[{"data":1,"prerenderedAt":-1},["ShallowReactive",2],{"origin-how-to-survive-as-the-second-son-of-a-mage-famil":3,"chapter-how-to-survive-as-the-second-son-of-a-mage-famil-how-to-survive-as-the-second-son-of-a-mage-famil-chapter-114":6},{"origin":4,"title":5},"english","How to Survive as the Second Son of a Mage Family",{"chapter":7,"nextChapterSlug":19,"prevChapterSlug":20,"totalChapters":21,"novelImage":22},{"id":8,"novel_id":9,"title":10,"slug":11,"index":12,"content":13,"wordcount":14,"created_at":15,"updated_at":15,"volume":16,"translator":17,"content_hash":18},1474020,1923,"Chapter 114","how-to-survive-as-the-second-son-of-a-mage-famil-chapter-114",114,"\u003Cp>On the last day of the year, the Imperial Palace remained as silent as ever.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>The Chancellor, sipping tea with the Emperor, cautiously spoke.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“Your Majesty, I heard that you have tasked Sir Nicolaus with investigating the Catacombs.”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“That’s correct.”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>The Chancellor glanced at the Emperor with unease.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>The Emperor, however, merely gazed out the window, his face devoid of emotion.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Realizing the Emperor was waiting for him to continue, the Chancellor spoke again.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“We still have no clue where the Catacombs are, despite their long-standing presence in the Empire.”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“…So, did Your Majesty assign Nicolaus this mission to uncover an entry point?”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>The Emperor wasn't someone who would favor Nicolaus, but with his ties to Duke Elias, there was always the chance he might recruit him as an ally.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“It wasn't a command, but a request for cooperation.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“If anyone could glean information about the Catacombs, it would be Sir Nicolaus.”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“Your Majesty, I mean no disrespect, but…”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Seeing the Emperor nod, the Chancellor continued.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“There is a real possibility that Sir Nicolaus and Prince Elias will use this mission as an opportunity to align themselves with the Catacombs.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“They still lack firm political footing, and their ideology differs drastically from the noble majority.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“So, it wouldn’t be difficult for them to find common ground with the Catacombs.”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“That is true. There are certain risks.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“For instance, Nicolaus may refuse to report anything about the Catacombs to us.”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>The Chancellor nodded in agreement, his face grim.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Yet the Emperor's expression remained completely unreadable.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“Sir Nicolaus will likely play this carefully—he has built his support by presenting himself as a noble who sides with the common people.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“Regardless of his personal beliefs, he won’t be able to recklessly act against the Catacombs.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“If that happens, we won’t be able to prove their ties to Pleroma.”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“Then, Your Majesty, what do you plan to do?\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“Nicolaus may very well use this mission to expand his influence.”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“There is no need to be impatient.”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>The Emperor smiled calmly, still looking out the window.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“The Catacombs are certainly within my interest.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“But so is Sir Nicolaus.”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“……”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“If Sir Nicolaus refuses to investigate the Catacombs, we will wait for the next opportunity.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“We have plenty of time.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“But if he does return with valuable information, then we simply thank him for his service.”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“…That makes sense, Your Majesty.”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>If the Catacombs could be framed as Pleroma sympathizers, eliminating them would satisfy both nobles and commoners.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Not to mention, they could seize the commoners' magic and all their research.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>But the Chancellor suspected this was unlikely—which is why he had raised the question.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“All the while, we can revisit our legal stance.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“Nicolaus Ernst must be executed for treason.”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“……”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>It was a chilling statement—yet the Chancellor suddenly felt his tension ease.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“If he brings back any information, he must also report every commoner mage he encountered.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“Commoner mages are illegal by nature.”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“…And if we're lucky, we may also find a way to infiltrate the Catacombs.”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“Precisely.”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>‘Hah. This is… perfect.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>If Nicolaus submits a report, he will only be digging his own grave.’\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>From the beginning, the Emperor had intended to brand Nicolaus a traitor.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Even if Nicolaus cunningly erased certain details to protect himself,\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>The source of that information would still exist.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>And Nicolaus, with his image as the \"commoners’ noble,\" would never betray Catacomb mages.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>There was nothing to worry about.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>The Chancellor now fully understood the Emperor’s plan.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>No matter what Nicolaus chose, they would benefit.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>With the future so clear, the Chancellor finally felt at ease.