Chapter 174 – Still the Same…
Chapter 174
Still the Same…
Date : Day 17 of Lunaeve 1024 Aethellgard Concord Year.
Yesterday had been an exhausting day for the Freedom Party.
By the time House Akela's carriage returned them to Wyvern Street Manor, both their bodies and minds were thoroughly exhausted. No one lingered in the living room. No one stayed up talking.
The following morning. Wyvern Street Manor returned to its usual peaceful rhythm.
Breakfast had already finished. Now everyone simply enjoyed a slow, relaxing morning together.
Hyoren leaned comfortably against his chair, a porcelain cup resting in his hand. Lena had just brewed a fresh cup of coffee for him.
He took a slow sip.
The rich bitterness spread across his tongue before a pleasant warmth followed.
"Good coffee."
He quietly murmured his appreciation before setting the cup back onto its saucer.
His dark eyes wandered around the dining room.
Across the table, Ina was chatting with Vina. The orange-haired cat-clan beastkin wore her usual teasing smile, while Vina occasionally blushed before smiling back.
From the bits of conversation Hyoren managed to overhear. The topic had naturally drifted toward Dirk. Every time his name came up, Vina's expression softened with quiet happiness.
Lena, meanwhile, continued clearing away the breakfast dishes. Every now and then, she joined the conversation with the gentle smile of a mother watching her daughter happily speak about the man she loved.
The warm family atmosphere naturally spread throughout the dining room.
Hyoren found himself smiling without realizing it.
This is home…
His gaze shifted toward another side of the room.
Elise quietly enjoyed a cup of tea. Steam slowly rose from the porcelain cup resting between her slender fingers. Her emerald eyes were directed toward the dining room window.
Beyond the glass, the winter scenery of Akela stretched peacefully beneath the pale silver glow that illuminated the morning sky.
She remained silent. Simply enjoying the tranquil view.
Hyoren knew better than to disturb moments like this. Silence itself was often enough for Elise.
A familiar sound soon pulled his attention elsewhere.
Hyoren slowly turned.
Jackey was already halfway through his second plate of breakfast. Bacon disappeared one slice after another. Eggs vanished almost instantly. Sausages suffered the same fate.
The tabby cat-clan beastkin looked utterly focused. To Jackey, breakfast was clearly as serious as combat.
Hyoren couldn't help chuckling.
For a little while. They simply enjoyed a quiet winter morning together inside their home.
Elise finally set her teacup back onto its saucer. The soft clink drew Hyoren's attention.
She turned toward him. Her silver hair gently shifted over her shoulder.
“What's today's plan, Hyoren?”
Hyoren took another sip of his coffee before placing the cup back down.
He leaned slightly against the chair.
“Hmm… Today is our second rest day...”
Before he could continue—Cling cling—the manor's entrance bell echoed through the house.
Lena immediately looked toward the hallway.
“I shall answer it, Master Hyoren.”
Hyoren nodded.
“Thank you.”
Lena quietly left the dining room.
Silence briefly settled over the table.
Hyoren exchanged glances with Ina and Elise. No words were needed. The three of them had already arrived at the same conclusion.
Almost simultaneously.
“Arianna.”
“Definitely Arianna.”
“It's her.”
The three looked at one another before chuckling.
Meanwhile, Jackey remained completely detached from reality. He was already attacking his third plate of breakfast with unwavering determination.
Vina had only just placed it before him moments ago. Now, half of it had already disappeared.
Not long afterward, footsteps returned from the entrance hall.
Lena entered first. Walking slightly behind her—just as everyone had expected—was Arianna.
Unlike the previous evening, she was no longer dressed as a noble lady.
Instead, she wore attire unmistakably suited for a magician.
A deep violet-black robe hung loosely from her shoulders, open at the front. Clean white trim followed the edges of its sleeves and hem, creating a striking contrast against the dark fabric.
Beneath it was a fitted leotard-like underrobe of a lighter purple shade. Its open shoulders design gave an elegant appearance.
