Chapter 173 – Arianna Akela
Chapter 173
Arianna Akela
Date : Day 16 of Lunaeve 1024 Aethellgard Concord Year.
The Freedom Party continued enjoying the feast with their newest companion.
The atmosphere had become noticeably more relaxed. The formal meeting with Baron Guts had ended. Now, it simply felt like a group of future companions sharing their first dinner together.
Elise looked toward Arianna.
“So… How were your academy days, Arianna?”
Arianna first finished chewing the bite she had taken. She dabbed the corner of her lips with a neatly folded napkin before answering.
“Mentor...”
A gentle smile appeared on her face.
“I believe you would be quite amazed.”
The topic immediately caught Hyoren's attention as well. He quietly listened as Arianna told her experience.
“The academy is enormous. It occupies nearly half of Aethellium City by itself. Every professor there is truly an extraordinary individual. I learned an immeasurable amount from all of them.”
She paused briefly.
“Especially from the Headmistress. She personally instructed me on many occasions.”
For the first time that evening, a faint trace of bashfulness appeared on her face.
Even so, her noble composure remained intact.
“She said that a mage with high Attunement Level on four elements was exceedingly rare. So… She became curious. And decided to personally teach me.”
Her smile grew a little warmer.
“To receive guidance from the renowned Truth Seeker of Noctynara… Was an honor I shall treasure for the rest of my life.”
Hyoren's interest was immediately piqued. One of Noctynara's Blessed. He couldn't help leaning forward slightly.
“Arianna. The Headmistress of Aethellium Arcanum Academy is the Truth Seeker?”
Arianna gave a graceful nod.
“Yes. Headmistress Thavenessia. Thavenessia Qwentinus. She is the aunt of the current Duke Qwentinus. And she bears the title of Noctynara's Truth Seeker.”
Hyoren thoughtfully tapped his chin.
“So… The persecution surrounding Noctynara isn't an issue there?”
From what he had learned.
The atrocities committed by the Voided Covenant and others Noctynara heretics had greatly tarnished Noctynara's reputation throughout much of the kingdom.
Many people no longer distinguished between the Goddess, and the heretics who abused her name.
Arianna smiled gently.
“Within the academy… Such matters carry very little weight, Leader. Knowledge is the academy's greatest foundation.”
She folded her hands neatly upon her lap.
“Noctynara is openly worshipped there as the Goddess of Knowledge. Unlike the general populace, who often misunderstand Her. The scholars know the truth.”
Hyoren slowly nodded.
I see...
His curiosity toward Aethellium Arcanum Academy grew even stronger.
It sounded far different from the image he had formed in his mind. Rather than a place constrained by prejudice. It seemed to be a sanctuary where knowledge itself stood above politics, fear, and misunderstanding.
Elise finished the last bite of her meal and gently placed her utensils upon the plate.
“So, Arianna… You found some friends, right?”
She looked at her former student with genuine curiosity.
“Please don't tell me you were still a loner.”
Hyoren couldn't help but chuckle.
She really does care about the brat…
For someone who had always complained about Arianna. Elise's questions were all those of someone worried about a younger sister.
Arianna also finished her meal. She neatly placed her fork and knife together before folding the napkin upon the table.
Almost immediately, the nearby maid stepped forward and gracefully collected all the empty plates.
Only Jackey's remained. The tabby beastkin was still happily devouring his dinner, seemingly unaware that everyone else had already finished.
Arianna looked back toward Elise.
She gracefully covered the corner of her lips with the back of her hand as a refined laugh escaped.
“Ohoho. Mentor… Please do not make such a joke. Of course I have friends.”
Her blue eyes drifted slightly as she reminisced.
“Well… I devoted most of my time to my studies. So I was rather unlike many of the other young nobles. Many of them believed social circles and formal pleasantries were more important than improving their magic.”
She gave another soft laugh.
“I, however, found magic far more fascinating. Even so… I was fortunate enough to make two dear friends during my years at the academy.”
She counted them gracefully.
“Lady Yuli. The daughter of Baron Teher. And Lady Sera. The daughter of Viscount Walfuth.”
Elise's expression noticeably softened. Relief was written plainly across her emerald eyes.
“That's a relief… When I knew you back then… You were so obsessed with studying magic… You barely wanted to socialize with anyone.”
Arianna laughed once more.
