The Expelled Boy Does All Sorts of Things with the Onee-sans He Saved. - Chapter 48 & 49 & 50 & 51

Chapter 048: Invitation from the Northern Mage

After leaving the conference room, we moved to a terrace in the castle.

“Kid. It’s been seven years, huh?”

Shuriman looked at me with deep emotion.

“Yes, it has been a long time.”

“You’re still a kid, I see.”

He grinned and patted my head.

“Your skill in magic is quite something for your age. Even I only reached that level when I was 15.”

“That impressive? Shuriman.”

Crown Prince Alexandre asked while drinking black tea.

“Master has been reading magic books and training diligently since he was very young.”

Sophia explained proudly. Did she really need to boast that much?

“Magic books?”

“I gave them to him.”

When the Crown Prince tilted his head, Shuriman added:

“To a three-year-old?”

“Yes.”

The Crown Prince looked shocked. Shuriman simply nodded as if it were obvious, but from an outsider’s perspective, it was indeed surprising.

“I was doing it like it was playtime.”

I felt embarrassed. My face turned bright red.

“I see. So pure, innocent curiosity led him this far.”

“And Lady Louisa is also amazing for not stopping him.”

The Crown Prince nodded with his arms crossed. Just like Urka said, Mother really allowed a lot…

“So, Lord Shuriman, what did you want to talk to Master about?”

“Oh, kid. Your maid is excellent.”

“Thank you very much.”

When I thanked him, Sophia’s cheeks turned slightly red. She seemed happy.

Shuriman let out a small sigh and began speaking.

“Kid, do you know that there are special existences even among mages?”

“Are you referring to people who can use 4th-tier magic and above?”

“It’s true that the world makes a big fuss about 4th-tier and higher, but actually about one in ten mages can use it.”

“Really?”

“It depends on aptitude, but it’s mostly the difference between those who put in the effort and those who don’t.”

I see, so that’s how it is.

“Even rarer than that are the ‘Contractors’.”

“‘Contractors’?”

“Long ago, before us, there were beings who ruled this world.”

“Before us?”

“Yes. Beings similar to, yet different from us.”

“What did they do?”

“They developed several massive magical devices in order to harness the world’s mana.”

“Massive… magical devices?”

“Yeah. They possessed absurd power.”

This was the first time I had heard any of this.

“Very few people know about them. It’s classified information.”

“Is it okay to tell us?”

“Because you have the potential.”

“Potential for what?”

“To become a ‘Contractor’.”

I was shocked. Honestly, it didn’t feel real.

“So what exactly are these magical devices?”

“I’ll explain that.”

Crown Prince Alexandre spoke.

“They are enormous structures. Those who form a contract with these structures, or who have the aptitude for it, are called ‘Contractors’.”

“I see.”

“And I am one of them.”

As Shuriman said that, a massive shadow rose behind him.

“Finally arrived, huh? When a Contractor moves, the thing they contracted with moves with them. But it’s huge, so it takes time.”

“That’s—!!”

A commotion rose from the city below.

“This is the ‘Grimoire’ I contracted with.”

“Grimoire?”

“Yeah. Whether it’s a building, a magical device, or something that guides magic — it’s called a ‘Grimoire’.”

“It’s not actually a book, right?”

To my natural question, Crown Prince Alexandre answered:

“It is the origin of modern magic books — it enables the use of powerful magic and can store vast amounts of mana. That’s why the ancients classified it in the same category as magic books, yet as a different existence, and named it ‘Grimoire’.”

“Something this huge…”

Shuriman pointed behind him with his thumb.

“Yes. This ‘Temple’ is what I contracted with.”

It was a gigantic stone temple floating in the air. Everyone except Alexandre and Shuriman stared wide-eyed at the impossible sight.

“Shuriman. Make it transparent. This is causing a disturbance.”

“Sorry, sorry.”

He snapped his fingers, and the object behind him became invisible.

“I think more people remember seeing something that big.”

“It’s simple. After seeing it, anyone who isn’t permitted or doesn’t understand its existence will have their memories erased.”

