Chapter 427

427.

The Flove family’s territory was a peaceful rural estate.

The estate boasted vast vineyards cultivating high-quality grapes.

The wine produced from these grapes was quite popular within the kingdom.

“Wow, the wine cellar is impressive!”

As Kal Thomas marveled at the Flove family’s wine cellar, someone responded.

“That’s right. I was getting bored waiting, but at least we’ve got some fine wine, so it’s not so bad.”

Kal turned his head at the sound of the voice coming from within the wine cellar and his eyes widened upon seeing the mage present there.

“Toluah Senior?”

“Hello, Kal Thomas. I hear Juen owes you a lot?”

Toluah, who was the mentor to Juen, the daughter of the head of the southern magic tower, greeted Kal warmly.

“I just did my job as a mentor, that’s all.”

“What’s got you so excited?”

“Hey, Leo. This is Toluah Senior. Toluah Senior.”

As Leo spoke, Kal enthusiastically replied.

“One of the two most popular beauties in the Department of Magic, rivaling Senior Elena last year!”

“What’s that supposed to mean?”

“Senior Elena had a fearsome reputation, deterring anyone from approaching her. In contrast, Toluah Senior was gentle to many juniors. As a first-year, it was hard to even initiate a proper conversation back then. And now, getting to see you again after graduation…”

Among the Lumeran students, Toluah, as the Vice President of the Student Council and one of the top five strongest individuals, was in a position where first-years rarely dared to even approach her, especially someone like Kal, who consistently ranked last in his batch.

Kal’s expression of heartfelt admiration made Leo shake his head.

Observing Kal, Toluah smiled and approached him after setting down her wine glass.

“You’re a good junior who respects your seniors in your department. Look, Leo, your friend has something to learn from him. Your attitude toward a senior of your department isn’t very respectful, is it?”

“I’m not even in the Department of Magic.”

“True, you’re busy with Student Council duties. Still, it’s great that this year’s President is from the Department of Magic.”

Leo decided not press the matter, knowing Toluah wouldn’t back down.

“Kal Thomas, Juen said you helped her. She’d like to thank you in some way.”

Toluah smiled and gently grasped Kal’s hands.

Kal felt a bit embarrassed seeing Toluah, who radiated maturity.

“Don’t worry about it.”

“Not at all. Let me return the favor. Since you’re proficient in alchemical magic, what do you think about working on some experimental potions with me?”

“It’s an honor to have the help of Senior Toluah!”

“Good, Kal. What do you think is the most fundamental quality for a mage?”

“Exploration?”

“Excellent, very good. And what action do we take to pursue that exploration?”

“…Experiments?”

“Exactly, fantastic work.”

Toluah clapped her hands in admiration.

Kal scratched his head and smiled at Toluah’s reaction.

For some reason, even though she was older, Toluah seemed childlike as she looked at him with excitement.

“So, what’s the most important thing in these experiments?”

“Research, maybe?”

“No, the experimental subject.”

At that, Kal sensed something was wrong.

“Kal, you inherited the Alchemy Manuscripts from Lord Dwenno. By any chance, are there any dangerous or ambiguous potions in there that require experimental subjects?”

“No, there aren’t.”

“Yes, that’s a lie.”

Toluah already knew the answer and smiled brightly at Kal.

Without hesitation, Kal turned to run.

But Toluah quickly caught him.

“Leo! Help me!”

“Hehehe! You’re not getting away.”

Toluah, with a witch-like grin, held tightly onto Kal, who screamed with a pale face.

Looking at his struggling friend, Leo said casually,

“You won’t d*e.”

“You’re right, Leo. I wouldn’t k*ll my junior. But, I might make him suffer so much he’ll feel like he’s dying.”

“I don’t want to even feel that way?!”

Kal, filled with terror, screamed as Leo left the wine cellar, deciding Kal would be easier to handle than becoming Toluah’s next target.

Leo knew all too well that a mage who caught the spirit of exploration could be the most troublesome of all.

‘Recalling the moment Kyle and I tried a magic experiment together…’

Remembering Luna who once cheerfully brought all kinds of experimental gear, Leo shook his head.

A little later.

Having barely escaped Toluah, Kal, who exited the wine cellar, asked,

“Why is Toluah Senior here, anyway?”

“I heard she’s been invited as an instructor for this upcoming training camp.”

“Toluah as an instructor?”

“Yes, and Seniors Ris, Ulta, and Jamua will also be joining.”

Kal whistled upon hearing that last year’s graduates were coming as instructors.

“Could it be that graduates from other Hero Academies are also coming?”

“Maybe.”

“Wow, this could get intense.”

Kal shook his head. Not only from Lumeran but also from Seirun, Azonia, and Demian, last year’s graduates, who are now accomplished Hero Candidates, were all expected to attend.

“Could this be some sort of inter-school competition?”

Though Melina organized this training camp, Leo smirked to himself,

‘And they wonder why I invited them.’

*

That evening.

The second guest arrived at the Flove family’s estate.

“Hmm, a complete rural estate.”

Elena Hergin stood by the mansion’s door and chuckled lightly before knocking.

A moment later, the door opened, and Reina appeared.

“My goodness, who’s this pretty young lady?”

“I’m Elena Hergin,” she introduced herself politely.

