Unlimited Ambition

"Alright, alright, you two." I reached out and ruffled their hair. "Let's eat first."

"Oh!" Chu Chun was in high spirits, and seemed genuinely hungry.

"Oh..." On the contrary, Ruiko, who is usually energetic, was in low spirits.

After finishing our meal, Chuchun and I said goodbye and left. Chuchun also told Ruizi that she should go to class the next day. She could also borrow the notes she had missed over the past few days. Ruizi, however, only half-heartedly responded.

Haru and I parted ways downstairs at Ruiko's apartment. After that, I went back to Ruiko's place. But I found that this silly girl standing there like a statue, not moving an inch. Seeing that I had returned, she suddenly threw herself into my arms and cried her heart out.

"Be good, be good." Seeing that this was not a good thing, I gently patted Leizi's back and coaxed her into the room.

"They really prepared for so long... but it was all ruined by that idiot Chuchun..." After hearing my words of comfort, Ruizi cried even harder.

"Okay, I know, I know. My Ruizi is the best. Cooking is no problem for her at all." I said this while pulling out a handkerchief to wipe her tears.

"Ugh...you're making fun of me again..." Ruizi stopped crying, but was still sobbing a little.

"No, I mean it. Ruiko, you're such a nice person, and you're so beautiful. You're also very good at magic. Come to think of it, this is the first time I've ever met someone with such talent."

"Really?" Ruizi looked up at me, her eyes brimming with tears.

"Yes, it's all true." I nodded with a smile, speaking as if it were the truth.

"..." Ruiko hesitated for a moment, then gritted her teeth and asked the question: "So, between me and Mikoto-senpai, who is better?"

"Why do you ask that?" I was a little confused.

"I just want to ask, in your heart, which one is better, me or Mikoto-senpai?"

I gave a helpless, wry smile: "Can we ask another question?"

Ruiko shook her head firmly: "No! You have to tell me yourself, senior!"

"..." I hesitated for a moment, but finally said, "I like them both... but for Mikoto, she is my lover... Ruiko, you are like my little sister."

This was the second time I'd given her the "sister card." Ruiko didn't react hysterically as I'd expected. She just pushed me away slightly and then turned away.

“Tears—” I asked, a little worried, as I reached out to put my arm around her shoulder.

"Don't touch me!" Ruizi suddenly raised her voice, then looked pitiful: "Please, don't come near me anymore."

Of course I knew what she meant: "Please, please don't hurt me anymore." Just as I was about to present my second plan, Ruiko turned around and solemnly said to me, "Wright-senpai."

"What is it?" I asked.

"I've thought about the suggestion you mentioned to me yesterday." Ruiko's tone was very serious.

What she was referring to was the invitation I extended to her yesterday after she demonstrated a series of advanced wind magic spells, which I was shocked by, to go to Jerusalem to receive more formal magician training.

Ruiko seemed very happy at the time. However, out of girlish modesty, she replied, "I need to think about it some more." Little did I expect to receive an answer today.

"I've made up my mind. I'm going to Jerusalem with you, senior," Ruiko said solemnly.

"Really?!" I asked, feigning surprise.

Tears nodded: "Yes, I've thought it through very carefully."

“That’s wonderful… It’s such a waste for someone with your talent to stay in a place like this.” I couldn’t help but hug her again, and said with a double meaning, “Believe me, Ruizi. You will find the life you want in Jerusalem. I promise.”

“Is that so…” This time, Ruiko did not refuse me. Instead, she smiled faintly: “Nothing else matters… All I want is this promise from you, senpai—please remember what you said today.”

I nodded repeatedly: "Of course, of course, I promise."

Immediately afterwards, the boy and girl, each with their own thoughts, embraced each other again.

Chapter Twenty-Seven: Before the war begins, a treaty or something similar is usually signed.

This trip to Academy City brought an unexpected surprise. The addition of Saten Ruiko has strengthened my team once again. With her talent, she can quickly develop extraordinary combat power with just a little training, perhaps even surpassing that of ordinary Saints.

Meanwhile, thanks to my promotional efforts, the newly minted genius magical girl has inadvertently sparked a trend in Jerusalem. It's said that her current fanbase already surpasses that of Hollywood's most popular actors and actresses.

Of course, Ruiko herself didn't seem to care at all. Even after I revealed my true identity, she just said "Oh." She didn't seem surprised at all. This hurt me a little.

