When Guy first saw Elric,
His initial impression was very simple.
'It's an object.'
It might seem too simplistic, but for someone whose character was indifferent, it was nothing short of high praise.
Until he first called Elric, all he wanted to do was to confirm what capabilities Melvinger had, as his surroundings were buzzing with talk about Elric.
However, the moment he confirmed that Elric effortlessly emerged from the True Palace of Blue Fog in just one hour, and even gained a trivial insight from it, Guy knew.
The lad in front of him was a genius.
It wasn't just a saying; he was at a level that could rival even his genius daughter who was highly regarded in the family history.
'No. He's more than that.'
So,Guy couldn't help but be intrigued.
From the start, his desire to gather talents was well-known even in society.
Thanks to that, there were over a hundred residents in the family who were present not as vassals, but as 'guests'.
Considering that many of them were not magicians but martial artists or administrators.
Even though Melvinger, who had long been at odds with the Hexagram, had their attention focused on him.
Fortunately, such thoughts were not unique to him.
He knew early on that Sean and Elric were close, and Tasha also seemed very interested in Elric.
However, whatever had happened, during the meal, Tasha occasionally showed a twisted, yet sometimes slightly scrutinizing look, as if she had a stomach ache—but since it seemed to be an attitude born out of curiosity, there was no need to pay much attention to it.
Anyway, if contacts were established in this manner, it would be easier to pull them into this side, so there was a need to create even more connections.
The reason why Elric's proposal was magnified was also entirely because of that.
The idea was decent, but the sponsorship system was a tactic often used by the Nerester family to expand their political influence and elevate the reputation of 'guests'.
In the future, Elric and the Nerester family would inevitably be placed side by side.
And...
'Now that even my grandfather is involved... I wonder what reaction will be shown now.'
Guy was already excited to see what kind of fun this absurd yet unmatched genius could bring.
* * *
While looking at the old man, Augustine.
'...He's strong! Maybe even stronger than Guy Nerester!'
Elric had to swallow dry saliva.
Just looking at Augustine's fierce gaze seemed to make the flesh tremble involuntarily.
Flutter!
Even the magic stone trembled, and the seal emitted a shimmer. It wriggled as if the mana would burst out immediately.
'Come to think of it, I've heard of it. From Sean.'
-Isn't your father the most famous? That's true. Probably because he's the head of the family. But... those who know the family well know this,there's a bigger monster.
-Strictly speaking, he's like a first teacher to me and my brothers. He was the one who first guided us.
It was around the time when he had just entered the academy.
There was a time when Sean, as if passing by, told him about his family.
He usually hated bringing up the topic of his family, but at that time, he grabbed Elric and drunkenly poured out his story, seemingly intoxicated by something.
Perhaps disappointed by the motives of those who showed interest not in human named 'Sean' but in 'The Third Son of Nerester', he seemed to want to confide in Elric, who hadn't shown interest in him until then.
After that, Sean hardly ever mentioned the family's story, and since Elric didn't ask about it either, the affairs of the Nerester family were naturally forgotten.
Then, the words from that day, which had been tucked away in a corner of his memory, came to mind.
Sean referred to the venerable elder of the senate, adorned with mysteries, like this.
The grandmaster who taught all the magicians of Nerester.
And sometimes, he called him a mischievous old fellow who teased them relentlessly!
『Hehe. Looks like there's another monster here. Do you happen to know the term 'Pandemonium'?』
[What are you talking about?]
『At first glance, it may seem ordinary, but in fact, it signifies a place where demons thrive. It seems like this is exactly such a place.』
[So, what does that mean...?]
Elric's question didn't continue for long.
"Elder of the Senate, this is the lord's residence! Such behavior is sacrilegious, please withdraw at once!"
With Sean acting as his protector, releasing a considerable amount of mana with a fierce expression.
Tss, tss, tss...
The shadows beneath their feet ominously flickered as dark auras surged.
It wasn't just Sean but also the guards who were in the same stance.
They seemed ready to attack the old man who had just broken into the room.
But despite their numerical superiority...
Elric couldn't shake off the feeling that both the servants and the guards were extremely tense.
