44 – Escape

The moment Livian grasped Ester’s hand, words began to dance within her mind.

Obstacles that had previously blocked her way vanished one by one, and her thoughts felt as if they were surging down an open highway.

Black hair and crimson eyes, unique physical traits worthy of a historical record, a black suit from a famous designer, a handsome, youthful face straddling the line between adult and boy, and unlike the run-of-the-mill nobles, no pretense, not even a hint of trying to curry favor with the royal family.

“…….”

Without needless embellishment, he could appear truly concise and taciturn, yet he felt intelligent and thoughtful, befitting his reputation.

Features of the novel’s protagonist, which had been elusive until now, surfaced all at once.

A chill crawled up her spine, and she became naturally absorbed in the ideas that surged forth.

“Livian.”

Her brother’s voice pulled her back to reality.

“Ah, my apologies….”

Livian hastily retracted her hand.

She seemed to have been so engrossed that she’d forgotten she was still shaking Ester’s hand.

Aware of her unintentional faux pas, Livian offered a slight bow in apology.

As Esther was about to say everything was quite alright, Art strode down the corridor in the distance, opening his mouth to speak.

“Lady Esther. You might wish to begin preparations for the audience.”

“Ah, yes.”

Esther offered farewells of utmost respect to the two royals and knights.

“Farewell.”

“Until we meet again.”

As Esther departed, Oscar, a secret scroll in hand, approached Trowel.

“Oscar. You have labored mightily bringing such a noble guest. But what is that?”

“Lady Esther presented it. A secret martial arts scroll viewed with the Recording Orb some time ago.”

“Blast it, I had faith…!”

Trowel was a warrior.

Truthfully, he had meant to ask Esther what that martial art she had displayed earlier was, but the timing had never presented itself.

He felt a pang of regret letting Esther leave so soon, and in this moment, the scroll Oscar held out seemed more precious than any other gift.

As master and disciple happily perused the scroll together in good spirits, Livian gazed at Esther’s retreating back.

A character in a novel must needs have someone as a model, as a source of inspiration.

Livian felt Esther suited the protagonist all too well.

‘It would have been nice to converse a little longer…’

The seed of an idea had taken root, but something still felt lacking.

Was there no way to learn more about her?

“Hachoo.”

Livian surreptitiously sniffed and hurried back to his chambers.

The important thing now was to write down all the ideas that had just come to him.

*

Bimark sat alone upon the throne.

He had dismissed all his retainers, wishing to speak candidly with Esther in private.

Though a hero, he was but fifteen years of age.

He had met many people in his life, but he could not quite surmise what sort of person Esther was.

Erphus had described Esther as a mysterious genius.

A prodigy with a grand purpose, living with his gaze fixed on a distant horizon, unlike the rest of the world.

Oscar, who had met him in the Tristi Autonomous Region to deliver the reward for dismantling the Necronomicon’s barrier formula, had said of Esther…

“You stated that you do not value honor or wealth.”

‘If he’s human, then seeing is wanting, a fundamental truth. A peculiar one, this.’

Everyone possesses desire.

To yearn for what is above, to wish to grasp it, is the very nature of humankind.

Are there not those who live their entire lives solely for this? Offering such material rewards is the easiest way to tempt a person, but if Ester’s words are not merely pleasantries, but true, then a different approach will be required.

As Vimarc pondered this, the audience chamber doors swung open.

Ester emerged.

A subject of the kingdom, a noble, he paid the king due respects before striding forward.

“Ester Tristi.”

“Your Majesty.”

“You have come a long way. I thank you.”

Vimarc continued.

“Though I dispatched a messenger to express my gratitude previously, your achievements this time are not only remarkable, but comparable to those of my late father in establishing the Eastern Front. I felt it right, as king, to meet in person with one who has accomplished such a feat.”

He praised Ester’s accomplishments as a king should.

“Your observation of the anomalies in the Eastern region granted the lords a fortnight’s reprieve, and your ingenious new weaponry has contributed greatly not only to the Tristi autonomous region, but to the entire kingdom, surpassing the Eastern region. This is akin to the first Red Magetower Master, who assisted the founder in laying the foundations of the kingdom.”

“Furthermore, you did not flee even before the dread dragon, Dargishkal. That was not a reckless rout, but a shortcut to victory, an example worthy of emulation by all soldiers and lords.”

He deliberately omitted any mention of Kenneth’s death.

He had heard from Erphs that he did not have a good relationship with his family.

“A hero who has rendered great service to the kingdom deserves fitting treatment. Therefore, I bestow upon Ester Tristi one hundred million credits, a fiefdom, and the title of a lord… hm.”

Vimarc gazed at Ester.

He seemed keen to speak, so he paused his pronouncements regarding rewards.

“You are free to speak your mind.”

“Thank you, Your Majesty.”

Ester’s tightly sealed lips parted.

“I am humbled by such high praise. However, as with all matters in this world, there are crucial, hidden aspects, like shadows, that are not immediately apparent. It is my intention to address these with Your Majesty, so you may recalibrate your assessment of me.”

