Chapter 07
The Grand Temple was located in a sacred region to the northwest, a short distance away from the imperial capital.
It was a place separate from the Empire, where the use of magic was strictly forbidden.
In other words, it meant that Irtis couldn’t activate teleportation within the sacred grounds.
So they decided to use magic only to travel near their destination, and then continue the rest of the way by carriage.
Irtis was clearly dissatisfied with Prodia’s decision.
“It’s not like magic is completely blocked. Let’s just teleport straight to the back gate of the Grand Temple. As long as we don’t get caught by those priests, it’ll be fine.”
But Prodia was firm.
“And if we do get caught? Are you planning to start a war with the Grand Temple before the competition even begins? Absolutely not.”
Irtis clicked his tongue in annoyance.
“Tch. We could get there in seconds.”
“Even so, thanks to having a capable contractor, we can at least get close to the sacred grounds quickly. You should be grateful.”
Prodia smiled brightly as she said that.
At her sudden praise, Irtis flinched.
This girl really knows how to push people around now.
But unlike the disturbance in his heart, Prodia seemed busy organizing their schedule.
A short while later—
After finishing their preparations, the two met in the reception room to teleport.
Prodia asked,
“So how do we do this? Do I just hold your hand?”
Irtis smirked.
“If you do that, only your hand will make it through.”
“Hmm, that would be a problem.”
Even after hearing something so terrifying, Prodia didn’t change her expression at all.
Irtis was dumbfounded.
“You really… don’t get surprised by anything, do you?”
“Why would I worry when I have a skilled mage with me? There’s no way you’d let my body get cut in half.”
Is she saying she trusts me?
Irtis cleared his throat awkwardly.
“A-ahem. Anyway, here.”
He spread his arms wide toward her—
as if telling her to come into his embrace.
For the first time, Prodia’s expression cracked.
Furrowing her brows deeply, she asked,
“Don’t tell me… I have to hug you to teleport?”
“…Aren’t you being a little too obvious about how much you hate that?”
“I think it’d be stranger if I acted like I liked it.”
“Look at this. You keep saying I’m handsome, but it was all a lie, wasn’t it?”
“If someone’s handsome, does that mean I have to want to hug them?”
“This is the safest method. Even if you don’t like it, just deal with it.”
“…Sigh.”
In the end, Prodia stepped forward and awkwardly leaned into his arms.
The moment she entered his embrace, a pleasant scent drifted into Irtis’s nose.
Suddenly, his heart began pounding.
What is this… why does she smell so good…
He glanced down at her.
But she looked like she absolutely hated being held by him—like she’d just bitten into something disgusting.
He didn’t like the fact that he was the only one feeling this way.
What was that thing he learned during training with Prodia again?
…Endure it.
Thinking that, Irtis wrapped his arms tightly around her.
Soon, the two disappeared into a pitch-black magic circle.
By the time they arrived near their destination, they continued traveling by carriage.
As he walked, Irtis found himself asking, What is life?
It was because of how violently his heart had pounded when he held Prodia earlier.
I must’ve gone crazy for a moment.
Especially since she seemed completely unaffected.
It irritated his pride.
Meanwhile, Prodia was thinking something entirely different as she looked at him.
I wish I could keep him this well-behaved for longer.
It was such a shame that the effects of mental training didn’t last long.
Should she train him more often? No, better save it for when it really matters.
Prodia had no idea that she was the reason he had gone quiet.
Soon, the carriage carrying them set off toward the Grand Temple.
Sitting across from him, Prodia looked at Irtis.
He had his eyes closed, looking somewhat melancholic.
She nodded in satisfaction.
He must be meditating, practicing what he learned before the ritual. Good, very good.
But in reality, Irtis was calming his mind for a completely different reason.
He couldn’t stop thinking about how it felt to hold Prodia earlier.
You idiot, it’s Prodia. The demon teacher! Forget it. Forget everything that happened…
From Prodia’s perspective, however, he simply looked like an excellent student diligently reviewing his lessons.
Just then, a breeze flowed in through the open window.
Irtis’s bluish lavender hair fluttered gently, and sunlight illuminated his entire face.
He looked dazzling.
Prodia rested her chin on her hand and began admiring him.
He really is handsome.
If only he stayed quiet like this.
She let out a small chuckle.
He must be holding back quite a bit to control his temper. What a good kid.
But then, what kind of past did Irtis have?
Who would abandon a grown child in front of the Magic Tower with nothing but a necklace?
What kind of insane parents would…
Such a beautiful kid—what did he do wrong?
It was no wonder his personality turned out like that.
With the Tower Master added to it, he must have felt abandoned twice.
But that was as far as her thoughts went.
Prodia had no intention of doing anything more for him.
It’s just his fate.
They were merely business partners.
They would use each other until they won the competition, then part ways cleanly.
She had her own problems to worry about.
Hang in there, Irtis. At least you’re not destined for hell like I am.
At that moment, Irtis opened his eyes.
Their gazes met.
Gah!
