Chapter 59

EP.59 Coachman (1)

[Is it true that the next Ice Emperor candidate has been decided?]

In the northern region, the Whiteclaw Duchy.

The Whiteclaw family possessed several secrets that could turn the Gerber Empire upside down. The family's hereditary magic [Vision Assimilation] was a prime example, but even this was merely a speck in comparison.

The main figure was Aichel Whiteclaw, the eldest daughter and next head of the Whiteclaw Duchy. With a strong support base, her position was quite solid.

In reality, even her apparent position could not fully measure her.

In the basement of the Whiteclaw mansion, there was a round table meeting room.

Despite its luxurious appearance, the space was always dim due to the weak light emitted by the luminous lamps installed on the walls.

There, Aichel stood at one end of the round table, her head bowed.

One of the luxurious seats was particularly bright. This was because a figure made of lightning mana, a grand mage and the Lightning Emperor, was seated there.

With a noble demeanor, he rested his elbow on the armrest and supported his chin with a slightly clenched fist.

"Yes, my Lord Lightning Emperor."

Aichel's voice echoed calmly. She still wore an eye patch over her right eye, which had not fully healed.

The figure made of lightning mana was a grand mage and the Lightning Emperor, known as the 'Thunder Emperor' because he held the position of 'God of Lightning.' It was like a remote-controlled puppet.

Each elemental emperor, or Archmage, is a nation, an army, and a law unto themselves. They each rule their own country and wield a formidable influence that can shake the entire world with sheer military power. The Gerber Empire is no exception.

Therefore, throughout its centuries-long history, the Gerber Empire has taken a stance to form friendly relations whenever an Archmage appears.

Despite various conflicts throughout history, this has now become a firmly established tradition.

[The letter was confusing, but what about the other Archmages' reactions?]

"They seem to consider it merely an agenda item for the next Archmage meeting. They only know that a human with outstanding magical talent and ice affinity has appeared, and they are not particularly concerned."

If it were known that the Archmages meet every three years for a round table conference, the entire world would be shocked.

The Archmages are the pinnacle of the mage class, the strongest mages in this world.

They are treated as extraterritorial in the empire.

Among them, the elemental beings and monsters scattered around the world who serve as their masters are naturally called Archmages and found themselves founding nations.

The Archmages, being such great and dangerous beings, agreed to hold regular meetings under the pretext of fostering harmony, but in reality, to keep an eye on each other.

Aichel, the next head of the Whiteclaw family, was chosen as the facilitator of these meetings due to her neutrality within the Gerber Empire.

Aichel is competent, has a strong support base, holds a high position as a noble, and is a promising candidate to become the next Northern Grand Duchess of the empire. Most importantly, she loves peace, which aligns with the Archmages' intentions.

[At first, I thought the same, but suddenly my curiosity grew. A new candidate for the 'Ice Emperor' position that has been vacant for a thousand years... You must know what this means.]

"Yes."

[Can you show me? I want to see with my own eyes why you say this person is an Ice Emperor candidate.]

Aichel nodded and placed her finger on her forehead.

Magic power slowly rose from her finger, a process of extracting a mental image from her mind.

Then, Aichel waved her finger toward the center of the round table.

The image in her mind began to play before the Lightning Emperor.

"Vision Assimilation—Replay (Neutral Attribute, ★0)"

It was an image seen through the eyes of a man, captured a few days ago from Keridna.

In the image, the man held a frost scythe, and the mythological white dragon, the Ice Snow Dragon-Hild, was his familiar.

The Thunder Emperor's eyes widened at this sight.

Then, as the man fought a demon about 4 meters tall, he activated [Frost Lord's Aura].

The image suddenly disappeared.

Silence followed. The Thunder Emperor stroked his chin in thought before speaking.

[Who is he?]

"He is the next Ice Emperor candidate I mentioned. His name is 'Isaac.' He has silver hair and red eyes, and is a commoner with no surname. He is currently a first-year student at the Merhen Academy in the Gerber Empire."

[Oh, a student?]

The Thunder Emperor's refined tone was mixed with admiration.

Just a first-year student at the academy.

Isaac was clearly born with overwhelming talent. But what does it matter to be born with magical talent?

