‘…Already?’

At that moment, someone grabbed my arm.

Elias was supporting me as I hesitated, staring at the window.

“What’s up, Lucas~?”

“…Nothing.”

I said, walking toward the end of the building.

‘It worked.’

They didn’t give me 10,000 points out of shock from seeing me. They haven’t even gotten a good look yet.

They’ve just now entered my range of influence.

The system overlooked one thing.

My Impression score wasn’t just zero—it had plummeted through the floor.

‘I shouldn’t enjoy this.’

But the 30-point reward was too sweet.

As experience shows, when a value is negative, even slight changes can boost it.

People don’t need to read articles or gossip and think, “I misunderstood! Tonight’s paper says that student’s actually great!” Extreme reactions aren’t necessary.

Even mild curiosity or surprise—like “If those mages approve, maybe his skills are legit?” or “Is it true the Imperial Court and Anhalt are working together?”—can quickly earn 1 point. The difference between -10 and -9 is that small.

Then, the “Congratulations!” text flickered as if it might vanish.

I’d never seen this before. Just as I wondered why, something clicked.

‘Oh… no way.’

Did I clear their grand proposal too easily?

Don’t make me laugh. It wasn’t *that* hard, but I had to strategize to sway Berlin and the nation. I can’t just shake hands with 10,000 people.

‘Alright.’

Smooth sailing.

I wish every day could be like this.

As I gave a faint smile, a new window appeared.

Ding—!

Favorability 10,800 achieved!

Favorability 10,810 achieved!

Favorability 10,820 achieved!

Favorability 10,830 achieved!

Huh?

‘Wait… hold on.’

Every blink brought a flood of new windows. The numbers surged terrifyingly.

No, “surged” isn’t right. As I thought earlier, it was rising all along—I just hadn’t noticed.

But why show me this in real-time?

If the system meant to fluster me, it succeeded. Unlike vaguely assuming it’d rise, seeing the public’s reactions live made me want to crawl back the way I came.

“Lucas? You’ve been off since earlier.”

Elias slung an arm over my shoulder, as he often did at school.

My steps must’ve slowed. Friends lined up by the door turned to look.

Ding—!

Favorability 11,000 achieved!

With one last cheeky notification, the windows stopped.

As Elias butted in, I instinctively realized the system’s intent.

‘…It’s messing with me.’

Because I said it was going smoothly?

Just talk to me. You can display text—why protest like this?

I let out a hollow laugh, and Elias waved a hand in front of me.

“Hot? Need a break?”

“Nah, I’m fine.”

A break? No way.

This is the moment to seize.

I calmly approached the door and waited my turn.

Leo and Narce went first, with Elias following.

When Elias’s boot heels clicked three times, I slowly stepped forward.

As the building’s shadow lifted, sunlight poured over my head. The light reflected off the vast white stage, stinging my eyes.

My gaze shifted beyond.

The crowd I’d vaguely seen was nothing compared to this.

Beyond the stage, 100,000 spectators had gathered for the inauguration.

In that moment, the cheers abruptly stopped.

***

Ten minutes earlier, outdoor ground floor.

Young mages from the Imperial Mage Union watched the inauguration from the second row below the stage.

Unless you held a high position, attendance was optional, but today, everyone showed up.

Like commoners, they were curious about Askanian.

He’d been holed up at home his whole life, so even nobles rarely saw him. There were media clips from the potion contest, his arrest interview, or the first exam, but the arrest footage was blocked by the Imperial Second Academy, and finding him in the contest required sifting through six hours of video.

Or digging up a two-month-old Anhalt Daily.

Most people, lacking that dedication, found Lucas Askanian a shrouded figure.

Being fellow Imperial mages didn’t mean they welcomed his entry.

‘Kinda annoying, actually.’

The mage leading the Union’s 99th cohort stretched his stiff body and eyed the stage.

That Pleroma—though now deemed otherwise, the image lingered—entered the Imperial Court with just five months of training.

Just then, hearing Eszett was due, a colleague remarked snarkily, “Wonder what kind of guy he is.”

