Chapter 248

Chapter 248 – …Truly, Beyond Heartless

Once his game of chess with Timur came to an end, Aster departed from the Svetlana safehouse.

‘For the time being, the most pressing crisis has been averted.’

The start of the new academic term was fast approaching.

Evelyn was currently burning the midnight oil to maintain order, yet remaining confined within the boundaries of the Second Black-White Slums indefinitely was not a viable option.

Consequently, an alternative strategy was required.

With that in mind, Aster directed his steps toward the temporary quarters of the orphanage.

“…Star, are you around?”

With a loud snap, Aster shattered the placard reading “No Knights Allowed” with a swift kick and walked into the hallway of the makeshift shelter, a place he had not frequented for a long time.

Despite its provisional nature, the facility was fully equipped.

It boasted broad corridors, a vast communal hall, and living quarters designated for the youth.

Even so, the atmosphere resembled military barracks far more than a sanctuary for children—a design choice undoubtedly influenced by Senior Mysern applying her background from past conflicts during its construction.

Regardless, this path eventually brought him directly to Riheim’s quarters.

“…Look who decided to show up, a sight for sore eyes.”

Riheim, who was occupied with a book in solitude, beamed with genuine warmth upon Aster’s arrival.

“How are things with you?”

“I’ve had my hands full with various matters, but things are going smoothly. Managing an institution for children… it actually fits my disposition better than expected.”

“I’m glad to hear that.”

“So, what brings you around today? You haven’t bothered to stop by even a single time recently.”

Feeling a bit self-conscious, Aster shifted his gaze around Riheim’s personal space and cleared his throat uncomfortably in response to the mild accusation.

“To be honest, I’ve been completely swamped over the past weeks…”

“Oh, I could tell you were occupied. You managed to attend Mysern’s lectures every single morning without an issue, yet you couldn’t find a moment to check in on me. Naturally, you were far too preoccupied.”

“Is that so… have I truly neglected to visit until now?”

“If memory serves, our final piece of communication was that written note, wasn’t it?”

“…”

Faced with Riheim’s mocking smirk, Aster rubbed the back of his neck in embarrassment.

‘Could that be true?’

Reflecting on recent events, he realized that ever since he relocated the youth to this site, he had failed to call upon Riheim even a single time.

Any news regarding interactions between Mysern and Riheim had only reached him secondhand through Shine.

Finding himself completely without an excuse, he remained silent until Riheim took the initiative to break the tension.

“Anyway, I hear the locals refer to you as Knight these days? What brings such a heavily occupied Knight to pay a visit to a senior like me?”

“Well… to begin with, I want to apologize.”

“Haha, think nothing of it. I was merely teasing. Though you should definitely go see Obern sometime. He frequently expresses how much he wishes to see you.”

“Right, of course.”

Consequently, Aster found himself obligated to pledge a visit to Obern before he was permitted to steer the conversation toward his actual purpose.

“I assume you are already aware of the events unfolding in the streets…”

“Yes, word has reached me. It was quite a remarkable feat you pulled off. Distributing provisions to the impoverished and displaced populations within the Black-White Slums. I take it that was your doing?”

“Indeed, it was.”

Though Riheim seldom ventured outside the perimeter of the temporary shelter, he remained well-informed about current affairs, possessing a comprehensive understanding of recent developments.

This awareness streamlined the discussion significantly.

“The reality is, our circumstances are rather precarious.”

“Precarious in what way? Elaborate for me.”

Without raising his voice, Aster explicitly detailed their financial liabilities.

Although a thorough examination of the cartel’s financial ledgers had not yet been finalized, he possessed a general understanding of the figures, which aligned with Evelyn’s calculations:

“…And that is where we stand. To put it plainly, our resources will sustain us for three months at the very most.”

“I see, a mere ninety days.”

In truth, such a budget would have been perfectly adequate had their only responsibility been the upkeep of the children’s facility.

However, their jurisdiction had now grown to encompass the entirety of the Second Black-White Slums.

While the entire population of that sector did not consist of destitute vagrants, the assets seized from the cartel were rapidly depleting.

“This is troublesome. The cost of living will not settle down until the hostilities cease—and even after peace is declared, a recovery will require a minimum of six months.”

“Exactly, which is precisely why I am seeking your counsel.”

“Are you looking for a financial loan?”

“…Do you actually possess funds to spare?”

Aster inclined his head to the side, feeling a sudden spark of curiosity.