“Ohoho. Well… That could hardly be helped. My esteemed father informed me that if I neglected etiquette and social studies as well… He would forbid me from pursuing the path I truly desired.”
A hint of fond amusement colored her smile.
“So… I made certain to study those subjects just as diligently. Looking back now… I believe Father made the correct decision.”
Elise tilted her head slightly. Her silver hair cascaded gracefully over one shoulder.
“Oh? What do you mean, Arianna?”
Arianna's smile brightened.
“Thanks to my esteemed father's guidance...I found friends. And they truly enriched my years at the academy.”
Her expression softened as she recalled those memories.
“When I became discouraged by the harshness of Headmistress Thavenessia's lessons… When I struggled to fully grasp runic theory… They were always there to encourage me.”
A faint warmth spread across the reception room.
Elise smiled gently. It was obvious she was sincerely happy to hear that.
“So… Where are they now?”
Arianna straightened her already immaculate posture before answering.
“Lady Sera returned to her family's territory in the east. She is preparing to inherit House Walfuth.”
Her gaze drifted.
“As for Lady Yuli… She chose to enter the Royal Court Mage. She was another graduate who received a direct invitation.”
She paused, a soft but amused smile could be seen on her face.
“Unlike myself… She accepted.”
Elise nodded with satisfaction.
“I see. It seems your friends were every bit as talented as you, Arianna.”
Arianna gracefully inclined her head.
“We are simply grateful for the blessings bestowed upon us.”
The conversation between mentor and student naturally reached a pause.
Seeing the opportunity, Hyoren spoke up.
“So… Arianna. Could you tell me more about the Headmistress?”
As someone who had personally received Noctynara's Divine Protection. His curiosity toward one of the Goddess's Blessed Persons was difficult to suppress.
Arianna looked toward him.
“Headmistress Thavenessia is, above all else, a scholar among scholars. She herself often says that her magical ability is not particularly exceptional when compared to many renowned archmages.”
She folded her hands neatly upon her lap.
“However… As Noctynara's Truth Seeker… She received Divine Protection directly from Goddess Noctynara.”
She paused.
“And with it… A unique skill. Akashic Record.”
Hyoren's expression immediately became serious.
Arianna continued.
“It allows her to access any knowledge that exists within the world.”
She paused briefly.
“There is, however, one limitation. She cannot search for knowledge if she is completely unaware that it exists. In other words… She must first know that something exists before the Akashic Record can retrieve its knowledge.”
Hyoren slowly nodded.
So it isn't omniscience…
It wasn't the ability to know everything. Rather—it was the ability to perfectly retrieve any existing knowledge once the correct subject was identified.
Even with that limitation. The skill still sounded astonishingly powerful.
“The skill truly suits the Truth Seeker. A power to uncover every truth… So long as she knows that truth exists.”
Arianna gave a graceful nod.
“Yes. She has little need for textbooks. Yet she possesses knowledge far beyond what ordinary scholars could ever hope to learn. Including knowledge that has long been hidden… And even knowledge deemed forbidden.”
A gentle smile appeared on her face.
“And although Headmistress Thavenessia often says she is not as powerful as the world's renowned archmages… As one of Noctynara's Blessed, her Dark Magic alone is powerful enough to change the tide of a battlefield.”
She folded her hands neatly upon her lap.
“However… She has always preferred to use knowledge rather than magic to solve problems. That is why she devoted herself to education. And eventually became the Headmistress of Aethellium Arcanum Academy.”
Hyoren slowly nodded. He finally had a clearer picture of one of Noctynara's Blessed.
Yet, there was still one more person he had been curious about.
He leaned forward slightly.
“Arianna. I have another question.”
Arianna tilted her head with quiet elegance.
“What is it, Leader? If it is within my knowledge… I shall gladly answer.”
Hyoren gathered his thoughts.
“Do you know anything about Noctynara's other Blessed? The Saint of Noctynara.”
For the first time since the conversation began, Arianna didn't answer immediately.
She shifted slightly in her chair before slowly shaking her head. Her long crimson hair flowed gently with the movement.
“No, Leader. As far as I know… The current Saint of Noctynara remains unknown. She most certainly exists. But… No one knows her identity.”
She paused thoughtfully.
“Some scholars speculate that the Saint is deliberately concealing herself. Perhaps because of the persecution.”
Hyoren's brows furrowed.