“It even has that kind of function!?”

“Well, I don’t know the details either.”

“It is currently under research.”

Crown Prince Alexandre said. It seemed there were still many unknowns.

While I was staring at the now-empty space, Shuriman grinned at me.

“What do you think, kid?”

“It’s amazing!!”

“Right? But there are five other people in this world who are the same as me.”

“Five of them!?”

“Yeah. They’re all monstrously powerful mages.”

It made me realize just how much of the world I still didn’t know.

“What other kinds of ‘Grimoires’ are there?”

“As far as I know, there are the ‘Fortress’, ‘Palace’, ‘Arena’, ‘Colosseum’, and ‘Tomb’. Additionally, there are structures whose existence is known but have no Contractor yet — the ‘Cathedral’ and ‘Castle’. There are also rumors of ‘Labyrinth’ and ‘Tower’, though their existence isn’t confirmed.”

“You know a lot about them.”

“Zelgon has been excavating many ruins related to these, so research is quite advanced.”

Crown Prince Alexandre said proudly.

“Next time, you should come to Zelgon. It’s cold and empty, but we’ll welcome you.”

“Shuriman, you’re getting off topic.”

“Oh right. Anyway, kid…”

Shuriman turned to me.

“How about it? Do you want to become a ‘Contractor’?”

“Me?”

“Yeah. I think you can do it.”

I didn’t know how to answer such a sudden question.

“Master.”

“Master.”

I heard worried voices from Sophia and Urka behind me.

I thought carefully — about the future, about my family, and about my relationship with them.

“Thank you for the invitation.”

“Oh?”

“But please give me some time.”

“How long?”

“I don’t know.”

“You don’t know?”

Shuriman looked puzzled.

“I’m still immature. I want to become stronger as a mage first. Also, I haven’t seen the real thing yet. There will be many preparations needed. That’s why I want time.”

Crown Prince Alexandre nodded at my answer.

“Your response is the correct one. See? I told you not to rush him.”

“Really? I thought we could start right away.”

Alexandre was scolding Shuriman. It seemed this was something Shuriman had suddenly decided on his own. Even though the content was incredible, thanks to this I was shown a much deeper side of the world of magic.

I decided I would work even harder from now on.

I approached Urka and Sophia.

“Sorry for worrying you two.”

“No. Whatever Master decides, we will follow you anywhere.”

“Me too.”

It makes me really happy to have people who trust me like this.

“Well, that’s how it is, kid.”

“Lord Shuriman.”

“I haven’t given up, but I’ll put it on hold for now. So keep working hard.”

“Yes!!”

The moment I answered—

“This is terrible!!”

“What happened!?”

It was one of the Zelgon messengers. Crown Prince Alexandre rushed over.

“The Empire has begun gathering troops near Zelgon’s border!!”

“What did you say!!”

The terrace was instantly filled with heavy tension.

It signaled that even greater events were about to unfold.

Chapter 049: The Meeting Continues, Yet…

(Rosaria’s Perspective)

Rosaria Side

After Al and the others left the room, the Grand Duke spoke.

“Now then, this is not a pleasant topic, but we must discuss something important.”

“Yes — why there were so many attackers inside our capital.”

Prime Minister Grant spoke. Tension immediately ran through the ministers.

It was hard to believe that many people could have slipped into the capital naturally. In other words—

“So there is a possibility that someone inside the country assisted them?”

“Yes… that possibility exists.”

Meaning someone in this country had betrayed them.

“In that case, wouldn’t these two be the most likely suspects? Their defection was just a front, and they were actually spies, weren’t they?”

“Agriculture Minister!! What are you saying!!”

The Grand Duke raised his voice. Anger surged within us as well. This catfish-faced noble… He hadn’t said a word earlier, but now he looked triumphant.

“Minister. We are Alphonse-sama’s slaves. We would never do anything that would harm him. Naturally, that means we would never harm this country.”

“Furthermore, we have only just arrived here. We are not familiar with the geography of this country in detail. If we were the masterminds, why would we have fought against the attackers?”

