Magic Academy's Bastard Instructor - Chapter 128

Chapter 128: Theocracy [1]
If given the chance to change the past—that was a question I’d asked myself countless times.

But hearing it from the Emperor caught me off guard, and I felt my entire life flash before my eyes. Not as Vanitas Astrea. I didn’t have all of his memories, after all, but as Chae Eun-woo.

There were so many things I would have liked to change in my previous life. Yet, if I really thought about it, every choice, every regret, and every coincidence had led me here—to this moment.

Me, becoming Vanitas Astrea….

It was absurd. Even now, I could hardly wrap my head around it. And yet, here I was, living in this game’s world I once only played from behind a screen.

“….”

Eun-ah….

Time seemed to stretch, but I kept my gaze fixed on the Emperor who was expecting my answer.

“My answer would be no, Your Majesty,” I said at last.

A hush fell over the hall.

The Emperor’s expression remained inscrutable, though I caught the faintest tinge of curiosity in his eyes.

“Is that so?” he asked. “And why is that?”

I drew in a slow breath, feeling the gazes weigh heavily on my chest. Scholars, nobles, knights, people whose lives were entrenched in the traditions and culture of the Empire.

“The past shapes who we are,” I said. “If I changed it, I might not be standing here. I might not even be myself anymore. I believe our heritage and experiences, even the painful ones, define us in ways we can’t simply erase. So… no, I wouldn’t change it.”

Though the Empire prided itself on its history, deep-rooted customs, and unbroken lines of heritage, it was rare to hear such a resolute stance on accepting the past as it was, given the amount of regrets everyone had to live.

Even the knights and mages present seemed momentarily taken aback.

“….”

The Emperor regarded me in silence for a moment longer. Then, with a slight dip of his chin, he turned to the assembled crowd and made a subtle gesture, signaling the ceremony to proceed.

After a series of announcements, he turned his gaze toward his son, Franz.

Franz stepped forward, meeting my eyes with a calm look.

SHIIING—

A sword slid free from its scabbard. Then, Franz raised the sword, holding it upright between us.

“Vanitas Constantine Astrea of House Astrea,” he said, his voice echoing through the hall. “In recognition of your service to the Empire and your invaluable contributions during the Blood Moon, as well as your recent subjugation of an Archdemon, by the authority vested in me by His Imperial Majesty, I, Franz Barielle Aetherion, hereby elevate House Astrea to the rank of Marquess.”

He paused, glancing toward the Emperor for a beat before continuing.

“House Astrea is granted additional lands along the Empire’s border, a voice on the High Council of Nobles, and the right to maintain a larger retinue to safeguard your territories and interests. You will also receive a formal grant from the Crown to develop these territories.”

He lowered the sword slightly, bringing it close to my shoulder.

“May your loyalty remain steadfast, and your counsel be ever true,” Franz declared. “Rise, Marquess Astrea, and uphold the honor of your House and the Empire.”

I rose, turning my gaze to everyone assembled in the hall. Applause filled the air. From the corner of my eye, I noticed Nicolas smirking. Off to the side, Margaret clapped and smiled at me—perhaps the brightest smile I had ever seen from her.

From an outsider’s perspective, it must have seemed like an immense honor. But I knew how the Empire operated.

They had undoubtedly scrutinized every aspect of my affairs.

My financial holdings, the lands I’d acquired from even higher-ranking nobles during my time as a Viscount, the businesses I owned, the mercantile routes under my name.

In other words, promoting House Astrea to Marquess status came at no real cost to the Empire. It was a neat psychological reward they could bestow publicly, without incurring any loss themselves.

After all, ever since arriving in this world, I hadn’t been idle even for a moment.

On days I should have rested, I focused on securing my own stability, ensuring I had enough money and influence to avoid a sudden downfall.

In any case, this elaborate yet cheap ploy to reward me was of little concern.