The inauguration began at noon, and after speeches, VIP congratulations, and a short performance, an hour had passed.

Eszett still hadn’t appeared. Understandable.

‘Nothing really starts till the Emperor shows.’

Killing time with familiar boredom, the mage noticed the Emperor’s secretary approach the second prince.

“Your Highness.”

Adelbert stood. Stepping forward, he lightly tapped the royal staff on the ground.

Imperial Second Academy students and Union members rose. The mage was no exception.

Adelbert, hearing the movement, brought his fist to his chest. Those behind mimicked him.

“Waaaaah—!”

Explosive applause and cheers erupted.

Adelbert stared ahead, stone-faced.

There was one reason for this.

The Emperor’s speech was next.

The Emperor, standing before the stage, raised a hand. The cheers faded.

[Dear citizens.]

He paused, gazing at the vast crowd spread across the plaza.

[It is my pleasure to announce the dawn of our new era to all present today. You know we’ve gathered for the inauguration of our Imperial mages. Those we introduce have undergone rigorous Imperial training, proven their sacrificial spirit for our world’s safety and prosperity. They are capable of combating the evil threatening the Empire across Berlin, promising further growth as talented mages.]

“Almost time. It’s 1:30 already.”

They’ll show soon.

The mage half-ignored his colleague, not exactly listening to the Emperor either.

His eyes were on the door behind the Emperor.

[…Our Empire, always pursuing excellence, will lead the world with all our resources. No adversity can hinder our goals. With this inauguration, we officially welcome seven mages who will restore peace and prosperity through their dedication. I vow their endless commitment to the Empire’s 100 million citizens. Your support and encouragement will fuel their boundless passion and devotion.]

As the Emperor finished, the massive door behind him opened.

The cheers grew deafening. Someone ascended the stage from afar.

The Emperor tapped his scepter-like staff once, amplifying his voice.

[Imperial Mage Union 101st Cohort, Eszett.]

Leonard Wittelsbach, a mage once glimpsed in high society, stepped out first, standing to the stage’s right.

Murmurs arose nearby.

“He’s something else every time I see him.”

No surprise.

Among everyone he’d met, Leonard looked the least human.

Not shocking, though—Wittelsbachs were famed for their beauty since the Old Human era.

‘By the way…’

Is this cohort using the federal flag’s colors?

The mage frowned slightly.

If so, the Imperial Court clearly saw Eszett as the Empire’s face.

The Empire’s intent was transparent.

They wouldn’t miss a chance to bring Bavaria’s next king into the fold.

‘Still, why didn’t the Crown Prince refuse? He’s high enough to opt out.’

Pondering, the mage watched the newcomers.

A mage from the Papal State and a Hohenzollern entered, spaced evenly. Thunderous applause came from the anti-Emperor faction.

‘I thought that Hohenzollern would just resign, but he stayed.’

Lost in thought, the mage froze as another figure appeared.

‘There he is.’

Lucas Askanian.

His face, previously shadowed, was now clear.

In that instant, as if bewitched, the cheers stopped.

“Hm?”

The mage sat up straight, fixing his gaze on him.

He looked more normal than expected. No, beyond normal…

“Looks kinda…”

His colleague, sharing the thought, exchanged a startled glance, muttering the same.

Not just him—everyone likely thought so. As Askanian entered, even the Old Human seats fell silent.

It wasn’t deliberate withholding of cheers due to bias.

The stunned crowd acted like they’d forgotten how to react.

Then, Askanian, entering with the same stoic face as the others, flinched at something.

It was brief. He regained composure and stood calmly beside the Hohenzollern.

The initial roar didn’t return even for the next in line.

Even the mage himself focused on Askanian, not the next Baden Grand Duke or the two Junkers.

Shouldn’t a Pleroma look villainous? This student resembled Adrian Askanian—gentle yet resolute.

He exuded a leader’s aura more than anyone in the Union.

‘…Pleroma?’