“I see… So the persecution still affects them.”
Arianna's expression became solemn.
“Yes… Headmistress Thavenessia was fortunate. She was born into House Qwentinus. A ducal house that has worshiped Goddess Noctynara for generations.”
Her gaze lowered slightly.
“Had she been born into a more ordinary household… I imagine her life would have been very different.”
Silence gradually settled over the reception room. The lively atmosphere from moments earlier quietly faded.
Only one sound continued to break the stillness. The unmistakable noise of Jackey enthusiastically wolfing down his fourth plate.
No one commented on it.
Instead—the weight of what the Voided Covenant had done in Noctynara's name quietly lingered over everyone present.
Their atrocities had not only claimed lives. They had also stained the name of the Goddess herself.
***
Arianna lightly clasped her hands together.
Sensing the atmosphere had grown rather heavy, she gently steered the conversation elsewhere.
“If you wish to hear about another of the Blessed People… I believe I have a story that may interest you.”
A hint of amusement shimmered within her light blue eyes.
“Leader. Are you familiar with our neighboring territory… Harvengald?”
Hyoren searched his memory.
“Yes. The Dungeon City Harvengald.”
He tilted his head.
“What about it, Arianna?”
Arianna smiled.
“Then… Are you aware that Lady Sophia Harvengald, the younger sister of the current Count Harvengald… Is the current Saint of Luminara?”
Hyoren furrowed his brows.
The name sounded familiar.
Sophia Harvengald…
He vaguely remembered Archbishop Sherine mentioning her once.
“I think… I've heard the name. But I don't know much about her, Arianna.”
He smiled wryly.
Arianna once again covered the corner of her lips with the back of her hand.
“Ohoho. Then perhaps I may tell you a little about her.”
She adjusted her sitting posture ever so slightly. Still perfectly elegant.
“Lady Sophia Harvengald… The current Saint of Luminara. She is three years my senior. She also attended Aethellium Arcanum Academy to study Light Magic.”
She gazed around at four of them.
“When I first enrolled… She was already in her fourth year. So we were never particularly close.”
She smiled softly.
“However… As our families govern neighboring territories… We occasionally shared afternoon tea together.”
A quiet laugh escaped her.
“But… She truly was… Unique.”
That single word immediately drew everyone's attention. Even Ina leaned in slightly.
Hyoren nodded with interest.
“Hoo. Unique? Could you elaborate?”
Arianna appeared to search carefully for the proper words.
“Well… She was rather famous for...”
She paused.
“How should I phrase it...”
After taking a small breath, she finally spoke.
“She possessed a rather infamous nickname. A Whore Saint.”
No one spoke.
Even the crackling of the fireplace seemed distant.
A saint—was meant to embody purity. Compassion. Virtue. To have the word whore attached to such a title. Felt fundamentally contradictory.
It was a paradox that should never have existed.
Across the table, Elise's pointed ears twitched. Ina blinked in disbelief. Even Hyoren found himself momentarily speechless.
Only Jackey remained blissfully unaware of the silence as he happily continued working on yet another mouthful of food.
Ina slowly leaned forward.
The conversation had unexpectedly become personal. For someone who had once been branded a "man-eater". For someone who had been called a whore by jealous wives throughout Akela.
That nickname struck closer to home than anyone else in the room realized.
Her cat ears slowly flattened.
“Arianna… Could you tell us more?”
Without saying anything, Hyoren gently rested a hand over Ina's. A quiet reassurance. He wasn't stopping the conversation. He simply wanted Ina to know she wasn't facing it alone.
Ina's ears twitched slightly beneath his touch.
Across the table, Arianna seemed to notice the subtle exchange. Her light blue eyes lingered for only a brief moment. But she chose not to pry.
Instead, she calmly continued.
“Well… She was...”
Arianna searched for the most appropriate wording.
“How should I explain it… She was not merely someone who fooled around. She never appeared interested in stealing another woman's partner. Nor did she use her body to pursue handsome men...Or wealthy ones.”
She paused, recalling an old memory.
“When I asked her about it during one of our afternoon tea gatherings… She answered rather directly.”
Arianna cleared her throat politely. Then, doing her best to imitate Sophia's carefree tone, she spoke.
“‘Arianna... I just simply love to fuck. Hahaha.’”
