Rebirth of the Noble Mage Behind the Scenes

"I thought all Prophets would do whatever it takes to make a breakthrough,"

After a deep glance at Anvis, the Councilman casually took back the Key without continuing the topic.

A moment later, the third act of the opera began.

The stage background changed into the splendid royal palace, and before many Nobles, the King stood in front of his golden throne, a sword in one hand, resting on the right shoulder of the protagonist who had changed his appearance and Identity, proclaiming him henceforth an officially knighted Viscount of the Kingdom.

The protagonist, Theo, knelt on one knee, his right hand on his chest, swearing allegiance to the King.

Then, the scene suddenly changed; the palace and Nobles dissipated like Phantoms, replaced by the process of the protagonist investigating the Identity of the enemy who framed his father.

Whether through tempting offers of great profit or by using some leverage as a threat. No matter who he faced, he always found a weak spot in their heart to exploit.

At the same time, the background music became hurried and mysterious, as if telling tales of the dark schemes and intrigues.

Under such manipulation, Theo peeled away the layers of fog before his eyes and gradually restored the truth of that time.

The main culprits who designed the trap to frame his father were Earl Hans and Earl Sibyl of the Kingdom. They set him up because the presence of the old Earl Sis obstructed their interests.

Earl Hans forged fraudulent evidence of Earl Sis's conspiracy to rebel and assassinate the King, while Earl Sibyl colluded with many minor Nobles to stand out at the critical moment, accusing him of his crimes.

In the final moments of the third act, Theo, after learning the truth, sat alone in the dark study, beginning to prepare his revenge plan.

During the third act, the box remained silent, with neither Anvis nor the Councilman uttering a word.

Soon, the stage plot moved to the fourth act.

Through some of the protagonist's maneuvers backstage, relations between the Kingdom and the neighboring countries grew increasingly tense.

In the end, war broke out.

Under the King's command, a group of Nobles, including Earl Hans, Earl Sibyl, and the protagonist himself, all sent troops to support the front lines.

What they did not expect, however, was that the front line had already become a death trap aimed at them.

With Theo's backstage planning, the marching intelligence of the two Earls' forces was leaked, making them the target for a main force ambush by the enemy, resulting in heavy casualties.

However, this act ultimately made the two Earls realize something was amiss.

Before the final battle, Earl Hans finally realized that all the sabotage was orchestrated by Theo behind the scenes. In Anger, while questioning why he would betray them, he merged the remaining forces with Earl Sibyl, ready to fight to the bitter end.

"I am Theo Sis! Recite this name in the flames of Hell!"

As Sherman sang this famous line from the opera, the final battle began.

To highlight the drama, this scene still adopted the form of a noble duel. Although Theo was one against two, both Earls had also fallen victim to chronic poisoning in Theo's scheme.

Ultimately, with his 'superior swordsmanship skills,' Theo succeeded in slaying his enemies. Then, leveraging his personal Charm and strength, he gathered the remnants of the two Earls and led his army to a crushing victory over the enemy's main forces, triumphantly returning home.

As the bell marking the end of the fourth act rang, the curtain slowly fell under the gaze of the audience, still longing for more.

"It seems that this unexpected and interesting meeting today is also coming to a close,"

Glancing at the Gloria-style floor clock placed on one side of the room, the robed Councilman hung the Key back on his chest, his tone carrying a hint of regret.

"Although the opera has yet to play its final act, the time for another epic stage drama is fast approaching. I have an appointment with a friend, and it would be rude to be late."

As he spoke, the Councilman took out an exquisite Magic Hourglass and placed it on the coffee table.

"I believe we have just a little time left. Once this hourglass runs out, I shall take my leave. As for whether you, Lord Zast, choose to stay or go, please do as you wish."

After that, he leaned back on the sofa, gently lifting a crystal glass, his dark eyes gazing into Anvis's.

"Of course, if you wish to witness the following scene with me, you're equally welcome."

Glancing at the Councilman, who had fallen silent, Anvis suddenly spoke.

"Lord Far, you must have heard of a very famous argument that emerged after the creation of the opera 'Theo Sis':

It's about whether the protagonist Theo's actions can truly be deemed just, relative to that of the play's villain."

Gazing at the youthful figure in black robes swirling a goblet in front of him, Anvis continued.

"As the party seeking revenge, Theo should hold the moral high ground, but his behavior in the process has strayed from the realm of justice.

So, Lord Far, do you think the protagonist's actions can be defined as just in your heart?"

"Humans are complex entities; whether a person is just cannot be determined simply from one or several actions.

Theo's goals and motivations are undoubtedly just, but the methods to achieve those goals are far from just. However, in my view, he still counts as being on the side of justice."

After taking a slight sip from the Magic Spring, the Councilman slowly spoke.

"As you've just said, Lord Zast, fairness is relative, and so is justice.

If fairness often requires choices between the majorities and the minorities, then justice often needs to be balanced between the means and the ends.

For the sake of just ends, Theo discarded just means, and that can still be considered a form of justice."

"Justice of the means versus justice of the ends, huh?"

Anvis nodded thoughtfully while looking at the Councilman who was leisurely sipping his drink and at the Magic Hourglass with its last bits of sand trickling down, a smile appeared on his face as well.

Fate is quite a strange thing. Two people who might instantly fight or flee upon meeting outside can sit down and 'have a calm conversation' thanks to fate's arrangement.

"Your perspective, Lord Far, is equally unique. However, it's unfortunate that I too have another appointment shortly and I'm afraid I cannot accept your kind invitation."

"But, in the next act of the play tonight, will you, 'Fairness', be an observer offstage or the leading actor onstage?"

Hearing this question, the Councilman gave Anvis a look that was both smiling and not.

"What do you think, 'Justice'? When the stage is large enough, is there really any difference between being on it and in front of it?"

As they conversed, the last grains of silver sand in the hourglass fell. Just at that moment, the fifth act of the play, that is, the final act, began with the sound of the opening bell.

"It seems that the time to part has arrived."

Picking up the hourglass, the Councilman stood up, his back to the slowly rising stage curtain.

"Farewell, Lord Zast. I hope we meet again."