Chapter 13

A New Contract Is Essential After a Reunion (3)

“If you keep staring at me so intensely, that’s a little troubling. As you know, you’re not my type.”

“If you don’t want to answer as a friend, should I ask as the Duke to a young viscount instead?”

“Huh. You used to call it a meaningless title, and now you’re making full use of it.”

Oh, my eldest brother.

He was firmer than Mariela had expected.

Her eyes sparkled as she watched the conversation unfold.

“Your sister possesses far more talent for magic than you could possibly imagine.”

“…I had absolutely no idea.”

Marsen replied with a darkened expression.

“There’s no need to blame yourself. I don’t think she realized it herself. I only figured it out after conducting a simple test this afternoon.”

People say the only thing that improves with age is one’s gift of speech.

The wicked lizard lied as smoothly as a marketplace peddler selling miracle medicine.

“What is this nonsense about becoming her teacher? Did you suggest it first?”

“Come on. We’ve known each other for years. If you still don’t understand what kind of person I am, that’s disappointing.”

Marsen recalled the Empire’s assessment of the man lazily smiling before him.

Hereis Belmore.

The greatest genius in the history of Imperial magic.

And…

The Wizard of Inaction.

It sounded like some grand title, but its meaning was exactly what it implied.

He possessed extraordinary looks, the backing of House Belmore, and magical abilities unmatched by anyone his age.

Perhaps because he had been born with everything, he never felt the need to work hard.

Despite being highly competent, Hereis was notoriously lazy.

The Emperor’s recommendation and the Marquis’s tearful pleas had forced him into the position of Commander of the First Mage Corps, but he skillfully dumped most of the work onto his deputy commander and spent his days living like a carefree idler.

That was why he had even been able to travel all the way to the Duchy of Esteban under the pretext of congratulating his friend on becoming Duke.

“So you’re saying Mari begged you to become her teacher?”

“It seems she doesn’t want to be trapped in a Mage Tower or Academy for years receiving standardized education. The young lady is surprisingly independent and self-directed.”

“…Well, Mari has always been mature and decisive since she was little.”

As Marsen softened somewhat after hearing Hereis praise Mariela, Marey took over the conversation.

“I am well aware that Young Viscount Belmore is a genius mage. However, for someone who has only just begun studying magic, wouldn’t it be better to receive structured and systematic education rather than the free-spirited guidance of a genius?”

Marey’s concern was understandable.

He had met many common-born knights who suffered because they never received proper foundational training and developed bad habits early on.

Knowing better than anyone that such worries were unnecessary, Hereis smiled lightly.

“Structured education is important. However, magic is a field where intuition is just as important as formulas.”

Since neither sibling knew much about magic, they could only listen quietly.

“I’ll have her study the same basic theory textbooks used by the Mage Towers and Academies, so there’s no need to worry. As for intuition, that can only be sharpened through practical training and real experience.”

Watching Hereis’s lips curl upward, Mariela had a strong feeling that under the pretext of “lessons,” he intended to put her through all sorts of hellish experiences.

Still, she hid her thoughts and continued persuading her brothers.

“More importantly, if I study under Lord Belmore, I won’t have to leave my family.”

“Mari…”

Marsen’s eyes trembled violently.

“Oh dear. It’s no longer just your constant nagging that’s going to hurt my ears. Once she starts magical training, she’ll probably destroy half the castle. Brother, you’d better prepare yourself now if you want to afford the repair costs.”

As always, Marey grumbled.

Mariela ignored him entirely.

For a decision this important, the opinion of the family head—Marsen—mattered most.

Feeling Mariela staring intently at him, Marsen finally laughed in defeat.

“Very well, Mari. If your determination is truly that firm, I should respect it.”

“Thank you so much, Brother! I’ll work hard!”

The warmth in Marsen’s eyes when looking at Mariela vanished the moment he turned toward Hereis.

Hereis smirked.

“Wow. That’s a terrifying look. Even though you’ve given permission, it seems you still have plenty to say.”

“I do have a few things left to discuss with you.”

