How About... Going Straight to Grand? (Part 2)

More importantly, none of the Crowley family heads died young. Even Rovey's parents died in an accident when they were nearly sixty years old. The Magus before them lived even longer, and most of them reached the Pride, or even one or two higher ranks.

It is clear that the Crowley Family was not a democratic group protesting due to insufficient talent, bloodline, or lack of inheritance, but rather a genuine Aristocratic Faction.

This is also a major reason why the Crowley Family was able to establish connections with El-Melloi and Yulifis, and even have a good personal relationship with them.

Since everyone belongs to the aristocratic faction, they are naturally considered to be on the same side, that is, on their own.

That's why the extremely Aristocratic Faction Yulifis so readily accepted Kenneth's choice and Rovey, his successor in the lineage. He didn't, like he did with Weber Velvet, who in a certain World Line became El-Melloi II, despite his lowly birth and extremely poor magical talent.

Similarly, for Rovey, his significant progress was inseparable from the help and support of these people. Kenneth, needless to say, truly treated him as his heir and a son; even when Rowe went too far, Kenneth only scolded him a few times without any punishment—a true mentor-father figure. But if we're talking about someone else who helped him the most, it would naturally be his Lord from the Spiritual Evocation Department, Rufreus Nazele Yulifis.

The other party was his advisor, who was also the head and director of the Spiritual Evocation Department, and had provided a lot of materials and information for his research. Although he couldn't sweep away Kenneth like he had done, he still contributed a significant amount of resources in an attempt to befriend and win him over.

Although this old man has a somewhat feminine surname, he doesn't actually feel that way at all. As the Lord the Spiritual Evocation Department who manipulates countless spirits, he himself exudes an aura of the dead.

Names were unimportant to him, for they were merely inherited surnames, just a title for Yulifis; his own Lord prestige was the best banner.

In short, he was often referred to by Professor Kenneth as the gloomy goat, the ghost. He appeared to be around seventy years old. Unsurprisingly, he was a traditional aristocratic Magus with a distinctly Magus style, an old man embodying darkness, diligence, and cunning. He wore a jeweled necklace, and two rings on each of his fingers, which resembled withered branches. It was a very high-class Mystic Code.

Despite wearing numerous rings and pendants adorned with gemstones, they did not give off a vulgar impression. Instead, they possessed a strong sense of gloom, resembling more burial goods for the deceased than ornaments for the elderly.

The moment it appeared in the room, a feeling of a graveyard, like a coffin being buried, immediately washed over you.

As Rovey pushed open the door and walked in, the old man, leaning on his cane, turned his withered head and looked at him.

Although his impression of this advisor had always been decent, that was only based on the time they hadn't met much. When they actually met, the overwhelming sense of death and the smell of decay made even Rovey frown.

He knew that smell all too well...

As transporters of nature's underground, he and Lev had studied many Sacred Relic from various places, as well as Magecraft props used in burials, so they were very familiar with this smell.

However, at most they conduct some research and protection, but the old man in front of them wears it directly on his body and chooses to use it, as if only in this way can he make the most intimate contact with those dead spirits, giving the living a very uncomfortable feeling.

"Heh... Crowley, not just El-Melloi, but you're back too..."

"However... you're really too careless. Your suit isn't proper enough... and the preparation time was too long. You shouldn't have kept the guests waiting so long... It seems... that El-Melloi kid... he really needs to teach you this kind of thing properly..."

The gloomy-faced old man glanced at Rovey, his gaze quickly sweeping over him before he lowered his head, obscuring his expression. He continued to comment on Rovey in a consistently somber and measured manner. Although he spoke very little, his words were always to the point. This was simply his style of speaking.

Even though he seems to be harshly criticizing Rovey now, those who know him well know that this level of commentary is actually quite amiable. When Lord Yulifis is truly angry and criticizes, it's far more turbulent than this. After all, this is an old man who dares to berate and reprimand several other faction Lord as well. He only shows a kind face to his juniors or peers within his own faction.

It is clear from this that his fondness for Rovey is self-evident.

"... Ah, I'm sorry, Lord Yulifis. I was in such a hurry to get back that I had to arrange for Reines's accommodation and write down my thoughts and observations about this Holy Grail War. I was so engrossed in my work that I rushed out to get my clothes to greet you when I heard you were coming."

