“This is truly a critical time. We cannot afford to let the Militarists and Civilists bicker. Besides… Queen Alicia III, lauded as the wisest of all queens, would surely forgive a shift in the academy’s direction in the face of this national crisis.”

“Kuh…”

At Queen Alicia VII’s judgment and decision, Lord Edward fell silent, his expression pained.

In peacetime, the queen could likely rein in Lord Ignite and his Militarist Faction with her exceptional mediation skills.

But now, preoccupied with diplomatic maneuvering and negotiations with the Rezalia Kingdom, she lacked the capacity to mediate domestic factional disputes.

Lord Ignite, fully aware of this, seized the opportunity to push policies in his favor.

No one could mock the queen’s competence or diligence in this situation.

Without her diplomatic prowess, the empire would have long since been at war with the Rezalia Kingdom.

(And yet, why… why is it that lately, everything seems to go according to Lord Ignite’s… the Militarists’ plans!? This is far too…)

As Lord Edward grappled with his sense of powerlessness, a voice rang out.

“Hahaha! Well done, Lord Ignite! Masterful maneuvering. In this situation, even Alicia-chan can’t ignore your proposals, huh?”

Lord Luciano, raised his voice with apparent amusement.

“Lord Luciano. Mind your tongue in Her Majesty’s presence.”

“Whoops, my bad, my bad. I may have a noble title, but I’m just a rough-and-tumble yakuza at heart. Forgive a bit of rudeness, Lord Edward.”

With a playful tone, Lord Luciano briefly glanced at Queen Alicia VII.

“……”

In response, the queen gave a subtle nod, and Lord Luciano grinned before turning back to Lord Ignite.

“Now, Lord Ignite. You’ve been racking up quite the achievements lately, haven’t you? During Fejite’s Worst Three Days… while everyone was focused on Fejite, you personally led the military, uncovered evidence linking one of the《Round Table》’s members—Duke Andrew Le Bartley, one of the three great ducal houses—to the Radical Faction of the Researchers of Heavenly Wisdom, and apprehended him, didn’t you?”

Lord Luciano pressed on, addressing the silent Lord Ignite.

“You ended up killing Bartley in the process, but as the former《Lord Scarlet》and current Grand Marshal of the Imperial Army… you’re now the empire’s great hero.”

“……”

“And Lord Bartley, the Civilist Faction’s most influential figure… rumor has it he was also running a shadowy organization called《Heaven’s Cross》. Well, dead men tell no tales, so the truth is lost to the dark.”

“What matters is that with Bartley’s downfall, his allies were rounded up like dominoes, weakening the Civilist Faction’s position and influence in the government. The Militarist Faction now holds sway.”

“The new members filling Bartley’s seat in the《Round Table》and parliament are, conveniently, all Militarists… your loyal followers, in other words.”

“…What are you getting at, Lord Luciano?”

“Doesn’t it all seem a bit too perfect, old man? That’s what I’m thinking.”

Lord Luciano and Lord Ignite locked eyes, their gazes stern.

“Why? How did you see through Bartley’s connection to the Researchers of Heavenly Wisdom? And during Fejite’s Worst Three Days… with the empire’s government needing to boost public morale amid national unease, you captured Bartley at the most impeccably timed, almost too-perfect moment, ensuring your heroic deeds were widely publicized?”

A hush fell over the room as Lord Luciano’s questioning intensified.

“Tell me, Lord Ignite.”

Lord Luciano leaned in, his voice low as he addressed Ignite.

“This old geezer’s been racking his feeble brain, but… if, by some chance, the empire and kingdom went to war… who’d benefit the most?”

“……”

“At first glance, it seems no one would. But… come to think of it, the Ignite ducal house… they’re a distant branch of the imperial royal family, aren’t they? A cadet line, so to speak.”

Lord Luciano’s words sent a chill through the《Round Table》chamber, stirring unease and confusion.

Yet Lord Ignite remained utterly unfazed, maintaining his stoic silence.

“So, Lord Ignite… are you harboring some strange ambition…?”

Lord Luciano’s eyes turned icy and sharp—until that moment.

“Enough, Lord Luciano.”

Queen Alicia VII sharply reprimanded him.

“Lord Ignite apprehended the traitorous Lord Bartley, who betrayed the empire, dealing a significant blow to our sworn enemy, the Researchers of Heavenly Wisdom, and rendering great service to our nation. I, the Queen of the Alzano Empire, will not permit you to tarnish his achievements with mere speculation.”

“Whoa, whoa, my apologies, Alicia-chan. Guess old age makes you overly suspicious… my bad, my bad…”

Glancing sidelong at the jesting Lord Luciano, Queen Alicia VII surveyed the assembly and spoke solemnly.

“Everyone. The empire faces an immensely challenging period ahead, including our response to our neighbor. In times like these, we must unite as one to face this national crisis… for the future of all the empire’s citizens.”