I’d never truly expected a Duchy in the first place. Honestly, it was ironic. If my conjectures were right, then I wasn’t a full blooded Astrea at all. And yet I’ll be the very reason this name cements itself in history.

Marquess status?

‘I’ll take it.’

Amidst the applause, Franz subtly leaned close to me and whispered, “I’ve heard from my sister. A Duchy may not be possible right now. But if you’re patient enough to wait until my reign, then I’ll guarantee it for you.”

“….”

I kept my expression neutral and only offered a slight nod in return. If anyone else noticed the exchange, they were too wrapped up in the ceremony to show it.

“….”

As I turned, my gaze landed on Astrid. She was still clapping, a bright smile lighting up her face. Then, her lips moved, silently forming the words ‘Congratulations, Professor.’

I inclined my head in her direction, acknowledging her silent message.

‘Thanks.’

* * *

Rewards were handed out as they always were to those who made remarkable contributions during the Blood Moon.

While these distinctions weren’t the sole measure of merit throughout the year, they served as the Empire’s way of formally acknowledging significant achievements.

Of course, not everyone could be ennobled or rise through the ranks so easily. In fact, only Vanitas Astrea’s household had been elevated. It wasn’t anything surprising, considering his absurd contribution.

Still, a few others who were once commoners were granted the privilege of nobility.

Perhaps Vanitas had just witnessed the start of newly established aristocratic lineages.

“How have you been?”

“Ah?”

Margaret jumped, startled by Vanitas’s sudden appearance behind her.

“I’m… doing alright,” she replied. “But it’s been tough. Adjusting has been hard. My Order isn’t exactly in the best place at the moment.”

“I see.”

Margaret had received her own set of rewards, though not to the extent of being granted any noble title. After all, she had neither a household name nor significant wealth, and she held little influence within the political sphere.

She was a lone individual with no true family to speak of. Her Crusade Order was all she had. The Empire had recognized their achievements accordingly, but that was the extent of it.

“It’s unfortunate we can’t reveal the truth,” Vanitas admitted quietly. “But as I told you, your Order is still in a tight spot. You won’t be able to handle the scrutiny.”

“Yes… I know. I should be apologizing to you. The Scholars should know the proper facts.”

Together, they had decided to keep Clevius’s sudden betrayal secret. Officially, the tragedy during the Dullahan subjugation was attributed to the unfortunate demise of nearly all the party—except Vanitas and Margaret.

The cover-up didn’t affect Vanitas Astrea in the slightest, even if the truth were to come out.

But for Margaret, it was a different story. The look on her face told him enough. Margaret had probably been sleeping less these past few days.

Still, this outcome was undoubtedly better than her bad ending in the game—where grief would have driven her into depression.

Not that Vanitas particularly cared about her personally. However, Margaret was an important, named character who could become very powerful in the future.

Letting her potential go to waste would be a pity, especially when she could be an invaluable asset later on.

“Still, if you ever need help, feel free to ask,” he said, then paused. Realizing how his words might be misinterpreted, he quickly added, “—within reason, of course. Given I’m free. I can’t guarantee anything, though. But in my opinion, your Crusade Order is worth the investment.”

To Chae Eun-woo, it was akin to Bitcoin.

Margaret fell silent for a moment, seemingly gathering her thoughts. Then, as if finding the words she needed, she spoke quietly.

“I wonder, Vanitas.”

“Hm?” he responded.

“It’s been on my mind since we were at the University Tower—this change in you. You’ve grown…. mellower, I suppose. What brought that on?”

“Ah?”

Margaret exhaled softly. “I’ve thought about it for a while. I never mentioned it before, but… perhaps I should offer my condolences. I never met your father, but he must’ve been a good man.”

“….”

Vanitas stood there, taken aback by Margaret’s sudden shift in topic. None of that was the truth at all.

“No,” he said, shaking his head. “That’s not it. My father and I… we’re not close.”

“Is that so?” Margaret blinked, rubbing her chin in thought. “Then… was it someone else? Did you perhaps meet someone, or maybe something that…. inspired you?”

