LGHTNOVELBOOK Chapter 77
Translator: Elisia
Editor/Proofreader: TempWane
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The interior of the Tower of Magic was, as expected, exactly how one would imagine it based on its genre or appearance.
In some ways, it reminded me of the simple and unembellished interior of the castles in the North. The stone walls, left unpainted, were visible in their raw form.
However, it wasn’t dull by any means.
As if they had no intention of hiding their identity as mages, the torches were replaced with magical lights illuminating the darkness. Strange, colorful liquids and substances bubbled and boiled in laboratories scattered throughout.
Whether funded by external sources or conjured by their own magic, they casually used items like glass cups, which were considered too expensive for everyday use. Perhaps precision in measurement justified their use despite the cost.
Some mages seemed to have been experimenting just moments before we arrived. They mixed glowing liquids of different colors, creating smoke that rose into the air. Others conjured blue flames from nothingness, froze water, and so on…
“It feels like watching a circus”
the Crown Prince remarked with a snort, which, to some extent, I could understand.
After all, their goals were clear.
Honestly, among the things I saw, there were devices so intricate they looked more like mechanical inventions than magic. However, they must have incorporated some magical element to showcase them to us.
After this exhibition-like display, seemingly arguing that “Magic is useful even in daily life, not just in war!” we ended up in a spacious hall. There, we had light snacks to fill our stomachs before receiving slips of paper with the names of our instructors.
And to no one’s surprise—
—or rather, it was so predictable that it wasn’t particularly surprising—the slips given to me, Adele, Amelia, Diane, and the Crown Prince bore the same name.
Rio Bright.
A few others were included in our group as well. Judging by their casual conversations with Diane, they all seemed to be of high noble lineage.
Amelia wore a slightly sour expression, while the Crown Prince smiled confidently, glancing my way.
Adele looked delighted. Considering her hunger for knowledge, as depicted even in the novel, it wasn’t surprising that she was thrilled to be taught by the Archmage of the tower, even just once.
…But honestly, why was I here?
In the original story, Harvey-Hyung had been half-forced to accompany the group as a bodyguard.
When I noticed the Archmage of the tower glancing at me again from a distance, an inexplicable tension rose within me.
*
The room of the Archmage of the tower, predictably, was located at the very top of the tower.
Not only was it high up, but it also seemed to occupy almost an entire floor.
I said “almost” because the Archmage didn’t use the entire floor exclusively.
Perhaps to prevent any approaches from the outer walls, the very top of the tower was surrounded by a corridor at its edges. It was as if an additional circular tower had been built within the tower itself, adding another layer of walls.
As such, while the room was at the highest point of the tower, there were no windows to look outside—not even in the corridors that led directly to the exterior.
“Let me formally introduce myself. I am Rio Bright, the administrator of this tower. Starting today, and for the duration of this year, I will teach you magic—if you find it worthwhile to learn from me after today.”
Although he referred to himself as the tower’s administrator, most people called him the Archmage of the tower, which reflected his de facto authority. A few years ago, following the death of the previous Master, Rio Bright—already the designated successor—assumed the position.
Despite the presence of older mages, Rio had ascended to the role without much opposition, a testament to his recognized abilities. While there might have been some dissent, it seemed that no one capable of openly challenging him existed.
“I am Evan, the Crown Prince. My younger brother, Allen, also received an invitation but, for some reason, refused to attend. I regret that he declined without a clear reason despite being invited.”
“No matter. Perhaps magic simply does not interest him. I am honored that Your Highness has graced us with your presence.”
Allen likely didn’t come because he feared being compared to his elder brother, who was a capable magician. It made sense not to put himself in a position where such comparisons would directly stress him.
“I am Diane, the eldest daughter of the House of Hoover. Thank you for the invitation. I hope the time ahead will be enjoyable.”
Diane’s tone was playful, almost coquettish, but Rio maintained a polite demeanor, bowing slightly. The courteous gesture seemed odd when compared with my first impression of him, due to his tardiness to welcome us inside.
Of course, I knew that his true nature was far from courteous, but pointing that out now felt unnecessary.
The others in the group introduced themselves, one by one. Amelia, however, kept her lips sealed until everyone else had finished.
“I am Adele, the eldest daughter of the House of Carlins. It is an honor simply to have been invited here.”
“Thank you for accepting the invitation, Lady Carlins.”
Once Adele, who could arguably be considered the lowest-ranked among us here, finished her greeting, Amelia finally stepped forward.
“I am Amelia, the eldest daughter of the Grand Ducal House of Grattanmount. Thank you for inviting me.”
“The honor is mine, Lady Grattanmount. I have been eagerly awaiting our meeting. I’ve heard that you have shown a talent for magic since childhood.”
“…It’s merely the same level as anyone else’s.”
“If by ‘anyone else’ you mean a mage, then that is truly remarkable. I look forward to seeing you in future lessons. And—”
As Amelia finished her introduction, I prepared to take my turn, lifting my skirt slightly for a curtsy.
“Welcome, Lady Delkis.”
But before I could speak, Rio Bright addressed me directly, his face beaming with a broad smile.
Had I been a woman down to my very soul, his charming smile might have swayed me ten times over. However, since I didn’t feel any attraction to men, his grin had no real impact on me.
“I am Elsie, the eldest daughter of the House of Delkis.”
“Yes, I am much aware.”
…He’s aware?
Did this man hear something about me from his conversation with the Crown Prince?
While I mulled it over, the Archmage of the tower took a few steps toward me.
Even as he approached, his radiant smile remained, which only made me feel more uneasy.
“I understand you possess an exceptional and unique talent among the people of Delkis. While the exact mechanics remain unclear, it could, in some ways, be described as a magical ability. After all, conversing with nature is a gift most people do not have.”
Oh, so that’s what this was about?
Now I understood why he had been glancing at me and grinning since earlier.
He was curious about my abilities.
If my talent could be considered magic… perhaps he wanted to acquire it for himself.
“I know it may be premature to bring this up, but if you wish, Lady Delkis, I could study the origins of your abilities. Moreover, I could help you utilize them more effectively.”
“Um…”
His voice held a strange intensity as he spoke, prompting me to take a few steps back.
“Well, I’ve never really thought about uncovering the reasons behind my abilities.”
Of course, I already knew the reason.
The blood of giants who lived harmoniously with nature ran through me. It was similar to why most Delkis people were exceptionally strong.
Moreover, I didn’t feel the need to explore the cause of my abilities.
“I assure you, it would be to your benefit. If necessary—”
Before he could finish his sentence, two people stepped forward.
Amelia and the Crown Prince.
Amelia subtly inserted herself between me and the Archmage of the tower, while the Crown Prince extended a hand, creating a physical barrier between us.
“Sir Bright, are you trying to frighten the lady?”
“…”
I wasn’t frightened in the slightest, but I understood that, in social settings, a man getting too close to a woman could be perceived as inappropriate. So, I decided to remain silent and ride the wave of the current atmosphere.
…Still, wasn’t the Crown Prince the last person who should be making such remarks?