I Became a Genius Mechanic at the Academy

---

In a dark room.

Ed faced a middle-aged man introducing himself as the Sword Saint Illeya.

It was hard to believe that he had met a Sword Saint at such an early hour, but judging by his appearance which looked like it came straight out of an illustration, it seemed that he indeed was the Sword Saint Ed knew.

In the midst of this, he opened his mouth.

“Yes, I know you’re confused about being summoned here suddenly. I also didn’t want to meet you this way, like some sort of kidnapping.”

Illeya said this as he moved closer.

He continued, “But given my position, I couldn’t find time for this talk unless it was now. Thus, I had no choice but to bring you here through my subordinate using a teleportation spell.”

…Teleportation spell.

As Illeya mentioned this spell, Ed’s expression, which had been filled with confusion, began to shift to one of understanding.

If it was the teleportation spell used by Illeya’s subordinate ‘Graham,’ it was indeed possible to whisk someone away in an instant like this.

“Hmm. It seems you know a thing or two. Are you familiar with teleportation spells?”

However, the Sword Saint in front of him was one of those enlightened individuals who could read emotions from even the smallest changes in expression.

If he showed his emotions too easily, everything would be laid bare.

Ed kept this in mind and nodded with a tense expression.

“…Yes, I am aware of it.”

“Hmm. A commoner knows my subordinate’s technique? How did you learn that?”

“…I heard it from Professor Elena.”

“…That young Great Mage? …Well, with a talent like yours, I suppose you had to be prepared for various contingencies. It seems they educated you on key figures.”

Of course, Ed hadn’t heard anything from Elena.

He was merely using his mentor to lend credibility to his knowledge of teleportation spells.

And it seemed to have worked perfectly on Illeya.

Seeing the sharp aura in his eyes dissipate momentarily.

Finally, he sat down on a nearby leather chair and said, “For now, sit down. This might turn into a lengthy conversation.”

Illeya invited Ed to sit.

Ed shifted his gaze to where Illeya’s hand was pointing.

There was a luxurious chair across the table.

It certainly hadn’t been there just moments ago; it had appeared out of thin air.

“Yes.”

But the other party was the Sword Saint Illeya.

It wouldn’t be surprising if anything happened.

He was not only a genius in swordsmanship but also in spells.

As soon as Ed sat in the chair, Illeya raised the corners of his mouth and said, “Alright. Let’s set pleasantries aside and get straight to the point. Do you perhaps have feelings for my daughter?”

That was a rather abrupt and direct question.

However, Ed calmly met Illeya’s gaze.

He didn’t want to hesitate or avoid eye contact, as it might lead Illeya to think he was being dishonest. So, he maintained eye contact and replied clearly and accurately.

“I have never dared to wish for such a thing.”

Never dared to wish for such a thing.

He responded with a tone that lowered himself while hinting at something indirect, as simply saying ‘no’ might make Illeya view him as arrogant.

“…Is that so? If so, what if I were to allow you and my daughter to date? It seems my daughter has a liking for you.”

A follow-up question.

Whether he would pursue a relationship if the Sword Saint allowed it.

However, Ed couldn’t help but chuckle inwardly.

He had seen through the fact that this was a sort of test.

“Even so, it’s a relationship that doesn’t suit my status. More than anything, I don’t want to bring any harm to Lady Enya.”

Thus, Ed delivered yet another perfect answer.

Illeya looked at Ed with interest, opening his mouth.

“I’d like to hear a more detailed response. You don’t want to harm my daughter, huh?”

“…I have never once felt ashamed of my surname, but having Fix beside Cruel would tarnish Cruel’s standing. The few nobles who know me and recognize my abilities may be unaware, but ultimately, most nobles will judge everything by the surname attached to my name. I won’t tolerate Enya being labeled as ‘Fix’s woman.'”

“…”

Illeya, staring blankly as he listened to Ed, was genuinely surprised by Ed’s words.

How could a commoner understand the aristocratic ecosystem so well?

At this point, it no longer seemed necessary for him to test Ed or beat around the bush.

This commoner appeared to be a friend with whom he could communicate.

“Then let me ask one more thing. What do you think the reason I came to see you is?”

But he wanted to confirm just one last time.

Could this extraordinary boy possibly see through the true reason for his visit?

Finally, Ed opened his mouth.

