<Chapter 33> Maximilian
2023.12.03
“Who are you?”
“Let’s see. Hm. Doesn’t look too impressive. So, when did you have your succession ceremony with that guy?”
“That’s a secret.”
“……”
Cordelia’s answer brought an instant hush to the room. As the atmosphere grew tense, she glanced around nervously and softly relayed what Leonard had once told her.
“My master said… if an old—uhm, I mean, an elderly person with too much free time shows up, I should just ignore them and keep walking…”
Rosenblu stepped forward to defend her.
“Sir Menupio, Miss Abrams isn’t yet familiar with proper wizard etiquette.”
“Mrs.”
“Pardon?”
“It’s Mrs. Abrams. Abrams is my husband’s surname.”
“Oh, you’re married?”
“Yes. And if it’s nothing urgent, may I go now? I need to get to my master’s lab.”
“Wait, hold it.”
Menupio gave a loud fake cough and stopped Cordelia as she was about to leave.
“I am Seirius Menupio Arphan of Rhiannon.”
In other words, he was the head of the Rhiannon faction—Menupio Arphan. Cordelia was starting to get the hang of these titles.
“I see. I’m Cordelia Abrams, student of Leonard Atillay.”
“You’re going to Atillay’s lab? Do you have the key?”
“Yes, my master gave it to me.”
Cordelia fished through her pocket and showed him the worn key. Menupio gave it a quick glance and muttered,
“It’s real.”
“I’m really in a hurry, so… can I please just stop by the lab first?”
Now she understood why Leonard told her to ignore everyone and just keep walking. With every step she tried to take, someone else stood in her way.
She grew more anxious by the second. A very rational fear began to rise—what if Maximilian showed up next?
“I’ll let you go. But first, you’ll have to deal with us old folks.”
“Sorry, what?”
He smirked mischievously and tapped his staff lightly on the ground.
At once, Cordelia’s body lifted into the air. She flailed in surprise, but Menupio calmly told her to settle down—then suddenly shot her through the air at incredible speed.
“Kyahh!”
The scenery zipped past so quickly she couldn’t even tell where she was. She’d only blinked a few times, but when she opened her eyes again, she realized she was in a completely different place.
In front of her, instead of a crowd, was a massive circular table.
Seated around it were five elderly men and women—including Menupio—looking at Cordelia as if she were some kind of exotic animal.
“That girl’s Atillay’s disciple?”
“Hah! If he had such a grown student, he should’ve introduced her ages ago!”
“He never listened when we nagged him to train a successor… Hmph. Well, I guess he finally prepared for the worst.”
“Child, when did you have your succession ceremony with Atillay?”
“How much did your master pass down to you?”
Five people spoke at once, and Cordelia’s head spun. She looked around in a panic. No door. No window.
This is insane. I need to get to Master’s lab. How do I even get out of here?
She didn’t even know how she’d gotten in. Biting her lip, Cordelia stamped her foot in frustration.
Then she locked eyes with Menupio. He jerked his chin toward the other Seiriuses from different factions.
From that gesture alone, Cordelia instinctively understood: if she didn’t handle them properly, she wouldn’t make it to Leonard’s lab.
“Hello. I’m Cordelia Abrams. I was taught by Master Leonard Atillay.”
“Abrams?”
“Dolly, ever heard of the Abrams family?”
“I’ve lived in Wilas over seventy years. How would I know?”
“Her accent sounds Ersche—maybe west Ersche?”
“She probably doesn’t know anything outside of magic.”
Every time she said one sentence, at least five flew back at her. Still, Cordelia stayed as calm as possible.
“The Abrams estate is in northeast Ersche, between Vasquez and Hillurst.”
“I see. When did you become Atillay’s disciple?”
“A year ago.”
“What? Only a year?”
Their reaction was exactly like Rosenblu’s—but somehow even more intense. Disappointment spread among them as they murmured to one another.
“A single year? Tsk. This is bad.”
“They may have had a succession ceremony, but she’s basically still an apprentice.”
“Ugh! Why’d he pass so soon?”