“Lord Bartley’s betrayal, after all his service to the empire, was a painful truth. Yet we cannot halt our progress. For the sake of this empire, I, an imperfect queen, humbly ask for your continued support.”

With those words, Queen Alicia VII deliberately lowered her head in deference, dispelling the room’s tense atmosphere entirely.

Her heartfelt dedication to the empire’s future, transcending Militarist and Civilist divides, solidified the members’ loyalty to her.

(Hmph… as expected, it won’t be so simple.)

With the《Round Table》meeting concluded without incident, Lord Ignite reflected as he rode in a carriage back to his estate in the capital.

(Lord Luciano’s performance… likely at Queen Alicia VII’s direction. She managed to warn me without tarnishing her standing with the《Round Table》.)

Had the queen confronted Ignite directly, it would have sparked backlash from the Militarist Faction.

Instead, she cleverly used Lord Luciano, an outsider vassal—a truly cunning vixen.

(And Lord Luciano… he’s no mere pawn dancing in the queen’s palm. He’s the type who knows everything but pretends ignorance while playing along… a truly troublesome man.)

Though he had eliminated his greatest political rival, Lord Bartley, the empire’s inner workings were still supported by seasoned veterans. A single misstep could see him devoured and cast down.

But—

(I will prevail. I will outmaneuver the queen and the《Round Table》.)

He had anticipated that suspicions would arise, and this was already factored into his plans.

From here, greater caution was required, but it posed no issue. Everything was within his grasp.

(I bear the Ignite family’s ‘great cause’ that must be fulfilled. This nation, hurtling toward ruin, cannot be saved by the soft queen or the《Round Table》. Only those with the resolve to shed blood and make others do the same—only we Ignites—can save this empire.)

Lord Ignite reached into his breast pocket and gently withdrew it.

(Now is the time to bide my strength, to amass power. To that end, I’ve seized control of Lord Bartley’s《Heaven’s Cross》. My faction within the military grows unassailable. There are no oversights. No one will obstruct me. All for the Ignite family… and for the future of this empire…!)

In his hand was a single red key.

After the chaotic academy assembly had concluded,

In the backyard of the Alzano Imperial Magic Academy,

“Ugh, damn it… how the hell did things end up like this…?”

Glenn Radars leaned against the school building’s wall, gazing skyward, muttering to himself in lament.

The spot was shaded and dim, with poor sunlight leaving the bare soil and sparsely growing trees damp and moss-covered.

The clammy atmosphere seemed to mirror Glenn’s own heavy heart.

“Seriously? For real? I’ve gotta pit my students against that Maxim Tirano’s disciples…? No way, this can’t be happening…!”

As Glenn continued to grumble pathetically about a decided matter,

“Hmph… so this is where you were hiding, Glenn.”

A familiar voice suddenly pierced his ears.

“—!?”

At the sound, Glenn’s head snapped up, his eyes darting toward the source.

Near the corner of the school building stood a woman.

She wore the female instructor’s uniform of the academy, appearing to be around Glenn’s age.

Her face was obscured by the backlight, but—

“That was quite a foolish stunt you pulled. You’ve got no one to blame but yourself.”

The cold, dismissive tone was unmistakable.

The woman slowly approached Glenn.

“But this isn’t like you. It’s already done, isn’t it? I thought you were the type to charge forward without looking back. Or am I wrong?”

As she drew closer, the backlight gradually faded, revealing her sharp, refined features.

The woman’s identity was—

“Eve…? Eve, is that you…!?”

It was Eve Ignite—Glenn’s former superior from his days in the Imperial Court Mage Corps, head of the Special Missions Annex and Executive Officer Number 1,《The Magician》.

“What… why the hell are you here!?”

Glenn glared at her as if she were his sworn enemy, shouting with a threatening edge.

“Don’t tell me you’re here to drag me into another mess!?”

“……”

Taking her silence as confirmation, Glenn’s eyes narrowed in anger.

“Hey… enough already, huh? I’m not in the military anymore, and I’m sure as hell not your subordinate! You always pull me into weird trouble… I’m about to lose it, got it!?”

For a moment, the two glared at each other like mortal enemies, the tension palpable.

…But then.

“Hmph…”

Eve abruptly averted her gaze, her expression drained.

“…Huh?”

It was unexpected.

After all, this was Eve. Glenn had braced himself for a barrage of sarcasm and insults in response to his outburst.

Yet now, Eve seemed utterly devoid of her usual vigor, exuding an air of exhaustion.

To Glenn, it felt as though the rug had been pulled out from under him.

“You’re as dense as ever. Can’t you figure out why I’m dressed like this?”

No matter how many times Glenn looked, Eve was indeed clad in the academy’s female instructor uniform.

“What happened to your usual Special Ops formal attire? Why’re you wearing that?”

With a weary sigh, Eve’s shoulders slumped slightly as she spoke.

“…Still don’t get it? I was sacked.”

