Became the Villainess’s Guardian

As the young magician Edan followed beside him, Carno pondered:

‘Does he intend to entrust Londinium to Edan?’

He was unfamiliar with the inner workings of Londinium’s organization, nor had he sought such knowledge.

This stemmed from Freugne’s stance that excessive inquisitiveness had disqualified candidates during her selection process for overseeing Belfast.
Undue meddling in external affairs would only complicate an already loosely operating organization.

In any case, Carno interpreted the situation based on his limited understanding – and his subsequent judgment did not seem unreasonable.

He mentally constructed Edan’s presumed reasons for his presence in Antrim:

To assume a leading research role and gain a foothold in the centers of power while both nations grappled with the Demonic Tribe scandal.

To undergo a ‘vetting process’ akin to Carno’s own experience.

Upon demonstrating satisfactory results, to be formally invited into the organization and entrusted with a position.

His current duties aligned with the third step.
And Edan likely straddled the interim between the second and third phases, given the explicit instructions to cooperate and his renowned status – evidence of proven capability deserving of an invitation.

Having reached this conclusion, Carno decided:

‘There would be no harm in cultivating amicable relations.’

Such an approach did not constitute undue overreach.

“It seems we shall be encountering each other frequently. I hope we can maintain these positive relations moving forward.”

“…? I appreciate the sentiment.”

While linguistic barriers persisted, they did not pose significant obstacles.

However, the timing was premature to reveal such truths.
Thus, it was an opportune moment to segue into the crux of the matter – not for camaraderie’s sake, but to present countermeasures against the Demonic Tribe, the true purpose behind this gathering.

While the Carno Research Institute had diversified into various ventures, their core operation centered on the energy industry.

More precisely, they oversaw this city’s infrastructure maintenance.
Hence, researching the most efficient means of extracting energy constituted their paramount objective.

Though their scope differed from Ceres Martop’s manufacturing focus, they shared the commonality of harnessing electricity.

However, they had encountered considerable challenges in miniaturizing and storing it – prompting them to seek cooperation from Edan’s team at Ceres Martop, whose expertise in that realm was more advanced.

This had also facilitated addressing the weapons conundrum to some extent.
Ordinarily, such matters were classified state secrets, rendering research or exchange virtually impossible – but these unprecedented crises warranted exceptions.

“Our institute happened to be undertaking weapon and ordnance modifications after receiving military surplus. We had completed the prototypes before your arrival.”

Carno signaled for an employee to unveil them.

As the nation that had produced and supported the previous hero, Belfast naturally possessed the hero’s armaments.
While the originals had been lost alongside the hero’s failure to return, the institute had preserved well-maintained prototypes of his magitech gear.

The armor, sword, and even firearm he had wielded.
Initially intended to outfit a newly recruited hero should the need arise… but decades had rendered the originals obsolete.

“Your expectations shall be met.”

Thus, they now served as research subjects, embodying the collective knowledge of the era’s preeminent magicians.

And the culmination – forged by fusing contemporary techniques and magic upon the foundations laid by past luminaries, with humanity’s very survival at stake – would surely not disappoint.

“What do you think?”

“This is truly, truly……”

Carefully selecting words to avoid offending, I ultimately opted to utilize my foreign status to express a generalized impression.

“Remarkable.”

“I had anticipated you would discern its true value, sir.”

Suggesting a wear test, Carno outfitted one of the institute’s magicians with the gear.

“While the previous hero donned plate armor, we are now at a point over half a century removed. As the Demonic Tribe have recognized the utility of firearms, we accounted for scenarios involving both swords and guns.”

“Bulletproof attire, it seems. And rather lightweight in appearance.”

“Crafted using our institute’s most advanced techniques. We have also incorporated enhanced protective magic derived from past iterations.”

Whether the hero had worn armor or a bulletproof vest mattered little.
What truly captured my attention was the tin foil-like cap adorning his head.

“But what is that headpiece for?”

“A device to counter the Demonic Tribe’s mental attacks.”

“Ah, I see……”

“In the past, they would don helmets or metallic mesh netting, but those proved rather cumbersome.”

It certainly seemed capable of blocking psychic assaults, instilling baseless confidence.
As my gaze shifted towards the dangling wires and accompanying satchel, Carno elaborated:

“Of course, this would suffice against common Demonic Tribe. But the hero’s adversary would hardly be ordinary foes.”

“True. There are records from past wars of their potent mind control magic momentarily dominating hundreds of individuals.”

“Hence the need for the mana battery on their back. Not just protective magic, but to power stronger mental defenses. Humans lack proficiency in such spells, necessitating reliance on magitech.”

Mind control magic was a near-monopoly of the Demonic Tribe. While not entirely impossible for humans, mastering it proved so arduous that learning pyromancy to boil water and spin turbines was far more practical.
And even if achieved, the effects remained limited – hence supplementing with magitech.

“You mentioned bringing weapons as well.”

“This is called a railgun. While rather mana-intensive, its output is undeniable.”