On the contrary, the old man remained calm.
"Oh, my apologies. This old man acted hastily due to impatience and made a grave mistake. My lord, I apologize."
"No, it's fine."
The old man bowed his head towards Guy, showing no sign of being ashamed at all.
He only apologized verbally, barely nodding his head, and his gaze remained fixed on Elric.
It seemed almost natural, as if this was to be expected.
Upon seeing this, Sean found himself unable to press further and fell silent.
Not only was the opponent not someone who could be pressured, but Guy also didn't seem particularly concerned. It seemed odd for him to keep intervening.
"Anyway, what brings you here?"
"Just as I said before. This old man came here to take that child as my disciple."
"Are you referring to the child beside Sean?"
"That's correct. With an audacious face that seems completely ignorant of this matter, he continues to feign ignorance."
The old man sniffed as he looked at Elric, who seemed surprised even when meeting his gaze.
"Do you see? He still has that oblivious expression, as if he knows nothing, doesn't he?"
Guy's expression turned perplexed.
"But that child is Sean's friend."
"Why does that matter?"
"He's also a Melvinger."
"There aren't many places that can harbor such thick-faced individuals. You can tell just by looking at him."
"In a way, he's someone who inherits the position of duke in the current generation. He's not just a mere member of Melvinger, but the head. However, what do you mean by saying you want to take him as your disciple?"
Despite the declining reputation of the prestigious magical family, they were still the lords of their lineage.
Moreover, within the empire, there were only four dukes, making them superior even in the hierarchy of nobility compared to the Nerester family.
It was unthinkable to take someone from such a lofty position as a disciple.
However, Elric didn't consent to such a proposition, and it was never going to happen just because someone insisted.
It could even lead to conflicts between the families if the Nerester family felt slighted by the Melvinger family's disregard.
That's why Sean, Tasha, and even the servants wore tense expressions, alternating their gazes between the old man and Elric.
But the old man showed no sign of changing his mind. His eyes were filled with determination.
"I, Elric Melvinger, heir of the Melvinger family, greet Augustine, the grandmaster of the Nerester family."
At that moment, Elric felt it was the right time to step forward and offer his greetings.
『Looks like quite a stubborn old man. What is he planning?』
[Oh, come on! Can't you see it even when it's right in front of you?]
A tone of disdain.
Mephisto's expression twisted in amusement.
『What?』
[It's a chance to catch a tiger.]
『Huh?』
[The opponent is the grandmaster of the Nerester family.]
『So what?』
[Isn't it a great opportunity to learn magic from such a person? Why would you miss that?]
Elric's eyes blazed with excitement.
He had once thought about it after he recovered from his injuries.
He needed a master to guide him on the right path.
Even with the support of his family and Mephisto's assistance... there was still an unfulfilled longing within him.
Perhaps this could be the opportunity to fill it.
『...But isn't this just a temptation?』
[Why does that matter? When opportunity knocks, you seize it. This is a chance not just to make inroads into the Nerester family but to devour them whole. Pride can come later.]
『Ha!』
Mephisto's face became astonished.
While the Melvinger family traditionally leaned towards pragmatism due to their long history of conflict with demons, Elric seemed to be more than that.
[Of course, you must protect the reputation and pride of the family at all costs. But sometimes, you have to play the game. Just watch and learn.]
Mephisto's tone implied he had a plan to strip the old man bare right before their eyes.
Was Elric rubbing his hands together at the thought of this opportunity, or was he wondering what he'd gotten himself into? Only time would tell.
The old man, Augustine, eyes sparkled.
"Oh ho! So you know this old man?"
"How could one not know the highest authority of the Nerester family? My father had words before he departed. He said, 'If our family had a pillar like the Grand Elder of the Nerester family, we wouldn't crumble so easily.'"
Of course, it was a lie.
"Hmph! Your father had no dealings with such an old man."
"With such a renowned reputation, wouldn't he have at least heard about it in passing?"
"You speak smoothly as if buttered up. Seems quite clever as well."
"Thank you for the compliment."
"Crafty, shall we say?"