The refined noblewoman immediately returned to her usual composure. She gave an apologetic bow of her head.
“Please forgive the language.”
She continued.
“She simply... did not care. Whether the man already had a partner. Whether he was handsome or otherwise. Whether he was young… Or old.”
Her expression remained thoughtful.
“She even slept with homeless men… Or complete strangers… Simply because she wished to.”
She paused.
“To her… Every man was the same. There were no exceptions.”
Hyoren's eyes widened slightly.
At first glance. The Saint sounded somewhat similar to Ina.
Both women had reputations that attracted gossip. Both had been judged harshly by others.
Yet—they were fundamentally different.
Ina had always sought love. She dreamed of building a family of her own.
Even during the period when she was infamous as a man-eater.
She had still chosen the men she pursued carefully, hoping that perhaps one day one of them would become the person she could truly spend her life with. Even if the goal drifted in the end.
Sophia, however, from Arianna's description. Made no distinctions at all. Every man—was simply another target.
Hyoren was genuinely baffled.
“Arianna… Didn't the Church of Luminara do anything?”
He frowned.
“Wouldn't that be like throwing mud onto the Goddess's own name?”
Arianna smiled calmly.
“There are essentially two reasons… Why the Church chose not to intervene, Leader.”
She gracefully raised a single finger.
“First. Other than her...”
She paused briefly.
“My apologies for the wording. ...Whoring. She was, in truth, an exemplary Saint. She healed all who sought her aid without discrimination. She devoted herself to helping those in need. And her Status clearly bears both Luminara's Divine Protection… And the Unique Skill of Light Saint.”
She folded her hands neatly upon her lap.
“We conversed on several occasions. And… She was genuinely pleasant to speak with.”
A faint smile appeared on Arianna's face.
“That is… If one set aside that particular aspect of her personality.”
Her gaze drifted toward the windows.
Beyond them, the pale light of the three moons quietly illuminated the castle grounds. She seemed to be recalling an old story.
A moment later, she looked back toward the Freedom Party.
“And the second reason… The Goddess Luminara herself declared it.”
Hyoren, Ina, and Elise all widened their eyes simultaneously.
Arianna continued.
“Once… The Pope of the Church of Luminara was granted an audience with the Goddess. He asked Her directly… Whether Lady Sophia truly was the Saint. She answered with only a single sentence.”
Arianna recited it calmly.
“‘She is My Saint.’”
Silence settled over the room.
Arianna slowly shook her head.
“From that moment onward… The Church ceased questioning the matter. The Goddess Herself had acknowledged Lady Sophia.”
She smiled softly.
“She possessed Divine Protection. She possessed the Unique Skill Light Saint. There was nothing further the Church could dispute.”
Hyoren quietly lowered his gaze in thought.
There has to be a reason…
He had met Luminara twice. Although only briefly.
She had never struck him as a Goddess who would abandon or mislead Her followers. Least of all Her own Saint.
Then—perhaps Sophia's behavior doesn't actually contradict her role as a Saint.
From everything Arianna had described. Sophia still fulfilled every duty expected of Luminara's chosen. She healed the sick. She protected the weak. She aided those in need without prejudice.
Her private life—and her responsibilities as a Saint—might simply be two entirely separate matters.
If that's the case, then perhaps, in Luminara's eyes…
There was never a contradiction to begin with.
***
Hyoren leaned back into the sofa. The soft cushioning eased some of the tension that had accumulated throughout the meeting.
“I see… That was certainly an interesting story, Arianna.”
His gaze briefly wandered around the reception room.
Ina was still quietly processing everything she had heard. The earlier story had clearly unsettled her. Even so—she looked considerably calmer now.
Beside him, Elise had fallen into deep thought. Her emerald eyes remained fixed upon the table, carefully sorting through everything Arianna had shared.
As for Jackey—having finally conquered the feast before him—he had somehow managed to fall asleep again.
His head rested against the sofa. His eyes remained half-open.
Hyoren could only sigh inwardly.
Sleeping with his eyes open again…
Seeing everyone had finished their meal, Sarah and the remaining maid quietly stepped forward.
With practiced coordination, they cleared away the dinnerware. Moments later—freshly brewed tea replaced the feast. A pleasant fragrance of tea leaves slowly spread throughout the reception room.
Ignoring the sleeping cat-clan beastkin, Hyoren turned back toward Arianna.
