The Lutetia Empire.
This country, known as the Land of Magic, has an overwhelmingly higher number of sorcerers compared to other countries.
Not too long ago, those who couldn’t become sorcerers were even treated as outcasts.
Nowadays, that trend has lessened, and more people are enrolling in the Magic Sword Department at Glass Rain Academy to become swordsmen.
However, this doesn’t change the fact that sorcerers are still given preferential treatment.
A good example of this is the supreme force known as the “Twelve Celestial Sorcerers,” a group of elite sorcerers.
The head of this group, the Great Black Sage, rarely leaves his assigned mansion.
Only when the Empire invades or when a request comes from the king does he make an appearance.
Otherwise, he is immersed in his magical research.
At least, that’s how it’s supposed to be.
In reality, the one in the mansion is a shikigami, while the real person is a student at Glass Rain Academy.
Living this triple life is absurd, even to me.
Why does my father make me go through all this trouble?
If I could just focus on being the Sword Saint and the Great Sage, things would be a bit easier.
Thinking such thoughts, I dispel the shikigami I had stationed in the mansion.
Memories flow back, but there are hardly any visitors seeking the reclusive Great Sage.
In fact, no one even tries to meet the Great Sage without an appointment.
However, today is different. There is an appointment.
The reason I came to the Lutetia Empire, even though it’s not due to an imperial invasion, is because of this appointment.
Walking through the unnecessarily large mansion, I head to the reception room.
I don’t head to the entrance because it’s pointless.
“Yo, I’m intruding.”
There stood a blond man.
He looked to be in his mid-twenties.
With a well-proportioned face and a lean but toned body noticeable even through his clothes.
His manner of wearing seemingly high-quality clothes with ease suggested he was either a noble or a highly successful merchant.
What was distinctive was his calm voice and the fearless smile on his handsome face.
He exuded an aura that made one think he was up to no good.
Yet, this man was using the mansion’s glasses and drinking its liquor as if it were his own home.
His behavior, fitting as it might be, was irksome, but there was no point in getting angry at him.
“You’re as ill-mannered as ever, aren’t you?”
“Is that so? Sorry about that. Should I have said ‘I’m intruding’ to the shikigami you painstakingly prepared? My apologies. I don’t have a hobby of playing with dolls, so I couldn’t understand your feelings.”
Looking straight at me, he said this, his face genuinely apologetic, which only made it more irritating.
There aren’t many people who can provoke others as skillfully as he does.
“If you have no business, leave.”
“I wouldn’t have bothered to tell you I’d come to the mansion today if I had no business. I’m not that free.”
“In that case, I’d like you to get to the point quickly, Seventh of the Twelve Celestial Sorcerers, Wind Sorcerer Valère.”
The man’s name was Valère.
One of the Twelve Celestial Sorcerers, he was known as the fastest sorcerer until I came along.
He manipulates wind magic, allowing him to move swiftly to any location.
However, that’s not his most notable feature.
His most notable feature is his information-gathering ability.
He spans three countries, sometimes infiltrating the Empire to gather information.
Espionage is Valère’s true forte, making him the best informant across the three countries.
He excels in conversation and disguise, possessing a respectable status wherever he goes.
The only person busier than me in the three countries is Valère.
“You’re as impatient as ever, Great Black Sage. Very well—the Empire is planning an unprecedented large-scale operation.”
Valère placed the glass of liquor down and quietly informed me.
Given that he went out of his way to tell me, it’s likely not misinformation.
“When?”
“All I know is that it’s soon. What I do know is that if this operation fails, the Emperor is considering deploying the Imperial Guard. It’s that level of an operation. It seems elite forces from various fronts are being gathered.”
“The Emperor, who is reluctant to move the Imperial Guard, wants to ensure this operation’s success. So, it’s that kind of operation.”
“That’s right. The recent invasions have all been for gathering information. It’s ridiculous that an invasion with ten thousand troops is for information gathering, but… that’s how serious the Empire is this time.”
“Even so, my task remains the same. Repel them.”
“An excellent answer. The people of Lutetia will surely feel reassured. But the Empire isn’t foolish. They know they can’t break through you no matter how many troops they mobilize. There’s more to this operation.”
Saying this, Valère pulled out a piece of paper.
It was probably an important document from the Empire.
Encrypted, it appeared to be a meaningless letter.
“It’s still being decrypted, but documents like this are frequently exchanged among the upper echelons. Since it’s an operation that can’t fail, they might be being cautious… but I have a different opinion.”
“You mean there’s a possibility that the prepared large force is a diversion?”
“Correct. It’s helpful that you catch on quickly. Keep that in mind when the enemy comes.”
“Even if I know it’s a diversion, I have to deal with a large force, don’t I?”
“Deal with it quickly and prepare for what’s next. You can do it.”
“You’re demanding.”
“That’s the position of the Great Sage. However, I can’t just make you work hard all the time. I’ll contact you again when more details are available.”
Valère downed his glass of liquor in one go and stood up.
He had been drinking quite a strong liquor, but showed no signs of intoxication.
He straightened his clothes and started to leave with a “Well then.”
However, Valère stopped.
“I forgot to mention. Have you thought about taking on an apprentice?”
“I have no intention of taking an apprentice.”
“That’s a waste. I think you’d make a great teacher.”
“I’m busy with my own affairs.”
“True enough. Preparing shikigami and sneaking around, who knows what you’re up to. Well, it’s none of my business. As long as you protect Lutetia, I’m on your side. Don’t worry. If you ever feel like taking an apprentice, let me know. I know some interesting candidates.”
Saying what he wanted, Valère disappeared with the wind.
There was no trace of him nearby.
He’s undoubtedly an exceptionally competent man, but that’s precisely why he easily sees through my shikigami.
While he doesn’t seem particularly interested in uncovering my true identity, his words are the least trustworthy.
He’s probably gathering information about me behind the scenes.
I’d rather not get involved, but he’s too competent to ignore.
There are few words less reassuring than “Don’t worry.”
“Even if I were to take on an apprentice, the interesting candidates he suggests are out of the question…”
Muttering to myself, I created a new shikigami and left the place.
