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The Sun
The stars twinkle. Around the time when both the students and teachers are no longer around in the Hogner Magic Academy, Asch and Lioar are facing each other on the worn-out sofa in the Board Chairman Office.
The old man’s expression on that day was slightly stiff. He, is so famous that few rival him even throughout the Narsha Kingdom. And, he’s a nationally popular Magician. It’s a popularity that a Magician who’s merely outstanding will by no means be able to acquire. It derived from his composed and attentive personality. He’s constantly in a state of composure and humility; the role model for all Magicians. It was also thanks to that character of his, that he was selected as the youngest Hogner Magic Academy’s Board Chairman.
The one who’s making the expression of such him stiffen up was, Asch, who possesses 145 titles and accolades. Furthermore, they’re acquired not from small scale achievements, but achievements that can go as far as to influence a country’s prosperity. However, he, who boasts an overwhelming number of achievements, isn’t famous. That, is entirely because of his warped thinking. It was something brought about by his twisted character. The crimes and taboos he committed on a state level have in fact exceeded 300. He had harrowing experiences at every single country he moved to because of his banishment, and he’s not popular with the ladies either due to that difficult character of his.
It’s a moment where Lioar’s humble personality is, evidently suppressed by the Dark Magician’s warped personality. That was, the current situation.
“……what are you saying at this point in time?”
Mira, the butler, speaks the Board Chairman’s mind in his place while pouring Darjeeling into the cup.
“Like I said, I’m saying that I quit being the teacher of this place”
“……was there something that rubbed you the wrong way?”
At Lioar’s question, Asch shook his head slowly.
“No. The students are all brimming with passion. I found several whom I took a liking to. And above all else, there are also a lot of students with excellent appearances. I think it’s the optimal location to acquire the candidates for my future lover”
A teacher laying hands on his students. It’s a horrible way of putting it, but it’s such a fundamental taboo that it can’t be portrayed in any other way. Asch, who declares that『he’ll do it』in front of the Board Chairman. For him, the concept of being bound by the laws of a nation no longer exists. He only acts according to the principles he decided himself. When it comes to love, status and age difference make for no obstacles. That was, the answer he came up with.
Naturally, Lioar was not in a composed state, but he didn’t boast national popularity for an extended period just for show. He knows how to suppress his emotions.
“In that case, why? I would very much like for you to stay here and display your magnificent teaching. I believe the students will all be captivated by that profound insight of yours”
He answered with a broad smile. This experienced Board Chairman silently consented to Asch laying his hands on the students. That, showed that his actual personality is not merely pure and upright. He tolerates some misdeeds as well for the sake of his objective. That thinking is, based upon the teachings of his Shishou, Hazen＝Heim, whom Asch too had once apprenticed under.
At Lioar’s persuasion, Asch nods with a significantly convinced expression.
“Hmm……indeed. It was a decision that I blurted on a whim, but it does indeed feel regrettable now that you mention it. It is troublesome, but I think I shall try to put my whim into words slightly”
Saying that, Asch left his seat for once while mumbling.
“……I am surprised. I had been told that Board Chairman Lioar is, an individual like that of a saint”
Mira, who on the other hand, possesses a caring soul, and a pure and upright disposition despite being a doll, pours café au lait for Lioar while muttering.
“Of course, it is if the student agrees though”
He said and smiled at her mischievously, and Mira finally noticed his true intention. There’s no way any student will open themselves up to this pervert loli Magician. He didn’t get continuously dumped for 200 years just for show. There’s nothing to complain about his looks, and not only is there nothing to complain about his wealth, he’s so rich that he can purchase an entire country.
However, he’s unpopular. Furthermore, overwhelmingly so at that. As far as Lioar knows, there shouldn’t be more than a handful of women who opened themselves up to Asch in the 200 years that he lived. Lioar, he had already concluded that this narcissistic Magician is an unpopular man down to his core.
If that’s the case, it’s better to let him do as he likes and protect the students for him. That was, Lioar’s conclusion.
Before long, Asch came in, sat on the sofa, and started drinking his café au lait once again.
“Did I manage to get you to reconsider?”
Lioar asks, and the ill-natured Magician shakes his head.
As expected, he is a difficult person……he thinks and reflexively makes an awkward smile.
“The youngster called Kelly, it seems he was a pious Aristo believer”
All of a sudden, Asch muttered that.
“The youngster who attacked you guys huh. I cannot believe it; for an Aristo believer who is known to be gentle to resort to such violence”
Aristo religion’s origin is profound. Aristo＝Rizenberg was once stated to be the child of God. The miracles he performed had surpassed the level of Magic. It’s said that he went around the entire continent and quelled a plague, brought rain to drought regions, and healed several tens of thousands of wounded citizens. There are also other tales in which he performed numerous miracles at various places, but such a messiah was, shunned by the statesman.
Before long, Emperor Nortan of the Valqua Empire, which was the largest nation on the continent at that time, became envious of Aristo’s overwhelming popularity and executed Messiah Aristo.
Aristo religion believers around the continent were furious at that incident, and they took their revenge on the Valqua Empire. Before long, the momentum of that dragged other countries in as well, and Emperor Northan of the Valqua Empire, who annexed territories one after another, was beheaded at the Hill of Belzebore where Aristo was once executed.
What happened after that was, in the Narsha Kingdom, the King made Aristo religion the state religion and treated them favourably. The Aristo religion spread to the entire continent from this incident.
“What reflects in your eyes is not everything. Like how you, who reflects in my eyes, are not displaying the entirety of your disposition”
At Asch, who says that, Lioar makes a deep smile.
“However, it is not an issue that can be overlooked if it is true”
“No, overlooking it is exactly what I’m thinking”
“……which means?”
“Holy Ark……I’m interested in it. I wonder what they’re after. Hence, I’m thinking of letting them do as they like. If they’re taking on a powerful Magician like me, they won’t be able to achieve their goal, right?”
Asch was laughing, but Lioar was no longer smiling.
“……there is a high chance that they will attack for real next time. If it is handled badly, it will endanger the students”
“Yeah. Well, however, from what I think, their goal is the students. They didn’t manage to pinpoint which either. They’ll probably not harm the students. You people are a different story”
At Asch, who answers indifferently, a single drop of sweat flowed on Lioar for the first time. He’ll stand by and watch, the ill-natured Magician answered as such. Even if, it turned into a situation where the other teachers are killed, starting from Lioar.
As expected, this person’s darkness is……not something that can be controlled easily. Lioar, he sighed heavily and slightly regretted his own decision.