Startled, Irtis flinched.
He had been chanting internally to stop thinking about Prodia—
and now it was clear.
He had been thinking about nothing but her the whole time.
Flustered, he blurted out,
“W-why are you staring?”
Prodia answered casually,
“I was admiring your handsome face.”
But her expression was completely devoid of sincerity.
“Try fixing your expression before you lie.”
“Why do you think I’m lying?”
“You hate even brushing against me.”
Saying that made a strange sense of disappointment wash over him.
Did she really hate hugging me that much? I didn’t—… wait.
Did I like it?!
A second wave of confusion hit him.
Prodia narrowed her eyes.
“Don’t tell me you’re sulking because of the teleport earlier?”
“What?”
“You really get upset over the smallest things.”
“Hey, no I don’t!”
“Sure, I believe you.”
“I’m serious!”
The two bickered for quite some time.
Meanwhile, the carriage steadily moved toward its destination.
As they got closer to the Grand Temple, the scenery became increasingly picturesque.
Prodia turned her head toward the window.
This is even more impressive than I expected.
She admired the view for a moment.
But then—
There was no sound from Irtis, who had just been arguing with her.
Why is he so quiet all of a sudden?
Feeling uneasy, she turned back toward him.
“Irtis? Look outside. The view is—”
She couldn’t finish her sentence.
Irtis, who had been perfectly fine moments ago, was now gasping in pain.
“Ghh…!”
“Irtis?!”
Prodia quickly moved to his side.
There was only one reason for this.
“Irtis… don’t tell me the side effects have started?”
“…I told you, it’s nothing.”
He gestured for her to go back to her seat.
But his hair was already soaked with sweat.
Prodia quickly placed her hand on his forehead.
“!”
This wasn’t just a simple fever.
His skin was burning hot.
The side effects of divine power… were this severe?
Irtis gasped as he spoke,
“I’m really fine… go back. I just used healing magic. It’ll get better.”
“…Alright. Rest for now.”
Prodia returned to her seat.
She was worried, but if he said he was fine, it should be okay.
I saw his stats. His healing magic was SSS rank. He’ll be fine.
But he wasn’t.
Instead of getting better, Irtis lost consciousness.
“Irtis, get a hold of yourself!”
Prodia cupped his face with both hands.
But he still wouldn’t open his eyes.
His skin burned hot under her palms. Something was seriously wrong.
What was happening?
He said not to worry. He said it was nothing.
He said he’d be fine soon.
Her heart pounded.
I should’ve asked more about the side effects…
I’m his contractor, yet I know nothing about him as a mage.
She felt powerless.
Leaning out the window, Prodia shouted to the coachman,
“How much farther to the Grand Temple?”
“It will take quite a while longer. Is something wrong, miss?”
What should she do?
She had to make a decision.
At this rate, even if we reach the temple, it won’t matter.
Finally, she made up her mind.
“Is there an inn nearby where we can stay for a while?”
“How long will you be staying?”
“Well…”
She glanced at Irtis.
There was no way he would recover quickly.
“…We’ll stay for a day.”
“Hmm, there will be an extra charge. Is that alright?”
Now is not the time to worry about money.
Her contractor was on the verge of dying.
“It’s fine. Just get us there as fast as possible.”
“Understood—hyah!”
The carriage sped up.
Irtis still couldn’t open his eyes, breathing heavily.
Prodia placed her cool hand on his forehead.
He continued to gasp.
“Just you wait until you wake up—I’m charging you for the inn and the carriage.”
After traveling for a long time, the carriage finally stopped at a nearby inn.
It was a place where pilgrims stayed.
The building was small and old, but clearly well-maintained.
With the coachman’s help, Prodia supported Irtis as they got off the carriage.
He was still unconscious.
The coachman asked worriedly,
“He was fine just a moment ago—what happened?”
“I know, right?”
The coachman didn’t know Irtis’s identity. There was no need to spread unnecessary rumors.
At that moment, the inn door opened, and the owner appeared.
She was a kind-looking elderly woman.
Prodia greeted her politely.
“Hello. I have a patient—would it be possible for us to stay for a day?”
After examining Irtis carefully, the old woman said,
“Come in.”
“Thank you.”
They entered the inn together.
Inside felt warm and cozy.
Though old, it was clear the owner had taken great care of the place.
Following her guidance, Prodia helped Irtis up to the second floor.
After laying him on the bed, the coachman left the room.
“I’ll see you tomorrow when it’s time to depart, miss.”
“Alright.”
Now only Prodia, Irtis, and the old woman remained.
Looking at the unconscious Irtis, the old woman asked,
“A mage suffering from the side effects of divine power?”
“!”
Startled, Prodia looked at her.
The old woman nodded.
“I thought so. May I examine him?”
She seemed experienced with such matters.
Prodia bowed her head.
“Please.”
The old woman approached Irtis and placed her hand on his forehead.
A moment later, she turned to Prodia in surprise.
“This one… he’s no ordinary mage. He’s a grand mage, isn’t he?”
