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Chapter 120
Fin remembered the conversation he had with the previous Archmage of the Tower.
“Fin. If I die on this mission, from that moment on, you will be the Archmage.”
“Huh?”
Fin stared in disbelief at the former Archmage—or rather, his master.
“Why are you so certain about that? You should live a long life.”
“Funny. Has any Archmage in history lived long?”
“…There probably were.”
Perhaps in the Empire’s peaceful times, or in eras when magical beasts appeared less frequently, there had been some.
“Well, even if there were, it would be difficult in times like these. I feel sorry for passing such a harsh position to you. You can freely curse me as a terrible master.”
“I don’t really feel like doing that.”
The previous Archmage had taken Fin in and raised him. He was Fin’s teacher in magic, and almost like a father. Yet it seemed the former Archmage had always felt guilty toward him.
“Aren’t you tired of hiding all the time? Traveling through dangerous other dimensions… Looking back, I’ve wronged you in many ways.”
“I did it because I wanted to, though.”
By tradition, the successor of the Archmage must hide their power and live a double life. Fin, too, never wanted to show off his skills. He was tired of being constantly watched and restrained.
And as for dimension travel… he had deliberately gone after meeting someone there.
Fin winced a little, remembering what he had hidden from his master. His master asked:
“By the way, I’ve always wondered—why did you choose the name ‘Fin Ende’?”
He muttered with a puzzled expression.
“Fin is fine, but ‘Ende’… I didn’t expect you’d name yourself after that forest.”
The place reached through dimensional travel—the hut—was in the Enderi Forest. To take the name from there… Fin avoided his master’s gaze and answered.
“…I guess I got attached.”
He coughed lightly and added a more plausible reason.
“I’m the only one who can handle the relics. It feels like a special place only I know.”
It was actually a lie. He had met someone there before—the first person who commissioned him to retrieve a “book.”
“What? You can get me the book? Really?”
He could never forget the sparkling eyes looking up at him.
“You said only official wizards could borrow it!”
“…Because I’m a wizard. I can borrow it.”
“Wow. Being a wizard is so cool. I want to be one someday too.”
That kid, who often grumbled but was always cheerful and relaxed.
“…Hmm, I see.”
Fortunately, his master didn’t notice. He lowered his voice as if to speak about something more important.
“Anyway, Fin, if I die… you must not reveal it to anyone for a while.”
“…Why?”
The death of an Archmage and the succession of a new one is an extremely important matter. Yet he said not to tell anyone. His master spoke seriously, yet his voice had a light, playful tone, almost as if joking.
“That way, you’ll have a little less burden. I’ll hand over the authority of Archmage, but for a while, just observe how the world turns. Whenever something happens, blame it on me, saying, ‘The Archmage ordered it.’ Then live comfortably like a librarian.”
“…”
“Then…”
His master continued quietly, gazing at Fin with concern.
“…If you truly can’t handle being Archmage, you may quit and go live far away.”
A bittersweet, kind smile appeared on his lips.
“No matter how strong you are, I don’t want you living in this era with this responsibility. I walk this path because I have many things to protect. But you… you can protect yourself.”
Beyond the Archmage’s office window lay the beautiful Empire. The previous Archmage had much to protect: the Empire, the Tower, his comrades, and even the student before him.
“Of course, the best outcome would be if I didn’t die at all.”
His master, serious moments ago, now burst into hearty laughter.
“If I live, stop everything, and become Archmage for a very long time, we wouldn’t even need this talk. You’d live comfortably without becoming Archmage. Right?”
“Yes, please live long.”
“Ha, are you giving a blessing, or saying you want to make me work longer?”
“Think whatever you like… I just hope you remain safe.”
The weight of his voice caused his master to stop laughing and fall silent.
“…Alright. Understood. I’ll try.”
This was a person who never uttered empty reassurances like, “Don’t worry,” “I’ll live long,” or “I’ll return safely.” Perhaps he was so exceptional and intelligent that he had predicted his own death with eerie precision.
His master did not return from the next mission.
Fin Ende, left behind, became the Archmage.
Yet, honoring his master’s wishes, he lived quietly without intervening.
“You may quit and live far away.”
