[{"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-96":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},1474002,1923,"Chapter 96","how-to-survive-as-the-second-son-of-a-mage-famil-chapter-96",96,"\u003Cp>A burly man approached with a nonchalant expression, then raised his eyebrows.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“Oh.”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“How about that? I told you so,” Jonas exclaimed enthusiastically to the man.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>The newcomer gave me a scrutinizing look before smirking and turning back to Jonas.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“This one’s the real deal.”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“That’s what I’m saying! At first, I thought he came from another troupe.”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“Easy mistake. There’s a… resemblance.”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>He circled me, inspecting from every angle.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“Red hair aside, there’s a bit of an Adrian Askanian vibe.”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Good thing I cast a light perception distortion spell on myself too.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Still, he’s sharp.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>I maintained a faint smile, keeping my expression neutral.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Jonas, however, seemed to disagree with the assessment, his eyes wide in surprise.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“Really? You think so?”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“Don’t you see it? It’s subtle, but it’s there.”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“I don’t know… I don’t see it.”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>The man shrugged nonchalantly. “Well, it’s a bit of a blurry resemblance. In any case, using that name in promotions would be risky, so it’s better not to.”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“It’d draw attention, though! We could have a star actor rise from our troupe!”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“Ha, let’s not get ahead of ourselves….”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>He whispered something to Jonas, then approached me with a cheerful expression, patting my shoulder.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“Dietrich Granach, was it? You said you wanted to become an actor here?”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“……”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Why am I the exception here? Everyone else seems to start with menial tasks.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>I couldn’t bring myself to respond, already exasperated by what this implied.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>He didn’t wait for my answer, nodding to himself as if I’d agreed.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“Alright. Let’s give it a shot.”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“Wow~”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“So, you managed to join the troupe, huh?”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>As I warped back to our lodgings with a conflicted expression, my friends turned to greet me, having been listening in via artifact.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“Did you become an actor already?”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“……”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“If you were going to go with that story, you should’ve let me test it first! You didn’t think it’d work, did you?” Narce teased.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“When was it thatyouwere asking, ‘can we really do this?’”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>I flopped down on the sofa, and Narce chuckled.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“Guess we didn’t notice with Pleroma, but first impressions really are everything.”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“Yeah, who knew things would progress this quickly?” Leo added, nodding seriously, his usual playfulness absent.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Honestly, I was surprised too.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Despite claiming they had plenty of apprentices, they still decided to fast-track me as an actor without even testing my skills.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>It was clear they’d judged me solely on appearances, which rapidly eroded any faith I had in the troupe’s professionalism.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“Last time, you nailed it after just forty minutes of practice. I remember when I watched yourFaust, something about it just clicked. You get what I mean?”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“No. The issue isn’t the acting—it’s that the outcome was unexpected.”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>I wasn’t unfamiliar with this field.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>While I had more experience with on-screen work than live theater, it didn’t matter since I wasn’t here to pursue acting seriously.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>I’d merely planned to start with menial work. This turn of events was just… disorienting.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Leo asked, his tone tinged with concern, “I’ve heard this guy has a deep love for his work. People who meet him casually speak highly of him, but those who’ve known him for a while all seem to sigh. Are you sure you’ll manage?”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Marianne Baum wasn’t just the troupe’s manager; he was also one of its directors.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Which meant that if my acting fell short, I’d never get into his good graces.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Judging by his reputation, being overlooked might actually be the best-case scenario.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>I kept my response simple.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“I’ll do my best. Thanks for the info.”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“Just focus on building a good relationship with Marianne Baum. You won’t need to stay long.”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Narce grinned, clearly enjoying the situation, and tried to reassure me.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>I returned his smile.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>All things considered, this was a good outcome.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Being cast as an actor was a far better opportunity than trying to approach him through menial tasks.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>If I caught his attention, I’d have more time to talk with him properly.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>***\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>The following evening, I avoided eye contact as I sat in the practice room, trying to ignore the numerous stares aimed at me.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>They weren’t friendly.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>It was obvious what they were thinking.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>If I’d spent time doing menial work and familiarizing myself with the troupe, it might’ve been different. But instead, I was directly placed into acting lessons after catching the director’s eye.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>‘Sorry, but it couldn’t be helped.’\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Whatever my plans, I couldn’t afford to take my new position lightly.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Especially not if I wanted to gain Marianne Baum’s favor.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>While I endured the hostility in silence, the door opened.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>A middle-aged man with a gentle demeanor entered the room, scanning the group as he walked in.