CHAPTER 155

After the storm had swept through the Central Magic Administration Office.

Chief Chaif frowned as he looked at the envelope Brian handed him.

"What is this?"

[Resignation Letter]

A sudden resignation.

It was shocking, especially since Brian hadn't mentioned anything beforehand.

"I'm sorry."

Brian offered no explanation, only an apology. His stiff expression made it impossible to know what he was thinking.

Chaif alternated between looking at the resignation letter and Brian, clicking his tongue lightly.

"This is because of what the head of the Melvinger family said, isn't it?"

"..."

"...So it is."

Chaif sighed at Brian's silence.

He had been worried this might happen.

Elric's explosive declaration, made in front of the gathered reporters, had been that impactful.

'A territorial war. It was a masterful move.'

In this world, the legacy and history of a noble family still held great power. The influence of prestigious families was immense, mainly because their structured systems produced many talented individuals. But the respect and widespread influence noble families once commanded had diminished over time.

Look at the Melvinger family as proof. Despite producing an exceptional figure like the "Magus of Stars" and having a long and storied history, they had remained silent and powerless for over 30 years.

Thus, the current era could be called the "Age of Heroes" rather than the "Age of Families."

An era in which the power granted to humans by heaven is considered to have reached its peak.

Only a century ago, there were fewer than ten 9th-circle archmages, once considered demigods, but now there are more than ten walking the world.

There were also eight 5th-chain Superiors, beings once called superhumans, who now bore the title of Lions.

Moreover, there were other figures of absolute power, such as leaders of the Holy Alliance and the Imperial Inspection Bureau, not to mention those like the heads of the Revolutionary Army outside the Empire.

Below them?

There were so many that it was hard to remember all their names.

Truly, this was an era of absolute figures coexisting.

It was an unfortunate time for heroes.

Because of that, the public's attention was now more focused on the power of individuals, rather than the legacies of noble families.

Elric Melvinger boldly declared himself a hero in this "Age of Heroes."

And, of course, the appearance of a new hero was always enough to stir people's hearts.

Especially when that hero carried the weight of a noble family's history and fought for justice. The impact was nothing short of explosive.

–As you know, I am but one person. My family consists of only my older sister and me. But the opponent I face was once a candidate for the Blue Lion and is a master of great skill.

–If I face him head-on, I may lose. No, I will lose. Yet, I still intend to fight.

–So, I ask for your support. Help me so that my star does not fade, so it does not fall into darkness, and so that it may shine again. As long as I have your support, I will walk forward, patiently, until the star shines once more.

'He's a master at using the media and public sentiment. He truly understands the meaning of propaganda.'

Elric had masterfully portrayed himself as a tragic hero, oppressed by the world, while painting Paul Weyl as the representative of an outdated, oppressive system.

And he cleverly invoked the memory of the old hero, Usdun Melvinger.

Usdun, who had stood against the overwhelming forces of the Demon King's army during the Great Demon War, refusing to cower and defending humanity. Elric had projected that image onto himself, stirring a deep sense of nostalgia in the hearts of the people.

Elric knew how to wield the tools given to him.

He knew exactly how to win favor with people, regardless of age or gender.

Thanks to that, he had now fully transitioned from being known as the "Hero of Lacente" to simply "the Hero."

It was no wonder someone as talented as Brian had been swayed.

While some might think it odd for a sharp, rational person like Brian to fall for something so obvious, it was precisely because of his brilliance that he was drawn to the idea of creating a new world.

People like Brian knew how talented they were. They wanted to leave their mark on a world that was changing.

Of course, to someone like Chaif, who had already passed the age of fifty, all of this seemed like an illusion.

The dreams and ambitions of youth.

Young people believed they could change the world with their passion... but really?

Chaif had once been young and bold, too.

He had even been called a genius in his youth. He had lived through the upheaval of the Great Demon War. But after building a family and settling down, time had worn him down, leaving only cynicism.

"Do you understand what this means?"

That's why he found Brian's resignation so distasteful.

Even if Brian, in his youthful passion, chased after his ideals now, the outcome was obvious.

Disappointment and despair. If he could express it that way, it would be better than most.

"I understand well."

"No, you don't."

"I do understand."

"You don't."

"I do."

"Hmph!"

Chaif cut off Brian's words several times, but Brian responded firmly each time. His eyes were deep, showing that this decision had been made after much thought and reflection, not on impulse.

There was no changing his mind now.

In the end, Chaif let out a deep, weary sigh.

Then, he decisively tore up the resignation letter.

"Chief…!"

Brian's eyes flashed with anger for a moment, but...

"I'll treat it as a leave of absence."

"Huh…?"

Brian's eyes widened in surprise at Chaif's calm response.

Chaif still looked indifferent.

"I said I'll process it as a leave of absence. I'll set the time limit myself, so don't worry about it. In the meantime, go ahead and do whatever you want. When you get bored, or tired, or realize this isn't your path, come back."

