Chapter 104

“A greedy hyena is targeting you, senior.”

As soon as she returned from the main house, Aria went to find Fernan and dropped something unexpected on him.

“What nonsense is that?”

“Inquisitor Girard sensed corrupt magic. In the rector’s research wing. And right after that, he saw you coming out of there.”

“How did that happen?”

“I was nearby.”

“Now you’re conspiring with an inquisitor?”

“Conspiring? We just shared a bit of information. I, too—and my family—need to be prepared against the corrupt.”

Unfortunately, she had knocked on the wrong door. Inquisitors didn’t actually know much.

“Anyway, Inquisitor Girard, with bloodshot eyes, followed you.”

“Since he can’t enter the research wing, he comes after me?”

“He gave up when you used the transport circle. But, what happened in there?”

“Don’t talk nonsense.”

“How annoying. Aren’t we already somewhat close? You could share at least a little, don’t you think?”

Aria pouted.

It wasn’t because of that, but Fernan nodded calmly.

“If this information leaks, I’ll know it was you. And you know what will happen then.”

In truth, he already planned to share the situation with Luina and Aria. Who else could he trust if not the companions recognized by the prophecy for Aint?

“Of course. In fact, my nickname is Aria the Discreet.”

“And you certainly look the part.”

“What a rude way to speak to your cute junior.”

“As you imagine, there was a corrupt, and while working with the rector regarding that, problems arose. But we resolved it.”

“What a way to dodge… But seriously, they keep popping up, huh? I remember they did a huge purge after Andromalius appeared.”

“That just means they’re still hiding very deep.”

Who could know how many corrupts were still hiding across the continent?

If there were so many within the Empire, what about the entire continent? It was better not to imagine it.

“By the way, are you planning to attend the continental conference?”

“Yes. It’s a great opportunity for a mage. And you, senior?”

“I’ll go too.”

“Ah, then shall we go tog—?”

“No, I’ll arrive a bit later. You plan to enjoy the festival, right?”

The continental conference, which lasted two weeks, was divided into two parts—the first was a festival, the second the true academic core, with study circles.

Rosalia’s goal was to present her research there, and Fernan planned to accompany her at that time.

“If I can go with you, I don’t mind skipping the festival.”

“Don’t be silly. Take Aint with you.”

“Aint?”

“It’s possible the corrupt will cause trouble at the conference.”

“Then why won’t you come with us?”

“I plan to set a trap for them.”

Aint was the best card against corrupts and demons, but precisely for that reason, he wasn’t suited to be used as bait.

“Isn’t there something I can help with? Do you need the strength of Fridian?”

“I don’t need the strength of other families.”

“How annoying.”

‘I don’t want this to get complicated with other factions.’

Anyway, he had to be cautious. The prince-electors, the Empire, and the kingdoms were already moving.

The rector had warned the electors about the corrupt, and an army of nearly ten thousand monsters had attacked both the Kingdom of Alprosen and the Empire.

If anyone still thought corrupts and demons were just legends or stories, they were an idiot.

The entire continent was stirring.

That’s why the corrupt were becoming more violent. And if things had gone as they planned, the conference would’ve been total chaos.

From here on, any matter involving demons had to be handled with the other forces in mind as well.

‘Annoying, but necessary.’

Even so, he saw it in a positive light.

If the entire continent was on high alert, there was a better chance the corrupts’ plans would unravel on their own.

‘The problem is that even the prophecy mentioned something similar…’

Perhaps the current situation wouldn’t change the main course of events much.

So now more than ever, Aint had to grow, and Fernan had to move with diligence.

‘Knowing too much is also a burden.’

Maybe he’d be more at peace if he ignored it.

No, better to worry than to be cast out as a heretic for knowing nothing.

“I’m leaving.”

“Where to?”

“To the company.”

Fernan rose from his seat.

***

Time passed quickly, and the rector kept his promise.

“It’s done.”

Although smaller and with less mana than the previous one due to time constraints, the new core had the same structure and functions.

It was even more stable—perhaps because it was the second time it was crafted, and because an archmage had participated.

“Even so, it’s not stable enough to use in a transport circle.”

“You can try. If you want to risk your life, of course.”

In other words, do it if you want to die.

“I’ve done my part. Don’t expect me to handle the transport too, right?”

“The corrupt might attack us on the way. Do you want to miss the chance to capture them?”

“Well, I already have one in custody.”

“…If there’s anything else to confess, I’d appreciate it if you shared.”

“Maybe later.”

The three-meter-diameter core was placed in the special box Fernan had prepared, then loaded onto a carriage filled with magical inscriptions, headed for the port.

“His Lordship sent them, young master.”

“Long time no see. I appreciate your help.”

With the arrival of the Red Turtle Order, departure wasn’t delayed.

Three identical carriages as decoys, thirty knights of the Red Turtle, and Hyde joined the escort that moved the core out of the institute.

“Having a wealthy sponsor has its perks.”

“Advantages from start to finish. You should rest, you look exhausted.”

Perhaps from having spent sleepless nights working, Professor Rosalia looked quite worn out aboard the ship.

“I’m fine. We’ll make it in time, right?”

“Of course, everything’s accounted for.”

The plan accounted for weather changes and monster attacks—it was nearly perfect.

It was only possible because Vienderk was close to the academy. If it had been Bercheff, Altierc, or Schwaben, it would’ve been much harder.

“It’s been a while since I left the academy…”

When she tried to pull out a cigarette, Rosalia found her case empty.

“Don’t have any?”

“Not a single one.”

She looked calmly at Fernan and wiggled a finger.

“Did I leave something with you?”