“Huh?”

Margaret hesitated, her gaze darting around. A light blush tinged her cheeks. Vanitas could guess what she was implying, but he decided to play along. Anything was preferable to seeing her miserable.

“Was it…?” she began, but trailed off, clearly embarrassed.

“I’ve lived six years in ways I never expected. Experiences stack up. From the outside, it may seem sudden, but for anyone who’s been there all along, it’s gradual. Change is subjective, Margaret.”

“Uhm….”

“I’m tired of the same questions,” Vanitas murmured. “Change, change, change. Is it so shocking? Am I supposed to remain exactly the same?”

“No, I—” Margaret began, but fell silent.

She pressed her lips together. The sense of longing—or was it curiosity?—still flickered behind her eyes. Yet she couldn’t quite bring herself to push further.

After a brief pause, Vanitas sighed. “Look, I’m not trying to be difficult. But I can’t keep rehashing the same answers to every person I once interacted with. It’s annoying.”

Margaret nodded slowly, her gaze dropping to the floor. “I… understand.”

That wasn’t exactly the point she’d been circling around, though. She wasn’t focused on how much Vanitas had changed anymore.

No, she wanted to know if there was someone responsible for that change. In reality, there was, but it was something he couldn’t articulate at all. How could he even begin to explain he’s a Korean—

“I hope things work out between you and Karina, Vanitas.”

“Eh—?”

* * *

Astrid practically skipped down the hallway, humming softly. She had just finished distributing badges to the knights and mages. People she considered celebrities in the magic world caused her to feel a little bit starstruck.

“Hm~ Hmm—”

Her cheerful tune halted abruptly when she heard two voices around the corner.

Startled, she peered out to see who it was.

She recognized him immediately—Professor Vanitas. He was talking to someone else.

——So was it true, then? You… was it really your work?

——You know, I’m not really obligated to tell you anything. Move.

With that, Vanitas brushed past Nicolas. But before Vanitas could leave, Nicolas grabbed his shoulder.

——Seriously. I have the right to ask you this, as a high-ranking member of the Round Table.

——And? I’m not obliged to the Round Table.

——This is important.

——So? What’s it to you?

Astrid, hidden just around the corner, felt the tense atmosphere all the way from where she stood. She decided it was better to intervene than to watch the confrontation escalate any further.

She stepped out, drawing both men’s attention.

“What’s going on here?” she asked.

——Princess.

They both regarded her in unison.

“In these very halls,” Vanitas began. “I’ve been accused of ghostwriting.”

“By Nicolas?” Astrid’s gaze flickered toward him.

Vanitas gave a slight shrug. “Ask him yourself.”

“….”

Nicolas pursed his lips, clearly displeased at being put on the spot. Astrid, meanwhile, crossed her arms, trying to project the poise expected of a princess.

Nicolas might have been her personal knight, but she knew that letting bias color her judgment would only lead to problems.

“All right,” she said, leveling her stare at Nicolas. “What’s this accusation about?”

Nicolas eyed the princess for a moment before speaking. “Princess, ghostwriting is a stretch. I’m merely asking Professor Astrea for the basis of his claims. I’m aware his work’s been approved, but we don’t know the direct source of his research. For all we know, we’ve been rewarding the wrong person all this time.”

A slight smirk tugged at Nicolas’s lips.

He and Astrid had often discussed Vanitas Astrea in the past, but matters at the Round Table had kept him away for months.

Until now, he’d believed Astrid saw Vanitas in an unfavorable light.

“This is just absurd, Nicolas,” she said.

“Huh—?” Nicolas’s eyes widened, clearly caught off guard. “What do you—”

Before he could finish, Astrid cut him off.

“You’re acting like the entire academic community is incompetent,” she said, crossing her arms. “As if the Scholars institute, the Crown’s scholars, and everyone else who verified Professor Astrea’s work are easily fooled.”

