HSRD 15

Chapter 15

Was she just indifferent, or simply thoughtless?

Leaning back against the sofa, Alkides stared at the teacup Aigle had used.

The sensation of her hand patting his back during the banquet was still vivid.

Just that small touch alone made it difficult for him to treat her harshly—and yet, even in this psychological battle, he had been pushed back.

This is a problem.

For some reason, he felt like he would become especially weak toward that woman.

And strangely enough… he didn’t dislike that feeling.

This is exactly why I didn’t want to get close to her.

To be honest, from the very moment he first met Aigle, Alkides had instinctively known he would become vulnerable to her.

When he looked into her calm, tranquil eyes, his sharpened nerves and guarded vigilance seemed to dull.

So he had deliberately avoided her.

And even today, when he had no choice but to face her, he had tried to act colder than necessary—

All while suppressing any personal gratitude he felt.

And yet, after all that… things have come full circle to this situation.

Alkides found it a little irritating that Aigle had left so lightly, as if all her questions had been resolved.

His heart softening was one thing—but feeling annoyed was another.

Perhaps that was why…

The image of Aigle smiling—her expression unreadable—lingered in his mind.

There were many things he wanted to know about her.

And if he wished, he could summon her again at any time.

After all, he was a Duke of the Empire—and the representative of the beastkin.

That much power was well within his reach.

But…

Alkides decided not to rush.

Looking at the spot where she had been sitting, he murmured quietly,

“If you’re connected to a divine messenger… then we’re bound to become entangled again, Aigle Atlas.”

Because beings like that favored something humans could not control—

Fate.

Thinking that, he smiled faintly.

Ever since the time he failed to save his father, a dull headache had always plagued him.

But strangely…

Today, that throbbing pain was nowhere to be felt.

How peculiar.

* * *

How nice it would have been if peaceful days had followed after meeting the Duke of Lapman…

I let out a deep sigh as I looked at the scene before me.

This place was on the outskirts of the capital.

In the middle of quiet land stood a massive stone tower.

I stared up at the towering structure, then sighed softly.

How did I end up here?

I thought back over the past few days.

It had only been one day since I visited the Lapman ducal estate—

When I received an invitation I simply couldn’t ignore.

“To the exceptionally talented mage, Lady Aigle Atlas.
The Magic Tower always welcomes skilled magicians.
We sincerely hope you will honor us with your presence.”

The moment I read that short invitation, I felt even more flustered than when I received the Duke’s invitation.

I—I’m not a talented mage though?!

How did things even end up like this?

Thinking back, I recalled that time at Phine’s estate during tea.

I hadn’t really tried to stop the rumors about me from spreading.

Well… they weren’t exactly negative rumors.

More than anything… it was just too bothersome…!

I had assumed the rumors wouldn’t grow that big anyway.

And yes, using some “reasonable fabrication” to smooth things over at Izancel Lapman’s banquet had worked out nicely.

It really had.

But…

I never expected this kind of side effect.

The excuse I had casually thrown out had become exaggerated, and now the social circles were buzzing with this rumor:

“Aigle Atlas, niece of Count Atlas, is a genius who mastered magic through self-study!”

It wasn’t until I received the Magic Tower’s invitation that I even learned about this ridiculous rumor.

Haah… in reality, I can only use two spells.

One changes eye color!

The other changes hair color!

I’ve never even tried anything beyond that!

Ah… maybe I shouldn’t have said I was a mage…

Refusing the invitation wasn’t really an option either.

Most mages in the Empire accepted invitations like this.

Of course, people usually treated it lightly—

Like just visiting the Magic Tower for sightseeing.

Almost like going to a theme park!

That’s because the Magic Tower was welcoming to anyone who showed even a bit of magical talent, whether they were affiliated or not.

They sent out invitations like this in bulk.

Recipients could visit anytime, look around, and leave.

If they liked it, they could take the entrance exam.

If not, they simply returned home.

And since the Magic Tower belonged to the Emperor—

There was even a chance to meet him, if luck allowed.

