Chapter: 795
I’ve often felt the burning pain of sore muscles, but the sensation of my frontal lobe frying is a first for me.
You see, I’m a humanities student who has always avoided math and science like the plague. I’ve dedicated my life to language and history, living in a tragic state where the only job prospects lie in ancient Greece or Rome rather than a 21st-century nation.
So why on earth would you ask a guy like me about primary colors, atmospheric moisture, or displaced crusts? Just hearing those questions is like facing off against a horror movie monster.
‘I’m the husband of the Duke of Magic, not the Duke of Magic himself.’
Honestly, if you had sat Rizie in my place, she would have come up with decent answers. Rizie is Trixie’s one and only disciple. Aside from our triplets, she’s practically the sole heir to the Magic title.
In contrast, I may be the unique husband, but my knowledge of magic is nonexistent. I’m just a parasite happily utilizing magicians’ teleportation spells.
“The heavens are separate existences that should be distinguished from the continent. As far as I’m aware, even the spirit world shows different laws from this continent, so it’s likely the heavens do too. Implementing the existence of another world through continental magic might be a bit challenging.”
“The earth is vast. And the sea is even vaster. The sea envelops the world; can human magic really manage the infinite ocean? The moisture from the sea rises into the sky, rains down, and lingers in the atmosphere. No matter how much magic you unleash, the moisture in the air likely won’t budge.”
“When the earth splits, it’s like a human getting a scratch. Does that mean the human body will split apart?”
However, it was tricky to remain clueless despite the questions. I squeezed my brain for answers, steering clear of concrete evidence and speaking mostly vague opinions like, ‘This is just how I feel?’ I maintained the role of a thoroughly civilian observer rather than posing as an inadequate expert.
Anyway, the council members probably didn’t expect profound or groundbreaking answers. They just needed a guest to participate in their chit-chat, and it would be awkward if they only talked among themselves without a response from Trixie’s husband.
This thin veneer of etiquette was enough to split my mental state into shreds.
“Indeed. From a non-magician’s perspective, one could think that way. Only those free from prejudice can provide such answers.”
“You flatter me.”
I simply returned a smile at the kind words from one of the vice-chairpersons.
Even if I’d love to question whether it was right to seat a non-magician among wizards, I suppressed that urge. It’s likely a tremendous gesture of respect for these die-hard wizards.
‘Ah.’
I turned my head slightly, feeling a bittersweet pang as I noticed Lin beside me, smiling and staring at the floating dust particles in the air.
I envied her. I wanted to zone out and escape for a bit too.
*
The first round of discussions among the council members ended. It wasn’t the end of the discussion itself, just the end of the first round.
Following that, Lin and I took a break in a room that Duke Kilanas personally guided us to.
“There’s a reason the term ‘magic’ exists, huh?”
Lin slumped onto the couch as soon as the door closed. Her expression was similar to that of a parent who just spent eight hours playing with their kids and finally got some alone time in a corner.
I forced a smile, understanding my brother’s sentiments. The discussions on magic were incredibly passionate—it was obvious the term “Magic Council” wasn’t just a name. It was almost like calling it an academy.
No, it couldn’t even be compared to an academy; an academy is where younger students go to learn, while the Magic Council is primarily composed of seasoned wizards who graduated decades ago.
“A little tiring, but it’s their way of showing goodwill. They seated non-magicians like us next to prideful magicians, right? They even ask for our opinions.”
“That’s true…”
Yet, Lin and I remained silent, knowing this bizarre discussion was their way of welcoming us.
Wizards build their own worlds and possess a strong sense of pride and unique personalities. I haven’t met many magic users, but just listening to Trixie’s stories as an Archmage tells me enough. She’s met all sorts of wizards in her time as the Mage Duchess. If even 10% of her stories are true, wizards are definitely not your average folks…
In that sense, it’s a relief that Rizie and Trixie are both perfectly normal. Truly.
“Anyway, brother.”
“Yeah?”
“I saw some materials earlier that one of the council members was reading, and they mentioned that the second discussion will cover the power of vibrational sound and the refraction of light due to gravity.”
“Oh.”
“Do you think you can answer their questions?”
Upon hearing that, my brother turned silently to gaze out the window.
“Maybe I should just jump out from the fifth floor? I could say I have an urgent matter and need to leave.”
He spoke with a hint of despair.
What a shame. Instead of entering the academy, he chose a bureaucratic path and missed the usual education process. To be thrust into such complex and specialized discussion topics is incredibly harsh.
Moreover, those topics have all been tackled by Trixie and her father. How could my brother, even if he were a wizard, handle discussions centered around such esteemed figures?
