Magic Academy's Bastard Instructor - Chapter 215: Grand Duke of the North [2]

Chapter 215: Grand Duke of the North [2]

There were many reasons why the ruler of the entire northern region, especially its harsh and tumultuous tundra, held the title of Duke.

The first generation of Glades had been war heroes. Adding to that lineage, the current Duke, Friedrich Glade, had played a pivotal role during the previous Blood Moons.

His power and achievements had earned him the rare distinction of being named one of the Great Powers, a title that further cemented his influence and expanded his authority over the north.

Under his leadership, the Glade Duchy’s reach extended deeper than ever before.

But even so, the North was a land where stability was never guaranteed. The very tundra he governed could turn from a peaceful expanse to a battlefield overnight, and it was exactly this ever-present threat that made Friedrich’s position vital.

“It’s really cold….”

“Is this your first time in an environment like this, Selena?”

“I’m ashamed to admit it… yes.”

Even with the thick, baggy outfit she wore, Saintess Selena couldn’t escape the biting chill of the northern air. The cold seeped through the layers way too easily, settling into her bones.

She had also come in full disguise, her black hair dyed into fiery red locks that caught the pale northern light.

Travel through the north was never simple. Automobiles, whether cars or any other vehicle, were impractical here.

The dangers lurking in the tundra could destroy them in an instant, making such transport not only risky but far from cost-efficient. Visibility was another issue as snow and storms could reduce sight to nothing in minutes.

Considering all of this, the most reliable means of travel to the north remained the traditional carriages, given they were sturdy enough to endure the journey where machines could not.

“….”

Looking at Selena’s expression, Vanitas couldn’t help but feel a pang of concern.

This was a woman who had stood face-to-face with the very embodiment of death, who had watched the people she considered family slaughtered violently before her eyes, and who had lost the person closest to her just a week ago.

Many in her place would have felt lost, unable to find their footing.

Even he, having lost Charlotte not long ago, still felt the weight of that grief tug at his heart. Yet despite everything, Selena seemed determined to adjust and refused to show him a pathetic face.

——I’m so sorry, everyone….

However, the sobs that echoed from her room each night told him otherwise.

But nevertheless, Selena tried her best to hide her vulnerabilities.

And Vanitas knew better than to confront her about it. Words of comfort felt like nothing in the face of such loss, and forcing her to speak would only reopen wounds she was struggling to keep closed.

Across from him, Margaret was doing her best to keep the Saintess entertained, speaking enthusiastically as she explained the many things of the outside world.

Selena listened with stars in her eyes, occasionally tilting her head or nodding along.

When one looked past her status and title, Selena was, at her core, just a teenage girl who had only recently come of age, someone who knew very little about life beyond the cathedral walls.

“…So in the summer, the northern markets open earlier, and they sell these little fruit pies that are so sweet you’d think they were made by the gods themselves,” Margaret said with a small smile.

“Fruit pies? I’ve never had one before.”

“Never? Not even once?”

Selena shook her head. “In the Theocracy, we only had ceremonial bread during festivals. Sweet food was…. rare.”

Margaret chuckled. “Well, then you’re in for a treat. When we pass through the first town, I’ll make sure you try one.”

Selena’s lips curved into the brightest of smiles. “It’s a promise.”

“Promise kept,” Margaret replied with a grin. “And not just pies. There’s hot cider, roasted nuts, grilled meat skewers… The northern markets may be cold, but the food will warm you faster than any fur coat.”

Selena’s eyes softened as she listened, her fingers brushing absently over the edge of her sleeve. “It sounds… lively. I’ve never been anywhere like that. Most of my travels were between temples or processions.”

Margaret’s smile gentled. “Then this will be different. This time, you’ll get to walk where you want, look where you want, and eat what you want.”

As their talk of the north went on, Vanitas eventually joined the conversation.

“You seem to know quite a bit about the north,” he remarked, looking at Margaret.

“I do,” Margaret replied, meeting his gaze. “During my procession ceremony, I was sent there for a year to complete my Crusade pilgrimage.”

“Crusade pilgrimage?” Selena asked, tilting her head.

Margaret nodded. “It’s a tradition in the Crusade Department. We’re sent to a distant region to serve and learn right before officially becoming Crusaders. The north just happened to be my destination.”

“….Is that so?”

