Chapter 9
Inside the mansion, a teleportation circle, used only by Marquis Opensa, the Master of the Magic Tower, and a few of his closest aides, glowed. It activated, for the first time in a long time, shining brightly. Where the light disappeared, a handsome man with loosely tied, light-green hair draped over one shoulder slowly opened his eyes. It was Vice Tower Master Marcel. He politely greeted the man who came to meet him.
“It’s been a while, young Marquis Caiman.”
“Haha, welcome, Vice Tower Master Marcel.”
A man with pale, platinum-blonde hair swept back from his forehead, giving him a gentle impression. He was the younger Marquis Caiman, who was quickly filling the void left by Marquis Opensa, who had suddenly collapsed.
“How is the Marquis's condition?” Caiman asked after exchanging pleasantries.
Worry clouded Marcel’s face.
“The Magic Tower's best are looking after the Marquis, but he's not showing any real improvement.”
“He collapsed trying to break through to the 8th Circle, after all. The Magic Tower can't shoulder the burden alone. As soon as the family is stable, I'll take over his care.”
His tone was gentle, but the meaning within was clear. Stabilizing the family. He meant he wanted to be recognized as the new Marquis Opensa, no questions asked. Marcel, who had been lukewarm towards Caiman, nodded slowly.
‘I can't keep holding on to this pointless hope.’
Caiman was a fallen noble adopted by Marquis Opensa. He had magical talent and even became a disciple of the Tower Master, but that was it. Marcel saw him as a talented mage, but not someone who could ever lead the Magic Tower. So, he was actually relieved when Caiman focused on family affairs instead of the Magic Tower. Around that time, young Caliphe was struggling with her mother's death, and Caiman had been a constant support. Because of this, Marcel felt both a sense of distance and gratitude towards Caiman.
“You look troubled, Vice Tower Master. Have you heard about Lady Caliphe?”
“Yes?”
“That she attacked a well-respected nobleman at the banquet... Ah, I see. You hadn't heard.”
At Caiman's words, which implied he'd said something he shouldn't have, Marcel sighed quietly. That nasty temper of hers hasn't changed, even with her grandfather on his deathbed.
‘I once thought she would be the one to lead both the family and the Magic Tower.’
He'd expected her to awaken the special power, 'Ihneung'—a rare ability among even the most powerful mages. Just like Caliphe’s mother. And that someday, she would become the Master of the Magic Tower, the one he would serve.
‘It's time to let go of that dream.’
Marcel, having made up his mind, said, “You don't need to cover for her anymore, Caiman.”
“Ah... but Lady Caliphe is the direct heir of Opensa, not me. I'm just the Tower Master's disciple. I wouldn't dare.”
“Even a direct descendant can't dismiss the Tower Master's disciple so easily.”
At Marcel’s firm words, Caiman wore a strange smile.
“Shall we go somewhere more private?”
As he turned, a sinister smile spread across Caiman's face, the smile of a man who had been waiting patiently for his moment. As the two of them walked away.
“Hmm?”
A commotion erupted outside. Looking out the window, they saw a familiar figure. It was Caliphe. But—.
“Oh, no, what in the world is she doing now?”
Caliphe was beating someone up again!
“L-Lady Caliphe?”
“I've been neglecting my duties, Baron.”
I approached Baron Colben elegantly.
“I'm here to observe the class today. Don't mind me; just carry on as usual.”
“Class observation?”
Baron Colben forced a smile, but he looked completely bewildered. It was clear he was annoyed by this unusual behavior. I smiled serenely.
“I was curious to see how the child I'm sponsoring is doing in his lessons.”
“Ah, I see.”
“Yes. But I certainly didn't expect to walk in and see you about to hit my ward.”
“N-no, that’s a misunderstanding.”
He waved his hand lightly and laughed. "I was just going to give him an encouraging pat on the back. You know, to get him motivated before class.”
“Encourage him?”
“Of course. Isn’t that right, Noah?”
He grabbed Noah’s shoulder, seeking agreement. My brow furrowed involuntarily. Baron Colben had always been able to manipulate Noah. I figured Noah would take his side over mine. If Noah sided with the Baron, things would get complicated. I was about to step in, but Noah beat me to it.
Thump!
“L-Lady Caliphe.”
Noah shook off Baron Colben's hand, ran over to me, and clenched his fists. Then,
“He was saying bad things about you, Lady Caliphe.”
“Huh?”
He told on him, just like that! And he didn't stop there.
“A-and, he said you were going to get kicked out soon.”
“Huh?”
“He tried to hit me because I said it wasn’t true!”
Noah, having blurted everything out, pointed at Baron Colben, looking braver than I'd ever seen him.
“P-please fire that man!”
“……!”
What is this feeling? Is it... pride? Joy? Love? I'd expected him to side with Baron Colben, but Noah had thrown him under the bus without a second thought. Had the Baron somehow crossed a line with Noah?
