AME 72

Chapter 72

It had been a lingering question for some time. Wasn’t the Duke of Ingelos family, after the royal family and the Magic Tower, the most prominent household of mages—a true cradle of magic?

‘The Seers’ were said to usually appear among mages, so it seemed likely that Ingelos would have at least one or two.

“There aren’t any in Ingelos. Reading mana is a rare ability even among mages. And ever since the fall of the Batiste family, there’s been no way to trace the lineage.”

“The Batiste family? Those black mages? They had that ability?”

The unexpected name made Kaon frown slightly.

The Batiste family had once been a magical household, more than a hundred years ago. They were eradicated when it was discovered they were researching and attempting to revive black magic.

“So you knew? I thought you wouldn’t.”

“I studied history, you know? Don’t take me for an idiot.”

“Didn’t say that.”

Her indifferent tone, as if it wasn’t worth denying, made her all the more irritating, but Kaon kept quiet. He didn’t want to miss this chance to learn more about his ability.

“The first head of the Batiste family is considered the first person known to have that ability in the magical world. There are hardly any official records left since they were wiped out, but the oral accounts have been passed down separately.”

So that was the case. Kaon nodded. It wasn’t that he had never thought of investigating his own powers. But there had been no clear way to do so.

He couldn’t reveal his ability to others, nor could he ask mages for help. At best, he could search through books, but no matter how many history texts he combed through, he had found nothing.

For such a rare ability, it was odd that nothing was known—unless, of course, all records had been erased. That explanation made sense. After a long moment of reflection, Kaon hesitated before asking,

“…So all Seers are related to the Batiste family?”

“That much I don’t know. Even if the first head of Batiste had the ability, that doesn’t mean he was the only one. It could have originated from some other, unknown person too. But most mages from the Batiste line did possess the ability, so what you’re suggesting isn’t out of the question.”

Kaon closed his mouth, just as he was about to ask another question. If this ability was passed down through Batiste blood, then that meant he might be connected to them as well.

But the Batiste and Ferdinand ducal families had no ties whatsoever. Perhaps in the kingdom’s founding days they’d fought side-by-side to repel monsters, but that was all. By that logic, all old noble families would be connected, which wasn’t anything special.

‘The Ferdinands have never had mages in the family. So it’s not from my father’s side. But my mother…’

A tenant farmer’s adopted daughter. An orphan with unknown origins. What if his mother was of Batiste descent? That would explain his powers.

‘And the man who visited my mother that night—he was a mage.’

The memory resurfaced, and Kaon’s face darkened.

He had been very young. One night, a strange man appeared like magic in his mother’s room. When he spotted Kaon hiding, his eyes gleamed.

“There he is. Just like I looked as a child.”

“Shut up. Don’t spout nonsense. Get out.”

“He’s my blood. Of course it makes sense.”

His mother’s cold expression and that surreal conversation had never left him. The more he tried to forget, the clearer it became.

He had grown up without forgetting—and eventually came to understand what that conversation meant. And so, Kaon loved his mother… but couldn’t love her completely.

“What, are you scared you might be related to Batiste?”

Kaon, lost in bitter memories, was snapped back by the voice. Red eyes were staring directly at him.

“I told you, it’s not certain. You’re just you, Kaon Ferdinand. Don’t start thinking weird things now. It’s a waste of time.”

Her tone was harsh, but he didn’t mind. It was exactly what he needed to hear.

Kaon gazed quietly at Alessia. At that, a wrinkle formed between her pretty brows.

“What? Did I say something wrong?”

“No. You’re right about everything.”

“Are you being sarcastic now?”

“Nope.”

Looking at her face, he couldn’t help but laugh. It was strange. Just moments ago, it felt like he was sinking endlessly—but now, he could laugh this easily.

“Will you stop laughing?”

“Now you’re complaining about me smiling?”

Her scowling face made Kaon burst out laughing. He felt like as long as this cold, aloof girl was by his side, he could laugh forever. Truly, forever.

