An Ill-Fated Dinner Party (Part 2)

"Oh, it's Reines. Sorry to bother you."

Gently opening the door, the figure standing outside was none other than Kenneth from the Mineralogy Department, who was Rovey's nemesis—or rather, his mentor who had taught and guided him.

She was also a Lemon Head with an expression so distorted it resembled a fiery chili pepper.

He was still wearing the same blue casual clothes that hadn't changed in a century, and his strange, bright yellow hairstyle, which looked like a lemon, appeared in his room.

Compared to his previous smiling faces, his expression now seemed less friendly.

Those eyes, with their heavy dark circles, were clearly the result of several sleepless nights, now appearing bloodshot.

However, when he saw that it was Reines who opened the door for him, and then glanced at Rovey leaning against the hospital bed, his expression softened slightly.

After getting a general idea of the situation, Kenneth patted Reines's head and praised her, "Well done. This is how you should be to be a good mistress. Taking good care of your husband is your duty."

After offering a few words of praise, Kenneth then dismissed Reines, saying he had something important to discuss with Rovey and that she should go back and rest.

Although Reines expressed her curiosity about recent events and wanted to stay and listen, Kenneth told her that knowing too much about such things would not benefit either Rovey or her, and she left disappointed.

Rovey was somewhat helpless about this.

Since they've all been found out anyway, it wouldn't be a big deal to tell Reines.

Finally, after Reines left, only the master and apprentice remained in the entire ward.

"By the way... what brings you here, Mr. Kenneth?"

Rovey sat up and asked Kenneth, feigning surprise.

"Idiot! If you're a patient, you should act like one. Lie down now!"

When Kenneth saw that Rovey, who was lying in the hospital bed, actually wanted to get up to greet him, he immediately let out a surprised scream.

After all, once he learned what this kid had done, he now felt that it was a miracle that Rovey had survived, and that being seriously injured was simply a matter of luck.

"Just stay in bed and don't move around too much..."

"Oh, actually I didn't..."

"Nothing's wrong, my foot! Don't be stubborn, lie back down obediently, you brat!"

Seeing that Rovey was still trying to act tough, Kenneth quickly helped him back. Rovey, who wanted to explain something, couldn't help but feel speechless, but also warmed by the sight.

After all, he could tell better than anyone that Kenneth cared about him.

Finally, under his insistence, Rovey could only obediently lie down and wait for Kenneth to sit by his bedside, quietly waiting for him to speak first.

"Fine, although I really want to give you a good scolding right here, I'll hold off on criticizing you for now, considering how badly you've acted. Anyway, sigh..."

Kenneth glanced at Rovey, who was lying quietly on the bed, and simply opened his mouth.

The roar he had been preparing to unleash at Rovey before coming was swallowed back at this moment, his eyes filled only with heartache and... helplessness.

"Anyway... you've been quite bothered these past few days, haven't you? But with me and Barthomeloi providing protection, no one should be able to force their way in and disturb you."

After a moment of silence, Kenneth spoke to Rovey.

"It's more than just annoying. If I were just an ordinary Magus, those guys would have rushed in and kidnapped me long ago."

Thinking of the group of Magus who had recently tried to break in under the guise of visiting him in the hospital to find out what was going on with him, a troubled smile appeared on Rovey's face.

"That's for sure. You don't even look at what you've done... When I found out that you were the murderer who robbed the Rail Zeppelin, I couldn't help but want to rush in and ask you for an explanation."

"You should know better than me how big a pie the Rail Zeppelin is. Before, because the Dead Apostle Ancestor was behind it, everyone was too greedy to act rashly. But now, you and Aozaki Touko have taken care of the Dead Apostle Ancestor, and the small Mage Families Crowley has taken over all the resources of the Rail Zeppelin. It would be strange if those guys didn't want to rush over and devour you."

Kenneth snorted at Rovey on the hospital bed, his gaze a mixture of pride and heartache.

He was proud that his apprentice had grown to the point where he and Aozaki Touko could fight against the Dead Apostle Ancestor.

Which of the younger generation of Magus at the Clock Tower has this level of skill?

Based on this achievement and record alone, his future will certainly not be inferior to that of Barthomeloi.

What pained him was that after returning Rovey announced that he was seriously injured and unable to move around, and also closed his doors to visitors.

This experience must have been a near-death experience for him, and its threat level was probably no less than that of the Holy Grail War.