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Survival Probability.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>The last time I checked, it was 25.3%.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Dawn 777\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>— Final Outcome: Chapter X. Death — Time Remaining: 651 days, 19 hours, 00 minutes, 15 seconds — Change Probability: 30.3% (+5%p)\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>A 5% jump in one go.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>It felt like just yesterday that the percentage was crawling in the low tens…\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Now, I had entered the 30s.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Ever since I removed my negative stat penalties, I had lost interest in small fluctuations.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>After all—no matter what this number said, I had no intention of dying.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>But this time, something felt different.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>It wasn’t just the increase.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>For the first time, I could feel—in actual numbers—that the Catacombs had shifted.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>That was proof their minds had changed.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Still, there was one thing left unsettled.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>I hadn’t yet met with Marianne Baum.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>‘I wanted to apologize in person.’\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>I considered visiting him in Extremis,\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>But showing up uninvited felt… disrespectful.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Regardless of how he had helped us, the fact remained—we had deceived him.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Just then, the Imperial attendant beside me spoke.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“Please, go inside.”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>I looked up.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>‘…I’ll think about it later.’\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Right now, I was here to report to the Emperor.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>And after today—\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>The Emperor would be forced to withdraw his hand from the Catacombs.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>To make that happen, I had to focus on this moment.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Stepping forward, I entered the chamber.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“It is an honor to see you again, Your Majesty.”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>***\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Nicolaus greeted the Emperor, who greeted him in turn with a gentle smile.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“It is a pleasure to see you on the first day of the new year.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“I was quite shocked when I heard of the incident.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“Are you well now?”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“Yes. The injuries were not serious.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“Thank you for your concern.”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Nicolaus answered lightly, as if it were nothing.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>The Emperor chuckled.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“I must thank you instead.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“How could I possibly repay you for fulfilling this difficult request?”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“How could I ignore Your Majesty’s words?”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“Haha, I had hoped you wouldn’t feel pressured, but I suppose you did.”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“Not at all, Your Majesty.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“Viewing the situation through Your Majesty’s perspective allowed me to discover a new approach.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“It was a valuable experience.”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>‘Valuable?’\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>The Emperor sipped his tea with an amused smile.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>This man…\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>He had no idea what was coming.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>If Nicolaus were smart, he would have simply reported that there was no way to enter the Catacombs.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Instead, he had personally come to deliver information.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>‘And I even gave him an excuse to dodge this.’\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>The Empire had captured five commoner mages, but gained nothing from them.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Yet he didn’t use that as an out.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>‘Is he loyal or just foolish…?’\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>The Emperor sighed, feeling a twinge of pity for his beloved nephew.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“Well, Sir Nicolaus, was your journey to the Catacombs difficult?”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“…To the Catacombs, Your Majesty?”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Nicolaus’ voice held a genuine question.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>The Emperor paused.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Even through his mask, Nicolaus’ confusion was evident.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>‘…Oh?’\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Did he not go in himself?\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Perhaps he had merely met a Catacomb mage.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>The Emperor studied him.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Nicolaus subtly gestured before pushing a document across the table.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“Please, take a look, Your Majesty.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“These are the records I uncovered.”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“…Let’s see.”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>The Emperor’s eyes scanned the title.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>[Prussian & Saxon Governments – December Pleroma Security Measures]\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>His expression darkened.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“…This is….”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“There are Pleroma operatives in both governments.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“Their names are not listed, but…\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“I believed this was something Your Majesty had to know.”