‘Hold on. Now that I recall his past, he held the rank of a grand duke, didn’t he? Born of royal lineage. Even while living incognito, surely he must have accumulated a hidden reserve of riches…’

“…Not a single coin.”

“Right, understood.”

It was precisely what he anticipated.

When one anticipates nothing, disillusionment is impossible.

Amused by Aster’s flat response, Riheim let out a dry chuckle and self-consciously smoothed his facial hair.

“If your purpose isn’t a loan, then what exactly do you require from me? I should mention that I cannot offer you access to any royal networks. While a handful of individuals are secretly aware of my survival…”

“True, your retirement from active politics has been far too prolonged for you to exert real leverage. Furthermore, exposing your existence would trigger political complications that are best avoided.”

“You understand the dilemma perfectly. While it is technically achievable, doing so would introduce royal interference directly into the Second Black-White Slums. That is a scenario you wish to prevent, correct?”

“Precisely.”

“In that case, you must have an alternative plan. Let’s hear it.”

Riheim offered an encouraging, gentle expression.

At that moment, Aster revealed his intent.

“I am aware of a specific strategy you implemented during the prior conflict when provisions were scarce.”

“…Pillaging? I am afraid I cannot assist you with such unlawful activities.”

“What sort of individual do you believe I am?”

“That is not what you meant?”

“Hardly.”

“…My apologies. Please proceed.”

Casting a frigid glance toward Riheim, Aster resumed his explanation, calling to mind the legendary exploits attributed to Muspellun during the historical conflict.

“Amidst the freezing depths of winter, you caused crops to reach full maturity.”

In contemporary times, Muspellun was widely recognized as the ‘Wizard of Endings,’ whereas in that era, he was frequently referred to as the ‘Miracle Wizard.’

Forcing vegetation to bloom during frost, or invoking freezing temperatures during the heat of summer—these acts had earned him that reputation, creating a historical narrative so prominent that even Aster, despite his disregard for historical records, was well-acquainted with it.

“Did that actually happen?”

“…The accounts are somewhat inflated, but fundamentally accurate.”

“In that case, Senior, I ask that you assist me with your abilities.”

Aster inclined his upper body with deep respect.

He was acutely conscious of the risks.

Duplicating such an extraordinary phenomenon could provoke skepticism among those who believed Muspellun had perished, potentially triggering memories of his existence.

It possessed the potential to entirely disrupt the quiet life that Muspellun—or rather, Riheim—currently enjoyed.

“Hmm.”

Tightening his expression, Riheim carefully assessed Aster’s posture.

Remaining bent forward, Aster waited silently for a response.

Moved by this serious display, Riheim felt compelled to inquire further.

“…Stand up straight. What drives you to do this?”

“Is a specific justification required?”

“Call it simple inquisitiveness.”

Aster paused to reflect briefly.

Then, he spoke.

However, his statement caught Riheim completely off guard.

“Prestige, affluence, and self-indulgent gratification.”

“…Pardon?”

“Those are the exclusive objectives and meanings behind my existence.”

“…”

Riheim became utterly speechless.

A single thought crossed his mind.

‘…It slipped my mind.’

The sheer futility of attempting a rational discussion with an eccentric individual who rejects conventional logic.

Even so.

“…While I fail to comprehend how this endeavor relates to your desire for prestige, affluence, and gratification, I shall grant your request.”

Ultimately, Riheim gave his consent to Aster’s proposal.

“…Much obliged.”

Aster inclined his head once more in gratitude.

Observing this gesture, a sudden suspicion entered Riheim’s mind.

“You do not harbor intentions of betraying my whereabouts for profit, do you?”

“…”

“…A mistaken assumption? Forgive me, it was merely an idle notion.”

A frostiness descended upon the atmosphere surrounding the two men.

Aster directed an offended expression toward Riheim.

‘Is that truly how low my reputation stands in your eyes?’

While he could not boast a blameless record before the heavens, he certainly was not a degenerate capable of descending to such treachery.

Yet, disregarding that sentiment for a brief instant…

…Could that actually be a viable strategy?

Naturally, it was nothing more than a passing jest in his mind.

Gesturing for Aster to take a seat, Riheim initiated a deliberate breakdown of the requirements.

“To begin with, the historical record you referenced distorts the reality. Even during the height of my capabilities, achieving that feat single-handedly was beyond my power.”