“Huh?”

“Don’t make me repeat myself. I’ve been relieved of my position as head of the Special Missions Annex and stripped of my rank. I took the fall for acting unilaterally in the last incident.”

“…What?”

“And for good measure, I’ve been disowned by the Ignite family. I’m just… Eve now.”

“Whaaaaaaat!?! Seriously!?”

While Glenn’s eyes widened in shock,

(How pathetic…)

Eve gazed at the sky, her thoughts drifting to the events of the previous week.

—

Paan!

The sharp sound of flesh being struck echoed coldly through the office.

Eve could only stand silently, accepting the slap aimed at her.

“Guh…”

Gritting her teeth against the stinging heat in her cheek and the mild concussion rattling her senses, Eve forced herself to focus forward.

“Your failure in the Fejite unrest… I am utterly disappointed in you, Eve.”

There stood her father, Duke Azel Le Ignite—Lord Ignite—gazing at her with eyes of ruthless contempt.

“Though tainted with lowborn red blood, you still carry my blue blood, so I’ve shown you the utmost consideration until now. But it seems I’ve been thoroughly betrayed.”

“I… I’m sorry… Father…”

As Eve stammered an apology, Lord Ignite strode forward, seizing her by the collar and yanking her close.

“Ugh… guh… ah…”

Unable to resist, Eve grimaced in pain, helpless in his grasp.

“To think that I personally granted you the necessary information and even permitted the use of our Ignite family’s secret art,《Eyes of Flame》, and yet you still perform so pathetically?”

“B-but… I… I followed Father’s orders… kept the information… from the team… and because of that… the initial response… was delayed…”

“What did you say?”

With a twitch,

Lord Ignite’s rock-like expression shifted, his brow faintly rising.

“The Special Missions Annex… everyone… is exceptional… so I… should have… coordinated with them…!”

“A naive little girl who doesn’t even grasp the way of things dares to speak as if she knows better?”

Lord Ignite twisted Eve’s collar tighter, wrenching it upward.

Eve’s body, half-suspended in the air, trembled faintly with convulsions.

Her airway was blocked, leaving her in complete suffocation.

“…Kuh… gh…!?”

“You understand nothing of what it means to be an Ignite. The Ignite family, since the dawn of the empire’s history, has served the royal house as the pinnacle of magical martial lineage. Status, honor, glory, strength—we must always stand at the apex of all mages in the empire. That is the kind of house we are.

Relying on capable subordinates to complete a mission more efficiently? That’s a matter of course. Anyone could do that, not just an Ignite. To maintain the Ignite family’s position as the empire’s martial magical leader, settling for such obvious measures is meaningless.

An Ignite must always be a hero. That’s why, on such a grand stage, you were supposed to prove the might of the Ignite name, and silence the rabble with overwhelming renown.”

Abruptly, Lord Ignite shoved Eve away from his grip.

Eve collapsed to the floor, her freed airway gasping desperately for oxygen, leaving her no choice but to wheeze.

“Cough… hack, hack…!”

“And what was that? You lost your chance by saving a civilian girl? You fell behind that accursed《The Justice》again? …You are a disgrace to the Ignite name.”

Lord Ignite looked down at Eve with eyes filled with profound disappointment.

Eve thought it was absurd. Unfair. Utterly unreasonable.

No matter how she looked at it, this felt like nothing but targeted harassment or abuse directed at her for her commoner blood. But if she dared point that out, she’d surely be struck down in an instant.

If… the division leader had been Lydia, her elder sister, instead of Eve… if it had been the legitimate heir of the Ignite family rather than a bastard like herself… would the treatment have been this harsh?

Yet, even in the face of such unjust and unfair treatment…

“I’m… sorry… Father…”

For some reason, Eve couldn’t defy her father.

Ever since she was a child, defying her father was the one thing Eve could never do.

To Eve, her father was an absolute presence, an object of terror. Since childhood, even the thought of going against his will sent strange palpitations through her, making it impossible to breathe properly.

Even so, her kind biological mother had passed away long ago, and her only connection was to the Ignite family. Without the Ignite name, Eve would be nothing.

Fear and submission to her father. Obsession with the Ignite family.

It was almost like a curse placed upon Eve.

Her father was terrifying. Yet, Eve desperately wanted him to acknowledge her as a member of the Ignite family.

That’s why—

“Next time… I swear…!”

Staggering to her feet and kneeling, Eve pleaded desperately.

“Next time, for the glory of the Ignite family… for Ignite…! Even if it costs my life…! Please, Father…!”

Yes. She had no choice but to live as an Ignite.

She didn’t know any other way to live.

But—

“Hmph. There won’t be a next time.”

“…What?”

Lord Ignite declared mercilessly to his own daughter.

“You’re finished. As of this incident, you will relinquish your position as head of the Special Missions Annex and your number as《The Magician》. The Ignite family name will also be stripped from you. Your incompetence this time was simply too much. I can’t afford to have my achievements tainted by you. Thus, I’ve decided to cut you off.”

