Reborn as the Head of the Stolen Mage Family

Chapter 54

At the same time.

“As expected, he’s headed to the training ground again today.”

Feeling the mana being manipulated within Marcel, Eddie let out a small sigh.

“He’s only done what the family told him, so he’s never had a chance to reflect on his own mana. That’s why he doesn’t know any method other than training.”

Eddie shook his head in frustration.

Leodimir poured tea into the cup in front of Eddie.

“Still, his determination to refine his mana seems genuine.”

“What good is that? He’s too caught up in his own limitations, plotting to get rid of his lackey.”

Eddie responded dismissively to Leodimir’s defense.

It was an expected reaction, and he had countermeasures in place, but human emotions were hard to suppress.

“But thanks to Marcel, you’ll get to face Sylvia sooner, won’t you? And getting Joy into the student council succeeded, so the plan is on track.”

“True. In that sense, Marcel’s contribution is significant. By the way…”

Clink.

Eddie’s voice grew heavier as he set down his teacup.

Leodimir stopped defending Marcel and focused on Eddie’s words.

“Fred still doesn’t know about House Penrose.”

“Yes, and likely the other second-generation members don’t either. It was kept strictly confidential.”

The two began discussing a family they’d kept under wraps for a long time.

Penrose.

The maternal relatives of the current Bernhard imperial family, the only family in the empire with influence rivaling the imperial house.

If Kirhausen stood at the pinnacle of the magical world, House Penrose was the apex of all noble families, including the three major houses.

And currently, among the academy’s senior students, there was a scion of House Penrose.

“Fourth-year Kylie Penrose. Her name was in the first letter you sent me. You also mentioned Rick and Brenda as people to watch.”

“They likely didn’t mention it because of your connection with House Penrose.”

“I figured as much talking to Fred. It’s best if fewer people know about this, so good call.”

“No, if Palamedes' situation had worsened, I would’ve told the second generation about Penrose too. Holding back a good move isn’t always wise… Thankfully, you returned before that, Master.”

In his previous life, there was some sort of deal between Edmund and House Penrose.

Thanks to that deal, Penrose, once an ordinary noble family, produced an empress and grew exponentially.

But Edmund died before receiving the deal’s reward.

In other words, Penrose still owed Edmund a debt.

“After your passing, Master, we suspected Penrose at first. We thought they might be trying to wash their hands of the debt. But it wasn’t them.”

“Of course not. Penrose had no reason to kill me. In fact, my long life would’ve been more beneficial to them.”

Eddie murmured, recalling the ambitious yet upright eyes of the Penrose family head from his previous life.

No matter how he thought about it, keeping that connection strictly confidential was the right choice.

“As far as I know, House Penrose still hasn’t allied with any magical family. They maintain their position as a pure political power.”

“From what I’ve seen of Kylie’s actions, that seems to be the case.”

There wasn’t much information available on Kylie Penrose.

But what was found was all noteworthy.

The heir of House Penrose and the empress dowager’s niece.

Yet Kylie had never run for president or joined the student council at the academy.

Instead, she was the captain of the academy’s lacrosse team, one of the athletic clubs.

With her Penrose background and exceptional lacrosse skills, Kylie’s popularity at the academy was immense.

In short, she was taking a remarkably unique path for someone with such a solid political foundation.

“I’m curious about your thoughts, Leo. This Kylie girl—do you think she’s highly useful?”

“Public opinion of her is positive, and the qualities she occasionally shows are excellent. If approached well, she could be more helpful than Dalton or Aisa Kirhausen.”

But this assumed House Penrose’s current position was completely neutral.

If they had unknown alliances, she might not be as valuable an asset.

“You said they’ve been tightening internal control since my death. Right, we can’t jump to conclusions. Let’s hold off on discussing Penrose for now. It’s better to do so after gathering more information on the current Kirhausen and the magical world.”

“Yes. Then I’ll focus on supporting Mercury until you return from Shainborough, Master.”

“Is there a problem with that investigation?”

“Not exactly a problem, but… a few days ago, Furas von Kirhausen visited Pasquier and has been absent from Shainborough for days.”

“The family head has been staying at the magic tower for days?”

“That’s what it seems, but according to Mercury’s infiltration at Pasquier, Furas hasn’t been seen anywhere in the tower since his arrival.”

“So he secretly moved somewhere as soon as he arrived at Pasquier…”

Eddie slowly furrowed his brow.

A sudden premonition made him look up sharply.

What he’d just heard pointed to one possibility.

“Did the Mana Bloodstones disappear from Pasquier along with him?”

“Yes. Mercury reported that the Mana Bloodstones moved to the synthesis chamber a few days ago have all vanished.”

“Hah…”

Eddie quietly lifted his teacup and took a sip.

A mysterious substance being secretly transported by the family head himself.

This didn’t feel like mere corruption.

“Leo.”

“Yes, Master.”

“Once the location where Furas and the Mana Bloodstones went is confirmed, have Mercury withdraw immediately.”

“You want the investigation stopped?”

“Yes. I have a bad feeling. Digging deeper risks exposing our informants. I’ll investigate the location myself.”

“It’s dangerous to go alone. At least let other Mercury agents escort you.”

“Who’s escorting whom? Leo, don’t forget your disciples are just as mortal as I am.”

“Understood.”

Recalling Eddie’s resolve not to lose more people, Leodimir lowered his head bitterly, unable to press further.

Eddie finished his tea and stood up.

The time he’d bought by citing a presidency meeting was running out, and he needed to return to the dorm.

