About ten minutes later, the damaged items were restored to their original state, and the four of them could finally sit down and have a proper conversation.
Waver's sofa followed the standard pattern of one main couch and two side couches surrounding a rectangular coffee table. As the host, Waver, and his "adopted sister" Reines claimed the seats on the main couch, while Shinji and Lorelei each occupied one side. In the center of the coffee table were freshly brewed tea and some snacks served by the mercury maid, Kurumi. It added a touch of elegance to this old rental house, even though none of the four were particularly posh.
"Hmm..." Lorelei gracefully lifted her teacup and took a sip. "Not bad."
"Thank you for the compliment."
Kurumi bowed politely, her perfect response further elevating Lorelei's opinion of the mercury maid and Kenneth.
"Even the automaton created with magical mercury has reached such a level. It seems Lord El-Melloi has gained quite a lot in these three years. It won't be long before he ascends to the 'Grand' position," Lorelei remarked.
"It indeed won't take much longer," Shinji confirmed. "Once Lord publishes his research achievements of the past three years, his 'Grand' position will be indisputable."
"So, are the two recent achievements you mentioned just the beginning?" Reines asked.
"Yes," Shinji nodded. "Although I'm not sure how many papers Lord is planning to publish, it's certain that he wants to use the 'Grand' position as a wedding gift for Miss Sola."
"Oh my!" Reines clapped her hands. "That would be the most precious and romantic wedding gift since the establishment of the Clock Tower, right, dear brother?"
"Don't look at me," Waver said somewhat embarrassedly. "With my talent, even if I had another hundred, no, two hundred years, I still wouldn't be able to reach the heights of professor. I should consider myself lucky if I can achieve the 'Cause' rank."
"Oh dear, dear brother, I was simply asking if this is the most romantic and precious wedding gift, not evaluating your rank," Reines mischievously laughed. In Waver's eyes, it seemed as though she had sprouted a pair of horns on her head, grown wings on her back, and had a wagging tail behind her.
"Or is it that dear brother intends to use the 'Grand' position as a wedding gift for me, just like Lord El-Melloi? Oh my, I'm not even of age yet."
"...," Waver's stomach churned faintly—she's a little devil. How did I end up being bothered by such a little devil? What a misfortune.
"...," Shinji's mouth twitched along—this boundary is a bit too much, right? Is she really just eight years old?
"...," Lorelei began to question whether her understanding of this sole allied family was flawed.
"Oh, just kidding." Seeing everyone's silence, Reines playfully stuck out her tongue.
Lorelei's sense of dissonance grew even stronger.
What happened to the prestigious magical lineage that was supposed to be on par with the Barthomeloi? What happened to the aristocratic demeanor? What happened to the epitome of a traditional magus?
Not to mention the two otaku—after all, they weren't direct members of the El-Melloi family but were later additions.
Reines is indeed the heir of the Archibald branch, the legitimate successor of the Archisorte family. Why does she have such a personality? Could it be that her character was the reason she was entrusted to Waver as her guardian?
The entire El-Melloi family couldn't possibly be like this, right? That would be truly terrifying. Lord El-Melloi doesn't seem like someone with character issues. Or is it just a well-disguised façade?
No one answered Lorelei's doubts. Reines was still immersed in the joy of teasing others, while Shinji worried about Waver—Reines' unintentional words had struck a chord with Waver's deepest pain.
Waver met Shinji's concerned gaze and shook his head.
"I'm well aware that no matter how hard I struggle, I can never catch up to the footsteps of geniuses. All I do is confirm the solid path that geniuses tread on. Even if I can make others' talents blossom using that knowledge, I will forever be mediocre. The only thing that shines is my surroundings. I can never appear in the spotlight."
"But I won't despair because I already have enough honor, and that honor was borrowed. So, I must become someone worthy of that honor. Even if the order is reversed, I must prove that 'he' wasn't wrong in his judgment."
These were the unspoken thoughts of Waver.
The words of that man still echoed in his ears.
No, they were engraved on his soul.
At that time, he had said those words.
—"You are my king. I vow to serve you and die for you. Please guide me forward and let me see the same dreams as you."
How immature and selfish those words were.
Once, he had yearned to die alongside "him." He had hoped that "he" would allow him to follow the greatest conqueror in the world, the man who had conquered half of the world at that time, perhaps the closest person in human history to world domination, and die in battle together, like his other subordinates.
And the conqueror had shown a bright smile in response.
However, instead of an honorable death, he was entrusted with a mission by "him."
"...Survive, Waver. Witness all of this and then convey to the world the way your king, and I, Iskandar, charged forward with glory."
Golden radiance gathered within the young man.
That was a pledge that would never be forgotten, a radiance that would never fade away.
"It's capricious and troublesome, isn't it? In the end, it was that guy who dragged people along to face death, but when the time came, he forcefully handed over this kind of thing. Does he know how much of a headache it is for 'me' afterward? Even if I complain all night, I won't finish, that idiot."
Waver Velvet had muttered in his heart more than once, but after the muttering, he would lift his head, bid farewell to his youth, and step into a new, different era of youth.
"I am well aware of both what I want to do and what I am capable of doing."
Of course, it's contradictory. Even if I accept my nature, I still envy the brilliant and dazzling talents. Whenever I see outstanding magecraft, my body burns as if consumed by resentful flames. Shinji Matou, Barthomelloi Lorelei, Reines Archisorte—the young geniuses effortlessly soar in the sky. The splendid dreams still linger in my soul—however, dreams are always just dreams.
It's okay that they're always just dreams. That's how I think now.
It's okay that they're always just dreams. I can think that way now.
Although some aspects are not quite satisfactory, my life is very fulfilling. There is no need for others to meddle and nitpick.
Because I am recognized by the greatest king in the world. The Conqueror King, Iskandar. Even in death, our bond as ruler and subject cannot be erased.
Someday, I will witness the grand and magnificent sandy plains and see the dream of the world's end, as depicted by the king.
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