Chapter 41. Deputy Commander of Nemesis (5) >
“Have you awakened, Young Master.”
A clear voice heard the moment he woke from sleep.
Enoch slowly opened his eyes to the familiar tone.
Sitting up and turning his head, a maid was bowing politely beside the bed.
Her silver-white hair, faintly glowing in the morning sunlight behind her back, flowed long down.
It was Lien.
‘I suppose I’m getting used to this too.’
After promising a cooperative relationship, she woke Enoch at his side almost every morning.
As I guessed, Lien seemed to be keeping a constant eye on me.
And the purpose was naturally….
‘Enoch’s protection.’
Her sincerity was real.
Besides, after directly witnessing her inner self through the Persona incident, it somehow became difficult to dissuade her.
There was no particular reason to stop her heartfelt actions. In fact, he couldn’t stop her anyway.
“You must be tired, but you must rise.”
…But why the formal speech?
Sensing something strange instantly, Enoch became fully alert.
She never used formal speech with him when they were alone. Naturally, because I wasn't the real Enoch she revered so deeply.
But for Lien to suddenly wake him using formal speech surely meant….
Thump thump thump!
Sure enough.
A loud presence was heard from outside the door.
“Lord Enoch Elsyde!”
An urgent voice rang out from outside the door.
When Lien went and opened the door, several family servants were gathered, looking on with urgent gazes.
“What is it.”
“Well… the regular meeting scheduled for some time later has been urgently convened ahead of schedule due to an incident that occurred last night.”
“Ahead of schedule?”
“Yes. The order is to escort the participants, including the direct descendants, to the meeting room promptly.”
An incident that happened last night, huh.
“Understood. I’ll go soon.”
Enoch slowly rose from his seat.
It seemed a major incident planned in the original work had occurred last night.
“I will help you prepare.”
As he rose from his seat, Lien quietly offered neatly folded clothes, including a shirt.
It seemed she had already perfectly finished preparations for him to go out before he woke.
Was managing Enoch's reputation and appearance also part of her duties as a maid, even if he wasn't the master of this body?
“Thank you.”
Enoch smiled faintly as he accepted the clothes.
Anyway, it starts now.
The first real step in preparing for the original work.
The massive meeting room prepared inside the Elsyde Fortress.
The vast and luxurious fortress meeting room, so large that participants could barely see each other's faces.
Perhaps due to the unusually urgent summons, the vast interior was filled with a subtle tension.
Enoch glanced around the place once.
The regular meeting, reconvened faster than expected.
Since it was a meeting he had attended right after becoming Enoch before, the scene was somewhat familiar.
Of course, back then, the meeting was primarily to discuss Enoch’s disownment, so the situation was completely different.
However, that wasn't the only thing that had changed.
For example…
‘…I doubted it, but to think she wouldn't let up on the surveillance even here.’
Precisely the gaze of a mage felt from across the meeting room.
Needless to say, the identity behind that gaze was the Deputy Commander of the Nemesis Knight Order.
Teano.
She seemed to have participated in this meeting too.
Well, for a major subsidiary organization of the family like Nemesis, participating in the regular meeting would be natural.
‘...Doesn't even seem intent on hiding the fact that she's watching so intently.’
Did that mean she suspected Enoch that much?
But, it wasn’t as if Teano’s surveillance would suddenly disappear just because he paid attention to it.
Enoch turned his attention elsewhere.
Rather than focusing on something that wouldn't change much just by worrying, pondering the problem at hand would be far more productive.
Just as Enoch’s thoughts reached that point.
A figure among the attendees stood up and opened their mouth.
“Executive Officer. An emergency summons, what on earth has happened?”
Convening the regular meeting urgently ahead of schedule like today was quite unusual.
In the Main House, where everyone was busy beyond measure carrying out their respective missions, the regular meeting schedule was created by coordinating individual mission schedules and situations.
However, deliberately breaking such a schedule to advance the date meant the issue at hand was a major one for the entire family.
“I will explain now.”
Executive Officer Grantel began briefing the current situation using voice amplification magic.
“Currently, an urgent request for support via communication magic has been received from the family-affiliated mages dispatched to the 「Beast-kin Village」 in the southern Elsyde domain.”
「Beast-kin Village」
The moment they heard those words, the atmosphere among the audience momentarily stirred slightly.
