In the Nasuverse (TYPE-MOON), I Created a Magical Family Lineage

Lorelei's words fell, and the girl slightly lifted her chin. That previously expressionless, sharp-featured face now seemed to carry a faint, elusive smile.

She stared directly into Lucan's bright brown eyes.

But Lucan's first reaction was to think he had misheard.

He bore no personal grudge against the Barthomelloi. Even the patriarch who once considered him a mortal enemy had left little impression.

But after experiencing countless simulations and interacting with many magi of the Clock Tower, Lucan understood the nature of the Barthomelloi.

The name "Barthomelloi" represented one of the original lineages existing since the founding of the Clock Tower. Alongside Trambellio and Valualeta, they formed the triad of ancient bloodlines—yet the Barthomelloi stood above all others, inheritors of the oldest Mystery.

In a world where ancient lineage equaled supremacy, they ruled unchallenged.

They were absolute in their reverence for pedigree and legacy.

Even the noble house of El-Melloi was considered progressive compared to them.

To the Barthomelloi, commoners were simply commoners.

Even families who had preserved their magecraft for centuries were looked down upon.

To be invited by someone of such a house—especially to join their family and become a so-called "adopted younger brother"—

Lucan suddenly wanted to ask: Are you sick?

But Lorelei remained calm. In fact, it seemed the most natural thing in the world to her.

"The walking devil among men, heretic of all Mysteries, the one who defiled miracles with magecraft—this is how my grandmother, Vivian Barthomelloi, described the Luvist line," she said, eyes fixed on Lucan, and especially on the brilliant silver-lit robes he wore—his magecraft regalia, the Hall of Mystery.

"My grandmother regarded the Luvist line as enemies, but even she had to acknowledge their value."

"Her decree to the next heir of Barthomelloi was simple: defeat Luvist."

"—Openly and honorably."

"But if I were to defeat you now, it wouldn't feel like a true victory."

At last, Lucan understood her meaning.

Even Kenneth, who had stood in silence until now, was stunned. Stunned that the Barthomelloi—who held themselves as paragons of purity—would extend an offer to their long-hated enemies.

"You want me to grow stronger under the Barthomelloi name, just so you can beat me at my peak?" Lucan asked.

"Exactly. You're quick on the uptake," Lorelei nodded.

"Luvist has enemies far beyond the Association—creatures of the Burial Agency and the Church's darkest depths. I assume you're seeking refuge under the El-Melloi banner."

"But El-Melloi can only protect you within the Clock Tower."

"Barthomelloi can do more."

Her words rang like steel, shaking the air. The courtyard fell silent.

Kenneth twitched, his lips curling slightly—but to his credit, the normally hot-tempered magus didn't lash back.

Because what she said was true.

Even Kenneth, proud of his talents, could not deny it.

In lineage and influence, Barthomelloi far surpassed El-Melloi.

Facts needed no embellishment—and Kenneth was not the sort to argue against objective truth. The only person who had ever shaken that belief was Luvist himself.

Of course, even Kenneth was curious what Lucan would choose.

Would he submit to his family's enemies... or stand tall?

Lucan's mind cleared.

Honestly, he wasn't afraid of her. But in a direct clash, he couldn't guarantee victory—not against Lorelei, but against the entire Barthomelloi faction.

He still lacked the accumulated mana reserves required for grand duels.

And mage families cared little for fairness.

In truth, Lucan had deliberately let the Barthomelloi remain untouched—using them to draw out and unite the enemies of Luvist from the shadows into the open.

Still—

"If I joined your family, you'd brand me with the Barthomelloi crest, wouldn't you?" he asked.

"Naturally," Lorelei replied. "This is an equal exchange."

"Luvist becomes a branch of Barthomelloi, and you receive our protection. The brand stays with you forever."

Lucan chuckled. "So this 'adopted brother' thing… is basically marrying in, isn't it?"

"If that's what you want to call it, I don't mind," Lorelei said plainly, with a magus's clarity. Bloodlines and potential mattered more than emotion.

Lucan exhaled, expression calm.

"You make a compelling offer. Under Barthomelloi, I'd gain power, protection, and access to greater influence."

"And in return, Barthomelloi would gain the Luvist crest and everything that comes with it."

"A win-win, in theory."

But even as he said it, Lucan shook his head.

He declined her offer.

And with it, he rejected the public overture of the most powerful family in the Clock Tower.

"I've only just awakened this Crest," he said. "But I know what the Luvist name represents—and it was never built through submission."

"Besides—why should Luvist be annexed by Barthomelloi?"

"Maybe Luvist should annex Barthomelloi instead."

With that, his voice landed with the weight of thunder.

His words were louder than Lorelei's—his defiance soaked in glowing Mystery.

A clear rejection.

And a challenge.

He didn't care about the Barthomelloi.

He had chosen his path.

Retreat would mean abandoning his belief in the pursuit of Mystery—and that was never an option.

Kenneth grinned.

Proud people respected those with pride.

Lorelei paused.

Then smiled, too.

She recalled the old records of Luvist, and the things her grandmother had told her:

Lucan Luvist.

Most wicked, most stubborn.

The man who walked a road of thorns with unyielding steps.

You are like him, she thought.

Of course someone like that would never kneel.

But I will still uphold my vow—

"I'll be back," she said.

"When you've grown strong enough—I'll defeat you, fair and square."

"In the name of Barthomelloi... I will crush Luvist."

The battle between Barthomelloi and Luvist had only just begun.

And in the end, they would determine—

Who shall be the future's strongest in the world of magecraft.