The Impact of the Author’s Intervention on a Blank Page - Chapter 63

Philip, having departed from Silveron early in the morning and arriving at the Grand Duke’s residence around noon, sat tensely on the sofa. Though he’d used the direct spatial transfer device connecting the Central Magic Tower to Izatrix’s capital, it took additional time since the Grand Duke’s residence was quite far from the city center.

He wore a white shirt under his black robe with a black tie. A small silver badge adorned the black tie – the symbol of Astar Tower – indicating his position as the Tower Master’s direct disciple.

He was here in place of his master, the Tower Master. Though not a complicated task, the importance of his counterpart made it impossible to relax.

The reception room, connected to the back door presumably for receiving guests who needed discretion, was nonetheless spacious and tall. Even from the outside, the Grand Duke’s residence appeared more like a castle than a mansion, and the interior matched this impression.

Philip kept readjusting his tie. Despite the room’s comfortable temperature, cold sweat seemed to form on his palms.

As the top doctoral candidate in his ninth year at the tower, Philip knew how crucial his awaited contact was to his institution. Unlike other towers, Astar was financially struggling, left only with past glory and gradually declining. This was partly due to the type of magic they primarily researched and handled.

Astar mainly dealt with life and death, and the fusion of biology and magic. Though many were wary due to its perceived proximity to black magic and necromancy, it was once celebrated as an advanced branch of medicine and received substantial financial support.

But that remains merely an old tale in books now. When the Church of Aurora-il, god of life and regeneration, became the empire’s state religion and dispatched middle and lower-ranking priests to regional temples, people began increasingly shunning Astar for its seemingly dangerous practices.

The greatest patron sustaining such an Astar was none other than Grand Duke Izatrix, the ruler of this castle and land. Without this patronage, Astar would likely not survive. The situation was that desperate.

His eccentric master, oblivious to worldly matters and focused solely on magic and research, could treat the Grand Duke casually and sometimes even rudely. But Philip, still possessing common sense, couldn’t do the same.

Yet his nervousness wasn’t solely due to money. Even if the Grand Duke wasn’t his tower’s major benefactor, Philip would still fear this private audience.

Grand Duke Izatrix was surrounded by various rumors. When he ascended to power in his early twenties – quite young for a leader – the previous Grand Duke had died. There were also rumors about numerous opposition members being quietly purged around that time. Even the fall of Count Hotry’s family, who had once been close to receiving territory, was said to be part of this – if such rumors reached even the tower, surely more circulated among the nobility.

However, the gentry class and common people only paid attention to these rumors initially, quickly forgetting them when no new ones emerged. Public opinion even shifted to support him – as long as he made them prosperous and safe, what did it matter? Some even suggested it was for the better.

Philip shared this view. At least, when he didn’t have to meet the man in person.

Click – the sound of the door opening. Philip jumped to his feet instinctively. The brighter light from outside made it difficult to make out the face of the figure entering, but he immediately recognized who it was from the posture, height, and attire.

Grand Duke Izatrix walked in with echoing footsteps and stood before Philip.

“Sit.”

Philip sat across from the Grand Duke, his eyes darting nervously. Trying to ease his tension, he jumped straight to the point.

“Your Grace, have you used the medicine the Tower Master provided last time?”

“……”

Sitting on the black buffalo leather sofa in the dimly lit reception room, the Grand Duke tilted his head and remained silent. Under that chilling gaze, Philip hastily continued.

“We heard that the ‘Owner’s’ lifespan is nearly exhausted. If you’ve already performed the extraction or plan to do so soon, I asked because it would be best to handle the aftermath quickly.”

“……”

The Grand Duke remained silent. Though known for being taciturn, today seemed particularly severe. Philip, despite his restless eyes, closed his mouth. The Grand Duke turned his head to look at the wall as if in thought, then spoke in a low voice after a long pause.