"Moreover, because of this experience, I have gained some new insights into the previous technique, which I was about to write down and give to you and Professor Kenneth for your consideration, so I have been a little slow in responding."

"The Demonic Path...?! No, compared to formalities like welcoming someone... I think you did nothing wrong. If this visit has bothered you... then it's my fault... after all, the Demonic Path is more important than formalities."

Upon hearing Rovey's explanation, Yulifis's gloomy expression changed slightly, and he gently shook his head.

"But... Reines, that name sounds familiar... Oh, is it... that little girl from the newly promoted branch of the El-Melloi family?"

"Yes, she is indeed a girl from Professor Kenneth's family."

"I see... Sola-Ui mentioned the little girl El-Melloi chose."

Upon hearing this, Yulifis nodded slowly, then gave Rovey a meaningful look.

"I understand... Get along well. You two are of great help to Aristocratic Faction and will be the backbone of the future..."

Yulifis strongly agreed with Kenneth's choice.

However, he glanced at Rovey in front of him again with a gloomy look, a hint of regret flashing across his face.

If possible, he would also like to bring Rovey into the family. He is getting old and has no outstanding male offspring. He has also married off his daughter. He now needs an heir who can support the family in the future, and his grand-disciple is obviously the most suitable.

With Kenneth, the magical prodigy, the El-Melloi family is guaranteed a century of prosperity, but Yulifis is not. That's why he has proposed to Rovey more than once that Euryphus be adopted into his family.

However, Rovey and Kenneth were truly a model of an inseparable mentor-student relationship. When he tried to Rovey over, the latter didn't refuse. Instead, after accepting the gift, he wrote directly to Kenneth, instructing him to not only pocket the gift but also forge a complaint against Kenneth. Furthermore, because of the complaint, he received additional benefits from Kenneth, essentially getting double the reward. Because of his status as an elder and his aristocratic pride, Rowe couldn't possibly demand the gift back; he could only accept it as a token of their friendship.

Thus, this matter directly reached a win-win situation, meaning that Rovey won twice!

This development left Yulifis speechless, yet he felt utterly helpless.

With Kenneth protecting him, he couldn't forcefully recruit Rovey. So he could only watch helplessly as El-Melloi's future Grand Rank was born. No, it seems there's even a possibility of a Grand Rank.

However, although it was extremely regrettable, he could not accept the situation.

As long as Rovey isn't one of those lowly nationalists or opportunistic Neutral Faction Aristocratic Faction, that's enough. The rise and fall of schools of thought is inevitable; at worst, it can be left to future generations. He can accept whether El-Melloi or Barthomeloi leads Aristocratic Faction in the future; it's just a change of king.

After a brief exchange, the two sat down.

Yulifis first asked Rovey to recount the events of the Holy Grail War, so that he could record his testimony again.

Because he had consulted with Kenneth beforehand, Rovey knew what he could say and what he should keep quiet about. So, following Kenneth's instructions, he told Yulifis about the abridged version of the Holy Grail War almost exactly.

It concealed the existence of the Third Magic, the appearance of the Jewel Magician, the All the World's Evil, and ultimately, his own victory.

"Hmm... It's similar to what El-Melloi said... I understand..."

Having received a similar explanation to Kenneth's, Yulifis nodded.

Even though his intuition told him that Rovey and Kenneth were definitely hiding something, since neither of them was willing to say, there was no need for him to press further.

Before long, after refusing the coffee offered by the servant, Yulifis already knew the outcome of his trip.

He looked at Rovey in front of him and felt that Rovey had a very special aura about him since he came back this time.

He hid this feeling very well; it would be completely impossible for an ordinary Magus to detect it, but he was different.

As the Lord of the Spiritual Evocation Department and one of the world's most famous summoning Magus, he could detect a summoning scent on Rovey that rivaled that of a grand Magecraft. Although the sensation and smell were extremely subtle, if he listened carefully, he could still detect a terrifying aura emanating from Rovey that sent chills down his spine, as if he were being watched by something terrifying.

Swallowing hard, Yulifis was eager to know the answer, but asking a Magus about the mysteries he harbored was forbidden. If Rovey was unwilling to answer, there was no point in asking.