“…”

“Even though your blood is tainted with that filthy commoner strain, you still carry Ignite blood. I kept an eye on you, hoping you might one day prove useful… but it seems you’re ultimately worthless. That’s enough. Leave the Ignite family. Go wherever you please.”

“…”

“I’ve already made the necessary arrangements for this matter. Oh, and don’t worry about your replacement. As for your future, I’ve prepared a task suited to someone as incompetent as you. The Ministry of Education happens to be looking for personnel, so I’ve arranged for you to serve there. Do your best.”

“…”

“Now, you’re an eyesore. Begone, Eve. …We’ll likely never meet again.”

With those final, chilling words,

Lord Ignite left without so much as a glance back at Eve.

“…”

Eve could only stand there.

Frozen, pale-faced, she stood rooted to the spot in a daze—

—

“…I’m such… an idiot…”

“…Eve?”

“…I was… prepared for this… but… but… for it to happen so easily…”

In front of Glenn, Eve wore a hollow, dry smile.

“…All I wanted… was for Father to acknowledge me… for the family to accept me… That’s why… I kept… always… for Ignite…”

Suddenly, Glenn felt a strange unease.

It was as if—at this very moment—Eve might vanish from the world entirely. That premonition gripped him.

“For that… I even… sacrificed Sera… my one and only friend… And yet… and yet…! Even so…!”

Trembling, Eve covered her face with her hands, her body shaking as if seized by a fever.

“What… have I… been doing… all this time…!?”

“H-hey… you okay…?”

Unable to stand by any longer, Glenn started to approach Eve.

“Don’t come near me!”

Eve suddenly screamed hysterically.

Glenn flinched, pulling back his hand and stopping in his tracks.

“B-but…”

“Shut up! Don’t talk back!”

“…”

“Forget that—orders, Glenn! Turn around!”

“What? Turn around…?”

“This is an order! An order! You’re my subordinate, aren’t you!? Hurry! I said turn around! Can’t you follow my orders!? Turn!”

Normally, Glenn would’ve snapped back with equal fire.

But he was overwhelmed by the torrent of Eve’s raw emotion.

And because he’d noticed something at the corner of her eyes.

“…Fine, I get it…”

Glenn sighed with exaggerated annoyance and turned his back to Eve.

Instantly, the sound of hurried footsteps approached from behind—

Thud! A jolt struck Glenn’s back.

“~~~~!”

Eve had thrown herself at Glenn’s back, clinging to him as if tackling him.

What Glenn had seen—tears glistening at the corner of Eve’s eyes.

Something he’d thought impossible for the cold, steely woman. This was the second time.

Likely… anyone would’ve done.

Eve just needed someone to vent her overwhelming emotions on. Crying alone in secret wasn’t enough to process them.

But Eve was too used to being strong alone, too clumsy at relying on others.

So, the only person she could express her emotions to—the only one she could show her weakness to—was Glenn, the one she’d always clashed with openly, their bond forged through constant bickering.

That was all.

“~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~ !”

Eve pressed her face into Glenn’s back, squeezing him so tightly it felt like she might snap his spine. She pounded his back with her fists, trembling violently as tears streamed down her face.

“…What a pain of a woman.”

Glenn, half-lidded and sighing, stared at the sky.

He stayed like that until Eve calmed down.

“So, demotion, huh? My condolences.”

“Shut up. Leave me alone.”

Having finally calmed down, Eve explained that due to her unilateral actions in the recent incident, which had plunged Fejite into unprecedented crisis, she’d been demoted in rank and removed as head of the Special Missions Annex.

Glenn let out a sigh.

Eve sat with her back against the school building’s wall, knees hugged to her chest. Glenn, a short distance away, leaned against the wall, slumping.

An awkward silence hung between them.

“Tch… if you’re gonna cry over getting fired for a screw-up, you should’ve just relied on Albert and the others instead of obsessing over some pointless glory.”

“Shut up…”

“I mean, a subordinate’s success is the boss’s success, right? You’re usually damn good at using us like pawns to get the job done efficiently. So why the hell do you always go off on some weird, lone-wolf rampage during the big moments?”

“I said shut up. I have my reasons… And I wasn’t crying.”

Eve snapped sullenly, pouting.

(My shirt’s back is soaked, and your eyes are red as a rabbit’s, though.)

But even Glenn couldn’t bring himself to point that out.

Glenn hadn’t heard the full story from Eve.

All he knew was that she’d been sacked as division head and kicked out of her family and the Special Missions Annex for a mission failure. She only spoke of her own shortcomings.

There were probably other complicated circumstances, but no matter how much he prodded, this stubborn woman wouldn’t share them.

“Whatever. So, you got fired from the Special Missions Annex… Why’d you come here? And what’s with the instructor uniform?”