Elena and I stated the truth.

“Hmm, that makes sense. Minister, do you have any objections?”

“Guh… B-But that child might also be an enemy agent. We should capture him immediately— guh!”

The moment the Agriculture Minister tried to speak, Uncle Klaus, who was sitting next to him, grabbed him by the collar.

“You bastard!! Are you calling my nephew an enemy operative!?”

“Hmph. The Belladonna family are mere merchants. You must have connections abroad. Perhaps you are the one colluding with foreign nations?”

The argument grew fierce. Suspicion had now shifted from us toward Al’s family. I knew Al was innocent, but we had no way to prove the innocence of his mother Louisa or Uncle Klaus.

“Please wait.”

Prime Minister Grant interjected.

“Even if we discuss the possibility of treason here, we will only end up accusing each other. In this emergency, such division could create an opening for our enemies to exploit. Please calm yourselves.”

Everyone quieted down and returned to their seats at his words.

“Lady Rosaria, Lady Elena, I apologize for showing you such an unsightly scene.”

“Please don’t worry, Lord Grant. I believe your point was very accurate.”

Elena replied. I agreed. Right now, fighting among ourselves was exactly what the enemy wanted.

The Grand Duke then said,

“Hmm. In that case, I, as Grand Duke, shall take responsibility for this matter. Any objections?”

“Why is that?”

“I am not saying I suspect any of you, but in this situation, I am the most suitable person. Please leave it to me.”

“I see.”

If there was a traitor among us, leaving the investigation to the ministers would be dangerous.

The Grand Duke continued,

“Lady Rosaria.”

“Yes?”

“Are there any mages in the Empire capable of using transfer magic on such a large scale?”

“Yes, there are.”

A stir spread through the room. Considering that possibility changed things significantly. I had already suspected it.

“His name is Kaiser. He’s a mage who can use transfer magic. I think he’s the one who did it.”

“What do you mean?”

“For example, they could send a single operative into the Grand Duchy first, then use him as a focal point to transfer a large number of people inside.”

“Such a thing is possible!?”

“But it’s not something anyone can do. The targets need to be able to withstand it. Even in the Empire, thirty people was the limit. However…”

Elena nodded at my words.

“If it was the members of the 13th Knight Order, it would be possible.”

“I see.”

The Grand Duke folded his arms. Prime Minister Grant placed a hand on his forehead.

“Then why didn’t anyone notice? Surely the activation of such large-scale magic would be detected?”

“They most likely created a barrier and transferred everyone inside it. It was a plan once proposed while I was in the Empire, but it was rejected due to the lack of suitable people and no one capable of maintaining the barrier magic.”

“So with the Holy Kingdom’s cooperation, that plan finally became feasible.”

The combination of the Empire and the Holy Kingdom was proving to be this troublesome.

“However, the people of the Anis Holy Kingdom hold deep resentment toward the Empire. Would they really obey obediently, even under the Pope’s orders?”

To the Minister of Military Affairs’ question, I replied,

“That would be thanks to the Emperor’s power.”

“The Emperor’s?”

“Yeah. The Emperor’s bloodline possesses a certain ability. It can influence people in some way.”

“Is that a ‘Skill’?”

“Correct.”

“What!?” “So that’s how it was,” everyone exclaimed in shock.

“I hadn’t heard that either, Rosaria.”

“Only generals and above know about it. The Emperor who made me a general has the ability to ‘raise the morale of allies’.”

“That sounds simple.”

“It’s actually quite troublesome. The soldiers’ morale rises whether they want it to or not.”

“So that’s why the Empire’s troops always had high morale during battles against us.”

“Most likely, that bastard’s power can also dominate or manipulate people.”

That was a terrifying thought.

“…………”

Elena, sitting beside me, seemed deep in thought.

“What’s wrong, Elena?”

“Nothing, just…”

I was about to ask her more when—

“This is terrible!!”

A soldier suddenly burst into the room.

“What happened!?”

“The Empire has begun advancing toward Zelgon’s border! We also have reports that the Holy Kingdom’s army is gathering near our border!!”