I went back to Jerusalem. Mikoto and Kuroko were very unhappy about this and insisted on going with me. However, we couldn't go because of our studies. This made them a little resentful.

These past few days, the two of them have said goodbye to their dormitory life and moved into my temporary accommodation in Academy City. Although this behavior isn't very good for a prestigious school like Tokiwadai, Mikoto is still a Level 5, and she does have some privileges.

Of course, if that's not enough, then with my influence, Aleister will have nothing to say.

Under their constant pressure, I had no choice but to sign a series of unequal treaties. I promised them that the next time I went to Academy City, I would accompany them to stroll through the underground shopping street for a whole day, and during that time I would obey any of their orders.

I don't care. Even if it means running naked around Academy City, or having a threesome with both of them in public (Hey, kid, your comment is way too bad).

And so I returned to Jerusalem, where I had one more thing to do in my daily routine: instructing Leizi in her magical training.

And so, the peaceful days passed for about two days. The Italian government sent me an invitation, inviting me to pay a friendly visit to the Italian government.

Are you kidding me? I'm not on the same level as a second-rate country like yours. You think you're so great just because you're the Prime Minister of Italy? Make an appointment before you want to meet. I don't have time for such trivial matters.

However, following the invitation came a personal letter from the Pope of the Vatican.

The letter was very polite, full of compliments like "young and promising," "a role model for the nation," and "a god on earth." I carefully condensed it down to this one sentence: "Come to Italy immediately to negotiate with us! Otherwise, we'll part ways and face World War III!"

……

Fine, you're the boss, I'm scared of you, okay?

Upon hearing that I was going to Italy, my entire harem (young man, have you finally admitted it?) went berserk. It seems they've turned this trip into a three-day tour of the Apennine Peninsula.

"Well... there are indeed some scoundrel leaders from unfortunate countries who, under the guise of friendly visits, take their families on publicly funded trips... but I'm not that kind of person... really, you can trust me..."

As a result, I was collectively scorned by my harem. Tears streaming down my face, I pulled out… wait, let me count first: the Seven Spears of Misaka, the Three Sisters (Osora said she had to go back to clean her house), one swordswoman, one superpowered girl, and two magical girls (I originally wanted to say one, but Oriana gave me a couple of 'hehehe' looks, so I changed my mind and said two). A total of fourteen.

...Wait, why is this girl tugging at my sleeve and looking at me so pitifully? Are we that close? If we are, why can't I even remember your name clearly...?

It seems, um, it seems to be called Wuhe?

Seeing the other members of my harem radiating murderous intent while smiling at me, I knew they had misunderstood. Of course, I also knew that any explanation would be useless at this point.

For a man with a long criminal record who could publish a book, the mere sight of a pitiful young girl tugging at his sleeve is enough to warrant a criminal sentence.

"Whatever," I rolled my eyes. "It's just one more plane ticket. I can afford that little bit of money."

So, at the airport, at the ticket counter.

"...Can I get a discount on plane tickets through group buying?" This is the only question I want to ask.

The ticket seller across from me shook her head gently but firmly.

...It's alright, I can afford this little bit of money. With tears in my eyes, I reached into my purse. Ever since my first return from Academy City (or more accurately, since I brought Index back), royal expenses have only increased.

Although the Jerusalem royal family is one of the world's richest families, they still have many expenses. Like this time, Index is insisting on going to Italy for a lavish meal. That'll probably cost hundreds of thousands of florins. Just thinking about it makes my heart bleed…

Why not have the government pay for it, instead of buying my own plane ticket? If the government really did pay, wouldn't I be just like those lousy leaders of those unfortunate countries?!

That's about it.

Of course, it wasn't uncommon for some to travel to Italy on government-chartered planes. Upon hearing that their crown prince was going to Italy—the heartland of the Roman Catholic Church—both the Royal Knights and the Dark Knights panicked. Large numbers of elite knights were summoned and sent to the battlefield.

Elite knights from Tripoli, elite Antioch knights, Byzantine armored paladins, the Jerusalem court guard, the Royal Mamluks, the Hasasin assassins, the Secret Order elite guard… more than five thousand elite knights were assembled. After a brief reorganization, they marched toward Italy.

The Roman Catholic Church wasn't blind or deaf; they naturally couldn't hide this from the situation. While cursing the Jerusalemites under their breath for their insolence, the Vatican abandoned its scheming plans. At the same time, they rallied their troops in preparation for any eventuality.