‘This can’t be good.’
Seeing my brother’s posture slouching more, I took out a communication device that had been hidden in my pocket.
“Brother, wouldn’t it be better to stay at your post until the end?”
“Yeah… It’s kind of rude for invited guests to leave midway.”
“So let’s just hold our ground.”
As soon as I heard his reply, I activated the communication device.
Holding our ground is easy enough. The real problem lies in the questions that require expert levels of knowledge aimed at us, the non-experts.
If I can block those questions, we can easily keep our seats.
The council members’ warm hospitality stems from both my brother being a powerful figure in the Empire and a more significant reason—our connection to Trixie.
So let’s lean on our bond to Trixie’s family. We can turn this situation around with the ultimate card we hold.
– Can everyone hear me clearly?
“Yes, Your Grace! We can hear you well, even in every nook and cranny!”
– You can keep your answers quiet.
“Yes, Your Grace.”
By introducing Trixie into the discussion among the council members, we’re utilizing the strongest card exclusive to us as family members.
‘Done.’
Seeing over a hundred people looking at the little communicator, the sight of them sitting up straight like it was some holy relic was surreal.
Sure enough, this was the right decision. Asking Trixie for help will benefit everyone involved.
– I’ve heard you all have been discussing my paper enthusiastically. My late father would be happy to know.
“How could you say that? He guided us meager juniors with grace, so we should be the ones to feel grateful and joyful.”
– Hehe, such kind words.
The council members, sparkling with delight at Trixie’s laughter, reflected how much weight her presence held.
I felt a bit of a mix of emotions seeing them. Back during the first round of discussion, there were brutal arguments flying left and right, but now, one person’s presence was enough to quell that frenzy. That’s the power the Magic title carries.
‘I should’ve done this earlier.’
It was frustrating to think my brother bore this burden when such a simple solution existed.
At the same time, I was thankful. My brother likely refrained from executing the method I thought of out of consideration for me. He probably felt contacting another wife while on our honeymoon would be inappropriate.
That must be it. My brother shows idiocy in strange places while being thoughtful in the most unexpected moments.
“Lin.”
“Yes, brother.”
“Thank you. You saved me.”
Seeing that awkward smile only confirmed my suspicions.
Since I executed the plan my brother was struggling with, my gratitude likely mixed with some guilt.
“Come on, I just asked for some help because it was tough to endure this soberly.”
So instead of boasting that I was the one who came up with it, let’s emphasize the shared struggle we both had.
I know my brother’s character well. If he’s genuinely grateful, he won’t say it out loud but will show it more through actions. If I flaunt it now, it would only add pressure and a sense of mission for him, leading to some unexpected consequence that I couldn’t foresee.
– By the way, if there’s anything else you’re curious about apart from my paper, feel free to ask. You won’t find many opportunities to enjoy a leisurely discussion like this.
As Trixie’s exceptional kindness spurred enthusiastic applause from the council members, I realized fortunes can really shift in unexpected ways.
*
The wizards at the Magic Council were as reverent as churchgoers attending a mass conducted by the Pope. Yet, at the same time, they were as passionate as fans at an idol concert.
Can two words like reverence and passion logically coexist? Well, Trixie made it happen. She’s the pop star of magic.
‘This is how it should have been.’
Unlike during the first discussion where they didn’t even glance my way, now I felt both relieved and a bit frustrated. If only it had been like this earlier, I wouldn’t have had to struggle.
But what could I do? It would be quite wrong to contact another wife while on honeymoon, and delegating my responsibilities to Trixie feels guilty. Handing over what I faced abroad to my wife back home? That feels beneath me.
And yet, the choice that appeared beneath me paid off tremendously, granting me both physical and emotional peace. It’s really wise to leave professional matters to the professionals.
“Thanks to the Count, we are experiencing unexplainable joy in succession.”
Just as I resolved to consult Trixie whenever something magical came up, Duke Kilanas sidled up to me.
“Thank you, Count. I’ve experienced a glory as a magician that I will never forget.”
“Not at all. It’s all thanks to the gracious welcome from your Excellency and the council members that I could make such unforgettable memories.”
Smiling softly, Duke Kilanas handed me a document.
“Here’s a little gift from us. You can take as many beasts as you desire. The transportation process and costs will all be handled by the Magic Council.”
“How many I want, you say?”
“Indeed. Actually, I intended to give this to you when you left the country, but how could I not share such a gift when you’re here?”
It was a grand present, even larger than I anticipated, drawing an involuntary smile from me.
Blank checks from others are always beautiful.
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