It was then.

Rumble——

The carriage shook as the ground trembled, sending flurries of snow scattering across the surrounding tundra. Vanitas leaned toward the coachman.

“What’s going on?”

“Marquess! There’s—”

The mana outside was palpable. Just beyond the carriage, a massive bear was mauling a group of other wild animals. These weren’t demons or chimeras, but magical beasts.

“A Frostbear…” Margaret murmured.

The next moment, she rose to her feet and stepped out of the carriage.

“I’ll handle this.”

Vanitas only nodded silently, while Selena’s eyes darted between them, worry etched on her face.

“Please relax, Selena,” Vanitas said. “No harm will come to you, as long as you’re with me.”

“Ah, no… it’s not me I’m worried about. It’s Margaret….”

Outside, the cold air bit at Margaret’s skin as she advanced toward the towering beast. Her breathing came in mists as she drew her weapon.

Selena’s concern wasn’t without reason. The white-haired woman named Margaret was an unpredictable origin who had once disappeared without a trace. So no one could predict what might happen to her at any given moment.

“She’s far more powerful than you think,” Vanitas said. “Stronger than me, even, and I’ve been recognized as a Great Power.”

“A-ah…?”

“Even more so than the Sword Saint. I can guarantee that.”

“….”

It was a bold claim, but this was Marquess Vanitas Astrea speaking. He never spoke empty words. Selena could only settle back into her seat as the sounds of the bear’s grunts and howls reverberated, accompanied by the oppressive pressure of mana pressing down around them.

Moments later, the carriage door opened. Margaret took her seat beside Selena without a drop of blood on her and not a single scratch to be seen.

“….”

* * *

When one thought of the Glade Duchy, the first name to come to mind was always its head, Friedrich Glade. While many were aware of his only son, Sigmund, he was hardly the kind of figure foreign powers would pay much attention to.

Unlike his powerful father, Sigmund was, in almost every respect, ordinary.

He lacked the battlefield achievements that had earned Friedrich his place among the Great Powers, and he did not possess the political influence or charisma to draw notice beyond the Duchy’s borders.

To most, he was simply the heir by blood. Nothing more, nothing less.

So when tasked with receiving what was likely the most controversial figure in Aetherion at the moment, Sigmund couldn’t help but feel uneasy.

What kind of man was Vanitas Astrea, really?

From what he had heard, Vanitas had been one of the more intimidating professors in the Silver University Tower.

Back in Sigmund’s own student days, rumors from the magic department often painted him as someone to avoid. A professor with little patience for incompetence.

If even half of what he’d heard was true, this encounter would be far from comfortable.

However, when the carriage finally arrived and they moved to greet its occupants, the first to step down was not Vanitas Astrea, but a woman.

Her hair was as white as the snow-covered fields of the north, and her eyes held the soft lavender hue of a winter sunrise.

“A-ah…”

She was beautiful. So much so that for a moment, Sigmund forgot himself. The cold wind swept past, carrying the scent of frost, and the image of her standing against the northern backdrop etched itself into his mind before he could even think to speak.

But before he could dwell on it, movement from the carriage drew his attention once more.

Clasped in the beautiful woman’s hand was the hand of another lady, bundled in baggy clothing.

Strands of fiery red hair fluttered in the wind, framing her face where eyes as green as emeralds blinked under her lashes.

A different kind of beauty. One that Sigmund could only liken to a delicate bisque doll.

Before he could fully take in the sight, the sound of footsteps drew his attention to the carriage once more, as the final figure began to step down.

The moment he stepped down, many of the knights present dropped to one knee, and Sigmund lowered his head in turn. On paper, Sigmund was the son of a Duke, and Vanitas Astrea a Marquess, but that was only true if one ignored his other title.

A Great Power.

“It’s a pleasure to have you visit us, Marquess Astrea,” Sigmund said, his tone formal.

Vanitas nodded. His gaze swept over the gathered knights before settling on Sigmund. “I’ll take the greetings as given. Lead the way, Sir Glade.”

* * *

“Admiral Vermillion.”

Naturally, soldiers of the Zyphran Dominion could not simply travel beyond their Empire without a proper cause. Such a departure required a proper reasoning and documents.

Karina, however, had not only attained the rank of major but had also secured her place as a diplomat representing the Neuschwan Family.