“You still don’t get it? Starting this term, Headmaster Maxim announced that military training will be incorporated into the students’ curriculum to prepare for emergencies. I’m the tactical training instructor dispatched from the military to oversee it.”

“…!?”

Military training. At those words, Glenn’s eyes sharpened.

“…Don’t glare at me. This is an official national policy. …Though I’ll admit Maxim’s reforms might be going a bit too far.”

“…The rising international tension between the Alzano Empire and the Rezalia Kingdom in recent years—is it really true?”

Glenn asked in a hard voice, recalling something, and Eve nodded slightly.

“Yes… but it’s not like anything’s going to happen immediately. The Imperial Policy Research Institute has concluded that a second Divine Reverence War won’t break out for at least another decade, and Her Majesty is taking proper measures. As long as Her Majesty is here, the empire is secure.”

“Then why…?”

“The Rezalia Kingdom’s recent pressure diplomacy, backed by its military strength, has the martial faction overreacting. The current imperial government is dominated by the martial faction. The push to bolster domestic forces comes from the faction’s leader… Azel le Ignite… Lord Ignite.”

“…Lord Ignite? Ignite? Wait, is he…?”

Eve didn’t answer Glenn’s question.

Sensing complex undercurrents, Glenn could only shrug.

“Anyway, starting today, I’m a magic instructor here for a while. Officially, I’m a tactical training instructor. Hmph… nice to work with you, senpai.”

Her “nice to work with you” was utterly insincere.

“Look, I know it’s pointless saying this to you, but I’m—”

“Against military training?”

“—!?”

“I can see right through you. Well, for a soft-hearted idealist like you, it’s no surprise you’d feel that way.”

Eve snorted mockingly.

“Let me be clear: military training is just skill instruction. There’s no good or evil in it, and there’s no move to conscript students into the military for now.

But if the worst should happen… whether you have power or not changes what you can do and your odds of survival. Even an overprotective idealist like you must understand that, right?”

“…”

“Besides, in a real emergency, whether they’ve had military training or not, they’ll be dragged into war without mercy. That’s how it was forty years ago, wasn’t it?”

“Yeah, you’re right. The Divine Reverence War… that’s what the old man《The Hermit》said…”

And Glenn recalled the recent chaos.

Surviving that inferno without losing anyone… it was nothing short of a miracle.

The only thing that had even slightly increased the odds of that miracle was the martial aspect of magic—the power—Glenn had reluctantly taught.

“Or what? Are your students so weak that just learning a bit of strong magic will make them drunk on power and stray from the right path?”

“No… that’s not it…”

“…Then trust them a little.”

“…”

“I won’t do anything bad. I’ll make sure to be careful. I’ll train the students just enough to build their confidence, strictly as part of the curriculum.”

“…Eve?”

“Hmph… I’m telling you this because if I didn’t, we’d end up in a huge fight later. That’s why I came to talk to you.”

Eve maintained her sulky demeanor.

“…Who are you? Are you some fake Eve?”

Glenn blinked, staring at Eve in disbelief.

“…What’s that supposed to mean?”

“Exactly what I said. The Eve I know would’ve been all, ‘Hmph, this lazy, peace-addled academy? I’ll whip it into shape. Oh, and Glenn? Don’t get in my way. That’s an order.’—all high and mighty, ready to torment the students with brutal, hellish training. I was bracing myself for that.”

“…What do you take me for?”

“A bloodless, tearless, sadistic, cold-blooded, spinster hysteric.”

“Y-you…!”

For a moment, Eve flared up.

But the next instant, the fire in her seemed to fizzle out like a candle snuffed, and she sighed listlessly.

“…I’ll do my job. It’s… all I have left to do now…”

Gone was the radiant, haughty confidence that usually defined Eve.

She seemed to have aged overnight.

“…I have nothing… nothing left…”

This is deeper than I thought.

Facing an utterly deflated Eve, Glenn sighed in turn.

Seeing her so unlike herself threw Glenn completely off balance.

“…By the way, I heard.”

Eve spoke to Glenn, who was struggling to respond.

“Your students… they’re taking on Maxim’s students in a survival battle?”

“!”

“Do you realize? It’s Maxim. Do your students even know about him?”

“…No, probably not.”

Glenn muttered, sighing.

“Maxim Tirano. Graduate of the 366th class of the Alzano Imperial Magic Academy. Brilliant but extremely prideful, he was always clashing with peers during his school days—a real troublemaker. After graduation, he bounced around various magic-related institutions across the empire, constantly causing interpersonal issues.

At some point, through some connection, he landed his dream job as headmaster of a magic academy, but as expected, he fell from grace due to personal conflicts… losing the position to an outsider, Headmaster Rick.

Afterward, he opened ‘Maxim’s Magic Academy,’ a private school where he trains mages—mostly third sons of struggling nobles—under his unique educational philosophy of martial supremacy. He’s obsessed with mages’ ‘strength,’ seeing magic solely as a tool of war. A total hardliner.