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“……”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Pleroma infiltrated the Prussian government?\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Here’s the English translation of Chapter 115 of How to Survive as the Second Son of a Mage Family:\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>***\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Previously, Werner Strauch had not belonged to the Prussian government, but rather to a foreign state.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>And yet, despite these thoughts, the Emperor’s mind was rapidly analyzing Nicolaus.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Did he reveal this information purely out of concern?\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>‘There are very few mages in the Empire who can use mental magic.’\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Since mages capable of freely wielding divine power were scarce, Nicolaus would inevitably become responsible for screening Prussian officials for ideological purity.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>‘On the surface, my goal is to cooperate with Sir Nicolaus… and in that regard, I’ve already achieved it.’\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>But the biggest issue remained.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>The Emperor himself was left with little room to intervene.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>It wasn’t just any nation—this was Prussia.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>If the Emperor were the one to reveal this problem, he would not be able to leverage it for his own gain.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>‘I’d likely be criticized for not knowing about this sooner.’\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Moreover, the situation now looked like a Bavarian mage had uncovered hidden information about the Prussian government—and was now being asked to clean up the mess.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>The Emperor felt a slight headache as he carefully read through the documents.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Sure, Pleroma was a problem—but he needed to mitigate the damage.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>‘At least Saxony is in a similar position.’\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Since Saxony was also implicated, it could serve as leverage to pressure Prussia.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>But…\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>A kingdom like Saxony could never be fully considered Prussia’s ally.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Due to historical tensions, the Saxons were more likely to praise a Bavarian mage like Nicolaus for uncovering this issue—not the Emperor.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>So, in the end…\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>‘Nicolaus will gain even more political influence.’\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>No, that’s a certainty.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Fifty years of political experience told him so.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>The Emperor studied Nicolaus’s cold blue eyes, deep in thought.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“Even when we dealt with Strauch, I thought as much—Pleroma is everywhere.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“We should take action, Your Majesty.”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“…Indeed. Had you not uncovered this, it could have led to a major crisis.”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>This wasn’t a matter that could simply be ignored.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>At this rate, every official who came to see him would have to be closely scrutinized.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>He needed to identify and eliminate the infiltrators quickly.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>‘What a headache this has become.’\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Even so, there was still a way to seize control of the situation—he just needed to find it.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>The Emperor slowly opened his eyes, lost in thought.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>‘I’ll frame this as a nationwide security measure.’\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>If Pleroma specifically named these two nations, then it was likely that they weren’t the only ones.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Instead of acting on the information provided, he could conduct a national inspection first and then “discover” Pleroma’s influence.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>This way, Nicolaus wouldn’t be seen as the hero—it would be framed as the Emperor’s own vigilance.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Of course, he’d have to ensure that Nicolaus didn’t disclose the information too soon—but that could be handled internally.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>With that plan in mind, the Emperor finally felt a sense of relief.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>But Nicolaus’s voice cut through his thoughts.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“Your Majesty, do you plan to conduct inspections in Prussia and Saxony?”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“There are still some considerations, but yes—those two will certainly require investigation.”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>The Emperor answered calmly, maintaining his smile.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Nicolaus nodded and continued.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“I see. While I do not presume to know Your Majesty’s will, I believe it would be wise to extend these inspections to other governments as well.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“If you permit, I would like to assist in conducting a nationwide investigation.”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“……”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>There’s an old saying—a servant should never outshine his master.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Some people, without realizing it, end up stealing all the credit for themselves.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>‘I heard he wasn’t that old, but he clearly lacks political instinct.’\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Fortunately, this was a private conversation—so there was no harm done.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>The Emperor maintained his smile and nodded.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“Of course.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“It’s unlikely that Pleroma is only in Saxony and Prussia.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“I’m glad to hear that you wish to help.”