Kenneth originally wanted to reprimand the kid for his recklessness and madness, but seeing Rovey's current state, he couldn't bring himself to say anything.

"In short... this incident didn't just amaze me. Yulifis, Barthomeloi, and the other factions were all shocked when they learned that it was you and Aozaki Touko who defeated a Dead Apostle Ancestor. Their ambitions have also begun to stir. Currently, that entire sea area is blockaded, and even the Church has been dragged into it. Initially, they all believed that the Cake had been taken by the Church, but—"

"Did the church expose me?"

Rovey raised an eyebrow and directly stated the correct answer.

This outcome was expected, given his lack of familiarity with the church. The only person he knew, Hansa, while loyal, wouldn't lie about something like this, causing unnecessary trouble for the church; exposing him was only natural.

On the contrary, the fact that the other side didn't mention that he had killed Lita Rogan in one-on-one combat, and that he had caused a ruckus on the Rail Zeppelin with Aozaki Touko, was already a great help.

Although the Clock Tower now knows that since it was able to survive the battle against the Dead Apostle Ancestor, its methods must be extraordinary, most of the credit still goes to the Grand Magus Aozaki Touko, whose reputation provided some cover for itself.

"Of course, this matter has already caused quite a stir. The head of the Lehman Family has flatly denied that he was unconscious at the time and knew nothing about what happened. He gave the same answer even when Barthomeloi asked him."

Kenneth nodded and continued, "We know that guy must have received some benefit from you, so we didn't make things too difficult for Barthomeloi. Instead, we surrounded his family and provided them with specific protection while keeping them under surveillance."

"So... this matter can't be glossed over with ambiguity?"

What do you think?

Hearing Rovey's naive words, Kenneth couldn't help but roll his eyes at him.

"The Magus's circle is too small, and the Mystic Eyes is a rare treasure. That Mystic Eye Train is a moving treasure trove. It's impossible for everyone not to be tempted by it, not to mention that you have been pushed into the open by the Church."

"These past few days, there has been an undercurrent of activity throughout the twelve departments of the Clock Tower. All the ancient families and top-tier Magus from overseas have rushed back upon hearing the news, hoping to get a share of the spoils. Many families have even contacted me, believing that this is the work of the El-Melloi Faction. If this continues, it may trigger a turmoil and prying into the entire underworld. Barthomeloi and I are also worried about how to end this."

Kenneth covered his forehead and sighed.

He's really worried about how things have turned out this way...

After all, he wasn't some political monster; he was a perfectly respectable academic Magus. Yet, because of Rovey's mess, he ended up arguing with a bunch of Magus at the negotiating table every day, and eventually had to call in Yulifis and Barthomeloi to back him up.

Having learned that Rovey was also a key participant in the campaign against the Dead Apostle Ancestor, Barthomeloi now has a very favorable impression of him. It was precisely because of the strong resistance of the three schools that this matter did not escalate into a major conflict.

"I'm sorry, Mr. Kenneth, for causing you trouble."

Hearing that Kenneth had been working tirelessly for you all this time, Rovey said gratefully, "However, please rest assured, I have already figured out a suitable strategy for handling this matter. Moreover, I have already prepared the cake for you and the advisor, and I will definitely make you satisfied."

"... Oh? So you still remember to show respect to your teacher?"

Kenneth spoke with amusement when he heard Rovey bring it up, but when he heard that Rovey still remembered to show him respect, he couldn't hide the smile on his face.

He truly deserves to be called his disciple; he wasn't spoiled for nothing. Even at a time like this, he knows to prepare something for his teacher.

"How could I forget? You are my most respected teacher."

"Hmph, at least you have a conscience."

Kenneth nodded, accepting Rovey's offer.

"However... I've heard that you've been using your upcoming promotion to Grand Rank as an excuse to gather every known family in the Clock Tower for banquets. What are you planning? Is it related to this matter?"

Kenneth asked earnestly.

"Yes, it is indeed related. I plan to deal with this matter thoroughly in one go."

Rovey smiled slightly and answered Kenneth's question with great composure.

He knew that with Kenneth and Yulifis vouching for him, coupled with his strength and achievements that would surely lead him to the Grand Rank, as long as he denied it outright, those secretly spying Magus would be unable to do anything to him.

But...

That's pointless.

He only needs enough of the Mystic Eyes he has on hand.

