Chapter 82 - Overly Suspicious

[Translator - Peptobismol]

[Proofreader - Demon God]

Chapter 82 - Overly Suspicious

“Are you out of your mind!? Demanding the whereabouts of Neomium from Her Majesty! That’s practically the same as openly declaring you’re researching dark magic!”

“Yeah, that’s right. It’s for academic purposes. That’s why Her Majesty readily agreed to tell me.”

“Does that look ‘readily’ to you? She was clearly suspicious of you. If you fall out of Her Majesty’s favor, it’s all over…”

The moment we left the Imperial Palace, Sylvia, fidgeting nervously, kept chattering without a break.

Maybe it was because of the intense aura exchanged between the powerful figures in the Empress’s office, which Aslan didn’t notice, but Sylvia was almost in a state of panic.

“Did I look reckless to you?”

“Yes, my lord.”

“Don’t worry. I’m far more cautious than you think and too much of a coward to even dream of taking such a gamble. There’s no way Vermont would fall out of Her Majesty’s favor.”

“…”

Aslan gave a wry smile and patted Sylvia on the shoulder.

Saying he’s not reckless, yet he’s the same person who would dive into a swarm of monsters without any assurance of safety?

…That was what Sylvia desperately wanted to retort, but she bit her lips and kept silent.

Liar.

Does he think I’m a fool? He lies every single day.

‘Then again, I’m not much different.’

Sylvia flinched, remembering the time when she was buried alive in the collapsing ant nest.

Because the protective barrier’s range was too small, she had said they needed to get closer.

Well, back then, it was true that a smaller barrier was stronger… So it wasn’t exactly a lie…

Maybe it was a well-meaning lie…

Anyway, she had no regrets about it.

“The academic conference at the Imperial Magic Academy is coming up soon. I have to try whatever I can if I want to present something there.”

“Ah…”

Time was running short.

It usually took several months just to organize and prepare research data for a presentation that had been studied for years.

But Vermont didn’t even have data ready for presentation.

If Vermont was still treated as a backwater city, nobody would care if a shoddy presentation led to embarrassment.

But now things were different.

A tarnished image would not only hurt tourism revenue but also impact Vermont Security’s reputation.

On a larger scale, it could harm Jacob’s business, and it might even hinder the growth of Charlotte and Julia, who had just begun their journeys as necromancer and dark knight.

Vermont was no longer just his alone.

This academic conference had to be a success.

Seeing the determination in Aslan’s eyes, Sylvia found herself at a loss for words.

“Even if it’s research on dark magic, it seems like you’ll just get criticised…”

“That’s exactly the dangerous mindset I’m talking about. Just because something is dangerous or frightening doesn’t mean it should be ignored. To combat an enemy, you must first understand it. If dark magic is truly dangerous, that’s all the more reason to research it.”

“Ah…”

So, Her Majesty’s permission was granted with that in mind as well.

Sylvia finally understood, and with a bright expression, clapped her hands.

So that means Vermont is, in effect, being utilised as a research proxy for the Imperial Family?

The Imperial Family couldn’t directly support research on dark magic due to the risks, so they were backing Vermont in secret, using them as a scapegoat if needed.

‘Wait, doesn’t that mean they’d cut ties with us if things go south…!?’

Chills ran down Sylvia’s spine.

Even though the Empress seemed laid-back and dismissive, she was quite the calculating person.

No wonder something felt off.

“The mission is to escort the Grand Duke’s youngest daughter from the North to the capital. There may be some dangers along the way, but since it’s an escort mission, it would be best to keep the team small and elite.”

“I agree. On a mission where the primary goal is to protect the escortee, it’s not easy to move while looking out for a large group.”

“That’s why I’m taking Charlotte and Julia, who were specifically requested by Her Majesty, you, Sylvia, and one other person who scored well. That makes five of us.”

“Why five? With Charlotte, Julia, me, and one more, that’s four.”

“I have to go too, don’t I?”

“What? There’s no need for you to lead from the front in this kind of mission, my lord. You don’t have to risk your life accompanying us…”

“Am I crazy? I’m going because Charlotte and Julia are going. If it were just you and the staff, I’d stay at the estate and rest.”

