[Translator - Peptobismol]
[Proofreader - Demon God]
Chapter 150 - Head Theoretical Professor Kaiden (2)
"Kaiden?"
"Yes, that’s correct. Could we have a talk?"
The Head Mage spoke with a very serious expression.
"Oh, co on, let’s just go. I’m getting hungry."
But I wasn’t in the mood for a conversation right now.
Hindrasta, who was growing increasingly grumpy and hungry, was tugging at , urging to get moving.
"We can talk over a al. I’ll treat you."
The Head Mage’s tone beca more urgent as Hindrasta started pulling away.
"Well… fine. If that’s what you want."
I led Hindrasta and the Head Mage to the barbecue place I had planned to go to earlier.
The restaurant wasn’t even in sight yet, but the sll of grilled at was already thick in the air.
"Mmm, slls good."
Hindrasta closed her eyes and took a deep breath, while the Head Mage wrinkled his nose and covered it with his sleeve.
"The scent… is quite strong…."
As we continued walking, the restaurant ca into view, and the Head Mage took a sharp breath.
"T-this is the place…?"
The Head Mage looked at , clearly bewildered.
To be fair, the place was quite unlike your typical restaurant.
It was an open-air setup. There was no building, just an empty lot filled with old tables and chairs around a central fire where the at was grilled.
You’d place your order, and they’d grill the at right there and bring it over, while beer was scooped from oak barrels off to the side.
It was cheap, tasty, and the portions were generous, so it was always crowded with people on a budget.
Once we sat down at a corner table, the waiters didn’t even bother to take our order. They simply brought over three beers and started grilling the at right away.
Here, they served a set amount of at per person, and then you could order more if needed.
As we settled in, the Head Mage looked around, still wearing a strange expression, his eyes darting about.
Being the Head Mage of the Imperial Magic Departnt was not a position you could attain without excelling in every way.
He must have shown exceptional talent from a very young age and followed an elite path to reach his current status.
To soone like him, this restaurant probably seed like a whole different world.
Even among those who weren’t Head Mages, mages were treated like nobility in this society.
"First of all… I apologize for the sudden intrusion."
The Head Mage began.
"I ca because there’s sothing I need to discuss regarding Kaiden."
"I see. Let’s hear it…."
I trailed off because a massive platter of at had just been set down in front of us.
"Eek!"
Hindrasta, seeing the sizzling, slightly charred ribs, was nearly faint with excitent.
"They cook these big ribs whole over charcoal, and they taste fantastic. If you haven’t eaten yet, you should try so."
"Ah, yes…."
We paused the conversation and began our al.
Hindrasta, without hesitation, grabbed a rib with both hands and dug in, while the Head Mage, reluctantly, took a small bite at my urging.
"This flavor… is quite unique…."
The cheap at was heavily seasoned, and the Head Mage’s strained smile suggested he was struggling to enjoy it. He gingerly set the rib back down.
"Go ahead, speak. I’m listening."
The Head Mage nodded slightly, as if seeking permission, then began.
"I heard that Kaiden has been assigned as the Head Professor of Theory at your Special Mission Academy. Has he arrived yet?"
"No, not yet. He’s supposed to co after he wraps up his business at the Tower of Illusions, but I haven’t heard when exactly."
"I see. But eventually, he will co to the Academy."
"Of course. No matter how much of a genius mage he is, he can’t completely ignore an imperial command."
"I wonder… if Kaiden would actually do that…."
The Head Mage shook his head with a skeptical expression.
"After the war, the offers extended to Kaiden to join the Imperial Magic Departnt were extraordinary. But he turned them all down and secluded himself at the Tower of Illusions. I tried to persuade him, but I never even got to see him."
"Lost your way at the Tower of Illusions, did you?"
"Exactly. The magic was so intricate and solid that even seasoned mages couldn’t see through it and had to give up."
If it was Kaiden’s illusion magic, that was entirely possible.
I was amazed when I saw how he could perfectly recreate streets from Earth, a place he had never even seen.
"Excuse , but how exactly do you know Kaiden?"
"? We t briefly during the war."
I wasn’t quite sure what to make of the Head Mage yet, so I kept my answer vague.
"You t briefly? But Kaiden doesn’t really have anyone he’d call an acquaintance…."
The Head Mage muttered to himself, then shook his head.
"Well, that’s not the main issue here. What matters is that, as far as I can tell, you’re the only person who has a normal relationship with Kaiden."
The Head Mage fixed with a determined gaze.
"Professor, I have a favor to ask. Please persuade Kaiden to join the Imperial Magic Departnt."
