Chapter 128

“I’ve brought books that might interest you, Archmage.”

They were books I’d asked High Priestess Asha for—written back when elementalists were still active.

After the Temple of Fire’s headquarters was blown away, the Chitrum royal family quickly washed their hands of it.

And just as expected, each temple—prepared for that outcome—swept away the cultists the moment our party escaped.

When she contacted me again to offer thanks, I shamelessly asked for a favor. She sent a whole stack.

Half I stored in my family’s library, and half I brought here.

“Interesting indeed… but you must want something in return?”

“That’s right. I’d like to ask a favor.”

“Mm. Speak.”

Brassidas leaned back, arms folded.

He sounded skeptical, but since I’d already started, I had to go through with it.

I forced myself to stay calm as I said: “I want to create a medicine that can erase burn scars.”

“If that’s all, then healing magic or holy—…”

Brassidas, about to give a dismissive textbook answer, suddenly paused. He leaned forward.

“Don’t tell me—you?”

“That’s right. Burns caused by magical surges or elemental power leave scars no matter how much divine power you pour in. Like my hand.”

“I understand wanting to help the Prince, but… can you handle it? Who knows how many people, how much time, and how many resources it will take.”

“I know. It’s like wandering through a maze blindfolded, then having to find a single needle stuck in a fence afterward.”

“And yet you still want to try?”

“But I have a clue. If I can just obtain this, I can skip the first steps. The task would be reduced to finding the needle in the fence—still hard, but possible.”

“And that clue is?”

“Sorry. I promised Gabbie I’d keep that secret.”

“…A spirit, then.”

Archmages really were perceptive. Even mentioning Gabbie once, Brassidas seemed to have grasped enough.

“Don’t worry about the cost. His Majesty the Emperor and Her Highness the Crown Princess will naturally open their purses.”

If someone’s “sore finger” was to be healed, they’d certainly provide support.

I smiled brightly as I added: “Of course, I’ll contribute from my own funds too—out of conscience.”

“Hahaha.”

He gave his usual hearty laugh, but I could tell his mind was busy weighing things.

I understood. He already taught at the magic academy and had disciples like Palos personally—his time was limited.

“But I still have this, you know.”

I raised my index finger and let out a short burst of mana.

Mana should’ve been colorless and clear, yet mine was tinged red, steeped in fire’s essence.

Brassidas’s pupils widened slowly at the sight.

I grinned.

“Now—are you interested?”

With a groan, Brassidas threw up both hands in surrender.

“I’ll contact physicians and the guild of apothecaries.”

That meant he’d form a development team. It was as good as a promise.

I had to hold back my voice, which was ready to squeal with excitement.

“Then, I’ll be in your care from now on.”

“And mine as well. Once we begin, I won’t do anything half-hearted, so be prepared.”

“Oh, I know—”

I did know, having been his experimental subject more than once. But before I could finish, Brassidas cut in with a warning: “And steel yourself.”

“…I know that too.”

I clicked my tongue. He wasn’t going to go easy on me, clearly.

“Is Palos in class right now?”

“Mm. About to finish, I’d say.”

I was about to ask where, so I could go meet him, when I turned back to bid farewell.

“Please contact me anytime, Master.”

For the first time, Brassidas’s serious face relaxed into a small smile.

“Finally ready to accept being my disciple, are you?”

“Don’t put me in the academy’s registry. I’ll be too much of a part-time, half-baked student—Palos would be embarrassed.”

“Does that mean you intend to study diligently?”

“I’m busy!”

“Hmph.”

His laughter followed me until the door closed it off.

– Are you really going to do this?

Gabbie, who had been hiding, asked in an excited voice.

“Of course. Who knows when I’ll have another chance.”

I casually replied, then signaled to Clidane, who was guarding nearby. He gave the OK and drew the other knights farther away.

Once confirmed, I resumed walking.

The clue I’d mentioned to Brassidas—it was the Essence of Water.

The Essence of Water will suppress fire’s energy and allow true healing.

But Gabbie didn’t forget to warn me: You must not tell humans. If word spreads, other elemental sanctuaries could be invaded because of me.

Naturally, I respected Gabbie. Knowing what he had been through, who could argue otherwise?

“But how do we obtain the Essence of Water?”

We’ll have to go get it ourselves. But you’ll need a way to enter. Even if you’re my contractor, the water clan may not allow a human inside.