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“I cannot stand idly by after learning Pleroma’s influence.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“Now then…”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Nicolaus pushed another document forward.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>The Emperor, skimming it with a calm expression, suddenly felt his smile vanish.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>[Proposal to King of Bavaria – Nationwide Inspections for Pleroma Influence]\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>At the bottom, the King of Bavaria’s signature was already there.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“If Your Majesty signs, we can begin immediately.”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“……”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“As you know, I am under the Bavarian military, so I required His Majesty’s approval.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“I apologize for not seeking Your Majesty’s guidance first, but I wished to act swiftly.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“Of course, if Your Majesty does not wish for a nationwide inspection, I will destroy this document immediately.”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>The Emperor nearly laughed.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Not out of mockery, but out of pure disbelief.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>This was calculated.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>It had to be.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>The request to authorize magic use across the Empire was a mere formality.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>‘That’s not what he’s really after.’\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Nicolaus wanted to leave behind evidence.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Right now, it might seem insignificant,\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>But in the future, this document would serve as proof that the Emperor's actions were actually a joint effort—not his sole accomplishment.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>‘Not that it matters—without control over the press, this is useless.’\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Still, this wasn’t a problem.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Nicolaus may have secured his own credit, but that didn’t diminish the Emperor’s gain.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>They would simply share the benefits—“in good faith.”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“Of course, it must be done.”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>The Emperor, smiling, signed both copies of the document.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>One was handed off to a waiting attendant.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>‘Nothing is going as planned today…’\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>With that distraction dealt with, it was time to return to the real issue.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“Now then, Sir Nicolaus.”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“Yes, Your Majesty?”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>The Emperor, hands folded, spoke gently.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“You reached out, saying you had important information regarding the Catacombs.”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“That’s correct.”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“I see. Then let’s discuss what you have learned.”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“Understood. I should have begun with this.”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Nicolaus placed another document in front of him.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>The Emperor’s lips curled into a smooth smile.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>It didn’t matter what was in it.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>All he needed was proof that Nicolaus had interacted with the Catacombs.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>That alone was more valuable than knowing the entrance, or even Pleroma’s infiltration.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Feigning seriousness, the Emperor slowly began to read.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>[Pleroma Strategic Proposal – Utilization of Catacombs]\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Stabilization via Catacomb Spatial Magic\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Absorption of 200,000 Catacomb citizens → Expected Pleroma population in 5 years: 400,000\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>All 200,000 are mages → Projected annual mana revenue: 3x current levels\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>At current growth rates, the Empire will be fully converted into Pleroma territory within 5 years.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“……”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>The Emperor’s face hardened.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Because this meant three things.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>First—Pleroma was preparing for war.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>But that wasn’t the immediate problem.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>The real issue was…\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“Your Majesty, as you can see—Pleroma intends to use the Catacombs as a tool.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“If not for Your Majesty’s wisdom, who knows what could have happened….”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>The Emperor raised a hand.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Nicolaus paused, feigning curiosity.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>The Emperor, pressing his aching temples, finally spoke.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“…This is a Pleroma official document.”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“Yes, Your Majesty.”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>There was a hint of amusement in Nicolaus’s voice.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“Weren’t you supposed to be investigating the Catacombs?”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“Of course.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“But as Your Majesty wisely pointed out—if the Catacombs and Pleroma were connected, it would be a grave threat.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“So instead of chasing ghosts, I went straight to the source.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“I infiltrated Pleroma, Your Majesty.”\u003C\u002Fp>",2371,"2026-06-06T03:11:08.303Z",1,"novelbin.me","f72920e8c915b5939268e000ae8e636813bdd618625655ed21c6ac83413bf4e9","how-to-survive-as-the-second-son-of-a-mage-famil-chapter-115","how-to-survive-as-the-second-son-of-a-mage-famil-chapter-113",367,"https:\u002F\u002Fnovelzhen.com\u002Fimages\u002Fcovers\u002Fhow-to-survive-as-the-second-son-of-a-mage-famil-cover.jpg"]