Black stockings covered her long legs all the way to her hips. Protecting her legs from elements while still providing elegance.
Resting atop her head was a wide-brimmed hat of the same violet-black color. Its pointed tip bent slightly to one side, giving it a softer silhouette. The white lining matched that of her robe perfectly.
Her long crimson hair remained untied. Carefully combed. Perfectly straight. It flowed freely all the way to her waist.
Hyoren quietly observed the ensemble.
She looks just like… A witch…
The thought naturally surfaced.
His eyes lingered on the color palette.
She really likes purple… Just like Elise always chooses green…
Arianna stepped into the dining room before offering everyone a graceful bow.
“Good morning, Leader. Mentor. Ina. Jackey.”
Her light blue eyes then moved toward the two fox-clan beastkin.
“And… You must be the caretakers of this manor. It is a pleasure to make your acquaintance.”
She smiled with the same refined elegance she always carried.
“I have already informed my esteemed parents of my decision. They graciously told me… That I may do as I please, provided I do not become a burden to anyone.”
She tilted her head slightly. A small smile remained upon her lips.
“I am not causing any inconvenience… Am I?”
Hyoren smiled wryly. There was no way he could say she had caused any inconvenience.
“Of course not, Arianna.”
He stood from his chair.
“Welcome to Wyvern Street Manor. The base of the Freedom Party.”
He then gestured toward Lena.
“This is Lena.”
His hand shifted toward the younger fox-clan beastkin.
“And that's Vina. They're mother and daughter. And they're the caretakers of this manor. They're family. Not servants.”
Lena offered a respectful bow.
“It is a pleasure to meet you, Lady Arianna.”
Vina quickly stood from her seat and followed with a bow of her own.
“Nice to meet you!”
Arianna returned both bows with perfect courtesy.
“It is a pleasure to meet both of you as well. There's no need for 'Lady', simply Arianna will do.”
She smiled gently.
“I shall think of both of you as family too. Just as I do every member of the Freedom Party.”
Those simple words immediately eased any lingering awkwardness. Lena's gentle smile softened further. While Vina's expression brightened with obvious relief.
Even before moving into the manor. Arianna had already begun treating it as her home.
***
Arianna smiled gracefully.
“Leader. May I ask where my room is?”
Hyoren nodded.
“Lena. Could you show Arianna to her room?”
He briefly thought back to the manor's layout.
“The last vacant room on the second floor. It's beside Elise's room.”
Arianna's light blue eyes immediately brightened. A genuine smile blossomed across her face.
“Beside Mentor's room? That makes me very happy.”
Hyoren smiled wryly.
“It wasn't intentional. The master bedroom is in the middle.”
He casually gestured as he explained.
“To my left are Ina's room and Jackey's room. They're siblings, so putting them next to each other simply made sense.”
He lowered his hand.
“On my right is Elise's room. And the only room still available happened to be the one beside hers.”
He shrugged lightly.
“So… It was simply the last room left. But I suppose… It turned out to be a fortunate coincidence.”
Elise smiled bashfully and gave a small nod.
“Yeah...”
She looked toward Arianna.
“I'm happy too...”
Arianna's smile softened even further.
“I am delighted to hear that, Mentor.”
She then turned her head slightly.
“Eri. Please.”
Almost as if she had been waiting nearby. The brunette maid from the previous evening quietly appeared from the entrance hall.
She offered a flawless bow.
“At once, Milady.”
Without another word, Eri turned and headed back toward the front entrance.
A moment later—the manor suddenly became much livelier. Voices could be heard outside. Footsteps followed.
Hyoren stood from his chair and glanced toward the entrance hall. The front door stood wide open.
One after another—House Akela's butlers and maids entered the manor. Some carried neatly folded bedding. Others brought chairs, small tables, wardrobes, chests, mirrors, and various personal belongings. The larger pieces of furniture appeared only briefly before being stored away inside magical storage bags carried by several of the maids, ready to be unpacked upstairs.