“I didn’t keep it.”

Fernan smiled and took out a cigarette case from his subspace, handing it to her.

“Is that all you brought?”

“Yes. It’s my emergency stash—I don’t smoke.”

“If we stop at the Golden Turtle Company branch, would it take long?”

“It’s on the way, but they don’t serve there. They only take custom orders.”

Frowning, Rosalia lit one. The nicotine slightly cleared her tired eyes.

“I’m exhausted.”

“Sleep, we have a two-day journey.”

“I’ll smoke and then head in.”

After finishing the cigarette, Rosalia went into the cabin. As soon as she left, Hyde approached.

“Did you find out if Gismond was struck by lightning?”

“If he had been, there would’ve been some rumor. There’s nothing.”

“Hard to know unless we ask him directly.”

Even the most influential man couldn’t have company year-round. If he was struck while alone, no one would know.

“It doesn’t matter—stop investigating.”

“May I ask something?”

“Why are you obsessed with Gismond?”

“It’s not obsession…”

“More like curiosity, huh?”

Hyde nodded slightly.

Fernan understood. He had no connection with Gismond. He wasn’t corrupt; he’d just risen suddenly.

Unless one knew about the lightning and the prophecy book, no one would understand Fernan’s attitude.

“The truth is, when I was struck by lightning, I saw the future.”

“Seriously?”

Fernan said it without expecting to be believed, but Hyde looked at him seriously.

“You believe me?”

“No, I don’t.”

“Then?”

“Then… it would explain some oddities since you were struck.”

Fernan shrugged.

“It was a joke. That’s not possible.”

“True, though… it still makes sense.”

Changing the subject, Fernan gave an order.

“Just stay alert. There might be an attack by the corrupt.”

“Aren’t we a bit short-staffed?”

“Aint isn’t here, and officially the Red Turtle isn’t either. Besides, this is Vienderk territory.”

For that reason, the route through the main roads already offered some safety.

The corrupt would have few chances to strike, and they didn’t have large forces now that the whole Empire was hunting them.

“Right, understood.”

“Tell me more about Gismond. Even if I don’t know if he was struck by lightning, you should have an idea of what kind of man he is.”

“Gismond is rather simple. No major flaws…”

Fernan listened in silence.

On this trip, he would decide what to think of Gismond. And depending on what he found, his attitude toward him would change.

***

The ship docked at the port.

Fernan and Rosalia boarded the carriage.

“We’re departing.”

The three carriages, guided by knights, set off. Rosalia lit a cigarette and opened the window.

“Try to smoke in moderation.”

“Don’t be stingy, you, who come from the Pellenbergs.”

“You won’t get more until the last day of the conference.”

Her hand, which was about to light it, froze.

“You hadn’t said anything about that.”

“I’m telling you now.”

Rosalia took the cigarette from her lips and stared at it in silence.

“Your fingers are shaking.”

“Withdrawal symptoms.”

“It doesn’t contain addictive substances.”

“It doesn’t have to, to become addictive.”

After hesitating a moment, she finally brought the cigarette back to her mouth and lit it.

Huff—The smoke laced with mana drifted away in the wind.

Fernan watched her and spoke.

“If the presentation goes well, what will you do after?”

“Remove the assistant professor label and become a full professor.”

“You think you can jump straight to full without going through associate?”

“It’s a project with enough impact for that.”

Rosalia spoke with confidence. Fernan agreed. It might stir some controversy, but she was sure to be promoted. Her research was equivalent to a new discovery in magical engineering, and even though she was young, her name held weight.

‘Besides, the rector already understands the true value of her research.’

With that, it was obvious he’d evaluate her at a higher level.

“Let’s say you become full professor. What then?”

Rosalia, whose gaze had been lost outside, turned back toward the interior of the carriage.

“Well, suddenly you’re quite interested in my life.”

“I’m the investor, aren’t I?”

She looked at him silently. Fernan held her gaze without looking away.

After a moment, she exhaled smoke through the window and spoke.

“When I started this research, my father supported me. Not a lot, but not little either.”

“The Vienderks have money too. Not as much as us, of course.”

“But at some point, the support began to decrease.”

There were many reasons—too expensive, vague research, no future, material problems.

“At first, I let it slide. But when it repeated and worsened, it was impossible not to notice.”

“They were holding you back.”

“Yes. As a child, everyone adored me, without exception. I thought it would last forever—until the first exception appeared.”

She fell silent for a moment. Then she abruptly changed the subject.

“…I’m talking too much. Fernan, why do you want to make money?”

“Because with money you can do anything.”

“What do you want to do?”

“I want to elevate myself and my house.”

“Just like you with the Pellenbergs, I also value the Vienderk name. And I want to see it rise even higher.”

She put out the finished cigarette.

“That’s your answer as an investor.”

“And if I ask as a student?”

“I’d kick you out of class for interrupting.”

“This isn’t class.”

“Then worse. You’re stealing your professor’s free time.”

She laughed disdainfully, as if to say “not a chance.”

At that moment—

“Young master, we’re almost at the designated location. Where should we head?”

At Hyde’s voice, Fernan leaned his head out. The carriage was approaching a plateau between high mountains.

As he surveyed the terrain, he realized the location from the prophecy book wasn’t far.

“Tonight, we camp on the plateau.”

“Yes. I’ll prepare the camp.”

The three carriages stopped at the outskirts, in a spot easy to defend.

“There’s still time before sunset. What’s your plan?”

“It’s not a plan—I just got some interesting information.”

“Information?”

Rosalia frowned. Fernan shrugged.

“Will you come with me to check it out?”

The mutant drake’s nest was just ahead.