"Lord Gascoigne... So you met 'Gascoigne the Heavenly Emperor.' You've certainly had a rare experience, ho-ho-ho."
"Do you really believe me?"
"There is little point in lying about such things. Besides... I am well aware that he is not a man who listens to others."
The Academy Director, Verloid Hahn, began his explanation.
"To begin with, I don't have much personal acquaintance with Lord Gascoigne. Although I am a member of the Council of Sages... I am merely a 'Satellite,' you see."
"A Satellite...?"
"Indeed. The Council of Sages is divided into two tiers of membership: the core 'Planets' and the 'Satellites.' As I am one of the latter, my contact with those at the center is quite sparse."
"I see... Is that how it works?"
It seemed that even within the same organization, there was a strict hierarchy. Even the Academy Director, hailed as the finest mage in the kingdom, could not stand near the center of the Council of Sages—the world's preeminent magical society. Rest was once again reminded of the sheer scale and depth of the power structures in this world.
"The Council of Sages has several duties. The ones most familiar to you would be the certification of new magic and the maintenance of the Register of Magic."
The Council of Sages compiled the Register of Magic, a comprehensive record of the spells existing in this world. Whenever new magic was developed, it was dutifully recorded there. Developing new magic was the ultimate honor for a mage; if one's name were to be inscribed within that register, any nation would welcome them with open arms and the highest of honors.
(To be officially registered, a spell's universality and reproducibility are scrutinized. Magic like my [Star Eater] or [Kagutsuchi], which require infinite mana to function, would never be included...)
"However... in truth, the Council of Sages has a primary objective separate from those. That is to maintain harmony in the world."
While Rest was lost in thought, the Academy Director continued speaking.
"The Council of Sages mediates wars and acts to stop human conflict. They wouldn't bother with a minor skirmish like the recent civil war, but should a war between nations break out, we would intervene and demand a ceasefire. In fact, our fellow members are currently operating in conflict zones all across the continent even now."
"War mediation..."
The pieces were falling into place. Come to think of it, Gascoigne had explicitly warned Rest against using [Kagutsuchi] on humans. Just as he had suspected, the man feared that such mass destruction magic would be weaponized for war.
"Lord Gascoigne rarely leaves the Council's headquarters. For that gentleman to take personal action, the situation must be grave indeed."
"..."
"I thought so during your entrance exam interview as well... Rest-kun, you truly are a fascinating young man. To think even Lord Gascoigne has his eye on you... I am quite impressed."
"No... I don't think it's quite like that..."
It wasn't so much that he was being "noticed" as it was that he was being "monitored." It wasn't exactly a comfortable position to be in. Even if it was conditional, being told by the world's strongest magician that he would be "disposed of" was harrowing.
"Lord Gascoigne is a strict man, but he is never unreasonable. He is, after all, an ally of humanity. As long as you do not needlessly sow chaos in the world, Rest-kun, you should never have cause to oppose him."
"Sow chaos? I'd never do such a thing."
Rest certainly didn't intend to. He had dealt with the foolish Prince Rodel and subjugated the Magical Beast Subnock—actions that had certainly changed the country—but he had no intention of causing disorder. If anything, he felt like a victim who was constantly being dragged into trouble.
"Anyway... as long as I don't cause trouble, I'll be fine, right? That sounds simple enough."
For the moment, he felt a wave of relief. As long as he didn't turn to the dark side, they would likely never have to fight. In fact, they would probably never meet again.
And yet... why was it?
Even as he breathed a sigh of relief at the Academy Director's explanation, a cold shiver ran down his spine.
(Leonardo Gascoigne... I have a feeling I'll see him again. It's nothing but intuition, but I suspect he'll be bringing trouble with him...)
"Thank you for everything. I'll take my leave now."
"Mm. Next time, let us discuss magic. I shall have tea and sweets waiting for you."
Rest bowed to the Academy Director and quietly left the room.