Watching the steady procession entering his manor. Hyoren couldn't help blinking.
She really moved in…
There was no hesitation. No second thoughts. It wasn't merely luggage for a temporary stay. It was a complete relocation.
Arianna Akela—the daughter of the lord of Akela—had truly decided to make Wyvern Street Manor her new home.
About an hour later—the move was finally complete.
Hyoren stood by the doorway, quietly observing the room that had once been the manor's last empty bedroom.
Now, it unmistakably belonged to Arianna.
The transformation was remarkable. Yet, unlike what he had expected from the daughter of a baron, the room wasn't overly extravagant. Everything was undeniably high quality. But nothing felt excessive or ostentatious.
A sturdy wardrobe now stood against one wall, neatly filled with robes, dresses, and several sets of magician attire.
Beside it rested a bookshelf. Unlike the shelves in the reception room downstairs, this one was already well-stocked. Rows of magic tomes, runic theory books, and thick academic texts filled nearly every space.
Near the window stood a full-body mirror. Beside it was a vanity table arranged with combs, cosmetics, perfumes, and various items for personal grooming.
Everything had been organized with meticulous precision.
Hyoren's gaze slowly wandered around the room.
Then, he noticed a familiar pattern. The comforter. The curtains. Even the decorative lining woven into the carpet. Every one of them shared the same shade of purple.
He couldn't help chuckling.
Both mentor and student really have a fixation on a single color…
Elise loved green. Arianna loved purple.
With everything finally arranged to Arianna's satisfaction, everyone returned downstairs. The dining room once again became lively.
Lena had already prepared another pot of tea for everyone. The pleasant aroma filled the room.
Eri stepped forward before offering Arianna a respectful bow.
“Milady. Everything has been arranged. We shall now return to the castle.”
Arianna smiled warmly.
“Thank you, Eri. Please convey to my esteemed father and mother that I am doing well.”
Eri bowed once more.
“At once, Milady.”
She then turned toward Hyoren and the others. Offering each of them a courteous bow.
“Thank you for your hospitality.”
With that. She quietly departed from Wyvern Street Manor. The front door gently closed behind her.
Silence briefly settled over the house. Now, only the members of the Freedom Party remained.
Hyoren tilted his head slightly.
“Your maid isn't staying here, Arianna?”
Arianna lifted her teacup. She took a small sip. Almost immediately, her expression brightened.
“Ohoh… This is delicious.”
Elise smiled from across the table.
“It's my favorite tea blend.”
Arianna's smile became even brighter.
“No wonder... I quite like it as well.”
She then turned back toward Hyoren.
“And to answer your question… No, Leader. The maids belong to the castle. Although Eri has served as my personal maid ever since I was a child… She is still, first and foremost, a maid of House Akela. She answers to my esteemed father.”
Arianna smiled softly.
“And besides… I cannot very well bring a maid with me while adventuring. I lived independently in the academy dormitories for five years. So I am perfectly accustomed to taking care of myself.”
Hyoren slowly nodded.
“I see...”
That explanation certainly made sense.
After all, from this day onward, Arianna Akela was no longer merely the daughter of a baron staying as a guest. She was also a member of Freedom Party.
***
Elise gently placed her teacup back onto its saucer. The soft clink drew everyone's attention.
“So...”
She looked toward Hyoren.
“Back to my question this morning. What's the plan today, Hyoren?”
Hyoren smiled.
Right…
That had been Elise's question before Arianna arrived with half of House Akela to move into the manor.
He lightly tapped his chin.
“I suppose… Today is still our free day. We still have 2 more days of rest day.”
Almost the instant those words left his mouth—Jackey suddenly shot up from his chair.
“FREE TIME MEANS BROTHEL TIME! WOHOO!”
Before anyone could react.
He bolted toward the dining room door. His hurried footsteps echoed through the manor.
A moment later—the front door slammed shut. Silence. Everyone remained frozen. Even Arianna blinked in surprise.
