[{"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-234":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},1334680,1778,"Chapter 234","the-problematic-child-of-the-magic-tower-chapter-234",234,"\u003Cp>[Translator - Night]\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>[Proofreader - Gun]\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Chapter 234: White Night Festival (2)\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>The day the great evil known as the Great Demon Emperor was vanquished and peace was finally achieved in the world—\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>The imperial family of the Calderan Empire named this day the White Night Festival, designating it as the nation's most important holiday.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>That’s how significant it was—they treated it with even more care than the empire’s founding day.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“Let’s see… It’s already the final day.”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Fran opened a festival pamphlet while lounging in the annex prepared for mages.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“On the first day, there was the opening declaration followed by the parade, and a memorial ceremony at night... Then the second day was all about the knights’ duels…”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>The finals had ended in an overwhelming victory for the heir of the Heavenly Sword family.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>The result was expected, but the matches themselves were entertaining enough to receive rave reviews.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“But for us, today’s the real deal.”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>If the second day was a festival for knights, then the last day was dedicated to mages.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>It was practically the highlight of the White Night Festival, packed with major events.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“Each Tower will present new magic or technologies, there’s the annual performance evaluation, and even the Oscar Awards ceremony…”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>It was the day that determined which Tower had performed the best over the past year, and which mage had made the biggest impact.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Naturally, every Magic Tower was on edge.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“...What are you mumbling about by yourself?”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“Oh, Becky. Good morning.”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Veronica sat across from him, still groggy with sleep and glancing around.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Fran asked, seeing her expression:\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“Looking for someone?”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“...Was wondering if Oscar came by during the night.”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“I asked around too, but apparently, he hasn’t shown up yet.”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>The magic presentations would begin in just a few hours.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>If he hadn’t arrived yet, that likely meant he wouldn’t be coming at all.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Fran shrugged.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“Elder Schwein is a nervous wreck, by the way. He’s literally biting his nails waiting.”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“...Is that because of some project Oscar was working on?”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“Yeah. Just in case, the Elder even memorized the portion Oscar was supposed to present.”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“Guess he’s really looking forward to it.”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Veronica murmured while resting her chin in her palm.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“...So, did something good actually come out of it?”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“Not sure. I can't say for certain, but he definitely seemed hopeful.”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>On the first day, several mages had noted how giddy Elder Schwein had looked.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>It made everyone wonder—what kind of spell or invention had him that excited?\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“What do you think?”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“About what?”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“The year’s results. Think we have a shot at climbing the ranks?”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“Hm…”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>After a moment of serious thought, Veronica nodded.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“Probably. We revived the potion division this year, and the delivery business has made big strides. Not to mention we won the Night of the Mage.”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“Potions and delivery, huh…”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Fran muttered.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>From the perspective of a merchant family’s youngest son, both projects had shown excellent returns.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>‘But to be blunt, this probably still isn’t enough to meet the imperial expectations for a Great Tower.’\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>At best, they had managed to start running like a proper Tower again.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Would that really be enough to hold onto their seat among the Four Great Magic Towers?\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Fran had his doubts.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>‘Of course, we still have the magic presentations later today…’\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Information from the other Towers had already begun to leak internally.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“Did you hear? The Yellow Tower is unveiling something called a ‘train.’”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“A train? What’s that?”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“Some new kind of vehicle. Apparently it’s already been test-run near the capital, and some people have even seen it.”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“How new are we talking?”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“It’s shaped like a bunch of carriages lined up in a row, and if you lay down tracks properly, it can automatically travel across the entire continent. They say it’ll revolutionize logistics and distribution—my family’s even been stressed out about it.”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Fran let out a long sigh.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“The Yellow Tower isn’t even considering partnerships with external merchant guilds until the ones they back are fully up and running.”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“...Seriously? But your family’s merchant guild is the biggest on the continent.”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“They must think this train thing can flip that advantage.”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>It was a statement of overwhelming confidence—\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>The belief that they could create the continent’s top trading company themselves.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>That’s how much pride and expectation the Yellow Tower had for the train.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“But what scares me more than the Yellow Tower is the Black Tower.”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“The Black Tower? Why them?”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“Let’s be honest—other than us, the rest of the Great Towers aren’t in danger of losing their positions just because they have a few bad years. We're the only ones at risk. But the Black Tower has been too confident these last two days.”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“Their vibe, huh…”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Veronica seemed to understand as she recalled the Black Tower mages she’d seen in the capital.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“They were definitely acting smug. Real high-and-mighty.”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“We all thought they’d fall apart after necromancy was banned, but they’ve just been getting scarier every year.”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>After losing the ability to use corpses, they’d shifted focus to a school of magic that specialized in mechanical golems.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>It had been over ten years since that internal shift, and now—\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>The Black Tower was experimenting with fusing golem technology with various other fields.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“Last year’s presentation was something else… I wonder what they’ll unveil this time…”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>As Fran licked his lips with anticipation,\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>a group entered the lounge from the entrance.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>The person at the head of the group said something to their companions before approaching the two of them.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“It’s been a while, you two.”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“Oh, you’re from the Black Tower…”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“Kiri Gloria.”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>After offering a curt greeting to Fran, Kiri turned her eyes to Veronica.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>As her gaze swept her body up and down, a glint of intrigue sparked in her eyes.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“Not bad.”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>[Translator - Night]\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>[Proofreader - Gun]\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“What the hell are you talking about, showing up out of nowhere?”