“Alright, Arianna. Could you tell us more about your capabilities?”
Arianna gracefully lifted her teacup.
She took a small sip before carefully returning it to its saucer.
Only then did she smile.
“Indeed… I have yet to explain that properly, have I, Leader?”
She paused briefly before looking toward Sarah.
“Sarah. Would you be so kind as to fetch my bag from my room?”
Sarah gave a respectful bow.
“At once, Milady.”
She then turned her gaze toward the other maid. The maid immediately understood and bowed.
“I shall retrieve it at once, Milady.”
She quietly left the reception room.
Her pace was swift, yet every step remained measured and graceful. Though she was clearly hurrying, she never appeared to be rushing. Her steps were like gliding on the floor.
Meanwhile, Sarah remained beside the wall, resuming her attentive posture as she continued tending to the guests.
It wasn't long before the reception room door opened once more.
The maid with neatly braided brunette hair returned, carrying a small bag in both hands.
The bag was a deep shade of purple, decorated with elegant silver embroidery along its edges. Its design was simple and practical. Yet at the same time. It complemented Arianna's current dress perfectly.
The maid stopped beside her and respectfully presented the bag.
Arianna smiled gently as she accepted it.
“Thank you, Eri.”
The maid bowed gracefully.
“The pleasure is mine, Milady.”
With that, Eri quietly stepped back and resumed her position beside Sarah.
The two maids once again stood silently near the wall. Almost like elegant statues.
Arianna placed the bag upon her lap.
As she gently poured Aethell into it. The familiar distortion of space appeared within its opening.
Arianna reached inside without hesitation. A moment later—she withdrew a metallic card.
Hyoren's eyes widened slightly. He immediately recognized what it was.
“Arianna… You were already an adventurer?”
Arianna softly traced the metallic surface with one finger before smiling.
“I secretly registered while attending the academy. Whenever our schedules allowed… Lady Yuli, Lady Sera, and I occasionally explored the dungeon together.”
She continued calmly.
“Aethellium Arcanum Academy also includes dungeon diving within its curriculum. It is part of the Dungeon Studies course. So every graduate leaves the academy with at least some practical experience.”
A quiet laugh escaped her.
“Although… I believe my esteemed parents were aware of it all along. My esteemed mother is, after all… The Guild Master. Ohoho.”
She gave a small, amused shake of her head.
“Even so… I remain very much a greenhorn. Our studies left us with little free time to continue dungeon exploration. And the dungeon on Aethellium City only extends to fifteen floors. It is merely a Copper-ranked dungeon.”
Hyoren slowly nodded.
“I see… So that's why…”
***
Arianna gently poured Aethell into the metallic guild card. A pale blue light glowed across its surface.
She then carefully placed it upon the table.
“So that everyone may have a clearer understanding.”
Hyoren, Elise, and Ina instinctively leaned forward.
Meanwhile, Sarah and Eri quietly remained in place, their expressions unchanged.
The information slowly appeared across the card.
Full Name : Arianna Akela
Nickname : Arianna
Race : Human
Age : 20
Date of Birth : 14th Bloomtide
Origin : Frontier City Akela, Kingdom of Altaria
Role : Magical Attacker
Class : Magician
Guild Branch : Aethellium City
Guild Rank : Copper
Party : None
Title : Knight Course Trainee
The basic information was exactly as everyone expected.
Except, two details immediately caught Hyoren's attention.
He looked up from the card.
“Arianna… You said you were still a greenhorn. But you're already Copper-ranked?”
Arianna straightened her already impeccable posture.
“But that is true, Leader. It took me the full five years of my academy education to reach Copper Rank. I rarely entered the field. I accepted almost no guild quest. The only dungeon I explored was the one beneath Aethellium. The Knight Course dungeon.”
Hyoren slowly nodded.
“I see… So the title is the reward for clearing it?”
Arianna gracefully inclined her head.
“Yes.”
Her long crimson hair swayed ever so slightly.
“Anyone who successfully clears and fully mapped the Copper-ranked Knight Course dungeon is awarded this title.”
She shifted her position.
“It grants a five percent increase in damage against any creature that wields bladed weapons.”
She calmly listed a few examples.
“Goblins. Orcs. Other humanoid monsters… And even… Humans.”
Hyoren leaned back against the sofa.
“A subtle effect… But definitely a useful title.”