Only after several seconds did Ina slowly raise one hand to her face.
She buried her face in her palm.
“That stupid little brother...”
Hyoren could only smile wryly.
He turned toward Arianna.
“Sorry, Arianna. Please forgive him. Jackey has always been...”
He searched for the right word.
“...Like that.”
Arianna blinked once more. Then a soft smile appeared.
“He truly is… Energetic.”
She gave a graceful shake of her head. Her long crimson hair gently swayed behind her.
“But… I believe that is perfectly fine.”
She thoughtfully rested one finger against her chin.
“It simply means… He is healthy. Ohoho.”
A refined laugh escaped her.
“To be perfectly honest… I have encountered far worse among young nobles. They indulge themselves with countless women...”
She paused politely.
“Though, naturally… They are considerably more discreet than Jackey.”
Her smile widened ever so slightly.
“In that regard… I find Jackey's honesty rather refreshing. Ohohoho.”
Hyoren chuckled.
“That… I can't deny.”
At the very least, everyone always knew exactly what Jackey was thinking. There wasn't a dishonest bone in the beastkin's body.
Hyoren turned his attention toward Ina.
“Today is your day off as well, isn't it, Ina? Do you have any plans?”
Ina lazily stretched her arms above her head. Her cat ears twitched. Her back arched ever so slightly.
“Munyaa...”
She let out a sleepy sound before looking back at Hyoren.
“I think I'll just rest… Maybe sleep for the rest of the day.”
She rubbed one eye.
“The past five days with Guildmas disappearing… Completely wrecked me.”
Hyoren nodded sympathetically.
“Right… You've earned that rest. For the past few days, you've practically been carrying the entire guild by yourself.”
Ina sighed dramatically.
“Exactly! That irresponsible Guildmas… She better treat me to something delicious later.”
Everyone chuckled.
Hyoren then shifted his gaze toward the others.
“As for me… I think I'll visit Oria's shop.”
He lightly tapped his chin.
“My Light Magic and Dark Magic have both reached Level Three. I already have several spells in mind. But before deciding… I'd like to discuss them with Oria and hear her opinion.”
The moment Oria's name—and magic—were mentioned. A subtle change appeared in Arianna.
Her light blue eyes flickered toward Hyoren. Almost imperceptibly. She gracefully lifted her teacup, concealing the brief reaction behind an elegant sip. No one else seemed to notice.
Beside Hyoren, Elise nodded.
“I'll come too. It's been quite a while since I last visited Oria.”
She then turned toward Arianna. A mischievous smile slowly formed.
“And let's bring Arianna as well.”
She giggled.
“Oria is going to be soooo happy to see her. Fufufu.”
Hyoren smiled wryly. He could already imagine Oria's reaction.
Back then, Elise would simply leave the energetic young girl with Oria. Unlike her, Oria could actually teach magic.
“That sounds like a good idea.”
Hyoren looked toward Arianna.
“What do you think?”
Arianna gently returned her teacup to its saucer. A warm smile appeared on her face.
“I would be delighted. I have wished to greet Lady Oria. She was my second teacher, after all.”
There was unmistakable respect in her voice.
Hyoren nodded with satisfaction.
“Alright. Then today's plan is settled.”
He rose from his chair. His eyes swept across everyone gathered in the dining room.
“Well then… Shall we go?”
***
After a few moments of preparation, Hyoren, Elise, and Arianna gathered on the front porch of Wyvern Street Manor.
The crisp winter air greeted them the moment the front door opened. Hyoren had changed back into his usual adventuring attire. His familiar tunic and trousers remained the same. The only addition was a newly tailored black jacket worn over them to ward off the winter chill.
Beside him, Elise wore a green blouse beneath a soft yellowish cardigan. The extra layer complemented her silver hair surprisingly well while providing enough warmth for the cold season.
Finally, Hyoren's eyes settled upon Arianna.
