NOVEL NEXT WORLD Chapter 36
I have the nature of being an avid reader and, in my past life, I read widely across various labels without discrimination.
At one point, for the sake of playing female roles—text only, no voice acting—I immersed myself in exploring the psychology of women. For some reason, I became hooked on Harlequin romances.
The type of plot where the heroine catches the eye of a charismatic authority figure, and sometimes is assertively pursued while the relationship progresses, I enjoyed despite thinking to myself, “Does a man this perfect even exist?” as a man myself…but when I put myself in that position, I feel somewhat uncomfortable.
No, I’m lying—it’s downright horrifying.
“Professor, haven’t you been mulling over ‘that’ for too long?”
“But isn’t she cute!? Let’s not put her in this drab doublet but rather a snow-white poult de soie! And not loose trousers but something snug around the waist! And knee-high boots and gloves!!”
The softness of the necromancer’s ample bosom that had excited me just moments ago now felt rather lonely. Ah, for some reason, I feel an overpowering urge to go back home. I want to see Mina at the manor. How are my parents doing? Is my brother managing alright? Perhaps Mina’s belly has already started to swell. Is Margit doing well…?
“Let’s make this child look more luxurious and go for a deep black hue! Let’s increase the frills! The skirt with a pannier for a poofy look! And of course, we need a fan! It might not be suitable for a child, but that’s what makes it good!!”
As I indulged in escapism, my sister grabbed my hand tightly, compelling me to return to reality. Why am I here, exactly? This person’s rapid speech is quite terrifying.
“Big brother, this person is scary…”
“Try to bear with it, Eliza.”
I took Eliza’s hand in both of mine and quietly encouraged her, whispering close to her ear. I too am feeling uneasy on various levels.
“Nevertheless, we have reached an agreement with Erich’s parents to employ him as a servant. The necessary documents are already fully prepared.”
As a stack of papers was presented, the torrent of words that had been flowing rapidly came to a halt.
“Even if you say ‘go ahead’ so casually…”
“Uuuh…”
Lord Raizenitz groaned lowly, his grip tightening around Eliza and me. Hey, it’s really terrifying, so could you let go soon? I’m not even at that age yet!
By now, I wonder if the Master has already found a way to resolve this situation. If he’s provoking things to this extent, he’s probably trying to extract some kind of concession, right? Could he please hurry up and settle it then?
Honestly, I want to leave this place as soon as possible. This whole experience, of being entangled with a necromancer who’s a life enthusiast, is turning my resume into a disaster, exceeding even the complications of my sister’s origins.
“Of course, that depends on Erich.”
But contrary to expectations, the Master dropped a terrible bomb. Hey, idiot, stop sending that over here.
Before he could even finish speaking, Lord Raizenitz firmly grabbed my shoulder with a smile. How did it come to this?
“Mr. Erich, how about becoming my guest auditor, right now…”
“I respectfully decline.”
My smooth rejection was unprecedented in my life. An instinct told me that once I let her speak, I should never allow her to continue.
“This body is dedicated to serving Mr. Stahl as a servant, and personally, this position feels overwhelming to me…”
At least for now, I have a clumsy but reasonable defensive theory based on my status as a servant. While I had hoped to gain some insight into advanced magical texts or acquire skills in this role, please, give me a choice in my employers.
Alright, I was about to push through with this when I noticed the Master smirking unpleasantly out of the corner of my eye.
Ah, this is bad.
“Yes, but Erich has a magical aptitude and is an excellent older brother who wants to cover his younger sister’s tuition fees on his own. Therefore, if we could come to a few agreements, I personally would like to give him some time to himself.”
Ahh, time to himself? Exactly what does that imply? Who exactly gets to freely enjoy what part of whose life? This certainly doesn’t sound like I’ll have a pleasant time at all.
“…Fine, let’s hear you out.”
You heretical fellow, using me as a bargaining chip—it’s unforgivable. You’ll pay for this someday.
As I solidified my grim resolve, Lord Raizenitz bore a sour expression, having failed to swallow the bitter pill as if still crushing the bug between his teeth. Meanwhile, this long-lived species, a person who could only be described as a condensed concoction of the world’s most corrupt individuals, gifted him the most refreshingly evil smile.
“Firstly, I would like to rest a little, considering I’ve spent 21 years in fieldwork.”
“Hmm, very well, take all the time you need to rest—six months should suffice.”
The first proposal was readily accepted. For us, a six-month vacation is an astonishing length, but for a noble, it’s quite ordinary. I’ve heard spending a year vacationing at a spa is not uncommon.
“Also, I would need time to compile 21 years’ worth of field research into papers. Two to three years would be a delight…”
“Lies, that report is probably finished already.”
“Two years, fine, I won’t question if it’s completed already. Here you go, two years… Expect remarkable results.”
I shall strive to meet those high expectations.”
With that second proposal, a total of two and a half years had been secured. Though it might feel like the blink of an eye for the long-lived species, maintaining a workshop or membership for two and a half years without obligations is extravagantly valuable. If anyone had that leisure, they could accomplish almost anything. Hiring away a servant seems so easy.
“And, perhaps… even when the report is completed, there will be various preparations to make before starting lectures again…”
“Hmm, understood, I’ll write as many recommendation letters as you need!”
This is madness. I’m not worth this much. Even Eliza doesn’t deserve this level of treatment…
“Ah, with all these accommodations, it would be remiss of me not to meet your expectations, and my preparations won’t take long…”
How far in advance did this person plan this? The thought that from the beginning, I was intended as leverage in this servant role makes me despair—please, enough already. I simply wanted to restore a proper environment and the right to survival for Eliza before embarking on my adventurer journey.