‘Seriously, he has such useless thoughts.’

Alessia clicked her tongue as she left the knights’ quarters, leaving Kaon behind to finish his training.

He had been subtly curious for a while now, so she’d figured she’d have to tell him eventually. She just hadn’t expected him to take it so seriously.

Batiste’s old lands were geographically distant from Ferdinand and had no significant historical connection. She now understood that Kaon, for all his laid-back appearance, was surprisingly thoughtful—but she hadn’t expected him to worry about something so absurd.

‘What’s with this pampered young master being so full of worries?’

It was something she couldn’t understand. From her perspective, Kaon had lived a life simple enough to think more lightly—but he was unusually contemplative.

Granted, having a rare power could make someone uneasy, but digging into the bloodline of a wiped-out family was overkill. As she’d said, there was no confirmation the ability was exclusive to Batiste descendants.

She sighed briefly, wondering if she shouldn’t have told him. Then her gaze fell to the ring.

‘He said he could use magic without this…’

Kaon had no reason to lie, so it was true—she did possess mana. Even if she couldn’t feel it now, someday she would be able to use magic without the ring.

That alone felt unreal and incredible. But now, she even had a chance to decipher the spell embedded in the ring.

The thought of returning to Ingelos gave her a splitting headache. But she no longer needed to be afraid.

If she could draw out her mana and learn magic, interpret the spells—she could become a stranger to Ingelos forever.

A powerless dropout like her would clearly be used as a pawn in some arranged marriage. But if she cut ties for good, she could live on as someone who left Ingelos behind. The dream she had always hoped for was finally within reach.

Even when she tried to stay calm and tell herself it wasn’t time yet, just thinking about it made her heart race and filled her with giddy anticipation.

“Lady Alessia.”

Just as a smile was about to bloom on her lips, a dry and firm voice reached her ears.

When she looked up, there stood Baroness Robere, as upright and composed as always, gazing down at her.

“Baroness Robere.”

“Lord Leonidas wishes to see you.”

With an inscrutable look, the baroness glanced briefly at Alessia before lowering her gaze again.

Alessia walked behind Baroness Robere. There was no way she could refuse a request from Leonidas—the acting lord and future head of the family.

‘What’s this about?’

They occasionally exchanged words, but it was usually Alessia who initiated the conversation. Even then, it was nothing major—just pleasantries or news about Kaon.

“Are you feeling well? Lord Leonidas said this matter could be postponed if needed, so please don’t overexert yourself.”

Alessia had feared there might be bad news from Ingelos, but hearing that, she relaxed. If it had been something serious, they wouldn’t suggest delaying. It seemed Leonidas just wanted to check on her condition.

“I’m fine, Baroness. I even went to the training grounds today. Talking won’t be too hard.”

“…I see. That’s good.”

There was a subtle look in the baroness’s eyes before she looked away again. Alessia pretended not to notice and kept walking. Baroness Robere was not someone who could be swayed with flattery—she was a hard opponent to face.

“All the knights living in Ferdinand are like children to me. Especially those I’ve watched since they were squires.”

The silence, which had lasted until they reached Leonidas’s office, was broken by her sudden words.

Alessia, who was waiting for the door to be announced, turned toward the baroness. Her expression was as stern as usual, but there was no chill behind it today.

“I’ve known Ludwig since he was six years old.”

From her calm voice, Alessia understood what the baroness wanted to say.

“I’d like to thank you for saving him.”

Baroness Robere bowed politely. Since Alessia had arrived at Ferdinand, this was the first time the baroness had ever shown her such formal courtesy.

“If there is ever anything that troubles you while you’re here, please come to me. Even if it seems trivial, I promise to look into it personally.”

She didn’t stop at expressing her gratitude. She humbled herself without overstepping, careful not to make Alessia uncomfortable.

“Shall I announce your arrival now?”

Now standing straight once again, the baroness’s gaze was warm as she looked at Alessia.