She still wore her magician's robes. The deep purple-black robe flowed gently around her as the winter breeze brushed against it. Beneath it remained the same fitted underrobe with its open-shouldered design. The front of the robe was still left open.
Hyoren couldn't help looking at it again.
“Arianna… Aren't you going to feel cold dressed like that?”
Arianna briefly looked down at her robe. She lightly brushed the sleeve with one hand.
“It is quite alright, Leader. These robes are woven with temperature-control runic arrays that I personally inscribed.”
She smiled proudly.
“They remain comfortably warm during winter… And pleasantly cool throughout summer. Ohoho.”
She admitted with a slightly embarrassed smile.
“To be perfectly honest… I own very few clothes besides dresses and robes of this sort.”
Hyoren slowly nodded.
“I see. That's convenient.”
It reminded him of his own cloak. Although much simpler in construction, it followed the same principle of using runic arrays to resist the cold.
His gaze lingered on Arianna for another brief moment.
She's more practical than I expected…
Despite carrying herself with the grace and dignity expected of a noble lady. She wasn't someone obsessed with expensive clothing or appearances.
Everything she wore had a purpose. Elegant. Yet practical. It suited mage image perfectly.
Hyoren adjusted the collar of his black jacket before looking toward Arianna.
“By the way… Are you alright walking with us? We don't have a carriage.”
Arianna smiled with her usual graceful elegance.
“Ohoho. I am quite accustomed to walking, Leader. How else could I have cleared a dungeon… Even if it was only a Copper-ranked one… Had I not become accustomed to walking?”
Hyoren blinked. Then he remembered the status he had seen on her guild card yesterday.
Her Strength and Dexterity were indeed rather low. She would never excel at wielding heavy weapons or close-quarters combat.
However, her Agility and Vitality were surprisingly respectable. For a magician, her stamina and endurance were more than sufficient.
She's more athletic than she looks…
He nodded.
“I see. That's good.”
His gaze shifted toward Elise. She gave a small nod. Arianna also nodded in return.
“Then… Let's go.”
The three stepped out from the front porch together. Leaving Wyvern Street Manor behind.
They began walking through Wyvern Street.
The Entertainment District was already bustling despite the morning hour. Music drifted from taverns. Laughter mixed with drunken shouting. Brothels which never closed their doors.
Escorts chatted with passersby while patrons who had apparently spent the entire night drinking wandered the streets without a care.
This district never truly slept. Morning and night made little difference here.
As they continued walking, Elise's pointed ears twitched. She looked toward one of the brothels before raising a finger.
“Hey… Isn't that Jackey?”
Hyoren followed her gaze.
Sure enough, standing before the reception counter was Jackey. The tabby cat-clan beastkin appeared to be enthusiastically chatting with the receptionist.
Arianna covered the corner of her lips with the back of her hand.
“Ohoho.”
Hyoren could only smile wryly.
“Jackey never changes, huh… Well… Let's leave him to enjoy his day.”
None of them disturbed him. The three simply continued on their way. The journey through Akela City was unhurried.
They eventually left Wyvern Street behind and entered the Adventurer's District's main avenue.
The streets immediately became far busier. Adventurers wearing armor crossed paths with merchants pushing loaded carts. Blacksmiths could already be heard hammering metal in the distance.
The district was fully awake.
Hyoren naturally took the lead while Elise and Arianna walked beside him. The three quietly wove through the morning crowd.
Before long, the familiar sloping road with a small stone archway appeared ahead. They climbed it at an unhurried pace.
Crossing beneath it marked the boundary between the Adventurer's District and the Merchants’ District.
Almost immediately, the atmosphere changed. The streets became noticeably wider. The flow of people thinned. Rather than adventurers and mercenaries—well-dressed merchants, shopkeepers, and customers now filled the roads.
Everything felt calmer. More orderly. Even the sounds of the city seemed gentler than those of the ever-lively Adventurer's District.
The three continued deeper into the Merchant's District toward Oria's workshop.