No one was unaware of the ‘Beast-kin’, one of the forces requiring caution in the Magic Empire.
Whoosh-
Grantel lightly waved his hand in the air. Mana gathered at his fingertips emitted a cluster of light.
The next moment.
Behind him, the lights of the massive monitor on the meeting room wall turned on, displaying data images.
Woong
The images lined up on the white display were reports from various media outlets, including print newspapers.
Also arranged were numerous family documents, as well as videos and photographic materials taken at the scene.
Based on that, Grantel continued.
“Three months ago. A Main House mage dispatched near the Beast-kin village was attacked by an unknown assailant.”
“Attacked while dispatched?”
Someone’s bewildered query.
Grantel nodded.
“Yes. Not only that, but reports also came in that residents near the area were repeatedly kidnapped and murdered by unknown assailants during the night.”
Not only was an Elsyde mage attacked, but innocent victims were also continuously occurring.
“Based on the circumstances revealed so far. All these incidents appear to be deeply related to the ‘Beast-kin’.”
Thus, the family had recently dispatched a small surveillance team to the site primarily to assess the situation.
Standing with his back to the screen displaying that summary.
Grantel slowly continued the briefing.
“However, after a sudden support request came in last night from the personnel dispatched to the site, all contact has been cut off until now.”
Contact cut off.
Even if it was a small-scale surveillance mission, considering the individual skills of Elsyde mages, it couldn't simply be dismissed as nothing.
The fact that such capable mages had encountered something meant a corresponding threat lurked there.
Grantel stated, driving the point home.
“The report from the field dispatch team included content stating that ‘some of the Beast-kin have colluded with the dark mage organization, Vendetta, and are plotting against the Empire’.”
“Collusion between a dark mage organization and the Beast-kin…?”
At someone’s low murmur, Grantel nodded.
“That is correct.”
He arranged the data displayed on the screen with a light gesture and said.
“Therefore, based on these circumstances. The Elsyde Main House has judged it highly probable that the Beast-kin gathered in the south, or some portion of them, are currently plotting a large-scale ‘rebellion’.”
-Rebellion.
At that word, the expressions of the family mages attending the meeting subtly changed.
The Demi-human race pushed to the fringes of the Empire.
One of those Demi-human races, the 「Beast-kin」.
Though appearing completely human at first glance, just one difference.
They possessed unique physical traits like animal ears or horns on their heads, or tails.
Since the Empire's founding, friction with such 「Beast-kin」 was known to have occurred consistently.
But cases where things escalated this far were rare. Especially to the point where the word ‘rebellion’ was used.
Rebellion against the Empire was naturally a grave crime.
It meant this was no ordinary matter.
“Therefore.”
Grantel, standing before the data on the massive screen, solemnly declared to the mages participating in the meeting.
“With the Lord’s approval, I hereby declare an ‘Allied Mission’ regarding the Beast-kin village.”
「Allied Mission」
The room stirred momentarily at that term.
An Allied Mission was the concept of selecting mages belonging to various family organizations and temporarily forming them into one team.
A kind of ‘Task Force’.
Moreover, since this matter had even received the Lord’s approval, it meant this incident was a high-priority mission for Elsyde.
Meanwhile, someone asked.
“Executive Officer. How will the personnel be organized?”
“It is scheduled to consist of 3 Nemesis Knights and 15 Rank 11 mages from the family.”
The attendees stirred slightly at that answer.
Someone among the participants muttered blankly.
“Fifteen Rank 11 mages for one Allied Mission, and even three from Nemesis…!”
Indeed, just looking at the stated personnel requirement showed it was an Allied Mission of considerable scale.
And that fact also implied it would be an extremely dangerous mission.
“As mentioned, due to the potential risk level of this mission. Knights of Nemesis will also participate by order of the Lord. Three Nemesis Knights, including Deputy Commander Teano, will accompany the mission.”
Point.
Grantel pointed to one seat in the hall.
Teano, sitting in one seat in the meeting room.
Everyone’s gaze gathered on her.
Receiving Grantel’s indication and the gazes, she silently closed her eyes and gave Grantel a nod, confirming she had received the mission.
Swish.
The participation of Nemesis, absolutely loyal only to the Lord, the primary commander, was thus confirmed.
