“Madam, would you like me to bring you a painkiller?”

Noticing my frown and sighs since breakfast, Rivet asked cautiously. I smiled faintly and shook my head.

“No, it’s fine. I’ll only take medicine when I really need it. Besides, I already have two bottles of medicine for later.”

I glanced at the two glass bottles on my desk.

“But you’ve been in pain since yesterday. Wouldn’t it be better to take something?”

“If it becomes unbearable, I’ll let you know. Don’t worry too much.”

When I refused again, Rivet looked concerned but took a step back. I understood her worry; ever since Ains had visited the mansion the day before, I’d been suffering from a heavy, throbbing headache that kept me up all night.

I had hoped a good night’s sleep would help, but unfortunately, the headache persisted.

“By the way, I’d like to contact the Magic Tower today. Is that okay?”

“The Magic Tower? Is it because of what Dr. Watt suggested earlier? About learning magic…”

“Yes.”

Though I didn’t think it was a realistic option, I figured it was better to try something rather than helplessly endure the aftereffects, so I made my decision.

“I’ll write a letter, so please send it to the Magic Tower.”

“Yes, Madam. Let me know when you’re done. I’ll deliver it quickly.”

I smiled faintly at Rivet, who responded with a determined nod. I took out some paper from the drawer and placed it on the desk.

There was only one person to whom the letter would be addressed. Among the few mages I had contacted while at the Graham Duchy, only one had the authority to accept or reject my request.

Master Cesare, the head of all mages and the owner of the Magic Tower.

Since he was Ains’s business partner, I had regularly received high-grade mana stones from him before the divorce. I hoped that our acquaintance might lead him to accept my request for education.

In the letter, I briefly explained my physical condition and the need for mana management due to the aftereffects of my illness. I also expressed my willingness to hire someone to assist with mana management if he couldn’t teach me magic.

After writing the letter, I sealed it with wax and handed it to Rivet.

“Here, please take this.”

“Yes, Madam. I’ll deliver it personally since it’s important.”

Rivet answered cheerfully and soon left the mansion. I stood by the window, watching her head toward the Magic Tower when I suddenly noticed someone at the end of the alley looking this way.

“…Ains?”

It was hard to confirm from a distance, but someone who resembled Ains was watching from afar. I thought it might be my imagination, but his body and face were clearly directed toward me.

Moreover, among the passersby, he and his attendants were the only ones standing still.

I stared back at Ains from a distance before drawing the curtains. My headache throbbed even more.

Rivet returned about two hours later. I had expected her to come back quickly after delivering the letter, but it took quite a while.

Additionally, she wasn’t alone. She was accompanied by a familiar face.

“It’s been a while, Madam. Ah, I should call you Viscountess Marves now.”

The man greeted me with a short nod and a friendly smile. His unexpected visit left me momentarily stunned. Regaining my composure, I greeted him awkwardly.

“It’s been a while, Master Cesare. I didn’t expect you to come in person.”

Master Cesare let out a soft chuckle at my remark.

“As a long-time client, how could I not come for your request, Viscountess? I’d like to have a chat over some tea.”

“Oh, my manners! Please, let me show you to the reception room.”

I personally led Master Cesare to the reception area. After inviting him to sit, I took my seat as well. A maid served us black tea before quietly leaving.

The sweet aroma of the tea filled the room as Master Cesare expertly lifted his cup, savoring the scent before taking a sip.

“You seem to have chosen excellent tea leaves. The aroma is delightful, and the taste is superb.”

“I’m glad you enjoy it.”

“Thank you for serving such fine tea.”

After he finished speaking, he set down his cup and clasped his hands in his lap.

“In the letter you sent, you mentioned wanting to learn magic. Is that true?”

Master Cesare asked directly, without hesitation. Since I was already considering how to approach the topic, I readily confirmed.

“Yes, that’s correct. I briefly explained in the letter, but the mana in my body is currently unstable. They say the quickest way to harmonize it is to learn how to manage mana. So, I reached out to you, even though I knew it might be impolite.”

“Magic isn’t something that can be easily learned just because you want to. However, there’s something I wanted to confirm, which is why I came in person.”

“Something you wanted to confirm?”

“Yes.”

The knowing smile on Master Cesare’s face made me feel slightly uneasy. Mages were known for their unique perspectives, and I was a bit apprehensive about what he wanted to confirm regarding my condition.

“What is it that you want to confirm?”

“It’s nothing major. You’ve received a significant amount of mana stones from us over the years, haven’t you?”

“Yes, that’s correct.”

“Pure mana stones are crucial for mages. Depending on how they’re used, they can enhance magical abilities and amplify mana. However, according to your letter, it seems you’ve used the mana stones to activate the mana within your body.”

“…Yes. It was a temporary measure for the illness.”

“I’ve supplied you with a considerable amount of mana stones, and I became curious. How well can someone handle mana if they artificially absorb mana stones? Generally, those unfamiliar with mana cannot awaken to magic. However, you are an exceptional case. So, I came to confirm this personally.”

Realizing it wasn’t as strange as I had feared, I sighed in relief.

“You’ll discover these things as you teach magic, so there’s no need to worry, Viscountess.”

“That’s a relief. I was a bit startled, just in case…”

When I expressed my concern, Master Cesare chuckled.

“Ah, then how much will it cost?”

Given that it was Master Cesare himself teaching me, I assumed it would be expensive. Although I still had a substantial amount of alimony from Ains after the divorce, I couldn’t help but feel anxious.

“The cost is not an issue. I came here with my own objectives. Besides, if you’re very unfortunate, you might not be able to use magic at all. However, given that you have regularly absorbed high-grade mana stones, that possibility is very low according to my theory.”

I hesitated at Master Cesare’s assurance that he wouldn’t charge me. Mages were highly esteemed professionals; how could I not pay anything for learning magic from the owner of the Magic Tower?

But seeing my hesitation, Master Cesare shrugged.

“If you serve me good tea like today, that would be an honor.”

“That I can do anytime.”

“Then, since we’ve finished our tea, shall we get started now?”

“Already?”

I thought I would start learning the next day at the earliest, so the sudden situation caught me off guard. However, Master Cesare seemed puzzled and shrugged his shoulders.

“Is there any need to delay? That’s why I came in person today. Do you have any other plans?”

“No, it’s fine. I was just surprised.”

As I waved my hand in response, Master Cesare smiled broadly.

“Then let’s start right away. It would be best for you to learn as quickly as possible. For that, we need an open space. Do you have such a space?”

Thinking for a moment, I nodded.

“Yes, I’ll guide you to the back garden.”

Leaving the cold teacups behind, I moved to the back garden with Master Cesare.

Though the schedule was sudden, I also wanted to learn magic as quickly as possible. And I wanted to escape from this persistent pain.