“Did you not come to assess my worth?”

“…”

“The Grand Duke Cruel came to see me personally. If I had not seemed valuable at all, you wouldn’t have cast a glance my way. Since I became friends with Lady Enya, I believe you came to check how much I’m worth.”

“…”

Illeya quietly stroked his chin.

He had thought this boy was exceptional from the moment he reviewed the report but never imagined he would possess such keen insight and social finesse.

Goodness, a political prowess typically seen in someone who was at least nine ranks experienced found its way into this mere eighteen-year-old.

He was a talent in many ways.

“Yes. You’ve seen it accurately. I did come to see you to judge you in person. It’s even more impressive in person.”

“…”

“Then can you guess how I view you?”

Illeya was curious.

How would this boy evaluate his own worth?

Soon Ed replied.

“I’m sorry, but I would prefer if the Grand Duke Cruel were to answer that.”

However, Ed’s response was unexpected.

His answer was a pass-the-baton kind of response.

In layman’s terms, it was a “preemptive strike.”

Ed began to explain the reason.

“I was suddenly summoned here and have already undergone the Grand Duke’s assessment. And just now, all of your questions aimed at evaluating my worth have concluded. Thus, I believe it’s now my turn to hear the answer. Please assess my worth.”

“…”

Illeya stroked his chin again.

The logic was such that it left him momentarily speechless.

Essentially, he was saying, ‘I answered all your questions during my kidnapping, so it’s your turn to respond, don’t you think?’

That was precisely the point.

Thus, Illeya answered based on his assessment of Ed’s worth.

“…You are the one destined to receive the love of the future head of the Cruel family, and you will act as both advisor and strategist for the Cruel family. I am envisioning it to that extent.”

Which meant he thought of Ed as someone who would serve as Lady Enya’s partner while guiding the Cruel family alongside her.

For Illeya, it was the highest honor he could bestow upon a commoner and the best treatment he could offer.

However, Ed’s thoughts were different.

“Being the one to receive her love while also being her advisor implies that I would become Lady Enya’s male consort.”

Male consort.

That referred to a term meaning a male concubine.

Illeya nodded and replied.

“That’s correct. But don’t worry. Enya will undoubtedly wield absolute power. Even if she favors you greatly, no one will harbor any grievances. Not even regarding ‘the title of Great Noble,’ for that matter.”

The title of Great Noble.

Historically, it was an honorific for the husband of a queen.

However, before the empire conquered the continent, the Cruel family had been its own kingdom, so as a matter of convention, they had referred to the husband of the female Grand Duke as ‘the title of Great Noble.’

“The one seated in that title is simply for the sake of an alliance between families, and ultimately, everything will go according to Enya’s wishes. So once she formally inherits and marries, no one will have any ill feelings regarding your relationship with her. I will ensure it. Thus, the actual operators of the family will be you and Enya.”

Even if it meant being a male consort, he would be someone who monopolized the love of the head of the Cruel family and operate the family in a practical sense.

This was the worth that Illeya had assessed for Ed.

It amounted to Illeya giving Ed the highest marks.

“To think you would think so highly of me, I am honored.”

Ed, who was well aware of this fact, expressed his gratitude.

It was a deal unattainable for him, but from Illeya’s standpoint as a high-ranking noble, he was offering the highest treatment possible.

“However, that is not a position suited for me.”

But from Ed’s perspective, it felt analogous to him selling himself cheaply.

Being merely a male consort was beneath him; he was aiming for far greater heights.

“…What is the reason for that?”

But even when declining, he mustn’t disregard the goodwill of the other party.

The crux was to clearly convey his refusal without staining the Grand Duke Cruel’s face.

Finally, Ed, observing the flustered Illeya, continued.

“I am Fix. I work in the business of creating things. Consequently, I believe every item should serve its intended purpose, no matter what value it is assigned.”

“…”

“Because if an item cannot fulfill its function, it ultimately loses its essence. Items that lose their essence inevitably get disposed of.”

Ed gently declined Illeya’s proposal using the example of an item.

This made Illeya smile faintly.

He spoke to Ed.

“Then what is the purpose of this item? You called out my best offer, yet I’m curious what it’s meant for.”

“…You’ll need to wait a bit longer. I’m currently in the midst of hammering it out. I haven’t even gone through the tempering process yet.”

