[{"data":1,"prerenderedAt":-1},["ShallowReactive",2],{"origin-the-problematic-child-of-the-magic-tower":3,"chapter-the-problematic-child-of-the-magic-tower-the-problematic-child-of-the-magic-tower-chapter-191":6},{"origin":4,"title":5},"english","The Problematic Child of the Magic Tower",{"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},1334887,1778,"Chapter 191","the-problematic-child-of-the-magic-tower-chapter-191",191,"\u003Cp>[Translator - Night]\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>[Proofreader - Gun]\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Chapter 191: The Miracle Healer (5)\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>The history of humanity is long, and countless nations have risen and fallen over the ages.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Among them, the Calderan Empire boasts one of the longest legacies.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>While most countries fail to last even a hundred years, the Empire was now nearing its millennial mark.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>So, what was the secret to its longevity?\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>If anyone were to ask, Oscar could answer without a moment’s hesitation:\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>‘It’s the power of the Imperial Family.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>No matter how absolute a ruler's power may be, every emperor is ultimately judged by history.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>A wise and virtuous monarch, a ruthless tyrant, a mad king...\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Time doesn’t leave behind just names—it leaves behind judgments.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>And now, Emperor Ludwig de Calderan was already being hailed as a wise ruler.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>A reign led by reason over emotion, with a calm and measured hand—never excessive, never lacking.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Truly, he left little to be desired in the eyes of those who would call him a wise sovereign.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“I come before His Majesty the Emperor.”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Entering the Emperor’s office, Oscar immediately knelt on one knee and bowed his head.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“Rise.”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>As he straightened his posture, the familiar figure of the Emperor—his “uncle”—came into view.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Time had clearly brought him into the latter years of life.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Though he had trained in swordsmanship and magic, he had not reached great mastery—his body had clearly aged naturally.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>His wrinkles had deepened, and he had lost significant weight, making him appear far from robust.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>‘But…’\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>His eyes.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Those firm, resolute eyes that Oscar remembered had not changed one bit.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“This is the first time we’re meeting face-to-face, isn’t it?”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“Yes, previously we only spoke via communication orb.”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“Right... Hmm?”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>The Emperor’s expression shifted slightly, reacting to what seemed like a magical message from Andre.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“Level six, you say? But hasn’t it only been just over a month since the Night of Mages?”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“Yes, Your Majesty.”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>It’s already remarkable for a Level 1 mage to reach Level 3 in a month.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>But for a Level 4 to become a Level 6 in that same span?\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Even the Emperor couldn’t help but shake his head in disbelief.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“A true prodigy.”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“All thanks to Your Majesty’s blessing.”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Indeed, without the gift of the World Tree's Fruit, reaching Level 6 would have been a mere dream.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>The well-timed flattery brought a slight smile to the Emperor’s lips—no one dislikes being credited for a generous gift.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“But it was still your skill that created the opportunity and seized it when it came.”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“Thank you for your kind words.”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“Do not rest on your laurels. Become a star that shines for the White Tower, and even the Empire.”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“I will remember this, Your Majesty.”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>After that warm exchange, the Emperor shifted the conversation with a more serious tone.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“I heard there was quite a disturbance in the capital. What happened?”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“I apologize for causing trouble. But when one sees vermin on sacred land blessed by holy light, one cannot ignore them.”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Vermin.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>A harsh word to speak before the Emperor—implying just how abominable these enemies were.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>The Emperor’s brow furrowed ever so slightly.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“I’d like to hear more. What kind of vermin are we talking about?”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“They were servants of the Black Fingers.”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>The Emperor’s gaze darkened.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Having grown up under the stern discipline of the royal family, he had long since honed his calmness over decades.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>But even he could not remain indifferent at the mention of the Black Fingers—a name capable of disturbing even the most tranquil heart.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“Andre.”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“I hear you, Your Majesty.”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“Confirm his words. Do not overlook even the smallest piece of information.”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“As you command.”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Andre’s mana flickered as he closed his eyes.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>He was likely issuing commands via the Message spell.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Then, lifting his head, Andre looked directly at Oscar.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“Your Majesty, I have a question for Oscar.”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>With a nod of approval from the Emperor, Andre began:\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“Do you remember the conversation we had in the hallway?”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“Of course.”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>It had only been a few minutes, after all.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Even days later, he’d be able to recall it word for word.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“As you said, if the demonic ones truly intend to hide, it's nearly impossible to locate them. Yet you found their hideout right after the attack on the clinic. How?”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>A fair question.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>From Andre’s perspective, it could easily appear as if Oscar had known the location beforehand.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“To begin with, my mana detection abilities are exceptionally keen.”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Oscar turned to Andre and asked:\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“You just used a Message spell, correct?”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“Yes, but anyone nearby could sense that.”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“True. But here’s what I’m really saying…”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Oscar trailed off for a moment—and suddenly, his aura of detection swept across the area.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Its sheer range was enough to engulf the entire Imperial Palace.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>After completing some mental calculations, Oscar smiled.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“From where you’re standing now: 802 meters to the right, 132 meters behind, and 14 meters underground—you sent your message to someone in that location. At present, I detect 27 distinct magical signatures there: eight Level 5 mages, seventeen at Level 6, and two at Level 7.”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“...!”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Startled, Andre instantly surged with mana and contacted someone else.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Moments later, he looked back at Oscar in disbelief.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“H-How could you possibly know that?”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“As I said, my mana sensing is quite advanced.”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“That’s not something you can brush off with a simple statement like that! Do you even realize how many layers of interference magic are wrapped around this palace!?”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>As Andre's voice rose in shock, Oscar simply smiled without replying.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Eventually, the Emperor broke the silence.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“Remarkable. So you found their hideout this way as well?”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“Yes, Your Majesty. More precisely, I tracked faint traces of mana clinging to the terrorist and followed them to the source.”