Chapter 74: The Bent Feather

The named Constantine sighed helplessly in his heart. The scene in the garden just now was really too awkward. Although the King simply turned a blind eye and smiled off that drunken brawl, then brought him to this banquet hall—being able to enter various banquets with the King was one of the highest honors for a noble—this ambiguous attitude undoubtedly made the usually sensitive Constantine think even more wild thoughts.

Besides, what did ‘become my dean’ mean?

Feeling his thoughts were already a bit chaotic, the boy had a new question rise in his heart. But before he could sort it out, a sudden, lightning-like sharp pain on his calf jolted him awake!—Fortunately, after the virtual special training from the Lich, the boy’s endurance had improved by several levels. That’s why he didn’t do anything rude, like reflexively shouting loudly in the King’s banquet hall!

So when bowing to the dean of the military academy, Constantine’s face twisted rather artistically. The slight tremble and hissing intakes of breath in his voice also made his greeting somewhat disjointed, like serpent-speech.

“Hiss… I offer my highest respects to you, Marshal Joseph Jugashvili… hiss… Sir…”

Constantine, hissing as he breathed in, noticed a mischievous, triumphant smile from the corner of his eye… Her Highness the Princess smiled like a little fox that had successfully broken into a henhouse. Clearly, she had finally found the most suitable chance for revenge for that headbutt that gave her a nosebleed. The part on her small, pretty shoes, whether wood or metal, had striking power not unlike a small hammer. And she seemed to have calculated long ago that Constantine, summoned by the King, couldn’t make any sound of agony.

Obviously, none of this could escape the notice of anyone nearby. The nobles able to attend this banquet certainly had sharp eyes… But they also prided themselves on quick reactions, so they all chose to look the other way, at most revealing an intentional or unintentional smile at the very edge.

Except for one person.

“Seems like an interesting young fellow, my King. I’m pleased a child of noble blood can become my student, especially one from a military family like the Connallyvis…” The old man, who accepted the newly made Viscount’s rather disjointed respect, lifted his head. The voice from under his coarse, stiff beard was cold and rough, like rusty hinges turning.

A gaze sharp as a blade, completely mismatching his appearance, scraped over Constantine’s face, making the boy’s mouth twitch involuntarily. Clearly, that little prank just now had lowered his image in this old man’s eyes by one… well, probably more than one level. Although it might not have been high to begin with—after all, in the army, there was sometimes a special resentment towards proud Spellcasters who had to be relied on for their power in battle.

Moreover, Joseph Jugashvili… this old fellow was one of only three Marshal-ranked figures remaining in the Phoenix Empire. Within the Phoenix military, he held influence no less than Constantine’s cheap father, even surpassing it in some aspects. Although he was no longer the highest commander of the southeastern military district, as the head of the military academy, he had sent many disciples into every corner of the Phoenix military. The boy vaguely remembered someone saying his relationship with Duke Connalyvis was quite strained. This seemed a common ailment among high-ranking military commanders.

I’d better stay as far away from this old fellow as possible… the boy swore to himself.

“This… my King, please forgive my shallow knowledge. What you meant earlier… does it mean I will become a student of the Hayton Military Academy?” After the King finally finished some small talk with his subjects, Constantine asked quietly.

“Of course. One month from now, the research on the Airship should be finished, right? You should then begin a three-year study at the military academy. Hmm, I didn’t explain in detail before, but I suppose it’s not important.” Rafael VII took a golden cup from an attendant. He answered his grandson-in-law’s question absentmindedly.

“My King, if possible, could I… change to a different academy?” Hesitating, Constantine chose a way of speaking that didn’t completely oppose the Emperor’s will: “You know, after all, I am more interested in the world of Magic… and a three-year study period seems a bit too long…”

Actually, if he really had to choose, Constantine would pick the other two academies—whether in artistic cultivation or political/economic theory research, he far surpassed the masters of this Plane. Entering those two academies, even if he idled and waited for death, he had plenty of capital to amaze. Moreover, both those academies had classes for girls, far more nurturing than the all-male military academy. Furthermore, the Prince of Dellan was also going to study at the military academy—thinking of the other’s unusual interest in him made Constantine’s scalp tingle.

“I probably know why you say that. Or do you think that, as the heir of the Connallyvis family, you’ve already seen enough Knights and matters of the army?” The Emperor turned his head. His expression held some kindness, but his voice was serious: “However, I believe that, as the legitimate eldest son of the Connallyvis family, you don’t yet understand enough about military matters.”

