Chapter 57

The next day, they headed to the Mage Tower with groggy minds, having barely slept the previous night. The Mage Tower was, quite literally, a “tower.”

A spire that soared endlessly into the sky—it seemed to symbolize the pride of the mages.

“That’s incredible.”

“Yeah, it really is.”

Elena, Alice, Penny, and Joy, who had arrived in the same carriage, all marveled in unison. Even Penny, who claimed to have visited the capital many times, couldn’t hide her amazement.

Although she had seen the Mage Tower from afar countless times, this was her first time visiting it up close.

It made sense. The Mage Tower strictly prohibited outsiders from entering under normal circumstances. Today, however, it had opened its doors exclusively for the academy students—for recruitment purposes.

‘Felix must be having a tough time.’

Felix was not only well-known within the academy but also outside of it. From what Elena had heard, Felix Christian was the top recruitment priority for both the Mage Tower and the Royal Knights this year.

In the past, this fact would have annoyed her. However, perhaps because she had come to acknowledge his efforts during the recent midterm exams, she no longer felt envious of Felix’s success.

Now, she only felt a bit sorry for him, knowing he would be pestered throughout the tour.

As she watched Felix from a distance with a small smile, their eyes met.

Felix mouthed the words, “What?”

Elena replied in kind, “Just, hang in there.”

Felix, understanding her words, scrunched up his face. He must have been dreading what lay ahead.

‘By the way, what does Felix plan to do in the future?’

They had never discussed their futures before. In fact, Elena hadn’t even given much thought to her own future.

She had vaguely assumed that after graduation, she would return to her family’s estate, help her father with his business, and eventually marry someone suitable.

What would our futures look like after graduation? Would we all go their separate ways once we left the academy?

Felix, Alice, Cedric, Thomas…?

She had never imagined a life without them.

‘Ugh, let’s not think about that already.’

There were still more than six months left until graduation. Besides, unlike the old days, trains and communication methods had advanced. Even if they couldn’t meet often, they would still be able to see each other from time to time.

As Elena reached this conclusion, a friendly-looking mage stepped out from the open door.

“Welcome to the Mage Tower.”

He had bright blonde hair and striking pink eyes that were noticeable even from afar. His sharp eyes gave him a somewhat stern appearance, but his constant smile left a kind impression.

Elena narrowed her eyes as she observed him.

He looked thinner and more tired than the last time she had seen him, but there was no doubt—it was him.

“Illya?”

“We’ll now divide into groups for the tour… huh?”

Upon hearing her voice, Illya looked at her and muttered in a bewildered tone.

“Elly?”

***

“Oh my, I can’t believe our Elly is already in her final year. If I’d known you were coming, I would’ve prepared better.”

Illya scratched his head with an awkward laugh. Currently, the group of five, including Elena, was following Illya around the Mage Tower for the tour.

However, instead of explaining the Mage Tower, Illya mostly talked about personal matters. He kept saying there was no need to delve too deeply into the details of the Mage Tower.

Fortunately, the group members—Elena’s usual companions—seemed more interested in the reunion between her and Illya than the Mage Tower itself.

“How could you not know your sister was in her final year?” 

Penny asked in a slightly reproachful tone. Illya’s face lit up.

“That’s a great question, Penny.”

Penny asked again, 

“Why is it a great question?”

“Because it gives insight into life at the Mage Tower.”

What did he mean by life at the Mage Tower? 

Felix provided the explanation.

“It means he’s been so busy that he didn’t even realize his sister was graduating. Illya probably doesn’t even know what year it is right now.”

Having met Illya when they were younger, Felix’s tone was blunt, but he seemed genuinely pleased to see him again.

“Exactly. Like Felix said, I’ve been so busy I didn’t even notice time passing. I had a vague idea that Elena might be graduating soon, but I didn’t expect her to visit for a tour. And I didn’t even write her a letter.”

Illya pinched Elena’s cheek gently, not hard enough to hurt. With her cheek caught, Elena mumbled her defense.

