Episode 78: Growing Reputation and Incidents

"Is this the magic circle that's trending these days?"

"Yes. It's a replica, but the spells used are the same."

The head of the Magic Department, Verial Kastero, received a piece of paper at his residence.

When Verial infused mana, a flower bloomed and soon an illusionary magic unfolded around it.

"What a unique idea. And especially this. It expresses 'contradiction' so well with a simple spell."

The dazzling illusionary magic displayed through the double magic circle meant nothing to Verial.

His aesthetic sense was different from others, and his personality couldn't relate to things being beautiful or pretty, so only the withering flower caught his eye.

"I never thought he would be such a student. He becomes more surprising as time goes by."

"People have been talking about him a lot lately, and it seems he's making a name for himself in the creation field."

As the professor of the Magic Department, sitting across from Verial, spoke, Verial smiled.

"Adrias Cromwell. Quite interesting. Oh, by the way, I'm staying here because of that student. It's truly an amazing coincidence."

"Wha-what! That, that wretched brat!"

"No, it's not because of the student, but 'thanks' to the student. I'm really satisfied with it."

"Oh, I see. Well, being the head of the Magic Department is indeed a demanding position. You must have been through a lot during your tenure. I hope you can relax and return after this opportunity."

"Why is being the head of the Magic Department difficult? I just have to pay attention to a few students who have requested personal instruction in the graduation class. And even if I don't want to, I can refuse them. There's nothing difficult about it."

When the professor's words didn't align with Verial's thoughts, the professor awkwardly closed his mouth.

Whether the professor reacted or not, Verial just calmly gazed at the flower blooming on the magic circle.

"As I see it, the beginning of one of the greatest 'contradictions,' Burobulsu (不老不死). Among them, it became the cornerstone of Buro (不老). Truly remarkable."

Such ideas come together to create powerful and great magic.

These great magics, referred to as Original Magics, encompass not only 'contradictions' but also 'understanding' and 'purity.'

When magicians create their own original magic, they are bestowed with the title of "Warlock" and receive countless honors.

"Adrias Cromwell. I wonder if you can be the cornerstone of my growth. I'm really curious."

Murmuring to himself, Verial activated an unknown magic with pure magical power and burned the paper with the engraved magic circle in his hand.

For the past few days, there has been a buzz around me due to the magic circles I created.

I thought I had hidden the double magic circle well, but it seems like people found out, especially in a place where many people gathered.

Thanks to that, the illusionary magic created by my magic circle was revealed to many people, and the Magic Department is now in a magic circle craze.

"It was quite an unusual idea. Placing a high-level trick of magic circles within a plant created by a magic circle. The illusionary magic's magic circle was also of a high standard."

Although I didn't see it myself, they said Dianne was there, not to mention Vivian and Lucia. I can't fathom what happened there.

Lucia, I can understand being curious, but why was Vivian there?

Moreover, why was she at the Magic Department campus?

"Well, it worked out well in the end."

In fact, I made the double magic circle to honor my father.

The fairy flower garden where my father left original sin.

While designing the magic circle, thoughts of my father naturally came to mind when I created the flowers.

Anyway, today is finally the last day of the exchange event.

Thanks to the magic circle lectures with Cessren, we quickly became close, and I achieved what I had aimed for.

One regret is that I didn't deal with Grace thoroughly, which led to her becoming an obstacle for Cessren.

"After the first day, she seemed so quiet and reserved that I hesitated to approach her recklessly."

Bothering someone who isn't doing anything isn't good for my image either.

If I knew things would turn out like this, I should have tied up loose ends during the duel.

But at that time, I felt it was enough, and I couldn't help it.

"Well, she's still a prince."

Knowing Grace's personality, I judged that she could handle any situation on her own.

Eventually, I had to leave it to Cessren to handle.

Right now, I'm heading to the banquet hall, the last schedule left after all the classes are over.

As if to signify Sumi Rankwan, the first and last days of the exchange event were adorned with banquets.

I felt a little time was being wasted, but I knew I wouldn't have many opportunities to see Cessren, so I willingly spent the time.

Thus, I headed to the station to go to the administrative district, and I saw familiar faces.

"Dianne and Vivian? It makes sense for Dianne, but why is Vivian here?"

Was there something related to the Magic Department?