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“Good evening, everyone.”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>A murmur of surprise rippled through the room. Someone hesitantly asked,\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“Uh… Teacher, what brings you here?”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“I heard we have a new student, so I came to see for myself.”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>He walked over to me without hesitation.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“You must be the newcomer. Your name?”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“Dietrich Granach.”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“Pleasure to meet you, Mr. Granach. I’m Marianne Baum.”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>We’ve met.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>I shook his hand briefly.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>He examined me closely as we shook hands, then remarked,\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“Chris was talking about you all day… and now I see why. I’m looking forward to seeing what you can do.”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>He must’ve meant the director I met yesterday.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Hearing someone say they had high expectations for me, even before I’d attended a single lesson, was slightly unsettling.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>‘He’s probably here to see if I’m worth all the fuss.’\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Not that there’d be much teaching involved.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>This industry rarely invested heavily in training, given the constant influx of talent.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Soon, the acting instructor arrived and greeted Marianne warmly.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“Teacher, you’re already here! This must be our new student, Mr. Granach?”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“Yes,” I replied.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“I’m Brigitte Huber. Looking forward to working with you.”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“Likewise.”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“Well then, let’s begin. Since we have a newcomer today, we’ll start lightly with some lines.”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>She handed out single-page scripts to the group, the pages typed out on an old typewriter.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>‘…It’s Faust again.’\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>The man who walked over with an indifferent demeanor raised his eyebrows upon seeing me.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“Oh.”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“How about that? I told you so,” Jonas exclaimed energetically.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>The man examined me intently before glancing back at Jonas with a smirk.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“This time, it’s the real deal.”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“That’s what I’m saying! At first, I thought he came from another troupe.”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“Easy to mistake. There’s a certain… resemblance.”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>He began to circle me, observing from different angles.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“Red hair aside, there’s a hint of Adrian Askanian about him.”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“……”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Good thing I used a subtle perception distortion spell on myself.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Still, his observation was spot-on. I maintained a faint smile, hiding any reaction.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Jonas, however, seemed confused and blinked in surprise.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“Really? You think so?”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“Don’t you see it? It’s faint, but it’s there.”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“I don’t think so.”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>The man shrugged. “Fair enough. Either way, it’s not worth using that name for promotion. Too risky.”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“But imagine the buzz! We could have a star actor rise from our troupe!”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“Let’s not get ahead of ourselves….”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>The man whispered something to Jonas, then approached me with a friendly smile and patted my shoulder.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“Dietrich Granach, was it? You said you wanted to act?”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“……”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Why does it feel like this is spiraling out of control?\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Though I didn’t respond, he nodded as if I’d agreed.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“Alright, let’s give it a try.”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Faust, being a national treasure of a play, was the perfect piece to hand to newcomers.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>The script, with its familiar lines, eased my nerves slightly. Quiet chuckles rippled through the room, likely in response to the heavy tension.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“You have ten minutes to analyze. Afterward, we’ll start one by one,” the acting instructor announced.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Unlike the condensed scripts I’d been given in school, this one contained the full dialogue without omissions.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>‘At least I know which part this is.’\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>I took a moment to scan the room, noting the nervous atmosphere as I set my script down.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>The two others with scripts were mouthing their lines fervently, while the rest of the group watched us closely.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Following the most intense gaze, I turned and met Marianne Baum’s eyes.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>To think I’d ever find myself attending acting lessons in a place like this….\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“Time’s up. Let’s begin.”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Well, for the chance to infiltrate the Catacombs, this is a bargain.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>I broke eye contact with Marianne and closed my script.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>***\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Marianne Baum sat beside the stage, resting his chin in his hand as he observed the apprentices.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>‘Certainly a promising presence.’\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>The new recruit stood out.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>He claimed to work for a baronial household, yet he carried himself with an air that suggested he could be the baron himself.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>‘Not that it matters—such traits are valuable.’\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>In an era where even commoners could accumulate wealth, nobility had become an aspirational image, a charm that money couldn’t buy.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>This man had it. He’d be marketable.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>‘The problem is his acting ability.’\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>No matter how much appearances mattered, poor acting could empty theaters.