Chapter 342

To speak the truth, it was incredibly absurd. How could it not be?

“Hey! Lukas! Wait a second!”

‘Stop chasing me, already!’

Forget the oath. Forget the school. This was the reason why I chose expulsion over resignation. I was not going to go and submit a resignation letter. I was just going to ditch it on my own. Even while I was running at full speed, the students following behind were shouting and calling my name.

“Lukas! Hey!”

“Do you know me?! Since when did you start seeing me!”

“What?!”

Fine. They probably knew, whatever. I did not know them or these kids, but they would know me, wouldn’t they? I did not know what kind of trickery the system had played, but I could not help but know this much.

“Lukas, wait! You are the president, so where are you trying to go right now? If you are gone, our school will….”

“It will run very well. I am certain it will run better than when I was here.”

“What!”

I sighed at those words, pushed off the ground with my feet, and turned around. Then, the students who had been running like crazy stopped in surprise. If it were me, I would have taken this opportunity to knock them down, but seeing that they did not, these children were truly good-natured. I slowly nodded, spread my hands, and reassured them.

“Trust my words. You guys can do well. Got it? You guys were truly wonderful friends and excellent students to me.”

“S-So?”

“Live well among yourselves. Because I am leaving!”

As I kicked off the ground and took off, a cloud of sandy dust puffed up behind me.

“Lukas! No! Someone use magic and catch him!”

“How can we use it on him?! Will it even work?”

“Hey, Lukas! Are you running away without thinking about what happens later!”

“Ah, I do not know either! Tell them to expel me!”

“You said you were going to the First Academy after getting a recommendation letter! You have to go to university!”

“I am not going!”

As I rounded the corner while shouting like that, a dead end appeared before me. It was a wall. I loaded magic power into my legs and leaped. I had only jumped over a school wall three or four times during filming, never in real life, but the system was making me do that sort of thing now.

THUD—

After dusting off the sand that got on my hands and standing up, I heard the bewildered voices of the students from beyond the wall. Only then did I check the scenery spread out before my eyes. A street that was slightly dilapidated yet much busier than the old Anhalt, with red roofs and a deep blue sky. The downtown area of the Grand Duchy of Mecklenburg-Strelitz was visible.

I felt sorry for those friends I was seeing for the first time, but since things had turned out like this, I could not stay in Strelitz.

‘Hmm, good.’

I had escaped. I escaped, but….

The problem was that I did not have much experience coming to north-central Germany, and I had never even been to the Grand Duchy of Mecklenburg-Strelitz once. I took a deep breath and flicked my fingers, memorizing the warp coordinates for Berlin. Strangely, I did not move.

‘Why.’

Magic was working, though?

Is this also the system’s trickery? Still, the train stations would all look more or less the same. I took a short breath and ran toward a building that looked like a train station. After sliding inside, I poured out my words to an old ticket clerk sitting in front of a brick window.

“Hello. It is fine even if it is a standing ticket, so I would like to get the fastest one. Among the remaining ones, what time does the earliest train depart….”

“Oh, Student Lukas?”

“…….”

Why do you know me? I thought such a disrespectful thought as I looked down at the old man I was seeing for the first time. The ticket clerk asked with a puzzled face.

“What is the matter here? Isn’t the Hereditary Grand Duke coming to tour our country today?”

“I suppose so. More than that, can I find out what train times are left? It is urgent.”

“Ho ho, why a train in this situation? More than that, the welcoming address you read to me yesterday still remains quite memorable. Ah, O sunset of Mecklenburg-Strelitz, with grace like the sun coloring those wide wheat fields… I do not know writing well, but did I say the atmosphere was too much like Musset? Musset for a welcoming address! You must have revised it by putting in the Baltic Sea as I recommended, right?”

“…Did I do that yesterday…. That romanticist probably was not me.”

“Ho ho ho!”

“I am serious right now. So, what time is the fastest train?”

“Yes. Let us quickly go to school!”

I smiled and nodded. After walking out normally like that, I ran at full speed again.

It seemed that the Lukas of this world was quite a sociable person. Following the student council president, he was even close with the train station ticket clerk? At this rate, I would know and be acquainted with all the townspeople.

“Lukas?!”

‘This motherfucker….’

The moment I thought I would know and be acquainted with all the townspeople, a gentleman wearing a council uniform called my name and popped out. You know me too? Oh, that is just great. In the instant I jumped sideways to avoid him, the gentleman used his cane as a staff and pushed me with magic power.

“You should be going to school!”