"...!"

"Everyone has a period of wandering in their youth. Who sets out on a fixed path from the beginning? Sometimes you find the right path by chance, or you go back the way you came."

"...."

"The Central Magic Administration Office will be your 'way back.' Isn't that good enough?"

Brian, finally understanding Chaif's deeper intention, brightened and bowed deeply.

"Thank you."

"Enough. Just don't get hurt out there. It'll be a pain dealing with the paperwork if you do."

Chaif waved his hand dismissively, urging Brian to leave.

Thanks to Chaif's words, Brian walked out of the office with a lighter step.

It was the first step in his dream of a new era.

***

[Elric Melvinger's shocking declaration!]

[The return of territorial wars: A showdown between Melvinger and Weyl! What will be the outcome?]

[Who is Paul Weyl?]

[Paul Weyl revealed to hold the title of Viscount.]

[How will the dreams of a Viscount who failed to assassinate a Duke end?]

[The House of Peers expresses strong concern over this matter.]

[The Magic Tower sends a letter of protest to the Weyl Family.]

[The Imperial Family: "No plans to release an official statement yet."]

"They're making quite a fuss."

Paul Weyl spoke calmly, but Hilton knew the deep anger behind his words.

Paul was the type of warrior who expressed his emotions openly when they ran high.

So, for him to be this cold meant his anger had far exceeded what he could express.

"Do you have anything to say about this?"

"I have no excuse. It's all my fault."

Hilton couldn't raise his head.

It was already a severe blow that the Blue Wolves had been wiped out, but now the media was running rampant with the story.

As a result, even Paul's remaining supporters within the Weyl family were starting to waver.

Even if he managed to defeat Herman, he wasn't sure if he could salvage the family. If he could, it would take a long time.

Or perhaps all that would be left would be empty shells.

"In that case, you should die."

Swoosh!

Without hesitation, Paul swung his sword, beheading the man who had been his right-hand and advisor for many years.

Hilton had not expected Paul to take his life. He tried to say something, but by then, his head had already hit the floor, spraying blood as it rolled away.

Attendants waiting outside quickly entered to clean up the body. As they swiftly wiped away the bloodstains, an aide approached and bowed.

"The Inspection Bureau has sent someone."

"Those bastards? Why?"

"They're asking how you plan to respond to the territorial war."

"Those damn fools."

Paul scowled.

When Herman had fallen into mana reflux disease, the Inspection Bureau had encouraged him to take control of the family. But now that things weren't going well, they were pulling back.

Now that Elric had escalated the situation, the fire had reached their feet.

From their perspective, the rebellion of the Red Lion Family should have been used to highlight the Imperial family's achievements, but now the attention was being stolen by Melvinger.

They were probably pressuring him to resolve this issue as quickly as possible.

"Delay it… No, don't respond at all. They're the ones panicking, so let them handle it."

For Paul, extinguishing his own fire took priority.

"Once the cleanup's done, get out!"

The aide and attendants quickly left the office.

Even when he was alone, Paul's twisted expression showed no sign of easing.

"So, now you're finally ready to talk to us? How are you feeling? The offer we made last time still stands, you know."

Just then, a soft, mocking voice came from near the window.

Paul's fierce gaze snapped toward the sound.

There, a woman stood with horns curled like a goat's, adorning her temples.

She was a demon.

***

On the day Herman and Paul were to face off.

Elric, while moving with the Blue Hawks, met with Isabelle.

"Isabelle, your hair…?"

"I had it cut. How does it look?"

Instead of the long hair that had once flowed down to her waist, Isabelle now sported a short bob that reached just to her shoulders.

Because of that, the serene and elegant impression she once gave off now seemed more lively and energetic.

It was as if her passive image had been replaced with something more assertive. She looked different, somehow.

"It suits you…!"

"Not that."

"You look beautiful."

"That's all I needed to hear."

Isabelle smiled brightly and continued.

"Today, I'll finally be able to take the head of my enemy. So, I can't afford to look weak."

Elric nodded.

He remembered the time at the Yeti Highlands.

Now that she could finally avenge herself for what happened back then, her heart must have been racing with excitement.

"It's all thanks to you, Elric. On behalf of my family, I want to thank you once again."

Isabelle bowed her head.

At that moment…

Click, click, click, click—

The sound of magic recording devices whirring could be heard nearby. Reporters were scattered around, capturing everything.

It seemed that the alliance between the Blue Lion and Melvinger families was being publicly displayed to increase the media attention and further pressure Paul Weyl.

The psychological pressure on Paul must have been immense.

Just as Elric had suspected, Isabelle's tactical awareness was remarkable.

'As expected. She's truly talented in military strategy.'

Elric's eyes gleamed.

'It would be wonderful to have someone like her as an advisor for my family.'

[T/L: You can read ahead chapters and support me here: https://ko-fi.com/revengerscans ]