The news of the mission to Elvenheim spread through the magic towers and the Magic Society. The king had commanded them to stay quiet, but it was unavoidable as they looked for magicians to join the delegation. In any case, there were less than a hundred Superior magicians currently in Manavil, so there was little chance of it leaking onto the streets.
However, those who heard the news were ecstatic.
“At present, there are ninety-three Superior magicians in Manavil, of which seventy one are willing to participate in the delegation. Of the remaining, thirteen wanted to apply but had to give up due to personal circumstances,” Vince smiled wryly as he explained the craze raging inside the Magic Society.
Elvenhein was the forbidden holy land of the elves, so the opportunity to explore that mysterious world tugged at the heart of every magician. Even if it wasn’t a major expedition, it was worth going into the heart of the Great Forest. The magicians of the magic towers were always thirsty for stimulation.
Theo mused, “… It’s very noisy.”
Vince snorted. “Who wouldn’t want to go? It may not be in plain view, but people are trying all types of bribes and stories.”
Elvenheim was a mystical land overflowing with elementals and mana. So far, it had been a sanctuary of the six high elves. If the magicians could catch a glimpse of their secrets, they would be able to skip years or decades of study. Some people wanted to cross the wall in their own magic, while others wanted to acquire new research material. The White Tower Master, Orta, was inundated with people who were trying to prove their worth.
In a sense, Kurt III had made the best judgment when he entrusted the recruitment to the White Tower Master. Who knew what would happen if the politically inexperienced Theo had been thrust into this position.
Theo sighed. “Hoo… It might seem a little pathetic, but I’m glad I don’t have that role.”
Vince grinned. “Haha, that’s my line. If you were to act as the screening officer, I wouldn’t even have time to talk to you.”
A Superior ranked magician was infinitely more approachable than a tower master. Needless to say, it was much easier to approach a Superior magician with a bribe than a tower master. Kurt III had considered this, which was why he hadn’t given Theodore that authority.
Vince rose to his feet. “I should go. There isn’t much time left until the interview?”
“Interview?”
“It’s the White Tower Master’s command. He told us to summarize what national interest we can obtain from Elvenheim.”
Theo couldn’t help laughing. “Aren’t you busy with your studies on the ancient language?”
Vince chuckled. “Well, shouldn’t I get fresh air sometimes? Besides, I may be able to find some clues in Elvenheim. If you think about it, elves are like witnesses of history, so it is a reasonable conclusion.”
Vince wasn’t wrong. Elves lived three times longer than humans, so Theo couldn’t deny the possibility that their library would have records of ancient languages.
However, Theo whispered to Vince, “Master, isn’t that an excuse?”
Vince stiffened before relaxing. “Uhuh! I like intelligent disciples, but disciples who are sharp are uncomfortable.”
Theo’s intuition had been correct. The two magicians looked at each other and laughed. Then Vince headed for his private room.
Just as he was about to leave, he looked back. “That reminds me, that child is also applying. Her application is well written, so she may pass.”
Theo’s brows creased. “That child…?”
A mysterious smile appeared on Vince’s face. “Sylvia.”
Indeed, a genius who had reached the 5th Circle before twenty was entitled to apply for this mission. Sylvia had been helping with his training for a month, but a genius was a genius. She had prepared enough to apply for the mission.
Theo nodded with admiration, but Vince sighed lightly at his reaction. “This kid still has a long way to go. This is why the parties…”
Theo looked up. “Yes?”
Vince shook his head. “No, it’s nothing. It isn’t a story that a third party should be talking about.”
Vince let it pass as he returned to his room. Theo remained in his private room, focusing on his magic.
***
Exactly three days later, the White Tower Master went through the applications and ruthlessly started rejecting them. Magicians were scholars who sought to explore the mysteries of magic, so senior magicians held a lot of knowledge. As a tower master, it wasn’t surprising that Orta had the equivalent of a few libraries of knowledge in his head.
“Gathering wild herbs for the purpose of breeding. I’m sorry, but the B2-Mandragora doesn’t grow in the Great Forest. Maybe you should study more herbs in the western swamps.”
“P-Please forgive me this once!”
“Exploring elemental magic at Elvenheim? It is reasonable, but don’t you know that elves abhor the act of enchanting elementals? This isn’t an exploration but a mission. Dismissed.”