***
The chime of a small bell rang softly as they stepped into Oria's workshop.
The familiar, comforting scent of dried herbs, medicinal tinctures, and freshly processed alchemical ingredients immediately greeted them.
Rows of neatly arranged bottles lined the shelves. Bundles of dried plants hung from the ceiling.
Various mortars, alembics, and glass apparatus rested upon sturdy wooden worktables. The workshop was just as Hyoren remembered. Behind one of the alchemy tables, Oria was busy grinding a mixture of ingredients with a mortar and pestle.
Her movements were steady and precise. She didn't stop immediately. Only after finishing a few more turns of the pestle did she finally lift her head.
Her sharp sapphire eyes first met Hyoren and Elise. Then, they landed on the tall red-haired mage standing beside them.
Her eyes narrowed slightly.
“So… You're back from the academy already, huh, Arianna.”
She set the pestle aside before crossing her arms.
“What now? Come to pester me again?”
She raised an eyebrow.
“But you should already know more magic than I can teach you by now, shouldn't you?”
Arianna stepped forward. She gave Oria a graceful, formal bow befitting a noble lady.
“Lady Oria. It is wonderful to see you again. Allow me to thank you once more for everything you taught me before.”
She slowly straightened. A gentle smile graced her face.
“The knowledge you shared with me became an invaluable foundation. It gave me a tremendous head start when I began my studies at Aethellium.”
Her smile softened.
“I came here today to greet you now that I have returned home.”
She paused briefly.
“And to let you know...I have decided to join the Freedom Party.”
The workshop fell quiet for a brief moment.
Oria looked at Arianna. Then at Hyoren. Then back at Arianna once more.
A slow smile spread across the elf's face.
“Well… I certainly didn't expect that.”
Oria's gaze shifted from Hyoren to Elise. A mischievous grin slowly spread across her face.
“I see.”
She stepped away from the alchemy table. The small elf remained far shorter than Elise. She folded her arms across her chest.
The grin only widened.
“So… Because your party has a stupid elf whose greatest talent is having large breasts instead of using magic… You finally decided to recruit a real magician.”
She nodded approvingly toward Hyoren.
“Good thinking, Hyoren. Smart boy.”
She leaned forward. Her voice dropped into an exaggerated conspiratorial whisper.
“Maybe you should ditch this useless Cow Tits… And keep the useful one instead.”
Elise's expression instantly darkened.
“At least my 'cow tits' are real, you flat-chested little fungus.”
Her emerald eyes narrowed.
“Unlike your personality… Which is just as nonexistent as your chest.”
She folded her arms.
“Some of us are actually useful in a fight… Instead of hiding behind a counter all day.”
Oria immediately puffed up in indignation.
“Oh, I'm useful!”
She jabbed a finger toward Elise.
“I can brew a poison that'll make you wish you'd never been born, Cow Tits! What can you do? Distract the enemy with your jiggling?”
Elise planted both hands on her hips and looked down at the much shorter elf.
“I can distract your father while I steal his wallet, you Pipsqueak!”
The familiar exchange instantly erupted. One insult followed another without pause. Neither side showed any intention of backing down.
The once peaceful workshop was quickly filled with the sharp, practiced bickering between the two elves.
Hyoren simply watched the spectacle unfold. A resigned smile appeared on his face. Some things—never changed.
Beside him, Arianna quietly covered the corner of her lips with the back of one hand.
“Ohoho...”
She watched the argument with sparkling amusement in her light blue eyes.
Hyoren glanced sideways at her.
“You've seen this before, Arianna? You don't seem surprised.”
Arianna smiled softly.
“Yes… This is perfectly normal. The bickering between Mentor and Lady Oria has been famous for many years.”
She watched the two elves continue trading insults without missing a beat.
“To an outsider, they may appear to dislike one another.”
She gently shook her head.
“But those who know them understand. It is simply how they express their affection.”
After a while., with ragged breathing and slightly disheveled appearances, Oria and Elise finally stopped arguing. Silence returned to the workshop.
