<Chapter 34> Maximilian
2023.12.04.
After a brief moment, the door opened.
He didn’t look anything like Cordelia had imagined. He wasn’t a horned demon, nor did he have three eyes.
Maximilian was a handsome man with dark blond hair and green eyes. His features were gentle and friendly, making him seem warm and kind to anyone who saw him.
“I heard you called for me.”
“Oh, yes. Maximilian, come in. There’s someone here you’ll be pleased to meet.”
“This is someone I haven’t met before.”
Maximilian offered a light greeting with his eyes and walked toward Cordelia. She noticed something slightly strange about the way he walked.
“Good day. My name is Maximilian Atilay. And you, my lady?”
“I’m Cordelia Abrams,” she replied, taking a deep breath before saying her name.
“Abrams? That’s a territory in the northeast of Ersche. Rich in iron ore, if I recall correctly.”
“…That’s right.”
It was the first time someone had known precisely where Abrams was. That alone sent a chill down Cordelia’s spine.
“Lord Menupio said you were someone I’d be glad to meet, but I must apologize—I’m not familiar with you.”
It was hard to believe he was Leonard’s brother. He seemed so polite and kind.
And that made it even more frightening. That someone with such a face had dug up his mother’s remains and stabbed his own brother who had shared the same womb.
“Maximilian. Don’t be surprised. She’s Leonard’s disciple.”
“My brother’s disciple? He left behind a disciple?”
“Yes. Haha. Seems he did make some preparations before his death.”
“He always did manage to surprise us.”
He smiled gently and looked at Cordelia. Instinctively, Cordelia turned her gaze away to avoid eye contact. Maximilian spoke to her in a kind tone.
“Forgive me, but may I take a look at your seal?”
“My seal?”
“Yes. Not that I doubt you—but it’s best to confirm such things in front of the Seirius.”
“I don’t mind, but…”
“Is there a problem?”
“I… don’t know how to show it.”
A moment of silence fell over the room at Cordelia’s words. One of the Seirius groaned.
“Ugh, my head. We’re about to put someone who can’t even activate their seal on the Seirius?”
“Tsk. Enough. Maximilian, help her.”
“Yes. Then excuse me.”
He politely placed a single finger on Cordelia’s wrist. It felt as light as a butterfly landing—she barely felt it.
Just like when Rosenblu had done it at the entrance, the seal carved into her body began to glow.
The other Seirius members reacted indifferently, but Maximilian was different.
His eyes sparkled like a farmer who had just discovered buried treasure in the fields.
“A legitimate heir of Acheron appearing… what a blessing for the Mage Association.”
“Mhm. The fact that Atilay’s research won’t be lost holds great significance. Even though Abrams has only been studying magic for a year, she will still lead Acheron as a Seirius. Just as you helped your brother, help Abrams too.”
“Of course. But… only a year of training? It seems my brother took her in rather suddenly.”
“Yes. It’s a shame, but better than nothing.”
“Oh right, Maximilian. Abrams would like to visit Atilay’s lab. Please show her the way.”
“Ah, the lab. Perfect timing, as if she knew. Had she come just a day later, it would’ve been permanently closed.”
He said it with a strangely regretful tone.
The other mages were now busy chatting among themselves, no longer watching Maximilian and Cordelia, and thus missed anything odd.
“Follow me. I’ll take you to my brother’s lab.”
“Th-thank you.”
Cordelia hesitated but followed behind him. Her priority now was to get out of that strange room. After that, she’d find the right moment and run away.
She fiddled with the ring on her finger.
Just like when he first arrived, Maximilian conjured a large rectangular door out of thin air and stepped through it.
After blinking a few times, the scenery had changed to a quiet, empty corridor.
“How did you meet my brother?”
“Just… by chance.”
“For mages, there’s no such thing as chance. Only destiny.”
“Then I guess it was destiny—for me and my master.”
She had spoken without much thought. Maximilian smiled quietly.
“You resemble him.”
“Me?”
“Yes. Seeing you reminds me of my brother.”