“You must know, military and war are a genuine field of study. It’s not the stories Bards tell. It is all-encompassing; it is something countless warriors have realized through their lives. It can even be called an art, in no way inferior to any Magic. Of course, you needn’t worry about your Magic… The academy’s curriculum isn’t as tight as you imagine. You just need to focus on studying military command courses. For the rest, I grant you permission to handle them as you see fit…”

After delivering this not-too-light, not-too-heavy warning, Rafael VII walked toward the high platform in the hall. Then came a wave of led cheers and the ensuing uproar. Beautiful music played by the royal orchestra began to echo around.

“In other words, you’re still following your own plan, preparing to have me take over something related to the Griffin, right?”

Constantine boredly rubbed the bridge of his nose, his gaze sweeping over the surrounding crowd… The liveliness of this banquet was clearly incomparable to the one he attended before.

Those middle-aged men and gray-haired old fellows were clearly much steadier than the mixed bunch last time. They preferred holding glasses filled with various fine wines, whispering in twos and threes… But Constantine soon noticed that these guys’ eyes would more or less drift to the chests and beneath the skirts of the young ladies present when people weren’t paying attention. And quite a few also showed sufficient interest in several handsome young men in the venue.

This was clearly quite interesting… Thinking this, Constantine couldn’t help but shake his head. Last time, except for that Count… hmm, what Count was it? Besides that farce, there wasn’t anything worth remembering.

Then he also noticed he should change location—now a dozen or so people around him had noticed the boy had left the Supreme One and were preparing to come talk.

“Viscount Constantine. Very pleased to see you again…” Before the boy’s plan could be implemented, a voice sounded behind him. Constantine frowned; this was undoubtedly what he least wanted to hear—Empire Chancellor Marquis Albert Merry walked over smiling from the side, getting in front of everyone else to stand before him.

“Hello, Marquis.” Constantine smiled, with only a nearly imperceptible twitch between his brows.

“I notice you’re somewhat nervous, but believe me, it’s unnecessary. Just relax a bit, and you’ll soon adapt to this atmosphere…” The Chancellor was still dressed in the most fashionable attire among Hayton nobles, elegant and comfortable, just without that cane. He waved his hand, and an attendant came over with a tray, letting him pick up two crystal glasses.

“You are too polite… Your actions will make Father scold me for being rude.” Constantine put on a flattered expression, taking the glass the other offered, though he had already started guessing the other’s true purpose in his heart: “But you are right, I am indeed too nervous. This is, after all, my first time at the highest-level domestic banquet.”

“I overheard a little of your conversation with His Majesty earlier. You seemed somewhat dissatisfied with His Majesty arranging for you to enter the military academy?” Perhaps considering Constantine’s age, the Chancellor didn’t beat around the bush much and got straight to a main point.

“My previous thoughts were too willful. I just wanted to devote more effort to Magic.”

“Perhaps you could listen to the opinion of someone with some years like me. Maybe you could make up these courses through family or other channels, but home learning and school are different. Even if you have the best scholars giving you personal lessons, it’s the same.” The old man chuckled, then spoke in a tone with a bit of an elder’s perspective: “I had a similar experience when I was little. The royal-exclusive scholars’ teaching for me was quite comprehensive, but when I got to school, I found it wasn’t the same.”

“It’s a… how to say? A very pleasant experience. Only those who have truly gone through it know… Moreover, you can also meet many friends. On your life’s path, they will be very good companions…” For a moment, the old Chancellor’s expression became somewhat distant, as if recalling some beautiful times. Then he gave a somewhat mischievous blink: “Also, the noble young ladies in the university town are the most charming flowers in all of Hayton, you know?”

“Thank you for your concern, sir. I think I will have some wonderful memories…” Constantine lowered his head, replying in a sincere voice, though his thoughts inside were not as respectful as they appeared on the surface… You, with less than an elementary school education, talking to me, a genuine college student, about school? The time I spent in school might be longer than the time you spent sleeping!

“And, a bit related to this matter… heh, Viscount Constantine, would you like to make a bet?” Of course, the person opposite him couldn’t hear the boy’s inner contempt—the Chancellor still wore that innocent smile on his face, just lowering his voice: “In a moment, before the first dance begins, His Majesty will announce a big event. It might shock you a bit, you know?”

“Big event? Is it about that Prince of Dellan?” Constantine was stunned. He realized this should be the focus of the other’s conversation with him. He had heard a little about rumors of a treaty between the two countries, but that didn’t seem worth the Empire’s Chancellor being so mysterious.

