Compensation (2)

[You have secured the illustrious Superior Artifact 'Superlative Orb of the Archmage ???'].

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[Basic Information]

Name: Superlative Orb of the Archmage ???

Category: Equipment

Rank: Superior (upgrades to Supreme upon meeting specific criteria)

Attributes: Not applicable.

Stats: +2 HP, +1 Stamina

Usage Restriction: Requires 10 MP.

Special Effect: Grants the passive ability [Magic Calibration].

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[The artifact's gifted skill details revealed!]

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[Passive Ability].

Name: Magic Calibration

Rank: Medium

Attributes: Not applicable.

Effect: Adjusts magic-related abilities at an intermediate level or below, dramatically enhancing their strength and efficiency.

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[The Superlative Orb of the Archmage ???].

This artifact was my choice from Eleanor's vault.

The reason is straightforward.

It's the item that offers me the most significant edge.

'Who is '???'… That information will be divulged during the latter part of Part 1. Until then, the previous owner remains a mystery.'

This artifact has a powerful, near-supreme impact.

There's a single route to harness its full potential.

And that entails uncovering the name of this item's original holder.

Indeed.

A specific trigger is required to utilize this artifact.

But I'm already aware of that.

Throughout 27 runs, I've encountered the authentic owner of this artifact on multiple occasions.

Primarily, the individual who served as my mentor when I engaged in the game as a mage.

However, I'll withhold a particular name for now.

'Upon unveiling the owner's true identity, the artifact will become operational, signaling to Eleanor my affiliation with a master… with one of the Four Sages.'

I must prevent this from happening.

Even without activation, the inherent worth of this artifact is substantial – it's a veritable powerhouse in the realm of enchantments.

It's not an object typically acquired at the onset of a journey, but if skillfully harnessed?

Its growth potential is impressive, with a clear path to ascend to the pinnacle.

"A knight is procuring a mage-exclusive orb… Despite both being optional classes in Eldain, you're the only one who'd make such a choice in these circumstances."

"It's not your concern."

"Indeed... proceed, for that is your nature."

"Well, I suppose that settles both your debt and mine, doesn't it?"

"Indeed, and you're the best judge of the value of what I've given you. From this point forward, I'll attend your classes as a genuine student, focusing on [Joint Martial Arts]. You should know that if you ever catch me off guard… I won't be lenient."

"I wouldn't expect anything less. Nor should you."

"I'm… truly serious."

I directed my words to Zitri, who was standing nearby, struggling to contain her delight.

"We should get going."

"Of course, Young Master."

"Just a moment, please!"

Suddenly, I heard Eleanor's voice echo from behind me.

What did she want now?

Hadn't we concluded our dealings?

Turning around, I inquired.

"What's the matter?"

"I've given you these items, and now I would like to ask a few questions."

She straightened her lips into a wide smile.

"Just a private conversation between us, excluding the maid."

"...I'll wait for you outside the building."

"Understood."

Thanks to Zitri's sly behavior, I found myself unexpectedly engaged in further conversation with Eleanor. From this point forward, I needed to be on my guard.

She's a [master of performance]. Deception is futile against her.

Now, I need to contemplate.

'What is it that Eleanor wants to ask me? What information is she hoping to extract?'

* * *

"Why did you save me?"

Her sudden burst of sincerity left me momentarily speechless.

No, it was as if a fox had leapt at me, claws bared, questioning, "Why did you save me?"

I had never anticipated such an inquiry from Eleanor, or anyone for that matter.

Emotion isn't typically part of her character.

She's pragmatic, always relying on her own thought processes and analytical abilities.

That's how she's ascended to her current status and earned the epithet "Gold Fox," amassing even more wealth in the process.

The one who trusts her path more than anyone else.

That's Eleanor de Rivalin.

But why this sudden shift in her demeanor?

'Nothing is clear-cut, but I must reply. Truthfully, not with deception, yet without revealing all.'

Regardless, Eleanor's gaze is upon me now.

Her auburn hair cascades gently down her back as she fixes her eyes on my chest.

I need to stay composed.

I take a deep, calming breath.

The next moments are crucial.

Moistening my dry lips, I begin to speak slowly and deliberately.

"My intention was never to save you. You were simply fortunate."

Eleanor is astute.

Therefore, a dash of truth was necessary.

Much like a skilled bartender crafting a cocktail, diluting the potent liquor with various flavors, such as fruit essences, cinnamon, and so forth.

In this way, consumers often lose track of their alcohol consumption, sometimes even forgetting they're imbibing at all.

This is how a lie, blended with a grain of truth, can suspend rational judgment.

Eleanor appears content with my response. She nods and proceeds.

"Why did you make a last-minute decision to save me, even though it wasn't your original intent?"

"Because it was necessary."

'Because if you perished, the narrative would be in disarray.'

Of course, I kept the latter part to myself.

