Academy’s Genius Mage

“But where’s Goyang?”

It seemed something had been bothering her, and it turned out it was the absence of Goyang.

Ian quickly came up with an excuse.

“Dormitory. Bringing it along might cause unnecessary shedding, which would be rude. Milo is taking good care of it.”

“A mystical creature shedding?”

“You never know. I just didn’t want to inconvenience the people working here.”

Upon hearing that, s Kiefer snorted inwardly.

Isera wasn’t one to miss such a thing.

She subtly hinted with her eyes for Kiefer to behave and said, “Still, bring it next time. It’s not long since you bonded with it, right? In the beginning, it’s important to always be together.”

“Understood.”

He thought it would have been fine to just say he wanted to see her.

Though he had become more expressive since they first met, Isera’s personality still seemed as icy as the northern chill.

At that moment, the cat sitting on Ian’s head smirked.

『Indeed, she’s a human I like. Such a kind heart. Watch and learn well, human.』

“Hearing that makes me not want to materialize you anymore.”

『…….』

“More importantly, don’t you think you should come down from my head?”

『Oh, come on! You don’t feel anything anyway, do you?』

At the moment, Goyang wasn’t in a materialized state.

Being in its spirit form meant Ian didn’t feel anything with it sitting on his head. Sometimes it liked to perch on his head or slip into his body.

『But it seems like the people here all hate you.』

“It’s not hatred, don’t you think?”

『The way they glance at you, it feels like they might stab you in the back at any moment.』

Though a bit exaggerated, even Goyang seemed to notice the atmosphere.

『Don’t worry, human. I’ll warn you before they even draw their swords.』

“That’s reassuring.”

Ian walked a step behind Isera, slightly distanced.

Her beauty and sweet fragrance constantly drew his gaze toward her.

“Ahem!”

Each time this happened, the butler at their side would clear his throat, forcing Ian to quickly redirect his gaze forward.

After this happened several times, Isera stopped and turned around.

“Kiefer, are you catching a cold?”

“Of course not. I’m always in good health.”

The butler smiled slyly and bowed his head, but Isera frowned slightly.

Anyone could see it was due to the Kiefer’s wariness toward Ian.

“Don’t be impolite in front of guests.”

“I’m sorry, milady.”

“True meaning lies in not having to apologize in the first place.”

Although there was a considerable age difference between Isera and the elderly butler, she completely dominated their interaction.

Ian thought, ‘Is this what it means to be high nobility?’.

“It’s really impressive, senior.”

“What is?”

Kiefer frowned, thinking Ian was complimenting her for scolding. But Ian was no fool.

“The paintings. They’re from the Saint Helena period, right? They seem to be by Hallowen.”

Impressive paintings adorned the walls.

All were by the same artist.

Ian, with vast knowledge, was well-versed in art history and instantly recognized the pieces.

“Yes. They’re works by an artist admired by my father.”

“Works from the Saint Helena period would be quite rare……”

The Saint Helena period refers to an era that began approximately 600 years ago.

Most periods are typically defined by the ruling emperor.

The name derives from a person’s name. The renowned empress of the Empire brought cultural prosperity and enriched the continent. Thus, historians named this era after the emperor as ‘Saint Helena’.

The book that the enigmatic mage named Mist had brought to the mansion for appraisal in the past was also from this period.

Ian Oracle felt a peculiar sense of déjà vu.

“What about you, senior?”

“I never really had much interest in art. But more importantly, aren’t you hungry?”

“Not yet.”

“Then shall we have a cup of tea?”

“Sounds good.”

He followed Isera Hebraim into the drawing-room.

More than ten maids and butlers bowed their heads to Isera.

They moved with such precision, as if they were being controlled by someone.

‘There’s an incredible number of servants here. Is this the count’s prestige?’

He wondered how imposing the Sonokin’s Count family must be if a vassal state’s nobility was just like this.

When they settled in their seats, the butlers all retreated.

Only the maids remained.

Soon, warm tea and elegant snacks were served, and Isera waved them away.

“All of you may leave.”

“Yes, my lady.”

The maids withdrew entirely.

Ian Oracle, watching them until the very end, spoke up.

“It seems like the staff here doesn’t really like me.”

“You know the reason, don’t you?”

“I do, but it’s still a bit disappointing.”

The wary glances weren’t just from Kiefer, but also from other butlers and maids who eyed him with subtle apprehension.

In short, Ian was seen as an impudent noble trying to win over Isera’s heart.

Yet they never truly crossed the line because the overnight stay back then and today’s invitation—both were of Isera’s own volition.

“A person’s heart doesn’t open easily. You have to work to earn it.”

“I think I understand the ethos of the Hebraim Family now.”

“Are you being sarcastic?”

“Certainly not.”

Given how much effort he put into getting a mere meal invite, it wouldn’t have been unjustified, even if he was sarcastic.

“Still, I wasn’t the one who suggested staying out that night.”

“If anything, that sounds more irresponsible.”

A stern gaze met Ian’s, then quickly softened as she picked up her teacup and began to savor her tea.

At times like this, changing the subject was for the best.

Now that the servants had all left, Ian could speak candidly.