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>The decision to put him here, bypassing standard procedures, must have been made with the intent of fast-tracking him onto the stage.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>If his skill didn’t measure up, no amount of backstage maneuvering would convince Marianne to allow it.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“Time’s up,” the instructor said, tapping the desk.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“Bürfel, you’re first.”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>At the instructor’s cue, Bürfel stepped onto the stage, script in hand.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>When the instructor signaled to begin, his demeanor shifted instantly.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“Why does hope never leave that man? Forever digging for gold and settling for worms, yet finding joy!”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>His strong voice echoed through the room.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Marianne mulled it over.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Bürfel’s delivery was solid, his emotions decent. He might make a good youthful Faust.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>But that was as far as it went.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>The section,Night, comes from Act I ofFaust.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>It portrays Faust’s anguish over his inability to grasp the essence of life, despite mastering countless disciplines. At his lowest point, he contemplates ending his life by drinking poisoned wine.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Though Bürfel conveyed anguish, his performance lacked the resolve that leads to Faust’s decision.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“Dare I have strived to emulate you? I had the strength to draw you in but lacked the power to hold you fast.”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>‘Wasting effort in the wrong places.’\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Marianne sighed inwardly as Bürfel’s lines concluded.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>The instructor offered polite applause and a moderate evaluation.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Marianne kept his smile as the next apprentice performed, but his mind wandered. Apprentices were apprentices for a reason.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>What truly piqued his curiosity was the newcomer.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Lost in thought, Marianne only noticed the time had passed when the instructor clapped his hands.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“Now, we have only our newest member left.”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Granach rose from his seat and stepped onto the stage.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>The instructor looked curious.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“Where’s your script?”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“If it’s not required, I’d prefer to go without it.”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“Hmm?”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Marianne removed his hand from his chin and spoke.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“There are over forty lines, Mr. Granach.”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“I’m aware.”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“If you stop midway, that won’t suffice.”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“I understand. Unless it’s mandatory, I’d rather perform without the script—it’s distracting.”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Granach’s calm smile accompanied his explanation.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>‘Does he mean he memorized it?’\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Unlikely.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>This must mean he’d practiced this script many times before.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“Very well. Go ahead.”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Marianne gestured for him to begin, intrigued.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Granach nodded and turned his gaze toward a corner of the stage.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“Why does hope never leave that man?”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>His voice wasn’t forceful but clear and steady.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Marianne followed his line of sight.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Is he directing his performance toward an imagined student?\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>As soon as the thought occurred, Granach’s focus shifted back to the audience.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“Forever digging for gold and settling for worms, yet finding joy! How can such a pure voice echo here, where spirits entwine around me?”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>‘Hmm.’\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>He deviated from the script slightly, eliminating the pauses dictated by the lines.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Normally, excessively long sentences risk losing the audience’s attention, signaling a lack of stage familiarity.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>However, Granach’s emotions flowed naturally, unhindered by the potential discord of prolonged despair.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“Yet this once, I must be grateful. My gratitude extends to the most wretched soul on earth—for lifting me from despair that drowned all my senses!”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>His voice grew louder, cold and emotionless, yet accompanied by a faint smile.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Marianne narrowed his eyes.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>‘Is he interpreting Faust as slowly losing his mind?’\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>It wasn’t a bad choice for this pivotal moment when Faust resolves to end his life in pursuit of truth.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>‘He has an oddly high level of understanding.’\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Though it didn’t feel like he’d spent much time on stage.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Marianne glanced around.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>The instructor, who hadn’t seemed particularly expectant, was now grinning ear to ear.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“Dare I have strived to emulate you? I had the strength to draw you in but lacked the power to hold you fast.”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Unlike earlier performances, Granach’s voice carried a faint trace of self-deprecating laughter, though his expressions remained restrained.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>‘Not bad.’\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>His interpretation maintained a consistent intensity, avoiding any jarring shifts in tone.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>It aligned closely with Marianne’s vision of Faust.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>However…\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>‘I’m sensing magic here.’\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>There wasn’t supposed to be a single noble in this room, yet faint traces of mana hung in the air.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Expressionless, Marianne’s gaze locked onto Granach.\u003C\u002Fp>",2200,"2026-06-06T03:11:08.303Z",1,"novelbin.me","873d840883cf18f1848f4f1e0b823091fb1787fcbb04260308b78ee7f567f2ad","how-to-survive-as-the-second-son-of-a-mage-famil-chapter-97","how-to-survive-as-the-second-son-of-a-mage-famil-chapter-95",367,"https:\u002F\u002Fnovelzhen.com\u002Fimages\u002Fcovers\u002Fhow-to-survive-as-the-second-son-of-a-mage-famil-cover.jpg"]