Seeing him in person, the Pleroma rumors felt unbelievable. He seemed like a drier Adrian Askanian.

His colleague, still shaken, muttered, “Too perfect, huh?”

“Like he lives perfectly?”

“No… it’s…”

Words failed him. The mage understood.

With expectations shattered, he inexplicably began nitpicking elsewhere.

He hadn’t known Askanian was so well-built—vaguely expecting something off—but there must be some quirky flaw.

It felt necessary to justify the Pleroma rumors he’d believed for a decade.

‘The order… they show magic and give a speech next, right?’

A chance to see if he’s legit.

As the Emperor saluted, they mirrored him.

After the Emperor descended with escorts, Lucas Askanian stepped forward.

He drew the wand at his waist, extending his arm and sliding his hand along it. As the wand became an Imperial staff, he gave it a light twirl.

Boom—

Mana sparked from the staff’s eagle ornament, glittering like fire in the sunlight, engulfing the staff. The mana’s sonic boom sounded explosive. It faintly reached this distance.

‘Barely any effort…’

The power?

The mage narrowed his eyes, studying the scene.

As expected of Askanian, his mana volume was extraordinary.

But beyond volume, his control showed no novice traces.

Abundant mana is a great talent but hard to wield. Overloaded mages often get swayed, like tensing their arm while focusing.

Yet he moved as naturally as handling air.

In a setting where everyone’s skilled, such details make a massive difference. His long Union tenure confirmed it.

“…Whoa!”

“Huh!”

As he gripped the fiery staff with both hands, startled gasps erupted. They knew it was mana, but red magic was impossible, so it looked like fire to all.

When the other six mages drew wands and aimed skyward, Askanian slammed the staff down. Amid the roar, his calm, amplified voice reached the crowd clearly.

[Cast all your anxiety on Him because He cares for you.]

Raising his head to the sky, he channeled mana into the staff.

Red mana surged from his position. A fierce wind hit the mage’s face.

“…!”

The mage’s eyes widened.

Not from the wind. The sky seemed to crack, with dazzling white mana reflecting sunlight pouring down.

He glanced at his colleague.

He, and other Union mages, had the same stunned look.

Despite being mana, it felt as pure as Divine Power.

[Be strong and courageous. Do not be afraid or terrified, for the Lord your God is with you wherever you go.]

Feeling the flames rush past, the mage thought.

Expectations shattered again.

His voice was steady, his actions normal, and though not fully revealed, his magic was undeniably exceptional.

His mind still held reasons for bias, so he wasn’t won over yet, but…

Oddly, the instinctive rejection was fading.

Askanian withdrew the staff. A disappointed murmur came from the crowd, fixated on the vibrant flames.

He smiled gently at the unexpected reaction.

‘Hah.’

Pleroma, my ass. If you had to pick the opposite of that image, it’d be him. The mage, now dumbfounded, let out a hollow laugh.

Meanwhile, Askanian stepped forward three paces.

Waving his wand to amplify his voice, he spoke familiarly.

[Good day, citizens.]

“…….”

The mage doubted his ears.

Applause spread rapidly from the front.

A different reaction from the start.

Askanian smiled softly at the response, raising a hand at the right moment.

[I meet you all for the first time here. As a member of the Imperial Mage Union, it’s an honor to greet His Majesty Friedrich’s loyal citizens.]

No panic or excitement.

Though not a politician, he carried the air of one seasoned in politics.

‘Guess that’s ruling-family blood.’

He knew there were reasons to distrust, but Askanian had a commanding presence, and it didn’t feel bad to be swayed by it.

“…Pretty cool.”

His colleague chuckled, as if observing something fascinating.

The mage agreed. With that, they focused on Askanian’s speech.

***

My speech ended, and we plunged into congratulatory hell.

Endless speeches from the Magic Ministry, Imperial First Academy, and Imperial Second Academy followed.

Not boring, though.

Here’s why.

Favorability 49,500 achieved!

Favorability 49,510 achieved!