“And who are you again.”

“What kind of talk is that to your father? There is no time to play jokes.”

“Wait a minute. You are what?”

I have had three fathers now, is that really okay? At that moment, a hazy shadow, as if the sun were veiled by a curtain, surged at my feet, and magic power struck my head. I swung my arm back to blow away the magic power, but I was late by a hair’s breadth. The stone floor rushed at my face.

***

I touched my chin, which had a bandage attached to it. It was scraped when I fell on the floor. Whether I was unknowingly pouting, ‘Father’ tapped my mouth with his hand.

“What.”

“Why is he like this today? You must definitely meet the Hereditary Grand Duke today. Our Müller family is receiving much favor from the Grand Ducal family of Mecklenburg-Strelitz, so you must catch his eye.”

“Why should I.”

“Heh.”

Isn’t that Hereditary Grand Duke guy the same guy I know? To catch that guy’s eye? It was a situation where he should be trying to catch my eye.

As a result of checking once I had some leeway, my eyes were blue. Also, my age was 18, and today was the day the guy called the Hereditary Grand Duke was coming to experience the school of the region he ruled. Strangely, although he had dropped me off at the school, my bag was full of items necessary for going to Bavaria. This time, money was scary and plentiful, and all sorts of artifacts and elixirs poured out from inside. It was as if telling me to definitely go to Munich-Freising.

‘Right. I understood the meaning to prepare for Munich-Freising. But why did you drop me in northern Germany. I cannot even escape right now.’

And finally, that my name was Lukas Müller. There was no information other than these. I covered my face and asked.

“How old are you?”

“Do you not even know your father’s age? I turned 56 this year.”

Full 56 years old…. He was older than even my Old Human father. His appearance looked like his mid-to-late 40s at most, so seeing that there was a bit of a difference, he was definitely a New Human. Since the appearance of New Humans, 19th-century Old Humans also preferred to get rid of their beards, so it was hard to distinguish by that. At the same time, seeing that the difference between his appearance and actual age was less than that of my Askanian father, his magic power probably was not that great. I did not know how old Albert Mecklenburg was, but the Lukas here had never properly met him until now.

Fine. I came to the conclusion that the Müller family I currently belonged to would be a lower-ranking noble of the Grand Duchy of Mecklenburg-Strelitz.

“I will go to the bathroom for a moment.”

“Right, you must come back quickly.”

“Yes.”

I said so and calmly closed the door. And naturally, I ran at full speed again.

‘Does this damn system not allow warping?’

Fine, let us see how far it goes. I would just have to run like crazy.

And so, I ran like crazy and engaged in a chase for about 20 minutes before being caught again. ‘Father’ grabbed the scruff of my neck and shook me.

“I cannot live because of you! Now the Hereditary Grand Duke has arrived! I never expected that you, who used to listen so well, would make it so hard for me today of all days, truly, why is a child who knows how to respect elders and take responsibility for assigned tasks like this today….”

“Ha….”

“Right, Lukas. Once we pass this door, he is inside. Everyone is waiting for you…!”

A high school student I was seeing for the first time acted extremely familiar with me. I glared at the old auditorium door covered in leather and let out a sigh.

‘If it were Berlin, I do not know, but escaping from here is not going to work.’

Actually, I might have known in my heart. However, since I could not be killing time in a place like this, I just did not want to believe reality because of that thought. I have to go and raid Munich-Freising as a test right now! Of course, not even five minutes would have passed on the outside, but where was the mental leeway for me to be having a school life right now.

At that moment, the student shoved two files into my arms.

“Here, this is the oath and the speech you prepared.”

“It must be that Musset speech.”

“Musset? Uh, well….”

“Thanks for taking care of it. I will do well.”

I smiled and tilted my head. It was better to comply while looking for an opportunity. After taking a deep breath and opening the door, I saw numerous students seated and several politicians sitting on the platform.

And, a familiar face. A slightly youthful Albert Mecklenburg was visible. The moment our eyes met, the smile disappeared from Albert Mecklenburg’s face. Realizing the meaning, I muttered a curse inside, smiled, and stood before him.

“Hereditary Grand Duke Albert Mecklenburg, it is an honor to meet you.”

Since he quickly pulled up his tightly shut mouth, I immediately turned around, looked at the students, and spoke.

“Good morning. The weather is also sunny to commemorate the Hereditary Grand Duke’s visit to the Mecklenburg-Strelitz National Magic School.”