“T-That…”
Orta didn’t miss any sneaky tricks as he also took into account lesser known elven customs. His ability to conduct himself was better than that of any other tower master. Any magicians who made a mistake or dared to try any tricks were immediately rejected. Fortunately, Theo’s acquaintances didn’t fall into such cases.
Theodore received the list of names a few hours before departure and found two names on it. “Red Tower, Vince Haidel… and Blue Tower’s Sylvia Adruncus.”
Both were amazing. They had competed with over seventy magicians of the same rank and won. Vince had accumulated his experience over time, while Sylvia had yet to reach twenty. The eliminated magician would be reaching for a bottle to drown their sorrows.
Then at that moment…
[Hoing!]
Mitra sprang up from a pot on the window and smacked into Theo’s cheek. Mitra also seemed lost in thought, so she was also surprised.
“Wah, Mitra?”
However, Theo didn’t get a chance to investigate as his senses stirred. There was a presence that his sixth sense had picked up. It seemed to be both here and nowhere. This was different from Veronica, but the presence was so great that it was hard to ignore.
If he had to express it in words, the presence was close to a non-materialized elemental. Theo’s brain caught up before his intuition did. “Sir Edwin?”
He opened the door and pretended to be surprised.
Edwin inclined his head in greeting. “… Ah, excuse me. I don’t know about etiquette, so…”
Theo stepped aside. “You can come inside. Next time, tap lightly on the door a few times.”
“Ah! Is that called ‘knocking’?” Edwin responded as he entered. He had a different demeanor than the one he’d worn in front of the king and nobles.
Edwin carefully took a seat before raising his head to gaze at Theo with glowing eyes. “I’m sorry for seeing you separately so late. I wanted to come find you on the first day, but my duties slowed my steps. I am glad to see you like this.”
“It is a pleasure to meet you. Then…” Theo asked without hiding his expression, “Why are you acting so polite? Sir Edwin’s attitude feels a little burdensome.”
“Huh? Is that so?” However, Edwin’s response was more surprising as he stared at Theo blankly. “You don’t have to feel burdened. You are the strength and grace that rescued Ellenoa! The savior of one of Arv’s blood isn’t lacking at all.” 𝗻𝐨𝐯𝗹.𝗰𝗼𝗺
Theo shifted uneasily. “No, that isn’t…”
“I don’t know about human customs, but it is natural for us to treat you with such honor. Please understand.”
It was a culture shock, so Theo didn’t know what to do. A master commanded a nearly unequaled status in any country. That sort of strength could break through any social structure like identity, rank, or wealth! Theo had never dreamed that such a transcendental being would act like this toward him.
It seemed different from humans who focused on individuals. Elves were faithful to the value of a group. The difference in perception between the two species was hard to accept, even for Theo. However, it would be rude to insist, so Theo decided to tolerate it. It felt awkward, but the courteous treatment wasn’t doing any harm.
However, his decision was sorely tested as the conversation went on.
“Benefactor, is there any place that you want to go to in Elvenheim? I will be happy to take you there.”
“I don’t know any places, so…”
“Ah, that’s right. I was too short-sighted. I will show you things you will appreciate.”
“It is okay if you do it moderately, moderately.”
Edwin kept asking him questions enthusiastically, while Theo struggled to keep the awkwardness from his face. Elves and humans rarely had casual conversations, but it seemed Edwin was a surprisingly talkative elf. Theo preferred silence, so he couldn’t help feeling pained.
Thus, it was inevitable that the subject changed.
“Here…” Edwin held out a gift from Ellenoa.
A seed glowed blue-white as Edwin carefully unwrapped it. A fresh fragrance spread through the room as Edwin unveiled it. The scent brought Mitra and all the elementals around Edwin running as they danced around it.
Edwin smiled brightly at Theo’s reaction and explained its identity, “The seed of the world tree. Of course, it is different from the myths, but it still has this effect on elementals.”
[Deo! Deoo!]
Mitra drooled and pulled Theo’s clothing. Theo couldn’t ignore her, and lifted her into his arms.
Then Edwin held out the seed to Mitra. “This is a message from Ellenoa. Give this seed to Mitra.”