CH 71

The Lord of the Wizard Tower, Oscar Manuel, was called by the Emperor and entered the palace.

What happened? 

No matter how much he thought about it, there was only one thing the Emperor could directly call and discuss. 

“You’re thinking of taking Princess Rubinstein into the Wizard Tower, right?” 

The Emperor asked as he put down the teacup he was holding. 

Even though he’s smiling, he’s not happy with Oscar.

The Emperor wanted to hold Enoch’s leash in exchange for Lilith’s release from military service.

However, when Lilith becomes a researcher at the Wizard Tower, which is equivalent to exemption from military service, the whole plan will be in vain—.

“Yes, that’s right. It was indeed Rubinstein’s bloodline. I’m sure it will greatly help the Empire if she works at the Wizard Tower.” 

“Leave it.”

“Yes?”

Oscar tilted his head and trembled.

“Isn’t my authority to hire a member of the Wizard Tower… This is something that Your Majesty directly allowed.”

“I have no intention of interfering with your authority, but Rubinstein is out of the question. Even if I don’t tell you, you’ll know why.” 

“I don’t know. How can I understand Your Majesty’s great will? I’m just harvesting talent for the development of the Wizard Tower.” 

The Emperor laughed at Oscar’s ignorant reaction.

“It doesn’t matter if you can’t figure out the meaning. You just have to accept my request this time. Don’t touch the princess.”

“It will be difficult, Your Majesty.” 

Oscar answered without losing.

“I’m sure it’s not like you don’t know why the Wizard Tower came to have power and why previous Emperors have granted freedom and privileges to the Wizard Tower.” 

“Yeah. I know well.” 

If the source of magic is the imperial family that gave birth to Primera. 

The Wizard Tower was like a workshop that made it possible to cast and handle the magic usefully. 

Numerous magic formulas were all created in the Wizard Tower. 

Even at this moment, strong and complex magics must be newly created in the Wizard Tower.

“No matter how strong the powerful people are, what’s the point if they can’t use that power effectively? The Wizard Tower was dedicated to the mighty empire Your Majesty desired.” 

Oscar put his lips together and made a pitiful expression.

“If you try to limit my freedom like this, I’m a bit disappointed.”

“I’m sorry if you’re upset, but it’s not something I can easily withdraw from.”

Oscar’s eyes sharpened at the stubborn attitude.

‘Damn it. I didn’t expect the Emperor to come out like this.’

Is he trying to hold on to Enoch Rubinstein’s leash while placing a foot with Wizard Tower? 

It was unexpected.

Oscar’s relaxed expression hardened.

“So, for one family… to be exact, you’re willing to give up a good relationship with me to have only one powerful person under your feet. Can I interpret it like this?”

Oscar asked quietly, leaning forward.

The Emperor, holding the cup again, smirked with a relaxed expression. 

“Do as you please.” 

* * *

Walking silently out of the Emperor’s office, Oscar slammed his fist into the wall. 

Boom—!

The mouth of Robert, who was following him as an aide and general manager of the Wizard Tower Gifted and Talented Management Department, opened his mouth. 

“The old man doesn’t die quickly, damn it, really.” 

“Ugh…! Shh, shh!”

Robert looked around with wide eyes, then hurriedly returned to Oscar.

“Be quiet, please!”

“…Should I kill him?” 

“Ack, mouth! Please close that mouth! What are you talking about in the middle of the imperial palace corridor!”

Robert stomped his feet. 

“What do you not like? Because you can’t scout the princess to the Wizard Tower?” 

Robert didn’t understand.

He knew the Oscars were talent collectors, but—.

Is it something to be so angry about Lilith not being able to come to the tower?

Enough to openly curse at the Emperor?

“No matter how courageous the Wizard Tower is, the Lord of the Wizard Tower is also a stern imperial citizen. You can’t ignore His Majesty at all.” 

“….” 

“It’s not that he will do whatever he wants from now on, but just leave Rubinstein alone. Is that difficult?”

Oscar nervously swept his hair.

What does Robert know?

He wasn’t angry that he couldn’t bring Lilith to Wizard Tower. 

Oscar is—.

‘If I don’t do something, it won’t work.’

So, ‘The Returner.’

It was Oscar Manuel.

There was a responsibility not to let the tragedy repeat itself. 

“Honestly, your hand hurts, right?”

Robert asked when he saw Oscar fiddling with his clenched fist against the wall.

Oscar nodded.

“Come on, it hurts badly.”

“Then kill your temper.”

“Come to think of it….” 

Oscar, who was walking again, stopped abruptly.

“If I get on this warp gate, I can go straight to the training center.”

Robert’s eyes widened. 

“W, what? Why, what? Are you going to go to the training center and kidnap the princess? Are you really crazy?”

“What do you mean kidnap? Do you think I want to get killed by her father?” 

Oscar clicked his tongue.

Enoch Rubinstein—.

It’s not a joke, but really, he is a person whose daughter was more important than his life.

