Of course, in the original story, the timing for obtaining the Magic Sword wasn’t particularly fast.
But the situation was different now.
Enduring injuries and gaining experience through actual combat versus slowly learning theory from a society-affiliated mage.
Considering safety and understanding of magic, the latter was undeniably better.
‘We have enough money, so we can afford an expensive mage.’
Robbenz allowed Hanette to learn magic and even provided funds to cover the costs.
Although there was a condition that Zion had to accompany Hanette wherever she went, it wasn’t too burdensome.
It showed trust in Zion and a willingness to entrust Hanette’s care to him.
‘He must be worried about Hanette.’
The story didn't delve much into Hanette's family or background.
After all, Hanette left the capital early in the story.
However, spending a long time at Duke Adelaira’s mansion, Zion had picked up on the atmosphere.
‘Balancing the family and Hanette must have caused some issues…’
Robbenz, as the head of Duke Adelaira’s house, had to guide his daughter on the right path while also expanding the family’s power and reputation.
During this process, Hanette’s rebelliousness grew due to the restrictions placed on her, and Robbenz, aware of things going awry, made gradual compromises.
‘He must have changed his mind seeing her transformation.’
Since the engagement, Hanette had gradually reduced her drinking and gambling, spending more time with Zion.
Despite various incidents, ultimately, Hanette’s character and actions had been corrected.
‘One thing’s for sure… calling off the engagement is not an option.’
Zion accepted this reality without much regret.
His genuine feelings mixed with mistakes, and unforeseen variables had occurred.
There was no turning back now, so he accepted the reality calmly.
‘If I can help Hanette grow faster…’
“Why are they acting like that?”
“It means you have that much talent.”
“If that were true, I would’ve been using magic before coming here.”
Hanette sighed, recalling her childhood.
If not for Robbenz and Yenid’s opposition, she would have learned magic somehow.
People had once said she had a knack for magic, but things turned out this way.
“Big sister, people say the best time to start is when you think it’s too late. Now is the best time for you.”
“I don’t think so. When it’s too late, it’s really too late. I should’ve learned magic before becoming an adult.”
“By that logic, I’m also late.”
“…You used swordsmanship as soon as you became an adult.”
“Big sister, if we keep going like this, we’d need to use magic or swordsmanship from birth. Does that make sense?”
“I know. But…”
Hanette trailed off, lowering her gaze.
Thanks to Zion, she could finally learn magic.
Yet instead of being grateful, she envied Zion’s talent.
Despite being three years older, she felt she was showing an unattractive side.
“Don’t rush. There’s still plenty of time. You’ll learn quickly.”
“…I’m sorry. I blamed you without realizing.”
“That’s not something you should say. Can’t you treat me like you usually do?”
“Hey! I already apologized. Why are you so dissatisfied?”
“Yeah, that’s how you should be. Now you sound more like yourself.”
Zion smiled gently, responding softly.
Hanette, momentarily flustered, then reluctantly laughed.
“What’s that?”
“It means enjoy the moment.”
“Are you saying I should enjoy myself before getting married?”
“Partly… but I also want to ask you a favor.”
“What favor?”
“It’s a bit important to me, so I’m hesitant to say now.”
“Just say it. I need to hear it first.”
“Well… I want you to join my knight order…”
“This way, please.”
The society mage who had disappeared earlier returned with another mage.
The new mage seemed older, indicating a higher position.
“Her mana control and elemental transformation are smooth, and she even executed three-dimensional forms.”
“Did she learn at another academy?”
“She said she received brief training at the Sadfore Academy.”
“Sadfore? If it was just basic training…”
The middle-aged man in robes stopped in front of Hanette, scrutinizing her.
As the daughter of Duke Adelaira, the academy was particularly attentive.
With her evident talent for magic, they needed to ensure she joined the academy.
“Hello. I’m the chief mage overseeing magic training. May I evaluate your magic?”
“Yes.”
“You’ve managed three-dimensional forms, so you have the basics of elemental magic. Could you perform as much as you can?”
“Could you step back a bit?”
At Hanette’s request, Zion and the mages retreated.
Hanette immediately spread her mana, transforming it into flames.
The flames flared up fiercely, spreading around her.
The flames continued to expand, slowly filling the training room.
