AKM Act 11-1.2

Act 11: Academy of Magic Act 11-1: Culture And Civilization TL : Cnine ED/PF : R1[1-2], R2[2.5-3] Part 2.5 　Fortunately, Modes seems to be a

Act 11: Academy of Magic
Act 11-1: Culture And Civilization
TL : Cnine
ED/PF :
R1[1-2], R2[2.5-3]

Part 2.5

　Fortunately, Modes seems to be aware that his works were not remarkable, so he did not force others to review them.
　Or else, he had a specific work he aimed to emulate and was striving to get closer to it.

「You clearly have strengths and weaknesses, yet this is so un-Demon King-like. If you want to create something, you should leave it to those with talent.」

　Said Kuna as she looked at her own body.
　The current Kuna was an offshoot, or doll to be exact.
　The real her was sleeping in a certain place.
　In fact, Kuna was currently pregnant with Kuroki's child.
　Kuna needs to rest, so she has transferred her consciousness into her doll to continue her activities.
　However, the doll's body has various limitations, so she still couldn't engage in strenuous activities.
　Ideally, a replicated flesh body identical to Kuna’s would have been better, but that was beyond what they could prepare.
　Nevertheless, she got no problem with walking in Nargol.

「Haha, so you think so too, Master? I knew it, you feel the same way. It’s strange, isn’t it? Outside, papa is feared as the Demon King of Destruction, yet here I am like this.」

　Polen spoke with a bitter smile on her face.
　Polen felt the same way as Kuna.

「I don’t know about that. I think you should do what you want, regardless of whether you’re suited for it or not. Yeah, that’s definitely the better way to go.」

　Kuroki voiced his opinion while looking at the collection of arts.
　In his opinion, Modes should do what he wants even if he wasn't suited for it.
　That was the most important thing.
　And while it might not be fitting for the Demon King of Destruction, Kuroki found Modes, who cherished creative activities, to be quite likable.

「I see… It makes me happy to hear that from you, Kuroki-dono. So how's the Seard Inlet, Polen? Is Draugon’s daughter doing well?」

　At that moment, someone approached from ahead.
　A towering figure with the head of a horned boar, it was Modes.

「Yes, Father. Toyo-chan was doing well. She became the Queen of Seard without a hitch, and Uncle is overjoyed.」

　Polen smiled brightly as she explained.
　The celebration for the new Queen of Seard lasted for a few days.
　He remembered Toyotima looking incredibly happy wearing the circlet.
　It seemed that part of her happiness also came from the fact that Torquisos had chosen her as queen.
　The reason everyone knew was because Toyotima mentioned it time and time again.
　Perhaps, if the two grow closer, the conflict in the Seard Inlet might come to an end.

Part 3

　However, it wouldn't be that simple, so it might take some time.

「How was your journey in the Seard Inlet, Kuroki-dono?」
「I've something to report in regard to that region, Your Majesty.」

　Kuroki recounted what had happened in the Seard Inlet.
　He told Modes about General Fegil and the Chaos Grail.

「To think such a thing exists...」

　Modes fell into deep thought upon hearing Kuroki's story.

「What is the Serpent Queen trying to do? And there's still this so-called Chaos Grail too.」
「I do not know. Even this Modes does not know the relics possessed by Mother or those held by Diadona.」
「... I see.」
「Rugas might know, but he is not here at the moment. Shall we call him back, Kuroki-dono?」

　Modes spoke with a disappointed face.
　It was rare for Rugas to leave Nargol.
　Kuroki had not heard the reason for his absence.
　However, it felt wrong to ask him to return just for this.

「No, that's... It would be too much to ask him to return just for this, so let's wait for him to come back. Until then... I suppose I'll do some research on my own.」

　Kuroki was thinking about Totona as he said so.
　Totona got a lot of books from Rugas.
　The information about Diadona and the Chaos Grail might be recorded in one of those books.

「When you say investigation, does that mean you're going to meet Totona, Kuroki?」

　Kuna asked with a disgusted look on her face.
　Since Kuna didn't like Totona, she would be in a bad mood whenever Kuroki went to visit Totona's library.
　Thus, whenever Kuroki wanted to visit Totona's library, he would never tell Kuna.

「Uh, well, I'm actually going to read some books on the surface world this time. It seems that the angels' surveillance has been stricter lately.」

　Kuroki replied so while being glared at by Kuna.
　He was telling the truth. For some reason, the surveillance by the angels of Elios' Heavenly Palace had become stricter recently, making it difficult for him to visit the library in Elios where Totona was.
　That's why he planned to read the books available on the surface world.
　The manuscripts were copies of books from the Elios Library and could be found in Saria and Gypseal.
　The reason for preparing the copies of the books was that Feria, who despises Modes, might have disposed of the books.
　Therefore, Totona copied the books and stored them on the surface.
　Due to the increased strictness of the angels' surveillance, Kuroki found it inconvenient, and Totona informed him about the existence of the copies of books.
　It seems that not all books were copied, so the library in Elios would be better for research, but he knew that this was not the time to be picky.

「On the surface? I want to go too~」
「W-Wait! Polen! That’s not allowed! Since there is danger even at Draugon’s place, you should refrain from going out as much as possible.」

　Modes shook his head and stopped Polen.
　He also ended up mentioning that Polen had been captured by the heroes earlier.
　There was nothing particularly concerning; in fact, it seems Polen was treated quite well by the hero party. However, color drained from Modes' face when he heard that part.
　This also happened when Kuroki and co. fought against Modegal.
　Modes' feelings were that he wanted to avoid letting anything dangerous happen as much as possible.
　It was only because it was Draugon, someone he trusted, that he allowed Polen to tag along; otherwise, he would never allow Polen to tag along when Kuroki visited Seard Inlet.

「Eh, that can't be. Teacher.」

　Polen glanced at Kuroki, asking for the latter's support.
　She clearly wanted to tag along.

「My apologies, Your Highness. I can't bring you along without His Majesty's permission...」

　Kuroki heaved a sigh.
　He had no intention of bringing Polen with him in the first place.
　Modes would not grant permission, and even if he did, he would undoubtedly assign a significant number of escorts, making it difficult to conduct research.

「Well. You should stay behind with Kuna. Kuroki, make sure to return as soon as Rugas returns. If you're too late, I'll come to fetch you.」

　Kuna said those words as a warning.
　Kuna's attitude remained unchanged even in front of Modes.
　Modes also did not say anything in particular to Kuna.
　It seemed that Modes regarded Kuna as merely an accessory to Kuroki and did not consider her someone he needed to be concerned about.

「Haha, sure thing, Kuna. I'll return as soon as possible. Well then, Your Majesty, I will be away from Nargol for a while.」
「Mm, I don't think there will be any issues with you, Kuroki, but stay safe.」

　Thus, Kuroki departed from Nargol.

（Now then, Saria or Gypseal? Which one should I go to? Hmm, what should I do… I went to Gypseal last time, so maybe I’ll go to Saria this time.）

　He couldn't help but wonder about such things.