21st Century Archmage

“Is it all finished?”

“Of course it is. Huhu. Who do you think I am?”

‘Who? You’re my eternal treasure, that’s what you are.’

“Haha. Who else would you be but the child of the rock who has inherited the most outstanding artisan blood out of the entire dwarven race, the mighty leader of the Luhalumere Clan, Patriarch Cassiars?”

‘Mighty leader’s laying it a bit thick, haha…’

This sly patriarch loved his drink and didn’t hesitate to sell off his comrades for grilled pork belly. Because of his simple personality, he was someone who would give you the shirt off his back with a few words of flattery, but in the viewpoint of the dwarven people, he probably wasn’t that great of a patriarch.

Even so, sometimes in life, this kind of disingenuous flattery was necessary. It couldn’t be helped. Even if I told him my sincere thoughts, Cassiars would definitely never be able to fix his naive personality, not that that was necessarily a bad thing. Living his entire life in a fantasy was also a kind of fortune.

“It’s here. I made it perfectly based on what you said and replicated it. No one other than me in our clan would have been able to make something like this,” Cassiars said, gesturing to one side.

‘Did he really make it?!’

I came here from the 21st century. I knew that the continent’s big merchant groups possessed too much strength to bring them to their knees with brute force. For people like them, the best thing was to fight fire with fire and face them with merchant schemes. Who did they think they were to refuse to trade with my territory and employ a policy to make the Rubis Merchants outcasts? I heard the continental merchant groups were even deeply involved in the dispatch of the Empire’s troops for Nerman’s downfall.

This masterpiece was commissioned in order to give those cocky bastards a real taste of hell. It was a bill-shaped money press that could produce the paper bills used in modern times. The 100 Gold bill had my handsome face on it, the 10 Gold bill had Bebeto, the 1 Gold bill had my house, Nerman Castle, and lastly, the 1 Silver bill had a landscape with the Kyre Road.

‘There will come a time when you will come crawling to me out of regret. When that happens, you’ll have a taste of my hot, hot retribution.’

I wasn’t a very kind or generous person. Those merchant groups dared to abuse me and throw Nerman in the pressure cooker just because they had a little money. They were next on my hit list. A form of revenge they had probably never even imagined was coming straight for them.

‘Huhuhu.’

It was still my little secret.

Right now, I was in the village of the dwarves and elves. Like cats and dogs, they got into spats whenever they met, yet somehow got along with each other. In the small city made through the joint partnership of the dwarves and elves, elves plucked their harps and the dwarves banged their hammers, enjoying their lives apart from the rest of society. You could say they had grown closer to humans thanks to me, but there was still some kind of barrier keeping them from getting any closer. When other humans looked at the dwarves and the elves, their gazes were probably different from mine. Capable of sensing the feelings behind those gazes thanks to their pure hearts, the dwarves and elves took comfort in each other and were enjoying their newfound freedom in their own way.

One such person was the elven woman Narmias, who was quietly calling my name.

“Narmias!” I called, my voice full of gladness.

“Tsk tsk. Just what do you see in that skinny-as-a-stick elf? They all look like orcs that have starved for a hundred days, the lot of them… A true woman should have curves in the right places and curves even where they shouldn’t, like our clan’s women. Kyre, I’ll see you later.”

Clicking his tongue as he muttered about his ridiculous beauty standards, Cassiars turned around and left.

“Take care of yourself, sir,” I called out loudly, showing my utmost respect.

Of course, while I was doing so, my eyes were busy looking at Narmias, whose sweet apple fragrance wafted around her as she walked to my side.

‘Wow, how can you be so beautiful?’

Narmias’ godly figure was an utter delight for the eyes. Her full-body elven mithril airplate glinted with silver, showing off her slim body in all of its perfection. It was enough to kindle flames in a fiery man’s heart.

“I wanted to see you.”

‘Uwah!’

I remembered seeing someone call elves the epitome of demureness and innocence. As she spoke, Narmias wrapped her two long, soft arms around mine without a hint of embarrassment in front of the dwarves and elves.

‘Oh! Gods above. I’d love it if you would not test me so…’

Even as I prayed, I was captivated by Narmias’ blue, mountain lake eyes. From them, I could tell that she truly wanted to see me, without lie or pretense. Because she loved me, she was not at all ashamed of her feelings.

I stroked her long hair that was pleasant to the touch.

It was a truly happy moment. The warm sunlight going from spring to summer beamed down lightly upon us, as if it knew of a certain foolish human’s wish that this joy would last forever…

* * *

“Y-Your Majesty! Something terrible is happening!”

The central continent was spring, but the Ice Empire, Haildrian, was only now beginning to escape the cold of winter. In the Haildrian Imperial Palace, where magic maintained the fragrance of eternal spring, the panicked voice of Duke Aquilion reached the Tsarina.

