A few more days after the incident.
“Luke…”
Father had arrived in the capital. The sight of him descending from the carriage was weaker than Luke had ever seen.
“Father, I’m sorry to have worried you–“
My words were cut off.
For I was embraced tightly by my father.
“You are my treasure… I’m so relieved you’re safe…”
“…………”
There were times when my father would act strangely, like with the matter of Alice’s engagement.
But the father I remembered was the embodiment of propriety and dignity, exuding an aura of absolute strength.
“I’m sorry to have worried you.”
I see. Perhaps this is what love is. — Just as I was pondering this,
I sensed an intense, angry aura emanating from my father.
“– Well then, let’s swiftly destroy this incompetent academy.”
…Huh, what did he just say?
2
“Destroy… is what I said. Completely. This useless academy that put my son in such grave danger is unnecessary.”
Looking into his eyes, Luke instantly understood.
(Oh no, Father is serious…)
There was no room for argument.
The flames of undisguised anger burned vividly in the depths of Claude’s eyes.
However–
“…Please wait. Father, that may be a bit hasty.”
Luke objected to his father.
“Oh? How unusual, you’re voicing your opinion to me. Hmph, hasty is it? Very well, let me hear it.”
“Thank you.”
Luke did not wonder why. He understood that his father’s anger had justification. But–
(–No, I absolutely cannot let him destroy the academy here.)
Due to his own arrogant reasons, an unstoppable passion raged in Luke’s heart.
As for Claude, he was overjoyed that his son had dared to argue with him.
This was what being a parent meant, and he desperately suppressed the urge to grin. Even with Luke standing before him, he could not afford to lose his dignity.
Claude simply wanted to be a father worthy of his son’s respect.
Thus, his gaze became sharper than ever. The suffocating pressure became an invisible arrow, piercing Luke’s body.
Yet, Claude’s anger had not subsided. The boiling fury over endangering his beloved son could not just disappear. If it was Luke’s wish, Claude sincerely wanted to grant it as much as possible, but he could not easily accept this.
“There are three merits to keeping the academy.”
“Hmm, three you say.”
Amidst his rapidly whirling thoughts, Luke found himself voicing it aloud. There was no ulterior motive, he simply felt it would be better to summarize it into about three points.
Yes — it was a habit ingrained by the Lonsdale siblings.
“First, Aslan is the kingdom’s premier magic school. Certainly, the failure this time is indefensible. I believe the incompetent ones who troubled us should just die. –However, it is also a fact that this academy has nurtured many excellent mages. The selective education, the excellent faculty, the ranking system… In my view, it is quite reasonable.”
“…………”
“All that needs to be done is we just improve the exposed security issues, it would be a waste to destroy it all.”
In reality, this attack could have happened anywhere. The targets were clearly aiming for Luke.
It just so happened to be at Aslan Magic Academy, but the attack would have occurred regardless of where Luke was studying.
The Kingdom of Milestia had become too complacent, dangerously lacking in crisis awareness due to their overwhelming magical power. In other words, they had become too comfortable with peace.
“Next, this incident can be a golden opportunity to greatly empower the Gilbert family and the aristocratic faction.”
“…Oh?”
“Regardless of faction, the nobility’s anger and distrust over this matter will be considerable. –Therefore, I believe that as the leader of the aristocratic faction, you, Father, should strive to resolve the situation. In doing so, you can accrue a sizable ‘favor’ toward Aslan Magic Academy, the Royal Knights, and even the Milestia royal family. Undoubtedly, it will benefit the Gilbert family and our faction.”
Claude listened quietly to Luke’s words. And then–
“–Splendid.”
He could only express his admiration.
In truth, what Luke had just articulated was something Claude had also considered.
However, that was from the perspective of an ambitious contender for the throne, not as a father.
Claude had clear priorities. Compared to the boiling fury he felt towards the incompetent fools who had endangered his son, any ambitions were utterly insignificant.
If he were to lose Luke, it would all be meaningless.
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(“As expected…as expected of my son…! Uh oh, I’m getting too emotional and might start tearing up…”)
The joy and excitement at the realization that his son Luke shared his views deeply shook Claude’s heart, making his chest grow warm. If he let his guard down, tears might just start flowing.
“In the end…this academy has high utility value for me to prove that I am superior to anyone else.”
“…………”
“……I apologize, Father. This is merely my selfishness. But I simply cannot bear it. That those inferior to me are thought to be superior. Therefore, I wish to become number one and prove it – that I, above all, am the [strongest].”
After hearing Luke’s words,
“Kukuku…Fuhaha…”
Claude chuckled softly, and then–
“Ahahaha! That’s my son for you!”
He laughed out loud.
There was certainly joy that Luke had voiced his selfishness. But more than that, Claude understood his feelings very well.
“To be looked down upon by those inferior to oneself. It’s an unbearable humiliation.”
They were indeed father and son, Claude thought. And Luke had conveyed his will this far. Claude had no more doubts.
“Understood. I’ll do as you say. But I’ll have a say in the security arrangements.”
“Thank you, Father.”
Claude hadn’t mentioned that he also planned to unleash some of his fury on the academy, in relation to this incident.
“I’ll have to apologize to Julianna.”
“…To Mother? Why?”
“Kukuku…I promised to show hell to the incompetent fools who endangered my son.”
“…………”
Luke had a weary expression. In truth, he was exhausted.
After managing to calm his father’s intense anger, the accumulated fatigue finally came crashing down on him.
“Don’t worry, I’ll keep the academy running as you wish. Leave everything to me.”
“I’m grateful, Father.”
“Mm. And we’ll depart for the capital and head to Gilbadia within a few days. Be prepared for that.”
“Understood.”
“Then, I’ll go have a chat with the headmaster. Alfred, I’m counting on you to look after Luke.”
“Understood, milord.”
With those words, Claude set off. Luke bowed his head and saw him off.
And there was Alfred, who had blended into the background until now, standing by Luke’s side.
Aslan Magic Academy was an environment that could not be better for learning magic. But this failure was a massive one. No matter how much of a track record they had, it was unforgivable.
Currently, the balance of power in the kingdom was starting to tip slightly towards the aristocratic faction, so if Claude didn’t act to resolve the situation, the academy’s survival would be in grave jeopardy.
However, he was the foremost figure of the aristocratic faction.
Whether this was truly fortunate for the kingdom remained to be seen.
To not destroy the academy, but to keep it running and create a great ‘favor’ – this was the answer Luke had arrived at, without even realizing it.
Yes – unknowingly, he was walking a path of undesired hegemony.
Claude strode towards the academy. His features were extremely refined, but they exuded an overwhelming presence.
However, those who knew him well might notice that he was in an exceptionally good mood right now.
(“Yes, Luke is truly worthy of being king…”)
A born ruler.
Claude could clearly sense that glimpse in him. Yet, he did not mention the ‘plan’ out loud. Of course, part of it was because Yorand had told him to keep quiet, but that wasn’t the only reason he didn’t speak of it.
(“Kukuku…I can just imagine the delighted look on Luke’s face…!”)
While far beyond the sensibilities of a common person, for Claude, the usurpation of the throne was a ‘surprise’ for Luke.
He had learned from the incident with Alice’s engagement, but it seemed that even he could be blinded by love that was too great.
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