Chapter 71

* * *

Oscar Manuelle, the head of the Magic Tower, had been summoned to the palace by the emperor.

What could it be?

No matter how much he thought about it, there was only one reason the emperor would call him personally.

"Planning to bring the Rubinstein duchess into the Magic Tower, aren't you?"

The emperor put down his teacup and asked.

Indeed.

Though he was smiling, he must be displeased with Oscar.

The emperor wanted to hold Enock Rubinstein's leash in exchange for freeing Lilith from military service.

But if Lilith became a researcher in the Magic Tower, which was equivalent to being exempt from military service, all his plans would be in vain...

"Yes, that's correct. As expected, she is of the Rubinstein bloodline. I am confident that her work in the Magic Tower will greatly benefit the empire."

"Just leave it be."

"Pardon?"

Oscar tilted his head and feigned surprise.

"The hiring of a Magic Tower member is within my autonomous authority, is it not? This is something the emperor himself has granted."

"I have no intention of interfering with your authority, but the Rubinstein case is an exception. You should understand the reason without me saying it."

"Perhaps. How can I fathom the emperor's grand intentions? I am merely harvesting talent for the advancement of the Magic Tower."

The emperor chuckled at Oscar's nonchalant response.

"It doesn't matter if you can't fathom my intentions. Just this once, comply with my request. Do not touch the duchess."

"That would be difficult, Your Majesty."

Oscar replied without backing down.

"Do you not know why the Magic Tower has been granted freedom and privileges by successive emperors?"

"Of course. I am well aware."

If the royal family is the source of magic, then the Magic Tower is like a factory that makes magic useful and manageable.

All the magical formulas were created in the Magic Tower.

At this very moment, powerful and complex magics are being developed there.

"No matter how strong a person is, if they cannot use their power efficiently, what good is it? The Magic Tower has been dedicated to the emperor's vision of a powerful empire."

Oscar added with a pained expression.

"To limit our freedom like this is a bit disappointing."

"I regret it, but this is not something I can easily back down from."

Oscar's eyes sharpened at the emperor's stubborn attitude.

'Damn, I didn't expect the emperor to be like this.'

Is he willing to risk a falling out with the Magic Tower just to hold Enock Rubinstein's leash?

This was unexpected.

Oscar's relaxed expression hardened.

"So, you're willing to sacrifice our harmonious relationship just to have one talented individual under your control. Is that what you're saying?"

Oscar leaned forward and asked quietly.

The emperor, holding his teacup again, smiled leisurely.

"Do as you please."

* * *

After leaving the emperor's office, Oscar walked silently and suddenly punched the wall.

Bang!

Robel, his advisor and head of the Magic Tower's talent management department, who was following behind, gaped.

"The old man isn't dying soon, damn it, really."

"Ah! Shh, shh!"

Robel, whose eyes had widened, quickly returned to Oscar's side.

"Please, be quiet!"

"…Should I kill him?"

"Ah, your mouth! Please, control your mouth! What are you saying in the middle of the palace corridor?"

Robel stomped his feet.

"What's bothering you? Can't you recruit the duchess for the Magic Tower?"

Robel was confused.

He knew about Oscar's obsession with collecting talent, but...

Was it really worth getting so angry over Lilith not joining the Magic Tower?

Was it worth cursing the emperor so openly?

"Even though the Magic Tower is bold, the head of the Magic Tower is still a citizen of the empire. He can't completely ignore the emperor's wishes."

"……"

"It's not like you're trying to control the Magic Tower. Just leave the Rubinstein alone. Is that too much to ask?"

Oscar ran his hand through his hair irritably.

What did Robel know?

Oscar wasn't angry because he couldn't bring Lilith to the Magic Tower.

Oscar had a responsibility.

'I have to do something, or it won't work.'

The 'Returner.'

Oscar Manuelle had a responsibility.

He couldn't let the tragedy repeat itself.

"Honestly, does it hurt?"

Robel asked, seeing Oscar touch the fist he had slammed into the wall.

Oscar nodded.

"Yeah, it hurts like hell."

"Then try to calm down."

"By the way…"

Oscar stopped walking.

"If we take the warp gate from here, we'll be at the training facility."

Robel's eyes widened.

"What, what? Are you going to kidnap the duchess from the training facility? Are you crazy?"

"Kidnap? He'd be dead if he tried that with her father."

Oscar clicked his tongue.