“…….”
The chief mage watched silently, pondering deeply.
Considering mana amount, application level, elemental conversion efficiency, and elemental expansion.
For a 22-year-old, she was at a remarkably high level.
If taught properly, she could soon earn the title of Magician.
“Summon the archmage.”
“Pardon?”
“The archmage needs to see this. Go get him quickly.”
“Oh… understood!”
The society mage hurried to the archmage’s office.
Summoning the archmage meant they had found an extraordinary talent.
If the archmage acknowledged her talent, she might become a direct disciple.
‘I must bring her here.’
The chief mage, aware of the significance, felt uneasy.
The Logos Magic Society was the primary institution for studying fire magic.
But if a certain someone got involved, the Logos Magic Society might lose Hanette Adelaira.
‘I need to act before the Blue Sage notices.’
In the archmage’s office at the Rivdad Magic Society.
Among all the magic societies, only the Rivdad Magic Society had no branches outside the capital.
They didn’t use magic for mere profit or fame.
Following the archmage’s principles, they only accepted members with potential, aiming to nurture exceptional magicians.
‘…This is not good.’
The man with white hair frowned, closing the member list.
Since founding the society, they had only accepted a set number of members, but lately, even that was hard to find.
They couldn’t lower the entry standards, and even searching the entire Alain Kingdom didn’t always yield suitable candidates.
‘Clean water must flow in to prevent stagnation…’
The Rivdad Magic Society still boasted high-level magicians.
They constantly researched magic, finding practical applications, and sometimes assisted in battles in border areas.
However, without new members, they were gradually becoming stagnant.
‘Must I search personally? Other societies aren’t much better…’
Hearing a knock, the man straightened and looked up.
A society mage, out of breath, hurriedly entered the office.
“Archmage… Huff…”
“What’s the rush?”
“Th… the Logos… Huff… society…”
“Catch your breath. Taking a moment won’t waste my time.”
The society mage, after a moment, bowed respectfully.
The man waited patiently for him to speak.
“Archmage! A magician with outstanding talent appeared at the Logos Society headquarters.”
“Not yet a member?”
“Yes! They’re so excellent the archmage wants to make them a direct disciple.”
“Hmm…”
A branch archmage wasn’t significant, but a headquarters archmage was a high-level magician with the title of Grand Mage.
They only accepted direct disciples if they were confident they could become Grand Mages, indicating the talent was exceptional.
“Have you investigated this magician?”
“Yes! She’s a noble lady who received brief training at Sadfore Academy.”
“Basic training… which family?”
“She’s the daughter of Duke Adelaira.”
“……?”
The man looked at the society mage with suspicion.
It was hard to believe, but the daughter of Duke Adelaira?
He had heard rumors and knew about recent events.
“If she’s Duke Adelaira’s daughter… she’s called the Crazy Young Lady, isn’t she?”
“Yes. She’s known to enjoy drinking and gambling.”
“And the archmage wants to take her as a disciple?”
“They prioritized talent over reputation. They said she could become a Grand Mage within a year.”
A Grand Mage.
A title below Archmage, given only to highly skilled magicians.
The magic societies had established evaluation criteria for Grand Mages, with the archmage and other Grand Mages conducting the assessments.
Few passed the assessments, and sometimes, inter-society rivalry led to unfair evaluations.
Yet the title of Grand Mage symbolized an elite magician and a step toward becoming an Archmage, making it a common goal.
“Did the archmage say this directly?”
“Yes, and they even offered to cover all training and material costs.”
“That’s not enticing for a Duke. How did the noble lady respond?”
“She didn’t give a definite answer.”
“…So that’s why you rushed here?”
“Yes, if the headquarters archmage acknowledged her, we could also accept her.”
Walter Rivdad, the archmage of Rivdad Magic Society and the Blue Sage, showed interest with his bright blue eyes.
If she wasn’t yet a member, other societies had a chance.
Although their fields or goals might differ, Rivdad Magic Society accepted all elemental magics, making them capable of training her.
“Arrange a meeting with Duke Adelaira.”
“What’s your plan?”
“If we offer better conditions, we’ll be challenging Logos. We’ll match them: accepting her as Setinos Quasar’s disciple and waiving all costs should suffice.”