The magic she planned to demonstrate involved creating a Fireball, Waterball, and Thunderball simultaneously.

Though Rachel could memorize these spells effortlessly, she decided against revealing her full capabilities.

Mana rippled around Rachel during her spell recitation.

Both mages, Randolph and Edward, clearly sensed the flow, and even Ryan, a swordsman, perceived it.

The mana surrounding her possessed distinct properties.

Finally, with only the casting remaining, Rachel slowly opened her eyes. She deliberately furrowed her brow, feigning strain.

“Shall I proceed?”

Rachel addressed Randolph, though her gaze fixed on Ryan.

“Yes. Please go ahead, it’s fine.”

While Rachel recited the spells, Randolph had prepared a barrier to contain potential mana explosions.

Rachel noticed this and nodded.

She extended her hand skyward, materializing three elemental spells.

“Impressive…”

Ryan whispered. Edward watched Rachel with surprised eyes while Randolph scrutinized the mana flow intently.

Rachel quickly dispelled her created magic, then pretended to catch her breath, mimicking exhaustion.

“Does this confirm it sufficiently?”

Rachel, appearing to recover from her labored breathing, looked at the three observers.

“Truly remarkable.”

Ryan spoke first, offering light applause and a smile.

“Reaching this level must have required considerable effort. That’s impressive.”

“Thank you for saying so, Your Highness.”

When Rachel responded, Ryan’s lips twitched with unspoken words. Noticing the surrounding gazes, he remained silent.

“The rumors spoke truth. Congratulations again.”

Edward offered another round of congratulations.

Rachel smiled awkwardly before turning to Randolph.

Randolph cleared his throat and composed himself.

“I’ve seen it clearly.”

After briefly expressing amazement, Randolph glanced between Rachel and Edward with a complex expression.

He reluctantly began speaking.

“I wanted to verify Miss Pluret’s magical abilities partly from curiosity, but also from personal interest.”

“By personal interest…”

“You know I’ll soon step down due to age, Miss Pluret. Until now, Edward stood alone as the Magic Tower Master candidate, but since yesterday, people mention your name too.”

Rachel’s brow furrowed slightly at Randolph’s words.

His intention became clear – he wanted Edward and Rachel to compete for the Magic Tower Master position.

Rachel interrupted Randolph.

“I’m sorry, but I have absolutely no desire to become the Magic Tower Master.”

Duke Bermund had mentioned this before. However, Rachel held no interest in becoming the next Magic Tower Master. She sought only a peaceful life.

Had she aimed for the Magic Tower Master position, she would have revealed her ability to recite five magic spells.

She claimed only three specifically to avoid such situations.

“Edward has consistently participated in Magic Tower affairs as a candidate, hasn’t he?”

“That’s correct. However—”

“Then Edward should take the Magic Tower Master position as planned. Even with my ability to recite three spells like Edward, our capabilities differ.”

Randolph pressed his lips together, staring into Rachel’s eyes. She met his gaze steadily.

“If that’s your decision, I understand. I can’t force this matter.”

Though Randolph accepted Rachel’s words, disappointment colored his tone.

“Thank you for understanding.”

Rachel nodded with a faint smile.

“Have we concluded our business? You mentioned verification was the reason.”

“True, but since you’re here, why not rest before leaving? What brings someone with no interest in the Magic Tower Master position here?”

Despite the subtle barb in Randolph’s words, Rachel dismissed it casually. Though it bothered her, she saw no reason to refuse the Magic Tower Master’s help.

“I appreciate your assistance.”

“Of course, just tell me what you need.”

“I’m looking for an item.”

“What might that be?”

“The Tears of Licorice. Do you know it?”

Randolph tilted his head at Rachel’s question.

“Well, I’ve never heard of it. Could you explain?”

“I know little about it. Only its name – the Tears of Licorice – and that it appears transparent like a jewel.”

Randolph frowned at Rachel’s response.

“Is that all you know?”

“Unfortunately, yes.”

Randolph sighed quietly.

“That gives us little to work with. Being uncommon, we’d struggle to identify whether a transparent object truly represents the Tears of Licorice or another jewel. Others might even call it something entirely different.”

Rachel didn’t argue. This matched her concerns.

This explained why Creon hadn’t located the Tears of Licorice.

They knew only its name and color.

Many transparent jewels existed besides the Tears of Licorice.

Even if it appeared in markets or Magic Tower registries, would anyone recognize it?

Probably not.

‘Creon.’

Rachel called, and he responded with a purr.

‘Any other hints?’

[No.]

Creon answered firmly.

[But mages would recognize its special nature immediately upon seeing it. Even if they can’t identify it instantly like me.]

‘How?’

[The Tears of Licorice contains magical power matching mine. Anyone handling mana would sense its extraordinary nature.]

Rachel nodded briefly before addressing Randolph.

“You’re right. Countless transparent jewels exist, possibly under different names. However, those who handle mana would recognize the Tears of Licorice’s special nature.”

Rachel repeated Creon’s words.

[It holds magical power equal to mine, but ordinary humans can’t use it. Only breaking my seal enables its use.]

Creon added.

“A magical artifact?”

Ryan, listening intently, joined their conversation.

Rachel turned to him.

“No. It won’t function as a mana stone either. It’s simply a jewel with unusual magical power.”

“I see.”

Ryan nodded.

“I’ll search for the Tears of Licorice based on your description.”

“Thank you for your help.”

“Don’t mention it. We haven’t found it yet.”

Randolph laughed softly, his earlier discomfort about the Magic Tower Master position gone.

“May I leave now?”

Rachel asked again.

“Yes, sorry for keeping you so late.”

Rachel smiled faintly and stood. The others rose too.

She turned instinctively to Edward.

“What will you do, Edward?”

In the lobby, Edward had mentioned needing to discuss something with Randolph privately, explaining his accompaniment to the office.

After hearing Randolph openly consider Rachel for Magic Tower Master, she worried about him.

Edward glanced at Randolph before turning to Rachel with a gentle smile.

“I need to talk with Master Randolph.”

Rachel accepted this without protest.

“I understand. I’ll go alone. Visit the mansion with Viola later.”

“Alright. I’ll definitely come.”

After brief farewells, Rachel curtseyed to Randolph and Ryan, then walked toward the door.

Quick footsteps approached from behind. Before she could turn, someone reached her side and grabbed the doorknob.

Rachel saw Ryan.

“Let me open it for you.”

“No, there’s really no need…”

“I planned to leave anyway.”