“Jealous?”

“Yes.”

Rachel nodded and explained further.

“Edward can also recite three magic spells. Just like me.”

“…”

“People have been talking behind my back since I returned from the monster subjugation team. They discuss how I acquired these skills, and also…”

“That you might become a Magic Tower Master candidate. Right?”

“…Yes.”

Edward nodded, his expression turning bitter. He continued speaking calmly.

“Your sudden growth surprises everyone. Though rare, such rapid improvement exists. Success comes not just from talent, but from the effort supporting that talent. I understand this better than anyone.”

Indeed, Edward spoke the truth. Even with his exceptional magical talent from the start, he achieved his current level only through daily dedication to training.

“The same applies to you, doesn’t it, Rachel?”

Edward’s gaze fixed on Rachel’s image.

Despite having talent, Rachel wasn’t initially exceptional like Edward. She spent countless hours building her current skills until she mastered reciting five magic spells flawlessly.

“You must have trained intensely when no one watched. These results showcase your achievement. I won’t dismiss your efforts because of simple jealousy.”

Rachel smiled genuinely at Edward’s words, unlike her previous forced smiles.

Throughout her time loops, Edward remained her most reliable ally.

During several regressions, Edward sincerely taught Rachel magic and helped whenever she asked. Without his guidance, she couldn’t have reached her current level.

Despite her emotional detachment, she wanted to preserve her relationship with her benefactor.

“Thank you for saying that. I worried things might become awkward between us.”

Edward realized Rachel’s concern and laughed softly.

“No need to worry.”

“Okay.”

“And congratulations. I should have said this first, but somehow it came last.”

Rachel acknowledged Edward’s congratulations with a brief nod.

Their conversation ended just as the staff member guiding them stopped before an ornate, massive door.

The staff member knocked lightly. Despite the door’s grand appearance, it produced a clear, pure sound.

“Come in.”

An elderly voice responded from inside. The staff member opened the door for them.

“Oh! Welcome, Miss Pluret. And Edward, you’re here too.”

Inside, a white-haired elderly man greeted Rachel and Edward. They started to greet Randolph but stopped when they noticed someone beside him.

“Hello, Tower Master. And… Your Highness, the Crown Prince.”

Rachel greeted them formally.

“Greetings, Your Highness.”

Edward, clearly surprised by Ryan’s presence, first bowed to the Tower Master then greeted Ryan.

“What a pleasant surprise to find you both here together, Lady Pluret, Young Lord Hestein.”

Ryan offered his characteristic gentle smile.

“We happened to meet in the lobby.”

Edward answered before Rachel could.

“What brings Your Highness here?”

“He personally oversees matters related to the Witch’s Forest situation. Though we’ve handled the monsters, some issues remain unresolved.”

Randolph answered Edward’s question.

Rachel and Edward quickly understood. Many tasks remained: processing monster by-products and preventing monsters from returning to the Witch’s Forest.

Crown Prince Ryan’s personal involvement surprised them, but since this matter required cooperation between the imperial family and Magic Tower, his presence made sense.

Ryan studied Rachel and Edward while maintaining his smile.

“Please, let’s sit here.”

Randolph gestured toward a sofa in his office corner.

Before moving to the sofa, Rachel addressed Ryan.

“Will Your Highness join us?”

“…Does that concern you?”

Ryan’s expression showed slight disappointment.

“Well, the Tower Master summoned me. Not knowing the topic, I can’t decide that.”

Rachel’s gaze shifted to Randolph, who laughed uncomfortably.

“I called Miss Pluret here because of the circulating rumors.”

“Those rumors…”

Edward murmured. Rachel remained unsurprised, having anticipated this. Her acquaintances had already questioned her several times.

“If it concerns that matter, then it’s fine.”

Rachel responded briefly. The Crown Prince would learn about her anyway.

She decided addressing it now better served her than letting him investigate secretly.

“That relieves me.”

Ryan’s mouth formed a gentle smile.

Rachel responded with a courteous grin.

Both in appearance and according to her understanding, Ryan personified virtue.

Despite his elevated status, he treated everyone as equals, and based on Rachel’s foreknowledge, he would eventually go to any length for Viola’s sake.

Rachel viewed Ryan favorably as a person.

However, his unusual interest in her prompted caution. Though unlike Duke Bermund, Ryan typically avoided scheming.

But sudden interest warranted vigilance. Experience taught her that engaging with people showing unfounded interest never ended well.

“Let’s sit and talk.”

Randolph gestured to the three.

Ryan, Rachel, and Edward took their seats. Once Randolph sat, teacups and a teapot moved independently. Soon, reddish-brown tea with crimson tints filled their cups.

“I hope black tea suits your taste.”

Randolph smiled at Rachel.

“It does. I appreciate it.”

Rachel sipped the tea, greeting first by its sweet fragrance.

“The aroma delights. Is this black tea from the Mehot region?”

“You identified it immediately.”

Rachel set down her cup carefully and addressed Randolph.

“Regarding the rumors, you mean my magic abilities?”

Randolph sipped his tea before speaking.

“Yes. Though others may have asked repeatedly, making it tiresome, I requested your presence to verify if you truly can recite three magic spells.”

Rachel nodded, understanding.

She had wondered why the staff member reported her presence, but arrangements existed beforehand.

“Then yes, I can recite three.”

“Hmm, the rumors speak truth.”

“Yes.”

Randolph’s eyes widened in admiration. He glanced briefly at Edward before returning to Rachel.

Ryan nodded slightly, seemingly unsurprised.

Randolph hesitantly addressed Rachel.

“Could we verify this?”

“Here?”

Rachel surveyed his office.

Her glance suggested the space might constrain magic use.

“If failed spells worry you, don’t fret. This room prevents mana explosions. Plus, two capable people can respond if needed.”

Randolph quickly understood her concern.

“Would that pose a problem?”

Rachel remained silent momentarily at his careful question.

Several people had already requested to verify her abilities.

Even Edward, sitting beside her, had asked for a magic demonstration.

She reasoned showing it now to these witnesses would prevent future questions.

Rachel assessed the room’s occupants.

Crown Prince Ryan, Tower Master Randolph, and the Magic Tower Master candidate and Hestein earldom heir.

Such prominent witnesses would silence further doubts.

“I’ll demonstrate with manageable magic.”

Reciting and maintaining multiple formulas simultaneously challenged even simple spells.

Moreover, tangled formulas typically caused condensed mana to knot and explode.

This mana explosion, which Rachel used to decline Edward’s earlier request, could seriously injure both caster and bystanders. Even Edward couldn’t press further.

Rachel raised her hand slowly and closed her eyes. Then, appearing deeply focused, she began reciting the spell.