“Hello, Fran-chan? How are things going over there?”
“Eek! I-I’m studying properly, I swear! I’m not slacking off!”
“No, it’s okay to relax a bit while you’re back at home. A good businessperson knows how to switch off during vacations and take a proper break.”
“Really?! Then… I’ll take a break… but are you sure? Are you really not angry?”
“I’m not angry, not at all. Spend some peaceful time with your family.”
“Yay!”
“…Once this country falls, there’s no guarantee your family will survive. Make sure to see them while you still can.”
“Nooo!!”
Francis Klein, a mage noble from the prestigious Klein Marquis family.
The Klein family has been around since the days of the Holy Compour Empire, which preceded the Kingdom of Biltria. They originally came from the northern-central Crown tribe.
The Crown tribe, who lived in areas with strong sunlight, have darker skin and red hair. When they swore allegiance to the emperor, their king was appointed as a noble, giving rise to the Klein Marquis family.
It’s an ancient and renowned house, celebrated for its bravery.
And I, Francis myself, have been learning military strategy, politics, and mage training since I was young—a true genius!
…Or so I thought, but lately, haven’t I been going through nothing but horrible things?!
Something’s wrong, right? This is just wrong! Absolutely wrong!!!
But… if I dare complain…!
——”Oh! Fran-chan, do you want me to bully you? How cute, inviting punishment without saying it directly! I’ll make sure to torment you all night long just as you wish!”
“…Eeeek!!!”
Just imagining it is terrifying!
I’ll die! He’ll really kill me!
Even if he doesn’t, he’ll definitely do something awful!
And you think I should resist? No way! He’s frustratingly brilliant, strong, and terrifying!
As far as I’ve seen, there’s nothing he can’t do. Even in military tactics, which he claimed wasn’t his specialty, he could pull off ruthless strategies that left our instructor, Mr. Kluges, speechless.
It’s odd for a nobleman to step into the kitchen, but he can make delicious, colorful meals…
Even with the aid of magic, he can build castles, do construction, and run businesses…
He’s proficient with a sword and skilled in hand-to-hand combat.
But most of all, there’s his magic!
Every single one of his techniques is so incredible that they feel divine!
The knowledge I gain from him alone makes me, as a noble’s daughter, worth selling off for the fortune it brings.
His magic is truly something… innovative.
Unlike conventional magic, it’s more logical, practical…
I can’t explain it well, but it’s a kind of perfected form.
The central nobility, who rarely send their mages to the battlefield, might not understand it, but to my family, the Kleins, who have fought on the northern front against the Adon Mage Nation and in the east against Domina and Bynal, his magic is revolutionary.
While the royal family and other noble houses are powerful, they don’t typically lead from the front. And they definitely avoid getting their hands dirty commanding infantry or staying behind as rearguards.
On the other hand, the Klein family, who often bear the brunt of these wars, have more practical experience in warfare than almost anyone—maybe only the Carenheit Marquis family can compare.
Even though it might seem like the fighting is pushed onto us, there are reasons for that.
The royal family’s secret magic holds immense destructive power, making it hard to contest them openly. Plus, there’s little to gain from opposing them.
But because the Klein family has always been on the frontlines, we have significant influence. If we threatened to pull our troops back, everyone would immediately start making concessions. Not that we can do that often without damaging our reputation…
The Klein family has a longstanding tradition of military prowess, and letting that legacy fade in our generation is unacceptable.
From the perspective of a house often fighting on the front lines, his magic is nothing short of groundbreaking.
For instance, the Klein family developed a strategy using earth magic to dig trenches for hiding and attacking with bows and spells—our signature tactic.
We erect walls of earth spiked with iron to stop cavalry charges, and then we can strike with bows and magic from safety. This trench warfare is the Klein family’s surefire strategy.
Because of this, our family has always been open to adopting new tactics and techniques, unlike other noble houses that favor glamorous charges.
That’s why his knowledge and magic fit so well with our methods.
Take the “Far Talk” spell, for example. It eliminates the need for messengers and ensures immediate communication. It’s indispensable now.
Or the “Flash” spell, which can blind enemies in an instant.
There are other smaller yet essential spells like “Salt Production” and “Waste Disposal”—critical on the hellish frontlines.
Combining his “ballistics” with ranged attacks has greatly improved accuracy, and his “medicine” has significantly reduced casualties.
Sure, he’s a scoundrel, a villain.
But he’s the strongest and smartest person I’ve ever known… and he’s terrifying.
An untouchable, incomprehensible, bottomless darkness—a true abyss.
I’ve never encountered someone so fearsome before, and I doubt I ever will again.
That’s why I admire him and why I follow him.
I’m a woman of the warrior house. I can’t help but be drawn to a man of such overwhelming strength.
In that sense, Exus is a real treasure.
Despite everything, neither I nor my family have been killed.
He’s allowed me to share his techniques with my family as long as I report the results.
He’s even arranged for my personal care and taught me his secrets.
He embodies both the nobility’s magnanimity and ruthlessness—a true nobleman.
He has both the terror and mercy of a ruler, making him worthy of serving.
I feel bad for my family, who serve the royal house, but I’ve already found joy in serving and submitting to him.
