ALL NOVEL Chapter 27 – Black Blook [Special Grade]
As Julia was about to retreat to her room, Althea returned to her lodging, finding herself seated opposite the Pope alongside her father, mother, and brother in the living room.
"Welcome, Your Holiness. Your efforts earlier are greatly appreciated. ...Might I inquire as to why His Holiness, having just accomplished a great task, is visiting my daughter?" Thomas greeted the Pope warmly, though his eyes betrayed a hint of concern.
With solemn expressions, Althea's mother and brother flanked her father. Althea, bewildered by the situation, was the only one visibly unsettled.
"I apologize for the sudden summons. ...And please, there's no need for apprehension," the Pope spoke with a slightly troubled smile. Adjusting his collar, he began.
"I have a report concerning your daughter's magical abilities..."
"Magical abilities? Earth and wind, correct? I wasn't aware of any changes... Or is it about her magical proficiency? A rating of 180% is indeed remarkable."
"Yes, it is remarkable. ...However, the information publicly disclosed was not entirely accurate."
"...?! What do you mean?" Thomas, Clara, and Regalus exclaimed simultaneously.
"...I felt it inappropriate to divulge the complete truth... So, I chose to withhold certain details."
"...Inappropriate...?"
"Not inherently. It's simply... unconventional. It's the first instance during my papacy... I believed it could lead to complications if made public at that juncture..."
"I understand. Your discretion is appreciated. So, what precisely was concealed regarding my daughter's magical abilities?"
The Pope turned his attention to Althea.
"...Miss Althea, how did the crystal's pattern appear to you?"
"Crystal...? Um... I recall it being... transparent in the center, surrounded by shades of brown and green."
"What?!" Everyone in the room, save for the Pope, reacted incredulously.
"Yes... It was 'transparent in the center.' And as for her magical proficiency... it likely exceeds 280%, or even higher... Essentially, the 'transparent magical power' constitutes over 100%."
"O... over 100%. Is that not the maximum capacity in terms of attributes?"
"Yes. This 'transparent magical power' appears to represent the pinnacle in terms of magical proficiency."
"...What could be the true nature of this 'transparent magical power'?" Regalus interjected impatiently.
The Pope shook his head as he replied, "Unfortunately, even I don't know either. Throughout history, there have been individuals with 'transparent magical power,' yet the exact nature of this magic remains undocumented for reasons unknown. Hence, I deemed it prudent to withhold this information... Following the 'magic power assessment,' I made a visit to a 'sacred site.'"
"And did you uncover the true reason of my daughter's... 'transparent magical power'?"
"No. However... I came across this tome in the 'sacred site.'" With that, he presented a black book.
The book bore the label "Magic Book - Special Grade."
"...Special Grade..."
Thomas muttered as he flipped through the pages, finding them blank.
"What is this?"
He placed the book on the table, questioning its purpose.
"This is likely... the best way to describe it would be 'intended for Althea.' It appears to be meant for her use."
"A special grade book?... For Althea...?"
Thomas murmured, his hands trembling slightly.
"Why do you say that, Your Holiness?"
Thomas asked in a firmer tone, trying to dispel his unease. The Pope picked up the book from the table, indicating a recess in the corner of the front cover.
"There's an indentation here. You're aware that after the magical power assessment, each child with magical abilities receives a personal book on 'magic control,' correct? Similar to that book, I surmised this might be intended for the user..."
"You attempted to use a special grade book?!"
Thomas exclaimed, rising from his seat.
"Normally, 'special grade' books aren't provided. Or rather, they're books of unknown purpose and origin. 'Special Grade' books are indeed unique, and some may pose risks to the user depending on their contents, so they're typically kept under strict control in each territory. Additionally, they can only be read by their rightful owner."
In essence, the 'special grade book' acknowledges its master.
"Yes, I thought perhaps it might contain answers to my inquiries... But... nothing occurred."
"...Nothing happened?"
"Yes."
"...Then why do you believe this book is 'for my daughter'?"
"As I mentioned earlier, I visited the 'sacred place' in hopes of unraveling the mystery of the 'transparent magical power,' and this book was discovered there. Therefore, it appears that whatever is within the 'sacred place' is connected to the 'transparent magical power.'"
"W... Wait a moment!!"
Thomas interjected.
"It sounds as if the 'sacred place' understands the intentions of those who visit and offers guidance... or answers. Is that your implication?"
"Yes. That's the nature of the 'sacred place'... Lord Monclair, whose title surpasses that of the Grand Duchy of our Holy Principality, are you familiar with the trials one undergoes upon being elected Pope and Headmaster?"
"Yes, I've learned of the trials at the academy... Ah... but that's merely a tale..."
Observing Thomas falter and glancing at the children, the Pope seemed to comprehend and continued.
"Yes, knowledge of the trials is imparted at the academy... In any case, it's one of those 'mysteries'... I believe the 'sacred place' possesses its own volition."
A stunned silence enveloped the room, leaving everyone speechless.
After a brief pause,
"Shall we proceed with the discussion...?" The Pope's voice was soft and gentle.
"...Yes, please."
Thomas replied after a deep breath.
"The reason we believe this book was placed in the 'sacred place' with such intent is because it does not belong to Miss Althea. ...Miss Althea."
"Y-yes."
She responded quickly, her voice slightly loud.
"Could you hold onto this book?"
The Pope handed the book he held to Althea.
As she took it, the previously pitch-black book seemed to lighten slightly in her grasp.
"This confirms that it's Miss Althea's book. I expect there will be changes when you 'activate' it."
The Pope continued with a smile.
"However... even though it's Miss Althea's book, it remains of the 'special grade.' It's not the kind of book a girl who has just undergone the 'magic assessment' would possess. I plan to keep this book in the royal castle until the appropriate time."
Reaching out his hand toward Althea, she handed the book back, seeking clarification.
"In the royal castle...?"
"Yes, in Cleothia Castle."
"Does that mean... informing His Majesty...?"
Thomas inquired.
"No, I won't disclose the true extent of Althea's magic or that she is the owner of the 'special grade book.' I will only report the appearance of a 'special grade book' in the 'sacred place'... and that eventually, its owner may emerge."
Thomas sat back on the sofa, holding his head in his hands.
Clara simply embraced Althea tightly.
Regalus clenched his hands firmly.
"Rest assured, Lord Monclair. Only 'I' am aware of this. I haven't informed the bishop present, and I've made minor adjustments to memories. Furthermore, there's been no response from the 'transparent magic' thus far. Hence, ordinarily, you'll only be able to wield earth and wind attribute magic. Understand?"
"...Understood... Your Holiness's consideration is deeply appreciated."
"No, I too am a clergyman, chosen for the 'sacred place.' If I were to use this for my own gain, I'd forfeit my role as Pope instantly. There's no risk of information leakage. Additionally, the Pope and the Headmaster are appointed through the 'sacred place.' If I were to step down to the rank of bishop in the next selection, this matter would fade from memory. That's the power of the 'sacred place.' ...Thinking along those lines, perhaps Miss Althea is a child beloved by the 'sacred place,' wouldn't you agree?"
With that, the Pope departed the room, 'special grade' book in hand.