However, recalling the many books and materials on spirit summoning that Rovey had taken from him a long time ago, Yulifis was certain that the kid must have accomplished something and summoned something extraordinary.

Following the Hallcraft of modern Western Magecraft, has there been a new breakthrough in the field of spirit possession?

That talent... I really envy it...

I envy him for being able to complete a great Magecraft at around twenty years old, I envy Kenneth for finding such a promising talent, and I envy Rovey for being able to reach the legendary level, even reaching the Root.

"By the way, Crowley... I've met your adopted daughter. She has a rare Imaginary Numbers Constitution and top-tier innate talent. To me, she seems like another Barthomeloi..."

After talking to Rovey about the Holy Grail War, Yulifis then shifted the topic to Sakura.

After all, Kenneth's fiancée is his daughter, and now it's Kenneth's fiancée, Sola-Ui is taking Sakura out shopping. As her father, Yulifis will naturally see them too.

When he saw that delicate little girl at the Clock Tower, even his calm and rigid heart was moved, and his eyes revealed shock and amazement.

Although she looked very young, at most only ten years old, every part of the girl's body seemed to be a masterpiece sculpted by a first-rate artist, exquisite and perfect, without the slightest flaw. Her physical attributes alone revealed her to be of the highest caliber.

Especially her attributes and uniqueness; just walking through the Clock Tower would attract the attention of countless Magus, making them infatuated with her. If it weren't for the fact that Kenneth's fiancée, the wife of the Lord Mineralogy Department, and the daughter of the Lord of the Spiritual Evocation Department were by her side, those guys would have already made their move.

Yulifis initially thought that this was a little genius his daughter had found somewhere, a successor bestowed upon him by heaven, but upon closer questioning...

Good heavens, it's El-Melloi again, and Crowley again.

To prevent Yulifis from launching a sneak attack, Kenneth had already transferred Sakura's school registration and identity to Crowley and El-Melloi. He personally arranged the classrooms without telling anyone, which made Yulifis, who was a step behind, extremely annoyed but helpless, as he had no way to snatch Sakura from El-Melloi.

"Hehe, you flatter me. Sakura is still very young, and it's hard to say what the future holds. But I believe that with the care and guidance of Teacher Kenneth and me, she will definitely become an outstanding pillar of Aristocratic Faction."

Rovey responded to Yulifis's question with a smile, and in doing so, effectively shut down the other man's words.

It means that Sakura is their family, their student, and will definitely become an Aristocratic Faction in the future. So please don't have any ulterior motives, since they're all family now.

"What a cunning little devil..."

Yulifis shook his head, naturally understanding what Rovey meant.

"Did Lord Yulifis come to see me today just to discuss the Holy Grail War and Sakura? If that's all, he could have just sent a letter; there was no need for him to come in person."

"Of course not, this matter... will be handled by Barthomeloi... You don't need to worry, I came to you because I have something more important to remind you of."

"Please speak."

"Alright... Although some despicable fellows in the Association have started spreading rumors in secret, saying that you, as... El-Melloi's heir and the Lord's personal disciple, are still stuck at the Festival Rank at the age of twenty. They're using this to criticize your incompetence and El-Melloi and me for being foolish. However... El-Melloi and I are aware of your abilities and talents. So... continuing to hide will only give those mediocre people who can't see the bigger picture an opportunity to escalate their actions. It's better to just show your abilities and shut those fools up completely!!"

Mentioning this upsetting incident and recalling how those democratic schools used it against him and Kenneth, Yulifis felt a surge of anger.

He looked intently at Rovey in front of him and instructed, "So... I submitted your name along with El-Melloi and Barthomeloi for the next promotion list. Now, you are the person the Clock Tower is most concerned about. Don't let us down... Crowley."

"Oh, is this really that urgent?"

Although that's what he said, only a smile appeared on Rovey's face, and there was no trace of distress.

"I want to prepare for a little longer."

"Heh... Stop pretending, kid. I know your level of magic too well. Just the fact that your proposal was released directly is enough to shut everyone up... Although I know you're a low-key person and never like to show off, a little exposure is always better..."

"For an excellent noble Magus, being low-key, quiet, and reserved are indeed excellent qualities. I agree with that, but if you don't produce any decent results for too long... those competitors you've suppressed and their relatives who are completely oblivious to the situation behind them will cause you trouble... so, I'm doing this to help you."