His students are practically amateur soldiers. Probably due to the frustrations of being third sons, they’ve got bad attitudes and worse behavior.

Still, Maxim has connections in the martial faction of the government’s upper echelons, successfully placing his graduates in various government agencies.

He’s somewhat of a celebrity in our field.”

“So, the ‘model class’ he’s brought are all his students… Your class will be fighting those amateur soldiers. What exactly are you planning to do?”

To Eve’s accusatory tone,

Glenn narrowed his eyes, lost in thought—

—Meanwhile, at that moment.

“Tch, how infuriating! That Glenn Radars!”

In the headmaster’s office, now finally his, Maxim was grinding his teeth.

“I knew from prior investigations that Glenn Radars, a problematic instructor, was at this academy… but to think he’d be that bad!”

He hadn’t expected such a formidable obstacle to his reforms to appear so suddenly.

“Grr… ‘Don’t underestimate this academy’… huh.”

Maxim clicked his tongue in irritation.

His mind flashed back to a recent event.

—

“Kukuku… too bad, Rick.”

“Maxim-dono… I see. This sudden personnel transfer… your doing, then?”

In the headmaster’s office, Rick, seated at the desk, looked up at Maxim with unreadable eyes as he reviewed the transfer notice from the Ministry of Education.

“You still resent me for taking the headmaster’s seat from you back then, don’t you?”

“Wrong. Those with true vision have finally recognized my worth and restored me to my rightful place. You’re outdated… With this appointment, I’ll prove my methods are correct. Now, get out of this room, former Headmaster!”

Rick sighed and rose from his seat, resigned.

“Yare yare. I don’t know what kind of backing you have, but… don’t underestimate this academy. The people here are a tough bunch… They won’t bend to your will so easily.”

With those parting words,

Rick quickly gathered his things and quietly left the headmaster’s office.

“Damn it! That man’s infuriating to the end!”

After Rick’s departure, Maxim slammed his fist on the desk.

“With my skills, a relic like this outdated academy…! Rick, you’ll just sit on the sidelines, twiddling your thumbs! I’ll surpass you and elevate this academy to new heights! I’ll expand its scale, multiply the student body several times over with my methods…! As an educator, I’ll prove I’m far superior to Rick…!”

Maxim strode toward the window, gazing out over the academy grounds.

The school buildings and courtyard still bore the scars of the recent upheaval in various places.

“First, I must restore a landscape befitting my domain. These outdated, dilapidated buildings will all be torn down. History and tradition mean nothing to me. Then, I’ll construct grander structures in the latest architectural style, increasing the number of students and faculty to suit my standards…”

As Maxim envisioned the future reforms of the academy, it happened.

—Hehe… I wouldn’t recommend destroying this building…

A woman’s voice seemed to echo from somewhere… or so it felt.

“Hm? …What was that just now…? My imagination…?”

Then, Maxim noticed a notebook placed on the window frame where his hand rested.

“…What’s this? I don’t recall seeing anything like this before…?”

Feeling as if he’d been bewitched, he picked up the notebook and flipped through its pages.

“T-This is…!?”

The words written within left Maxim wide-eyed in shock…

—

“Yes, there’s no mistake. This is the [Memoirs of Alicia III]… the supposedly lost twenty-fourth volume.”

Maxim’s consciousness, which had been wandering through the past, returned to the present.

“This memoir details the entire plan for constructing the ‘Hidden Academy.’ It even includes the spell formula for the ‘Key’ to access it. Indeed, this memoir is a kind of grimoire that controls the ‘Hidden Academy.’ The lost ‘Key’ was right here…!”

Maxim gazed at the [Memoirs of Alicia III] with a sly grin.

“To think that Rick was hiding something like this. I don’t know where he got it, but I’ll make full use of it without hesitation…”

As Maxim mused over this, a voice interrupted.

“Excuse me.”

A girl in the academy uniform entered the headmaster’s office.

She had long hair tied up neatly and wore slightly dowdy black-rimmed glasses. Her calm demeanor and sharp, intelligent gaze gave an impression of keen intellect. Yet, her overly composed nature also lent a certain coldness, making her seem more mature than her years.

The girl locked eyes with Maxim and spoke softly.

“I’m Mabel Kreutzer. I’ve come to speak with you, Professor Maxim.”

“…Hmph. What is it, Mabel? What do you want with me?”

After a brief pause, Maxim responded irritably.

“You intend to open the ‘Hidden Academy’ for your educational reforms, don’t you, Professor Maxim?”

“Yes, that’s right. What of it?”

“Well… I… I’m opposed to opening the ‘Hidden Academy.’”

Mabel expressed her dissent calmly and matter-of-factly.

“Hmph. What exactly is your objection?”

“The ‘Hidden Academy’… I’ve heard it was created by Alicia III.”

Alicia III—a name known to all in the Alzano Empire.