Beside him, Elise nodded in agreement.
“Yeah. It'll definitely come in handy.”
Arianna smiled softly. She picked up her guild card once again. With a practiced motion, she flipped it over. Aethell flowed into the card.
The reverse side illuminated.
“This should provide a better overview of my capabilities.”
She gently placed the card back onto the table.
Almost instinctively, Hyoren, Elise, and Ina leaned forward again.
Even before reading everything—they already had a feeling they were about to witness something extraordinary.
Level : 10
Experience to Next Level : 2,351 / 2,916
Status
Strength : 4
Vitality : 8
Dexterity : 6
Agility : 11
Magic : 28
Skills
Magic Manipulation Lv. 8
Aethell Sense Lv. 4
Runic Theory Lv. 3
Magic Conversion Lv. 3
Earth Magic Lv. 10 (MAX)
Fire Magic Lv. 7
Wind Magic Lv. 5
Water Magic Lv. 4
Advanced Earth Magic Lv. 1
Terraforma Magic Lv. 1
Lava Magic Lv. 2
Spells Learned
Basic Earth Magic : Stone Bullet, Boulder Throw, Earth Wall, Earth Spikes, Sand Storm.
Basic Fire Magic : Fire Javelin, Fire Ball, Combustion, Ring of Flame.
Basic Wind Magic : Wind Arrow, Wind Slicer, Wind Barrier.
Basic Water Magic : Water Needle, Mist Fog.
Advanced Earth Magic : Earth Hammer.
Terraforma Magic : Earth Fissure.
Lava Magic : Lava Surge.
Unique Skill : -
Blessing : -
Silence. Not a single word escaped anyone.
Hyoren's eyes scanned the information once. Then a second time.
Beside him, Elise stared at the card in disbelief. Meanwhile, Ina's cat ears had become perfectly upright.
The young woman before them. Truly was a prodigy. A quad-elemental mage. Not only had she mastered four elemental magic. She had already pushed Earth Magic to its limit.
And from that element, she had unlocked three advanced branches.
Before anyone could even recover from the shock, Arianna calmly added another piece of information.
“Oh. There is one more thing. My Attunement Levels are as follows.”
She recited them as naturally as though discussing the weather.
“Fire, 80%. Earth, 90%. Wind, 60%. Water, 50%. Light, 20%. Dark, 20%.”
Another bombshell landed upon the room. No one spoke.
The reception room once again fell completely silent.
Even Hyoren, who had already expected Arianna to possess exceptional talent. Found himself momentarily speechless.
***
Arianna patiently waited for the others to digest the information before them. She simply lifted her teacup once more. Taking another unhurried sip.
Across the table—Hyoren, Elise, and Ina were still staring at the guild card resting between them. The numbers written upon it were simply too overwhelming.
The first to recover was Hyoren. He slowly looked up from the card.
“Arianna… You're... a prodigy...”
Arianna merely returned a graceful smile.
Beside him, Elise finally snapped out of her daze.
She slowly shook her head. Her silver hair swayed with the movement.
“Arianna… I never imagined… You would grow this much.”
Her emerald eyes softened. There was unmistakable fondness within them.
Ina's cat ears still stood proudly upright. Though, her tail had resumed its gentle swaying.
“I've met plenty of mage adventurers before… But this many magic skills… And this many spells...”
She thoughtfully tapped her chin.
“Your level is still low… But...”
She couldn't find the proper words.
Hyoren nodded.
“And your Status… It's completely unbalanced.”
He looked at the guild card once more.
“Your Strength and Dexterity are extremely low. And the rest of your physical attributes are fairly normal… But your Magic...”
He looked back toward Arianna.
“Twenty-eight… At only Level Ten… That's honestly absurd.”
Arianna gently placed her teacup back upon its saucer.
A refined laugh escaped her.
“Ohoho. You are all far too kind.”
She smiled with quiet humility.
“However… I do not believe I am particularly exceptional among my fellow graduates.”
She folded her hands neatly upon her lap.
“Every graduate of Aethellium Arcanum Academy is expected to reach at least one advanced branch of Basic Elemental Magic before graduation.”
She shifted her position.
“It is one of the academy's graduation requirements. There are many mages from the academy who possess just as many magic skills as I do.”
She slowly shook her head. Her long crimson hair swayed gracefully behind her.
