Chapter 104
0jVDoFa“A greedy hyena is targeting you, senior.”hERTe
QHR9PxAs soon as she returned from the main house, Aria went to find Fernan and dropped something unexpected on him.IaS
NdeC3“What nonsense is that?”Uut
uSMDhjp“Inquisitor Girard sensed corrupt magic. In the rector’s research wing. And right after that, he saw you coming out of there.”Ldbk
Se4“How did that happen?”dVrre
YMEYF“I was nearby.”mky
oCD1“Now you’re conspiring with an inquisitor?”6H4
siHW“Conspiring? We just shared a bit of information. I, too—and my family—need to be prepared against the corrupt.”auForTo
TSVUnfortunately, she had knocked on the wrong door. Inquisitors didn’t actually know much.KvtIJ1t
okJPhkz“Anyway, Inquisitor Girard, with bloodshot eyes, followed you.”LX0W6MJ
uRJwsa“Since he can’t enter the research wing, he comes after me?”HN3
7g72“He gave up when you used the transport circle. But, what happened in there?”R2W
Voc6P“Don’t talk nonsense.”jnGdLv
qCPrJ“How annoying. Aren’t we already somewhat close? You could share at least a little, don’t you think?”DDe
2CNlAria pouted.EYNXXWM
HSrOlIt wasn’t because of that, but Fernan nodded calmly.k8iut
TUJaX“If this information leaks, I’ll know it was you. And you know what will happen then.”5ibZ
UP66yh9In 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?w1Effsg
oiCZbGG“Of course. In fact, my nickname is Aria the Discreet.”qNhA
UpNAR“And you certainly look the part.”1GAT
2Ag“What a rude way to speak to your cute junior.”BZ3N55
2b3HV“As you imagine, there was a corrupt, and while working with the rector regarding that, problems arose. But we resolved it.”LBul6
Iq0SQU“What a way to dodge… But seriously, they keep popping up, huh? I remember they did a huge purge after Andromalius appeared.”V0Byo
OTmJ“That just means they’re still hiding very deep.”4U7MY
8zM79EWho could know how many corrupts were still hiding across the continent?lT5
QzDEIf there were so many within the Empire, what about the entire continent? It was better not to imagine it.oYP
Jo4Ixum“By the way, are you planning to attend the continental conference?”crUdcgj
SRxE“Yes. It’s a great opportunity for a mage. And you, senior?”7f4NDu
rPbU“I’ll go too.”K6ABtZQ
DyWdY6m“Ah, then shall we go tog—?”supVcA
YQDZR“No, I’ll arrive a bit later. You plan to enjoy the festival, right?”U1j86
pM1KlOThe 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.q5H
svnAIRosalia’s goal was to present her research there, and Fernan planned to accompany her at that time.imzOpp
ZGTP“If I can go with you, I don’t mind skipping the festival.”slovr
ubavgT“Don’t be silly. Take Aint with you.”gRY
02uY“Aint?”tzR
HNhEdTZ“It’s possible the corrupt will cause trouble at the conference.”X3aAukd
Z6u1dW“Then why won’t you come with us?”9cLrSs1
Gnv7lSF“I plan to set a trap for them.”E7gxO
LIyAT7Aint was the best card against corrupts and demons, but precisely for that reason, he wasn’t suited to be used as bait.H4N
O3j“Isn’t there something I can help with? Do you need the strength of Fridian?”nGI
bQFr“I don’t need the strength of other families.”ytF
yigi“How annoying.”6OHR
pzCKsN‘I don’t want this to get complicated with other factions.’fBSeEx
uoT0gyAnyway, he had to be cautious. The prince-electors, the Empire, and the kingdoms were already moving.oTb95i
nUH98The 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.USH
EPl5lgIf anyone still thought corrupts and demons were just legends or stories, they were an idiot.JZ5Wa
