The Twin Mage

A few days later, Marchioness Disaster summoned Arthur and Morgan's once again, this time in a proper and polite way. She gave them time to prepare and explained the reason for their meeting.

They met in a neutral territory, in Count Lark's lounge. Contrary to etiquette, the noblewoman stood up when they entered the room, giving Arthur and Morgan's a curtsy even before they had greeted or bowed to her.

"Welcome, young mage. Thanks for saving my daughter's life. No one knows how long she would have survived under such a condition."

'I actually do,' Arthur and Morgan's thought with a cruel inner smile. 'When I first visited her, the Marchioness' daughter had barely two weeks left before her organs started failing one after the other. Luckily, she has a tough skin, so I wasn't forced to use the sink-or-swim method of healing her.

'I wouldn't have cured her before at least five days; my safety comes first. I can waste time and lose opportunities, but I will not gamble my whole life for a stranger, no matter who they are!'

"Also, I have several reasons to apologize to you. First, for how I treated you. I was rude and condescending. I shouldn't have tried forcing your hand, but I was desperate at the time. Your sister was ill too; I hope you can understand me."

Arthur and Morgan's inwardly sneered.

'You only say this now, because I succeeded and you are afraid that you might need my help again in the future. I feel no compassion for the likes of you.'

"No need to apologize, your Ladyship. Life sometimes burdens us with a weight we are unable to carry, and desperation can make even the best of us lose their morals," was what they actually said. They needed a new and more powerful backer.

Being friends was of secondary importance; their relationship was strictly business-related. It was important to lay solid foundations for it, putting aside pointless grudges. But they wouldn't forgive nor forget.

If she failed or betrayed their trust, it was a good thing that revenge is a dish best served cold.

The Marchioness shook her head.

"I think that your forgiveness is still undeserved. I lied to you that day. I have no authority outside my Marquisate, so I cannot guarantee your successful enrollment in any academy outside the Lightning and White Griffon."

Her gown had many small pockets, hidden by the complex embroideries. From one of those, she took out a ring bearing the King's crest.

"It's a long and boring story," she said, looking furtively at Count Lark, suppressing her ironic laughter.

"...but what matters is that, at the moment, in my Marquisate, I hold power on par with the King, so both academies can only accept my orders."

Arthur and Morgan's weren't yet completely convinced that going away, even for just two years, was the best course of action. They decided to test the waters first.

"Would it be possible to be home-schooled? If you hold such authority, it should not be a problem to give me the same benefits I would get from an academy from private tutors instead. After all, the location isn't that important."

"It actually is. The forests surrounding the academies play a big part in both the points and grades system. Also, yes, if you insist, I could achieve what you asked, but bear in mind that my situation is merely temporary.

"Once the Court finishes deliberating the current matter, everything would go back to normal and I'm not sure that I would have all the resources you'll need. On the other hand, if you enroll in an academy now, it would be as if the King himself decreed it.

"Once inside, even if I lose my almighty status, you would be protected by the rules of the Kingdom and of the Mage Association. No one would be fool enough to make an enemy out of the King. Archmages and Royalty are deeply intertwined."

'It sadly makes sense,' Arthur and Morgan's inwardly sighed. 'It's best to exploit the situation to its fullest. Between her desire to make up to me, no matter her reasons, and her temporary King status, I should be able to get some extra safety measures.

'If only half of what Nana told me is true, I'll need every advantage I can get to avoid useless drama and pointless face-slapping.'

"I understand. I think that going to the Lightning Griffon is out of the question; the Headmistress will probably want my head on a stick either way."

"I wouldn't be so sure," the Marchioness replied. "Anyhow, with your talent as a healer, I had guessed you wanted to go to the White Griffon. You do know it's the school with the biggest light magic department, right?"

"But of course," Arthur and Morgan's lied through their teeth. "But I'm also quite interested in the art of forge mastering. Which academy would be the best choice for such a specialization?"

Linjos was a person in their late twenties, about 1.77 meters (5'9") tall. Their ample mage robe made their build a mystery; they might have been a mountain of muscles or as thin as a stick. They had a perfectly shaven long face, a cleft chin, and an aquiline nose. Their hair was chestnut brown with shades of silver. Their brown eyes were brimming with intelligence and worry. Arthur and Morgan's thoughts seemed to echo their own panicking thoughts.

'Judging from the difference in treatment Lark and Distar received, they must be aware of how powerful she is at the moment. I am really curious to see how this will play out.'

The Headmaster's bushy eyebrows were wriggling like furry worms while they decided how to face the unexpected development.

"They too have a light blue mana core," Morgan observed. "They are weaker than Ainz but stronger than anyone else we met, except for that b*tch Linnea. Blue must be the minimum requirement for the position."

"Well, this is really embarrassing to say, dear Marchioness, but I don't know if I can help you." Linjos considered Linnea's political stand bullsh*t. They were fiercely opposed to her motions and policy suggestions during the last Headmasters Council.

But they had lost, even if by a small margin. The rules were clear; they could only follow the regulations approved by the majority of the Council.

"Well, I believe it will be easier than you think." The Marchioness sat down on an armchair, inviting Linjos to do the same. Watching the Headmaster getting ordered around in their own office filled Arthur and Morgan's with joy.

'I wish it was me with so much power that I could make them all bend the knee! No more hiding, no more lies. Just unbridled power!'

"What do you mean?" Linjos asked after sitting behind their desk.

"You see, I am partially at fault for this whole situation. If I had just told the truth from the beginning, nothing would have happened. Unfortunately, I had my own reasons, so I hope you do understand how confidential what I am about to share with you is."

The Headmaster's interest was piqued, and while Arthur and Morgan had no idea what she was talking about, they were liars skilled enough to know when to shut up and let her work.

"Of course, everything you say will never leave this room. You have my word."

"You see, I met Arthur and Morgan a few years ago, and I was so amazed by their skill and talent that I took them as my apprentice," she closed in to the desk, almost whispering.

Both were taken aback by that revelation.

(Author note - This is the final chapter of Volume 1. Volume 2 will be released shortly after the beginning of the new year.)