Proof (2)

"…Wow."

After returning from the Voice's world, Epherene stared blankly at the Yukline Mansion. The magnificently towering mansion sprawled across a vast site and had several separate houses lined up next to it. A marble path led from the main gate to the front door, winding through a beautiful and exotically decorated flower garden and a pond with a fountain blooming between the playing butterflies.

To express this landscape briefly, bling-bling? Or flamboyant?

Anyway.

After returning from Reccordak, the Yukline mansion had almost returned to its daily life, but it felt different every time she saw it. She was still having a hard time getting used to it.

"Finish it within the month."

At that moment, Deculein pulled out a large book from his briefcase; the cover scribbled with the title Magic Sophistication Theory. Epherene looked it up and down before tilting her head.

"What is this? The author's name isn't written… sophistication theory? I've read all kinds of books in the Magic Tower's library, but I haven't heard of this."

"It is a translation of an ancient book."

"…Hmm?"

Epherene looked at the book again. Although the binding was a little simple, it was high-quality leather.

"But what era is it?"

"Before the Empire.

Deculein opened the front door. Epherene trailed after him.

"OMG. Before the Empire? Then the Kingdom age?"

"Before that."

"…Even before that?"

Before the Gifrein Empire, the Gifrein Kingdom. Before the Gifrein Kingdom… weren't there none?

"It's a translation of an inscription from the Holy Era."

"What? Who translated that? Isn't this a scam?"

Then she stopped and stared at him. Epherene realized something.

"Oh. Did you translate it…?"

"It is a translation of an inscription in runes. You're still the only one who has the right to read this book, so don't lose it."

"…Yep."

Epherene replied vigorously as she took it.

"If it is a translation, how much is this worth? 300,000 Elnes?"

"Even if I charge 300 million Elnes, the Floating Island will try to buy it. I haven't revealed the translation to the public yet."

"…"

At that moment, her mind went blank. 300 million Elnes. It was an amount she wondered if she could earn even over a lifetime. Swallowing hard, Epherene corrected the position of the book with a slight tremor in her hand. She climbed the stairs with the book held tightly in her arms.

"300 million… 300 million… 300 million…"

She reached the fifth floor of the mansion in a cold sweat, set aside as Epherene's laboratory and bedroom. Decalane could pop out at any time in her mind, so she was still living close to Deculein.

"…But you know, Professor."

Epherene asked as she sat down.

"When are we going to the Voice's world again?"

"The cycle will gradually grow shorter."

They had awoken as soon as they reached the first save point in the crypt, but there was still a long way to go.

"Try hard."

After saying that, Deculein glanced at the book in Epherene's arms and went up one floor.

"…Oh, but."

Epherene grew suddenly frightened as she remembered what she held.

"300 million Elnes… what should I do with this?"

When she was about to set the book down, she trembled and looked around. Only after lifting a blanket with Psychokinesis and laying it down on the desk did she put it down so it wouldn't be scratched.

"…"

She lifted the cover with shaky hands. The first chapter was packed with formulas, but it was surprisingly easy to understand, thanks to the translation notes.

[This part is unfamiliar and may be difficult to understand. Don't get caught up in the frame. Also, think about it after breaking the formulas into pieces. Sophistication isn't about making things hard. Rather, the key is flexibility. First, try deconstructing the above formula into 17 parts.]

There were assignments in the book. Epherene stared at the sentence silently, then got to work with a nod.

[Think for yourself and move on to the .]

Reading that last sentence, Epherene realized that this wasn't just a translation. This was a textbook that Deculein wrote only for her.

"…"

At that moment, Epherene held a small conviction in her mind. Pressuring her and saying bad things about her father from time to time were all for her growth in the end. In retrospect, Deculein had always been fair. Even when she was foolishly about to be expelled from school for arguing with Sylvia, even when she founded the commoners' club…

Epherene concentrated on her studies again. Even if it wasn't in return for that belief, it was a teacher-student relationship where they could only be enemies. The biggest joy of a teacher came when the pupil excelled the master. So, from now on, her purpose was simple: working endlessly, studying continuously, and surpassing Deculein by becoming a real archmage.

Whoong—

The steel in her pocket trembled slightly. Epherene smiled and took it out.

"…Huh?"

Suddenly, its surface stood out. The wood steel had a similar color to wood, but did it fade while she wasn't paying attention?

"Why are you turning gray?"

Now it was ashy. More precisely, it was changing to a color similar to Epherene's hair.

* * *

…Sophien accepted the press papers. The headlines that greeted her were the news shaking the continent this week.

——[#3333 Floating Island Breaking News. Deculein and Luna's Theory Complete]——

The Floating Island has proved the thesis Creation of Pure Elements and Four Series Magic based on it written by the Imperial University Magic Tower's Head Professor, Deculein.

Although there are criticisms that it is only half of the proof needed because it is still only a theory, it is the first time in this generation that a wizard has reached the level of creating a pure element…

Another scoop followed after this headline.

——[Deculein's completed thesis arrives first to the Imperial Palace]——

Sophien put down the newspaper and opened the window.

"…Gosh. Why the fuss?"

The perfectly refined theory arrived at the Imperial Palace last night. She heard that hundreds of Imperial Palace Knights had guarded the delivery route from the Floating Island or something.

"…The world considers it a very big deal, Your Majesty."

At that moment, the court lady who was trimming her nails responded. Sophien stared quietly at her.

"Saying that it means that Professor Deculein is very loyal to Your Majesty…."

Sophien trembled. She wondered if this court lady would pull out a knife or try poisoning her. Of course, they didn't have the power to do that, nor would she let that happen. Rather, even if she did, she'd come back to life.