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“You were still Level 4 during the Night of the Mage, weren’t you? Had some sort of breakthrough?”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“...Breakthrough, my ass.”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Veronica averted her gaze as she muttered.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>She had reached Level 5 just ten days ago—\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>ever since the Fragment Magic Oscar had taught her had started to take form.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“Are you sure? You… you’ve changed.”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Kiri looked at Veronica with certainty.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>She still had her usual grumpy demeanor, but there was a newfound calm about her that was hard to explain.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“What are you trying to say?”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>When Veronica asked with a frown, Kiri smirked and glanced around.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“I don’t see your two usual companions. Did you have a fight or something?”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“Come on, why would we fight? Killian just went back to his hometown for a bit, and Oscar is still…”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“Hey.”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Veronica glared at Fran, who was answering too candidly.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“Why are you telling that to the enemy?”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“Huh? Enemy? Come on, we were on the same team during Night of the Mages, remember?”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“That was then. Today, we’re enemies.”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“She’s not wrong.”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Kiri crossed her arms and nodded.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“Veronica Fricks, today you’ll bitterly regret leaving the Black Tower for the White. That’s what I came to tell you.”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“You can’t even handle bones, and you’re talking about ‘bitter’ regret?”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“…You’ll see.”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>As Kiri returned to her group, Veronica muttered with a tired expression.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“Whatever happens, I refuse to lose to her.”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“Is she your rival or something?”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“Rival? Please. I always had better grades than her.”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“But she reached level 5 way before you did—Sorry! Got it, no need to glare like that.”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Fran quickly backed down before Veronica could launch into a tirade.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>* * *\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>A conference room in the imperial palace.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Dozens of people were gathered, waiting for someone.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Though the White Night Festival was a celebration, it also served as a rare opportunity for the continent’s key figures to convene.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>In other words, it was the perfect occasion for an official meeting.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“His Majesty the Emperor is entering! All rise!”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>With a booming announcement, Ludwig entered the room.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Regardless of whether they were tower masters or swordmasters, everyone bowed their heads.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>After he took his seat, the emperor spoke.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“Raise your heads.”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>As everyone slowly looked up, a ripple of surprise passed through them.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>The emperor’s complexion looked noticeably healthier.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>‘He really overcame his illness?’\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>‘There were rumors that it was the work of demons… The imperial family truly is something.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>With the emperor still strong, that hopeless crown prince won’t be taking the throne anytime soon.’\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>The first to speak was the Red Tower Master, Kudel Redmane.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“Well, Your Majesty. You’re looking great. Got anything good to share with the rest of us?”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“Watch your tone!”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>A knight standing nearby barked, but the emperor calmly raised a hand.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“It’s fine. He’s always been like that.”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“Haha, our emperor is as generous as ever!”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“Let’s skip the pleasantries. The reason I called this meeting is what I informed you of in the letter.”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>At that, not only Kudel but everyone’s expression turned serious.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>The letter from the imperial household had been about “traitors.”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“As of 6 a.m. today, a total of 87 traitors have been uncovered among the imperial household, the towers, the sword clans, and major corporations.”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“…!”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“Eighty-seven?”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>The unexpectedly high number drew mixed reactions—some were shocked, others were already glancing around, trying to guess which group had the most.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“What this tells us is simple: the demons have infiltrated our society far more deeply than we thought. And with the ones we’ve yet to uncover, that number could rise.”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“...Damn. That’s not the kind of demon I remember.”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Kudel muttered, and the Violet Moon nodded.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“At least in the past, they didn’t operate this covertly.”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“One thing’s certain—they’re much more difficult to deal with than before.”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“Hmph. It’s unsettling, seeing them meddle in human society this way.”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“Are they preparing for war again?”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>As murmurs spread, the emperor dropped a bombshell.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“A letter arrived—from beyond the mountain range.”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“…!”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“…!”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Everyone held their breath.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>The emperor hadn’t named the range, but they all knew he meant the Red Mountains.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Eos, Swordmaster of the Toft Clan, asked a question.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“Did the letter arrive after the traitors were exposed?”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“The timing lines up.”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>The emperor nodded and continued.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“They asked us not to misunderstand them.”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“…What?”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Misunderstand?\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>People started to wonder if they had heard correctly.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>That was not a word one would expect from a demon.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>But what the emperor said next shocked them even more.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“The sender claimed to be the new Demon Emperor.”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“…What the hell are they talking about?”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Kudel pulled off his sunglasses with an exasperated look.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“A new Demon Emperor? And now they don’t want to be misunderstood? After everything they’ve done on the western front?”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“There’s no need to be too alarmed. Perhaps they’ve simply appointed a new emperor to unite the fragmented demon world. There’s no proof that this one is as powerful as the last.”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“Can we really take that lightly? The more unstable you are on the inside, the more likely you are to find an external enemy.”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>As the room started to sound like a marketplace, the emperor quietly added:\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“We didn’t respond to the first letter. So they sent another.”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>All eyes turned to him.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>And then he delivered a line like a bomb:\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“The second Demon Emperor… wants to formally establish a peace treaty with humanity. That will be today’s topic of discussion.”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>[Translator - Night]\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>[Proofreader - Gun]\u003C\u002Fp>",1913,"2026-06-05T20:00:10.789Z",1,"novelbin.me","a457a2c37d010216fc621c7a652aeb13892315474434fb1ee781bb6650259989","the-problematic-child-of-the-magic-tower-chapter-235","the-problematic-child-of-the-magic-tower-chapter-233",375,"https:\u002F\u002Fnovelzhen.com\u002Fimages\u002Fcovers\u002Fthe-problematic-child-of-the-magic-tower-cover.jpg"]