Nicolas opened his mouth to protest, but Astrid pressed on.

“Do you understand, Nicolas? This is a direct insult to the Empire’s scholars, to the lives lost during the Blood Moon, to the Imperial Prince who supported the Professor, and ultimately an insult to the Crown itself. Do I really need to say any more?”

“Ah—?”

Nicolas blinked, clearly taken aback.

This was not the response he had anticipated. He genuinely distrusted Vanitas, mainly because the professor had been accused of plagiarism in the past.

He merely wanted to verify whether this “old friend” of his fell in line with the same dilemma.

Yet now, he realized he might have overstepped. The princess had never spoken to him like this before.

“My apologies, Princess,” Nicolas muttered. “I spoke out of turn.”

“Fact checking goes a long way, Nicolas,” Vanitas remarked, stepping forward.

“Where are you going, Professor?” Astrid asked.

“Home,” Vanitas replied. “There are things I need to sort out.”

“I see…”

As Vanitas’s figure gradually disappeared down the hallway, Nicolas turned back to Astrid.

“Princess… has something happened? You… um… that was rather out of character for you.”

“Is it?” Astrid raised her brows. “I’ve always put academics first. Regarding the professor… I believe there have been several misunderstandings, Nicolas.”

“Huh?”

* * *

With the expansion of territories he now had to oversee, along with the amalgamation of all his other responsibilities—continuing lectures and launching the Vanessa Clarice project—the period from late November to mid-December had been significantly busy for Vanitas.

There was no time for rest.

He threw himself into solidifying his position, and it wasn’t long before word began to spread even among the higher aristocratic circles.

Once they discovered a new House had risen within their ranks, House Astrea soon became the topic of much discussion.

Invitations poured in, along with requests to meet. In their eyes, the newly titled House Astrea presented a golden opportunity.

After all, its head, Vanitas Astrea, was a single, 26-year-old man with remarkable wealth and a formidable work ethic. Not to mention his sister, Charlotte Astrea, who was also of age.

Unlike the past, these were not Households who were looking for quick solutions to their problems. These were well established aristocrats with generations of history to their lineage.

In other words, numerous proposals arrived. Alliances, engagements, introductions were all aimed at both siblings.

And Vanitas’s response?

“No. Way.”

A resolute stance.

They had just finished reading a particularly ardent letter from the Werbon Marquess Family, requesting an introduction to Charlotte.

According to the letter, the family’s second son, who was a second-year student at Silver University Tower, had been enamored with her ever since the play she had starred in, and was hoping for a possible engagement.

“You’re too young for this, Charlotte.”

“Yes,” she agreed, nodding.

“You shouldn’t get married just yet,” he added.

“I know.”

“I’ll reject all engagement requests on your behalf.”

“I hope you do.”

Charlotte, who was discreetly backing off, paused at the door, leaning against it. Vanitas lifted his gaze from his papers.

“Where are you going?” he asked. “I’m not done speaking with you yet.”

“Of course.” She nodded, feigning ignorance. Then returned to the chair in front of his desk.

“As you already know, Charlotte, a new Saintess has finally been chosen this year—after two generations without one,” Vanitas said.

“Yes.”

“Along with several other noble houses, House Astrea has been cordially invited to attend the appointment ceremony for Saintess Selena.”

“Do you want me to accompany you?” she asked, tilting her head.

“Of course,” Vanitas replied. “It’s a family affair, after all.”

“Alright. When is it?”

“In three days’ time over the weekend,” Vanitas answered. “We’ll leave by Friday. That gives us a full day to settle into the Theocracy and prepare.”

“I’ll get ready, then,” Charlotte said, rising from her seat.

Vanitas watched her go, letting out a slow breath.

His gaze flickered over the interface.

———「Main Act: Saintess」———

「Rewards:」

◆ Understanding: +45%

◆ Purification: +20%

◆ Traits Root +1

————————————

….It was the beginning of the main act.