In essence, I need you alive. I need you to prevent the imperial family's power from consolidating further, to advance the narrative to its end.

So, I chose to spare you.

In some respects, it was a political decision. In another, it was an obligatory choice for game progression.

But there is no falsehood in any of it.

Eleanor pauses briefly, then poses a question I hadn't anticipated. Her enigmatic blue eyes scrutinize me, calmly reflective.

"You mentioned something you'd said to me in the past… Do you recall it?"

"...."

I can only respond with silence.

It's not something I can easily affirm.

The words Nox had spoken to her?

Of course, I remember. It's a recurrent theme within the game's narrative. There is a rationale, but it remains undisclosed.

Because that's how Part 1 concludes.

In truth, it doesn't even establish whether Nox truly perishes.

The question now is, does our shared history, unknown to me, imply a genuine backstory between Nox and Eleanor?

I hesitated for a moment, then replied.

"Yes."

I've reached the conclusion that deception is necessary, asserting that I comprehend her entirely from the incomplete information at hand.

Eleanor nods in understanding, taking a sip of her tea.

Then she resumes.

"Why would you do that? Given my prestigious Revalin status, even as a Duke, it wouldn't befit you to treat me with such disdain. What was the extent of your hostility toward me that compelled you to scorn me in such a manner?"

"Well, ...."

I interjected.

It was something I had to say at that moment.

I'm not sure why.

I don't comprehend why the past Nox was so verbally harsh with Eleanor.

But I'm confident it wasn't borne out of spite.

I've witnessed his demise twenty-seven times already, with a consistent outcome.

Perhaps, this time, I'm destined for the same fate.

"I don't know."

With those words, I rose from my seat.

"Regrettably, I must take my leave now."

"Understood. I'll see you in our next class, then."

With Eleanor, I exchanged a somewhat uneasy farewell.

I detected a subtle shift in her expression, a slight twitch at the corners of her mouth.

Yet, she remained still.

I doubt she suspects anything from my responses.

Even if she did, it wouldn't alter the facts.

"You've returned, Young Master."

"Let's proceed."

"Of course."

Moments later.

Thoughts raced through my mind as I departed from Eleanor's establishment and the Fourth Commercial District.

Why did Eleanor pose that question… A question I had long since dismissed.

It's a query that can't be resolved through mere contemplation.

Only one thing occupied my thoughts now.

The recently procured artifact.

'Is this the first time things are proceeding smoothly, given that I've never managed to secure the [Orb of the Archmage???] at this stage?'

Yet, amid such jubilation.

'…No. No, no, no, no!'

I had to shake myself awake.

It's crucial to ward off such optimistic notions.

Just when things appear to be sailing smoothly, a significant mishap occurs.

That's the paradoxical charm of Inner Lunatic.

'Always stay vigilant.'

…Naturally, this also applies to the maid beside me, whose frosty gaze is set on me.

I'll need to be cautious about this evening's tea.

Resolved, I returned to Sidious Hall, remaining alert.

* * *

In the aftermath of Nox's departure.

Eleanor remains seated at the table, lost in contemplation.

The artifact Nox had selected moments earlier occupied her thoughts.

"Why on earth would Nox von Reinhafer opt for an inactive orb from among numerous artifacts? It's beyond my comprehension."

There were more efficient options available.

The black sword wielded by Nox is a reasonable weapon but hardly exceptional.

A weapon that drains magic from its user.

She couldn't fathom why he would carry it, presuming he had superior alternatives in his possession.

Yet, every event has its consequences.

"Nonetheless, he selected it… and that leaves me perplexed."

"Well, Young Master Nox undoubtedly had his reasons for his choice, did he not?"

Her squire, Rick, standing beside her, voiced this sentiment.

Eleanor accepted the tea he offered and took a thoughtful sip.

"How are things progressing?"

"Quite well. House Rivalin's influence at the Academy is steadily growing. At this rate, even the nobility of Talonfeather will align with us. Some have already sent gifts and voiced their support."

This wasn't an undesirable development.

Eleanor's House of Rivalin has recently expanded, spreading its prestige across the continent. The only territory remaining was the capital,

Talonfeather.

However, the capital was predominantly a domain of imperial power.

Given this situation, expanding her influence within the Academy seemed a wise strategy.

In pursuit of this objective, she enrolled at the Academy. Thankfully, her plan was proving fruitful thus far.

"Remain vigilant despite our success. Keep me informed about any developments. And…."

"Should I also report on Young Master Nox's activities?"

"…Yes, that would be advisable."

"I see. And who am I? I'm Rick, House Rivalin's most competent accountant, right?"

Rick responded with a dismissive shrug.

Eleanor could only return a small snort of amusement.

He was quite skilled, so she didn't worry excessively.

Conversely, Rick's thoughts were fixated on Nox.

