—Within the bounds of the provisional registration, a physical body will be generated from the soul data of True Kin Gilbert Loto Amelia.
—Notice from the Subjugation Compendium—Due to the increased degree of soul connection between Gilbert Loto Amelia and his master, Kai Heinemann, a large portion of sealed memories will be released. Soul connection degree: 50%.
——Memory Release: 50%.
These memories took on an entirely different tone from the ones before.
Though fragmentary, the recollections of an absolute scumbag played out like a monologue. Up until now, they had been nothing but the sickening deeds of a piece of trash, yet somewhere along the line, their nature had begun to shift.
Drenched in sweat, I lay on my back, gazing up at a cloudless, crystal-blue sky.
I must have passed out after casting spell after spell without rest.
"Your Highness, thank you for your hard work."
Tetor, the freckled boy and my attendant, offered me a towel with a look of concern.
"Ah, thanks!"
Taking the towel from Tetor with a beaming smile, I wiped my face.
My body should have been worn to the bone, yet I didn't feel the slightest discomfort; on the contrary, it felt thoroughly invigorating.
"Tomorrow is finally the exam, isn't it?"
"Yeah."
I had poured blood and sweat into my training every single day for this. Tomorrow, I would pass no matter what.
"Um, Your Highness... If you really pass, do you truly intend to leave the royal capital?"
Tetor asked hesitantly, fidgeting and twining his fingers together.
Having known him for so long, I understood what that meant. Whenever Tetor acted like this, he had an objection he wanted to voice.
"Well, yeah. If I'm to become the King of Holy Amelia Kingdom, martial might is essential. To become the ideal King, I have to master magic."
The King I looked up to was the founding sovereign, Mage King Shirlus Loto Amelia—a true sage king who built this Holy Amelia Kingdom through extraordinary political acumen and magical power.
"Still, I humbly believe there is no need for you to study abroad at Babel right at this moment."
As Tetor spoke in a voice barely above a whisper, a wry smile crossed my lips.
His opposition simply stemmed from the loneliness of being parted from his lifelong companion. He was prone to getting lonely, after all.
"No, the title of the youngest student ever admitted to Babel carries immense weight. As it stands, this kingdom's reputation is in the gutter because of my uncle."
Thanks to the grand massacre committed by my uncle, Knut Loto Amelia, Holy Amelia Kingdom's standing could not be worse. If left unchecked, rebellions might even erupt across the domains. We had to rebuild our standing without delay.
"I understand that, but..."
"Don't worry. Tetor, you're coming with me!"
I extended my right hand.
"Y-Yes, sir!"
Tetor's face lit up with radiant joy as he took my hand.
The scene shifted to the exam hall.
The surrounding examinees and proctors alike watched dumbfounded as my match with a blue-haired girl unfolded.
The aptitude test, the practical exams in various magic disciplines, and this comprehensive combat exam carrying the highest point value—we had tied in every single one. And then, taking a direct hit from her spell, I lost consciousness.
When I came to, the blue-haired girl sitting on the bench next to me stood up and offered me her hand.
"I never thought there'd be someone my age who could put up a real fight against me. I'm Siris. Well, I'm sure we'll end up in the same class, so let's get along."
Despite being a low-ranking noble of Holy Amelia Kingdom just like Tetor, Siris was insufferably haughty—and she was also remarkably strong and talented. For my entire first year at Babel, that girl forced me to taste bitter defeat at every turn.
Yet that only lasted through the first year. Gradually, my magical potency and technique grew by leaps and bounds. And after a certain turning point, I left her in the dust.
"Gil, why did you pull your punches in that match?!"
Grabbing me by the collar, she bared her teeth and spat in fury.
"Disrespectful as always, I see. I didn't hold back."
"Don't lie to me! I could tell the second our spells clashed! You definitely pulled your punches!"
"You're being persistent. I fought seriously."
Of course, I hadn't gone into that day's exam intending to hold back. But it was also true that a part of me thought losing wouldn't be so bad.
Word had reached me through the grapevine that Siris's family domain was in dire straits due to this year's famine, and that they were desperately seeking aid from all sides.
The victor of Babel's Grand Tournament received a staggering sum of prize money. Without a doubt, Siris needed that prize money more than anything.
Perhaps, deep down, that was why I couldn't bring myself to be completely ruthless. But what was wrong with that?
I cherished my time with her, and if we fought dozens of times, losing once was hardly out of the question. If giving up a childish exam could help her even a little, wouldn't that be for the best?
"Gil, I'm disappointed in you. I despise you."
Tears welling in her eyes, Siris threw those words in my face. That was practically the last time I ever saw her.
In the end, Siris refused the prize money. Sometime later, she and the ruling family were slaughtered without resistance by their famine-stricken subjects, incited by a band of outlaws.
That was right. Deep down, I must have realized in that moment that I had dealt an irreparable blow to her pride. If only I hadn't held back, if only I had defeated her properly, she surely would have accepted financial aid from my prize winnings, and she wouldn't have died.
Yet back then, desperate to believe I bore no blame for her death, I turned my hatred toward my own magical talent and magic itself—and I grew to despise the commoners who let themselves be so easily duped by outlaws.
I believe that was the trigger that set my cogs turning in the wrong direction.