Anyway, feeling glad, I approached them and greeted them.

"Dianne, Vivian. Are you going to the administrative district?"

"Huh? Adrias. You came at the right time."

After hesitating for a moment, Dianne pointed to Vivian.

With that gesture, I looked at Vivian, who turned her gaze as if she had done something wrong.

What's going on?

"When I came out to catch the train, Vivian happened to be here. But she has no reason to be here, so I was frustrated that she wouldn't tell me the reason no matter how much I asked."

"Yes. Is that so?"

Something doesn't feel right. Go away.

Since I couldn't get any more meaningful answers from me, this time, I stared at Vivian intently.

To my surprise, instead of answering, she blushed and fidgeted without saying a word.

"What's the matter, Vivian? You've grown a lot. You've developed some patience."

You could say it's all thanks to me.

Dianne. You owe me your life.

With such foolish thoughts, the three of us boarded the train together.

It didn't take long before we arrived at the administrative district, and when we entered the building where the banquet was held, most of the students were already gathered.

And immediately, I searched for Cessren with my eyes.

Today marks the end, and I feel a little regretful because I thought I wouldn't see her for at least a few years. Nevertheless, I'm grateful that we could form a connection like this.

"Cessren. Adrias hyungnim."

"You're here early."

"I thought today was the last day, so I came right after the schedule ended."

We exchanged greetings as Cessren smiled warmly.

I felt proud from the beginning, as I could see the efforts in the way they addressed me.

Just before parting ways, to honor the last moments together, we decided to chat and enjoy the party. But suddenly, Keshurn spoke up.

"Your name is Vivian Velocan, right? I wish we had more time to spend with the Knight Department students. But I see you're quite close with Adrias, aren't you?"

Upon hearing Keshurn's words, I looked to my side and noticed Vivian standing there, seemingly attached to him.

Honestly, I hadn't even noticed her presence. She's as good as Nickel at concealing her approach!

Vivian nodded calmly and swayed the glass in her hand.

When did she even get that?

"Well, Vivian and I have a deep connection."

"Oh? Is that so? I thought you two made a good pair."

"What?"

What an utterly nonsensical misunderstanding.

I tried to gauge Vivian's reaction to see if she was upset, and as I expected, her face turned slightly red upon Keshurn's words.

"Keshurn, apologize to Vivian right away. You shouldn't say such rude things to a lady."

If you don't want to die, apologize quickly.

"Haha, yes. I apologize for my rudeness. I'm sorry."

It seemed like Keshurn took my words as a joke.

You keep acting like that, and you'll really die.

But once again, Vivian's patience shone through. She simply shook her head slightly and accepted Keshurn's apology, but to me, it looked like she was barely holding back her emotions.

"I'm saving multiple lives today."

Dienne and Keshurn.

You owe me. Got it?

After sealing Vivian's outburst, we resumed our conversation, but I soon realized that Prince Grace was nowhere to be seen at the party.

"Come to think of it, where is Prince Grace?"

"Oh, His Highness Grace said he had some duties and would join us later."

"Really?"

There seems to be no room for pardoning him until the very end.

It's a bit regrettable, but it can't be helped.

Perhaps after that day, he was already in the state I wanted him to be.

When I return, I don't know if he'll regain his spirits, but at least I hope Keshurn's breathing would be a bit more relaxed.

...That's what I thought in that moment.

"I have arrived!"

Someone suddenly entered the party hall and shouted.

As we were all enjoying the party, we immediately focused on the newcomer, wondering what was happening.

"Your Highness Grace?"

His sudden appearance was striking, but what caught my eye was the potion bottle in his hand. It looked strangely familiar.

"No way...?"

Can't be, right? It's too early for Kyler's potion to leak out, isn't it?

"Adrias Cromwell! I'll kill you right here!"

"Why are you doing this?"

"It seems like His Highness is under a lot of stress. But still, to show such incompetence to foreign nobles."

Everyone looked puzzled as we watched the situation unfold, and then Grace started drinking the potion.

"I have to stop him."

I rushed forward and drew my sword.

It was a bit late to try to use Windblade to block him.

Kwaaang!

Grace effortlessly blocked my Windblade and looked at me with white eyes, devoid of pupils.

"Is that all you've got, Adrias Cromwell?"

A powerful surge of mana started swirling around Grace.