Translator: Cinder Translations
...
"I express my sympathy to you and your mother."
Liszt spoke sincerely to the young man before him, having witnessed the tragic fates of those judged as "witches."
"Thank you for saying that."
Finding a sympathizer lightened Kabul's gloomy mood, even if it was an outsider who couldn't really help him.
"So what are you doing now...?" Liszt continued their conversation.
"I've sought help from my mentor, who has agreed to assist—he's going to request some leniency from the higher-ups in the church at this banquet."
"Oh, your mentor must be a respectable person for standing up for his student on such a sensitive issue."
"Yes, I can't deny that. He is indeed a respectable man," Kabul nodded, "but the main point is that my mother has been wronged. She's just become a bit cantankerous in her old age, and her relations with the neighbors aren't very good, which has led some dark-minded individuals to frame her. It's pitiful; she used to get scared and pray whenever she heard anything about witchcraft or magic. How could someone so devout possibly be a witch?"
After saying this, Kabul continued to gaze into the distance, seemingly unwilling to elaborate further.
At that moment, the group of men Liszt had noticed earlier seemed to finish their conversation and raised their glasses to down the remaining wine.
One of them then walked briskly toward Liszt and Kabul.
Liszt noticed Kabul's hand holding the glass tremble slightly, his gaze fixated on the approaching figure.
From Kabul's reaction, Liszt guessed the identity of the newcomer.
"Everything's fine, Kabul! Just settle that little heart of yours back down," the newcomer gestured to Kabul as if to say everything was resolved.
"Teacher, really?" Kabul's demeanor shifted from gloomy to sunny and enthusiastic. If it weren't a banquet, he might have jumped up on the spot.
"Yes!" Kabul's mentor stroked his beard, looking very much like someone who could handle anything that came his way.
"Father Lambert has assured me he will send someone to confirm the situation. Your mother will probably be home within three days. Honestly, I can't believe those guys dared to act so brazenly when the church's court is sending someone to oversee the matter."
"Thank you, Teacher! Thank you!" Kabul bowed repeatedly, his gratitude overwhelming.
While the two were engaged in conversation, Liszt observed Kabul's mentor.
Unlike the somewhat frail student, the mentor was tall and robust, exuding a sense of authority. He wore a high-collared woolen cloak with a shining gold chain around his neck, and sported slightly curly short golden hair. A well-groomed, dense beard framed his strong jawline, and two thick, long mustaches extended from beneath his nose. His gray eyes reflected confidence and pride.
However, one aspect seemed a bit off: his nose.
Even from a distance, Liszt had noticed something unusual about the man's nose. In the candlelight, it shone with an odd gleam.
Now that he stood closer, Liszt could finally see that the surface of the man's nose was unusually smooth, clearly not made of human skin.
Could it be... made of metal? Did he have a metal prosthetic for his nose?
After Kabul's numerous thanks, he proudly introduced Liszt to his mentor.
"Congratulations! It looks like there's a breakthrough in your mother's situation."
"Thank you, esteemed guest. Allow me to introduce this gentleman, His Majesty the King of Collins' official astrologer—Viscount Diego Blare, who is also my mentor."
Astrologers, an ancient profession, have existed since humanity first gazed up at the night sky, believing that the movements of celestial bodies were intimately connected to the fates of people on earth. Naturally, this profession arose from such beliefs.
Once upon a time, astrology was considered a type of witchcraft, and astrologers were nearly suppressed by the church.
However, secular powers stood up to protect them, as everyone was curious about their fate. Lords wished to know the outcomes of wars before battles, the wealthy sought to maintain or increase their fortunes, and common folk desired assurance of a safe life.
Astrology became a necessity, as astrologers merely observed rather than attempted to change outcomes, allowing the profession to survive and pass through generations.
Astrologers spent years observing the positions of the sun, moon, and stars, meticulously recording their movements and interpreting their alignments as omens for significant events, such as natural disasters or the rise and fall of nations.
Though they weren't always accurate, significant historical events often coincided with bizarre celestial phenomena. Skeptical scholars claimed these odd occurrences were merely recorded by chance, happening around major events, but the public maintained a reverent belief in the possible connections.
In addition to divination based on celestial observations, astrologers had another critical role: adjusting calendars based on the positions of the sun, moon, and stars. In an agricultural society, accurate calendars were crucial for determining when to sow and harvest crops.
Calendar inaccuracy often led to significant errors over time, necessitating astrologers' corrections.
Almost every court employed astrologers, and the church had its own, while many unlicensed astrologers were seen as charlatans.
Viscount Diego Blare, the court astrologer, raised his glass toward Liszt.
"Hello, guest from the Northwest Bay! I hope Collins leaves you with wonderful memories."
Thanks to the earlier introduction from the banquet's host, he already knew Liszt's identity.
Liszt raised his glass to clink with the viscount's. "Thank you for your hospitality," he replied, adding in his mind, and business too.
"Ah, I imagine you're curious about my nose," Blare continued, noticing Liszt's gaze. "No need to mind it."
The viscount touched his nose, explaining, "This is the result of a youthful folly. I was embroiled in a dispute over a mathematical problem with another scholar, and neither of us could convince the other. We decided to settle it with swords, and I lost—along with my birthright from my parents. So, I crafted a new one for myself."
"That's..." Liszt struggled to find words. "You truly have a remarkable skill."
The viscount laughed, "Yes, but what I'm prouder of are my eyes."
Kabul quickly chimed in, "My teacher has eyes like an eagle; the astronomical observation data he records is the most detailed of this era."
"Indeed! Hahaha!"
Viscount Diego Blare laughed heartily while patting his student on the back.
(End of the Chapter)
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