Chapter 37
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Translator: 8uhl
Chapter: 37
Chapter Title: Rodri Beauty Research Institute (2)
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Roin had been given three nights and four days.
It was a span of time that could be called short if short, long if long.
First and foremost, within that time, he needed to bring Iroa and Belv back to the beauty research institute.
Roin decided to seek out Iroa first.
She was currently in charge of beauty product research in a place called Netro.
She had spent today wrapped up in her usual hectic schedule.
When Iroa returned home, she was startled by the visit of an elderly gentleman.
Mr. Helond?
Helond removed his hat and greeted her.
It's been a while, Director.
Iroa was quite flustered.
After Rodri disappeared.
Since leaving the beauty research institute that day, she hadn't seen Helond even once.
It wasn't as if she had gone out of her way to seek him.
Nor had Helond ever come looking for her.
She thought they had naturally faded from each other's lives.
Yet here was Helond, coming to find her first.
Could we have a quick talk?
At Helond's question, Iroa nodded.
Yes. Come in. It might take a while, so let's chat here at my place.
Heh heh, thank you. Might I bring one more person?
You have company?
Yes. A very important one.
At Helond's signal, a boy finally revealed himself.
The moment Iroa laid eyes on the blond boy, her expression changed.
Cute features, plump and supple skin.
Even his neatly groomed hair.
He had more than enough appeal to catch the eye of Iroa, a scholar of beauty research.
Where did you find this child?
It was her first time seeing a boy with such a perfect face.
The boy gave a meaningful smile.
And then he spoke.
Long time no see, Director Iroa.
In that instant, Iroa's face completely transformed.
The voice tone was definitely different.
But habits don't change overnight.
That distinctive intonation she felt like she'd heard somewhere before.
No doubt about it.
No way... you're not Lord Rodri, are you?
Roin finally reacted to her question.
At least you're much sharper than Dian.
Having heard the full story, Iroa stared at Roin with an expression of disbelief.
So, even volunteering to go take down Muorat was all to summon Goddess Ashutar?
Yeah.
And you wished to be made handsome, and that's how this happened.
That's right.
Back at the institute, Iroa had once jokingly told Rodri something like that.
That if he really wanted to become a handsome man, the fastest way was to be reborn.
And yet,
I never imagined you'd actually go and do it.
At this point, it was downright admirable.
It showed just how desperate Roin had been.
But you really pulled it off. With this level, you have nothing to worry about.
Iroa still couldn't stop marveling at Roin's appearance.
However, Roin shook his head at her words.
Too early to let our guard down. There's still a pitfall left. A massive one.
What do you mean?
Roin told her about the Leyden family lineage.
He shared everything, including the fact that if he wasn't careful with his upkeep, he might end up looking like Lucas Leyden, just like his two brothers.
Iroa listened quietly to Roin's explanation, nodding repeatedly.
Well, you can't ignore the power of genetics. Still, it's fifty-fifty odds. Either you take after your mother's side. Or your father's side.
Even so, I'm planning to keep up the strict maintenance.
That's a solid approach. Hold on. So the reason you came to me... is for that 'maintenance.'
Iroa was quick on the uptake, which was a real blessing.
It meant Roin didn't have to painstakingly explain every little thing.
She had always been sharp, and that hadn't changed.
I've been trying out all sorts of beauty products on the market, but I figure I need something customized for me. So I'm thinking of reestablishing the beauty research institute this time.
I'm working in Netro right now...
I know.
He knew and came anyway.
Because Roin needed her expertise in beauty.
Come to our institute. If you do, I'll meet any conditions you name.
It was an offer she had to think about.
After a moment's consideration, she threw in an unexpected new condition.
Alright. But guarantee me just one thing.
What? Tell me.
I have a few products I want to develop, and I'd like separate support for that research. It'll definitely be useful to you later, Roin.
Really?
If it meant bringing her on board, Roin was willing to accommodate most anything.
What Iroa wanted was a promise of support for her individual research.
What do you want to research?
My top priority is...
Iroa's answer was this.
A hair loss treatment.
The moment he heard that, Roin made his decision.
Okay, you're hired!
Having suffered from hair loss in the past himself, Roin knew all too well how agonizing it was.
For the sake of every balding person on the Redinus Continent, Roin rolled up his sleeves.
If it succeeded,
We'll make a fortune.
