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I never particularly wanted to know about the celebrity life the Mage Duchess must have lived for decades, but I had been feeling it all too intensely these days. Excessive attention was poison for a humble civil servant.

“I always thought you were too busy, Executive Manager, so I never took the time to connect with you properly. It’s embarrassing to think that we’ve been working at the same academy and still remained so distant.”

Even the attitude of the Swordsmanship Department’s head instructor was clearly different from before. Of course, he was always polite, but I originally avoided meeting academy staff except for the Principal, Vice Principal, and at most, Gerhardt.

Aside from the rare occasions when I had to initiate contact for unavoidable reasons, the head instructor was right—we’d had no real interaction. Well, from the staff’s perspective, it must be scary to meet someone with inspection authority, and I also needed to avoid appearing to pressure the staff.

But since Sky Cleaver and the Imperial Family’s official announcement, the swordsmanship department’s staff had been dropping by the clubroom constantly. It was almost as if they were determined to be here whenever they weren’t teaching.

“You’re too kind. It’s common knowledge that the head instructor’s duties are far more demanding than mine. If we’d been seen meeting too often, people would’ve found it strange.”

“Haha, thank you for saying so.”

I subtly implied, ‘Is it really okay for you to be visiting this often?’ but the head instructor either missed the hint or pretended not to notice, simply smiling as he responded.

Given that he had devoted his life to the sword, I couldn’t rule out the former. Still, someone who was nothing but a sword-obsessed fool wouldn’t have made it to the position of head instructor at the academy…

Swordsmen and mages, they’re all the same.

I used to think that mages were the only ones who were crazy, but I realized that was a mistake. It wasn’t just mages—it was everyone.

No. In a way, swordsmen might be worse. At least mages didn’t blindly approach the Mage Duchess. They tried to make connections in a more meticulous and annoying way.

Is it because they’re people who act before they think?

That was a pretty plausible hypothesis. Compared to mages who used their heads to some extent, swordsmen were relatively more action-oriented.

“Even my acquaintances have been bombarding me with messages lately. Some of them didn’t even react when I became the head instructor, but now they’re losing their minds.”

“Oh, is that so?”

“Yes. Thanks to that, my communication crystal keeps ringing, and I can’t even sleep properly.”

As the head instructor continued the conversation with a joke, his face showed more joy than frustration.

Being the academy’s head instructor was considered an honor among industry figures. If people who had been indifferent to his appointment were now reaching out, they were likely rivals or members of opposing factions. For them to bow their heads and initiate contact would be a deeply gratifying experience for him.

“Luckily, as someone who witnessed the Executive Manager’s achievements firsthand, I’ve had plenty to share with these old acquaintances.”

I couldn’t help but chuckle. That was essentially him rubbing the salt in their wounds while saying, ‘You didn’t see it, did you?’

“I’m truly grateful to you, Executive Manager.”

The head instructor bowed his head, still with a smile on his face. That gratitude likely encompassed two things: the opportunity to gain an edge over his rivals, and the chance to witness the pinnacle of swordsmanship. Who wouldn’t be delighted to achieve both without lifting a finger?

And the fact that he came personally to express this gratitude showed that the head instructor was a person with an above-average character. That was why I wasn’t outright refusing his frequent visits even if they were a bit annoying.

“It feels odd to be thanked for something as trivial as swinging a sword.”

“Is that so? Then would it be alright to ask you for another small favor?”

“Oh, that would be a bit difficult.”

I shook my head with a smile in response to the head instructor’s joke.

I didn’t mind other things, but an encore performance was out of the question. If I did that, the person who asked for it would face the Mage Duchess’s wrath head-on.

***

I should have realized it when the head instructor said he received surrender calls from rival factions. It was obvious which group he was talking about—it could only be one.

“Armein?”

“Yes, that’s right.”

I felt an overwhelming urge to sigh after seeing Villar nod his head embarrassedly.

“They’ll probably push for a visit to the Imperial Academy. Of course, the cooperation of the Imperial Academy and your consent as the person involved come first, but…”

Villar trailed off, seemingly embarrassed to bring up the subject.

Of course, I understood. Villar was just a messenger conveying his country’s intentions. He wasn’t at fault—it was the people behind him that were the problem.

They’re fast.

Still, it wasn’t shocking; I had already expected this.

The Mage Duchess’s residency at the academy had drawn mages from all over the continent. I’d seen it firsthand during the club fair, when students from Ernesto Academy swarmed the Imperial Academy en masse. If I hadn’t foreseen a similar response from Armein, I’d have to question my own intelligence. It was only a matter of time before they made a move.

The problem was just that it was much faster than expected. As expected of Rutis’s homeland, their ability to act was no joke.

Robens Academy, huh.

Following Ernesto Academy, the next to request a visit to the Imperial Academy was Robens Academy—founded under the name of Armein’s royal family. Its symbolic importance in Armein was unmatched.

And the big shot from the rival faction who declared surrender to the head instructor was the current Vice Principal of Robens Academy. No wonder they seemed to be bowing their heads too quickly; it was to lay the groundwork for coming to the Imperial Academy.

“No one has the right to block the pursuit of knowledge. And if the request is fair, there’s no reason to refuse.”