A human being who cared about others more than anyone else and eventually made a selfish choice to save his daughter without even thinking about it at the last minute.

“It’s not real. First of all, let’s go. I have something to say to her face.”

“E, excuse me?!” 

Oscar walks while swinging his arms.

* * *

I couldn’t sleep at all yesterday.

I thought about Oscar and learned how to use the bracelet.

‘This bracelet is completely for me. Oscar definitely knows who I am.’

The bracelet showed the amount of life I consumed every time I used an ability.

My life span is more than twice that of ordinary people.

So, it grows right away, about half the time on the bracelet.

If I use 30 minutes, it grows by 15 minutes. 

‘How much life force does an A-Class attack magic take?’ 

I looked at the bracelet.

30min

30 minutes. If I use A-Class magic, I will become 15 minutes older. 

Just by thinking like this, I knew in advance how much life force was consumed.

‘I tried to estimate the amount of life force consumed by using magic myself, but I don’t need to do it anymore.’

Also, I was worried that someone would find out who I am by looking at the bracelet that shows time every time I use my ability.

‘Oscar thought about that and made this.’

When I asked if my roommate saw anything in the bracelet, they just tilted their heads.

The amount of life force was only visible to my eyes as the caster. 

‘I don’t know how the hell he knows my identity, but Oscar knows everything. So, we must meet soon. Meet…’

Negotiation? No. 

I must kneel on the floor, put my hands together, and pray like this.

Please keep my identity secret.

Fortunately, Oscar is kind to me now for some reason, but if he changes his mind, it’s all over. 

So he was like holding my lifeline—.

“Guys, isn’t that the Lord of the Wizard Tower?” 

“Hey, that’s right. With white hair….” 

“You saw it last time at our entrance ceremony, right?”

I raised my head at the sound of conversation.

‘W, what is it? Why did you show up at such a perfect time?’

I was in the middle of outdoor practical training.

I was taken aback when I found Oscar talking to the researcher in the distance.

Why is the Lord of the Wizard Tower, who was busy, at the training center where the chicks are educated? 

“The Lord of the Wizard Tower is said to be a very scary person.” 

“Mmhm. I heard it too, but they say he was quiet and cold.” 

I frowned as I listened to the children’s loud words.

It was a rather groundless rumor.

I still can’t forget that I burped on the first meeting—.

It wasn’t long before Oscar approached me.

“My baby, long time no see.”

….?

What’s wrong with you?

“I happened to stop by the palace, so I came because I thought of my baby.”

“No, excuse me.” 

I glanced to the side with my eyes wide open.

As expected, all the children watched Oscar and me with wide eyes.

“I got permission from the researcher. Shall we go somewhere quiet and talk?”

“Y, yes! Teacher, I have something to say!”

I quickly moved my leg out of the way before he said something weird and got more attention.

Fortunately, Oscar was pushed obediently.

“Teacher!” 

Returning to the back of the training ground, I knelt first.

Oscar was startled.

“What is it?”

“Until now, I’ve been too rude. I don’t even study. I am really, really sorry.” 

“Pft. Puahahaha…!” 

Oscar grabbed his stomach and laughed. 

Then he got me up, shook my knees, and made eye contact. 

“Why. Have you tried on the bracelet?”

I gulped down my saliva.

A cold sweat sprang up. I felt like I was going to cry.

As I nervously bit my lips, Oscar tapped my cheek.

“Don’t be scared. I won’t tell anyone.”

“Yes?” 

“If I were going to spread rumors in the first place, why would I make such a magic tool and give it to you?”

“R, really?” 

“Yeah, really.” 

“Why? I have so many questions. May I ask?”

“Hmm, I’ll answer you if I can.”

“How did you know?”

“Ah, oh my. The first question is a bit.”

Oscar rolled his eyes here and there, stroking his chin with a serious expression. 

“How should I answer, this.”

After choosing his words for a while, he muttered, “I wonder if it will be okay.” 

“Because this is ‘forbidden.’”

At the same time, ‘Ugh,’ Oscar swallowed his breath and grabbed his chest. 

“Ugh…!” 

Suddenly, blood poured from his mouth.

“…! What is this, w, why…!”

“Kuk, keugh! Ugh!” 

Grabbing him by the neck, he fell to his knees. His mouth was constantly vomiting blood.

‘H, he’s going to die like this.’

I looked at the bracelet, thinking of making Oscar better.

1year

‘Crazy, oh my. Do I need a year? Then I grow up at once for six months?’

I rolled my eyes.

But there was nothing to worry about.

‘1 year is not a big deal! To save Oscar!’

After die, I’ll need more life force to revive it.

“Haa, haa.”

Very slowly, Oscar’s rough breathing subsided. 

The blood stopped, and his expression became calm. 

At the same time, I felt the bangs slightly obscure my view.

‘Uh, my hair has grown….’

I hurriedly opened my palm and turned it over. Fortunately, the growth of the body didn’t seem to show much.

“Are you crazy?”

Oscar crawled in and grabbed my hand.