It was for this reason she had been deployed alongside the embassy, tasked with receiving a Great Power, one of the only three Admirals of the Bundesritter Navy, Iridelle Vermillion.

The two, however, had never met before.

“You’re… the child from the Neuschwan family, aren’t you?”

“Yes. It’s an honor to meet you, Admiral. I’m Major Karina Maeril.”

Iridelle regarded her for a moment before a knowing smile curved her lips. “I remember now. You were still a cadet when I last visited the shores, weren’t you?”

Karina straightened her posture. “Yes, ma’am. That was nearly eight months ago.”

“Eight?” Iridelle’s brow lifted. “And you’ve risen through the ranks that quickly?”

“It was… a series of unusual circumstances, Admiral,” Karina replied. “But I’ve done my best to meet the expectations placed on me.”

“Unusual circumstances often reveal more than years of routine service. Let’s see if the same holds true for you.”

Without another word, she began walking toward the waiting convoy while Karina followed closely.

This year’s summit was unlike any in recent memory, drawing an assembly of powerful figures whose names held enough importance to be spoken of like celebrities.

* * *

Preparing for the summit was no easy task, especially for the student council president, Astrid.

This year, Aetherion had been chosen as the host nation, and already, delegations from foreign university towers were arriving to visit the Silver University Tower.

Fortunately, as a second-year student, Astrid had more flexibility in her schedule than most. That leeway allowed her to juggle the mountain of preparations as she coordinated guest accommodations, oversaw security arrangements, and ensured the campus projected an image worthy of international attention.

Even so, the workload was relentless. Every day brought new requests, sudden changes in plans, and the occasional diplomatic misstep that needed smoothing over before it reached the ears of the attending dignitaries.

“Where the hell is Ezra?!” Astrid’s voice rang through the council room.

“Apologies, President,” one of the council members stammered, “the Vice President has… stepped out to handle a matter with the logistics team.”

Astrid’s eyes narrowed. “During this crunch time?”

She slammed a stack of documents onto the table, scattering a few pages.

“If he’s not back in five minutes, tell him I’ll personally drag him here!

The member nodded quickly and hurried off. Astrid exhaled through her nose, forcing herself to calm down.

There were still dozens of tasks left before the summit’s opening, and the last thing she needed was for her own council to start falling apart.

“Why don’t you rely on me, President?” Adam Oleander, one of the council members, offered. “I can clear some time in my schedule.”

Astrid glanced at him, pondering his suggestion. “And what about your own assignments? Don’t think I haven’t seen the pile stacking up on your desk.”

“I can manage,” Adam replied with a smile. “Besides, you’re going to burn yourself out at this rate.”

Astrid sighed, rubbing her temples. “Fine. I’ll give you a few of the lower-priority tasks. But if anything goes wrong, it’s on you.”

“Understood.”

Normally, Astrid was cheerful and easygoing, but when it came to work, she became an entirely different person.

Perhaps there was some third-party influence at play. If someone like Ezra were here, he could likely see the reflection of Professor Vanitas’s stern and uncompromising demeanor in her.

Astrid shuffled through her papers, pulling out a stack and setting it before him.

“Start with these. Guest seating arrangements for the opening ceremony. And make sure you triple-check the names.”

“Yes.”

“President!” This time, the one who rushed into the room wasn’t a council member, but the head of logistics.

“Gosh, what is it now?!”

The student caught their breath, clutching a clipboard to their chest. “We’ve just received word. Two of the foreign delegations have arrived earlier than scheduled. They’re already on their way to the Tower.”

Astrid’s eyes widened for a brief moment before she was on her feet. “Of course they are. Fine, get the reception team ready, now. And make sure their accommodations are prepped, no excuses.”

“Yes, President!” The logistics head hurried out.

Astrid exhaled a heavy breath, already reorganizing the rest of her schedule in her mind. The day had just gotten even longer.

“President!”

“Yes?!”

“There’s… a bit of a situation…”

Her patience was wearing thin. “What?!”

“The supplies for the summit’s welcome banquet… have been stolen. They were caught up in the heat of a riot in the lower district. The delivery team barely made it back in one piece.”

“….”

Astrid closed her eyes for a long, measured moment, fighting the urge to slam her head against the desk.

“….Oh my god!”

Bang——!

Never mind, she slammed it anyway.