Seeing Reina warmly welcoming her, Elena acted with due formality, given that she understood Reina was a former senior who graduated from Lumeran ages ago.

“Ah, I remember you now. From the Department of Summoning, right? Please come in.”

Reina warmly welcomed Elena and guided her into the mansion.

Passing through the entrance, they arrived at the living room, where Leo and Kal were already present.

“Oh hey, Elena.”

“Hmm, you’re here already, Kal Thomas.”

When Kal greeted her warmly, Elena gave a light scoff.

“You came early. Though the gathering isn’t until tomorrow morning?”

“I hate places that are too crowded. Though it’s not like I’d want to be with you either… but I figured if Kal Thomas would be here, he’d likely have arrived early too.”

With her usual sharp tone of voice, Elena then greeted Reina.

“Thank you for the guidance, Reina Flove.”

“Please rest well after what must’ve been a tiring journey.”

Since the Flove family estate had no Warp Gate, Elena must’ve traveled a great distance from nearby territories.

“Thank you for your consideration.”

Elena, befitting of her role as the heiress to one of the leading Hero families of the continent’s northern region, politely acknowledged the offer.

She then approached the sofa and sat beside Kal.

Reina, watching her, covered her mouth and giggled.

Elena, while filing her nails, said,

“Tea.”

As Kal stared blankly at her, she continued,

“I’ve already purchased your services on a contract basis for next semester, haven’t I?”

“That doesn’t apply during vacation.”

“Hmph.”

Elena reached into her pocket and pulled out a white piece of paper held between two of her fingers.

“I shall serve with all due respect, Miss.”

Kal quickly snatched the check and ran off.

“Leo Flove, as this training camp is taking place in your territory, I assume you’ve managed to have some discussions with the Dragon Lord?”

“What’s the plan for the training camp?”

“Our goal is for each of us to make progress—no matter how small—toward our individual aims. For you, Elena, isn’t your goal to seal a pact with a Pegasus?”

“Hmph, you make it sound so easy like you’ve already made a pact with one.”

“Isn’t everything ready already?”

Leo smiled.

“Both the mediator and the intended pact creature are prepared, right?”

For generations, the Hergin family has sealed contracts with the three great familiars.

Among them, Elena was suited as the candidate for a Pegasus pact.

“As long as you’re ready, all that’s left is to proceed.”

“You…”

Elena looked upset at Leo’s provoking tone, when suddenly,

“Please don’t, Lord Leo. Miss Elena is a bit too straightforward; if teased, she might do something reckless.”

“Aaaaaaaah?!”

A startled yell erupted from Elena as Chen Sao appeared beside her, smiling cheerfully.

“Sia! Don’t sneak up on me like that!”

Raising her voice with high-pitched irritation, Elena turned to Chen Sao as the latter cupped her cheeks.

“But Miss Elena, you look so adorable when you’re startled.”

“Please stop finding me cute.”

Chen Sao’s somewhat sadistic glint caught Elena by surprise as a faint hint of discomfort showed on her face.

“What’s going on?”

Reina re-entered the living room, having heard Elena’s scream.

Chen Sao stood up from her seat, performed the traditional gesture of the Eastern part of the continent, and said,

“Hello, Miss Reina. I’m Chen Sao. We met before, don’t you remember?”

“Of course I remember. I’ve also heard a lot about you since then.”

“So has Lord Leo spoken much about me?”

As Chen Sao asked this wide-eyed, Reina shook her head.

“No, Kal did.”

Appearing with a tray of pastries, Kal gave Chen Sao a V-sign.

As Kal handed the pastries to Elena, Reina asked,

“So, Miss Sao, what’s your relationship with my son?”

“I serve Lord Leo with all my heart and soul.”

“Phew! Cough! Cough!”

Elena, who was drinking her tea, accidentally sprayed it out in shock.

“What! A Student!”

As Elena turned bright red and sputtered, Kal beside her chuckled mischievously and said,

“Miss Sao sees Leo as a benefactor. What are you imagining… Ack!”

Elena struck Kal’s ribs with her fist.

At Chen Sao’s words, Reina cupped her cheek, looking slightly troubled.

“Son, you used to make Celia act as your maid, and now this older sister wants to serve you heart and soul. I worry a little about your tastes, don’t you think?”

“What are you talking about a maid?”

Kal, clutching his ribs, looked perplexed.

“I mean, Celia volunteered to be a maid because she lost a bet. And Sao keeps insisting despite my objections. What does that have to do with my tastes?”

“Celia? Who’s she?”

“Celia Zerdinger?”

Chen Sao and Elena both asked Leo.

“Last year, Celia briefly acted as Leo’s maid. She was so cute. I even took photos. Want to see?”

“Yes! She must have been adorable!”

As Chen Sao responded brightly, Reina went off to retrieve the photographs.

Elena, too, seemed interested, glancing towards Reina.

Watching this, Leo said,

“At least we have a good relationship within our batch.”

“What do you mean?”

“They always try to find some fault to tease you.”

“Is that really a sign of good relations?”

Kal, clutching his ribs, gave a disbelieving look.

“It is.”

‘By tomorrow, chaos will ensue.’

Recalling Celia’s fiery attitude, Kal shook his head.