The prevailing myths maintained that Muspellun accomplished everything entirely by himself, but reality dictated otherwise.

The execution demanded three distinct specialists.

“A barrier specialist capable of regulating environmental conditions, an elementalist to provide support, and a practitioner of botanical sorcery. Fortuitously, we already possess the barrier specialist and the elementalist.”

“True, Senior Mysern is accessible. However, regarding the defensive field…”

“It requires certain preliminary arrangements, though nothing exceptionally draining. Obern is capable of lending aid. The primary complication lies with the botanical practitioner…”

Mysern pondered deeply.

In all honesty, the botanical expert represented the cornerstone of the entire operation.

Virtually any magic user could foster growth within a confined plot, but resolving an urban famine demanded a spell of massive proportions.

“I can attempt to contact a former associate who is currently a fugitive. I am acquainted with their hiding spot.”

This past acquaintance referred to a botanical practitioner hailing from Sakwol.

Aster, however, declined the suggestion with a gesture of disapproval.

“The spell required relies on accelerated growth manipulation, correct?”

“That is accurate.”

“And you are well-versed in it yourself.”

“It constitutes fundamental sorcery.”

“In that case, instruct me on how to cast it. I will undertake the role.”

“…You intend to do it?”

“Precisely.”

Having fully mastered his third circle, Aster had liberated himself from specific elemental constraints.

Provided the spell formulas were not excessively intricate, utilizing his own abilities was vastly more efficient than tracking down a fugitive botanical caster.

“Did you orchestrate this entire sequence beforehand?”

“No, far from it.”

His foresight had not extended this extensively.

He had truthfully operated under the assumption that Riheim possessed the capability to perform the feat entirely on his own.

This was contrary to Riheim’s assumption, who had agreed to the request under the impression that Mysern and the former Sakwol caster would be involved.

In any event.

“What are the limits of your capacity? The expenditure of magical energy is immense.”

“Provide me with the maximum dimensions the boundary can encompass, and I will adjust my preparations accordingly. Should it prove to be beyond my solitary capacity, we can then resort to contacting your associate.”

“Keep in mind that this measure cannot entirely substitute traditional agriculture. While the destitute and vagabond population is limited, this will not resolve every shortage.”

“It remains superior to a total lack of resources.”

“Fair point. Furthermore, regarding Mysern…”

“I shall convey the details to her myself.”

“If you would be so kind. Our interactions remain somewhat strained.”

Evidently, despite being bound by mutual situations, their individual relationship lacked personal warmth.

Following this, they finalized their timeline and took their leave of each other.

‘My objective was to conclude this matter prior to the commencement of the academic term if feasible.’

Even with maximum haste, it would likely occur during the weekend following the restart, or perhaps the subsequent one.

Aster informed Mysern of the arrangement before exiting the provisional shelter.

Predictably, Mysern gave her consent.

Stepping into the open air, Aster cast his eyes toward the firmament.

Suddenly, however.

“Tower… rather, Knight.”

“…?”

The voice belonged to Lucifer.

Was she gathering the pieces of the broken placard?

Clutching the wooden remnants of the destroyed sign in both palms, she prompted Aster to slightly tilt his head in confusion.

Her expression was completely rigid.

Her gaze was intensely fierce.

The presence she emanated felt entirely abnormal.

“Do you wish to speak with me?”

“Yes, but we should go elsewhere.”

Having stated this, Lucifer marched toward an isolated area.

Aster tracked her footsteps without making a sound. Eventually, she halted within a poorly lit alleyway.

As she opened her mouth to speak,

Aster felt as though a bolt of lightning had crashed directly into him.

“I intend to sever my ties with the Magic Tower.”

“…”

Aster found himself temporarily robbed of speech.

The agonizing statement pierced his ears and wounded his soul.

“I appreciate that you rescued me, and I am grateful that you permitted my entry into the tower out of recognition for my capabilities… truly, I thank you for that. Yet, I fail to see the distinction. What separates the behavior of the Tower Lord from that of Decullan?”

“…”

…Truly, beyond heartless.

“If a distinction exists, enlighten me. Between Decullan, who employs any unscrupulous method to achieve an objective, and the Tower Lord who annihilated the leaders of the cartel—where lies the difference?”

It was not merely the accusation itself, but the individual delivering it.

The intense look Lucifer directed toward Aster…

Shared the exact same quality as the gaze she had previously cast upon Decullan.