Even after catching the monster in the sewer, my life didn't change all that much.
Ah. ...
The princess did give the school a ‘very hefty’ donation. It isn't just art that is ruled by the wealthy. Academia also needs the patronage of the rich.
And if it's the Imperial Court, all the better. What should I research with this money?
‘She said it would be big trouble if I researched Telepathic magic any further…’
I should dig into something else. Just as I was about to head to the lab without any particular thought, Liam spoke to me.
"Isaac, a letter came for you this morning."
"A letter?"
I took the letter from him. The sender was Hans. I immediately checked the contents of the letter.
[Sir, congrats on becoming a hero! But even heroes have to drink, right? I'll be waiting at that place we saw last time. Something more urgent than ‘laundering’ has come up.]
"Come to think of it, it's already been a month."
I had asked Hans for a favor to receive the theory usage fee for Calculus without getting caught. He said he would let me know the results in a month... and a month has already passed. Time really flies.
I asked Giuseppe if I could take a day off from the lab. Senior Giuseppe gladly granted my request.
"... Aren't you going to ask what it's about?"
"It's something you're doing, so I'm sure you'll handle it well. I trust you, my junior."
My conscience pricked me. I'm sorry, Senior. Your junior is now skipping work at the lab to go to a tavern.
When I entered the tavern Hans had mentioned, he was already a glass deep into some honey mead. Hans smiled brightly when he saw me.
"Hey! Over here, sir!"
"..."
"... What's with the long face? Want a drink?"
"No. I have my reasons, so I can't drink today."
"Tsk. What a shame."
Hans gulped down his drink.
Khaa.
He pointed at me and said.
"The hero sir, acknowledged by the princess and the one who freed the citizens of the capital from the terror of the orcs."
"..."
I squeezed my eyes shut.
"Hehe. Look at him getting all shy. What did I tell you? I knew this would happen if you came to the capital."
I didn't really have anything to say. I didn't expect things to turn out this way either. I sat down across from him and got straight to the point.
"So, what happened with the money laundering?"
"Hmm... I wanted to ask how you were first... but I guess I can't this time."
"... Did it fail?"
"No. I managed to find some connections in the Free City and set up a laundering route... but we don't need it anymore."
"Why not?"
"Why do you think? It's because you went and wrecked one of the underworld mages."
"Ah. Now that you mention it, that's true."
What was the reason for trying to launder the money in the first place? It was to avoid drawing aggro from the 'underworld mages'. 'But since I personally went and smashed them...'
It was safe to assume my name was already known to them. This was a bit scary. Hans said to me.
"You understand the situation, right?"
"Yes."
"So, do you still feel like evading taxes? You can't avoid the eyes of the underworld anymore, but you could save a good bit of money."
"Hmm..."
Money is indeed very important, but is it necessary to go as far as tax evasion? I don't think so.
"Let's not."
Hans nodded at my answer.
"I knew you'd say that."
I earn a lot of money anyway, so it doesn't matter if I pay a little more in taxes. They say imperial taxes also go into running the orphanage, so for all I know, the taxes I pay could become a meal for some child.
"That's just like you, sir. I figured as much, so I looked into a few other things. Since you seem to care about your safety."
Hans lowered his voice.
"My guys have been digging into rumors in the underworld, and we've picked up on something strange. The Capital Guard guys are poking around the underworld just like us. Do you know anything about it?"
"Ah, that."
It was probably the guard captain making moves because of me. I was truly grateful. I explained the situation on my end to Hans.
"... That old man is on your side, sir? My goodness."
"Why? Is it strange?"
"It's just... with the princess and the guard captain, you seem to be quite good at winning the favor of high-ranking people."
"I guess I'm just lucky."
"You didn't use some kind of mind control magic from behind the scenes, did you?"
"..."
"Just kidding, just kidding. Anyway, so the guard corps is on our side."
"Did your men clash with the guard corps by any chance?"
"No. Of course we avoided them. It's crazy to go head-to-head with the authorities."
It was a relief to hear they hadn't fought.
"Oh, right. I have some information from the Magical Investigation Bureau too, you want to hear it?"
"Of course."
"I heard it through a mole, they say the organization behind Malakai is called 'Chimera Workshop'."
Hans handed me a bundle of parchment. On it were the name of the organization suspected to be behind Malakai and detailed information about them. Since one of the duties of a Great Mage is to clean up the underworld, I'd have to ask Valerius to 'take care' of them later.
I put the parchment in my coat and said.
"What happened to Malakai himself?"
"They say he went crazy while in custody."
"What? All of a sudden?"
"That's what happens to everyone arrested as a criminal in the act by the Magical Investigation Bureau."
"Wow..."
So there are no such things as rights for criminals here. I quite like that aspect.
"Anyway, our side is always keeping an eye on the underworld. I'll contact you if any problems come up."
"Great. Thank you, Hans."
"Don't mention it."
I stood up from my seat. Hans licked his lips as if in regret.
"Leaving already? Really not having a single drink?"
"..."
"Did your tastes get all high and mighty after siding with the princess?"
"I did drink something called Tears of the Empire recently."
"Crazy... you drank that? That expensive stuff? How on earth!"
Not telling.
I hurriedly left the tavern.
I relayed the news to Valerius that the 'Chimera Workshop' might be targeting me.
Valerius replied.
"... I'll have to cancel my lectures for a few weeks."