“What did you say!!”

It had finally begun.

“Elena.”

At my voice, she replied,

“I was prepared for this. I understand.”

Even though she said that, her tone suggested there was still something more.

“Report!!”

Another messenger rushed in.

“What is it now!?”

“A message from the Holy Kingdom!!”

“What do they think war is!?”

“Calm down, Minister of Military Affairs. Who is the message from?”

“From the First Knight Commander, Artemisia = Chris = Richard!!”

“Artemisia!?”

Elena stood up from her seat with a clatter. For her to react so strongly, it must be someone close to her.

“What is the content?”

“Hand over Elena = Shell = Valois. If you comply, we will not invade.”

“What…”

Everyone’s eyes turned to Elena. I asked her,

“Who is she?”

“She was my caretaker… and my only disciple.”

Her voice sounded sadder than before, and her face grew even darker.

Chapter 050: His Future ①

(Dan Side)

This is the continuation of Dan’s story after he used Aira and the others as bait and escaped.

“Haa… haa… haaa!!”

Run. Keep running. I sprinted toward the exit of the labyrinth.

Goddammit!! How the hell did it come to this?

I’m the heir to a ducal house! Why do I have to go through this!?

That merchant brat and those three useless women… Well, I’ll at least praise them for becoming my shields in the end.

I could see light!! The exit!

“Haa… haa…”

“W-What happened!?”

A group of adventurers trying to enter rushed over to me. Just hurry up and carry me already.

“A Manticore appeared on the 4th floor!!”

“For real!?”

“Contact the guild immediately!!”

The area became chaotic. Just do something about me already.

“Wait here. We’ll take you to the guild’s treatment room.”

The men carried me away.

A short while later, I was laid down on a bed in the guild’s treatment room.

A man entered, bringing a woman with him.

“I’m Regulus, the branch chief here.”

This guy was being rude as hell, not showing me any respect and wearing a sour look. Then he asked,

“What happened to your party members?”

Party members? I don’t have any. Oh, he means those women? Honestly, I don’t care, but I need to keep up appearances.

“They became shields to let me escape. They might still be fighting even now.”

“……I see.”

That was all he said before leaving the room.

Hmph, what a rude bastard. Whatever. Now, what should I do next? Someone with my level of skill should get offers soon enough. Once I make some achievements, I’ll quickly return to S-rank. That’ll raise the Arbonne family’s name again too.

I’ll just sleep until then. With that thought, I fell asleep.

～～～～～～～～～～

“……Hey… wake up. Oi, wake up!!”

So noisy. Who the hell is talking to me like that?

I rubbed my sleepy eyes and sat up. It was that branch chief again.

“According to the search party, they couldn’t find any of your party members.”

“I see.”

Well, they probably became food for the Manticore. At least they were useful to me in the end. Be grateful.

“…………”

“What?”

This guy had been staring at me for a while now.

“Dan = Malc = Arbonne.”

“Yeah?”

How does this guy know my full name?

“You are hereby demoted to E-rank.”

“Wh-What!?”

What the hell is this guy saying? Me? E-rank? Don’t screw with me. What did I even do?

“Why!! Someone like me, down to that rank!!”

“It’s after evaluating your actual ability.”

“Hah? I’m the strongest!! Someone like me—”

“Don’t get cocky, brat.”

His tone suddenly changed. And what the hell is this pressure?

“Strongest? Don’t make me laugh. No one would call a guy like you the strongest.”

“Ah!?”

“Besides, I’ve already heard about you from other guilds. Your reputation is pretty awful.”

What is he talking about? I just graciously shared my stories with them and let them hang out with me.

“Tch. You really don’t even realize it, huh? You’re seriously hopeless.”

“What did you say, you bastard!!”

I tried to grab him by the collar, but he grabbed me instead and pinned me down.

“Y-You bastard!!”

“Just what kind of life have you lived to stay this selfish?”

Damn it, I can’t breathe. What kind of strength does this guy have?

“This is exactly why you’re E-rank. Now get the hell out!!”

