I was reincarnated into a merciless evil noble and stand at the pinnacle of the magical world, wielding control over magic.~ Just when I had given up on having a heroine, she came to me on her own accord~ - Chapter 18: "Metamorphosis" Ashburn Danton is Tempted Towards Freedom

Chapter 18: “Metamorphosis” Ashburn Danton is Tempted Towards Freedom

“I haven’t thoroughly investigated it myself, but I think you’re right, Ashburn-sensei. Perhaps my innate attribute is not ‘control’.  I’m too slow to master it,” Vanitas replied casually, as if he were going for a leisurely stroll.

“If that’s the case, why do you cling to this magic? In my estimation, you have talent. Ernst is also concerned about your path. It’s not too late to learn the magic you’re naturally skilled at,”  I explained.

“Can you endure it, sensei?” Vanitas asked.

“What?” I inquired.

“A magic that is an unknown variable, one that no one else has mastered in the past. A magic that became a blind spot that no one even dared to attempt after the failures of those who came before. It remains unknown, belonging to no one at present.Ashburn-sensei, can you… resist the allure of a gem lying right before your eyes?” Vanitas continued.

The dark eyes pierced through me. Can you withstand the idea of something within reach slipping away into someone else’s hands?

“I can endure—” I began, but was interrupted.

“Lies.”

I had intended to say I could endure it. However, my true feelings were instantly exposed.

“Your transformation magic. I heard about it briefly today… it’s too dangerous,” Vanitas said.

“…” I remained silent.

“Mother’s transformation taught me that. It’s deception, a transformation that could deceive even the most discerning eye. It’s indeed an impressive skill. Truly magnificent, but there’s nothing more  frightening than that for those in power. Eventually, you will be replaced by someone for using it against them,” Vanitas explained.

“…”

“If there were a way to easily expose transformation magic, I apologize for my misunderstanding…”

“That might be true, but very few can see through my transformation magic. Although, if they bring up things like mannerisms or memories with the person in question, it would be easy to be found out,” I admitted.

“But with prior investigation, that problem could be solved,” Vanitas suggested.

“……”

I hesitated, and then Vanitas made an unexpected proposal. 

“Ashburn-sensei, how about living a bit more freely?”

“What?”

“You’ve become accustomed to enduring everything for the sake of others, for the sake of their peace of mind. You’re bearing the burden alone so that strangers won’t feel anxious.”

“I’m not such a noble old man,” I retorted.

“You should be praised for the power you’ve honed, but right now, you’re living in constraint. It feels like you’re suffocating from the multitude of things beyond your control. That’s how it appears to me,” Vanitas remarked.

“Hm…”

“Shouldn’t you become a bit more free? Why not wield the power you obtained for yourself as you see fit? What’s wrong with that? There’s no need for you to endure it all,” Vanitas suggested.

“Freedom…” I murmured.

It was a devil’s temptation. A sweet allure, tempting me towards an easier path. One that I should never be swayed by.

But, I wondered…

“So, what do you suggest? My use of magic is viewed as a danger. Emperor aside, the high-ranking officials around me won’t stay silent if I make a move. I don’t know what negotiations Ernst had, but originally, I couldn’t even come here.”

“Then let’s pretend you’re dead.”

“Huh…?”

“If you die, you’ll cease to exist. There won’t be any surveillance either.”

“Sensei, you’re not interested in power, are you? You didn’t aspire to retire from the Ministry of Magic and receive a territory or a title?”

“You’re saying some pretty bold stuff.” I retorted.

But in reality, my heart was pounding. My heart was pounding so loudly it hurt

Yes, why didn’t I think of it before? The fact that I can become anyone and anything.

“Moreover sensei, If you think about it, with your transformation magic, you could do so much more. Instead of limiting your actions, the Empire’s nobles should be using it more effectively. Spread disinformation to other countries or place a decoy in a prominent position. Your transformation magic is undoubtedly a potent tool that’s being wasted,” Vanitas reasoned.

“You really say some outrageous things, do you even realize that?” I remarked.

“Well, in any case, even if we decide to fake my death, we’ll need to refine the plan a bit more. We’re probably still under surveillance, and if we’re going to pretend I’m dead, we should do it properly. Plus, if possible, I’d like to know the Emperor’s true intentions.”

“The Emperor’s?”

“Hmm… I did receive kind words from His Majesty upon retiring. When it was decided I would retire to the Emperor’s direct jurisdiction, he said, ‘It’s good that you’re healthy, but don’t leave my domain too often,'” I recalled.

“Isn’t that the opposite of ‘don’t leave’? He was indirectly saying that he wouldn’t punish you if you did,” Vanitas pointed out.

“Can’t deny that. But you’re taking it too far with your speculations,” Ashburn replied.

However, if it were the Emperor…

The Emperor, who had enemies even among his close associates, cannot afford to expose vulnerabilities easily. That’s why sometimes he resorts to indirect language.

Was that it?

Had he confined me to his direct jurisdiction to set me free?

“Can I ask you something? Just who are you, anyway?” I questioned.

By now, I no longer felt that this boy was ordinary. Well, I had suspected from the beginning that he was something otherworldly, but I never imagined he would try to change my,  Ashburn Danton’s way of life.

“Vanitas, Vanitas Lindblum. For now, that’s all I am—an ordinary boy,” Vanitas replied.

A lie, surely.

But now even I could see through it.

The boy who entices me toward freedom.

A mischievous child?

He’s not something so easy to categorize.

This child is, yes, a devil.

However, I succumbed to the devil’s temptation.

The thirst for freedom surpassed my way of life up until now.

“Vanitas, I’m counting on you from now on.”

“Of course, Sensei. About that teaching position, I’ll ask you again formally.”

“Isn’t it too late for that now?”

“Better late than never.”

Both of them exchanged a sly smile and shook hands.

The uncertainty of the path ahead was now something they found exciting.

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