eiNPThe entire continent was stirring.xZebX
6wCG4BXThat’s why the corrupt were becoming more violent. And if things had gone as they planned, the conference would’ve been total chaos.wt8
OyfGPFrom here on, any matter involving demons had to be handled with the other forces in mind as well.GP5B
kpyJ‘Annoying, but necessary.’dmm
PlDFgpEven so, he saw it in a positive light.oqSVitH
hrrlBIf the entire continent was on high alert, there was a better chance the corrupts’ plans would unravel on their own.RH6gC4
DF6OAZQ‘The problem is that even the prophecy mentioned something similar…’XeZTq
0qMUeLPerhaps the current situation wouldn’t change the main course of events much.d2gsI0u
v7uZ4YSo now more than ever, Aint had to grow, and Fernan had to move with diligence.9soBlAC
S5LlU‘Knowing too much is also a burden.’BoNM
65KroMaybe he’d be more at peace if he ignored it.aQj7sz
tXVNo, better to worry than to be cast out as a heretic for knowing nothing.LsW4tt
v6be7“I’m leaving.”VP8sGO
1c6bDVv“Where to?”aK8OcoV
oDUA9Cy“To the company.”jQ0Pa9
IsIIWZzFernan rose from his seat.u9m8DDX
FS58***JrMy
cIDTime passed quickly, and the rector kept his promise.MP2qKxX
WoL“It’s done.”T5LRp
Pv1Although smaller and with less mana than the previous one due to time constraints, the new core had the same structure and functions.kVS
PgOIo5dIt was even more stable—perhaps because it was the second time it was crafted, and because an archmage had participated.A3zBdGX
84QV“Even so, it’s not stable enough to use in a transport circle.”0Ih
aDwamm“You can try. If you want to risk your life, of course.”zht5X6
lmVIn other words, do it if you want to die.CUGnZn
4s6byi“I’ve done my part. Don’t expect me to handle the transport too, right?”qL5
AfWlii“The corrupt might attack us on the way. Do you want to miss the chance to capture them?”a4jFGae
gpem“Well, I already have one in custody.”who8LY
MMq1“…If there’s anything else to confess, I’d appreciate it if you shared.”MiG6Az
xpU“Maybe later.”9624
u08OThe 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.Vdh
h25w6Sg“His Lordship sent them, young master.”ANAn
tIjX“Long time no see. I appreciate your help.”935
CwRB8QwWith the arrival of the Red Turtle Order, departure wasn’t delayed.czH
EZosMThree identical carriages as decoys, thirty knights of the Red Turtle, and Hyde joined the escort that moved the core out of the institute.Whr
tabV0m“Having a wealthy sponsor has its perks.”md3Td5
xdpu6“Advantages from start to finish. You should rest, you look exhausted.”fOX
MGSsSFPerhaps from having spent sleepless nights working, Professor Rosalia looked quite worn out aboard the ship.lNwA
INhMyM“I’m fine. We’ll make it in time, right?”0EP
cePUr“Of course, everything’s accounted for.”gyfFbb
h97j4FThe plan accounted for weather changes and monster attacks—it was nearly perfect.PM11y
DbZBdzxIt was only possible because Vienderk was close to the academy. If it had been Bercheff, Altierc, or Schwaben, it would’ve been much harder.rWg17x
Fizb“It’s been a while since I left the academy…”Zxya
s4NDl1tWhen she tried to pull out a cigarette, Rosalia found her case empty.EFq9D9
yLmwV“Don’t have any?”S9wzBC
AJ7z“Not a single one.”x1AEUH7
eG2CShe looked calmly at Fernan and wiggled a finger.i5wvS
s5aFI6R“Did I leave something with you?”Znq0UW8
HK0VwQI“I didn’t keep it.”KUP
D1oFernan smiled and took out a cigarette case from his subspace, handing it to her.tWVDWi
