The Legacy of Rajes and the Lodger’s Wisdom

On this world, the Papacy once reigned as the sole authority among human factions. No one would have dared to deny this truth. However, this absolute authority was shattered one day by individuals who did not belong to this world.

They were known by many names. Hailing from disparate worlds and planes, they arrived in this realm through an extraordinary phenomenon, taking root within the bodies of its native inhabitants. They termed this peculiar occurrence ‘transmigration’. Furthermore, they were referred to as the ‘Star-Born Relics’, ‘Wandering Travelers’, and ‘Transmigrators’. Yet, the distinctive title they embraced was bestowed upon them by the one revered as the Hero-King—

“Otherworld Travelers.”

In earlier times, their arrival had incited considerable unrest. Waking to find one’s appearance unchanged, yet one’s soul replaced by another’s, was a reality few could accept. Consequently, the Papacy condemned them as heretics, initiating a century-long purge that saw these non-native residents of the continent subjected to relentless slaughter through trials. Though they might have possessed ordinary human qualities, their very essence was maliciously ravaged upon their arrival in this world, leaving their individual forms inherently weak.

This brutal era persisted until the advent of a legend: Rajes, the Hero-King, a mage raised by dragons, the last Black Robe of the Wizard’s Tower, the architect of all legends, and the progenitor of a new epoch. Leading his chosen companions, he infiltrated Heaven’s Mountain, breaching every defense to fatally stab Marinanco I, the Pope and the supreme divine emissary, upon his very throne. With this monumental act, the oppressed transmigrators emerged victorious. Yet, Rajes did not choose to rule the continent from the throne; instead, he and his allies sought to forge a world where Otherworld Travelers and native inhabitants could coexist harmoniously. Thus, the Sage Council was established, an institution designed to mediate relations and resolve disputes between the two factions. In the immediate aftermath of the Papacy’s collapse, demons from the abyss extended their wicked claws across the continent, reducing a third of the human kingdoms to scorched earth. Under the Hero-King’s unified command, all races ultimately achieved a hard-won victory. From that point forward, a new continental order was forged, marking the dawn of a world poised for revitalization.

****

“Of course, these are all things the history books will tell you. However, the animosity between the native inhabitants and the transmigrators spans more than a century, and the arrogance, narrow-mindedness, and prejudice born from such hatred will not simply vanish into thin air because of this war. It’s just like when I go to the village to buy wine; even though their gazes are quite offensive, they still smile and sell it to me out of politeness. They’re unhappy, and I’m quite unhappy myself. Why bother with such pretense?” At this moment, the elderly scholar spoke, simultaneously uncorking a bottle of wine.

“That’s why having you fetch the wine is the optimal solution, Anto. Mmm, this glass tastes rather good.”

“…This is Old Jack’s wedding wine, you know.” The boy, whose long golden hair framed a countenance capable of captivating many, responded. “A tavern’s prized reserve.”

“How wonderful, then, that no one even bothered to remind me on such a festive occasion.” The scholarly-looking old man sighed.

“It seems they truly despise people like me.”

“It’s not hatred,” Anto said, turning his head abruptly. “They simply haven’t been able to adapt to you yet, Master Eric.”

“Heh heh, if they haven’t adapted to an outsider’s presence in seven years, I suppose I bear a significant portion of the blame.” The old man rose as he spoke. “To be honest, I’ve done quite a lot, haven’t I? I taught them how to plant crops in batches, improved apple varieties, established a farm, and introduced new windmills that work with water. While I wouldn’t call it ‘great,’ there have certainly been results, haven’t there? And yet, they won’t even grant me the honorific of ‘Master’…”

“Aren’t I addressing you as such right now, Master?” Eric frowned, gazing at the boy who offered him a gentle smile.

“What good are you? If you were a girl, I’d undoubtedly be thrilled, but you’re just a rascal, which is… well, you know. Besides, you’re my disciple, after all; it wouldn’t be excessive to call me ‘Teacher’. As for them… sigh, I don’t even want to talk about it, I just don’t want to talk about it.” Eric continued drinking as he spoke. Observing him, Anto did nothing more than help tidy the scholar’s utterly disheveled room.

“Is it always this messy? Has the lady never said anything?” Anto asked. Eric, his face flushed, let out a burp.

“She’s given up already, that witch! Honestly. Although I live in her attic, making me half a lodger (TL Note: ‘shíkè’ refers to a dependent or a guest who lives off the host’s generosity), she largely doesn’t bother with what I do. We’re like well water and river water (TL Note: A Chinese idiom, ‘jǐngshuǐ bù fàn héshuǐ,’ meaning to keep to one’s own business and not interfere with others), staying out of each other’s way. Essentially, our only common topic is you. She really is something, I have no idea why she’s so singularly fixated on you. That’s your great misfortune, Anto.”

“Actually, you shouldn’t speak of Ms. Hillevi that way,” Anto said afterward. “She is my adoptive mother, after all.”

“Your adoptive mother has been raising you as a girl since your birth. In her eyes, you aren’t yourself; you’re merely a replacement for Livia,” Eric stated matter-of-factly.

“And those drugs that have caused irreversible consequences to your body—you must understand that issue too. So why not resist a little? Now is the perfect moment to completely break free from that lunatic woman.”

“…Teacher, for you to say such things, especially as a lodger in our home, isn’t that a bit much?”

“Yes, indeed. After all, what do your life and death matter to me? What concern is it of mine if you continue wearing dresses, playing the good girl, and allowing yourself to be manipulated by that person until you can never leave the village? In any case, I’m just an ‘outsider’,” Eric said, lying back in his chair.

“Always an ‘outsider’.”

“Teacher.” Anto looked over. The white-haired old man exhaled slowly. After a sigh, he pointed at the table, then spread his hand, and a book flew out from the chaotic pile.

“What good is it for you to run off and buy those shoddy books? The ones produced by the Council are both expensive and trash. They don’t want the natives to learn too much, heh heh.” The old man chuckled self-deprecatingly, then waved a hand. The book flew towards Anto, who caught it.

“You brat, I’ve been drinking your wine for years, so consider this a one-time payment. Everything you need is inside. Don’t let this book circulate, and don’t make copies. You know, creating a magic book without applying for permission will lead to an investigation if discovered. Don’t cause me any trouble.”

“Understood, understood,” Anto quickly said, gripping the heavy book. Eric stretched, then continued to lounge in his chair, swaying idly.

“Happy birthday, you brat. You’re probably one of the few lucky ones left who’ll receive my teachings.”

“…Thank you,” Anto murmured, looking at the book in his hands. The familiar handwriting on it proclaimed the title as ‘Simple Scientific Applications in Daily Life’, with the subtitle: ‘A Few Practical Tips for the Disciple of Eric, the Last Great Mage’.