Maintaining your looks costs a lot of money.
And to do that, it's best to earn as much as you can when you can.
No need for any other purpose.
Solely for Roin's appearance maintenance.
This alone made it more than worth the investment.
With the final decision made to rehire Iroa as the institute director.
Now, to fetch the last key figure, Roin once again stepped onto the teleportation magic circle with Helond.
Where's Belv?
I heard he's at the magic tower under the Wizards' Guild.
Ah, that magic tower? Got it.
Roin deftly adjusted the crystal orb, setting the teleportation magic circle's destination.
Moments later, another intense light enveloped the two.
Their vision gradually cleared.
Before Roin stood the full view of the magic tower.
A 55-story tower belonging to the wizards.
Owned by the Wizards' Guild, it was where countless magical researches took place.
Not just general magic, but black magic, white magic, and moreregardless of school.
Roin and Helond slowly made their way toward the tower.
At that, the two massive humanoid statues guarding the entrance lit up their red eyes and stirred.
-Halt. Those ahead are restricted to non-authorized personnel.
-To pass, please present identification or proof of identity.
-Should you ignore this warning and attempt unauthorized entry...
-You will be deemed hostile, and security magics will activate. Proceed with caution.
This warning.
It had been ages since Roin last heard it.
Roin had no immediate means to prove his identity.
Not every noble could freely enter and exit the magic tower.
But that was fine.
Because he had Helond with him.
Helond.
Yes, Lord Roin.
He pulled out a small card and held it up prominently for the statue to see.
It was a special entry permit issued by the magic tower.
Rodri had possessed one too.
But Rodri was now reborn as Roin.
Unless it was the person himself, the permit held no power.
The statue's red eyes shifted to blue upon verifying Helond's identity.
-Helond Tiermont. Identity confirmed.
-Next person, please submit proof of identity.
Before that, Helond raised his voice.
I'll vouch for this person's identity. Let us in.
A special permit holder could bring up to two companions.
One Roin was easily within Helond's authority.
All the statues' eyes turned blue.
-Confirmed.
-You may enter.
-Welcome to the great tower of wizards.
The firmly shut iron gate opened on its own.
As they walked, Roin surveyed the magic tower's interior.
Same as ever. Still a mess.
Wizards.
They were scholars at the same time.
Studying, researching, experimenting.
They loved that sort of thing.
Establishing their own magical systems and spreading them to posterity.
Few achievements could be more glorious for a wizard.
And so, even today, they were fumbling through trial and error in the tower.
A young man in proper robes approached Roin and Helond.
Welcome, Lord Helond. It's been ten years since your last visit?
Heh heh. Yes, indeed.
Even though it was their first meeting, he knew Helond's name.
And somehow knew it had been ten years since Helond's last visit to the tower.
Neither Helond nor Roin bothered to question it.
They would've pulled all the info while checking the permit.
Roin had been greeted the same way every time he visited the tower in the past.
The man in the navy-blue robes guided them inside with a bright smile.
A wizard's rank was determined by their robe's color.
Those in dull, deep shades like navy blue were junior wizards.
The next level upvivid reds, blues, yellowswere mid-rank.
Finally, those in white, black, or gold were the senior high-rank wizards.
From the robe color, Roin could tell their guide was a junior wizard.
Apprentice wizards didn't wear robes.
Or more accurately, they weren't allowed to.
Only after official recognition as a wizard could one don the formal robes issued by the Wizards' Guild.
Until then, apprentices went about in civilian clothes as their wizardly attire.
The junior wizard, Remilson, asked Helond and Roin.
What business brings you all the way here?
Helond glanced toward Roin.
But Roin waved his hand dismissively with an annoyed look.
You tell them.
That was the gist.
Helond nodded and explained their purpose to Remilson.
We're looking for a wizard named Belv.
Lord Belv?
Remilson's shoulders jerked noticeably.
I-I see! Understood. I'll guide you to the 35th floor.
The three men entered a small room.
This room, enchanted with levitation magic, served as the tower's elevator.
Thanks to it, they shot up to the 35th floor in an instant.
Just before the doors opened.
Remilson swallowed hard.
And warned the two.
Whatever happens, stay cautious.
The two nodded emphatically, as if they already knew.
Then... opening!
Remilson pressed the button.
The moment the elevator doors slid open left and right,
Whoosh!
A massive fireball hurtled fiercely toward them.