"Just do the minimum."

"Yes, Your Majesty. I'm sorry. I'm just going to finish this thumb."

Deculein asked her to trust her servants. He said she couldn't do everything alone and that rather than having endless doubts, she should find an existence that could help even a little and keep them nearby. This was part of it.

What could be as little help as trimming your nails?

"…It tickles. Go now."

"Yes, Your Majesty. But… won't you be opening it today?"

The court lady asked politely. Sophien looked into those eyes. It was a cheeky question, but she didn't have any other meaning. Compared to the eunuchs, her feelings were pure.

"I will be under a lot of work today, so I cannot allow anyone to visit."

Every Wednesday, Deculein visited the Imperial Palace to teach her.

"Then. Is the thesis something you should study alone, Your Majesty?"

The court lady pointed to the thesis placed on Sophien's table. She responded sharply.

"Do you think I can't do it alone?"

"Oh, no. I didn't mean that. I'm sorry, Your Majesty…"

"Enough."

Knock, knock-

"What now?"

-Your Majesty. It seems that Professor Deculein will be waiting for quite a long time today. I told him Your Majesty was busy with work, but he went straight to the Imperial Library…

One of her servants responded, but it was noisy outside.

"Who else is there with you?"

—…Yes, Your Majesty. The court wizards are also here.

—Your Majesty, by any chance, that thesis. Could you, let us i-inspect-

"Scram."

When the thesis arrived, it was the court wizards who went crazy.

"I have much to do. Do not disturb me. Now leave before I get angry."

—…Yes, Your Majesty.

She could hear the crowd shuffling away. How many had gathered? Closing her eyes and counting with her ears, she numbered exactly 57.

"…"

Sophien shook her head and began the work for the Annihilation Expedition. Since Deculein defended Reccordak, she would have to make full use of that stronghold. So, Sophien first drafted a policy to isolate the enemy within – the Demon Blood – dispelled the old favors and spite, then selected the expedition's personnel.

"…Your Majesty. Do you need some dessert?"

The moment she finished sketching an outline for the next three years in just three hours, the court lady approached her. Sophien felt she could understand why the courtiers sent this young woman up late. She was quick-witted.

"No."

"Yes, Your Majesty."

"…"

Sophien looked at the bowing woman's hair whorl and asked softly.

"Deculein probably hasn't gone yet, right?"

"Yes, Your Majesty. He's still in the library. And here."

The courtier placed a letter on her desk.

"I just received a letter from Professor Deculein."

"…Why a letter when he's in the basement of the Imperial Palace?"

"I know. Huhu."

She laughed. Sophien found that smile annoying, so she asked in a slightly cold voice.

"Why are you laughing?"

"…Yes?"

"I asked why you laughed."

Her face hardened. Sophien examined the young child's muscles and wrinkles but found nothing but fright.

"I, um-"

"Answer honestly. I hate lies."

"That is…"

Then the court lady replied, stuttering.

"For some reason, it looks like you are in a tug of war of emotions with each other, so I…."

"…Tug-of-war?"

Sophien frowned. The courtier continued without daring to look up at her face.

"Yes, yes. Professor Deculein keeps pulling the string, but Your Majesty keeps pushing…"

"Keep pulling… the string."

"…Yes."

Sophien took up the paper on the table. She read slowly, page by page. Suddenly, she put the thesis down again.

"…Pulling the string."

And then she admitted this was the only thing she didn't know very well, maybe the only thing this little child knew better than herself.

"Do you mean that the Professor holds some kind of admiration for me?"

* * *

In the Imperial Library.

I was devouring the reports the Imperial University left there and checking the necessary materials for the takeover. I organized the tower members based on their list in preparation for the upcoming new wizard entrance exam.

"…This is historical. Nearly 200 years of university history are all here."

To that self-talk, Lexil answered.

"Yes, that's right. The Imperial University and its tower are under the jurisdiction of the Imperial Palace… in addition to monitoring, most of their materials are stored in this library."

As the soon-to-be chairman, there were many things I should know.

"But… nine hours have already passed."

At Lexil's prompting, I looked at my watch. I came at noon, the regular class time, but it was already 9:00 PM.

"It's okay. Waiting is also my responsibility."

"…"

Then, as if moved by it, Lexil put his hands together while Primienne next to him yawned.

"When are you planning to go? I'm about to hate the world."

"You should study too. You came here because of me, but there are many books that you will never see again in your lifetime."

"…The librarian is watching."

Primienne glanced at the librarian. The librarian, Lexil, also had Primienne's consent to store the thoughts she had while reading. I asked calmly:

"Is there anything you're hiding from the Empire?"

Primienne replied calmly.

"I strictly respect privacy."

"…"

Then, my face grew stiff. Silence fell over the library.

"…What's wrong?"

Primienne, feeling the sudden coldness, became quietly nervous. However, my eyes were fixed on a certain page of the material I was reading now.

[Deculein, you must be reading this paper by now, right? It's me, Rohakan.]

Rohakan. He expected I would read this.

[This scene, I think I saw it from the future. Anyway… I'm in the northeast of the empire in a vineyard forest. There's a map here, so come. There, let's talk. By the way, I already know that there is luggage next to you.]

I looked at Primienne next to me, overpowering her with my eyes as she approached hesitantly.

[It's okay, come with her. I have one last gift for you. Not as Rohakan, but as a teacher… oh. Of course, I know that I haven't done enough to be called your teacher. Still, what can I do? When you were young, I promised, receiving your father's money, that I would be your teacher…]