“Although the Beast-kin are a minority on the Empire's frontier, their innate physical toughness and mana sensitivity are excellent, making them renowned for naturally possessing powerful talents at the Rank 15 level.”
Grantel’s briefing continued.
“If the Beast-kin are indeed plotting a rebellion, this could escalate into a very large incident.”
He added after repeated warnings.
“Thus, we wish to receive applications from the direct descendants who will command this mission, here and now.”
The direct descendant commanding the Allied Mission.
After emphasizing the danger of the Beast-kin so diligently, why specifically involve the direct descendants, the family heirs, and even assign them the role of commanding a mission?
This was due to the circumstances of the Elsyde March territory.
Performing official duties of the March family within the Elsyde domain meant fulfilling the duties bestowed upon the Margrave by the Emperor of the Empire.
This was considered acting on behalf of the Empire's public affairs, not for the family's private gain.
This was also why the presence of a direct descendant was considered very important in other missions as well.
In an official sense, having a direct descendant command and carry out the mission certainly looked better.
Therefore, the direct descendant of the Main House takes on the role of a ‘symbolic commander’ leading Allied Missions where various mages gather.
But why specifically solicit volunteers from the direct descendants themselves for this role?
It was simple.
Because every mission is a process of proving one's worth as a direct descendant.
The society of the Magic Empire is thoroughly based on meritocracy.
The succession competition in the Magic Empire, including the Main Houses, also boils down solely to the individual ‘reputation’ of each direct descendant.
The higher that reputation, the higher the heirs' ‘Circle’, their rank in the line of succession for the next family head.
Thus, the closer one's personal reputation gets to the 1st Circle, the more likely their succession to the position of the next family head.
‘And that reputation also includes the process of the direct descendant choosing and participating in missions based on their own judgment.’
- Discerning the benefits obtainable for oneself and the family from each mission, while simultaneously assessing the risks imposed upon themselves undertaking said mission.
Considering all these factors together to judge the leadership capabilities required to lead the Main House in the future was perhaps natural.
This naturally applied to missions undertaken personally by direct descendants as well.
For example….
Missions like the solo search and destroy mission in the Underworld that Enoch resolved right after arriving here.
Even ordinary missions where direct descendants go out with only their own Follower Families were all reflected in the direct descendant’s succession rank evaluation.
‘For those reasons, they said participation in Allied Missions is also left to the voluntary application of direct descendants.’
Of course, succeeding in any mission is what ultimately matters.
But if one rashly applied for an unreasonable mission unsuited for themselves or their Follower Family, only to fail miserably….
‘All things considered, they wouldn't seem very suitable for the role of the next family head.’
Therefore, the decision whether to undertake such an Allied Mission is also the choice of the direct descendants.
Because all mission execution is related to the succession competition, and further linked to the lives of themselves and the Follower Families loyal to them.
Thus, a direct descendant's acceptance of a mission must be deliberate.
As various interests are intertwined, for the direct descendant themselves too.
‘That’s usually the case.’
But there was one person mixed in this place.
A direct descendant moving solely for their own purposes, completely unrelated to the succession competition.
And what he was about to do now had been decided long ago.
“Currently, many direct descendants are away commanding other missions. Therefore, if anyone among the direct descendants remaining in the family wishes to volunteer….”
Just as Grantel spoke up to that point.
Enoch abruptly stood up from his seat and said.
“I will go.”
The moment the words ended, surrounding gazes instantly focused this way.
He had expected it, but it seemed to draw considerable aggro.
Reactions varied.
Some nodded with interest, murmuring ‘Of course,’ in agreement, while others pursed their lips crookedly or stared with suspicion.
Enoch felt the reactions contained in their gazes pricking his skin and smiled very faintly.
‘Of course, I understand reactions like that too.’
Although the previous Enoch had succeeded in the Exemption Mission and remained in the family, not much had been revealed about him yet.
‘The very question of how a direct descendant who was a non-mage suddenly succeeded in a mission must be a huge issue.’
Therefore, the fact that Enoch himself volunteered for this mission would be ambiguous in many ways.
Just then.
A voice erupted from among the attendees.
“Enoch Elsyde is not suitable for this mission!”
Oh ho, informal speech to this direct descendant.