“This level of magical proficiency… Is simply what one should expect from a graduate of Aethellium Arcanum Academy.”
Arianna smiled with quiet humility.
“Not to boast… Though, of course… Not everyone possesses high Attunement Levels in more than two elements. Let alone four.”
She laughed softly.
“And naturally… Not every graduate receives an Outstanding assessment either. Ohoho.
She gracefully folded her hands.
“So… I suppose my magical repertoire is only a little broader than that of the average graduate.”
Hyoren slowly nodded. He understood the implication immediately.
Graduates of Aethellium Arcanum Academy were already exceptional mages. But—Arianna was still an outlier even among those elites.
“The academy is truly... outstanding.”
Arianna lifted her teacup once more before gently placing it back onto its saucer.
“But, Leader… Please remember that I am still a greenhorn. My level remains low. That also means my Aethell Reserve is rather limited.”
She smiled apologetically.
“My repertoire is extensive… But I cannot sustain high-level magic for prolonged battles.”
Hyoren looked at her thoughtfully.
It made perfect sense… Owning many guns did not mean one could fire continuously… did not mean one possessed unlimited ammunition.
Likewise—knowing many spells did not mean they could all be cast without restraint. A mage still depended upon their Aethell Reserve.
“I see… Then could you tell me about your actual combat endurance? As the party leader… I need to understand your practical combat performance.”
He leaned forward slightly.
“I'll need every piece of information I can gather. Not only for our general coordination… But especially when we challenge the Goblin Ruler and its army.”
Arianna nodded in understanding. She picked up her guild card once again.
“For branch magic… Such as Earth Fissure, Earth Hammer, or Lava Surge… I can realistically cast each only once a day…”
She lightly tapped the card.
“After casting one of them, I still retain some Aethell Reserve… But only enough for lower-tier spells.”
She continued calmly.
“As for Basic Magic… First-tier spell may be cast almost without concern.”
She smiled softly.
“My natural Aethell regeneration, combined with Magic Conversion Skill, which allows me to absorb Aethell from the surrounding air, is sufficient to keep pace with their consumption.”
She paused briefly before continuing.
“However… Second-tier... Third-tier… Fourth-tier… And especially fifth-tier spells… Are a different matter.”
She shook her head gracefully.
“While they are not as restrictive as branch magic… I cannot continuously cast them for hours.”
She considered the numbers carefully before answering.
“For fifth-tier spells… I estimate I could cast around five to ten per day before my Aethell Reserve is exhausted.”
She paused.
“As for fourth-tier spell… Approximately twice that amount. And so on...”
Hyoren slowly nodded. That was precisely the kind of information he needed.
Arianna possessed overwhelming versatility.
But, like every mage, her greatest limitation was never the number of spells she knew.
It was how much Aethell she could afford to spend.
With this new information, Hyoren's mind immediately began forming strategies.
He slowly crossed his arms.
“I see… This is good to know.”
A small smile appeared on his face.
“But as your level increases...Your Aethell Reserve will also grow. So you'll be able to cast more spells, right?”
Arianna gracefully nodded.
“That is only natural, Leader.”
Beside him, Elise tucked a strand of silver hair behind her pointed ear.
“And we can also prepare Magic Potions. They'll help accelerate Arianna's Aethell recovery during battle.”
Hyoren's grin widened.
“Yeah. With Arianna joining us… The Goblin Ruler and its army will still be a difficult battle.”
He looked toward the guild card still resting on the table.
“But… It has finally become possible.”
Elise nodded in agreement.
“Yeah… What once seemed impossible… Now feels within reach.”
Hyoren's gaze then shifted toward Jackey.
The cat clan beastkin had made absolutely no attempt to hide the fact that he was asleep. Eyes open. Mouth open. Occasionally letting out a quiet snore.
Hyoren couldn't help smiling wryly.
His eyes then wandered toward the window. Beyond the glass. The pale light of the three moons quietly illuminated the castle grounds.
“It seems it's already getting late.”
He looked back toward everyone.
“Should we head back?”
Ina and Elise both nodded.
Arianna smiled gently.
“How quickly time passes. There are still many things I wish to discuss with all of you.”
Her gaze naturally drifted toward Elise. Her light blue eyes softened.
“Especially with Mentor.”
Then—a thought seemed to occur to her. She lightly clapped her hands together.