One hill, and then another. The road kept winding.

But it was no time to despair. I clenched my fist.

“We have to do it before Brassidas finishes assembling the team.”

That was why I’d decided to take care of some postponed business while visiting the academy.

The bullies who tormented Palos—and their family.

Despite repeated demands to repay debts, they had done nothing.

In noble society, where marriages tied families together, people avoided public lawsuits.

I snorted loudly.

“But our family isn’t bound like that.”

My eldest brother-in-law’s family were old retainers from the north, and my younger brother-in-law’s side had no ties to them either.

“If anything, my brothers-in-law would probably tell me not to hold back.”

A lawsuit? Who knew how long that would take? Court battles dragged on here just like in Korea.

“I already gave instructions before leaving—by now the seizure of assets should be underway.”

Just as I thought that, a familiar voice called out.

“Sis!”

Palos came running with a big schoolbag, anxiously scanning me.

“I heard you were hurt!”

“I’m fine now.”

“Really?”

“Of course. Who told you I was injured?”

“Master did.”

“Oh my. Then he must’ve mentioned this too?”

I whispered that I might also start learning magic. Palos nearly jumped with joy.

“You’re amazing, Sis! You’ll be the first person ever to use both spirit power and mana together!”

Perhaps in the ancient days there were others, but in this age—I’d be the first.

“Palos, which areas don’t have many people around?”

“Huh? Why…?”

“Because if students fall for my beauty, it’ll be a problem.”

“Ah… true.”

Rather than teasing me for saying such a thing, Palos just accepted it and led the way.

“…That’s kind of embarrassing.”

He brought me to a spot that was indeed deserted, likely because it was almost mealtime.

“Ah, right—there’s something my parents told me to give you when I saw you.”

While I glanced around, Palos rummaged through his bag and pulled out a small box that filled his palm.

I accepted it reflexively but asked, “For me? From who?”

“My parents.”

They must’ve grown close over the holidays.

“Good.”

I’d been ready to scold them if they were bad people, but it was better this way.

“Not that I expected anything in return… but if I refused, wouldn’t my Palos be hurt?”

I winked and slowly opened the box. Inside was a bracelet made of bluish stones.

Oh!

Gabbie reacted even faster than me. Then I too froze in shock.

“This is…”

The Essence of Water.

All of it. And not just a bracelet—this is the mark of a guest of the Sea Clan, protectors of water spirits.

As I gasped, Palos explained:

“Great-grandfather once saved a man who had collapsed by the sea. One day that man vanished, leaving only this bracelet behind.”

“Great-grandfather…? Then it must have been a treasured heirloom for generations. Is it really alright for me to accept it?”

“That’s why they told me to give it to you. They said you must have many better things already, but because this was precious to our family, they hoped you’d accept it.”

Gabbie urged me as well:

Better for you to hold it than leave it in human hands. If it’s no longer needed, I’ll return it to the Sea Clan myself.

In the end, I put on the bracelet.

“Thank you, Palos. Please thank your parents for me too.”

“You like it?”

“Very much.”

I ruffled his hair roughly with a smile.

“You really are a blessing!”

Whether intentionally or not, he had already helped me countless times.

But then, someone came to spoil the warm moment.

“To think you can joke around after wrecking another family… truly impressive, isn’t it?”

It was the same staff member and would-be apprentices who had been obstacles since Palos applied to the academy.

Seeing their familiar faces, I smiled in satisfaction, gently patting startled Palos’s shoulder.

But my voice toward the debtors was icy.

“You should have repaid when I told you to.”

“The Headmaster has plenty of money—must you really do this? Is money all there is to life?”

“No matter how much, money is important. Money isn’t everything, but without it, no one can live.”

My deliberately mocking tone made his fists tremble.

“What must we do to have the seizure revoked?”

“Well, if you sincerely apologize, maybe I’ll consider it.”

“What apology do you mean?”

“The fact you don’t know—that alone disqualifies you.”

They said truly bad people don’t even realize what they’ve done wrong. Seemed true.

Maybe not on the level of someone like Austin, but these types were villains in their own right.

As I shook my head in disgust, one of the boys with him blurted out: “W-wait. We dumped homework on Palos and beat him when he didn’t do it.”

“…You beat him?”

I asked slowly, eyes narrowing. The boy’s gaze dropped.

“…Yes, ma’am.”