To become a king and a magician

"Are you here, Webber, Tiger?"

Soon, Kenneth appeared on the stairs directly opposite the main entrance.

"It's a little later than scheduled. Punctuality is also a skill for magicians; I should pay attention to that in the future."

"Sorry, teacher, there was a bit of traffic on the road," Weber apologized.

Kenneth nodded, not nitpicking any further, and said, "Come over here, dinner is ready, just waiting for you two. This is simply a welcome dinner for Tiger at the Clock Tower, so please be casual and don't be so nervous."

"Phew~~~ That's perfect. I was worried that my clothes might not fit the teacher's aristocratic style."

"Hmph, I'll teach you the manners of a nobleman little by little later."

As long as Natsukawa Torato can become a priest in the future, no, even a lower-ranking priest would be fine, Kenneth is determined to bring him into the Archibald family as his son-in-law. He can teach him the proper way of doing things later.

Following Kenneth to the restaurant, Natsukawa Tiger didn't see many people. Just as Weber said, it was probably because they didn't want to scare the newcomer Natsukawa Tiger. Kenneth's dinner was almost entirely private, and there were only two people in the restaurant.

One is Sora, whom Natsukawa Tora has met; she is Kenneth's fiancée.

"Long time no see, Tiger," Sora greeted with a smile.

"Yes, it's been a long time, Master Sora."

With a simple greeting, Kenneth puffed out his chest slightly, smiled, and sat down in the chair next to Sora, gesturing for Natsukawa and Webber to sit down as well.

After sitting down, Natsukawa Tora began to examine another person—or rather, a child.

With the same hair color as Kenneth and some resemblance in their features, they must be a member of the Archibald family. They look quite young, around six years old.

"Teacher, this child is...could he be your and Sora's child?"

"Cough, cough, cough!"

Kenneth's overly provocative remarks caused him to cough, and Sora blushed slightly.

Although Kenneth wanted to praise Natsukawa Tora's behavior and even ask him to say more, he still told the truth: "No, she is my adopted sister, Reines El-Mello Archibald, who is five years old this year."

(really!)

It's you! Sima Yi, you old scoundrel! But the age difference between you and Xia Chuanhu's memory is just too great. But it's only 1994 now; you must have been a teenager when Sima Yi possessed you.

“In terms of seniority, she is my niece, but this child has quite good magical talent and is expected to reach my level to some extent, so I made an exception and took her in as my adopted sister. Reines, this is my student I told you about before, Natsukawa Torato, say hello.”

Xia Chuan...Tiger.

Still young and not yet a pleasurable criminal, Reines timidly bowed to Natsukawa Tora: "Hello, Natsukawa-nii, I am Reines El-Mello Archibald."

“Hello, little sister Reines. Hmm, it’s a pity I didn’t know you would be here before I came, otherwise I would have brought a small gift.” Natsukawa Tora said, glancing at Kenneth. “Oh, speaking of which, I also forgot to prepare a gift for my teacher and his wife. That… a gift for becoming a disciple.”

"There's no need for a formal apprenticeship ceremony, since our apprenticeship process was rather chaotic."

Using Command Spells to summon Servants and threaten him into becoming his teacher—only Natsukawa Torato would do something like that. Thinking back now, Kenneth still thinks Natsukawa Torato's decision at that time was truly insane and a gamble. Of course, more than anything, it was a reflection on his own lack of seriousness towards the Holy Grail War.

Even a lion must exert its full strength to hunt a rabbit.

Natsukawa Tora taught Kenneth a good lesson.

"Tiger, actually, I had a different idea behind arranging for you to meet with Reines this time."

During a break in the meal, Kenneth suddenly said something.

"To be honest, Sora and I aren't very good at taking care of children. Plus, I have research and courses to teach, so Sora only comes over occasionally and can't spend much time with Reines. Even though we've hired a maid, Reines clearly doesn't find it enjoyable."

"So, if possible, please communicate with Reines more often in the future."

Upon hearing this, Natsukawa Torama put down his knife and fork while cutting steak and asked very seriously, "Is this a request from you as a teacher? Or as a monarch? Or as an sworn brother?"

"The monarch, and my sworn brother."

Kenneth's pride prevented him from lying about such matters. Moreover, he didn't believe that Natsukawa Torato was unable to deduce his intentions. His student had always been a very intelligent person; otherwise, he wouldn't have been able to survive the Holy Grail War to the end.