The crucial point is that he has been recognized by the mythological beast and the frost scythe, both governed by the primordial Archmage. This is a matter that surpasses all imagination.

It means that Isaac, a commoner, is more suitable to be the Emperor of Ice than anyone else.

[Merhen Academy... I've heard that demons have appeared several times recently. There are also reports of an unknown monster that has been killing these demons. Even the Gerber Royal Knights have been involved. Was that monster this boy?]

"Based on the information gathered, it is clear. He seems to be hiding his identity."

[A magical disguise?]

"Yes, probably."

The events at Merhen Academy have all come to light due to the frequent appearances of demons and the involvement of the Royal Knights.

The frequent appearances of demons, the monster mage who kills them, and the Child of Light, Ian Fairytail.

[The purpose... is it to protect the Child of Light and the people? ...This is something we can't just discuss among ourselves without clear evidence.]

The Thunder Emperor stroked his chin and continued.

[Indeed, this is interesting information. After seeing it, I can confidently say that this boy will surely reach the level of a grand mage. As the next Ice Emperor, he is not just a strong candidate but almost a certainty.]

While the Thunder Emperor was speaking, Aichel hesitated and spoke sparingly. The Thunder Emperor did not miss her reaction.

[Why, Aichel?]

"...The source of this information is my younger sister, Keridna Whiteclaw. According to her, the next Ice Emperor candidate is rated E in magic power and is known for it in a bad way. This is... the lowest level."

[...]

"Even before the end of this semester, he was considered weak."

The Thunder Emperor immediately understood the meaning of Aichel's words.

[Can he hide his magic power?]

Maximum magic power manipulation.

This is akin to manipulating each cell at will. It is an impossible feat, but for a grand mage like the Thunder Emperor, who has transcended human limits, it is somehow possible.

And Isaac, a first-year student at the academy, has already achieved this maximum magic power manipulation.

If we were to name the current greatest genius on the continent, everyone would agree on 'Dorothy Heartnova.'

She is considered a genius blessed by the heavens and has even made a contract with the star fairy Stella. It is predicted that she will reach the level of a grand mage within the next ten years, a talent close to that of the primordial Archmages.

But Isaac, a commoner... is already far ahead of that level?

Tension filled the basement. One of the strongest beings in the world was silently marveling at the name 'Isaac,' a man with talent surpassing his own.

[If this man becomes the Emperor of Ice, how powerful an ice empire will be formed? Given that the Ice Snow Dragon and the frost scythe have recognized him as their master, even the ferocious monsters will not be an exception...]

Isaac. It is clear to anyone that he will become a grand mage and an Archmage in the future.

And the many ice elementals and monsters that have evolved chaotically will welcome a new master and restore order. They have been waiting for a new master to lead them.

Especially, we must be cautious.

"‘Ice Tyrant-Varbatoma,’ ‘Noble-Merbul,’ ‘Primordial Evil-Tugaros’... Is that what you mean?"

The Thunder Emperor nodded.

Beings who have grown in power over more than a thousand years and reached the ranks of 'geological change' or 'celestial change.'

Ice Tyrant, Noble, Primordial Evil.

If these ferocious and powerful monsters all recognize Isaac as their master,

The authority of Isaac, already the master of the Ice Snow Dragon and the frost scythe, and born with overwhelming magical talent, will be so high... it is unimaginable.

[What do you think?]

Aichel closed her eyes and organized her thoughts before opening them and stating her opinion.

"Personally, I believe that Isaac predicted the frequent, unexplained appearances of demons at Merhen Academy and enrolled to deal with them. I think he may have a heroic nature, willing to sacrifice himself to protect others."

Aichel couldn't hide her smirk.

"I am a lover of peace. If a man with a strong sense of self-sacrifice can become the ruler of so many geological and celestial changes and restore order..."

Aichel's fanatical obsession with peace was clear in the Thunder Emperor's view.

"It would be the best possible outcome for me."

I don't know who Isaac is. I don't care about his hobbies, his ideal partner, or his favorite food.

Aichel only focused on the objective truth.

That Isaac is protecting people by killing demons.

"So if Isaac is the person I expect him