The teachers grinned at the banter. The students did not particularly laugh, but even from that, I could feel how boring this place was. I nevertheless maintained a smile and said in a loud voice.

“First, let us take the oath.”

At my words, the students stood up from their seats. Since there was not even a moderator teacher, I would roughly do it as I had seen, heard, and spoken in the 21st century.

“Oath!”

At my shout, the students raised their hands. I scanned the letters written in the oath and spoke while observing the faces of the students.

“Student Representative Lukas Müller and 103 others of the Mecklenburg-Strelitz National Magic School solemnly swear to consistently strive in our studies for the development of the Grand Duchy of Mecklenburg-Strelitz and to have respect for everyone who works for Mecklenburg-Strelitz. September 12, 1891, Student Representative Lukas Müller.”

Respect my ass…. Why do they even put this kind of thing in an oath? I could definitely feel that that ruling house senior had personally traveled from the Imperial Second Academy to this rural magic school, which led to such an oath being written.

“Now, I suppose I should give the welcoming address. Probably. I am just grateful to have the right to speak before the principal.”

I glanced at my—the other Lukas’s—speech placed on the back of the oath. Since it was full of emotional phrases about the sunset over wheat fields and such, it did not take long to close the booklet. I looked around the audience and made up my words.

“It is a monumental day. Because Hereditary Grand Duke Albert Mecklenburg and the Internal Affairs Administrative Officers of the Grand Duchy have visited our Mecklenburg-Strelitz National Magic School. We all know well that this school is operating smoothly thanks to the hard work of the Strelitz Internal Affairs Department and our school’s faculty. Is that not so?”

A moderate response burst forth from the students, and I immediately continued my words.

“Also, exceptionally today, the Hereditary Grand Duke of Strelitz has visited us. Since Hereditary Grand Duke Albert Mecklenburg is achieving excellent results at the Imperial Second Academy in Berlin and is famous for his noble character, he is someone who is always a role model for us students of Mecklenburg-Strelitz. Now that I am happy to have the opportunity to meet him in person, I believe you all feel the same as I do. Please give a big round of applause to today’s guests.”

Applause like thunder filled the auditorium. Then, a teacher noticed the atmosphere and advised me.

“Hmm, also, Student Lukas Müller is scheduled to personally interview the Hereditary Grand Duke and take charge of the school guidance today. For a week starting from today.”

They must have written the welcoming address phrases in advance so that this would be brought up. As I nodded indifferently, Mecklenburg opened his mouth from behind.

“I am happy to meet the student representative like this. I have heard of Student Lukas Müller’s reputation even in Berlin. That you are someone who makes Mecklenburg-Strelitz shine.”

“Thank you for your words. It is thanks to the Grand Duchy of Strelitz’s generous support for study and magic. And, I have something to say.”

“Please speak.”

I turned my head and looked at the faculty.

“I will resign from today.”

“…….”

The audience became silent as if doused with cold water. The eyes of the teachers and students became round. In fact, their mouths were as well. Even in this burdensome sight, there was only peace in my heart. Naturally, the purpose of the declaration of resignation was not that I really intended to resign. I had even taken charge as the student representative and was said to be a student who made this Grand Duchy shine, so would that reckless claim work? It sounded like words spat out haphazardly, but since it was at least a word thrown out after thorough calculation, it was now time to watch the situation.

“…Hahaha!”

Albert Mecklenburg, who had been staring at me blankly, burst into cheerful laughter and spoke firmly.

“Disapproved.”

***

I had to avoid the time spent facing Albert Mecklenburg. In the current situation, being caught by the teachers and my father was the best route, and when I estimated it, the possibility of going through that route lay solely in the declaration of resignation. However, since it was only a ‘possibility’ and not ‘high,’ it was a failure for now.

‘Hmm.’

Noble bastards, especially those from ruling houses, should watch their mouths. Whenever they do something, they think their ‘disapproval’ will work everywhere. Since it worked, I have nothing to say, but it is perfect for growing up to be self-centered.

Either way, it seems I achieved ‘Father’s’ request. I caught Mecklenburg’s eye. Mecklenburg, who was sitting upright in the school reception room, saw me and his eyes crinkled in a smile. I greeted him with the same smile.

“Senior, you have been acting annoyingly for a while now.”

“Senior.”

Mecklenburg became lost in thought with his arms crossed, then spoke with a smile.

“Lukas, to be honest, I do not like being called Senior by someone the same age. I do not know what you are thinking, but why don’t we speak comfortably and get close from now on?”

Yes, this pretending to be kind is a long time coming. At least for me. He maintained a soft smile and continued.