The thirteenth queen who ruled the Alzano Empire four hundred years ago.

With her unparalleled foresight that the empire’s glory and progress lay in magic, she proposed a radical policy—unthinkable at the time—of having the state oversee all magical knowledge and skills, which were then scattered among various magic guilds and societies.

The culmination of her policy was the establishment of the state-run Alzano Imperial Magic Academy, funded by an enormous national budget to train mages.

To the empire, Alicia III was an exceptionally brilliant figure among the many talented queens, the one who laid the foundation for the empire’s current renown as a magical superpower on the continent.

“Indeed. Alicia III was an exceptional politician among the queens… and a mage.”

Maxim added, as if supplementing Mabel’s words.

“Moreover, she was the founder and first headmaster of the Alzano Imperial Magic Academy… After abdicating the throne to Maribel II, she actively engaged in magical research and dedicated herself to educating the next generation. Her multifaceted contributions to the empire’s magical history are undeniable to anyone.”

“But… she was also a figure shrouded in much controversy.”

At Mabel’s remark, Maxim fell silent.

As Mabel pointed out, Alicia III was associated with numerous strange rumors and anecdotes.

For instance:

“In the distant future, a demon incarnate born from the holy king’s blood will bring calamity to the nation.”

It’s widely known that Alicia III left this prophecy on her deathbed, caused by an unknown illness—one of the most famous tales surrounding her.

Some say Alicia III was the first to initiate the persecution of ‘Ability Users.’

Others claim that in her later years, she was consumed by delusions of “a tremendous threat coming from the sky,” driving her to madness… or that she suffered from dual personality disorder.

There’s even a story that Alicia III founded the urban legend known as Heaven’s Cross… or that she was the one who initiated [Project: Flame of Megiddo] and [Project: Revive Life]. While her official cause of death was illness, rumors abound of accident, assassination, or suicide, with no clear truth.

Of course, these are all mere rumors and urban legends.

Yet, for Alicia III—a brilliant and great queen who contributed immensely to the empire’s development—there are far too many such negative tales lurking behind her monumental achievements.

“I’ve heard the ‘Hidden Academy’ was created by this Alicia III. It’s said to have been built under an official national policy to advance the Magic Academy… but there are also rumors that it was meant to conceal something incredibly dangerous.”

“That’s just one of the academy’s seven mysteries, isn’t it? …Utter nonsense.”

“Regardless, she’s a figure with many controversies. I believe it’s best not to meddle with anything she created. As they say, let sleeping gods lie.”

But Maxim dismissed Mabel’s advice with a scoff.

“Hah. And you call yourself a student of my ‘Maxim Magic Academy’? To back away from something this significant because of vague, baseless rumors? Stop talking nonsense.”

“But the rumors say…”

“Rumors won’t sway the higher-ups.”

Maxim turned his back on Mabel, signaling the conversation was over.

“The higher-ups…?”

“This matter has already been discussed with the upper echelons of the Ministry of Education—my backers. They’re all enthusiastic about my academy reforms utilizing the ‘Hidden Academy.’ After all, it promises vast campus expansion at negligible cost and increased revenue from a larger student body. Where else could you find such a lucrative deal?”

“…!”

“Hah… The existence of the ‘Hidden Academy’ guarantees my success. The higher-ups have already pledged substantial budgets for my reforms with no hesitation… There’s no turning back now.”

As Mabel fell silent, pondering something, a voice broke in.

“That’s right, Mabel. What are you even talking about?”

The door to the headmaster’s office swung open with a clatter, and several students entered.

They were students of the Maxim Magic Academy… members of the newly established ‘Model Class’ at the academy.

“Zack? …We keep running into each other today.”

“If Professor Maxim’s reforms succeed, we’ll be the key players… Our future promotions are practically guaranteed, right, Professor?”

The male student called Zack said with a cheeky grin.

“Exactly. When we succeed, I can pull strings with my backers in the government’s upper ranks. You penniless noble third sons will ride the elite career track.”

“Then we’ve gotta make this a success no matter what!”

With Zack at the center, the Model Class students began to buzz with excitement.

“Yeah, we’re not like those incompetent older brothers who get to inherit the family just because they were born first, with their futures all secure…”

“I don’t even want that rundown territory anymore!”

“But to think a cushy job like this will secure our futures—we’re so lucky!”

“Professor Maxim, you’re the best! It’s all about connections in this world, huh!? Hahaha—!”

Most of these students were third sons or illegitimate children of impoverished nobles with no hope of inheriting family estates, or young ladies who fled arranged marriages forced upon them by their parents.

Unable to shed their aristocratic sense of entitlement yet lacking the drive to carve their own paths through effort—as many third sons do—they clung to Maxim’s sweet promises of “Follow me, and your future is secure.” They were a bunch of spoiled opportunists.