'A knight from a sword-bearing family… opting for the mage's robes. Intriguing, Nox.'

Rick lightly bit his lip.

He had a feeling things were about to get interesting.

Meanwhile, his mistress, Eleanor, was entertaining similar thoughts.

Though, of course, her reasons differed.

'Why did you say that, Nox? If past grievances existed between us, honesty could've resolved them. I don't believe you harbor any resentment towards me now…'

Nox had been explicit earlier.

When asked about his prior disdain for her, he simply replied he didn't know.

I don't know why.

However, one thought persisted.

'The past Nox had a reason to utter harsh words, purposefully pushing me away. In other words, he had a reason to act rudely.'

Eleanor's sharp instincts tingled.

She closed her eyes briefly, delving into a piece of her past she preferred to avoid: her younger self and a young Nox.

An intriguing beginning, indeed.

* * *

Thankfully, I wasn't subjected to poisoned tea, but I did endure an hour-long lecture from Zitri.

Firstly, it concerned nobility.

Despite my history of transgressions, she wishes to erase my sordid past and establish me as a respected figure.

So, she reiterated the rules of House Reinharbour multiple times, causing me to doze off and, in turn, prolonging the lecture.

Secondly, she warned about moderating risky actions.

Yet again, the same narrative.

I'm not pursuing this path by choice. It's a frustrating predicament, but I have no suitable response. I can't fully explain this to Zitri.

I can't possibly divulge that I took possession of his character while playing a game and that my real name is Yoochan!

I simply can't disclose that.

Thus, all I can do now is patiently listen to her discourse.

The third and final point.

This was the topic she stressed the most.

A matter concerning romance.

Whenever I recruit characters to join my team, a substantial number tend to be women. It's not uncommon for a handsome countenance to draw attention.

Such was the case today.

Paracelsus, that contemptible scoundrel, had circulated rumors about me being in the dressing room with my fiancé! It's evident he would spread such rumors.

He's notoriously loose-lipped. Utterly untrustworthy.

"The issue is his overly assertive demeanor, leading to tangled situations and misunderstandings. I've heard that he has his fair share of complications with the opposite sex as well. I wonder if it's genetic, but...."

"Are you implying our esteemed Patriarch of Reinhafer is at fault?"

"Theo-sama has already expressed his remorse for past mistakes."

I attempted to steer the conversation towards Theo, but it proved fruitless, so I relinquished my efforts.

After enduring some additional admonishments, I was finally liberated.

"I will exercise caution in the future."

My reputation has suffered, but Garen's recent proposal to recruit her still lingers in my mind… making it difficult to be upset with Zitri.

Would things be different with another team…

Well, except for Paracelsus.

He's intolerable.

"Also, Young Master, I have a message from Princess Penelope."

"... Wouldn't it have been prudent to share that first, given its significance, regardless of my slightly aberrant conduct?"

"When have you ever prioritized such matters? You are the same Young Master Nox who dismissed Lord Theo's summons."

"That's… true."

I conceded defeat.

Nevertheless, Zitri stood up and handed me the letter from the Princess.

It read as follows:

[From – Penelope von Arkheim].

Greetings, Nox von Reinhafer.

Your recent actions have saved my life.

As per Imperial decree, I wish to repay this debt. You are to personally receive your reward from the Emperor in the capital city of Talonfeather.

Your departure is scheduled for 9:00 a.m. in three days.

Please accept this token of the Imperial family's gratitude.

"They want me to journey to ... to accept my reward?"

"What?"

Zitri, puzzled by my statement, prompted me to elaborate. I continued, carelessly tossing the letter aside.

"The Princess intends to reward me and wants me to travel to the capital. Unbelievable."

A reward.

A laughable notion.

But I comprehend the rationale behind Princess Penelope's proposal.

Why was Penelope referred to as the Cold-blooded Princess?

She was skilled in political maneuvering, effectively neutralizing those who opposed her.

Now, this letter serves as a test.

Am I a steadfast ally to the Arkheim Empire?

Or a treacherous figure poised for rebellion?

"... This is a precarious situation."

"Indeed."

Zitri quickly grasped the scenario, leaving me to ponder the best course of action.

I wish to avoid political entanglements, but it seems unavoidable.

My familial name, my current station, compels it.

So, it's time to strategize.

What is the most appropriate response here?

.

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TN Rant

Within American Millenial and Gen Z Venacular, ellipses are equivalent to somebody rolling their eyes. When you ask your aunt what dessert she'll bring to the family gathering, she responds, "Frog eye salad…" It makes you have a mini-heart attack, as if your questioning was annoying and bothered her. In actuality, within her mind, it's just that she wants to represent that she's about to leave, and it will take a while for them to get there.

Nox and Talia are the phonetic spelling of Knox and Thalia, and if it weren't for wanting consistency between the web novel, I would've kept that spelling.