‘Ricky Circleia…’
Though not a duke’s family, the Circleia family was prestigious enough to be second only to such in terms of reputation. The ancestor was the founder of what is called the basic theory of magic, the Circle. Historically, members of the Circleia family have held the position of Magic Tower head. If not for the unique conditions of the West, it would not have been strange for their name to have been among the four great ducal families.
Yes, the Circleias were a powerful family in the West, and Ricky, being a male lead candidate, possessed unrivaled talent in the realm of magic.
‘If Luciana is the strongest in the swordsmanship department, then he is the strongest in the magic department.’
Elizabeth and Riu too. Each displayed their strength by handling special magics, but none could compare to Ricky. After more growth, he would gain nicknames like ‘Reincarnation of the Dragon,’ ‘Demon,’ ‘Magic Emperor’—a genius of the century.
“Ricky Circleia being directly involved… That’s quite an interesting story.”
“…You don’t seem surprised. It’s as if you expected it.”
“Yes. How many people are there who could threaten my position as head? It’s not strange to think that they imported a bomb to check me.”
Luciana looked over the magical bomb I had handed her, and after showing a fleeting interest, she set it down on her desk.
“I thought the Magic Tower claimed neutrality, but it seems I really must be cautious. You never know when they might pull something like this again.”
“It should be fine for a while.”
“Hm? What do you mean by that?”
I showed her two fingers as I tilted my head to Luciana.
“Do you know what distinguishes monsters from thieves like these?”
“Heh, I like your bold analogy. A riddle, huh? Do they possess intellect?”
Satisfied with my comparison of the high nobility such as Caspera and Circleia to thieves, Luciana curled the corners of her mouth.
I nodded in agreement with her response.
“That’s right. Unlike monsters that blindly charge, they might hold a grudge if beaten, but for now, they’ll tuck their tails and run.”
It’s an affront to the duchess. Of course, with the current evidence, I could tie Ricky Circleia to it. However, he was merely the seller of the item, not necessarily the one who aimed the arrow. A truly clever scheme.
However, this time I used Riu to divert attention. But what if another Magic Tower-made magical bomb is discovered next time?
‘What then? Just push forward.’
There is no such thing as a coincidence twice. Whether it’s a duel or a scandal at a social gathering, it was enough reason to push them.
In short, the opponents also can’t move rashly.
“Perhaps it’s better to pretend not to know for now, to expose their vulnerabilities, which will give us a chance to probe their intentions.”
“Really, a deception tactic?”
“Yes. You saw right.”
Luciana, looking pleased, stood up from her place.
“If my servant is working this hard, I must bestow a reward, or I would be doubted as a master.”
“A reward… you say?”
“Yes. I’ll help you with your aura training. That’s all I can offer you.”
Aura training. In other words, sparring from hell.
“Cough. I’d be grateful.”
“You don’t seem very enthusiastic.”
“It’s because you know about the black aura.”
Training with her would certainly help.
However, people tend to focus on things they encounter often. The more she sees my black aura, the more her suspicion will inevitably grow.
“…Haha, indeed. It would be a lie to say that I wasn’t surprised by your black aura and that it didn’t captivate me.”
“If it makes you uncomfortable, you don’t have to teach me.”
“No, today, through training, I realized something.”
-Srrng.
Was it my imagination? Somehow, her aura seemed to shine more brightly, resembling Luciana’s silver hair.
“Rather than chasing after dubious and uncertain things, let’s focus only on the definite ones.”
With that, Luciana turned her gaze toward me. Clear suspicion. But alongside that suspicion, her azure eyes also held overwhelming trust.
“It’s a waste of time to dwell on something that’s already been concluded. Instead of wasting time and energy on such matters, wouldn’t it be better to focus solely on taking care of myself and my people?”
“Absolutely right. That’s a great realization.”
It seemed Luciana had come to her own conclusion regarding my situation. It was something I welcomed with open arms.
‘But I can’t let that suspicion linger forever.’
Before it grows any larger, I need to uproot it to maintain that trust in its purest form. Soon, it seemed it would be time to act as Frostmane even at the academy.
“Raise your sword. After all, aura comes from the harmony of breath, muscles, and posture.”
However, that was a matter for later. For now, I had to focus on the immediate sparring. Luciana’s swordsmanship, especially when teaching, was quite formidable.
* * *
-Frostmane, are you alright?
-Ugh. I’d like to at least put on a brave front and say I’m fine, but honestly, I’m not in great shape.
I wasn’t bleeding. Just not bleeding.
My whole body was covered in bruises from the aura-infused sword. My muscles screamed from the rigorous training I endured all night with Luciana.
-What troubles me the most is that despite all this, my aura shows no signs of improvement.
-It’s only natural since you’re trying to use both magic and aura simultaneously. Tsk tsk.
I had nothing to say when hit with such a blunt truth. Even though I had hastily developed my aura without much thought, the slow progress was indeed frustrating.
-Tsk, I guess I’ll have to prepare some artifacts or elixirs soon.
Lack of talent? Numerous penalties? All could be compensated with gear. With that thought, I was half-listening to the class while nursing my tired body.
“The swordsmanship textbook lesson ends here. Oh, Hans Byron, please stay behind for a moment.”
Professor Marks’ voice echoed through the classroom. At the sudden mention of my name, Luciana whispered in my ear, sounding puzzled.
“Hans, did you do something to upset Professor Marks?”
“Who knows. There are so many possibilities.”
When I answered so boldly, Luciana’s eyelashes fluttered slightly.