"Such praise must have pleased you, prompting you to accept me as your disciple, am I right? I will certainly accept it as a compliment. Thank you."
Members of the Nerester family watched with awe as the verbal duel between Elric and Augustine continued.
Especially towards Elric, some even stuck out their tongues in disbelief.
Even in the Nerester family, there were few who could confront Augustine's eccentric temperament as Elric did.
For a young man to handle him with such ease was remarkable.
"So, are you agreeing to become my disciple?"
"You are said to be like a master of the Nerester family. However, I am the head of the Melvinger family. How could I fit into your faction? It's an excessive offer for me. Please withdraw it."
『Hey. You said you'd strip him bare. Why reject now?』
[Oh, just stay quiet. Can't you see what's happening here?]
『...Huh?』
[Right now, I'm telling the old man to come up with a justification if he wants to take me as his disciple.]
『Ah!』
[What fun would it be if he just agrees obediently? You have to push back a bit to raise your own value. Look at him. You can see the price rising, can't you? Hehe.]
『Typical schemer….』
Mephisto looked at Elric with a tone that suggested he came to entangle him but ended up being entangled by Augustine instead.
He couldn't understand why he was offering to walk into his own grave.
"Didn't you already take my teachings?"
"If you're referring to the True Palace of Blue Fog, it's true that I borrowed the idea, but I also went through hardships to escape the maze and stumbled upon it by chance. I hope you understand that much. Besides, the head of the family has already approved it."
He even got approval from the head of the family. Why are you still bothering about it?
If you start questioning, it would be seen as encroaching on the authority of the head of the family.
Augustine was getting excited.
"So... you mean as long as you continue the lineage of the Night's Chronicle school, that's enough, right?"
"Well, that's..."
"While this old man is indeed the Senator of the Nerester family, he's also the headmaster of a school called 'Night's Chronicle'. That place is independent and leads to individual victories, so it's unrelated to Nerester. And since we haven't found a successor to carry on the legacy yet, wouldn't it be fine if you were to continue it?"
Augustine's eyes were shining brightly.
'Night's Chronicle?'
Although the magical world has a long history and numerous factions, Elric couldn't help but shake his head at the name he had never heard before.
He wondered if the old man had made up a nonexistent faction to lure him in.
『Night's Chronicle...? Huh!』
[Do you know about it? It's the first time I've heard of it.]
『It was a place that gave me a headache back in the days when I was at the height of my power. They used 'Magic Martial Arts' instead of magic.』
[Magic Martial Arts?]
『Indeed. But the fact that it has persisted for a thousand years...?』
If Mephisto remembers it firsthand, it's definitely significant.
'This is unexpected.'
Of course, without showing any signs this time, Elric subtly took a step back.
"I apologize."
Augustine exploded right then and there.
"Ugh! So noisy. If an adult tells you to go, just go together. What's with all this chatter!"
Despite his already limited patience, Augustine pushed himself to the limit, thinking he had to leave a good impression on his first disciple. But ultimately, he reached his breaking point.
Snap!
Augustine's hand shot out swiftly.
Elric instinctively recoiled, only to find Augustine had already reached him, wide-eyed with surprise.
'He's fast!'
Elric couldn't even sense the magical energy or aura of the spell being cast. Was this really the speed achievable by a magician and not a martial artist?
Despite his astonishment, before he could process it fully...
Thunk!
Elric found himself knocked out cold by a swift strike to the back of his neck.
Augustine caught the slumping Elric with one arm and, utilizing the spatial transition he had memorized, whisked them both back to the council.
"Hahaha! You're mine now!"
As Augustine disappeared, his laughter echoed loudly in the empty space.
* * *
The Senator just kidnapped a guest and vanished!
In the midst of everyone's shock and dismay...
"What are you doing?"
Tasha turned to Sean, belatedly noticing his somber demeanor.
Sean's attitude seemed strangely indifferent.
"What?"
"Didn't you see? Your friend got kidnapped! Aren't you going after them?"
"Sis, you still don't know Elric well, huh?"
"What?"
Sean shook his head with folded arms.
"Elric is doping up. It was aimed at the Lord senator. Soon enough, he'll be regretting his actions."