“Are you worried about your remark from earlier? You do not have to worry deeply about such a minor commotion. No harm will come to the Müller family. I heard that you had a very hard time with academic stress. Actually, there are times when I want to quit school too, so we have this in common. Don’t we?”

I only glanced at the seat he was pointing to and said.

“I am truly curious how I unmasked you. Sorry, but I have to go.”

“That is not allowed.”

Mecklenburg spoke while putting on a somewhat serious expression.

“I mentioned that I came to check how the magic school of the country I will rule is being operated. Weren’t you, the student representative, supposed to take charge of the guidance? Moreover, since you are a student who is evaluated as being exceptional in our Grand Duchy, I need time to talk with a talent like you.”

“I said I would resign because it was obvious I would be held back like this.”

Because I thought the time being held back in this place would be longer than the time used to process the resignation commotion.

“And I said I disapprove.”

Mecklenburg leaned his body forward and spoke softly.

“I am really curious why you look so much like my friend in Berlin.”

“…….”

“Baron Müller does not look like you at all, and I have never heard that there is someone in the Müller family who resembles an Askanian…. After seeing you, I felt something was strange and asked the Minister of Internal Affairs, and he said you were originally famous for resembling an Askanian. Is my memory wrong? Or, was everyone’s brain manipulated this morning, and only I am seeing the truth?”

This must be the main point. This was why I said ‘the time being held back in this place would be longer.’ Even though I predicted that the declaration of resignation would cause a ripple and that it would take a certain amount of time, this was why I put forward an outright, reckless declaration of resignation. As soon as he saw me earlier, he froze, and the reason for that was obvious. I looked into Mecklenburg’s eyes. Those eyes that overlapped me with someone else are the same whether he is 25 or 18. The desire to recover his self-esteem from me was faintly reflected. Since it was a time when he would be being stepped on in real-time by his friend Askanian, it was understandable.

Actually, I cannot know what made this world. Or why this world throws me into different eras every time. The system might want something, or perhaps there is already enough meaning in having this ability itself. However, what is certain is that, seeing how the system sent me here instead of sending me straight to Munich-Freising and how all my attempts to save time in my own way have crumbled so far, I ultimately have to build a relationship with Mecklenburg. Since it is Mecklenburg’s Extra Chapter, it is natural that I have to bring him into my sphere of influence.

However, I have no intention of ruining things by outright saying what I must have. I muttered while looking down at him.

“I do not know how I should explain that I am born looking similar to your friend, but if it was uncomfortable, there is one way. I am going to Munich. I will not catch your eye for the time being, so let me resign.”

“I do not know why you want to go to Munich, but that is not allowed. You are a wonderful asset of Mecklenburg-Strelitz, so what would happen if you disappeared. Even if it is not that, resignations would be very difficult in principle, and you would not even be able to warp to other countries while in school, so I am curious why you are specifically trying to go to Bavaria.”

At the same time as Mecklenburg said ‘you would not even be able to warp,’ he pointed to my hand. As I looked at my hand, he made a gesture of rolling up his sleeve.

“…….”

I looked at the thin metal that was stuck to the middle of my arm like my own skin. Even when I pulled it, it did not come off, perhaps because magic was cast on it.

‘Aha….’

I only cursed the innocent system. Right, now I knew the truth. This was the tool that blocked warping. Ruling house bastards go out to Berlin to study, yet they want to tie the noble students of each region to that area somehow? It meant mages were also property. Mecklenburg, who was observing me, asked softly.

“You must have signed a contract and received it when you entered the National Magic School, so why are you doing this now?”

I did not know because I was also a student of the Imperial Second Academy like you. Even if I told the truth, what would you know.

Anyway, the fact that it is done this way here means that each country’s National Magic School has a similar system.

And, it means that as soon as I undo this, I can immediately warp to the Bavarian border. The beginning of reducing the possibility of dying a dog’s death at the Munich-Freising Archdiocese was here. Mecklenburg probably does not have the tool to undo this right now, but I can clearly infer that he has the authority to handle it. I could see the light in Mecklenburg’s eyes, which were already smiling, change to a slightly different light. Was he thinking that he had caught my weakness now that he knew what I wanted? If it was the him I had seen so far, that was highly likely.

If so, I should make this guy want to go to Munich with me on his own. It would be good to have at least one companion. I smiled the same way while looking at Mecklenburg’s smile.

“Indeed.”

“…….”

“I should stop trying to resign. I look forward to the next few days.”

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