Royal Road of the Extra Scribe

80

The festival was approaching its end.

As agreed, I went to escort Yumir to the circus.

Since the circus was planned to be used as a morale-boosting performance for the soldiers later, my visit served as a kind of inspection.

It was my first time seeing a circus live, so I sat in the audience with some anticipation, but the show was not as entertaining as I had thought.

“Maybe I should consider this as just a regular circus show.”

In my mind, a circus involved a mix of magic and fantasy, yet what I saw was more of a performance showcasing tricks rather than mystique.

“It’s probably inevitable.”

In this world, where magic existed in the past but was now uncertain, there was sensitivity around magic as well.

If magic was displayed, there was a risk of being mistaken for a wizard.

It wouldn’t matter much if it was just a misunderstanding, but the problem was that the country would interrogate such individuals.

Many countries were interested in developing magic, so when news of a wizard spread, a warrant would quickly be issued.

If it turned out to be a mere trick and not magic, severe punishment would follow, hindering the advancement of magic.

“If that’s the case, maybe it’s not a bad idea to focus on developing sports rather than circuses.”

I was observing thoughtfully, but Yumir, who sat beside me, was different. Gripping his sweaty hands with his tail raised, he watched the circus intently.

I whispered softly, “Isn’t that amazing? Yumir, I feel like you could pull off something even more spectacular.”

For example, a trick involving throwing knives at a target.

Yumir was skilled enough that he could confidently place a target above someone’s head, so he could showcase even more impressive tricks.

“That may be true, but seeing how ordinary people can rise to that level, the effort they put in, makes me hopeful that their hard work won’t go to waste.”

“Is it possible to think that way?”

“Above all, this is my first time seeing such a performance.”

Well, unlike me, who had seen various performances in the modern world, this performance in this world would indeed be remarkable.

“Then, it’s good that you came.”

If Yumir enjoyed it, then visiting the circus was worthwhile.

Still, it wasn’t as entertaining from my perspective, so I ended up lost in my thoughts.

The story Juras brought up.

“The western nation’s expansion into the continent…”

This, in turn, was about to drastically change the continent’s situation once again.

Even the handle of this momentous turning point was in my hands.

Should we acknowledge the western nation by letting them occupy Beccabia, placing them on equal footing on the national stage? Or should we, as planned, defeat them and seize Beccabia’s territory?

In the former case, we could draw them onto the diplomatic stage. With official diplomatic channels established, the west wouldn’t be able to act recklessly.

On the other hand, the latter would empower Juras’s envisioned division of the world.

“I…”

It was a time when I pondered such concerns.

“Hello! We are the Agent Mercenary Corps! We are currently staying here temporarily!”

The Agent I had seen before had started a performance with ten subordinates.

Despite being relatively young, there were several older individuals following him, showing considerable leadership qualities.

Agent presented a comical acrobatics show with a mix of humor that, while not highbrow, garnered a good response. I, too, found Agent’s stage more appealing than simple humor.

“hehehe! If there’s another chance, we’ll come visit again! Thank you!”

A lad who appeared noisily and left noisily.

“He’s quite energetic.”

Perhaps it was because of that energy.

I could finally put an end to my dilemma and make a decision.

“Alright. I will drive out the western nation.”

The point I had been contemplating was whether the western nation could become an ally.

“That part can only be skeptical.”

Given my current situation and even from the game’s story alone, it seemed so. Based on what had been revealed so far, Alce was highly likely to be framed as a traitor by the western nation and the Svenner faction.

Whether Alce was a protagonist or an antagonist in the game, Alce and the western nation were in an antagonistic relationship.

Moreover, now was not the time for the western nation to expand into the continent.

I didn’t want them to greedily swallow up the Beccabia region. If that happened, the main storyline I knew would disappear.

Even though I had decided not to dwell on the story, I had decided to intervene where I could.

Before Juras left Rainfall, I arranged to meet him.

Upon hearing my opinion to drive out the western nation, Juras nodded, saying he had expected that.

“A satisfying answer. Very well.”

“It seems you were leaning towards that direction as well. What if I had opposed?”

“I would have tried to persuade you.”

“And if that didn’t work?”

“I would have respected your wishes… this time.”

“Fair enough?”

“I said it with conviction.”

“Well, then. Let’s proceed as you planned for this matter. So, what task do you want to entrust to me?”

“None.”

“…Pardon?”

Juras chuckled before continuing.

“I was merely asking for your opinion; there is no need for you to participate in the war on our side.”

“Hmm.”

To be honest, Crossing didn’t seem to urgently need my presence.

Compared to Calipha, where military talent was scarce, Crossing was abundant in talent. Furthermore, it seemed that this time, that scoundrel Juras himself would be taking on the role of commander-in-chief, so it was only natural that I had no place.

Sure, a position could be arranged, but Juras mentioned there was no need for that.