“Not even through the tempering process.”

At those words, the shoulder of Grand Duke Cruel began to shake.

Eventually, he burst into hearty laughter and said.

“Hahaha! Yes! It seems I came too early to see the item. Here I am, haggling over an item that isn’t even complete yet. How ridiculous that is!”

Illeya rose as he said this.

A deep smile spread across his face.

“What a disgrace! I interrupted a smith who is still in the thick of things. But do not forget this: Among the empire’s four Ducal families, the first to recognize you was the Cruel family.”

“I’ll keep that in mind.”

“…Yes. It was a pleasure meeting you; it was a delightful conversation after such a long time.”

“I was honored as well.”

Upon hearing Ed’s reply, Illeya nodded and turned his back.

Just before leaving this virtual space, he turned to Ed one last time and said.

“As for the relationship between you and Enya, I fully leave it to your judgement. My daughter is beloved for her talents and charm more than anyone else… but she lacks wisdom like yours. It would be good if you could help her out a bit.”

“Yes. Enya and I are friends after all.”

“…Friend, huh? I hope that’s sincere. Because you’ve met her in person and still found it hard to grasp her heart.”

Illeya left those final words and bid Ed to enjoy his meal.

Then, in an instant, Illeya’s figure disappeared, and the whole room began to crumble.

The virtual space created by Illeya was vanishing.

-Whoosh!

Soon, Ed realized that the surrounding scenery had shifted in an instant.

He had returned to the academy by being freed from the teleportation spell and illusion magic.

“…Where is this?”

The fountain.

It was not far from where he had been with his friends.

Thanks to that, his companions nearby quickly found him.

“Ed! You suddenly disappeared, and we were shocked!”

Enya came running as soon as they spotted him.

However, Ed felt a sense of unease at Enya’s reaction.

Although he felt he had conversed with Illeya for over 40 minutes, Enya’s reaction was relatively lukewarm.

At the very least, if he had vanished without a word for 40 minutes, it would have been enough to warrant anger.

“Hey, Enya. How long was I gone?”

So, Ed inquired about this matter to Enya.

She splashed water from the fountain onto her neck and arms and replied.

“…Well, about 5 minutes?”

“…5 minutes.”

“Yeah. Why?”

“…Oh, nothing.”

Ed answered casually while pondering about Illeya.

The ability to compress a perceived 40 minutes down to merely 5 minutes was indeed a remarkable skill, just as he was said to be the strongest Mage Knight of the empire.

“By the way, where are we going to eat?”

At that moment.

Isabella, who appeared with a dazed expression, asked that question.

She had just finished a session of ’emotional feeding’ and was in a somewhat stupefied state.

Then Ed replied.

“How about we just have cafeteria food? The menu is quite delicious.”

The Empire Academy, being the best training facility in the empire, also served excellent cafeteria food.

Moreover, Ed’s group, having received an S-class rating, was able to enjoy the most delicious menu, making for an excellent dish arrangement.

It was merely that the quality fell short compared to the personal chefs of the Duchy.

“Well, cafeteria food isn’t too bad.”

“A commoner… if that’s what you prefer… then, I guess…”

“Let’s go. There might not be any seats left.”

Agreeing to a reasonable compromise, Ed’s group headed for the student cafeteria.

Once they were served, they began to eat in the order of Isabella, Ed, Enya, and Claire.

-Whoosh—

Yet, even as Isabella ate with a blank expression, she was sending cold breezes towards Ed, cooling him down.

Isabella, who was determined to seize what she liked, was appealing to Ed in her own way.

‘Wait a second, this isn’t so bad…?’

However, Ed was distracted by Isabella’s ‘hand fan’ and was contemplating something else entirely.

Specifically, the ‘Equipment Evaluation Competition’ that was set to take place a week later.

To maintain his identity as an academy student, he had to pass that evaluation competition, and he wondered if he could create a device that could generate such a cool breeze.

To let even these ignorant medieval folk know the greatness of ‘Willis Havilland Carrier,’ the inventor of the air conditioner.

“Commoner, is it cool? You should definitely come visit our territory sometime. Unlike here, the northern winds of the Graham family are quite refreshing.”

Listening to Isabella’s continuous conversation, he thought that there was no need for that; he would create the northern winds of the Graham family by his own power.