“What’s going on, Duke Aquilion?!”

Tsarina Anastasia had been quietly walking around the garden with Princess Tiavel. She could read the fear on the Duke’s red face.

“I believe we must activate the defensive magic array at once. A-An enormous amount of mana is radiating from his eyeball.”

“What did you say?! Mana?!”

They knew he was alive, but the news that the eyeball was exuding an enormous amount of mana by a 7th Circle mage’s standards shocked Tsarina Anastasia.

“I believe he has released his strength and is using it. Somewhere, evil black magic is being cast!”

“Ah…”

Tsarina Anastasia groaned in dismay at those words. She knew that a terrible situation that should never happen was unfolding somewhere.

“Immediately activate the purification array and prevent his evil energy from coming out. From this moment on, the entire empire will be under emergency alert. Also, inform the Lord of Nerman, Kyre, of this. That the Black Magic Swordsman of Destruction, Altakas… is spreading his wings in full-force.”

The die was already cast. Tsarina Anastasia calmly relayed her orders, praying desperately in her heart that the shadow of darkness would not touch Haildrian’s borders.

* * *

* * *

“Wha!”

After running a patrol around the territory to take care of Bebeto’s food and let him do his business outside, I returned to the Nerman Castle covert. Upon seeing five new wyverns in a formation landed in the covert, I descended while tilting my head in puzzlement. The moment I was about to land, I caught sight of a certain woman, and an exclamation emerged from my mouth.

“Elder Brother!! Elder Brother Kyre!”

Calling me was an incredible beauty around 170 cm tall with a slim figure and golden hair tied up elegantly in twin tails. The appearance of this million dollar beauty was as cute and adorable as a manhwa character. She came flying over like a butterfly, ‘Elder Brother’ on her lips.

‘No way, is it her?’

The girl I could see now and the girl in my memories wasn’t matching up, so my brain.exe stuttered for a moment. It occurred to me that the 160 cm tall kid who grew up as the sole heiress of a warrior household and always went around with a flower behind her ear was somewhat similar to the woman running into my arms.

Whoosh.

‘Geh!’

The woman threw herself at me, wrapping herself firmly around my neck.

“Wahh. I wanted to see you so bad, Elder Brother. Please forgive your little sister Hyneth for not coming to see you once even though you were in Nerman.”

‘Holy shit!’

When my ears heard ‘Hyneth,’ I was able to fully confirm the unbelievable identity of this beauty.

‘How did this happen? Is she wearing high heels or something??’

2 years had already passed since parting with Hyneth, but who would have known that she would transform into a long-legged supermodel in such a short period? Back when she warned me to be especially careful around girls, she’d still looked like a kid.

‘Holy!’

Her full-frontal offensive of clinging to me with a fully adult, airplated body and her arms around my neck pushed my mind to the verge of explosion. The Nerman knights nearby, as well as the knights who were no doubt Hyneth’s entourage, were all looking at us dumbfoundedly.

“Are you well? Not hurt anywhere, I hope? There were tons of rumors that bad people were harassing you, Elder Brother.”

It wasn’t only her height that had grown. From the way she asked about my wellbeing, it was evident that even her mind had grown.

“H-Hyneth, what’s going on? Why have you come so far?”

There was a huge distance from Hyneth’s Petrin county all the way to Nerman. Moreover, the Bajran Empire was embittered in the flames of war right now. With danger lurking in every corner, I could only be shocked that she dared to come to Nerman with just five wyverns.

“We might be in the middle of a war, but everyone turns tail when they see House Petrin.”

‘Right, I’m the stupid one for having worried.’

The gangster family of the Bajran Empire, the count household of Petrin, proudly showed off their brute-force nature under the family motto ‘Just beat him up.’ Even conceited nobles who were terrible judges of time and place wouldn’t mess with House Petrin.

“But Hyneth, when did you grow this tall? You’ve grown so much.”

“Hoho. Elder Brother, you said that milk was good for growing tall, so we raised a few female cows at home. I drank a big glass of raw milk every morning, lunch, evening, and as a snack at night. I had milk put into my bread, my cookies, everything. And just like you said, I grew this big. My airplate is hiding it, but even my breasts are on par with a dairy cow. Hohoho.”

‘Kek…’

That thing I said about her mind having grown? Yeah no, cancel that. She said it in a whisper, but even so, she was boasting about being like a dairy cow in front of a man. And yet… even though Hyneth’s innocent and cute manhwa character appearance didn’t match her personality in the least, a thousand thoughts that you’d have if you were a man went cascading through my head.

‘That was a joke…’

That thing about milk was something I just said offhandedly to the short Hyneth at the knight academy. But this girl took it to heart and raised several cows, drinking milk with religious fervor. A shiver ran down my back. The all-screws-loose, one-track brute forcing rabid Petrin Count household… I felt this before, but it was really a family I didn’t want to get involved with.