“I appreciate your offer, but your attitude is somewhat dubious.”

What to say. Should I express my eagerness to know what this guy was up to? To do so, I needed to be close by.

Perhaps Juras also sensed my thoughts, as he made a suggestion.

“Huh, if you’re truly remorseful, why not lend Anton? We are lacking a lieutenant of his caliber.”

“Anton?”

Coincidentally, Anton was nearby listening to this conversation.

‘The master’s due date is approaching.’

If the war dragged on, there was a chance he might not be able to make it for the birth. I was about to refuse, but Anton spoke first.

“If the victory in this war benefits Lord Alz, I am willing to join as Juras’s lieutenant.”

“What are you saying, Anton? You might end up missing the birth.”

“Your assistance is more crucial than that. Iliya would agree as well.”

As he said, Master Iliya would agree. I had no grounds to object.

Juras chuckled wryly.

“What’s this, Anton? You sound like you’ve completely defected. You are still officially part of Crossing, aren’t you?”

“It’s just a facade. My heart already belongs to Lord Alz.”

“You’ve become quite noble. It feels like just yesterday you were growling at everyone without a care in the world. Thinking of your childhood self is quite impressive.”

“We agreed not to bring that up.”

“Why not? Looking back now, aren’t those good memories?”

“Argh…!”

“Anyway, Anton, prepare yourself. We will head to Karthen in an hour.”

“Understood.”

Anton’s participation was decided abruptly.

Juras promptly left with Anton.

* * *

And so, this war was decided in the direction Juras wanted. The master understood and supported Anton’s participation as expected.

‘Juras won’t burden Anton too heavily.’

If Anton were to fall in battle, it would strain our relationship. Even as a scoundrel, he wouldn’t wish for that.

I was content with attending the academy quietly and receiving information from Anton, but something bothered me.

A foreboding feeling that this wouldn’t just pass by smoothly.

As if foreshadowing that feeling, there was a disturbance at the academy.

“Everyone, pay attention.”

A bald man with a stern voice addressed the cadets.

His imposing demeanor made the cadets gulp nervously.

It wasn’t just his appearance; he was known for his authoritative nature.

Second General Delbado Lequin. Now, with Dunan gone, he held the highest position in the military.

“Hmph, the Golden Generation, or whatever. They’re all just wet behind the ears.”

Delbadova, delivering a scathing critique.

Despite holding the highest position in the current military government, he didn’t wield a corresponding level of influence. This was due to his affiliation with the royal direct forces.

Because of his status within the royal direct forces, he couldn’t align himself with any faction, making it difficult for him to be recognized.

In such a position, he was tasked, under the king’s command, with instructing the cadets known as the Golden Generation.

“Let me make it clear upfront, I don’t have high expectations for any of you. Some may say you’ll surpass the current officers, but don’t be fooled. If any of you harbor such useless sense of entitlement, get rid of it immediately. That mindset won’t help you grow in the slightest.”

His words sparked some minor resistance, especially since Wade was present.

Not me, of course.

“But General! We have grown through the Chimera War! And here, we have Wade, who avenged General Dunan and led us to victory in the war! Please reconsider your words from earlier!”

It was Denian Geglisch, a leader among the factions, who spoke up.

“Avenge Dunan? Wade here? hahahahaha!”

Delbadova burst into laughter. He quickly composed himself and continued.

“Passersby must be laughing at these fools. Do you really think Wade, if he were here, could casually attend the academy like this? Albad, Tunkai, Bekabia, even remnants of Madon. There are masses aiming for his life! All sorts of spies and traitors have set up camp around here!”

As Delbadova put it, the forces targeting me were numerous.

Those trying to capture or eliminate me. Especially the latter were overwhelmingly abundant, which is why, with the help of Crossing and the Helian Marquis, I was hiding my true identity.

With my current skills, I could probably fend off assassination threats, but it would undoubtedly lead to a lot of trouble.

As Delbadova said, attending the academy peacefully would no longer be an option.

“It’s understandable that you’re engrossed in childish heroics, Casper Millias. If you truly want to become a hero, you should stop these falsehoods immediately.”

“Ugh…!”

All eyes turned to Casper.

Sweating profusely, Casper stood up abruptly and exclaimed.

“What are you saying, General? The fact that I am Wade is known not only to many noble families but also to His Majesty the King! Do you doubt His Majesty’s knowledge?”

“…You fool. Well, fine. Sit down. Let’s begin the lesson.”

Trembling, Casper sat back down. The other cadets breathed a sigh of relief.

They knew too. If Casper’s true identity was revealed, it would create cracks in the factions they had built.

Their power would diminish.

Whether Casper was truly Wade or not might not matter in the end.

‘How juvenile and despicable.’

Thinking about the words that almost slipped out, it seemed far better to just continue playing this game as it is now.