Oria let out one last huff before brushing a strand of silver hair behind her pointed ear. She then looked toward Hyoren.
“So. What do you want?”
She folded her arms.
“There is no way that was the real reason you came here, right, Hyoren?”
Her sapphire eyes then shifted toward Arianna. She studied the young mage for a brief moment.
“And you… You've changed quite a lot, huh.”
Arianna simply offered another graceful bow.
“Thank you, Lady Oria.”
Hyoren smiled.
“Actually… My Light Magic and Dark Magic both reached Level Three during our last dungeon expedition.”
He crossed his arms.
“I already have several spells in mind. But before I decide… I wanted to hear your opinion first.”
He scratched his cheek with an embarrassed smile.
“I don't want to waste a precious spell slot.”
Oria raised an eyebrow.
“Oh? That was quick.”
She glanced toward Arianna.
“But… Wouldn't it make more sense to ask her instead? She graduated from a far more prestigious academy than I ever attended.”
She shrugged.
“She should know more about magic than I do.”
Hyoren blinked. Only now did the thought occur to him.
That's true…
Arianna was an Outstanding graduate of Aethellium Arcanum Academy. In terms of magical theory—she might already surpass Oria.
He scratched his cheek again.
“Well… You're probably right. But...”
He smiled warmly.
“You're still my teacher, Oria. So I wanted to hear your opinion too.”
Beside him, Arianna also gave a respectful nod.
“I may have graduated from a prestigious academy… But your practical experience remains far greater than mine, Lady Oria. I believe your insight will still be invaluable.”
Oria looked at the two of them for a moment. Then she simply shook her head. Her silver hair swayed gently.
“Oh well.”
She turned toward the back of the workshop.
“Hyoren. Flip the sign to 'Closed.' Then let's head to the library again.”
Hyoren nodded.
“Got it.”
He walked over to the entrance and turned the wooden sign hanging on the door. Satisfied, he followed Oria toward the back of the workshop.
Hyoren followed Oria deeper into the shop until they entered another room.
The familiar small library greeted Hyoren once again.
Bookshelves lined every wall from top to bottom. The shelves stretched from floor to ceiling, tightly packed with books of every size and age. Some volumes looked almost brand new. Others bore faded leather covers and yellowed pages, evidence of years of use.
Despite the overwhelming number of books—the room itself remained surprisingly cozy.
Two well-worn sofas faced one another across a low wooden table in the center of the room. The furniture was old but comfortable. The kind of place where one could easily lose track of time while buried in books.
Oria stopped at nearby furniture. She looked at the seating arrangement. Then toward the three visitors behind her.
“We're short on seats.”
She reached for the small storage pouch hanging from her waist. A faint stream of Aethell flowed into it. The space before her was briefly distorted.
Moments later—two sofas identical to the existing ones emerged from the storage pouch.
They settled neatly around the low table as though they had always belonged there.
Oria looked over the arrangement. Then nodded in satisfaction.
“Good.”
She turned back toward Hyoren, Elise, and Arianna.
“Now… Let's sit.”
The three of them took their seats.
Hyoren placed the two grimoires he had brought onto the low wooden table. One was Basic Light Magic. The other was Basic Dark Magic.
Just as he was about to begin.
Oria's sapphire eyes gleamed. A mischievous grin slowly spread across her face. She folded her arms, clearly trying—and failing—to suppress a laugh.
“By the way, Hyoren… Did you tell Arianna your Attunement Levels?”
Hyoren winced. He narrowed his eyes.
“Well… No. Why?”
His voice immediately became defensive.
Oria's grin widened even further. The memory of her own reaction when she had first measured Hyoren's Attunement Levels resurfaced.
Now, she wanted to witness someone else experience the same shock.
Beside Hyoren, Arianna tilted her head. Her long crimson hair gently swayed with the movement.
“Oh? Now that Lady Oria mentions it...”
She looked curiously toward Hyoren.