“Hmph. You lot… Two weeks from now, you’ll face Glenn Radars’ class in a survival battle with the ‘Hidden Academy’ as the battlefield. You understand, don’t you?”

“Yeah, we’ll beat them so bad they won’t even make a peep, Professor Maxim!”

“That Glenn guy can’t even do a single-chant spell, right? A total third-rater?”

“The softies taught by a loser like that can’t possibly compare to us, trained by Professor Maxim. We’re obviously way stronger!”

The Model Class students bantered confidently among themselves.

But their confidence wasn’t mere bravado. Having blindly followed Maxim’s extreme training regimen with the sole aim of securing an easy future, they had developed exceptional combat skills.

“Well, we’ll make sure to ‘play nice’ with this academy’s lot.”

“Oh, speaking of nice—Zack, aren’t there tons of cute girls at this academy!?”

“Right? Heh… Maybe we should catch a few and have some fun?”

“Gyahaha! I like that! Wanna bet on who can charm more!?”

“Hmph. While womanizing is a noble’s pastime, keep it in moderation, will you?”

Maxim sighed exasperatedly at the students’ crude excitement.

“Fine, fine. I’m counting on you all. Though, expecting anything from you lot, forged by my ‘correct’ educational methods, feels almost odd.”

“Cause we’re guaranteed to win, right!?”

Maxim and the Model Class students harbored no doubts about their victory and glory.

And then—

“Still, the ‘Hidden Academy’… Heh, I really stumbled upon a gem…”

—Indeed, it’s meant for a true educator like you to wield—

Holding the [Memoirs of Alicia III], Maxim grinned eerily…

“…”

Mabel simply stared at Maxim’s demeanor in silence.

“Hey, Glenn. Do you really understand?”

In the backyard, Eve continued to press Glenn, who had been silent for some time.

“I saw your students’ strength during the recent incident. It’s surely the result of your daily guidance. They’re certainly talented… for students.”

“…”

“But as they are now, they can’t beat Maxim’s students, who are amateur soldiers. They’ll lose outright… and you’ll be sacked, forced to leave this academy.”

Glenn maintained a stern silence.

“Why don’t you stop being stubborn? Be smart about this. Explain the situation to your students, swallow your pride, and beg Maxim to cancel the duel. This place is the home you finally found, isn’t it? After all… you went so far as to abandon me to protect it.”

With a snort, Eve spat out sharp, sarcastic words.

But as Glenn remained silent…

“Sensei—!”

“Ugh, there you are!? We’ve been looking everywhere!”

From around the corner of the school building, Rumia, Sistine, and Re=L popped out.

Spotting Glenn, they rushed toward him at full speed.

“We’re all going to take on that Model Class! Sensei, you need to start training us right away!”

“Everyone’s waiting for you!”

“This is serious! The academy’s future is at stake… and so is your job! You’ve got to take this more seriously!”

“Hehe, Sistie was practically in tears thinking you might get fired…”

“W-wait, Rumia!? I told you not to say that—!”

“Me too, though. I want to protect this academy… and above all, protect Sensei. So…”

“Mm. We’ll protect the academy and Glenn together… I don’t really get it, but.”

“W-what!? T-that’s not fair, you guys!”

Even in this situation, the three girls were as lively as ever.

Seeing them, Glenn suddenly smirked and turned to Eve.

“…I’m doing this. I’ll make it happen.”

His expression was clear, as if all hesitation had vanished.

“Unbelievable. Even with no chance of winning? Even with your job on the line?”

“Hah… My job doesn’t matter.”

Glenn shot back firmly at Eve’s dismissive words.

“Sure, a lot of this is my own mess, no doubt…”

Glancing at Sistine and the others running toward him, as if beholding something radiant…

“But I can’t let their dreams be crushed here. Not as their instructor.”

“!”

“If I back down now, I’m no instructor. Honestly, it’s half happenstance, but if it’s for protecting them, I’ll do it.”

With those words, Glenn turned away from Eve and headed toward the approaching trio.

“So… you’ve really changed, haven’t you?”

Muttering something odd, Eve suddenly stood up.

“No, maybe you haven’t changed… What exactly did you find at this academy…?”

“Hm? Did you say something?”

Glenn glanced back at Eve with a mix of confusion.

“Fine. I’ll lend you my strength.”

“…Huh?”

“You can’t possibly train those kids to win on your own. I’m saying I’ll help you.”

In that moment, Glenn froze. He couldn’t help it.

Eve offering to help him—an utterly unthinkable proposal—left Glenn blinking in stunned silence.

“You? Helping me? W-what’s gotten into you!?”

“…Nothing.”

Eve turned away.

“It’s just… I want to know. You, who should’ve lost everything, just like me now… What did you find in this academy? That’s all I want to know.”

“…?”

As Glenn puzzled over Eve’s cryptic words,

“Ah—! Eve-san!? You’re here!? Why are you at this academy!?”

Sistine, having noticed Eve, rushed toward her with unbridled excitement.