Ester intended to correct Vimarc’s words.

He had sought to promote him to a noble rank and position, rewarding him in order to keep him close at hand.

Vimarc stroked his beard and listened attentively.

“Firstly, regarding the observation. Although I sent a letter to the Blue Magetower after discovering the anomalies, this was not an achievement I intentionally sought. I merely wandered in that direction to investigate the situation, and my access to the depths was only made possible through the assistance of my maid, Ian, the guard for Haniel Tristi, and the mercenaries.”

Ester stated that he had simply been fortunate enough to encounter the sandworm and notice the anomaly. Had any other ordinary magician been in his place, the result would have been the same.

“Moreover, the development of this new weaponry owes itself entirely to my sister, Haneil Tristi. While I’ve been fortunate enough to acquire some measure of renown early on, and perhaps undeservedly branded a ‘genius,’ the one who truly possesses magical talent – the one who should be recognized as such, even before I solved a Millennium Problem – is Haneil Tristi. I am merely a beneficiary of my sister’s abilities.”

Though, he admitted, the manufacturing of the Hell Tank at Erps’ workshops was completed with haste.

It was due to his sister’s assistance and Erps’ investment, Esther insisted, that he could not take credit himself.

“Esther Tristi.”

Vimark fixed Esther with a piercing gaze.

“I am no fool.”

To that,

Esther simply responded with composure.

“I only wished to emphasize the immense contributions of others. I cannot deny my own involvement, but it is a weapon born from the combined efforts of many. How could I claim it as my sole creation? It is a collaborative work, through and through.”

“The First Red Magus, who served Taejo, laid all magical foundations and cultivated talent without the help of any other mage. While I may have accomplished something significant, I only managed to do so through the aid of countless individuals and a stroke of fortune. How could I possibly compare myself to such a figure?”

“Furthermore, my victory over the Four Dragons was thanks to the Hell Tank and the relentless efforts of countless soldiers. Without them, I never would have confronted the egg of Darkishkal. And as one who lives off the precious crops grown by the people, how could I have turned and run in fear? It wasn’t praiseworthy, but simply what was required.”

In short, Esther was asserting that none of what was called a ‘feat’ should be attributed to him alone.

It wasn’t because he was a genius, he maintained.

In fact, any commoner could have achieved the same in his place.

He steadfastly denied that these accomplishments were his own.

“Gold, jewels, and accolades are not meant for me, Your Majesty. They should be given to those who stood by my side, and to the countless citizens who fought and won this great battle. I beg you to consider this carefully.”

As Oscar had said, money and fame seemed to hold little value for Esther.

Originally, Vimark had intended to grant Esther the lands of Count Kimongsto, whose title had been stripped two years prior, along with a new family name.

Currently, the territory was under temporary royal control, but it was a land corrupted and with a ruined industry, because of its former lord ,requiring someone capable of restoring it.

The area was rich in salt, and served as a gateway connecting the Western Kingdom to the Royal Lands. The potential of the territory was undeniable.

Inheritance, of course, would be possible.

Esther couldn’t be unaware of this.

The rank of nobility, as well as the chance to establish a new foothold, away from his estranged family, would have been appealing.

Moreover, he had been planning to create the position of Magus Overseer, in order to fully utilize his magical talents, and bestow it upon him in this very moment.

These were rewards on a scale unmatched, especially for a boy of only fifteen.

It was a decision that would provoke strong opposition from those bound by political interests.

Nevertheless, Vimark’s will was unwavering.

Esther’s existence was worth that much.

Who else in the world could accomplish so much in so little time?

The investment was more than justified.

But, despite it all, they wished to shower Esther with praise and reward him, declaring his deeds far beyond the reach of any ordinary soul.

Yet, as with the exchange just concluded, Esther simply refused.

“……”

Here and now, Esther made it plain he desired no compensation whatsoever.

What, truly, could he want from me?

Or, more to the point, could I even provide what he desired?

We were mere acquaintances, barely past our first meeting; it felt impossible to plumb the depths of his heart.

Bymark desired Esther, come what may.

But, with the other’s will so unyielding, pushing too hard at this moment would surely backfire.

In the end, it was Bymark who turned away first.

“I require time to consider this. Grant me but a week, I implore you. I cannot afford to appear to neglect a hero who has saved the kingdom, lest the people turn against me.”

Esther lowered his head.

“As you wish, Your Majesty.”

Watching Esther depart with due deference, Bymark sighed softly.

He felt a burning ambition.

Now that matters stood thus, he had no choice but to rack his brains for a way to capture this boy’s heart.

*

My gut screamed at me, one hundred percent.

I’m not one to put much stock in physiognomy, but every time he looked at me, a chilling venom rose in his eyes. It was the same feeling I got from the CEO back in the day.

If I get caught in Bymark’s web, I’ll be exploited to death, literally.

I have to escape, no matter what it takes.