“Elder Brother, your house is really nice. I’m sure you have a room for this little sister of yours, too?”

Unclasping her arms from my neck, Hyneth grabbed my arm without restraint and looked towards the hangars and my tall mansion jutting out with eyes of admiration.

‘But seriously, why is she here?’

The Bajran Empire’s situation wasn’t good enough for her to come see me just on a whim.

Kweeeeeeeegh. Kyaaaaaaaaaaagh.

I was still deeply puzzled when suddenly, I heard the cries of wyverns above my head. The guests of the Bajran Empire had finished another day of bloody training and were landing in the covert.

When Hyneth saw the Black Wyverns slowly descending, I felt her flinch.

‘She’s crying?’

Not only that, but tears were dripping from her large eyes, seemingly out of nowhere. As usual, her character was really difficult to put a pin on.

Flap, flap, flap flap flap.

The formation of Black Wyverns landed in the covert. Their feet touched the ground with thuds, followed by Igis and the other Imperial Skyknights jumping down in orderly fashion. Then, they began to walk towards me.

“Salute!”

Then, a cry of loyalty so loud it seemed to rattle the covert pierced the air.

“I, Hyneth de Petrin, Skyknight of the House Petrin, humbly offer my greetings to Her Highness Princess Igis and His Highness Prince Razcion of the Great Bajran Empire!”

“We humbly offer our greetings to Her Highness the Princess and His Highness the Prince!”

Before I knew it, Hyneth had released her grasp on my arm and fallen to one knee, an action of the highest respect a knight could show. Her movements were replicated by the Skyknights that had come with her.

“H-House Petrin!”

They were like rabid dogs, but the Petrin Count household valued loyalty above all else. When Igis heard the name of ‘Petrin,’ her steps towards me stopped short as she stiffened into stone.

“Your Highnesses the Princess and Prince! We have come on the order of His Excellency Duke Garvit.”

Still kneeling, Hyneth looked at Igis and Razcion and loudly informed that she had come on the order of Duke Garvit, her voice full of loyalty.

‘Has the time come?’

I knew a day like this would come. The Bajran Empire I knew was shaken because of a certain tyrant, but I never once doubted that the Empire’s underlying strength was alive and well.

It seemed the time had come. It was time for me and my guests to return to the Empire with our heads held high.

* * *

“The nobles under His Excellency Duke Garvit, most of the northern nobles, and those who have not forgotten the glory of the Empire have rallied under one mind. They have decided to dethrone Emperor Poltviran, who has endangered the Empire with his tyranny and stained the name of the Imperial Family. In addition, they have unanimously named His Highness Prince Razcion as the one who will succeed the legitimate throne of the Bajran Empire. If Your Highness gives the order here, they will raise the flags of allegiance to Your Highness and rally the loyal retainers still alive in Bajran!”

Hyneth’s voice was full of an intense loyalty that did not match her cute face. We had moved the conversation to the inner castle, but she continued to treat the Princess and Prince with utmost respect. They weren’t unwelcome in my house, but Igis and Razcion had obviously not received the sort of respect they had gotten in the Bajran Imperial Palace. With the appearance of Hyneth’s entourage, they had begun to regain their gravitas, layer by layer. It was probably the authority that one of imperial blood would naturally radiate the moment they became the center of the Bajran Empire.

“Relay my words to the loyal retainers of the Bajran Empire.”

I could imagine she must be feeling emotional, but Igis maintained the comportment of a cool-headed princess.

“I await thy command!”

“Inform them that upon my authority as a legitimate successor bearing the blood of the Great Bajran Empire Imperial Family, I approve of the dethronement of Emperor Poltviran, he who has tyrannized without measure.”

“Yes, ma’am!”

“At the same time, I order them to gather the strength of the loyal nobles and knights at once and reclaim the capital.”

“Yes, ma’am!”

Razcion was nominated to become emperor, but he was still young, so Igis gave the commands.

“Lord Kyre.” Igis turned to me, her voice lacking its usual gentleness.

“Please speak,” I said, looking at her eyes, which were trembling with an emotion that her voice dared not betray.

“Please help our empire.”

I was suddenly asked to help the Empire.

“If it is something I can do, I will assist you.”

I received my peerage from the Bajran Empire, but now, I spoke to her like an equal. I could not bow my head to the Princess and the emperor-to-be kiddo in front of my knights, who treated me like the sky itself. Our relationship wasn’t one of superior and subordinate, but one of collaborators. The wise Igis knew that and made a request rather than a command.

“Please block the advance of the kingdoms.”

‘Did she know?’

I only told a few knights about my agreement with the kingdoms, but it looked like the intelligent Igis knew about it.