Enock Rubinstein…

Not just a joke, but a man who valued his daughter more than his own life.

A man who, despite being the most selfless, made a selfish choice to revive his daughter without hesitation in the end.

"That's not true. Let's go. I have something to say to her."

"Wait, wait!?"

Oscar walked ahead.

* * *

I didn't sleep at all last night.

I thought about Oscar and tried to figure out how to use the bracelet.

'This bracelet is a perfect item for me. Oscar definitely knows my true identity.'

The bracelet showed the life force I consumed whenever I used my ability.

My lifespan is about twice that of an average person.

So, the time shown on the bracelet is roughly half of that.

Using a 30-minute magic makes me age 15 minutes.

Using a 1-year magic makes me age 6 months.

'How much life force does an A-rank attack magic require?'

I looked at the bracelet.

30min

30 minutes. Using an A-rank magic makes me age 15 minutes.

Just thinking about it showed me the life force I would consume.

'I was going to try using magic to gauge the life force consumption, but that's not necessary now.'

Also, I was worried that someone might see the bracelet showing the time and figure out my true identity.

'Oscar thought of that and made this.'

When I asked if they could see anything on the bracelet, my roommates all tilted their heads.

The life force consumption was visible only to me.

'I don't know how he knows my true identity, but Oscar knows everything. I need to meet him soon. Meet him and…'

Negotiate? No.

I need to kneel and beg like a fly.

Please, keep my true identity a secret.

Fortunately, Oscar seems to be friendly towards me for some reason, but if he changes his mind, everything is over.

So, he's holding my life in his hands.

"Hey, isn't that the head of the Magic Tower?"

"Wow, it is. With his white hair…"

"Didn't we see him at our induction, right?"

I perked up at the conversation.

'What, what? Why is he here at such a perfect time?'

We were in the middle of outdoor practical training.

I was surprised to see Oscar talking to a researcher from a distance.

Why is the busy head of the Magic Tower here at the training facility for the recruits?

"The head of the Magic Tower is said to be really scary."

"Yeah. I heard he's cold and doesn't talk much."

I frowned at the children's gossip.

That's a baseless rumor.

I still remember the first time I met him, when I choked on a crumb.

Soon, Oscar approached me.

"Long time no see, my dear."

……?

Why are you doing this?

"I happened to be visiting the palace and thought of you."

"No, wait."

I glanced around.

Sure enough, all the children were staring at us with wide eyes.

"I got permission from the researcher. Shall we go somewhere quiet to talk?"

"Yes, yes! Master, I have something to say too!"

I pushed him away before he could say anything more and draw more attention.

Fortunately, Oscar went along with it.

"Master!"

Once we were behind the training ground, I immediately knelt down.

Oscar was taken aback.

"What's this about?"

"I've been too arrogant and lazy with my studies. I'm really, really sorry."

"Haha, hahaha…!"

Oscar laughed, holding his stomach.

Then he helped me up, dusted off my knees, and looked me in the eye.

"Did you try the bracelet?"

I swallowed hard.

Cold sweat trickled down my back. I felt like I might cry.

I bit my lip nervously, and Oscar touched my cheek.

"Don't be afraid. I won't tell anyone."

"Really?"

"Of course, really."

"Why? I have so many questions. Can I ask?"

"Sure, if I can answer them."

"How did you know?"

"Ah, this is a tough one."

Oscar stroked his chin thoughtfully and looked around.

"How should I answer this?"

After a long pause, he muttered, "I guess it's okay," and said,

"This is a 'seal.'"

At the same time, Oscar gasped and clutched his chest.

"Cough…!"

Blood gushed from his mouth.

"…! What, why…."

"Cough, cough! Huh!"

He fell to his knees, clutching his throat, and continued to spit blood.

'I, I'm going to die.'

I looked at the bracelet.

1year

'Mad, really. It takes a year? Then I'll grow 6 months at a time?'

My head spun.

But I didn't have time to think.

'One year! Save Oscar!'

If I tried to revive him after he died, it would require even more life force.

"Ha, ha."

Oscar's harsh breathing gradually calmed down.

The bleeding stopped, and his expression became peaceful.

At the same time, I felt my bangs grow.

'Ugh, my hair grew…'

I quickly checked my hands. Fortunately, my body didn't seem to have grown noticeably.

"You're crazy?"

Oscar, still on the ground, grabbed my hand tightly.