Chapter 255: Secret Research (1)
Translator: RaidenTL
Chapter 255: Secret Research (1)
“Too slow.”
“Ugh!”
“Slow.”
“Gah!”
“Still slow.”
“Ugh...!”
It was morning in a secluded corner of the Butterfly Garden.
Isaac was deep in training, struggling to keep up with Gerald’s blinding speed. Gerald moved with intricate footwork, his wooden sword striking Isaac every time the boy failed to react in time.
The wooden sword wasn't being swung with lethal force, but Isaac had intentionally deactivated his [Basic Protection Magic]. He felt every ounce of the stinging pain. This was Gerald’s specific method of instruction.
It was a brutal form of education—using physical pain to drill the technique into the student's muscle memory until mastery became an obsession. It was violent, yes, but undeniably effective.
Isaac focused entirely on the flow of mana circulating through his body. Slowly but surely, he was beginning to grasp the rhythm.
Meanwhile, on the rooftop of an academic building overlooking the garden, Dorothy sat perched on the railing. Beside her was her white cat familiar, Ella. Together, they watched the scene below.
Dorothy had flown over to meet Isaac, but she’d stopped short upon spotting Gerald.
“Isn’t that the Sword Saint? What is he doing with Isaac?”
[It looks like they’re sparring. Or rather, training.]
“Ouch... that’s gotta hurt...” Dorothy winced as she watched the wooden sword connect with Isaac again.
She rubbed her chin, her eyes narrowing as she analyzed Isaac’s movements.
“Isaac’s rhythm is so erratic. One second he’s stumbling like a drunkard, and the next he’s as sharp and swift as a blade.”
[He appears to be trying to master something entirely new.]
Dorothy’s mana-sensing range was vast, yet she couldn't detect a single spark of mana coming from either Isaac or Gerald. It only flickered for a microsecond when Isaac swung his hand, shifted half a step, or pivoted his weight.
“Is he training to pulse mana only into the specific muscles and joints needed for a single movement? That would maximize his mobility, but...”
Dorothy grasped the concept instantly. It was something she had never considered, nor felt the need to try. Even with her talent, she wasn't sure she could pull it off. Such a technique required more than just high mana mastery; it required insane precision.
“He’s tackling something incredibly difficult.”
[We’d only be in the way if we went down there. What do you want to do, Dorothy?]
“Hmm.”
Dorothy pondered for a moment. Isaac is working so hard. He’s going to be starving soon.
She made up her mind.
“Let’s sneak him a snack.”
Dorothy’s logic was simple, but Ella, misinterpreting her master’s simplicity for a hidden motive, gave a sly grin.
[Are you trying to mark your territory? Letting the Sword Saint know he’s your man?]
Dorothy glared at the cat.
“Good grief, that’s ridiculous... Where do you even get these ideas? You’re being creepy again.”
[Hmph. If you say so.] Ella chuckled.
*
A short while later, someone left a basket of sandwiches nearby. It came with a note that read: “Isaac! Enjoy your meal!”
Judging by the messy, hurried handwriting, it was obviously Dorothy.
Gerald shot me a suspicious look that sent a chill down my spine.
“Who sent this?”
“This is, uh...”
“I’ll ask again. Which woman sent this?”
The interrogation began without warning. I didn't know how to answer. It felt like being caught with another woman right when a father was deciding whether to entrust his daughter to you.
As I hesitated, Gerald let out a long sigh.
“Forget it.”
“Sir?”
“Given your standing, it’s not surprising that you have multiple women pursuing you. I never expected you to devote yourself solely to Kaya.”
That was... surprisingly easy?
Despite his rigid, intimidating aura, he seemed remarkably pragmatic.
“Is that so...?”
“That’s a strange reaction.”
“I was just worried you’d be upset.”
“I only have the right to speak to you regarding matters involving Kaya. I won’t overstep my bounds. But promise me one thing.” Gerald’s gaze turned ice-cold. “No matter how many wives you end up with, you will cherish Kaya for the rest of your life.”
“...Of course.”
“Then it’s settled.”
Contrary to my fears, Gerald let the matter drop. We ate the sandwiches in silence, shared a brief conversation about Kaya, and then got right back to training.
I was a bit nervous that Gerald might vent his frustrations through the wooden sword, but he remained a professional to the end.
*
God, everything hurts...
The sky was painted in the cozy hues of a fading sunset. My body was a map of purple bruises from the relentless pummeling of the wooden sword.
To master Gerald’s footwork, I had to learn to channel and maintain mana through my muscles and joints with perfect timing. Gerald had made it clear: he wouldn't return until I mastered the technique. In other words, today was the last day he would be personally overseeing me.
My goal was to master the fundamentals of his footwork before he left.
After finishing my mentoring session with White, I hurried across campus. Despite the bruises making every step a chore, it wasn't enough to stop me. Aria wasn't expected until later tonight, so I had the rest of the evening to practice.
Whoosh!
Suddenly, I felt a surge of wind mana from above. I stopped in my tracks. A gentle, pale-green breeze swirled around me, caressing my skin. A figure landed softly behind me and wrapped her arms around my waist.
