The Emperor’s Anguish

A little over a year had passed since Vim’s disappearance. As expected, it felt as though magic in the Empire was in a state of decline.

“Duke, I have a report. We have tracked Vim Abel’s whereabouts.”

One of the Duke’s direct subordinates brought the news.

“Ho. And where is this Vim now?”

“Just as you predicted, Duke, he appears to have entered the Kingdom of Leoria.”

“As I thought.”

The Duke had suspected as much from the beginning. His intuition had proven correct.

“Furthermore, there is another significant report.”

“What is it? Speak.”

“It seems Vim Abel has been certified as an S-rank adventurer.”

“Are you serious…?”

The Duke was stunned. He knew Vim’s abilities were certainly equivalent to S-rank. However, he wondered what on earth could have happened for him to be appointed S-rank so suddenly in a foreign country.

“This information is certain.”

“If that’s the case, things have become complicated.”

Being certified as an S-rank meant the news would reach the Emperor’s ears sooner or later. If that happened, there would be no point in the Duke trying to suppress the information himself.

“Yes, it may have already reached the Emperor.”

“Understood. Continue your investigation into Vim.”

“By your command.”

The subordinate took his leave of the Duke.

“So that’s how you’re playing it, Vim. This is going to get interesting.”

A bold, fearless smile played across the Duke’s face.

“Your Majesty, I have a report.”

One of the Emperor’s subordinates was requesting an audience.

“What is it this time?”

“Vim… Vim Abel has been certified as an S-rank adventurer in Leoria.”

The subordinate spoke while out of breath. He must have hurried there with great urgency.

“What?! Is that true?”

“Yes. There was an official declaration from the King of Leoria, so there is no mistake.”

“You’ve got to be kidding me…”

Honestly, the Emperor wanted to believe it was a lie. He couldn’t fathom how things had moved with such incredible speed.

“What are your orders, Sire?”

“I don’t care anymore! Leave him be!!”

“Are you sure about that, Your Majesty?”

The Emperor simply didn’t want to think about it. It was true that Vim’s power was a threat—that was why he had resorted to imprisonment. But who could have imagined that once the lid was opened, he would escape the labyrinth and obtain S-rank qualifications in the neighboring Kingdom of Leoria?

“Well, perhaps some sort of measure should be taken. You may dismiss yourself.”

“Excuse me, Sire.”

It was a fact that since Vim’s departure, the younger generation of mages had ceased to grow, and magical technology was decaying. They couldn’t afford to just sit by and do nothing. While the Empire had a surplus of excellent knights, the newcomers among the Court Magician were hardly promising. For those who aspired to be Court Magician because Vim was there, it was perhaps only natural that they lost heart once their role model was gone.

The Emperor clutched his head in anguish.