“Well… better than letting the lineage die out completely, I suppose.”
“Your name is Cordelia Abrams, yes?”
“Yes.”
“Come closer, Abrams.”
The only wizard whose name she knew—Menupio—beckoned. Cordelia walked over obediently.
“You are now the Seirius of Acheron.”
“Excuse me?”
“There will be an official ceremony later, but from this moment, you are Seirius. Prepare your heart accordingly.”
“…What?!”
What nonsense was this?
Cordelia was so shocked, she couldn’t even respond properly. But Menupio continued in a grave tone.
“You must carry the weight of countless wizards on your shoulders. Always stay humble and train yourself—”
“W-Wait a minute!”
“What’s wrong?”
“Why am I a Seirius? That’s my master’s title.”
“Well, he left only you behind when he died, didn’t he!”
A red-haired man cut in loudly.
“What does that have to do with anything?! I’m just his student—”
“Child, you must carry on the legacy of the Acheron faction. You are its one and only successor. Naturally, you must become Seirius after Atillay.”
The only woman among the five wizards explained calmly. The others chimed in as well.
“Yes, it’s late, but from now on you must serve the association and nurture future talents.”
“Even a lifetime won’t be enough.”
“We should hold the Seirius ceremony tomorrow, shouldn’t we?”
“The sooner, the better.”
“Where should we set up Abrams’s quarters? Maybe she can use Atillay’s old room.”
Now she understood why they’d been so disappointed to hear she’d only studied magic for a year.
Of course they expected her to follow in Leonard’s footsteps. That’s why the short training period was such a letdown.
Cordelia barely restrained herself from screaming.
She had to escape. If she stayed, they’d slap this “Seirius” title on her head and she’d be trapped here for good.
“Sorry, but I really need to stop by my master’s lab and then head outside right after.”
“Outside? Why? If you need something, just ask. Someone will fetch it.”
“No, um, my husband is waiting for me outside.”
That hit hard. All five wizards clicked their tongues in unison.
“Your husband? You’re married?”
“Already? So young…”
“Tsk tsk. Unbelievable.”
“Oh dear, why would you do that? You’ve still got your whole future ahead.”
“Did your master not stop you?”
She didn’t understand why marriage was such a scandal—but at least it gave her a valid excuse to leave. They weren’t happy about it, but they didn’t forbid her from going.
“So let me just meet my husband and explain everything. I’ll… I’ll come back later.”
“‘Later,’ huh? We’ll assign someone to follow you. Just try to sneak off somewhere.”
As long as she could get out and reunite with Leonard, he’d figure something out.
Cordelia nodded eagerly.
“I’ll be right back. Oh, but before that, I’d like to stop by Master’s lab.”
“The lab? Ah, good timing.”
“Child, you came just in time. We were going to permanently shut it down tomorrow.”
“Haha. Actually, I already summoned Maximilian.”
“…WHAT?!”
Trying to dodge a fox, she’d run into a tiger’s den.
At the mention of the one name she never wanted to hear, Cordelia screamed. So loud, in fact, that even Menupio winced and leaned away from her.
“Why so startled?”
“Um, I-I’m okay not meeting him. Just let me go to the lab. Please.”
“Nonsense. He’s your master’s only blood relative. You don’t believe that ridiculous rumor, do you?”
“Rumor?”
“The one claiming Maximilian harmed Leonard. What nonsense.”
The trust in Menupio’s eyes was undeniable. Cordelia, who knew the truth, wanted to shout, You’ve been deceived!, but she stayed silent.
“Those are just stories spread by gossipmongers. Once you meet Maximilian, you’ll realize how silly they are. That boy adored his brother like a father.”
No—rumor or not, he actually did kill him! Ugh, this is a disaster. What do I do? Should I run? But where?
Cordelia’s legs trembled as she looked around. There were no doors. No windows. Nowhere to escape.
“He’s coming.”
Following Menupio’s gaze, she saw a faintly glowing rectangular doorway forming.
Cordelia’s heart thundered so violently, it felt like it might crack her ribs.