“I will do my best.”

“Thank you. In my name and the name of Bajran, I swear I will never forget this favor.”

I wasn’t all that confident I could stop them, but I did think the kingdoms had done enough. The grief they incurred from the Bajran Empire was paid for in full with the territory they were currently occupying.

‘Poltviran, it’s the end of the line for you.’

Poltviran likely had to devote all his forces to the front line in order to deal with the kingdom armies. If the nobles, including the Duke, moved like Hyneth said, Poltviran would definitely be knocked off his throne and sent on a one-way train to hell.

‘But will they listen to me?’

I had met the duke of the Kerpe Kingdom, Hardaim, just once. If he didn’t listen to me, I would have to make him my enemy in order to keep the promise I just made to Igis. To me, Igis and Razcion were far more important than Hardaim.

PR/N: Man, i hope those negotiations go well, hardaim don’t deserve a backstab.

* * *

“Kyre-nim, I apologize.”

It was late at night.

The lumikar Hyneth brought with her flew off into the sky bearing Igis’ command. I heard that until the Imperial Palace was reclaimed, Hyneth and her Skyknights would remain in Nerman with Igis and Razcion as their guard knights.

Then came the night, closing the curtains on a long day. Somehow, I couldn’t sleep, so I was drinking strong wine on the balcony. That’s when Igis came into my room.

‘Mm…’

She appeared wearing the dress she wore to sleep, a nightgown that faintly showed the curves of her body. She bowed low to me, grasping the chest area of her dress out of modesty. It looked as if she was telling me to vent whatever things might have irritated me today.

“Haha. What is there to be sorry about? You and Razcion are people I have recognized as my family. I learned from my grandfather that sorry shouldn’t be said amongst family.”

It wasn’t a lie. They were born at the pinnacle, as a princess and prince. At such a station, it was only natural that they would be arrogant. However, Igis and Razcion did not lose their innate personalities as good humans. They were 100% deserving of being called my family members.

“It is because I was able to hang my hopes on this generosity of yours that I was able to live on. But I have nothing and cannot offer you anything to repay your kindness.”

Igis was sincerely thankful. Her sky-blue eyes had grown moist, glistening in the moonlight.

“Nonsense… I did not help you to get something out of it. I merely did my best because you are beautiful people I wished to make memories with. To call my actions kindness is too much.”

Igis didn’t forget her manners and was thankful for all that she received. Her heart was as beautiful as her appearance. Under the gentle glow of the moon and stars, her wavy golden hair fluttered in the wind.

‘Mm…’

Her beauty drew a hum from me for a second time.

It was late at night. On this night, where I had a hard time sleeping for some reason, one pretty lady came my way. The sight of her faintly visible, mature and curvy body plunged deep into my soul, unbeknownst to me, and the sweet and charming fragrance of a woman wafted to me along the wind. My breath hitched in my throat.

“Thank you…”

With those words, Igis shed the respectful mannerisms she normally used and switched to a much closer form of speech.

The clear tears filling the lakes of her eyes dripped down her white, moonlit cheeks.

My hand unconsciously moved towards Igis’ face.

And the moment I made contact, I felt an electrifying sensation I couldn’t quite name.

“Hngh…”

When my hand touched her face, Igis crumpled into my embrace with a sob.

“Thank you… Thank you so much…”

I had taken off my airplate to sleep and was only wearing soft pajamas. Through the thin fabric and into my heart came Igis’ warm tears and breaths.

I embraced the back of the young bird that had come into my arms.

‘Ah…’

The third murmur of my heart came out as a breath. How could this be explained in words? It was the soft feeling of a woman, smoother than silk. There was a layer of clothes between us, but I felt every breath, every bit of warmth, and my heart began to race with a burst of piquant heat.

“I… I love you… I love you.”

As my body warmed like a torch, an electrifying confession of love struck me. I should have been the one to tell her first, but this brave woman whispered of love to me.

“Igis…”

Her name came from the depths of my heart to my lips. At my call, she looked at me with wet eyes, a flame blazing in their deepest corners.

“I love you too.”

She was more than deserving of love.

“Ah…”

At my confession, she let out a sweet breath, her neat white teeth showing.

My face lowered, instinctively seeking the existence that could cool this uncontrollable heat.

“Mm…”

Her lips felt like ice cream, sweet and hot and wonderful all at once.

‘Haah…’

The last murmur, full of my buzzing heart, echoed inside my chest. Before I knew it, my right arm was embracing Igis’ thin waist, and my left was supporting her soft neck as she buried herself in my lips.

Kuaaaaaaaaaaa.

Bebeto’s satisfied cry as he made love to yet another female tonight could be heard loud and clear even from a distance.

But tonight, I didn’t think I would be jealous of him.

Tonight, I wasn’t alone, either…