An Unconscious Genius Magic Tool Maker Wants to Live a Leisurely Life

Chapter 39: Ancient Magician

I look at him with suspicion.

Placing his hand on his waist, he lets out a big sigh and mutters to me, making eye contact.

“I see. So you saw it.”

“…”

“Don’t be so scared. I’m not your enemy.”

“Who are you…?”

Who is he?

I kept the second question to myself.

His mouth moves.

I concentrate on that movement and the voice that comes out of it.

I’ve been wondering for a long time.

The answer is about to be heard now.

“I am Nero. There is no falsehood in that name. If there is anything false, it’s the existence of a Master.”

“Master…the one who created you…”

“There’s no Master for me. I created myself.”

“Huh…?”

I tilt my head without understanding.

He continues with a smirk.

“Strictly speaking, I am from when I was alive. This body is an artificially created humanoid made from my cells.”

“Artificial…creating a human body with human hands?”

“That’s right. You understand quickly.”

“Is it really possible…”

To create a human body with human hands, like giving birth to a child?

At least, it’s something I’ve never thought about.

“It’s impossible for ordinary people, but if you have the original body, it’s a different story. I used my own body to create this one. To go beyond the framework of humans and see a far future. And it came true, thanks to you.”

“My…?”

Nero rolls up his sleeves and shows me the core in his chest.

That radiance proves that he is a golem.

“I succeeded in creating a body, but I just couldn’t make the core. I lacked the talent of a magic tool maker. I could make a simple golem, but my acquaintances laughed at me when I talked about creating a core similar to that of a human-like golem. But I believed. I knew someone who would definitely achieve it, and I waited for that person…”

“You were sleeping in the dungeon?”

“Yes. I’ve been waiting for a future where a true genius like you will wake me up from my deep slumber! A future where a true genius like you will wake me up from my deep sleep!”

Nero rejoices.

His voice echoes in the quiet garden of the royal castle.

“Let me introduce myself again. My name is Nero Claudius! A man once called the Great Magician.”

“Nero… Claudius…”

I knew that name.

The world’s largest country, Romania, which became the prototype of this country in the past.

The name of the fifth king, Nero Claudius.

He was known as the wisest sage who had mastered all kinds of magic and was the greatest magician of his time.

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“The name of a king…”

“Yeah, I see. Has my name been passed down to future generations properly? That’s a good thing.”

“Um, are you really…?”

“You don’t believe me? Well, that’s fine. You can think of it as a child’s ramblings. But you know, don’t you? That the fact that I am acting like this is the best proof.”

He declared confidently, placing his hand on his chest.

Yes, I understand.

Because it’s strange.

With just the core I made, he shouldn’t be able to move around so freely.

I had been thinking about it for a long time.

It was as if someone’s soul was inhabiting his body.

“… Why did you go through all of this trouble?”

“I told you, didn’t I? To see the world in the future.”

“Did you turn yourself into a golem just for that? To extend your life?”

If that’s the case, he’s not mentally stable.

It sends shivers down my spine.

“Hmph, well, I wouldn’t have lived much longer anyway if I didn’t.”

“Huh”

“It’s a curse. A powerful one… that becomes complete when the caster dies. Once it’s cast, it can’t be undone. Not even me. I can’t…”

I can’t believe I’m hearing the word “curse” here too.

Was he cursed too?

And he realized his own impending death and turned his body into a golem.

To live on?

If that’s the case, I need to reflect on my thoughts and actions, as he’s sane.

“Um, what about those people from earlier?”

“They were insolent men who were peeking at you from afar. The gaze you felt was because of them.”

“I guess it wasn’t just my imagination…”

“They’re probably spies from some country. They might have wanted to get a hold of the prince’s weakness. You’re unlucky too. No, I suppose it’s no use if you’re in love with him.”

I tremble involuntarily.

“W-What?”

“What? Are you not in love with that prince?”

“W-What…”

“I know it when I see it. I haven’t lived this long for nothing. I have life experience that’s many times greater than yours.”

He saw right through me.

Not just this boy, but the magician who had lived in the past.

I suddenly feel embarrassed and my face gets hot.

His identity and his purpose, everything becomes unimportant to me.

“Don’t worry. I won’t say anything.”

“Y-Yes.”

“I was revived thanks to you. Therefore, I will become the one who protects you. Until you die or until I become unnecessary, that is. But in exchange, please keep my identity a secret. Oh, no, you can share it with someone you can trust. For example, that prince.”

“I-I understand.”

This is not a secret that I can keep to myself.

In many ways, the night passes with a sense of nervousness and excitement.

❂❂❂

The next day.

“…So, that’s why…”

“Nice to meet you again. The prince of modern times.”

“…Are you kidding me? Is this child actually an ancient magician and a former king?”

“That seems to be the case.”

Together with Nero in the laboratory, we told His Highness about his secret.

As expected, His Highness was greatly surprised.

“…sigh, I can’t believe it, but if Freya says so, I’ll believe it.”

“Oh, so you trust this woman’s words.”

“I do trust her.”

“I see. It’s a good relationship… though a little unsatisfying.”

“What do you mean by that?”

“I’m talking to you.”

The two of them calmly continue their conversation.

I secretly admired His Highness for quickly and readily accepting the situation, while I still couldn’t get over my surprise.