How long would this strange cycle continue?

That depended on what lay ahead.

***

A few days later, as the holiday arrived, transport ships from prominent families lined up at the academy.

The first five-day holiday since enrollment.

The first-years couldn’t hide their excitement as they boarded the ships.

Eddie, following Marcel, boarded Verdi and took in the takeoff area.

Nearby, the academy’s dedicated transport ship, Archimedes, was boarding commoner students.

Exchanging a brief glance with Joy, who was about to board, Eddie entered the ship’s interior.

“You’ve worked hard this past month, Young Master. Everything is prepared for you to rest as soon as you arrive at the estate.”

“Thank you, Ronan. Let’s depart.”

Hiss—

Vroooom—

The massive teal ship lifted off above the academy.

Looking out the window at the receding academy, Eddie quietly assessed his mana.

‘My power has grown significantly since I first boarded this ship. But with the opponent I’m facing, I can’t let my guard down yet.’

Slowly clenching and unclenching his fist, Eddie subdued his mana.

Of course, he was still far from even half of his previous life’s capabilities.

But he could feel, even in this moment, that he was much stronger than a month ago.

He could now clearly sense the strange aura emanating from Ronan, which he hadn’t noticed before.

The thought of soon testing his true strength sent a thrill through his fingertips.

Eddie leaned back in his seat, turning his gaze from the window.

He felt Marcel’s slightly regretful glance but chose to ignore it for now.

After all, Marcel would soon realize that nothing had gone as he’d planned.

***

“O Young Master!”

As Marcel disembarked from Verdi, dozens of family members greeted him in unison.

Though it had been only a month, the faces were quite familiar.

The family members crowded around Marcel as he entered the estate, tending to his needs.

Eddie nodded to Tares and Dwayne, who greeted him with eye contact, and stepped back discreetly.

“Young Master, were there any inconveniences during your time there?”

“None.”

“Is there anything you need for your studies or practical training? The library’s resources aren’t very organized, so…”

“It’s fine, Teacher. Where is Father?”

Marcel cut off the tutors’ words, showing slight impatience.

He needed to confirm if things were proceeding according to his plan.

The tutors paused but answered their young master’s question readily.

“He’s in the study. He said he’d see you after handling urgent matters.”

“I see. Has anything happened in the family recently?”

“Pardon? What do you mean…?”

Shane couldn’t respond naturally to Marcel’s casual question.

Sylvia quickly stepped in, with a rather forced smile.

“There’s nothing particularly concerning. Is something bothering you, Young Master?”

“No, it’s just… the family’s response to the academy’s recent correspondence arrived quite late.”

And it wasn’t even in Father’s handwriting.

Marcel couldn’t hide the disappointment in his tone.

A brief silence followed.

But thanks to the seasoned butler, it didn’t last long.

“There have been many reports from Pasquier recently due to new item development. That’s why I drafted the response on Master’s orders.”

“…I see.”

Marcel nodded reluctantly, finding the explanation reasonable.

“But, Young Master, about this presidency election…”

“Eddie, go to your room first.”

“Yes.”

As the presidency election came up, Ronan quickly sent Eddie to his room.

Eddie glanced at Ronan, who was sternly reprimanding Shane, and obediently headed upstairs.

As he did, he manipulated his mana within Marcel to activate Tracker.

It was a bold move that could’ve been detected before going to the academy.

But with his restored capabilities, he could control it sufficiently now.

Unpacking his belongings, Eddie listened to the conversation between Marcel and the tutors.

[Withdrawing voluntarily after receiving 43 votes? The commotion with Alexein Dickens wasn’t significant enough for you to take responsibility by withdrawing, Young Master.]

[You think so too, Teacher Patman?]

[Teacher Fondes is right. I believe the Master will think the same.]

[I’ve already prepared what to say. I’m ready to face the consequences.]

Consequences.

He’ll need a different kind of resolve, Eddie thought, murmuring advice that wouldn’t be heard.

***

A few hours later, Marcel was summoned by Furas to the family head’s study.

Knock knock knock.

“….”

There was no permission to enter.

But Marcel gathered his courage and opened the door.

As expected, Furas didn’t even glance at Marcel as he entered.

But something was different today.

Furas wasn’t at his desk but sitting on a sofa.

And in front of him, sipping tea, was a chessboard.

“Sit.”

Marcel flinched slightly at Furas' low, resonant voice.

Despite numerous deep breaths on his way to the study, his body still stiffened in his father’s presence.

But Marcel mustered his courage.

“It’s been a month since I last saw you, Father. Have you been well?”

Furas responded to his son’s greeting with a small nod.

Marcel, facing his father, was slightly surprised.

For the first time in a month, he saw an unfamiliar fatigue on his father’s face.

‘Is… nothing really happening in the family…?’

Marcel pondered briefly but soon gave up.

He didn’t have the courage to ask his father directly.

The father and son drank tea in silence for a while.

As the tea grew lukewarm, Furas set down his cup and picked up a chess piece.

“Will you play with black?”

“Pardon?”

“It’s been a while since we played chess.”

“You… want to play chess with me… now?”

“Who else here would I play chess with?”

“…!”

Marcel’s face lit up with astonishment.

It was the first proper father-son time since he was ten.

The fact that his father had suggested playing chess made Marcel’s heart race even more.

“Y-Yes… That’s… fine… Then you go first, Father…”

Overwhelmed with emotion, Marcel stuttered like a broken doll.

Furas, with a small chuckle, moved a white piece first.