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>For now, the matter regarding the Wind Archive was thoroughly concealed.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Uncle Emperor would surely know about it if it were mentioned.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>‘He will undoubtedly suspect my true identity.’\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Having already revealed his identity to Sasha, he didn’t want to hide it from the emperor as well.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>But he still couldn’t be sure of the emperor’s true intentions.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>‘It’s already been 20 years since I died. The human heart is a mystery.’\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Revealing his identity was a double-edged sword.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>If it succeeded—like with Sasha—he could gain unwavering support in every aspect.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>But if even a little went wrong, he could cross a river he could never return from.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>In short, after 20 years, he needed to observe more carefully what kind of person the emperor had become.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Anyway, the situation wasn’t so urgent that he needed to reveal his identity right now.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\"Were there any other hideouts?\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\"No. As far as I could detect, that was the only one.\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\"Hmm.\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>The emperor didn’t seem pleased that demons had been breathing easily within the capital.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>But without a method to root them out, there was little choice.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Even he wouldn't have discovered the hideout without the Wind Archive and the terrorist.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>[Translator - Night]\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>[Proofreader - Gun]\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>At that moment, Andre’s expression suddenly darkened.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\"What is it?\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\"……After bringing a bishop from the Magic Department to inspect, they found traces of demonic energy on both individuals.\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>That confirmed it—they were demons.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>The emperor let out a soft groan and asked,\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\"The Holy Shield of El Terra is supposed to protect the entire capital. Has it been breached?\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\"It seems the Church is quite flustered as well and has decided to investigate that first.\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Then Oscar spoke carefully.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\"The Holy Shield likely hasn’t been compromised.\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\"What? Then how could demons act so freely in this land?\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\"Their demonic energy was a bit different from any I’ve faced before. Meaning…\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\"…you’re saying the demonic energy was modified to bypass the Holy Shield?\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\"That’s the most likely possibility.\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Andre bit his lip slightly.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Just as they worked hard to eliminate demons and demonic beings,\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>It was clear the enemy was equally committed to destroying the empire.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>That realization made the young man beside him feel different.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>‘If Oscar Crucian hadn’t visited the capital…’\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>They might never have discovered the presence of the demons,\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>and that, in any form, would’ve led to danger.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Andre expressed sincere gratitude.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\"It’s fortunate you happened to visit the capital. You’ve done a great deed.\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\"Not at all.\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>It wasn’t time to be surprised yet.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Oscar revealed in full the reason for his visit to the capital.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Upon hearing everything, the emperor’s brows twitched.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\"An informant within the imperial family… That’s the first I’ve heard of it. But why did you keep it a secret from me?\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\"Of course, neither I nor Sir Walker doubted Your Majesty. However, we judged there was a possibility the report might be intercepted.\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Thus, Operation Ghost was carried out by only two people, in complete secrecy—even from the emperor.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Thanks to that, the operation was a success.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Oscar drew forth his magic, and the air split open—spitting out a man.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\"Neil Brion, sir.\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\"…Wh-where am I?\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>As he looked around and spotted the emperor, his eyes trembled violently.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\"L-Ludwig…\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\"You scoundrel! How dare you utter His Majesty’s name so casually!\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Andre’s magical force instantly restrained him.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\"Guh!\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\"Your Majesty, please issue your orders.\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\"Extract every bit of information possible.\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\"As you command.\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Andre left the room with Neil Brion to carry out his mission.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>The emperor then looked at Oscar with a noticeably softer gaze.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\"I owe you a great debt for this matter.\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\"Not at all. I merely did what I should as a subject of the empire.\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\"Hmm. As the sovereign of a nation, I cannot let this debt go unacknowledged.\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>After a moment of contemplation, he spoke again.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\"Is there anything you wish for?\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\"…If it’s not an imposition, may I tell you after the White Night Festival?\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\"The White Night Festival?\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Emperor Ludwig glanced at the calendar on his desk.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>The fact that Oscar specifically mentioned the soon-approaching festival meant he likely planned to make some kind of announcement there.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>‘There were reports that the dwarf tribes had settled in Sirin—perhaps it's related to that.’\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>If so, it was likely to involve dwarven weaponry.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>The emperor, considering a few advantages that might arise from that, nodded in approval.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\"Then let me know what you want at that time.\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\"Thank you.\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\"Ah, and…\" cough\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Just as the emperor was about to say something more,\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>He began coughing lightly—but his expression quickly twisted.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\"Cough, cough!\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>With the worsening cough, dark blood spilled from his mouth.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\"Your Majesty?\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\"I-I'm fine.\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>He wiped his mouth with a handkerchief, trying to calm himself,\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>But to Oscar, he didn’t look fine at all.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Above all, the blackened blood meant something was seriously wrong.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>‘If it's Uncle Emperor, he must’ve already received treatment from the finest healers and even the archbishop.’\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>In other words, any normal illness would’ve been cured long ago.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Which meant one of two possibilities:\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>‘Either it hasn’t been discovered yet…’\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Or it has been discovered, but it’s untreatable.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Realizing this, Oscar spoke up.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\"If it’s not too forward… may I examine Your Majesty’s condition myself?\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>[Translator - Night]\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>[Proofreader - Gun]\u003C\u002Fp>",1853,"2026-06-05T20:00:10.789Z",1,"novelbin.me","181ad2111ea0f57274c62d833c2a98fd156c8459443f795ca7970d08356b192b","the-problematic-child-of-the-magic-tower-chapter-192","the-problematic-child-of-the-magic-tower-chapter-190",375,"https:\u002F\u002Fnovelzhen.com\u002Fimages\u002Fcovers\u002Fthe-problematic-child-of-the-magic-tower-cover.jpg"]