“I’m terribly sorry, Lord Kronstadt. Per Professor Merlin’s instructions, your viewing privileges have been restricted for the time being.”
“...The reason?”
“I’m afraid I don’t know. You will have to ask the professor for the details.”
The librarian bowed apologetically.
And it wasn't limited to the Second Library. Professor Merlin had issued a reading ban that applied to every other library on campus as well.
“I bet it’s because you’ve been hanging around here too much, Albert?” Silvia giggled.
I wanted to brush her off with a cold retort, but I couldn't shake the same suspicion. Was I being narcissistic to think he’d done this specifically to block my access?
Professor Merlin was proving to be a serious problem.
He was a renowned authority on Ancient History and, by extension, Ancient Civilizations. While he didn't appear much in the game, he was the one who dropped fragmentary hints about the existence of Ancient Magic—a hidden element of the world.
In other words, the man knew things.
Was this just a coincidence?
I wasn't the type to put much stock in coincidences.
Now, what was my move?
As I walked down the hall mulling it over—
“Kronstadt.”
A voice called from behind me.
Tension spiked through my body.
I turned to find Professor Merlin standing there.
He was a man in his mid-forties, of average height and slender build, with a distinct slouch earned from years of research. He had grayish-brown hair, sharp brown eyes, and the glasses he always wore. Known as a titan in the Department of Ancient History, the students respected him as a professor who was strict but fair.
Right now, his eyes were locked onto me.
Like a hunter who had spotted his prey.
“You seem to be quite the regular at our various libraries lately, don't you?”
The professor’s voice was mild, but there was something lurking beneath the surface. I feigned composure as I replied.
“Yes, though I was unable to read anything today thanks to your instructions. Why is that?”
“Grown-up reasons.”
He gave a beaming smile that didn't reach his eyes.
“I’ve restricted access for all students across the board. Even for the Eldest Son of the Ducal House. If you’re that desperate to browse, you’ll need permission from the appropriate faculty member.”
“Like you, perhaps, Professor Merlin?”
“Precisely. Like me.”
Merlin chuckled softly.
“Why don't we have a talk, Kronstadt? Why are you scouring through so many books? What is it you're after?”
“A great many things. I’m seeking knowledge in general. If we’re talking about subjects relevant to you, Professor, then Ancient History, for instance.”
“Ha ha ha! Ancient History! A fine pursuit. I’ll teach you as much as you’d like. But that’s not what this is really about, is it?”
Merlin’s eyes sparkled with the mischief of a young boy.
“You’re actually researching Ancient Magic, aren't you?”
I heard Silvia gasp behind me.
Understandable. The very term ‘Ancient Magic’ was taboo. It wasn't something spoken aloud lightly. And actually researching it? That was unthinkable.
Which meant my answer was already decided.
“...Ancient Magic is forbidden. I have no interest in such dangerous things.”
I kept my voice flat. Was it trembling? Was my face stiff? I fought for control over every muscle as I looked Professor Merlin dead in the eye.
He stared back, his gaze seemingly peering into the deepest recesses of my soul.
Does he know my goal?
No, he was likely just suspicious. He was setting up a perimeter to test me.
He’s completely on guard.
The tension was thick.
Merlin was the first to break eye contact.
“I see. Yes, of course. Ha ha ha! There's no way you'd be researching that!”
As he turned to leave, he added one last thing.
“But simple ‘Ancient History research’ isn’t enough to grant you access. Bring me a better reason—something more fitting for a student. I’m always happy to help a promising pupil.”
With that, Merlin vanished.
...Great. I'd been marked by someone truly annoying.
At least I’d avoided a direct confrontation for now—
“Hoo... so you’re really dabbling in Ancient Magic, Albert?”
“I’m not!”
When I whipped around to bark at her, Silvia was cackling.
Damn it. I’d forgotten there was an even bigger headache right behind me.
I just hoped this didn't turn into some weird rumor.
◆◇◆◇◆◇◆◇◆◇◆◇
Later that night, I sat in my room at the Student Dormitory, trying to sort out the situation. Outside the window, the Academy was shrouded in the silence of night.
A month had passed since the entrance ceremony.
And things were definitely not going according to plan.
First, there were my relationships with Eliana, Luna, Silvia, and Leon. I’d intended for us to maintain a policy of mutual non-interference, but the reality was far from that ideal.
For some reason, they were all closing the distance.
It wasn't just Silvia today. Leon and Luna were constantly badgering me, and I’d somehow become a 'fellow observer' with Princess Eliana.
Why?!
Why won't they just leave me alone?!
Why can't the hated 'Albert' just be a loner?!
I wanted to keep the Death Flag Architects at arm’s length, but it was proving impossible. Why? Just why...?
Then there was my search for new Ancient Magic.
Professor Merlin was clearly onto my movements. He hadn't had much of a role in the original game, so I didn't have a good grasp on his personality... but there was no doubt he was sharp.
The man was monitoring me and cutting off my access to the necessary texts. My research was going to stall at this rate.
I needed a different approach.
But what?
My options were thin.
I could face Professor Merlin head-on, find another route, or... I could try to form a cooperative relationship with him.
No, that's—
Too dangerous.
And yet, it might actually be the smartest move.
I let out a long breath.
—This was starting to get interesting.
My social life was a wreck, and my research was in shambles. Not a single one of my wishes had come true.
But it wasn't all bad. A challenge like this just made the eventual victory taste sweeter. After all, nothing beats the rush of beating a shitty game.
I wouldn't lose.
I wouldn't let anyone get in the way of me breaking these Death Flags or collecting Ancient Magic.