Choose the most suitable pair of Mystic Eyes for each of Reines, Gray, and Sakura. Aoko takes a dozen more pairs for research, and gives some to Kenneth, Yulifis, and Barthomeloi as a thank you gift. Even with this distribution, the remaining amount is still an extremely terrifying number.

He didn't have Lita Roggean's obsessive collecting hobby; he was a complete pragmatist. Rather than letting something gather dust in his hands, he'd rather get rid of it and make it as valuable as possible.

"So... you're planning to throw it away."

At this moment, Kenneth also understood Rovey's idea.

He felt that Rovey also wanted to use an auction to get rid of the extra Mystic Eyes, so that he could exchange them for useful resources and get rid of a lot of unnecessary trouble.

Keeping some and discarding some is a reasonable approach.

As for whether those families that have been spying on us will cause trouble?

The answer is yes, and it is certain.

However, they wouldn't do anything too outrageous. After all, they had themselves and their teacher there, and this banquet could also serve as a rehearsal for Rovey Wei to make a name for himself. Anyone with a brain wouldn't be crazy enough to offend a genius Magus who could participate in the battle against the Dead Apostle Ancestor.

Admittedly, this was indeed a good move.

In that case...

"Knowing when to advance and when to retreat is a very good quality. Now that you have an idea, go ahead and do it. No matter what happens, I will support you."

Upon hearing this, Kenneth nodded.

"It seems you have a lot of confidence in me..."

Rovey raised an eyebrow slightly and made a joke.

"Hmph, this has nothing to do with confidence. It's just that I know your abilities. After all, you're Magus who can stand on your own now. You're no longer the lazybones who used to doze off in my classroom with that idiot Weber Velvet. Since you have a plan, I believe you can handle everything."

Kenneth snorted and then stood up from Rovey's bedside.

"Anyway, this trip wasn't a complete waste, and I can finally breathe a sigh of relief. Whatever ideas you have, just go ahead and do them. I won't disturb your rest any longer. I've been incredibly busy lately because of what you brought."

After reminding Rovey once more, Kenneth left with his hands behind his back.

I don't know if it's just my imagination?

Rovey clearly noticed that Kenneth's pace was much lighter than when he arrived.

"Teacher Kenneth..."

Watching Kenneth's departing figure and seeing his worried expression, Rovey felt a warm current in his heart.

Although Mr. Kenneth has many minor flaws in his personality, as a teacher, he will always be the most competent and qualified. It is truly an honor to be your student...

No matter how much he messed with Kenneth, the other party was definitely a teacher worthy of his sincere respect and cherishment, and meeting him was a stroke of luck for him.

The more you spend time together, the more you can experience it. No wonder Weber from the original world hated his past self so much after growing up and felt an unparalleled sense of guilt towards Kenneth.

Only...

"You've got one thing wrong: I never intended to spit out the cake and then cut it up to feed the dog."

'The only ones who can take a piece of the pie from me are you and those who have helped me. The more the others desire it, the less likely I am to give it to them.'

Rovey murmured softly, a hint of cold light flashing in his eyes.

After Kenneth left completely, he stopped pretending and decisively got up from the hospital bed, then put on the alchemical robes hanging on the hanger.

"Reines".

Suddenly, he called out towards the door.

"..."

Then, hearing his own voice, a round little head quietly peeked out from the doorway. Clearly, Reines, who had been tiptoeing and eavesdropping at the door, appeared outside and winked at him gently, looking a little embarrassed.

After all, he was caught eavesdropping.

Rovey Wei didn't say anything about this.

Because Reines's current concealment Magecraft is clearly not up to par. Not to mention him, even Professor Kenneth, who appeared here earlier, had already discovered that Reines was hiding outside the door.

Although this was clearly not something a child should eavesdrop on, Kenneth didn't point it out because of her special relationship with Rovey, and let her continue.

Rovey called out to Reines only after confirming that Kenneth had left, in order to save Reines's face.

"Brother, I'm sorry, I was just really too curious, that's why..."

Upon being discovered, Reines lowered her head in disappointment, her cunning expression revealing a hint of bewilderment.

"It's okay, it's not a big deal anyway."

Clearly, Rovey didn't care too much about this.

"Really?"

Seeing that Rovey didn't criticize her, Reines instantly changed her expression, her initial apology replaced by surprise, and she smiled at Rovey.

To this, Rovey simply shook his head slightly.