After thinking in silence for a while, Xia Chuanhu nodded: "If it's just communication, there's no problem. However, I live quite far from here, so I probably can't come over often."

"Weber, you understand, right?"

Webber, who was frantically eating, immediately understood what Kenneth meant when he heard him say that he had taken on another job.

(Oh, my stomach hurts so much.)

6. Sometimes, attending class requires the same courage as going to war.

A week has passed quickly since Natsukawa Tiger arrived at the Clock Tower.

Aside from his initial meeting with Meryl and dinner with Kenneth, Natsukawa Tiger didn't encounter much else. During the week, apart from the first two days when he familiarized himself with the Clock Tower and Academic City under Webber's guidance, he spent the remaining five days holed up in his dormitory.

It's not that he doesn't want to go out, but the problem is... his English isn't good.

He could manage simple conversations, but once the other person started speaking fluently, Xia Chuanhu was completely lost. What the other person said sounded like gibberish to him. If Webber were around, he could translate for him, but if Webber wasn't, he would just send it directly.

When I spoke with Kenneth before, he consciously communicated with him in Japanese, but the others didn't.

Therefore, for the past five days, Xia Chuanhu stayed in his dormitory receiving special English training from Meili—specifically, receiving English training 24 hours a day without interruption, including when he was dreaming at night.

Thanks to this, Natsukawa Tora can now be considered to have reached a level where he can have daily conversations with the British.

And today is the official start of the new semester at the Clock Tower.

Carrying their school bags from Fuyuki City, Natsukawa Torato and Weber walked along the corridor inside the clock tower.

Looking at Natsukawa Tora, whose eyes were surrounded by dark circles and who looked sleep-deprived, Weber couldn't help but ask, "Are you alright? Natsukawa, can you handle the mental strain?"

"Ah...it's okay, I can handle it. Compared to the exam preparation before my high school graduation exam, this is relatively easy...haha~~~~~~"

Yawning, Natsukawa Tora continued, "By the way, which classroom is mine again? I remember you said you were going to the general basic course? Where is it?"

"All basic courses are held in the large classroom, which has been there since the association's inception—a classroom that is open to all magicians. As long as you join the association as a student and pay tuition, all students can participate," Webber carefully explained to Natsukawa Tora. "By the way, I was your teacher for your first class."

"Huh?"

Xia Chuanhu was taken aback for a moment, but quickly understood.

Webber is now a certified Level 3 lecturer at the Clock Tower. To be promoted from Level 3 to Level 2, one's magical skill is not the primary requirement; rather, it depends more on one's level and experience as a lecturer.

All the basic courses teach the most basic things, which is indeed a good place for a new lecturer like Weber to accumulate experience.

only--

"I don't mean to discourage you, but Weber, I think there will be quite a few people... who will oppose you."

"Natsukawa Tora said with a frown."

Now, within the Clock Tower, Webber is considered a minor celebrity. Despite having enrolled for several years, he still hasn't graduated from the basic courses. There have only been three generations of magicians, and the first generation was merely a magician's mistress, belonging to the lowest rank among magicians.

However, this same Waver stole Kenneth's relic a year ago, went to the Far East to participate in the Holy Grail War and survived. After returning, he quickly obtained a Level 3 Instructor qualification and was then directly appointed by Kenneth as his assistant to handle various tasks on his behalf.

This dramatic change naturally leads people to wonder if something happened between the master and apprentice during the Holy Grail War, causing Kenneth to be so attentive to him. Many even speculate that Kenneth is grooming Waver as his successor, and that he might have even used his connections to secure Waver's Level 3 Instructor qualification.

The Clock Tower is a place where strength and power reign supreme, and it's not hard to imagine what those arrogant and haughty nobles would do to someone like Weber who has neither strength nor real power.

Weber could only sigh helplessly at Xia Chuanhu's concerns: "Of course I know, but I don't have a good solution for this situation. All I can do is fulfill my duties as a lecturer. The teacher also said he wouldn't give me much help and that I should make a name for myself."

"Since you are my disciple Kenneth, then don't always think about asking others for help. Overcoming every difficulty independently is the basic quality of every magician." — Recalling Kenneth's expression and tone when he said this, Webber wanted nothing more than to punch him twice.