Not to become close with some freak…
Thus, I, who was sold to the life-affirming enthusiast under the veil of a shabby deal, ended up…
Somehow dragged to a high-end tailor’s shop in the noble district outside the northern reaches of the imperial capital.
“Oh my, what beautiful golden hair. White definitely complements it well.”
“Please wait a moment, the indigo velvet we imported from the west the other day would also look wonderful. What about the embroidery?”
“What kind of collar pleats would you like? Ah, but lately, the trend among the younger generation is to minimize decoration, making a sleek overall look, which can be quite a dilemma.”
“Here, how about… no, a scarf would look better. A striking red would complement your stern face admirably.”
I was brought into a shop that clearly caters to those with wealth or newly rich who don’t want to interact with the common folk, where I had my duster made by Lady Agrippina ripped off, leaving me in my undershirt while four seamstresses swarmed around me taking measurements.
Each time they presented fabrics that seemed too precious to touch—materials costing so much that a single roll could buy several acres of my father’s land—I felt uneasy about their proximity to my neck. I dare not imagine the debt I’d incur if I sneezed.
I desperately want to escape immediately, but I can’t simply disappear on the client asking for this, so there’s nothing left to do but endure.
“Big brother, I’m so tired…”
“Just a little more endurance. I’ll buy you some ice confection later.”
Above all, I can’t abandon my adorable sister who’s also involved. I have an obligation to stand firm and defend her.
“Hmm, it’s truly remarkable how the current emperor has restored the Eastern trade route. You cannot achieve such silk quality without such a system. A dark golden embroidery would be ideal, not that golden thread; something even darker, please.”
Lord Raizenitz, the source of all this hardship, is overjoyed at having secured the rights to dress us from Lady Agrippina. He purchases items as casually as one buys sweets from a convenience store, but every order, filled with such meticulous detail, makes me want to vomit at the thought of the additional bespoke costs.
However, there are benefits for me, which is why I’m enduring it.
Firstly, Lord Raizenitz respects my position as a servant working to support Eriza’s tuition by granting me special rights to use the Magic Academy’s job boards.
To explain—the job boards at the Magic Academy function akin to a quest board.
As a large organization, the Academy includes magicians from every background imaginable, from the wealthy grand family to nobles who became professors out of sheer whimsy, to those from lower classes who studied hard while subsisting on barley porridge.
The same disparity exists among auditors. While some enjoy the luxury of generous financial support from home, attending the academy from prime locations within the Imperial Capital, others are students of magic striving to become professional mages through hard work and financial sacrifices.
In light of these existing differences, the Academy has set up job boards where magicians can request assistance from other magicians.
The requests range widely. From looking for help carrying shopping loads—trustworthy people are scarce in this era—to asking for academic editing help, rare herb collecting, assistance in brewing potions, practical magical practice companions, or even expedition partners for extreme environments.
There are also dream-like requests where professors offer to pay students to attend social gatherings, providing both payment and food and tea in a pleasant setting.
The job board is not open to the public so that it doesn’t attract opportunists who might steal lucrative opportunities. Some professors even use job board completions as criteria for recruitment into their factions.
Now, I have the means to earn money during my free time. I’ve received advice to start within the Raizenitz faction before expanding my client base, and I intend to proceed steadily.
This alone is a valuable opportunity for future prospects, and even if being treated as a fashion doll is humiliating, I’ll endure it, especially in light of unintentionally experiencing the nuances of a woman’s mindset once again.
If only the individuals involved weren’t freaks and their supporters, it would normally be a situation to be genuinely pleased about. Somehow, my life always comes up just short like this.
By the way, here’s another great offer.
When they learned I was studying magic, Lord Raizenitz kindly offered me access to the intermediate level library. This comes with a special perk—he will accompany me.
Think about it: this is the leader of a faction in a world where people lacking merit should bite their tongues and die. And he’s a remarkable figure who has been the leader for two hundred years. Even if he is a life-affirming enthusiast—something that, unfortunately, isn’t considered a criminal offense in this world—the amount to gain from studying under him is invaluable.
It’s not enough to just be a powerful necromancer. He’s also a great educator, researcher, and politician.
The fact that his scandals have never caused him to lose his position in two hundred years serves as the best proof of his abilities.
So, even if I must endure this shame and the frequent inevitable doll treatment, I’ll do it.
If I can gain new knowledge through a demanding job, I’m all for it. Frankly, I used to do this sort of thing enthusiastically during my student days.
“Lord Raizenitz, how about the hat selection? It’s important to keep up with trends.”
“Ah, yes…oh! The one from the dinner party before! The wide-brimmed one with fluffed-up features, embellished with feathers for a delightful cute look!”
…Yeah, standing at the convenience store checkout would certainly be more relaxing. But I’ll keep at this. At the very least, I must ensure Eliza doesn’t get dressed up in anything too outrageous—I already have four tailors on me, and she has five!
—
[Tip] Researchers and professors at the Magic Academy receive substantial research funding from the state. Outstanding discoveries can lead to medals, bonuses, and even lifetime pensions.
On a four-day consecutive update, we have just exceeded ten thousand points, and the number of favorites has also surpassed 3,500.
The unexpected support fills me with joy every day, thinking about what to write next. I’ll start with adding annotations.
The next update is scheduled for around 7:00 PM on February 16, 2019.
[Tip] The nobility of the Threefold Empire are instructed to value “ascetic simplicity” by the successive emperors. This, however, has never been properly observed since the empire’s inception.