The Retired Supporting Character Wants to Live Quietly

[Translator - Peptobismol]

[Proofreader - Demon God]

Chapter 150 - Head Theoretical Professor Kaiden (2)

"Kaiden?"

"Yes, that’s correct. Could we have a talk?"

The Head Mage spoke with a very serious expression.

"Oh, come on, let’s just go. I’m getting hungry."

But I wasn’t in the mood for a conversation right now.

Hindrasta, who was growing increasingly grumpy and hungry, was tugging at me, urging me to get moving.

"We can talk over a meal. I’ll treat you."

The Head Mage’s tone became more urgent as Hindrasta started pulling me away.

"Well… fine. If that’s what you want."

I led Hindrasta and the Head Mage to the barbecue place I had planned to go to earlier.

The restaurant wasn’t even in sight yet, but the smell of grilled meat was already thick in the air.

"Mmm, smells good."

Hindrasta closed her eyes and took a deep breath, while the Head Mage wrinkled his nose and covered it with his sleeve.

"The scent… is quite strong…."

As we continued walking, the restaurant came into view, and the Head Mage took a sharp breath.

"T-this is the place…?"

The Head Mage looked at me, clearly bewildered.

To be fair, the place was quite unlike your typical restaurant.

It was an open-air setup. There was no building, just an empty lot filled with old tables and chairs around a central fire where the meat was grilled.

You’d place your order, and they’d grill the meat right there and bring it over, while beer was scooped from oak barrels off to the side.

It was cheap, tasty, and the portions were generous, so it was always crowded with people on a budget.n/o/vel/b//in dot c//om

Once we sat down at a corner table, the waiters didn’t even bother to take our order. They simply brought over three beers and started grilling the meat right away.

Here, they served a set amount of meat per person, and then you could order more if needed.

As we settled in, the Head Mage looked around, still wearing a strange expression, his eyes darting about.

Being the Head Mage of the Imperial Magic Department was not a position you could attain without excelling in every way.

He must have shown exceptional talent from a very young age and followed an elite path to reach his current status.

To someone like him, this restaurant probably seemed like a whole different world.

Even among those who weren’t Head Mages, mages were treated like nobility in this society.

"First of all… I apologize for the sudden intrusion."

The Head Mage began.

"I came because there’s something I need to discuss regarding Kaiden."

"I see. Let’s hear it…."

I trailed off because a massive platter of meat had just been set down in front of us.

"Eek!"

Hindrasta, seeing the sizzling, slightly charred ribs, was nearly faint with excitement.

"They cook these big ribs whole over charcoal, and they taste fantastic. If you haven’t eaten yet, you should try some."

"Ah, yes…."

We paused the conversation and began our meal.

Hindrasta, without hesitation, grabbed a rib with both hands and dug in, while the Head Mage, reluctantly, took a small bite at my urging.

"This flavor… is quite unique…."

The cheap meat was heavily seasoned, and the Head Mage’s strained smile suggested he was struggling to enjoy it. He gingerly set the rib back down.

"Go ahead, speak. I’m listening."

The Head Mage nodded slightly, as if seeking permission, then began.

"I heard that Kaiden has been assigned as the Head Professor of Theory at your Special Mission Academy. Has he arrived yet?"

"No, not yet. He’s supposed to come after he wraps up his business at the Tower of Illusions, but I haven’t heard when exactly."

"I see. But eventually, he will come to the Academy."

"Of course. No matter how much of a genius mage he is, he can’t completely ignore an imperial command."

"I wonder… if Kaiden would actually do that…."

The Head Mage shook his head with a skeptical expression.

"After the war, the offers extended to Kaiden to join the Imperial Magic Department were extraordinary. But he turned them all down and secluded himself at the Tower of Illusions. I tried to persuade him, but I never even got to see him."

"Lost your way at the Tower of Illusions, did you?"

"Exactly. The magic was so intricate and solid that even seasoned mages couldn’t see through it and had to give up."

If it was Kaiden’s illusion magic, that was entirely possible.

I was amazed when I saw how he could perfectly recreate streets from Earth, a place he had never even seen.

"Excuse me, but how exactly do you know Kaiden?"

"Me? We met briefly during the war."

I wasn’t quite sure what to make of the Head Mage yet, so I kept my answer vague.

"You met briefly? But Kaiden doesn’t really have anyone he’d call an acquaintance…."

The Head Mage muttered to himself, then shook his head.

"Well, that’s not the main issue here. What matters is that, as far as I can tell, you’re the only person who has a normal relationship with Kaiden."

The Head Mage fixed me with a determined gaze.