“Oh, I see.”

Sylvia was almost moved, only to feel instantly deflated.

Of course.

There’s no way Aslan, who cares so deeply for the children, would send them on an escort mission and then relax back at the estate.

He’d end up fretting, unable to concentrate on anything, growing weaker by the day until he fell ill and died in agony.

It was entirely predictable.

“And it’s a rare chance to connect with the Northern Grand Duke. It would be a shame to miss it.”

“That’s certainly true.”

“So, I’ve just been talking nonsense until now?” S~eaʀᴄh the NôvelFire(.)net website on Google to access chapters of novels early and in the highest quality.

“…I didn’t say that.”

Oh, there’s a proper reason, too.

Relieved, Sylvia sighed, patting her chest.

It was a relief to know that this man wasn’t completely obsessed with the children and still made rational decisions.

“First, I need to meet this top scorer. I should personally interview him. It’s a short mission, and while you and I will be there, he’ll be with the children. I need to ensure he won’t cause any trouble.”

If there’s trouble, I’m sure it will be caused by you, my lord.

Sylvia swallowed that thought and responded.

“The interview might not be necessary.”

“What do you mean?”

“You already know him well. It’s Yuri. Or, should I say, Yuria in Vermont Security.”

“…”

Aslan’s expression froze.

Wait. That guy?

Is this for real?

“How is that possible? Yuri must have skipped this week’s training because he had exams.”

“Yuri only attends training once every two weeks due to his busy academic schedule, but he consistently scores the highest each time. His swordsmanship and physical combat skills are near Sword Expert level, and he’s the only one who has mastered basic spellcasting.”

“So you’re saying he could adapt to actual missions without issue…?”

“Yes, that’s correct.”

Sylvia answered confidently, and Aslan leaned back, massaging his temples as a sudden headache set in.

Ah. This is driving me crazy.

I had set conditions to keep him focused on his studies, so he wouldn’t get into trouble.

But this crazy kid not only excels in his studies, he’s been pouring his energy into extracurricular activities too.

What kind of absurd genius is this, mastering both academics and combat?

Aslan clicked his tongue, rubbing his forehead.

“Ugh…”

“Shall I exclude Yuri from the mission? The scores aren’t made public, so I could easily manipulate them.”

“No, just bring him along. Proceed as planned.”

“…?”

Sylvia’s eyes widened in surprise at the unexpected answer.

Wasn’t he supposed to be keeping Yuri away from the children?

“Weren’t you trying to prevent Yuri from meeting the children?”

“That was just a temporary measure. I can’t keep them apart forever. Eventually, they’ll meet. If I delay it too long… all three of them will resent me deeply.”

“…”

“I was waiting for the right moment, and now seems to be the time. Besides, I can’t leave Yuri behind while we go. It wouldn’t surprise me if I returned to find the estate completely burnt down.”

“Ah.”

That made sense.

Yuri always seemed emotionally unstable…

Constantly muttering something under his breath, eyes filled with hatred.

It was terrifying to witness at times.

It felt like some murderous intent radiated from him.

Like someone who’d had their family taken by a villain and was training for revenge.

It was ridiculous to leave such a volatile person in Vermont while both she and the master were away.

Taking him along and keeping him under control was the best option.

Nodding in agreement, Sylvia accepted Aslan’s decision.

‘He may appear frivolous and scheming, but he’s actually quite thoughtful.’

Yes, this is what the master is like.

He may seem like he’s making absurd choices, but in reality, he only makes rational decisions.

Maybe I was just being overly suspicious.

Smiling softly, Sylvia followed alongside Aslan.

Meanwhile, Aslan…

‘It’d be great if I could get Yuri’s permission for the engagement with Charlotte and Julia during this trip. But maybe that’s too much? I could ruin everything if I rush it. I need to stay calm. First, leave a good impression. Gaining approval for the engagement can come later…’

His mind was completely occupied with thoughts of reconciling with Yuri and improving their relationship.

[Translator - Peptobismol]

[Proofreader - Demon God]