“W-what are you talking about? That's ridiculous!” Baron Colben shouted urgently.
“My Lady, don't listen to him. I've clearly been too soft on the boy. I've tried to overlook his mistakes, but I never thought he'd try to frame me like this.”
“Faults?”
“Are you aware of this?” Baron Colben sneered.
“Noah has been secretly stealing your valuables, my Lady. I've told him to stop, I've scolded him, but he won't listen.”
His eyes gleamed as he looked at Noah.
“He stole from you again just now. I was about to punish him. If you don't believe me, check his pockets.”
“…Okay.”
I immediately grabbed Noah’s shoulders and bent down. Noah, startled, twisted his shoulders as if wanting to get away.
“I-I’m sorry. I won’t do it again. Please.”
“Stay still.”
My voice was cold, and tears welled up in Noah's eyes. But then he looked confused. I gave him a quick wink, making sure only he could see it.
“Lady Caliphe…?”
“Found it. Is it this?”
“Yes! That's the valuable Noah stole...?”
Baron Colben, who had been answering confidently, trailed off, confused. Because what I pulled out of Noah's pocket wasn't jewelry, but a square-shaped magic device.
I said casually, “It's definitely mine. But I gave it to Noah to hold. So he didn't steal it.”
“What? T-that's impossible! Search him again! There must be something else. Noah told me himself that he stole your things!”
“Wanna bet?”
“…Yes?”
“If Noah is guilty, I'll take full responsibility and apologize to you, Baron. But if he's not... you'll pay for this.”
I gave him a small, cruel smile. And pressed the button on the magic tool.
By the time Marcel and Caiman arrived, a crowd had already gathered around Caliphe. Soldiers who had come to use the training grounds, and even servants, were peeking in, curious. The sharp crack, crack of something being struck echoed from inside the training grounds.
“What is this commotion?”
“L-Lord Caiman.”
The startled servants quickly replied.
“Lady Caliphe is... punishing someone.”
“Punishing someone?”
A sneer appeared on Caiman's face. She's just making things worse for herself, even though she's going to be thrown out anyway. He quickly schooled his expression into one of concern and turned to Marcel.
“It seems Lady Caliphe is disciplining that sponsored child of hers again.”
“Is such merciless beating considered discipline?”
“Apparently, the child's progress hasn't been satisfactory.”
“That’s absurd!”
Marcel, angered, pushed through the crowd and entered the training grounds.
“Stop this! You're beating a child...?”
Marcel’s angry shout suddenly faltered. But it wasn't a child being beaten. It was an elderly nobleman.
What in the world is going on here? Caliphe, seeing Marcel's bewildered expression, greeted him with a bright smile.
“Oh, hello, Vice Tower Master. Lord Caiman, you're here too.”
Caiman stepped forward, as Marcel was speechless.
“Lady Caliphe. Isn’t that person the tutor you hired?”
“You recognize him? That’s right.”
Caiman smiled, as if humoring a child.
“Beating a titled nobleman like this, as if he were a child... Even for the direct heir of Opensa, there are lines you shouldn't cross.”
His words made people see Caliphe as a reckless and immature troublemaker.
“Caiman is right. We can't just overlook this.”
Marcel, belatedly regaining his senses, also frowned.
“We will hear the whole story from the nobleman over there. Is that alright with you?”
“…….”
Marcel asked, but Baron Colben couldn’t say anything. He was just trembling, unable to lift his head in public disgrace. Caliphe stepped forward.
“I’ll tell you the whole story.”
“No, Lady Caliphe—”
“Don't worry. You'll be hearing it from the nobleman himself.”
“Yes?”
Caliphe pressed the button on the magic tool in her hand. Then, Baron Colben’s voice was vividly played from the magic tool.
—Come on, quickly hand over what you brought. What did you bring this time? Lady Caliphe’s ring? Necklace?
—Uh, I don’t have any!
—Don’t talk back and hand over what’s in your pocket!
“……!”
The function of the magic tool Caliphe was holding was ‘recording.’ As the content continued, shock spread across the faces of those who grasped the situation. The content of the conversation coming from the recording magic tool was clear. A low-ranking nobleman, in his employ, had been manipulating a child into stealing from his employer. And not just any employer—Caliphe Opensa, and he'd been doing it for a while.
“This is an insult not only to me but to the Opensa family.”
She didn't actually care if the family was insulted or not. But, hiding her true thoughts, Caliphe glared, feigning outrage. Her furious red eyes were so intense that even Marcel flinched.
“Who am I, Vice Tower Master? I am Caliphe Opensa, the only direct heir of Opensa. Do you really think there's a problem with me beating this little worm?”
“W-worm...”
Marcel, shocked by Caliphe's language, pressed a hand to his forehead, looking faint.