“There are quite a few things I’d like to talk about today.”

“A promise is a promise. I’m very much looking forward to your hypothesis about the Spirit Language.”

He had once rashly mentioned this when proposing a meal.

He told her that the mana emitted by a contractor manifests the will of spirits, which shows segmental waves.

Ian had speculated to Isera that this might be the “Spirit Language.”

They had meant to discuss the paper over a meal, and Isera pointed this promise out.

“We can talk about the paper later. I’m not co-researching with anyone else anyway. I have plenty of ideas beyond that.”

“In that case, do you want to discuss Hamel Gestring’s verdict?”

“You knew about it?”

Isera nodded calmly. Of course, given the commotion it had caused even at the academy, it would have been odd for Isera not to know.

“There may be some who think a 30-year sentence is insufficient, yet Hamel’s organization can no longer function as a group.”

“That’s not the main issue here.”

“Then what is?”

“It seems like there is a hidden hand behind these events.”

“A hidden hand?”

“The Empire.”

Isera’s eyes sharpened. She paused, lowered her teacup.

Ian relayed everything to Isera: what he had heard from Judge Lumiere and what Zickhardt mentioned about Hamel Gestring.

It was potentially dangerous information.

However, Ian trusted Isera.

He believed not only in her character but also in the fact that her status as a noble from a vassal state provided a safety net.

“So, Hamel Gestring aims for a pardon? However, for that to happen, Prince Helios would have to seize the crown prince’s position.”

“That’s right. Hamel supported Helios.”

“Why would he?”

“Was it because he was certain that Helios would inherit the throne?”

At Ian’s remark, the drawing room fell silent.

The empire dominated the continent.

Even if it seemed implausible, the plans they devised were beyond a kingdom’s mere assumptions.

Thus, Ian suspected that the Prince Medeb might face danger.

Yet, a truly unexpected comment slipped from her lips.

“It’s not really surprising.”

“What… do you mean by that?”

“It was the empire that lay behind Kingdom of Roland’s defeat in the Sorol War.”

Ian was taken aback.

The Kingdom of Roland was where the Hebraim Family belong to, and had fallen to the status of a vassal state after losing to the kingdom of Sonokin.

“They have ambitions. They want to seize the entire continent. Yet, they don’t hastily mobilize their troops. There’s simply no need.”

Ian thought he understood why.

The word “behind” was a decisive hint.

“Is it because if they needlessly move their army and all kingdoms unite, it would be troublesome?”

“Exactly. That’s why they manipulate from behind the scenes, as it turns out to be cheaper that way. Thus, even if the Hamel Trading Company and the empire are connected to some part of the empire… it’s not particularly surprising.”

“I see.”

Isera deliberated for a moment, before sharing with Ian a story she hadn’t told anyone else.

How the Kingdom of Roland fell.

The story was straightforward.

The leadership was drawn into the empire, committing various corrupt acts that weakened the nation’s strength.

It was a very typical process for a nation to fall.

“Outwardly it seemed fine, but it ultimately couldn’t withstand Sonokin’s offensive, because internally, it was decayed beyond repair.”

“That’s truly unfortunate.”

“This place isn’t much different, is it? The aging king… and the crown prince and the second prince fighting to claim the throne.”

Ian nodded.

“Assuming the empire is extending its hand to Sonokin, why would they back Prince Helios over Crown Prince Medeb?”

“I’m not certain. But I think I can find out.”

“How?”

Ian hesitated for a moment.

“If it’s burdensome, you don’t have to say it.”

“No, it’s not that. It’s just that you might not like it…”

As Isera gave him a steady gaze, Ian confessed reluctantly.

“I plan to meet Marquis Hunka soon.”

“The Marquis of Drias?”

“Yes.”

Isera tilted her head with curiosity.

“Is that something I would dislike?”

“You misunderstood before, because of that Ophelia matter.”

“I told you I trust you.”

“That’s a relief then.”

Isera lowered her head slightly.

Feeling a tinge of embarrassment, she couldn’t look at Ian.

“Anyway, I intend to directly ask Lord Hunka what is happening within the Royal Family.”

“It sounds like a gamble close to an adventure.”

“I have justification. There are things I found out while handling the Hamel Trading Company matter, and I’ve aided the Drias family before.”

It was well-known that thanks to Ian’s efforts, Ophelia avoided expulsion.

Indeed, marquis Hunka had personally visited, grasped Ian’s hand, and had said that he could come for help anytime.

‘If things unfold well, I could give another hand to the Drias Marquisate.’

It wasn’t just the Drias Marquisate.

It meant indebting all the families supporting Prince Medeb.

A modest barony could leap to the center of the political field at once.

“But wouldn’t the burden grow if that happens? Besides, the Oracle Family is one of academics.”

“I pondered a lot at first as well, considering I might be meddling in an unnecessary affair.”

Ian smiled.

“This is a matter separate from the family. I’m not looking for public acknowledgment either. It’s simply about correcting something wrong.”

Isera mused for a moment.

Ian’s plan was clear.

Nevertheless, she thought there could be issues within that process.

Eventually, she spoke.

“Preparation will be necessary.”