(Re:Zero) Warlock of Fascination Chapter 15: An Enticing Invitation

Chapter 15: An Enticing Invitation

“I look ridiculous,” I murmured despondently while being forced to stare at my own, now moronic appearance in the mirror. 

“No, I think it suits you perfectly. If it weren’t against the law for a civilian to wear the coat as well, I guarantee everyone would assume you were an authentic Knight.” Reinhard stroked his chin, nodding to himself while standing right beside me. 

In spite of my vehement refusal to part with my Red Bull attire, Reinhard, being the abrasive pervert that he is—cornered me into wearing the black, high-collared uniform Lugunican Guards wear under their white buttoned cloak. 

As for the actual process of getting me into this uniform? I’d rather have it permanently wiped from my memory. 

Frankly, I look like a poor attempt to cosplay a Japanese summer uniform. I’m pretty confident Subaru would agree.

“How did you even get this tailored so quickly? Don’t tell me you planned on making me wear this since we first met?” I raised my eyebrow, offering Reinhard a suspicious glare. 

“No, your tailored uniform is still being prepared.” He cleared his throat, turning away from my gaze in an effort to avoid my omnipotent gaze of truth-seeking, and refusing to answer the second part of my question.

Wait a minute. 

“If this isn’t the tailored one, then what exactly am I wearing right now?” I have an awfully strong feeling that I’m not going to like the answer to this question. 

“It’s one of my uniforms, since our proportions were the same, I was confident that it’d fit you like a glove.” 

Blink. Blink. 

“Sorry, I think I misheard you. Could you say that again?” 

“It’s one of my uniforms—” 

Smash! 

I decided to bash my fist against the wall for no reason whatsoever. Some of my Yang reflexively surged to life, probably due to the abrupt change in my mental state. More precisely, the deep, deep, level of annoyance that had just awakened within me. 

“Castor—!” 

“Don’t Castor me.” I held my finger up to his face. “You need to learn some tact Reinhard, if you weren’t so absurdly strong. Felt and I would probably be jumping you right about now.” I stormed out of the dressing room, desperate to just eat my fill and call it a day. 

“Ah, Castor, there you are.” A different voice called out to me once I left, belonging to that of someone I was a lot more content with currently. 

“Walter? What’s up?” 

“First of all, I think you look splendid in that new uniform.” My expression quickly turned from that of ease to animosity, which fortunately let Walter pick up on the hint to shift the conversation. “Secondly, there’s a letter, or rather, an invitation for you.” 

“An invite?” I tilted my head while receiving the sealed envelope Walter handed me. “To where? And from whom?” 

“I recognize that seal,” Reinhard leaned over my shoulder. “That crest belongs to House Mathers, the invitation must be from the Kingdom’s Head Court Mage—Roswaal L. Mathers.” 

I pressed my lips together in contemplation, recalling that the book on Magic I had just read was written by someone named Roswaal A. Mathers. Obviously, they’re from the same lineage, but I’m surprised they both have the same first name. It must be a tradition of some kind.

“Interesting.” I proceeded to open the envelope, reading through its contents. 

“Greetings Sir Castor,” quite the interesting start—referring to a literal nobody such as myself as Sir. 

“I hope this letter finds you well. As I’ve been informed, you played a key role in helping my Lady retrieve her Dragon Jewel. Therefore, I’d like to receive you at the Mathers Mansion as an honored guest to express my gratitude.” 

Sheesh, everyone wants a piece of me don’t they? 

“It’s also come to my attention that you are quite the fan of literature. As it so happens, my residence is famously home to the greatest archive of knowledge in the Kingdom. I’d be more than happy to open its doors to you if you’re interested.” 

Signed — Roswaal L. Mathers. 

The greatest archive of knowledge, he says? Now then, that’s certainly an invitation worth my attention. No, I’d argue I’m almost obligated to inspect how great said archive really is. It’s the duty that rests on my shoulders as the ultimate bookworm! 

“The attendant who handed me the letter informed me that a carriage would be sent to House Astrea’s front door tomorrow morning to pick you up,” Walter added.

“But I haven’t even accepted the invitation yet?” I tilted my head in confusion. Don’t tell me that he’s trying to pressure me into going? I’m inclined to accept after that mention of the library, assuming it’s true, of course—but I’d rather not pull a Subaru and get involved in another scuffle right after dealing with one.

“Nor are you obligated to,” Reinhard chimed in. “As long as you’re within House Astrea’s territory, the Margrave has no jurisdiction to force your attendance.” 

“Sounds like someone’s jealous that I might get chummy with another house,” I teased, earning a deep frown from him in return. 

“The Young Lord has a point,” Walter continued. “The choice of whether or not you wish to entertain the Margrave’s invitation is ultimately up to you. While the Head Court Mage’s influence is nothing to scoff at, if you feel that something’s amiss with his offer, I suggest you trust your gut instinct and remain here.” 

How strange. It almost feels like he’s trying to warn me about this guy. 

No, scratch that. That’s definitely what he’s doing. But since he isn’t telling me anything concrete, I can only assume his basis for suspicion can also be attributed to simply a gut instinct. 