The major dioceses throughout Europe were abuzz with activity, with elite armed priests and mages almost entirely mobilized. Meanwhile, many magic mercenaries made a fortune, entering Italy with huge commissions from the Papacy and third-generation indulgences that were practically licenses to kill.

The entire European continent was shrouded in the shadow of war. While ordinary people remained oblivious, the so-called underworld was in complete chaos. The timid had already booked their tickets to the New World. The bolder, however, yearned to make a name for themselves, or at least fish in troubled waters…

"A bunch of idiots." That was the assessment of Laura Stuart, the Archbishop of England. In a sense, she was right.

Meanwhile, Japan, separated from Europe by half a region, was peaceful and serene. That day, Kamijou realized his luck had exploded. He casually drew a prize and won a free trip to Italy—for two people! Kamijou jumped up with a shout, "Wow!" He then went to find Yuriko to discuss their honeymoon.

At this very moment, inside Aleister's secret chamber, he quietly watched the screen, completely immersed in nutrient solution, observing the actions of Kamijou and Yuriko. He only breathed a sigh of relief after seeing Yuriko finally accept Kamijou's invitation.

"Isn't it a bit too early to make a move at this time?" Aiwas complained as always beside him.

“Nothing is guaranteed to succeed just because it is perfectly prepared,” Aleister replied. “Moreover, I am not the only one who drives events. Many times, I am also not in control of my own destiny.”

"Really?" Aiwass was slightly incredulous, then added, "Even so, even with that person involved, the odds aren't very high."

"Is that so?" Aleister asked noncommittally. "Then, according to your calculations, what are your so-called chances of winning?"

“Your plan is not yet complete. And he, perhaps he has his own plan… Assuming that the results of his operations are the same as yours… his chances of winning are no more than 30%.” Aiwass organized his thoughts before saying this.

"Thirty percent... that's enough for a gamble." A rare look of smugness appeared on Aleister's usually calm face, though it was fleeting.

Thus, the time, the people, and the place—all the necessary elements—are in place. The state church of Jerusalem, the Roman Catholic Church, and Academy City. The power struggle between the three parties has officially begun.

Chapter Twenty-Eight: Old Relics Clinging to the Past

So, I and my harem of girls arrived in Italy, on the Apennine Peninsula.

Although in Italy today, the real power still lies with His Holiness the Pope of the Vatican. I only came here because of him. But ordinary people don't know that. I don't want to be like Aleister, foolish enough to reveal magic or anything like that to the average person.

……and many more.

Will magic be revealed to ordinary people?

Hmm, that sounds like a good idea.

The people of Jerusalem are generally convinced of the power of magic. Even if you unleash a spell in front of them, you might only get a few rounds of applause—but besides them, there are billions of ordinary people in the world! Billions—that's not a small number. It's billions!

If these guys, educated in 21st-century materialism, found the next day that the front page of the newspaper read: "Crown Prince of Jerusalem, His Highness Light Baldwin, Reveals the Truth About Magic," then magic truly does exist in this world!

After that... I'll be considered crazy, right?

But it's okay. It really is okay. Just show them a little more surreal evidence, and they'll most likely believe it.

For example... making the moon disappear?

Hmm... or the sun?

This is truly a difficult choice.

As I pondered these pointless questions, I engaged in an even more tedious conversation with the current Italian prime minister. When he boasted that Italian food was delicious, I felt an urge to punch him.

So, the harem is probably touring Rome right now. The lavish Italian cuisine... I wonder if it suits Index's taste—no, if it were that guy, he'd devour it all, leaving not a scrap. Even if she were forced to drink poison or eat pufferfish, she'd ignore all the harm and eat enough to kill an entire legion, then claim she was only 80% full.

Hmm... speaking of which, according to custom, the Italian government is hosting a banquet for me tonight. Should I bring Index along? It's a way to save money and also divert attention, right?

I think I'll pass. After all, the relationship between Irving and Index is still at the level of owner and pet. It wouldn't be good if people misunderstood.

Similarly, the other girls can't accompany them to the banquet. Otherwise, tomorrow's front page headlines will read: "His Highness the Crown Prince of Jerusalem Attends Banquet with His Fiancée." Those damned, unscrupulous reporters.

I resisted the urge to roll my eyes and continued rambling on with this jerk. The conversation only stopped when both of us were completely exhausted.