Cordelia couldn’t bring herself to tell him to just call her by her name instead of ‘Abrams.’ Nor did she ask why she reminded him of her master.
As she walked on, tense and alert, Cordelia noticed something.
Maximilian dragged his right foot slightly as he walked. It wasn’t a simple injury—one of his legs seemed to be naturally shorter. From behind, it was clear.
“We’ve arrived.”
“Oh, already?”
She was surprised he had led her so easily to Leonard’s lab. Her wariness seemed almost silly now.
“I have the key. Let me just—”
But to her surprise, the lab door opened effortlessly with just a wave of Maximilian’s hand. Cordelia gaped in astonishment.
Baron had clearly said that only her master could open it. How did Maximilian manage that?
“Come in.”
Setting aside her suspicions, she stepped through the doorway. The scent of flowers was the first to greet her.
The room was filled with countless books, all neatly organized. It was surprisingly normal—more than she expected.
“Is this Master’s lab?”
“No.”
“…What?”
“This is my lab. I wanted to have a conversation with you.”
No wonder he had led her so willingly. Cordelia, who had briefly relaxed, tensed up again like a wary cat.
Just then, a skinny man in a white robe came rushing toward them from between the shelves.
“You’re here.”
“Karon. This is a guest. She claims to be my brother’s disciple.”
“What? A disciple of Acheron’s Seirius?”
“That’s what they say. It’s a relief, really. I thought Acheron’s legacy would be lost.”
“But he always said he would never take a disciple…”
Karon stared intently at Cordelia. His gaze was so intense that she had to turn her face away.
“Oh dear. I’ve kept Lady Abrams standing too long. Karon.”
“Yes?”
“Would you prepare a meal?”
“M-meal? What should I make?”
“Hmm. Since we don’t know her preferences, let’s keep it simple with lamb.”
At that, Karon’s face turned pale. He bit his lip and bowed slightly.
“I… I’m not quite ready…”
“Oh, don’t worry. I stocked up on some quality lamb just the other day.”
“…Y-yes. Understood. I’ll prepare it.”
Maximilian added cheerfully.
“Now then, Lady Abrams, please follow me.”
“I’m sorry, but I must go to my master’s lab. We can have that meal another time.”
She couldn’t afford to be dragged around any longer. Cordelia made up her mind and took a step back.
Maximilian, who had begun walking ahead, turned and smiled lightly at her words.
“I’ll take you there—after the meal.”
“No. Right now. I don’t have time.”
“Why don’t you have time? You’ll be living here until you die anyway.”
At the words “until you die,” Maximilian slightly raised the corner of his mouth—just enough for only Cordelia to see.
“My husband is waiting for me outside. That’s why I need to leave.”
“Husband? Married already? Then Abrams isn’t your original surname. May I ask what your maiden name was?”
His words were polite, but the tone was anything but. It was commanding—like speaking to someone beneath him.
“Vasquez.”
“Vasquez? That Vasquez?”
“Who else in Ersche could use that name?”
“Surprising. That my brother’s only disciple would be a Vasquez.”
“I’ve answered all your questions. Now please let me go.”
“Hm. But you haven’t answered my last question yet.”
“Last question?”
Maximilian ignored her question and turned to walk away. Cordelia wondered if she should bolt now and looked behind her. Karon, who had been standing there, gave her an awkward smile and bowed his head.
“If you just wait a little longer, the meal will be ready soon.”
Cordelia asked him,
“Are you his servant?”
“Servant…? No. I’m his disciple.”
“Then you’re a mage. Can you take me to Leo—no, my master’s lab?”
“Ah, no, I can’t. If I let a guest go off on my own, I’ll be dead.”
Karon jumped in protest, trying to dissuade her. He desperately urged her to keep talking with Maximilian instead.
Cordelia looked back and forth between the tightly shut door and the direction Maximilian had gone. Karon subtly blocked the door with his body, urging her.
“Master is waiting.”
“…Fine.”
In the end, Cordelia had no choice but to turn and follow the path Maximilian had taken.