System, stop popping up favorability windows. The proposal’s done…

Feeling my Mental Strength drain, I relaxed my forced smile.

Thankfully, I’d mastered expression control since single-digit ages, so no one seemed to notice my exhaustion.

‘How much more unexpected can this be?’

I knew my image wasn’t great, but getting a favorability point for every word? I’m starting to wonder if this is okay.

Of course, raising Charm post-points helped. Public appearances are rare, so I gotta rake it in.

The First and Second Academies’ verbose speeches neared their end.

All that remained was the Union president’s badge ceremony and our final performance.

[Next, the badge ceremony.]

‘Aren’t they tired?’

I thought, eyeing the crowd standing far off.

The event was nearing three hours, yet whether due to rare royal sightings or being roped in, they still stood, gawking.

I glanced at the door I’d entered and looked at my friends. Narce’s face held clear disbelief.

Before I could wonder why, a loud voice boomed.

[Her Highness Crown Prince Elisabeth Hohenzollern enters!]

“…?!”

Where’s the Union president?

A figure emerged from the open door, lemon-yellow hair fluttering.

“…….”

I hadn’t misheard.

Elias’s face hardened.

Leo’s eyes sharpened, likely due to the unannounced change.

“Huh?!”

“Waaaaah—!”

Unlike us, the crowd roared. Seeing an unscheduled royal was a treat.

The Crown Prince glanced at me, smiled, and approached the stage’s front.

Anyway, now’s not the time to question her presence.

I waited silently.

[Dear citizens. We gather to honor the inauguration of mages pivotal to our nation’s progress and safety.]

Her brief speech was the shortest congratulation yet.

[…Lastly, I thank all citizens contributing to our nation’s growth alongside New Humans, and I hope we build a more advanced Empire together.]

She paused for the crowd’s cheers, then took a badge from an attendant’s box and approached Leo.

Each stop took time, as if conversing.

Leo and Narce’s turns were uneventful, but with Elias, we struggled to contain his hostility.

Then, the fourth.

My turn.

The Crown Prince cast a soundproofing spell and spoke.

“Been a week, hasn’t it?”

I knew she’d act familiar.

Keeping my lips unreadable, I replied shortly, “Yes.”

She scanned my outfit and said, as if offering pleasantries, “I’m glad you’re making good use of my second gift.”

Second gift.

I know the first was Daniela, but we never discussed a second.

Eszett’s Imperial entry must be her doing.

I met her eyes silently.

“At least the citizens here no longer reject you. I didn’t expect such thorough preparation, but…”

“…….”

“That wasn’t hard for Sir Nicolaus, was it? The Empire’s best at manipulating the masses—how could you fail?”

She spoke leisurely, using the tone reserved for Nicolaus.

Suddenly, she covered her nose and mouth.

Friends a meter away glanced at me. She adjusted her disrupted mana—caused by mine—and slowly lowered her hand, smiling.

I asked, “What’s your game? You know the qualification controversy persists.”

“Why wouldn’t I choose this? Leonard’s too young to entrust with such a polished talent. Why would we Hohenzollerns miss this?”

She didn’t specify what, but it was obviously me.

Nonsense.

I’m under the Kingdom. A superior’s age doesn’t matter.

“Plus, your team has a divine-powered mage rivaling a bishop. Why not bring the Crown Prince under Hohenzollern, return our dear cousin to her place, and claim Baden’s next Grand Duke? Would you let that slip?”

“…….”

She smiled at me.

“Can’t throw it all away for two slippery fish.”

It’s becoming clear.

Now I know who rigged Heike Ainsidel to rank 7th.

“If you call them that, why let Ainsidel pass?”

“Why assume I gave that order?”

“…….”

Not your doing?

I kept staring silently.

Too much time passed, and friends began glancing over.

She fixed her gaze on me, smiling.

“Crown Prince Palace, 3rd floor, next to the library. Say you’re meeting me, and they’ll let you in.”

She patted my shoulder, moved to Tsheringen, and said, “See you later.”

Source: Webnovel.com, updated by NovelKeep