Elizabeth's grandfather, the King at the time, had suffered both headaches and stomach ulcers over the MacLeods' behavior. He had issued a full pardon and a formal apology to Senhime and the Japanese delegation. Since then, the alias "Artemisia of the Black Night" had been a forbidden term within the British Royal Family, and the terror of Japan's potential had been passed down to every successor.
"And I heard from my late grandfather that you share a deep-seated history with Japan," Elizabeth continued, her eyes narrowing. "Surely you aren't contemplating some petty revenge? If you were, I would have to view it as an act of treason against my second homeland—the country that raised me."
"I harbor no such thoughts, Your Majesty. However, that nation's magical technology has improved exponentially of late. To leave them unchecked may eventually prove detrimental to the interests of our own United Kingdom."
"Ho… so that is your professional opinion, Lord MacLeod? Or is it merely a personal grievance?"
Historically, Japan and the UK had been allies before the alliance was dissolved prior to World War II, leading to conflict in the Pacific. Even if Japan sought to "settle the score" for the past, their primary targets would be the New Soviet Union or the USNA, followed by the Great Asian Alliance. The UK was low on their list of priorities… at least, until the Yokohama Incident two years ago.
The two Strategic-Class spells used during that incident had changed everything. While the media blamed the Great Asian Alliance's invasion, the reality was that Australia and the UK had been complicit in the chaos. And with this recent sabotage at the Kume Island artificial island, the crosshairs were shifting. Australia was already in the line of fire; the UK was likely next.
"I am not alone in my concerns," MacLeod said. "There are many within our government and military who share my view."
(And the result of that 'view' was not only this incident, but your clandestine support of the Great Asian Alliance's invasion two years ago…) Elizabeth thought. Aloud, she said, "I believe I understand your position."
Elizabeth had ordered a scrub of MacLeod's communication logs. The report showed a discrepancy: the power consumption of the terminals in his private office didn't match the volume of his official logs. Video communication, in particular, requires a massive transfer of data and energy. Even if the content was unhackable, the physical cost of maintaining the connection—the electricity—was impossible to hide.
While mages can use boosters for long-range communication, the "terminal" still requires physical energy. Even Continental Ancient Magic like Jiangshi techniques, which use biological parts, require a non-magical cost to maintain.
One thing was clear: MacLeod was communicating with someone in a location the British government didn't know about. Given that the UK hosts a portion of the global interception system 'Echelon,' and considering who would benefit most from MacLeod's secrets, the most likely candidate was obvious: the USNA.
"Now then," Elizabeth said, shifting gears. "In light of your long years of service to this Crown, I have decided to elevate you. It is my intent to grant you, a Knight of the Realm, the title of Baron… Surely, Lord MacLeod, you would not dream of declining my favor?"
"…I am quite overwhelmed, Your Majesty. I have already received honors far beyond my station."
"Hmm, your humility is noted. Then, allow me to explain the particulars."
"Please, Your Majesty."
MacLeod was visibly bewildered. He had expected to be stripped of his titles, not promoted. Sensing his confusion, Elizabeth began her explanation.
"Our mages have flourished under your guidance. As the Queen who binds this nation, I consulted with the Prime Minister on how best to show my gratitude. Along with this title, I have a request to ask of you."
"In other words… the title is the price for this request?"
"To put it bluntly, yes. My request is this: I wish for you to take up a post as a Professor of Magic Studies at Cambridge University."
To advance magical theory, nations had established specialized institutions. However, Elizabeth felt that education alone wouldn't bridge the gap between mages and non-mages. She wanted MacLeod to contribute to the academic world, following the model of Berlin University in Germany.
Carla Schmitt, another of the 'Thirteen Apostles,' was currently at Berlin. Furthermore, Cambridge was a historic institution close to London, making it easy to summon MacLeod back in an emergency.
"You may not care, but many within the government and military are vocal in their criticism of you. While things are quiet now, if the anti-magic movement gains momentum, voices will rise to demand your removal from the 'Thirteen Apostles.' For the sake of both parties, I have decided it is best for you to leave London for a while until the fires die down."
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