The old gentleman said in a deep voice.

"And don't forget... how exactly did those scum of the democrats target you when your parents died? What did they do to you and the Crowley Family?"

"They almost managed to split you and the Mark apart, making the Crowley Family name a thing of the past... I believe you haven't forgotten this irreconcilable feud so easily, have you? Now is the perfect time for revenge. Just perform to your heart's content, and I'll give you a satisfactory answer to the rest..."

"... You're right."

Before Rovey transmigrated, the original owner of this body had reached the [Cause] at the age of fifteen, which is the basic position for those who have just entered the demonic path. This is equivalent to a genius who is somewhat talented.

Logically speaking, someone with such talent should be far too young to inherit the family business. If both heads of the Crowley Family hadn't died, he wouldn't have been able to inherit the Source Imprint so early.

Because of this incident, many covetous families and rival factions will use it to their advantage, questioning whether Rovey's talent is truly sufficient. Are El-Melloi and Yulifis blind? Most of these people are also opponents of the democrats, and are the Magus families who once tried to divide up the Crowley Family.

Even though Rovey didn't care, the two Lords who were being questioned and even ridiculed could no longer tolerate it.

Although they knew that Rovey's talent was not something these mediocre people could slander, they still needed to produce something to silence the critics and retaliate, didn't they? As nobles, they naturally valued their reputation, which was why they urged Rovey to quickly produce some results as leverage for their counterattack.

"Alright, that's my problem. You're right, I've been quiet for too long. Now, I need to think about how to pass the rank exam."

"Hmm... that's good."

The old gentleman nodded.

"To be honest, this is a bit troublesome..."

For once, Rovey frowned, revealing a troubled and thoughtful expression.

"Hmm...? You need to think about this kind of thing, or even find it troublesome?!"

Yulifis was startled for the first time.

"Crowley, don't tell me that after all this time... you neglected your research in magic because you were preparing for the Holy Grail War, and your skill level has actually regressed instead of improved, to the point that you can't even reach the Pride?"

You should know that he and Kenneth had high hopes for Rovey. The homework and tests they had given him were all at the level between the Pride and the Color Rank. Since Rovey was able to complete them very easily, he should have a 1000% chance of advancing to the Pride, and even a high probability of advancing to the Color Rank.

Indeed, that is the case. To survive the Holy Grail War described by Kenneth as a battle royale, to gain the favor of heroes, and to have a good personal relationship with Aozaki Touko, a Grand Puppet Master, means that Rovey's strength could not be weak. In addition, given the special aura he sensed in the dark, how could he possibly be troubled by the advancement exam?

You've misunderstood.

Seeing Yulifis's frightened expression, Rovey shrugged, then stood up, adopting an innocent posture, and said:

"I have followed your teachings and my Magecraft skills have not been neglected. The trouble I mentioned is that I have too many achievements and I don't know which one to use. Also... if I were to win the Grand Rank in one go and break the record for the fastest Grand Rank in the Clock Tower, would that be a blow to Professor Kenneth?"

"I'm really struggling with all this thinking, wondering whether or not to give the Clock Tower and Kenneth a shock."

Although his tone was extremely frivolous, it didn't sound like a joke at all; he was genuinely stating the facts.

"Are you serious...?"

Upon hearing this, the old gentleman in front of him widened his eyes slightly, staring at Rovey in disbelief.

Yulifis knew Rovey well, and also knew what kind of person he was. Although he was low-key and reliable, and sometimes seemed a bit immature in front of him and Kenneth, but...

This child is definitely not someone who talks nonsense.

In other words...

"Could it be... that you've really finished that thing?"

As if struck by a thought, Yulifis's eyes widened, and he asked him in a deep voice.

"Yes, that's about it. We've completed about 80% of the work, and there shouldn't be any problems with putting it into use right now."

"I see... I see... Very good, very good..."

Reflecting on the meaning of those words, Yulifis nodded in disbelief. Even though he was somewhat unwilling to believe it, he still subconsciously chose to accept the outcome after seeing Rovey's calm gaze.

Immediately afterwards, his heart was completely engulfed by an overwhelming surge of joy—

"Hey, Yulifis Lord, I'm sure you're also eager to launch a counterattack against those clueless fools, aren't you?"