"What? Why?"
"Why do you think? I have to go catch these bastards."
"... Is it okay to decide something like that so suddenly?"
"I'm the one who's going to do it. Are they going to strip me of my Great Mage title?"
What incredible nerve. I admire him. To the point that I want to be like him someday.
He continued.
"Disciple of Doloren. You might not know it, but you're a more amazing guy than you think."
"..."
"Just do what you need to do and wait. I'll come back with good news."
"You'll at least finish today's special lecture before you go, right?"
"No." "..."
My meeting with Valerius ended there. He immediately got ready and left the Magic Tower.
"Ah. You tell them about the lecture being canceled."
"... Yes."
He's going off to slaughter some bad guys, so if he says jump, I have to ask how high. In the end, I had no choice but to go to the special lecture hall and announce that Valerius had left on a sudden business trip.
"What? Suddenly?"
"Is this even allowed?!"
The students went wild. But they were 'just' going wild. Other than that, there was nothing special they could do.
They didn't put up posters, nor could they go to the Administrative Office.
Incredible.
A Great Mage.
That evening.
I crossed the lobby and left the Magic Tower. Stares, even more intense than last time, poured down on me. I could hear whispering.
"I heard he caught an underworld mage this time."
"Crazy... so he's good at magical combat too?"
After the princess's speech, not a peep was heard... I liked that it felt more natural now than back then. Leaving their stares behind me, I exited the Magic Tower.
My destination was the central orphanage in the capital. When I arrived at the orphanage, an old nun who seemed to be the director came running out. The nun's eyes were filled with anticipation.
She asked me.
"Are you... Isaac Upperhills?"
"Yes."
"Oh, dear God. Thank you so much!"
She grabbed my hands and expressed her gratitude, nearly in tears.
"The donation you sent... we are using it preciously for the children."
"Oh, no. I only did what I had to do."
All the children rescued from Malakai's hideout were sent to this orphanage. Like all orphanages in the world, this place wasn't well-off. With dozens of children suddenly added, it must have been hard to manage.
Therefore, I donated a portion of the funds I received from the princess to this place. Although some support comes from taxes, it's better if I donate directly. I got to the point.
"Could I possibly meet Anna?"
"Anna... are you looking for Anna Upperhills?"
"Yes. Ah. There she is."
In the corner of the yard, a girl sitting alone on a worn-out bench caught my eye. It was Anna Upperhills. As I approached with the director, Anna looked up at us with slightly wary eyes.
"How is it? Is it manageable here?"
"... You're late."
"..."
Oops.
I'd been busy handling the incident. She asked in a serious voice.
"So what do I have to do? Should I give you blood like last time?"
"... No." "Then what should I do for you?"
"You're going to study. A lot."
"Yes...?"
Just as I was about to explain my future plans, a child shouted.
"Wow! A hero over there!"
"What? Where, where?"
"Crazy! It's really him!"
Rumble.
In an instant, dozens of children surrounded me and Anna.
"Hero, hero!"
"Hero sir! Please show us some magic!"
"Big brother. I want to be like you when I grow up!"
"Shoot some fire!"
"Make it snow!"
Seeing this, the nun was startled and approached me. She probably intended to hold the children back. But there was no need for that.
I met the nun's eyes.
"..."
"..."
We nodded at each other.
'Thank you.'
The nun mouthed the words. I spoke to the children.
"Do you want to see some magic?"
"Yes!"
"Yes!!"
Alright.
I'll show you a pretty one. I thought fireworks would be good enough. R = (v^2 * sin(2*theta))/g E = hf = hc/λ Magic composition complete.
Launch. Whoooosh!
Leaving thin tails behind them, the orbs all soared up above the evening glow at once. The moment they reached the appointed altitude, at the appointed time.
Pop! Pa-pa-pa-pang!
The sky turned into a giant flower garden.
"Wow!!"
"It's fire, fire! Burn it all!"
"This is fun!" ...
Isn't 'burn it all' a bit dangerous? Anyway, the children played boisterously under the fireworks. While the children were blinded by the lights, I slipped away.
Anna stood a step away, staring blankly up at the sky. Anna's mouth opened.
"Excuse me..."
"Yes?"
Pop, pop!
Once again, orbs exploded in the sky. Flames flickered in the sky above, and in the eyes of Anna who looked up at it.
"Magic can do things like this?"
"Of course."
"It's... uselessly pretty."
"Do you want to try it yourself?"
"... Yes."
Perfect timing.
I hadn't aimed for this, but it seemed she liked it. I said to Anna.
"You have a talent for magic. It's a shame to just let it go to waste. How about going to the Magic Academy?"
"I don't have parents, do you think I have money?"
"I can give you the money. We have the same surname, we're like siblings."
"..."
Squeeze. Tremble, tremble.
Anna's hands clenched.
"... Why are you doing all this for me?"
"I told you. It's a waste to let your talent rot."
"Can I really go to the Magic Academy? Someone like me?"
"Of course."
There is no age limit for admission to the Magic Academy. Anyone with a talent for magic who can pay the tuition can go. With Anna's mana capacity, she would pass easily.
I continued.
"But there's a condition."
"What is it?"
"After you graduate from the Magic Academy, you have to come to the lab where I work. You'll be my junior."
A smile appeared on Anna's lips.
"You didn't have to tell me. I was already planning to."
Huh?