Genius 31

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Chapter 31. Pursuers

"What a disgrace!"

After Hermes escaped the prison with Katia,

Aster, still furious, summoned several people to the reception room of the prison and shouted angrily.

"Of all people, it had to be you! Falling behind Hermes and getting surpassed, then knocked out with a single blow!? What kind of incompetence is this, Zenos!!"

"I-I'm terribly sorry! I apologize!"

"Do you think an apology is enough!? I demand an explanation of what happened!!"

"E-eek!"

The man, who had been indulging in imagining his bright future just moments ago, now prostrated himself on the floor, repeatedly apologizing to Aster in the face of his anger.

He couldn't just apologize; he couldn't even explain why he lost. Well, more accurately──he couldn't explain.

The undeniable truth was that Hermes's magic was overwhelmingly superior to his own.

Because at that moment, he realized it.

It was genuine.

The true [Mistle Teinn]. It was a magic inherited from a duke's lineage far superior to his own.

Aster claimed he obtained it through illicit means, but honestly, it was doubtful. No, if one could acquire such magic, even through illegal means, then it didn't matter.

Aster stubbornly insisted that Hermes was wrong, that Hermes was a counterfeit. But after seeing that, he couldn't possibly consider Hermes a counterfeit. He felt anger towards Aster, who refused to acknowledge it and blamed himself.

"What's with that look!"

"I-I'm terribly sorry!!"

As Zenos was further admonished for momentarily revealing his emotions, he prostrated himself in the face of Aster's increasing anger.

"...I am disappointed, father."

Aster's side, Chris. He too, was looked down upon with contempt by Zenos at every opportunity since Hermes's exploits.

(Why... things were going smoothly just a moment ago! Why am I the only one suffering like this...!)

His chest was constricted with anger that he couldn't direct anywhere, yet he couldn't express it outwardly either. So Zenos continued to groan inwardly.

"...B-but, Your Highness. With all due respect... that man's magic was undoubtedly a threat."

He must have thought that Aster would only blame Zenos if things continued like this and no progress would be made.

Timidly interjecting from the side was one of the soldiers guarding the prison. He was the captain of the soldiers who had gone to intercept Hermes.

"The magic that man used was mighty. Yes, it could handle several bloodline magics at once..."

"That was a counterfeit. Are you doubting my judgment?"

"N-no, not at all!"

However, immediately trembling under Aster's glare, the captain rephrased his words.

"Each person has only one bloodline magic. Two is an exception among exceptions, and in the history of the kingdom, there are only precedents up to three. But according to your accounts, Hermes clearly wielded four or more magics. It's an impossible number, don't you understand that?"

"T-that's... indeed..."

"...Hmph. However, even if it was counterfeit, it had enough effect to manipulate the likes of you."

At that, Aster seemed slightly satisfied, then gradually stood up.

"I've decided."

"W-what is it, Your Highness?"

"To pursue Hermes and Katia who have escaped... I will go."

The room buzzed.

"Y-you, Your Highness, yourself!?"

"Yes, I can't leave it to you anymore. I'll show you, who fall behind even counterfeits, who the truly chosen magician of the gods is! I will defeat those demons who disrupt this country and awaken the delusions pervading this land with my own hands!"

"Ooh...!"

Instantly, the room became lively. His authority, though questioned to some extent, was still intact.

"Now, if it's decided, I must decide on my companions. First, Chris, you come."

"M-me!?"

Surprised by the nomination, Chris exclaimed.

"Yes, it's clear that this turmoil started because of you being obstructed by Hermes and letting Katia escape, isn't it?"

"Y-yes..."

"Then watch me handle your mess. If there's an opportunity, I'll even arrange a stage for you to defeat the enemy after me. You wouldn't refuse that, would you?"

"...Yes, of course!"

Chris shook off his faint fear and nodded with confidence.

He didn't think that being the first to face Hermes was a testament to his abilities. He had been caught off guard at that time, and if he had fought with full preparation, he wouldn't have fallen behind his incompetent younger brother.

"I'm grateful for the opportunity! I'm different from that father, I'll definitely surpass him and prove Your Highness's judgment correct!"

"Just remember to follow behind me, don't forget that."

While Zenos, still prostrated, gnashed his teeth, no one noticed.

"Now, the rest..."

As Aster began to select several soldiers as escorts and witnesses, unexpected voices echoed from the entrance to the reception room.

"...Your Highness...!"

All eyes turned to the entrance as Aster called out the unexpected person's name.

"──Sara!"

Sara von Hartmann. Why was she here when she was supposed to be receiving treatment at the palace?

"The treatment... has ended. It wasn't as serious as I thought..."

"I see, that's a relief."

Aster approached Sara and placed a hand on her shoulder.

"Do you remember? You, despite negotiating with sincerity, were betrayed by Katia and pushed off the cliff with magic."

"!"

"It may be unbelievable, but it's the truth."

It wasn't the truth, and Aster himself knew it this time. Because he was the one who ordered Chris to shoot.

But this was necessary.

This girl was too kind. At this rate, she would only get hurt by that demon, Katia.

So forcefully, he would strip her heart away from Katia. It was for her good.

Sometimes, resorting to such means was necessary for a king. Understanding this, Aster continued speaking.

"Moreover, that Katia, despite being captured once, used Hermes to forcefully escape from prison! But rest assured, I will personally──"

"...Yes. I heard about that. That's why I have a request."

Interrupting his words, Sara looked at him modestly but directly.

"Could I accompany you in searching for Katia-sama and the others...?"

"...Why?"

"I want to witness it with my own eyes... the resolution between you and Katia-sama..."

Firmly and clearly. It was a response filled with a newfound determination, unlike before.

Aster interpreted it like this.

"...I see."

Finally, she had awakened.

"You finally realized! The true nature of that woman! And that you want to witness me, who will defeat the demons who have manipulated me until now, with your own eyes!"

"..."

"It's natural to want to see the suffering of those who have tormented you. You have the right to do so!"

Sara said nothing. As if she knew Aster would interpret it that way, she neither denied nor affirmed it.

"Very well, I permit you to accompany us!"

And Aster declared loudly.

He had taken a liking to this girl, Sara.

Her beauty was undeniable. Furthermore, her figure was very mature compared to Katia's. It wasn't a sinful desire, just a reason for her to shine even more when standing beside him.

Above all, unlike Katia, she was gentle and obedient, aware of her place. She didn't do foolish things like opposing him, and she understood that he was a better magician than she with dual aptitude.

But she was too kind.

Even to Katia, who had been tormenting her, she had shown compassion. Even though there was no reason other than malicious jealousy for Katia to keep Sara by her side.

But finally, she had awakened.

The time had come to make this girl, both body and soul, into a woman truly worthy of his favor.

With exhilaration, Aster proclaimed.

"We depart at dawn! Be prepared, you rebels who disturb the country!"

In response to his oath, the people around him answered loudly, and thus.

"...Is this... all right, Hermes-san?"

No one noticed Sara's faint murmur.