“Sen, I understand that you’re obsessed with your little sister, but just because she’s a precious jewel in your eyes doesn’t mean everyone else sees her that way.”

The moment those words left his mouth, the second brother’s fierce glare joined Marsen’s.

Still, Hereis remained completely unfazed.

After all, he hadn’t said anything wrong.

What bothered him slightly was that Marsen—who usually had a talent for quietly getting under people’s skin—wasn’t showing any visible anger.

Then Marsen spoke calmly.

“You’re right, Hes. Since you have absolutely no inappropriate feelings toward my sister, I suppose you’d have no objection to signing an Oath Contract swearing that you’ll never develop any unnecessary feelings toward her.”

“What? Have you lost your mind? Do you know how delicate and dangerous that kind of magic is?!”

Watching Hereis practically jump out of his seat, Mariela laughed to herself.

As expected, her eldest brother was the most dependable.

Though, separately from that…

She did partially agree with the damned lizard’s words.

An Oath Contract was never something to be written lightly.

A single poorly chosen word could cost someone both their life and soul.

Hadn’t she and Hereis spent nearly an entire hour carefully debating the wording of a contract that barely filled a single page?

“Oh? Is your reaction proof that you’re not one hundred percent confident in your own feelings?”

“Would you like to run to the library right now and look up the dictionary definition of ‘unnecessary’? For example, thinking your sister’s taste in men is absolutely horrible could qualify as an unnecessary feeling!”

It seemed Hereis would be subjected to Marsen’s relentless interrogation long after dinner ended.

Privately hoping the man would be harassed until his ears bled, Mariela happily cut into her steak and took another bite.

Ancient castles often accumulated all sorts of odd relics over the years.

The Ducal Castle of Esteban was no exception.

When Mariela revealed her determination to seriously pursue magic, Marsen generously gifted her an entire tower located a short distance from the main castle.

The four-story tower, blessed with ample sunlight, had historically served as a training ground and hideout for members of House Esteban who possessed magical talent.

Though smaller than many surrounding buildings, it had a private entrance and sat near the outer edge of the estate beyond the gardens.

Its seclusion made it quiet and largely hidden from prying eyes.

More importantly, it contained a magical training chamber protected by barriers and defensive enchantments.

Even to the discerning eyes of Mariela and Hereis, it seemed reasonably useful.

It offered a glimpse of the former glory and prestige House Esteban had once enjoyed.

As Mariela looked around the training grounds, bitterness filled her mouth.

…It’s fine. Once Shyloi’s curse is resolved, all of that glory will return soon enough.

Before beginning her magical training in earnest, Mariela immediately made a demand.

“Bring me Dios Root, Evening Primrose Root, and Dawn Dew. Quickly.”

“…Why?”

“Why? Because I need to remake the neutralizing agent you intercepted.”

At those words, Hereis frowned.

“Actually, that’s something I wanted to discuss.”

“What is it, you neutralizing-agent thief?”

“No matter how desperately you needed money, were you really planning to hand something that valuable over to the Mage Tower?”

His criticism wasn’t entirely wrong.

Still, Mariela had her own argument.

“It’s not like I was giving them the formula. The Mage Tower is merely a stage for presenting the medicine. They’re nothing more than a sales outlet.”

What mage in the world would speak so dismissively about a Mage Tower?

Had any Tower-affiliated mages heard her, they would have instantly become her enemies.

But Hereis wasn’t about to back down.

“The production process isn’t simple, but once people experience its effects, they’ll become obsessed with obtaining it. You know exactly what kind of consequences that could bring. It’s dangerous, so give it up.”

Although witches were heavily persecuted in the current era, one thing had never changed.

The miraculous potions created by witches remained irresistibly tempting.

“What right do you have to interfere?!”

“Even if it’s only on the surface, I’m still your teacher, aren’t I?”

He shrugged casually.

“You bastard!”

“Stop looking at the past and face reality, Shyloi.”

No—

Mariela.

At Hereis’s serious tone, Mariela, who had been bristling like a cornered beast, froze for a moment.