"Professor, I have a favor to ask. Please persuade Kaiden to join the Imperial Magic Department."

"To the Magic Department? But he’s already been appointed Head Professor at the Academy."

"I’m aware. But Kaiden is far too brilliant to be confined to a head professor position. Oh, please don’t take this as an insult to the Academy."

"It’s fine. Honestly, I do think Kaiden’s talents are being wasted in that role."

"I’m glad you understand!"

The Head Mage’s expression brightened.

"Please, convince Kaiden. We need him at the Magic Department."

"So that’s why you approached me today? To ask me to persuade Kaiden?"

"Yes, Professor. During the recent Security Office contest, Kaiden assisted with illusion magic, right? I assume it was because you asked him to, correct?"

"Yes, well…."

"As I thought, you’re the only one."

The Head Mage clenched his fists, and faint sparks of magical energy crackled between his fingers.

"Right now, there’s no one in the capital who can officially communicate with Kaiden. Even Lord Linus and others I consulted said it would be too difficult. Only you can change Kaiden’s mind!"

As the agitated Head Mage slammed the table, Hindrasta’s beer mug wobbled and nearly toppled over.

"Ah!"

Hindrasta yelped, scooting her chair back as the Head Mage’s fingers twitched, causing the half-toppled mug to stop in mid-air. It was magic.

"I’m so sorry. I got a little carried away…."

The Head Mage apologized, picking up the mug and setting it upright again.

That was quite impressive magic.

People often think the most powerful magic is about blasting things apart, but that’s not true.

The real measure of magical skill is precision.

A true mage can control their magic as delicately as threading a needle.

Judging by how naturally the Head Mage used his magic, it was clear he was exceptionally skilled.

"But, Head Mage, why should I persuade Kaiden to join the Magic Department?"

I asked, putting down the rib I was holding.

"The decision to send Kaiden to the Academy was made by the Second Imperial Princess. If I were to send him to the Magic Department instead, wouldn’t that be going directly against her intentions? And also…."

The Head Mage seemed about to say something, but I quickly added to finish my point.

"If Kaiden goes to the Magic Department, the Academy will once again be left with a vacant key position. Those two issues can’t be ignored."

"Of course. First, regarding the Head Professor vacancy, we will send a senior mage from the Magic Department. While not as gifted as Kaiden, this person is a highly competent professional who can hold their own anywhere."

"I see. And what about the Second Princess?"

"If I manage to persuade Kaiden, I will report directly to the Princess myself. She would see it as good news for the Empire. The Princess is always focused on strengthening the Empire’s military might."

"I understand…."

"And, Professor."

The Head Mage’s expression was resolute.

"If Kaiden dedicates himself to research at the Magic Department, there’s no doubt that civilization across the continent will advance."

"That’s… a rather lofty claim."

Hindrasta muttered quietly as she gnawed on her rib.

But I didn’t think it was nonsense.

If Kaiden were truly motivated in that direction, he had the potential to bring about a whole new era.

I’d already seen that possibility in the Tower of Illusions.

Honestly, Kaiden being the Head Professor of Theory at the Academy was a bit much. It was almost overkill.

It was like when Lormane had once offered to staff the infirmary with thirty bishops—completely over the top.

In that sense, having Kaiden at the Magic Department would benefit not just the Empire but many others.

I could see the logic behind the Head Mage’s plea.

But there was one thing he didn’t know.

The main reason Kaiden was leaving the Tower of Illusions to come to the Academy was because of me.

Since our time in the special force, Kaiden had never refused a request from me, and that’s how this situation had come to be.

If I were to tell Kaiden to go to the Magic Department instead of the Academy, what would happen?

Would he comply without a word because it was my request? Or would he refuse because that wasn’t his goal from the start? I couldn’t be sure.

Kaiden was always smiling but spoke so little; it was hard to tell what he was thinking.

For now, I’ll just keep the Head Mage’s request in mind.

After all, it would be ridiculous to do exactly what he’s asking just because he said so.

I can wait to see how Kaiden adjusts to the Academy, and then maybe bring it up subtly at an appropriate time.

If, for some reason, people like Kirrin or Ismera find him overwhelming, sending him to the Magic Department might actually be a better solution.

I’ll just keep this as a card to play later.

# # # # #

"Thank you so much, Professor!"

After we finished eating, the Head Mage bowed deeply outside the restaurant, nearly touching his forehead to the ground.

"Please, make sure Kaiden joins the Magic Department!"

"I understand. I’ll do my best."

The next day, without any prior notice, Kaiden arrived at the Academy.

[Translator - Peptobismol]

[Proofreader - Demon God]