Chapter 263
‘You are the empire’s blessing. The first noble mage! Pleased to meet you. I am Naum Ovia. Please call me Naum.’
When the original Ian was fifteen, Naum was the first person he met and exchanged names with upon entering the imperial palace. It was a summer day meeting that everyone considered a blessing without doubt, and thus couldn’t predict how it would sway both of their lives.
‘I’ll call you Ian comfortably too. You don’t know how long the Ministry of Magic has been waiting. It’s been years since we had a new colleague! You haven’t seen all of the Ministry of Magic yet, right? Let me introduce you.’
Like his short, soft brown hair, his smile was also gentle. As Naum moved, the mages averted their gaze, pretending to be busy. Most of them were from commoner backgrounds, having experienced the depths of hardship. Their persistent gazes were mixed with antipathy towards nobility itself, concern that class distinctions might form in the previously egalitarian Ministry of Magic, and wariness that Ian might harm the department by asserting his noble identity.
Naum waved his hand at them with a smile.
‘You’re all dying to meet Ian, aren’t you? Sorry, but I’m in charge, so step back and get to work. Greet him at the induction ceremony.’
Ian had never seen someone so naturally jovial as Naum before. Among nobles who were always lofty, pure, and measuring dignity, it felt like entering a new world. Of course, it was a natural sentiment since the Ministry of Magic was an unfamiliar place to him.
Anyway, was that why? Following him came naturally. Not just on the path through the Ministry of Magic, but also on the path of life.
Naum was undeniably a trustworthy colleague, an excellent teacher, and an indispensable friend. The difference in years was merely a concept. Certainly.