As a hero, possessing extraordinary might was only natural.
Hence, its formidable size – nearly a meter long, rendering it more akin to a spear than a firearm, lending an unmistakable presence as he wielded the railgun.

A satchel for storing charged marestones.
Wires snaking from it, connecting to his head and limbs.
And the ungainly railgun gripped tightly.

Rather than a hero destined to deliver humanity, his visage evoked a jaded gamer begrudgingly persisting through content droughts, lambasting the developers.
Coupled with his futuristic attire befitting the modern fantasy backdrop, he resembled a Ghost Buster who had suffered a minor head injury.

So this… would be the image of the next heroic party. Avant-garde, indeed.

“Truly, it exudes a formidable presence.”

“Formidable… yes, I would concur.”

“In this age of rationality and enlightenment, we have endeavored to explore novel design approaches beyond classical aesthetics.”

Not that it particularly mattered, seeing as I would not be the one donning it.

“I hope today’s meeting has proven enriching not just for the sake of international cooperation, but also as individual magicians.”

“Yes, it has certainly been…an eye-opening day, in many respects.”

“Splendid. In that spirit, I hope the connection forged today shall endure.”

What was this? Why did he seem so insistent on cultivating familiarity?
While I had no qualms about personal ties to a prospering Belfast magician, the source of his somewhat overbearing overtures eluded me.

Separate from my personal impressions, Carno suggested re-convening after attempting to integrate our prototype weapons, batteries, and automobiles with the armaments – an invitation I accepted before departing the institute as evening approached.
Today had merely served as an introductory assessment to outline our collaborative scope.

“Antrim is also renowned for its cuisine, I’ve heard.”

“Ah yes, I recall mentions of their exquisite wines. Since we’ve come this far, shall we indulge?”

“Certainly. Edan, would you care to join us?”

Having no reason to decline, I accompanied the members to a nearby eatery.

But a momentary aside:

In this modern era devoid of ubiquitous television or radio, the profession of ‘celebrity’ had yet to emerge.
The closest equivalents would be film or theater actors – or, failing that, war heroes. But had any significant conflicts occurred within recent decades?

So in this modern age,
who could be considered a transcendent, international star?

“That face… seems familiar somehow.”

“Ah, I think I know! I saw it in the newspaper recently. Shall we approach him?”

Indeed.
Knowledge and magic transcended borders. Thus, magicians were the era’s idols.

And what other reason could there be for recognizing him?
It would be unreasonable to expect foreigners to memorize ranks like Glassgow’s 29th Greatest Person of the Year. And at this juncture, his distinction as the youngest Royal Academy member might not resonate as deeply in Belfast.

Hence, the answer was singular:

“Really? Truly?!”

“Word is he only recently arrived in the city! I had hoped to meet him after reading his papers.”

“The developer of air conditioning has come to Antrim!”

They were fans of air conditioning.
While Ceres Martop had not directly established a factory here, their products had trickled into the market through various channels.

And the individuals flanking me were, in addition to being weapon enthusiasts, eminent figures within Londinium’s magical community.
Through this natural synergy, our intended casual dining had rapidly transformed into an impromptu fan meeting scenario.

They persisted in their vigil until I returned to the hotel.

After her brief encounter with Carno, Freugne had roamed the vicinity as promised to Edan.

Having procured a travel brochure from the hotel, she perused it while lounging in a park, surveyed potential lunchtime eateries by scrutinizing menus, and inquired about recommended sights from proprietors.

It would have been a tragic waste to squander this precious overseas experience confined within her room.
But if she were being honest, the bigger reason was her desire to create memorable travel memories with Edan.

“They seem to have copies at the train station too. The contents differ slightly upon comparison.”

“Ah, thank you.”

Ulr had materialized from thin air, discreetly handing her a brochure while shielded from prying eyes.

She had not embarked on this foreign sojourn without forethought.
Caution was warranted, given the city’s unfamiliarity compared to the firmly grasped Londinium.

Thus, Ulr had occupied the rear carriage during their train journey.
Having been delayed by the inspection process, he had secured lodgings at a modest inn near her hotel, now shadowing her movements as an escort – though he had been present from her encounter with Carno, unnoticed.

Syphe had remained in Londinium, immersed in magical research inspired by a surge of inspiration. Still a student, such distractions were permissible.

In this manner, receiving sightseeing recommendations and snacks from Ulr as she roamed the streets, time had swiftly elapsed.

“Uncle must have returned by now.”

“It would seem so. I should head back as well.”

“Since you’re abroad, why not take in some sights yourself, Ulr?”

“Without a companion to share the experience, simple culinary indulgences suffice for me.”

“A com-companion, you say?!”

“Indeed. My apologies.”

Maintaining his characteristic brusque demeanor and stony expression, Ulr had unexpectedly prodded a raw nerve before retreating to the inn.
As Freugne approached the hotel, spotting a familiar face, she had raised her hand to call out:

“Unc-”

“Over there, how oblivious can you be?”

“Rejected! I have a daughter, you see.”

“Hey, no need to be so uptight.”

Overhearing the surrounding crowd’s intermittent remarks, Freugne’s smile faded as her eyes narrowed.