Not that I need that kind of luck.

Anyway, refusing the invitation would only draw more attention.

Since everyone else treated it casually, I figured I should too.

It’s not like they’d suddenly ask me to perform magic.

That’s what I thought when I came here…

But now that I was standing before the massive tower, I started to worry.

What if they have some kind of device inside that measures magical power? What if they find out I’m not actually a mage?

Lost in such paranoid thoughts, I lingered near the entrance—

When someone appeared from beyond the fence surrounding the tower.

“Oh my, you are…?”

“…Huh?”

A woman with shimmering silver hair tied neatly back looked at me with wide eyes.

She seemed familiar, so I tilted my head.

“Wait… the casino?”

“…Ah! That’s right!”

As soon as she mentioned it, I remembered.

“You’re the mage who testified that the cheating gambler used an ancient artifact, right?”

“That’s right! So it was you!”

The woman smiled brightly and gave a slight bow.

“Let me properly introduce myself. I’m Kateri, a mage affiliated with the Magic Tower. Nice to meet you.”

I bowed as well.

“I’m Aigle Atlas.”

Kateri smiled softly.

“I heard someone was lingering around the tower, so I came out—but I didn’t expect it to be you. What brings you here?”

“Haha… I received an invitation.”

At that, Kateri clapped her hands.

“Oh! So you’re a mage too, Lady Aigle? The hero who caught a cheating gambler is a mage—how wonderful!”

“Haha… haha…”

I could only laugh awkwardly.

No, please don’t be proud. I’m sorry. I’m not actually a mage…

While apologizing internally, Kateri grabbed my hand and pulled me inside.

“You said you were invited, right? Come in comfortably. The Magic Tower welcomes all mages, regardless of skill.”

“Haha… what an honor…”

I can only use two spells… I’m so sorry for accepting this invitation…

And just like that, I was dragged into the Magic Tower.

Unlike its rough exterior, the inside was decorated like a luxurious hotel in the capital.

Kateri guided me deeper inside.

“Since we’ve met like this, I’ll give you a tour, Lady Atlas.”

“You can call me Aigle. Do mages usually give tours like this to people they just met?”

“No, there are designated guides. But since we have a connection, I wanted to show you around myself.”

She led me toward a magic-powered elevator.

“That’s okay, right?”

“I’d love that.”

Better someone I’ve met before than a complete stranger!

For some reason, I felt strangely comfortable around her.

Why was that?

It felt like she was more familiar than others.

…I felt something similar when I first saw the Duke of Lapman.

Naturally, I recalled that moment.

The Duke, a famous figure in high society, rarely attended banquets—

Except for unavoidable ones, like the Emperor’s birthday celebration.

That was when I first saw him from afar.

While countless women were captivated by his appearance—

I had felt something completely different.

Why does he feel so familiar, like we’ve known each other for fifty years?!

It had genuinely startled me.

I thought he’d be someone I should avoid at all costs—

But seeing him made me feel oddly glad.

Of course, that feeling vanished the moment he opened his mouth.

Still… even if it’s less intense than with the Duke, I feel a similar familiarity with Kateri.

What could this be?

Did she feel it too?

That must be why she’s so enthusiastic about showing me around.

Kateri guided me gently, explaining different parts of the tower.

As I looked around, I secretly observed her.

At some point, she had begun treating me like a close friend.

She doesn’t seem like the type to be this friendly with strangers…

If she were that outgoing, she’d have many friends.

But she barely greeted other mages in the tower.

She only introduced me to a small number of people she seemed close to.

And even they found the situation surprising.

“Kateri is actually quite picky—she doesn’t get close to people easily.”

“Yeah, it took her a whole year to speak casually with me. But she’s so comfortable with you?”

“Are you two really strangers?”

“Hahaha… we just met, but I guess it happens.”

At my laughter, Kateri shot them a glare.

“If you’re going to talk nonsense, move aside. Come on, Aigle—this way.”

Escaping them, Kateri led me into the elevator and spoke—