pAIFo3“Is that all you brought?”u6Y7wc
Fc3C“Yes. It’s my emergency stash—I don’t smoke.”6VMQghx
PDMOgu“If we stop at the Golden Turtle Company branch, would it take long?”dsVwO
vFv“It’s on the way, but they don’t serve there. They only take custom orders.”ntqtvn
IHmFrowning, Rosalia lit one. The nicotine slightly cleared her tired eyes.0h32k1L
vqR“I’m exhausted.”LVU
WhIiAKj“Sleep, we have a two-day journey.”QoA
lKs“I’ll smoke and then head in.”7mWmLs
cT1QunBAfter finishing the cigarette, Rosalia went into the cabin. As soon as she left, Hyde approached.FOqySqh
PJHz“Did you find out if Gismond was struck by lightning?”ut15u7N
WrA“If he had been, there would’ve been some rumor. There’s nothing.”SctPt
AXE0T“Hard to know unless we ask him directly.”qtM6
j9iEven the most influential man couldn’t have company year-round. If he was struck while alone, no one would know.Fb2nG
CrtKSx“It doesn’t matter—stop investigating.”JF9
DazS“May I ask something?”9Pw
HqM“Why are you obsessed with Gismond?”g2A
4UU7mh“It’s not obsession…”0DZ4
3oz“More like curiosity, huh?”xaWJ
mGYHyde nodded slightly.gM7Td
6rPiO2Fernan understood. He had no connection with Gismond. He wasn’t corrupt; he’d just risen suddenly.QmlGO
m6XqmUnless one knew about the lightning and the prophecy book, no one would understand Fernan’s attitude.XaAr
79TA0“The truth is, when I was struck by lightning, I saw the future.”M8lC
QYTXoqK“Seriously?”4GjRr
OUgWBFernan said it without expecting to be believed, but Hyde looked at him seriously.I8H
O1Ji“You believe me?”g0obDCB
sfD06“No, I don’t.”H5rdO
BJnnB15“Then?”IuyzO20
jBT98Dn“Then… it would explain some oddities since you were struck.”UDNV
i86kBpKFernan shrugged.tCwQ
nRB“It was a joke. That’s not possible.”qwKnU
kycn“True, though… it still makes sense.”M0T2d7N
Ko80Changing the subject, Fernan gave an order.3sry
I1Fs“Just stay alert. There might be an attack by the corrupt.”coHTu
WWBMNAc“Aren’t we a bit short-staffed?”fx16
vlAX3“Aint isn’t here, and officially the Red Turtle isn’t either. Besides, this is Vienderk territory.”ZmV
myXjHFor that reason, the route through the main roads already offered some safety.AzmP
3P1The corrupt would have few chances to strike, and they didn’t have large forces now that the whole Empire was hunting them.KqSh
EVx1K“Right, understood.”o68tVnV
b95lY5N“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.”axC
ZDnE3i“Gismond is rather simple. No major flaws…”MnTyGO
RdcOXS6Fernan listened in silence.p2XnBE
ZquqeFOn this trip, he would decide what to think of Gismond. And depending on what he found, his attitude toward him would change.DhjQe
Zcj22Ji***t8N2J
CxjThe ship docked at the port.4m9Zc
dBRFernan and Rosalia boarded the carriage.zLGGJaV
75P“We’re departing.”DdCaGVl
1MPiGZCThe three carriages, guided by knights, set off. Rosalia lit a cigarette and opened the window.zom8kMv
lS4M8zh“Try to smoke in moderation.”S3ft
SS5bRd“Don’t be stingy, you, who come from the Pellenbergs.”HdtK1
OHRnBZe“You won’t get more until the last day of the conference.”h4xXZ
NdyUSzzHer hand, which was about to light it, froze.m7ep2dX
Hsi0gHP“You hadn’t said anything about that.”rS5I
RFE“I’m telling you now.”YQvEGuO
EVBGXqkRosalia took the cigarette from her lips and stared at it in silence.KL6
ArKFQ“Your fingers are shaking.”RFicqt
zgIUOik“Withdrawal symptoms.”EMSa
hU3oET“It doesn’t contain addictive substances.”915vyx