Must be one of Enoch’s brothers, naturally.
Besides, the voice was familiar. The moment he heard it, his ears itched; it didn't seem to be a voice associated with a good impression.
Sure enough.
Turning his head, he saw Dionil Elsyde, whom he had encountered several times recently.
The guy stood up, leaning on the table with both arms, and began his rebuttal in a loud voice.
“This is an Allied Mission! Each member must accurately grasp each other's roles, capabilities, and positions during operations. However, it has not yet been determined exactly what kind of magic Enoch uses.”
The guy glared this way and continued.
“Furthermore, we must not forget that he still severely lacks experience or training in group missions. If he lacks even such basics as a direct descendant, he is unqualified to undertake this mission.”
It seemed the majority of mages attending the meeting somewhat agreed with his words.
Indeed, Dionil’s logic wasn't flawed.
In such a dangerous mission, one's life could hang in the balance due to any threat.
‘Though symbolic, accompanying an unknown direct descendant as field commander would obviously be a huge burden.’
Because the participants' lives were at stake.
Moreover, unanswered questions remained about the power Enoch had awakened, and it was true that this was becoming a public debate both inside and outside the family.
Also, although he had successfully completed the Exemption Mission, it was also true that he had never participated in a mission involving multiple participants like an Allied Mission until now.
Therefore, it was natural, if anything, for the family mages to be concerned about Enoch’s participation.
What they worried about was also obvious.
-How could he, who had lived a life confined until now, have ever gained experience in Allied Missions?
Meanwhile, Dionil, thinking the atmosphere had shifted in his favor due to his statement, wore a more relaxed expression.
“Thus, as long as such uncertain factors exist, rashly dispatching the current 9th Circle Enoch on this mission is…!” Translator note: Korean term kept for nuance.
“Then.”
Just then. Enoch cut off his momentum-filled tone sharply and said curtly.
“I just need to prove that I am suitable for the Allied Mission.”
Silence instantly fell upon the room.
The logic was very simple and clear.
If his capabilities were questioned, he just needed to prove them himself in front of everyone.
That was certainly the fastest and surest way to quell the surrounding controversy without disagreement.
“If so, as stated. We must directly confirm Lord Enoch’s capabilities prior to this mission.”
Executive Officer Grantel readily agreed with his words.
“It will take two days to complete preparations for the Allied Mission. There is time in between.”
No one raised objections.
Currently, Enoch had already officially restored his standing as a direct descendant through the completion of the unprecedented Exemption Mission.
Moreover, as if that weren't enough, he was becoming a hot topic among the media and Imperial citizens as the ‘glorious revival of the direct descendant facing disownment’.
Refusing his request without a valid reason would only risk diminishing the family's prestige.
Also, having such an Enoch as a direct descendant, it was a task the family needed to address at some point anyway.
“However, if we are to assess Lord Enoch’s ability to carry out Allied Missions, an objective evaluation, unbiased by any side, must be obtained.”
Grantel looked around and said.
Enoch’s verification wasn't a matter that could be hastily entrusted to just anyone for simple proof.
“A method is needed that can ensure thorough verification, completely free from any conflicts of interest.”
This massive Main House was a place where even internal interests were very complexly intertwined.
Direct descendants,
Countless Follower Families,
Factions of family-affiliated mages,
And the Main House’s major subsidiary organizations.
The Main House was precisely a place run on the foundation of the delicate balance of power maintained by all those forces.
And there, the name that dared attach the word ‘neutral’ existed in only one place.
-The Nemesis Knight Order.
Everyone’s gaze naturally turned towards the Nemesis Knight Order members attending this meeting.
Because the only ones fitting all those conditions were the family’s elite knight order symbolizing absolute neutrality.
Nemesis.
Just as everyone's gazes gathered. Teano finally opened her lips quietly.
“…Certifying Lord Enoch was unplanned, however.”
At the words of the Nemesis Deputy Commander, remarkably rare during regular meetings, several people held their breath.
She paused for a moment, then said.
“Coincidentally. It seems we at Nemesis can offer assistance in this matter.”
She, famously known for maintaining a neat demeanor and silence during regular meetings, finally met the attendees' expectations and proposed concisely.
“How about passing the [Nemesis Knight Order 1st Entrance Examination] that happens to be held tomorrow?”