In any case, Robens Academy humbling itself to come to the Imperial Academy was a positive signal. An academy bearing the name of the Armein royal family acknowledging its shortcomings and coming to the Imperial Academy? It was a clear declaration of the Empire’s superiority. For the Empire that seized every chance to make Armein kneel, this was the perfect opportunity.

For Armein to willingly send Robens Academy to the Empire meant that Sky Cleaver left quite the impression.

“I’ll inform the Principal. Armein will get the outcome they’re hoping for.”

“Thank you, Executive Manager.”

At my quick response, Villar bowed his head with a much more relaxed expression. If anything, I should be the one thanking him. As much as this added to my workload, the Empire stood to gain a lot from this.

If there was just one problem—

“Seeing the pinnacle of swordsmanship will inspire the next generation of Armein’s leaders to strive even harder.”

“Haha, looks like I’ll have to put in some effort.”

When a country like Armein shows such sincerity, the Empire must reciprocate with a proper display of hospitality.

In simpler terms, I would have to tear the sky open again.

What should I do about this?

Not doing it wasn’t even an option. Armein’s submission hinged on witnessing a demonstration of World Destruction. If their students came all this way and saw nothing, they’d likely suspect the Empire of spreading baseless rumors.

Honestly, I’d be suspicious too. Wouldn’t you flaunt it if your nation had a swordsman capable of cleaving the sky? Keeping it under wraps would seem odd to anyone.

So, I needed to unleash World Destruction again once Robens Academy’s students came. That was the ideal situation that the Crown Prince, the Imperial Academy, Armein, and everyone, wanted.

…How do I convince them?

The only issue was that the mountain I’d have to climb to make this happen felt impossibly high.

***

I cautiously broached the subject as the Mage Duchess returned after finishing her class. After all, it was easier to win over one person first than trying to persuade all four at once. Plus, if the Mage Duchess switches from opposition to support, convincing the other three becomes easier.

“Absolutely not!”

Of course, her answer was firm.

“Baby, have you forgotten what Marghetta said? Your body isn’t just yours anymore.”

A firm declaration, followed by a heartfelt plea. The perfect balance of strength and tenderness left me feeling like a guilty criminal for even bringing it up. No, I was a criminal.

“Sure, healing is possible, but just because a wound disappears doesn’t mean the pain never happened. How do you think it feels for us to watch you get hurt?”

The Mage Duchess, who had somehow taken my hands in hers, continued with trembling eyes.

“Or are you saying you don’t care if we get hurt as long as it can be healed?”

“Of course not.”

It was such a horrifying question that I immediately shook my head. As the Mage Duchess said, healing a wound didn’t erase the pain itself. There was a reason why the concept of shock existed, after all.

That was why it was even more problematic. Her logic was flawless, leaving me with no grounds for rebuttal. Whether I appealed to reason or emotions, there was no way to win against the Mage Duchess.

“But still, they’re coming all the way from Armein to the Empire. Shouldn’t we show some consideration for their effort—“

“Did you invite them?”

“Well, no, but…”

What kind of fool would invite foreigners into their home territory? I already had enough people in the Empire that I didn’t want to deal with.

“…It seems you’ve taken on a heavy burden.”

After pondering for a moment, the Mage Duchess muttered in an ominous voice.

I got goosebumps as soon as I heard those words. Someone as experienced as the Mage Duchess must know what the imperial family expected of me. Talking about heavy burdens in this situation suggested she was ready to storm the imperial palace and turn it upside down.

To be honest, I’d like to see it. It would be quite a spectacle to see the Crown Prince grabbed by the collar and shaken like harvest grain by the Mage Duchess.

However, if it was a matter important enough for Armein to bow its head, then it must have reached the Emperor’s ears. By then, it was no longer a problem that could be solved by just manhandling the Crown Prince. Wouldn’t it become a dark chapter in the Empire’s history if the Emperor and Mage Duchess clashed over such an issue?

More importantly, I was already paid in advance. I avoided a penalty in exchange for my cooperation. If I were to suddenly back out now with an ‘I don’t think I can do it,’ I’d undoubtedly face new charges—including insubordination.

Ah.

A pretty good idea came to mind while I desperately racked my brains.

“It’s fine as long as I don’t get hurt, right?”

“Huh?”

The Mage Duchess, who had been looking at me like she was about to fly to the capital with one more word, tilted her head at the sudden question.

“There are holy spells for physical enhancement, aren’t there? If we ask Tannian, I’m sure he can help.”

Holy spells specialized in survival techniques like recovery and enhancement. In practice, priests routinely enhanced soldiers before battle and focused on healing afterward. With enhancement from Tannian, the future saint, even a starving beggar could gain the physique of a champion wrestler.

“…As long as your body stays unharmed…”

The Mage Duchess’s voice softened as she seemed to consider this.

Right. There was no reason to stop a future husband from showing off his power as long as it didn’t hurt him. It was something to be proud of, even.

***

“Enhancement? Of course, it’s possible.”

And during club time, I finally obtained Tannian’s confirmation.

“Enhancement spells are the foundation of divinity and are learned before healing. I’m more confident in enhancement, actually.”

“That’s great.”

From today on, I should officially invest in Tannian /genesisforsaken