‘But it’s true.’
After all, you, my lord, skipped the last class without any repercussions on your grades, and I, your attendant, also missed parts of it. Perhaps he wanted to reprimand us.
“Well, if it negatively affects my grades, I’ll just have to accept it. As long as I can maintain Lady Luciana’s top position, that’s all that matters to me.”
“You really are something…”
Luciana quickly turned away from me and gathered her belongings, including her sword.
“Oh, let me carry that for you…”
“It’s fine. Don’t you have to meet with Professor Marks? Go take care of your business.”
Before I could respond, Luciana swiftly exited the classroom.
“Haha, Professor Marks. As you can see, I need to follow my lady. Could we make this quick?”
“Hmm. That might be difficult. This is not something that can be settled quickly.”
“…Pardon?”
He stroked his white beard, which had turned completely white, and continued.
“I have a letter that needs to be delivered to a professor in the Magic Department, but he has a difficult relationship with me. I was hoping to ask you, Hans Byron, to do it…”
“You’re asking me?”
“Indeed. Asking anyone else seems problematic since I am a commoner. Everyone seems to avoid me.”
…Well. Considering his status and personality, it’s no wonder he has no close friends among students or professors.
“In return, I must be meticulous in my dealings. If you help me with this, I will make sure to repay you, Hans Byron.”
“Repay me…?”
“I understand that you are walking the path of both magic and aura. Is that correct?”
…I hadn’t demonstrated my magic at the academy or in front of him yet. As I looked at him skeptically, he smiled and answered my unspoken question.
“A professor should be aware of his students’ specialties, especially if they are the winner of the martial arts competition.”
I had to admit. Though he might not have good relations with other professors, he was an excellent educator. The fact that he knew about his students so well proved that.
“I am also walking the same path. I could offer you advice that might help you. Perhaps… an artifact that aids in the harmony of mana and aura.”
“…Hah.”
Especially given that he offered an enticing reward to a student.
“May I ask the name of the professor to whom I should deliver this letter?”
There was no reason for me to refuse his goodwill. Of course, I needed to probe his true intentions further.
* * *
The academy’s classes are divided into three main categories: mandatory subjects that all students must take, major subjects divided by department, and special subjects specifically assigned to each class. As a result, the students in each class differ, and it’s impossible to seat them by rank each time. Seating arrangements were not strictly enforced. This flexibility allowed me the privilege of sitting next to Luciana, despite there being a second-in-command.
The hallway I was walking through was primarily for the ‘Magic Department’ classes.
“Looks like a class is in session.”
The professor mentioned by Professor Marks seemed to be teaching our grade at that moment. Through the slightly open window, I could hear her voice.
“The heart is the source that circulates blood. And blood carries mana. The first Master of the Magic Tower focused on this fact and created the optimal magic theory for us humans. This is the ‘Circle Theory,’ which creates a mana ring in the heart.”
“Oh, so that’s the principle behind whatever strange mechanism was in Elizabeth’s heart,” I thought, shrugging at the sudden voice in my head.
-Humans can’t draw mana from their blood like vampires can.
“Well, you’re right. It’s not a bad method for humans. Of course, if you don’t have enough mana to form a circle in your heart, you can’t even attempt it.”
I suddenly felt grateful that I had learned blood flow techniques from Bathory. As she said, I was also one of those who lacked an absolute amount of mana.
“Oh my, class time is already over. It must be because I was with such excellent students. After all, we even have a descendant of the first Master of the Magic Tower here!”
The middle-aged woman with a fake smile directed her gaze toward a boy with ashen hair.
“That must be Ricky Circleia.”
He had a sharp but decently handsome face. His curly hair softened and mellowed his appearance. And, as expected, he was sticking close to Rene, who had the second highest entrance exam score. A common cliché: a cold-hearted researcher who had walked only the path of an elite meeting a unique girl and falling in love.
-Saint, how can you handle mana without a circle? …Interesting.
Approaching out of curiosity, the male lead candidate gradually opens his heart to the Saint’s human charm. He has talent, background, and everything. If you make the right choices, you get a solid magician ally, so I often used him. However, the process was extremely arduous.
‘That’s because he was the main cause of early game overs.’
In reality, too, scientists often let curiosity overshadow ethics, as seen with human cloning and animal testing. Ricky was no different. Kidnapping, terrorism, threats… He was like a mad researcher willing to do anything for the sake of truth.
‘Well, it’s not my problem.’
It’s the Saint’s responsibility to deal with him. Of course, if he crosses the line, I’d have to intervene to prevent disaster, but not now.
“Alright, class is over. See you all next time.”
As soon as the Magic Department professor finished speaking, the students rushed out of the door. As expected, Ricky was talking to the Saint. Just as I was about to hand the letter to the professor, I heard a voice filled with unprecedented confusion and anger.
-Wait! Just a moment!
I stopped in my tracks, hearing Bathory’s voice.
-What is it, Bathory?
-That human from before! I smelled blood on him!
I sighed.
-Well, it’s not unusual. There are many instances where magicians conduct experiments using blood. You’re worrying too much.
In reality, he had transformed his dorm room into his own workshop and lived there, dedicating himself to magical experiments. Consequently, monster blood was the best way to raise his favorability.
‘It was kind of funny to see the Saint character going around collecting blood.’
-Ugh! That’s not it! If it were monster blood, I wouldn’t have called you like this!
And then, she continued in my mind, her telepathic message freezing me in place.
-Kin! I smelled vampire blood on him!
Cliche Novel 