Kenneth's ability to think this way stemmed from his extraordinary talent and exceptional personal skills; he could handle almost any problem well. But Weber couldn't do that; his abilities prevented him from reaching Kenneth's level.

Seeing Weber frowning and sighing, Natsukawa Tora patted him on the shoulder: "Well, don't be too disappointed. I don't care what others think, but at least I will definitely speak up for you. I will do my best to help you when you encounter difficulties, although I don't know how much I can help you."

Although he possessed near-invincible magical eyes, Natsukawa Torato didn't intend to expose them inside the Clock Tower unless absolutely necessary. "A common man is innocent, but possessing a treasure is a crime." He was merely a novice; if he carelessly exposed these high-level magical eyes, they might be stolen in a sneak attack one day.

For a magician, there are countless ways to take something away.

Therefore, Natsukawa Torama avoids using his Mystic Eyes unless it's truly a matter of life and death.

Upon hearing Xia Chuanhu's words, Weber patted him on the shoulder with relief: "I'm relieved to hear you say that. It's true that only roommates can be relied on at times like this. Now I have some confidence for my first class."

As they were saying this, the two arrived at the classroom door for all the basic courses.

Taking a deep breath and adjusting his mindset, Weber reached out and pushed open the classroom door—

"—!"

Almost the instant they pushed open the classroom door, they immediately felt countless eyes on them. There were more than a hundred students in the large classroom, and more than half of them were looking at them.

At the very back of the classroom, Natsukawa Tora and Weber spotted a burly middle-aged man sitting there. After sensing their gazes, he smiled at them.

"That is.....?"

"Monarch Tramberlio..."

Swallowing hard, Weber was now filled with an overwhelming urge to escape from here immediately.

7. Without trying to spread its wings, it's impossible for Wuhu to take off.

Monarch Tramberio.

One of the twelve monarchs of the Clock Tower, and the head of the Tramberg dynasty, one of the three great noble families. He represents both the pinnacle of the democratic faction and a corner of the three great noble families. He wields the unshakeable authority of the Clock Tower, dominating all basic courses.

No one expected that such a person would suddenly appear silently in the large classroom, even sitting in the last row, acting like a leader on an inspection tour. As a result, all the students in the classroom, including Weber, the teacher, were on tenterhooks and cautious throughout the entire class, not daring to even breathe loudly.

In this situation, Natsukawa Torama was perhaps the only one who acted no differently than usual. On one hand, he had just arrived at the Clock Tower, and even just entered the world of magic; even if you told him it was a monarch, he wouldn't feel much of a connection, since it was a complete stranger to him. On the other hand, Natsukawa Torama could be considered to have gotten used to this way of teaching.

Of course, not recently, but in his past life. When he was in junior high school, the school leaders would often go to a classroom, pull up a small stool, sit at the back of the classroom, cross their legs, and write and draw in their notebooks. Occasionally, they would ask the unlucky student sitting next to them a few questions. And because of his height, Xia Chuanhu was often that unlucky student.

In light of this, Natsukawa Torato's view of Monarch Transperio's sudden visit was no different from those idle school leaders. If he had to say something, he was much better than the school leaders—at least when you were daydreaming or dozing off, Transperio wouldn't wake you up or give you a note for violating school rules.

But Natsukawa Tora's indifference didn't mean Webber didn't care, so after class—

"Aaaaaaahh ...

Slumped on a bench in a garden near the Clock Tower, leaning back and gazing at the sky, Weber sat there like a burnt-out corpse. Also, whether it was Natsukawa Tora's imagination or not, he felt that Weber was spitting out a white substance that looked like rice cake.

"Are you alright, Weber? It's just one class, is it really that big of a deal?"

"Of course it's necessary, that's like having a lesson in front of a monarch."

After finally recovering, Waver sighed heavily and said, "The monarch is, in short, one of the most learned people in the Clock Tower who has studied magic the most deeply. Compared to them, I am just a half-baked amateur, a little kid with shallow knowledge. To teach them would be like showing off my skills in front of an expert and humiliating myself."

"When I'm in class, I have to think through every single word I say several times before I decide to speak, for fear that I might say something wrong and be laughed at by the monarch..."

“That must have been hard work for you.” Natsukawa Tora smiled. “But, Waver, in my opinion, Monarch Transberio actually did you a favor.”

"Huh?"

Weber was stunned for a moment.