"To the Magic Departnt? But he’s already been appointed Head Professor at the Academy."
"I’m aware. But Kaiden is far too brilliant to be confined to a head professor position. Oh, please don’t take this as an insult to the Academy."
"It’s fine. Honestly, I do think Kaiden’s talents are being wasted in that role."
"I’m glad you understand!"
The Head Mage’s expression brightened.
"Please, convince Kaiden. We need him at the Magic Departnt."
"So that’s why you approached today? To ask to persuade Kaiden?"
"Yes, Professor. During the recent Security Office contest, Kaiden assisted with illusion magic, right? I assu it was because you asked him to, correct?"
"Yes, well…."
"As I thought, you’re the only one."
The Head Mage clenched his fists, and faint sparks of magical energy crackled between his fingers.
"Right now, there’s no one in the capital who can officially communicate with Kaiden. Even Lord Linus and others I consulted said it would be too difficult. Only you can change Kaiden’s mind!"
As the agitated Head Mage slamd the table, Hindrasta’s beer mug wobbled and nearly toppled over.
"Ah!"
Hindrasta yelped, scooting her chair back as the Head Mage’s fingers twitched, causing the half-toppled mug to stop in mid-air. It was magic.
"I’m so sorry. I got a little carried away…."
The Head Mage apologized, picking up the mug and setting it upright again.
That was quite impressive magic.
People often think the most powerful magic is about blasting things apart, but that’s not true.
The real asure of magical skill is precision.
A true mage can control their magic as delicately as threading a needle.
Judging by how naturally the Head Mage used his magic, it was clear he was exceptionally skilled.
"But, Head Mage, why should I persuade Kaiden to join the Magic Departnt?"
I asked, putting down the rib I was holding.
"The decision to send Kaiden to the Academy was made by the Second Imperial Princess. If I were to send him to the Magic Departnt instead, wouldn’t that be going directly against her intentions? And also…."
The Head Mage seed about to say sothing, but I quickly added to finish my point.
"If Kaiden goes to the Magic Departnt, the Academy will once again be left with a vacant key position. Those two issues can’t be ignored."
"Of course. First, regarding the Head Professor vacancy, we will send a senior mage from the Magic Departnt. While not as gifted as Kaiden, this person is a highly competent professional who can hold their own anywhere."
"I see. And what about the Second Princess?"
"If I manage to persuade Kaiden, I will report directly to the Princess myself. She would see it as good news for the Empire. The Princess is always focused on strengthening the Empire’s military might."
"I understand…."
"And, Professor."
The Head Mage’s expression was resolute.
"If Kaiden dedicates himself to research at the Magic Departnt, there’s no doubt that civilization across the continent will advance."
"That’s… a rather lofty claim."
Hindrasta muttered quietly as she gnawed on her rib.
But I didn’t think it was nonsense.
If Kaiden were truly motivated in that direction, he had the potential to bring about a whole new era.
I’d already seen that possibility in the Tower of Illusions.
Honestly, Kaiden being the Head Professor of Theory at the Academy was a bit much. It was almost overkill.
It was like when Lormane had once offered to staff the infirmary with thirty bishops—completely over the top.
In that sense, having Kaiden at the Magic Departnt would benefit not just the Empire but many others.
I could see the logic behind the Head Mage’s plea.
But there was one thing he didn’t know.
The main reason Kaiden was leaving the Tower of Illusions to co to the Academy was because of .
Since our ti in the special force, Kaiden had never refused a request from , and that’s how this situation had co to be.
If I were to tell Kaiden to go to the Magic Departnt instead of the Academy, what would happen?
Would he comply without a word because it was my request? Or would he refuse because that wasn’t his goal from the start? I couldn’t be sure.
Kaiden was always smiling but spoke so little; it was hard to tell what he was thinking.
For now, I’ll just keep the Head Mage’s request in mind.
After all, it would be ridiculous to do exactly what he’s asking just because he said so.
I can wait to see how Kaiden adjusts to the Academy, and then maybe bring it up subtly at an appropriate ti.
If, for so reason, people like Kirrin or Isra find him overwhelming, sending him to the Magic Departnt might actually be a better solution.
I’ll just keep this as a card to play later.
# # # # #
"Thank you so much, Professor!"
After we finished eating, the Head Mage bowed deeply outside the restaurant, nearly touching his forehead to the ground.
"Please, make sure Kaiden joins the Magic Departnt!"
"I understand. I’ll do my best."
The next day, without any prior notice, Kaiden arrived at the Academy.
[Translator - Peptobismol]
[Proofreader - Demon God]
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