“But you’re too busy to even reply to letters.”

Her words came out slightly garbled. Illya looked at her affectionately, as if she were still the eight-year-old he remembered.

“I may not have time to reply, but I can still read letters. And no matter how busy I am, you should’ve told me about something this important.”

“Alright, I’ll write more often from now on.”

“If I’d known you were coming, I would’ve asked William to take a day off. Oh, and since the festival is coming up, maybe we should just invade your place.”

“Okay, okay. But shouldn’t you start explaining the Mage Tower now? It feels like we’re just talking about ourselves.”

“Really? Do you guys want to hear about the Mage Tower?”

Illya looked around at the group. Naturally, none of them were interested in the Mage Tower and shook their heads.

However, Elena felt uncomfortable. When she poked Illya’s arm, he shrugged.

“Alright, let’s save the personal stories for later and talk about the Mage Tower.”

It didn’t take long for Elena to understand why Illya had been reluctant to explain the Mage Tower.

The Mage Tower was, quite frankly, extremely boring.

“This is the first research lab, and that’s the second research lab. As you can guess, they’re for research. Oh, and over there…”

The explanation began and ended with research. For the five of them—well, four, excluding Felix, who seemed interested—it quickly became tedious.

Elena let the words go in one ear and out the other. Judging by their expressions, the others felt the same way. Except for Felix, of course.

Felix, who appeared genuinely interested in research, suddenly asked, 

“Are you researching spatial magic here?”

“Oh, why? Are you interested in spatial magic?”

“Yes.”

“Wait a moment.”

Illya abruptly opened the door to the second research lab he had mentioned earlier.

“Joseph! There’s someone here who’s interested in spatial magic.”

A weary voice came from inside.

“Tell them to come back later.”

“Do you know Felix Christian?”

“What? Christian?”

It seemed Felix’s reputation in the Mage Tower was real. Joseph immediately emerged, looking as haggard as Illya. The Mage Tower’s infamous workload was evident.

“Where? Where is he?”

“Here. Take him.”

Illya casually pushed Felix toward his colleague. Felix, realizing the gravity of the situation, tried to step back, but Joseph grabbed his arm before he could escape.

“Come on, let’s have a deep conversation.”

Despite his exhausted appearance, Joseph exhibited surprising strength as he dragged Felix into the lab. The group watched him with pity.

“Anyone else want to keep exploring?”

Illya clapped his hands, trying to lift the mood. The group simultaneously turned their heads away, as if they had rehearsed it.

Illya didn’t seem offended by their rejection. Instead, he looked relieved.

“Alright, let’s head to the lounge and have some tea.”

“Sounds good.”

They headed to the lounge. As Illya passed by, people greeted him from all directions.

“Oh, Illya. Are you in charge of the tour? That kid next to you looks like you. Is she…?”

“Yup, my sister.”

“Oh, she’s cute.”

“Haha, if you show any interest in my sister, you’re dead.”

What? Did Illya really just say that? 

Elena blinked in disbelief.

Illya pulled her arm and led her into the room.

“Wait here. I’ll make some tea.”

He seated them at a table and stepped out again.

As soon as the door closed, Penny leaned in with an intrigued expression.

“Elena, is that guy really your brother?”

“Huh? Uh-huh.”

Her sparkling eyes made Elena feel uneasy.

“He’s handsome! He looks like you, but in a different way. If it weren’t for Neville, I’d ask you to introduce me.”

“If Neville hears that, you’re in big trouble.”

Alice scolded her, and Penny winked at them.

“Of course, it’s our little secret.”

“Sure, sure. We’ll keep it a secret.”

“By the way, Elena, do you only have one brother? Does he have a fiancée?”

Joy chimed in, clearly interested in Illya as well.

“No, I have two brothers. Illya’s my second brother, and my eldest brother works in the Royal Knights.”

“They’re both so accomplished!”

“For the record, William is very stoic. He doesn’t seem interested in women at all.”

In other words, she was telling them not to bother. Joy pouted as if she understood the hint.