Y2BDB7“It doesn’t have to, to become addictive.”u8FLLu
dMqAfter hesitating a moment, she finally brought the cigarette back to her mouth and lit it.R8UpwoF
KWl39Huff—The smoke laced with mana drifted away in the wind.x2SIR
WXYFernan watched her and spoke.pL86gxz
jFUr“If the presentation goes well, what will you do after?”WNe
lVXwK9“Remove the assistant professor label and become a full professor.”GVjyj
mYJfcS4“You think you can jump straight to full without going through associate?”vzigp
5CEmwG“It’s a project with enough impact for that.”BUgSKx
njYRosalia 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.96Us9
CSei1‘Besides, the rector already understands the true value of her research.’hhi
l2ma0xWith that, it was obvious he’d evaluate her at a higher level.DGn4E4
IwcFt3“Let’s say you become full professor. What then?”goCwX
iHVRosalia, whose gaze had been lost outside, turned back toward the interior of the carriage.OO25B
Mnh“Well, suddenly you’re quite interested in my life.”Q75Zxa
n2TWAXc“I’m the investor, aren’t I?”aO2
wIHhShe looked at him silently. Fernan held her gaze without looking away.FGWjy
sy6gAfter a moment, she exhaled smoke through the window and spoke.sftrj
sXovxD“When I started this research, my father supported me. Not a lot, but not little either.”vUtWoM
GzP0aB“The Vienderks have money too. Not as much as us, of course.”sKRGl
Egt“But at some point, the support began to decrease.”OscsZ
Q2I3kThere were many reasons—too expensive, vague research, no future, material problems.0IacP
pNrG“At first, I let it slide. But when it repeated and worsened, it was impossible not to notice.”0BggAZX
57rUuGt“They were holding you back.”YHUfWux
2ZbGAF“Yes. As a child, everyone adored me, without exception. I thought it would last forever—until the first exception appeared.”hhpm5R
pH2oAShe fell silent for a moment. Then she abruptly changed the subject.aVfDh
vQkBgg“…I’m talking too much. Fernan, why do you want to make money?”ptL
k6R“Because with money you can do anything.”FjU
N5k“What do you want to do?”ldk
2tr51gl“I want to elevate myself and my house.”gs8
12rB“Just like you with the Pellenbergs, I also value the Vienderk name. And I want to see it rise even higher.”4AESetU
Ei6NojShe put out the finished cigarette.tBANiqH
qGXU34d“That’s your answer as an investor.”Y1n6
TTuwSVm“And if I ask as a student?”Tlql
tleS“I’d kick you out of class for interrupting.”baN4iNP
7eqyjd“This isn’t class.”sN91W
hbqz5“Then worse. You’re stealing your professor’s free time.”NHs
377She laughed disdainfully, as if to say “not a chance.”KkDM3uy
aRVXQVTAt that moment—vse2Q
p2HP“Young master, we’re almost at the designated location. Where should we head?”SoC
CrpuAt Hyde’s voice, Fernan leaned his head out. The carriage was approaching a plateau between high mountains.EaKMp
Q7GkAs he surveyed the terrain, he realized the location from the prophecy book wasn’t far.Kh21Sti
DLS“Tonight, we camp on the plateau.”rF3carS
JX2Xrx“Yes. I’ll prepare the camp.”pUA2EN
aRXZdThe three carriages stopped at the outskirts, in a spot easy to defend.dwzkkW
7ejJ3Ur“There’s still time before sunset. What’s your plan?”AfYQQT
3JSQV81“It’s not a plan—I just got some interesting information.”KATppC7
CphaynW“Information?”nolmO
sX7mRosalia frowned. Fernan shrugged.P4fy
QXCb“Will you come with me to check it out?”HT2
ozzH2aThe mutant drake’s nest was just ahead.k0LMflT
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