Her attention returned to Hyoren.
“Leader. The Freedom Party has its own base, does it not?”
Hyoren narrowed his eyes.
A vague suspicion immediately formed in his mind. It sounded absurd. Yet—knowing Arianna—he had a feeling he wasn't mistaken.
“Yes. Our manor is at the end of Wyvern Street.”
He tilted his head.
“Why do you ask, Arianna?”
For the first time since entering the room. Arianna's smile became noticeably brighter. It was the most genuine smile she had shown all evening.
“Then I have made my decision. I shall move there as well.”
She spoke as though it were the most natural conclusion imaginable.
“It will be far easier to discuss party matters if we all reside under the same roof. It is also common practice for adventuring parties to share a base.”
Elise visibly winced. Even Ina raised an eyebrow.
A noble lady. The daughter of the ruler of Akela. Wanted to move into an adventurer party's manor?
Hyoren instinctively tried to think of a way to persuade her otherwise. Yet—the moment he looked into those calm light blue eyes—he already knew.
Changing her mind would be nearly impossible.
“Arianna… Are you certain? You could simply commute from the castle. Our party base is...”
He scratched his cheek awkwardly.
“Rather modest. It isn't exactly a place befitting a noble lady such as yourself.”
Arianna lightly waved one hand.
“Nonsense. I lived within the academy dormitories for five years. And House Akela has always produced adventurers. We are hardly strangers to rough accommodations.”
She smiled with quiet confidence.
“And from what I have heard… Your manor is already comparable to the residence of a minor noble. Ohoho.”
She then looked toward Sarah.
“Sarah. Please prepare accordingly.”
The Head Maid bowed without hesitation.
“At once, Milady.”
Hyoren let out a small sigh before scratching his cheek again.
“Well… I suppose there isn't anything I can say that would change your mind… Arianna.”
Arianna smiled softly then she slowly rose from her seat.
“It seems I should not keep you any longer.”
Her gaze shifted toward Jackey. The cat-clan beastkin had started drooling in his sleep.
A gentle smile appeared on her face.
“We shall continue our discussion another time.”
Hyoren also stood before scratching his cheek awkwardly.
“Please forgive us for Jackey's inappropriate behavior.”
Before Arianna could answer—Ina lightly struck the back of her younger brother's head. A smacking sound echoed the reception room.
“Stupid little brother! Wake up!”
Jackey instantly sprang to his feet. He lowered his center of gravity into a battle stance.
“Huh? Huh?? Enemy? Goblins? Where are the goblins?”
For a brief moment—the entire reception room fell silent—then laughter erupted.
Even Sarah and Eri struggled to suppress theirs. Years of training prevented them from making a sound. Yet the faint trembling of their shoulders betrayed them.
Arianna gracefully covered the corner of her lips with the back of one hand.
“Ohohoho. There is no need to apologize. As I mentioned before… Such behavior is perfectly normal among adventurers.”
She smiled warmly.
“And I believe I shall enjoy such lively company.”
Hyoren scratched his cheek once more.
“I see… I'm glad to hear that.”
With everything finally settled. Arianna gave a graceful nod.
“Very well, Leader. I shall see everyone tomorrow.”
Her gaze then turned toward Elise.
“Mentor. I look forward to speaking with you at greater length.”
Finally, she looked toward the cat-clan siblings.
“And Lady Ina… Sir Jackey… I look forward to working together with both of you.”
Hyoren smiled and gave one last nod.
“Once again… Welcome to the Freedom Party, Arianna.”
His gaze met Arianna’s light blue eyes.
“Good night. We'll see you tomorrow.”
One after another, everyone exchanged their farewells.
Elise smiled fondly.
“See you later, Arianna.”
Ina scratched her cheek with an apologetic smile.
“Sorry again about my little brother. Night, Arianna.”
Jackey, who still hadn't completely grasped what had happened after being abruptly awakened, simply followed everyone else's lead.
“YES! GOOD NIGHT, ARIANNA!”
Arianna let out a soft, refined laugh.
“Ohoho. Good night, everyone.”
She then turned toward Sarah.
“Sarah. If you would.”
The Head Maid bowed elegantly.
“At once, Milady.”
Sarah stepped toward the reception room door and opened it.
With flawless courtesy, she escorted Hyoren, Elise, Ina, and the still slightly dazed Jackey out of the reception room.