“You can protect yourself.”
Looking back, it seemed his master secretly hoped Fin would run away—free from the responsibilities of Archmage, safe above all else.
But he had also said:
“I walk this path because I have many things to protect.”
Now, Fin understood the feeling behind those words.
Fin turned his head. The first thing he saw was Elegia, staring at him in shock.
“No… really… you’re actually the Archmage?”
Elegia’s voice was incredulous. Fin couldn’t help but laugh.
“Oh, I’ve been caught again.”
“No, really!”
Elegia stared at him, stunned, then tapped his shoulder lightly as if blaming him.
“You’re supposed to be a librarian! A librarian!”
“An Archmage can also serve as a librarian. There’s no employment restriction.”
Librarianship was usually done in rotation by volunteer wizards; his master had often taken the role when he was young.
But explaining this now would only anger Elegia further, so Fin stayed silent. At that moment, a sharp voice intervened.
“…I think an explanation is required regarding the current situation.”
It was the Chancellor. He alternated his gaze between Fin and Elegia, persistently scrutinizing them. Despite looking irritated, the corners of his mouth were lifted.
“I knew Lord Ende was a candidate for the next Archmage, but when exactly did he succeed his master? Why wasn’t I informed?”
Fin checked the expressions of those around him again. Except for the Emperor, everyone else seemed surprised.
The Emperor, however, remained calm. He already knew about Fin.
It was the Emperor who sent the previous Archmage on the mission, who first informed Fin of his master’s death, and who first learned that Fin would be the next Archmage—and even the first to congratulate him.
Thus, the Emperor supported Fin.
“Enough. I’ve always said not to reveal it, and this was the previous Archmage’s wish.”
Of course, the Chancellor, Crown Prince, and Duke all knew Fin was the successor, so their surprise was limited.
Yet, the Chancellor’s direct questioning was likely for certainty. Fin took a deep breath and declared:
“Yes. I am the current Archmage. The previous Archmage requested confidentiality regarding the succession… I apologize for not revealing it sooner.”
His confident voice resonated clearly to everyone present.
One wondered what his master would have said seeing this.
“Fin! I told you to run away!” Or would he have laughed, knowing he would disobey?
The Emperor looked at Fin with interest, then laughed lightly.
“Indeed, Lord Ende. It’s now clear to everyone that you are the Archmage. If this is your decision, it must be respected.”
“…Thank you.”
The atmosphere was heavy. The tension between the Tower and the Imperial Court was palpable. Elegia, sensing this, spoke quickly.
“…Your Majesty.”
The Emperor turned to her immediately.
“Yes, do you have something to say?”
He looked gentle and radiant, as if all his previous intimidating demeanor had vanished. He clearly wanted to hear her opinion. If Elegia volunteered, saying, “I want to be Commander of the Knights,” even the Archmage wouldn’t refuse.
Elegia chose her words carefully.
“I am truly honored to be offered the Imperial Commander of the Knights.”
“Not at all. Compared to what you’ve done, it’s nothing.”
“No, it is far too much for me… Your Majesty may have heard, but my reputation isn’t good. There will likely be complaints and resistance.”
Elegia’s reputation—an astonishing -999!
The Emperor seemed aware of this. Seeing her express humility and smile wryly, the surrounding knights’ expressions softened.
Despite her great abilities, she worried due to her reputation. How much she must have endured… Now, seeing her, they realized she wasn’t the villain the rumors claimed—she was a hero who saved everyone.
The Emperor also seemed to understand and fell silent. Then, perhaps with a new idea, he spoke leisurely.
“Alright, we shouldn’t burden her too much. But we cannot ignore a hero who has achieved so much. She deserves recognition.”
The Archmage remained firm, so the Emperor abandoned encouraging Elegia to take the position, though he sighed as if still reluctant.
“Then how about this: let the lady speak her wish directly?”
“…!”
The suggestion caused a stir. The Emperor was giving her a rare, once-in-a-lifetime opportunity.
‘What should I say?’
Elegia often answered “money” when asked her wish. Even if she asked now, the Emperor would likely grant it…
Lost in thought, she finally smiled and spoke:
“Thank you for your consideration, Your Majesty. What I desire is…”