“Leader has been training both Light and Dark Magic. Your Attunement Levels must be quite remarkable.”
She smiled elegantly.
“Ohoho. Now I am curious as well.”
Hyoren let out a helpless sigh.
“Well… I suppose there's no point hiding it now. Go ahead.”
Without another word, Oria retrieved the familiar measuring device from one of her drawers. A simple crystal orb. Beneath it rested a small glass display panel.
She placed it upon the table.
“Pour your Aethell into it.”
Hyoren complied. The orb softly glowed.
A few moments later—letters slowly appeared upon the glass panel.
Attunement Levels
Fire — 40%
Earth — 40%
Water — 40%
Wind — 40%
Light — 125%
Dark — 125%
Oria smirked at the sight of the numbers that had once made her lose her own composure.
Elise merely blinked. She had already accepted long ago that Hyoren constantly shattered common sense. So while the numbers remained absurd—they no longer surprised her as much.
Before Hyoren could explain—a chair abruptly slid across the wooden floor with sharp sounds.
Everyone turned.
Arianna had shot to her feet. Even her wide-brimmed hat slipped from her head. It landed on the floor unnoticed with a soft plop sound.
Her light blue eyes were fixed upon the measuring orb. Completely unmoving.
Silence. Several long seconds passed.
Then—her trembling hands slowly rose to cover her mouth.
“Ohoho… The measuring tool appears to be malfunctioning… Ohoho...”
She looked toward Oria. The elf was still smirking. Then toward Hyoren. Who merely scratched his cheek with an awkward smile.
Arianna blinked.
“Ohoho… So… It is... not malfunctioning?”
She paused.
“Huh…? Huh?! Wait. Wait… Wait…!!!”
She immediately crouched down and rummaged through her deep-purple storage bag. One thick tome emerged. She frantically flipped through its pages.
Then pointed toward a passage.
“This one clearly states. Attunement Levels cannot exceed one hundred percent!”
She tossed the book onto the sofa. Another appeared from the bag. She opened it just as quickly.
“This volume also says… The only individuals capable of reaching one hundred percent are those blessed directly by the gods! Like Saints!”
That book joined the first.
A third appeared. She flipped through it with increasing urgency.
“This one says exactly the same thing!”
Book after book appeared. One after another.
Soon, several thick tomes were scattered across the table, floor, or sofa.
Finally—she jabbed a trembling finger toward the measuring orb.
The numbers still quietly glowed.
Light — 125%.
Dark — 125%.
“One hundred twenty-five? One hundred twenty-five…?”
She clutched her head. Ruffled her own crimson hair.
“No. No… No! The measuring tool is broken!”
Oria finally burst into laughter.
“Hahaha! No, Arianna. It's not broken.”
Arianna slowly turned.
Her gaze locked onto Hyoren. Her light blue eyes had become bloodshot from excitement.
The composed smile she had maintained since they saw her at the castle last night had completely vanished. Even her carefully combed crimson hair had become slightly disheveled from her frantic movements.
Then—she lunged forward. Grabbing both sides of Hyoren's jacket.
“Leader.”
Her voice trembled.
“You… Explain… Now!”
Hyoren froze. Elise froze. Only Oria continued laughing from the side.
“Hahaha! I've been waiting for that reaction!”
Elise stared blankly at Arianna.
Then—she quietly shuddered—old memories came rushing back all at once.
She muttered under her breath.
“She's still the same… The magic freak… the brat… The relentless brat who couldn't take no for an answer...”
She choked.
“The one who kept hounding me no matter how many times I refused...”
She slowly shook her head, her face growing increasingly pale.
“No… Nooooo…”
Hyoren slowly turned toward Elise. Then back toward Arianna, who was still gripping his jacket with burning eyes.
Only now, did he truly understand. “The brat" Elise had described all those years ago—the magic-obsessed prodigy—had never disappeared. She had merely hidden that side of herself beneath the perfectly crafted grace and dignity of a noble lady.