I was dragged outside and thrown out of the guild along with my belongings.

“Gah! What the hell. Damn it!!”

Why? Why did it turn out like this? This all started after I drove that brat away. Don’t tell me… Al is trying to ruin me?

I won’t forgive him. I won’t forgive him.

After that, every inn I went to turned me away. In the end, I had to stay at a rundown hostel for bottom-tier adventurers.

The next day was the same. I offered to let people into my party, but everyone looked at me with contempt. What was that yesterday about? Did that branch chief bastard spread rumors about me?

Looking closely, even familiar faces were avoiding me. You guys are in on it too? Bastards!!

When I left the guild, the person waiting there was—

“Young master.”

“Ah!? …Oh, it’s Lanos.”

It was the butler Lanos. What is he doing all the way out here? He looked like he was in a real hurry.

“What do you want?”

“Master is calling for you.”

“Father?”

What? Did I do something? I don’t get it. I became S-rank. I dropped for a moment, but I’ll get back soon. Why!?

“Why?”

“Please return home.”

“Hah?”

Lanos bowed his head. I see. So that’s it. He wants to borrow my strength as the next head of the family. Father has finally recognized my power.

“Fine.”

“……This way, please.”

I was led by Lanos and got into a carriage. Our destination was the capital, Riema.

Chapter 051: His Future ②

(Dan Side)

I returned to my family home, rocked by the carriage and then aboard an airship. It had been two years. I’d tell Father all about what I’d accomplished.

I entered the mansion with my head held high. However—

“Mother?”

The one who greeted me was Mother, wearing a dark, gloomy expression.

“Dan…”

“What’s wrong? I’ve come home!!”

Why is she making that face? Aren’t you happy?

“Young master. Master is waiting for you.”

I was led to Father’s room.

“Father, it’s Dan. I’m coming in.”

I entered energetically, but Father’s face was just as dark. Tch, what’s with him? So irritating.

“Sit down.”

His tone was nothing like the gentle one he used before. What the hell is going on?

“Why did you expel the Belladonna family’s son from your party?”

“Eh?”

“I’m asking why you expelled him!!”

It was the first time Father had ever shown me such an angry expression. Belladonna? Oh, that brat.

“I-It was simple, Father. He was useless.”

“Useless?”

“Father, I became S-rank! Even so, that brat was just scurrying around. He wasn’t fit for an S-rank party. That’s why—”

“So you drove him out for that reason?”

“Father?”

“You expelled him for such a ridiculous reason!!”

Father slammed his fist on the desk in front of him. The impact was so strong that I could see cracks forming.

“Why are you so angry? I didn’t do anything—”

“You fool!!”

Father threw the water from the glass on his desk at me. Unbelievably, I couldn’t dodge it.

“Eh?”

“If you had a proper reason, maybe I could understand, but you expelled him for that!!”

“It was a perfectly good reason. I decided he wasn’t worthy of being with me. What’s wrong with that?”

“Haa…”

Father placed a hand on his forehead and sat down on the sofa.

“Where did I go wrong…? No, it was my education that failed. If only I had raised you better…”

What is he talking about?

“If things continue like this, my business will be finished.”

“What!?”

I stood up. Father’s business of obtaining resources from labyrinths was going to be shut down? Why?

“Impossible!!”

“Dan. How much do you actually understand about our family’s current situation?”

“It’s true that we declined due to the previous generation’s influence. But we are still a ducal house—”

“You understand nothing. Yes, we are a ducal house, but that title is now hanging by a thread. A noble title alone means nothing anymore.”

“…………”

I couldn’t understand what Father was saying. What does he mean the family name is outdated? That’s impossible!!

“Why? Why can’t we continue?”

“Because you expelled Alphonse, the Belladonna family cut off all financial support to us.”

“What did you say!!”

That brat’s family? Unforgivable!!

“Father, we should sue them immediately! We must punish those insolent merchants at once!”

“Who would take our side if we sue? Who would listen to our complaints?”

“All the nobles in this country will support us!”

“Do you even understand the power of the Belladonna family?”