“Kaya?”
“...”
It was indeed Kaya. Before she hugged me, I caught a glimpse of her eyes—blood-red pupils. It was her Ravenous persona.
The version of her that usually tried to seduce me at every turn had returned after a long absence, yet she remained uncharacteristically silent. It was undoubtedly because of the situation with Gerald.
A warm, life-giving mana began to circulate through my body. It radiated from a small sapling sprouting from a magic circle above Kaya’s hand.
Oh.
The stiffness and stinging from the bruises began to melt away. My skin returned to its natural state, and the plant magic withered away once its task was done.
“Thanks.”
“...”
“...Say something.”
“I’m too ashamed to look you in the eye...” she whispered.
I let out a soft sigh. We walked over to the fountain plaza and sat on a bench. The trickling water caught the orange glow of the sunset. Aside from the water and the breeze, it was silent. I waited for Kaya to speak first.
Eventually, she did.
“Um, Isaac.”
“Yes.”
“I’m so sorry for all the trouble. I tried to stop my father, but...”
“It’s not a big deal. I’m fine.”
“No, you’re not! That’s nonsense! Those bruises were from him, weren't they?”
“They were, but I took them willingly.”
“What?”
“He offered to teach me how to move at high speeds without straining my body. Getting hit was just part of the process.”
“Ah, that method...”
Kaya clearly knew of her father’s footwork. She was his daughter, after all, even if she hadn't learned it herself. Realizing the situation, she gave a sheepish, relieved smile.
“It’s not perfect yet, but I’m getting there.”
“I was so worried you were getting hurt because of me... My father tends to go all out, no matter who he’s dealing with.”
Is she badmouthing her own father? Well, she wasn't wrong. He definitely didn't pull his punches. I decided to keep that thought to myself.
“Until yesterday, my father had forbidden me from seeing you. I had no idea what was happening...”
“Do you really think I’d just let someone beat me up for no reason? By the way... are you going to keep holding my hand?”
Kaya had been holding my hand the entire time, fiddling with my fingers and stroking my palm as if she were playing with a toy.
“I can’t help it. I’m suffering from a severe lack of affection.”
Isn't that a bit too shameless to admit? Well, it didn't matter. It was an obvious lie anyway.
“Fine. Keep touching it then.”
“Really?”
“I mean... in moderation.”
“Oh, boo.”
Kaya looked genuinely disappointed. I knew if she lost her restraint, there was no telling what she might try.
She still had her hair down today, styled in a half-up, half-down look. Her golden earrings peeked through her locks.
“You’ve changed your look.”
“Oh? How do I look?” Kaya beamed, clearly pleased that I’d noticed.
Seeing her like this felt different. She usually wore her hair in twin tails, so this style made her look much more mature—innocent, yet sophisticated.
Of course, I wasn't the only one changing. Everyone was growing up, and those changes were starting to show.
“You look more mature. You don't look like a kid anymore.”
“Are you saying I look old...?”
“I meant it as a compliment. You look like a proper second-year senior now. It suits you.”
Seeing her shocked expression, I hurried to smooth things over. I figured it was best to change the subject.
“And don't worry so much. I understand how your father feels. I’ve actually gained a lot thanks to him. It’s a stroke of luck that we can even meet like this.”
“...You’re too kind, Isaac.”
Kaya naturally leaned her head on my shoulder and hugged my arm tight.
“...What are you doing now?”
“Showing affection.”
It was so sudden and straightforward that I didn't know how to react. Kaya rested her chin on my shoulder and looked up at me with a sly, playful smile.
“By the way, Isaac. I heard you called my father ‘Father-in-law.’”
She tilted her head, testing me.
“Do you really like me that much?”
“It just... came out in the heat of the moment. Are you teasing me?”
Kaya looked into my eyes with pure adoration. After a brief pause, her voice turned sincere.
“I like you. I missed you.”
“...I see.”
As always, Kaya wore her heart on her sleeve.
*
Late that night.
A carriage, escorted by a squad of Ice Knights, passed through the security checkpoint and arrived at the Hegel Magic Tower.
Under the protection of the knights, a petite woman stepped out. With a flick of her wrist, she used telekinesis to effortlessly lift a luggage bag nearly as large as herself.
Her reddish-brown hair was tied off to one side. This was Aria Lillias, the Master of the Hegel Magic Tower.
The Düpfendorf soldiers escorting her snapped into a sharp salute toward a silver-blue-haired boy standing by a nearby tree. Aria’s calm gaze shifted toward him as well.
“Welcome back, Teacher.”
“I didn't expect you to come out and greet me personally. What is it you wanted to see me for?”
The boy, Isaac, approached her. The height difference between them was significant; Aria had to tilt her head back so far it made her neck ache just to look him in the eye.
“...Ah.”
Realizing the awkwardness, Isaac bent his knees to match her eye level.
Aria’s brow furrowed.
“There is no need to match my eye level.”
“Pardon?”
Aria snapped at him. Her short stature was a major complex for her. Isaac’s attempt at consideration had, unintentionally, felt like a direct insult.