“No, no, the matter with the Prince is a secret, even though it’s already widely known… What I want to talk about is concerning you, Viscount Constantine.” The old man shook his hand, then showed a smug smile, but this made the boy even more suspicious in his heart. A big event… there had been enough big events lately—investigating them could overwork the smartest person to death.

“My subjects!” The King on the platform happened to speak at this moment. He raised the golden cup in his hand high. As if by Magic, the several hundred nobles in the entire hall instantly fell silent after this not-very-loud voice sounded.

Rafael VII smiled. The lights on the platform made the Emperor’s face appear particularly ruddy. His gaze swept over the crowd. Seemingly very satisfied with this effect, he nodded, then said: “I now formally announce something…”

……

“That old fellow will probably give him a not-too-small, not-too-big military rank, probably some empty position in the newly formed flying forces… Then throw him into the academy, let him study under that old dog Joseph for two or three years, gilding him a bit. And in this process, take control of the workshops making these new toys into his own hands. It’s his old trick.”

George di Friedrich Connarivis stood up, throwing a piece of Parchment with a complex diagram drawn on it onto the table.

If Constantine were present, he would have been somewhat surprised… or shocked. The patterns on that Parchment were copies of his hot air Airship design drawings. Maybe the lines weren’t as smooth as his drawing technique, but even some tiny characters written in the corners weren’t missed.

“If there are no major accidents, he should gradually approach the core, just like this time, able to enter the Barrier of Falkens Palace without any scruples.” The Duke stood by the window, looking out into the distance: “This time’s opportunity was really good… Pitifully, the timing still isn’t ripe. But I should say, his performance was really interesting, even beyond my expectations. Sometimes I even hesitate a bit, wondering if it would be appropriate to delay the plan a little…”

A thin layer of black clouds had lain on the distant horizon earlier, like a lead-colored curtain. Now, after the Sun had completely sunk below the horizon, it began to expand, appearing above the treetops. The damp, cold air seemed to foretell the coming of a heavy snow.

“Regarding this, Duke, forgive my bluntness… I still believe you have invested too much in this plan…”

The lights in the Duke’s room were, as usual, somewhat inclined towards dimness. And Walter’s figure stood in the darkest corner… Only, without making a sound, it was hard for anyone to notice the old man’s presence. His black butler outfit blended with the surrounding Shadows, even his face hidden in the Darkness.

“As I know, opening a space channel of such scale is not easy. Even after paying such a price, the result might still not be satisfactory. Moreover, things related to Demons always bring a Curse. Judging from recent incidents, the influence has shown a trend of gradual expansion. I am very worried about the safety of Madam and young Master Consens.” The old man’s voice was Calm and steady, as if the occasionally mentioned frightening terms weren’t some kind of taboo.

“According to the current development trend, just one to two months is enough to reach the critical point, so there’s no need to worry about unnecessary matters… You just need to watch his movements closely.” The old man’s suggestion clearly displeased his master. The Duke frowned slightly, the long scar on his face twitching with it: “However, I’ve noticed you’ve had quite a few unexpected mistakes lately… This isn’t like you, Walter. Don’t push the responsibility onto age issues. You know that’s no excuse.”

The question carried a rarely harsh tone, so the old man in the Darkness fell into a period of silence.

“This is my mistake, sir. I did not anticipate such a development.” After a long while, he took a slight step forward, bowing respectfully in reply.

The Duke turned, gazing at the aged face in the shadows. In the flickering lamplight, the old man’s cloudy eyes looked straight ahead, lips pressed into a straight line. He showed no emotional fluctuation.

Only, that was just for those unfamiliar with him—the Duke, who grew up under this old man’s care, knew well. When no obvious emotional fluctuation could be seen on this old man, perhaps he had no particular thoughts, but it could also mean he was angry.

“Never mind… just minor mistakes. I was too impatient… Go attend to your duties…” Sighing, the Duke waved his hand.

“Perhaps the possibility that will lead to the failure of this plan is that I handed him over to you… I’m not surprised by your current reaction. After all, plans always have unexpected aspects…” When the old man’s figure disappeared into the dark, the Duke by the window muttered softly as if talking to himself.

“…As long as the Griffin can soar in the sky, then don’t be stingy with the bent feathers…” His voice gradually became firm, but his eyes grew hollow.

This was a famous saying of the sixth head of the Connallyvis family, only passed down within the Griffin family. Some understood it as sacrifice for family interests, but others disdainfully interpreted it as: “Here, no one values family members. What is valued is only the name ‘Connalyvis’…”