“What power could a mere merchant family possibly have?”

“They were adventurers, weren’t they? You must have heard about the Belladonna family whether you wanted to or not.”

“I have no interest.”

Father hung his head.

“…………”

“Father!!”

“Enough. This is also my failure. I am placing you under house arrest for the time being. I will also give you books about the current state of the country. Read them and reflect on yourself.”

“Eh, Father? Why me?”

“Go now!!”

I was grabbed by the arms by the guards who had been standing behind me. What the hell? I can’t shake them off with my strength!!

I was thrown into a small room and several books were brought in after me.

“Why…?”

Alone in the room, I muttered my doubts.

Why did it turn out like this? Father said that just having a ducal title is outdated now. That can’t be true!! The name Arbonne hasn’t fallen yet!!

Moreover, the one who dragged me down this far is that brat. That damn Al. Making a fool of me… I won’t forgive him!!

That night, I secretly slipped out through the window.

～～～～～～～～～～

Sorry, Father, but this is also for the sake of the Arbonne family.

That brat is probably in Versha. To get there quickly, an airship would be best, but it’s impossible at this hour.

While I was worrying, a voice suddenly called out from behind me.

“Excuse me, sir.”

“Ah? What?”

“You must be Dan-sama of the Arbonne ducal family.”

Who is this guy in black clothes? Still, it’s good that he’s showing proper respect to someone from a ducal house.

“That’s right.”

“Oh!! It is an honor to meet someone like you!!”

“Who the hell are you?”

“I belong to a gathering of those who wish to restore this country to its proper form.”

“Proper form?”

“Yes. This country disrespects noble houses. Nobles are the ones who should truly support and lead this nation.”

“Hoo…”

So there are people who understand.

“Would you like to join our meeting?”

“What is it?”

“It is a group of many noble sons and daughters who are concerned about the future of this country. We call ourselves ‘Rinashita’.”

“‘Rinashita’?”

“Yes. What do you think?”

He seemed suspicious, but checking it out wouldn’t hurt.

“Lead the way.”

“Yes, certainly.”

I followed him to the venue. It was in the basement of a small mansion in the capital.

“Oh!!” “It’s the Arbonne ducal family!!”

There were many familiar faces — sons from baron and knight families, and that guy over there was the fifth son of a count family.

“Dan-sama!! Having you here gives us great strength!!”

“Let us work together for the future of the Grand Duchy!!”

To think there were this many comrades. As expected, I wasn’t wrong.

Then the man in black who brought me said,

“Actually, the day after tomorrow, an envoy from Zelgon will be arriving.”

“Is that so?”

“Yes. It seems they will hold talks because relations between the Empire and the Holy Kingdom have become suspicious.”

“Hmph. Relying on help from a distant country — this nation has really become weak!!”

“Exactly!” “Well said!”

Everyone nodded at my words. This felt good.

“So, what shall we do? It seems a parade will be held for the occasion.”

“Oh?”

“The Belladonna family will also be attending.”

“What did you say!!”

The Belladonna family — meaning that brat will be there? This is perfect timing.

“We will assassinate those cowards during the parade.”

“Wha!?” “Are you serious!?”

“Yes. We’ll start with the Belladonna brat.”

“Belladonna!!”

“What?”

“N-No… targeting that family might be…”

“Don’t get cold feet!!”

“Hii!!”

I intimidated the one who faltered.

“Can we truly improve this country if we’re afraid? The Belladonna family is a parasite feeding on this nation. Parasites must be exterminated.”

“T-That’s true.”

“As expected!!”

Applause erupted all at once.

“But what should we do? With just our numbers…”

“That won’t be necessary.”

The man in black said.

“What do you mean?”

“Please enjoy the show from a safe position. We will use mercenaries.”

“True. It would be meaningless if we were exposed.”

“Exactly.”

“You’re quite capable. Become my second-in-command.”

“It would be an honor.”

The man bowed deeply.

“Then let us plan.”

I had them spread out a map and began formulating the plan.

Just wait, Alphonse. You will regret ever defying me.