“Is this part real?” I handed Walter the letter, pointing to the mention of the library. 

“Indeed, House Mathers is known for keeping the Forbidden Library. It’s said that men of valor have traveled great distances just to get a chance to visit the library ever since the first-generation Mathers founded the domain.” Walter knitted his brows, an evident frown appearing on his face. “Although, I’m not sure how to feel about the Margrave using this as a method to entice you to meet with him.” 

“I concur,” Reinhard nodded his agreement.

Talk about being stuck between a rock and a hard place. 

“I can only presume Subaru’s the one who told him about me, of course, Lady Emilia was also aware of me. But he’s the only one whom I explicitly told about my interest in literature.” 

But Subaru isn’t as loose-lipped with Reinhard. Unless Emilia somehow pried it out of him? No, I don't think she has the capacity for that level of shrewdness. Unless she’s an exceptional actor, and I completely misread her character back at the Loot House.

I shared their sense of uncertainty, I’d really rather not trip on any political land mines. 

However, I can’t deny the fact that every fiber in my body is screaming at me that I absolutely must visit that library. 

“Since he’s the Head Court Mage, he’d be able to teach me about my Yang Magic, wouldn’t he?” It really irks me having as much Mana stored within me as I do, but not being able to put it to complete use. 

Walter’s teaching is superb, I have no second thoughts about that—but if there are some things he just can’t teach, then it can’t be helped.

I can’t allow mere unease to halt my pursuit of knowledge.

He sighed. “Lord Mathers has his position for a reason. You won’t find a better tutor for all things Magic-related, if he’s willing to teach you that is. Moreover, I do not doubt that he’ll offer you a position as a Court Mage once he finds out about your magical potential. Spirit Arts aside.” 

I do suppose I’ll need to find a job here eventually, as much as I’d like to, I doubt I can get away with freeloading for the rest of my life.

“While we’re on the topic of careers, I might as well take this opportunity to get something off my chest,” Reinhard spoke up, his recruiter-like gaze returning for the umpteenth time. “Castor. I was initially hoping to have you enlist as a Lugunican Knight, however, there’s another matter I’d like to confront you about beforehand.” 

“Oh?” I gestured for him to continue.

“After you told me about how I needed to take responsibility for bringing Felt into the royal selection—I did some thinking.” He paused, clearly choosing his words carefully. “And I believe the right course of action for me is to swear fealty to Lady Felt as her Knight, I cannot with good conscience simply drop her into the Royal Selection without adequate protection. Unlike the other candidates, Lady Felt has no prior foundation to work with, making it exceedingly dangerous for her to partake compared to the others.” 

“Young Lord! Surely you understand how the Council will react to such a proclamation?” Walter bellowed, his face plagued with deep-rooted concern.

“Believe me, I’m painfully aware of how they’ll question my loyalty to Lady Felt over the Kingdom.” He placed his palm against his chest. “That doesn’t make her need for protection any less necessary.” 

“That’s all well and good,” I raised my hand. “But what exactly does any of this have to do with me?” 

Reinhard took a firm step towards me, his gaze hardening. “Castor, I’d like you to be a part of Lady Felt’s camp, and support her throughout the Royal Selection.” 

Slowly, I turned towards Walter. “Is he being serious?” 

“That is indeed the Young Lord’s serious face.” He nodded affirmatively.

“I see,” I breathed a deep, exasperated groan. My palm running down my face to convey that sentiment. “And might I ask, what exactly led you to believe someone who literally arrived in your world today, would be of any help whatsoever in a campaign to run for your Kingdom’s Monarch? Sir Reinhard van Astrea.” 

“I’m well aware that everything you’re experiencing here is new to you, yet, even in the short span of time I’ve known of you—I’m confident that you’d be of great help to her. Putting aside your potential for swordsmanship and Magecraft, you have an undeniably sharp mind. With the right training—you’re guaranteed to become more than a worthy steward to her.” 

Oh boy, he’s got that. Even if you tell me no, I’m going to keep pestering you until you say yes face on him. 

Me? Involved in a Royal Selection? I just got here! It goes without saying that I’m grateful for all the hospitality House Astrea has shown me thus far, but even by the standard of you give some you get some, isn’t this request a little much? 

I genuinely have no idea why Reinhard’s placing so much confidence in me out of the blue, don’t me wrong—it’s not like I can’t empathize with Felt’s situation. 

Having lived in the slums your whole life, and then being thrown into the shark-like waters of top-class nobility the next? I physically can’t imagine anything more overwhelming. 

Especially for one as young as her. 

But the question is, do I care enough to make what’s most likely a lifelong commitment to helping her? Honestly speaking, I’d rather just seclude myself in a cave with a hoard of books by my side. My immediate thoughts are undoubtedly leaning towards a resounding negative.

“Could I at least sleep on the decision?” When someone is unwilling to take no for an answer, it’s just best to avoid the question altogether. “I’ve still got some unfinished food on my plate with this whole Roswaal thing, so I’d prefer to get that handled first before I give you an answer.” 

“Of course,” fortunately, he agreed. “I’ll be eagerly looking forward to your answer, Castor.” 

I can tell Reinhard. Believe me. I can tell.