Chapter 58

It's called a unique spell, but it's not a big deal. Any wizard can create a spell that didn't exist before, and it can only be activated by the wizard's unique mana manipulation method. Only those personally taught by the wizard can even attempt to replicate it. Yes, it's not a big deal. It's a huge deal. Especially if it's the unique spell of the Duke of Magic, its value is so immense that it's almost frightening. If it were known that the Duke of Magic's unique spell could be learned, many would crawl on all fours to the magic tower to learn it.

The principal, who is standing next to me, is only restraining himself because he's already old. If he were a bit younger, he would have rushed to Louise immediately.

'I'm going to lose it.'

From the principal's reaction, I could clearly tell that Louise's ability to use the Duke of Magic's unique spell was a secret even the principal, the head of the academy, didn't know. It was a secret that only Louise knew, and perhaps the Duke of Magic as well.

'He must have taught her.'

A unique spell developed by someone else is not easy to replicate. If, by some rare chance, a similar idea led to a similar unique spell, it would still manifest differently based on the developer's mana manipulation method.

However, the spell Louise just used was clearly the Duke of Magic's. I've seen it so many times. I even cross-verified it with the principal, so I'm certain. It's definitely the Duke of Magic's unique spell. I'd stake my resignation on it.

"Do you have a moment?"

"Let's go right away. This will take some time."

I casually mentioned this to the principal, and he nodded immediately, seemingly at a loss. We need to discuss this.

Before turning to head to the principal's office, I met Louise's eyes, who was still on the training ground. She waved and smiled, so I returned the smile. Yes, congratulations on your victory.

It would have been better if she had won with a different spell.

In the principal's office, only the principal and I were seated. Even the secretary left after serving the tea, as nothing related to the duke should leak out.

"At least the spell Louise used is not widely known."

"It's a silver lining in a dark cloud."

The Duke of Magic has several unique spells due to his insane talent. Fortunately, the spell Louise used this time is the least known among the Duke of Magic's unique spells. If it were a more famous spell, the training ground would have been in chaos.

Still, I sighed in despair. It's a silver lining, but the situation itself is unfortunate. Louise, whom I thought was just a harmless capybara, is connected to the duke.

'What bad luck.'

From my perspective, a duke is far more intimidating than a prince with no real power or a prince who will become a king after graduation. Dukes are not just people; they are entities with various meanings.

"At least we need to know the relationship between the Duke of Magic and Louise."

"Perhaps we should confirm it with the person involved."

The person the principal is referring to is, of course, Louise. Neither I nor the principal have the courage to ask the Duke of Magic directly. We know what could happen if we seek him out.

"I thought the Duke of Magic had no children or disciples."

While we were in silence, the principal sighed as if lamenting. The fact that a student is connected to the duke is not the problem. Initially, even Margareta, who is adored by the Iron Blood Duke, is enrolled in the academy, and the current crown princess, the daughter of the Conqueror Duke, is an academy graduate.

The problem is that we were caught off guard. If we had known from the beginning that Louise was connected to the duke, we wouldn't have been so shocked. Moreover, the Duke of Magic is someone we thought had no connection to the academy and hoped had none.

The meeting with the principal ended with just lamenting.

'In the end, I have to ask.'

And the task of asking Louise about her relationship with the Duke of Magic fell to me. It felt so natural that I only realized it after leaving the principal's office. It was as natural as breathing. This is what experience is, right?

As I approached the club room, it was already noisy, indicating that all the members had gathered. It's good that I don't need to search for Louise.

"Oh, advisor! You're here?"

When I opened the door, it was a bit disappointing that it was Ruitis who greeted me.

"Yes, everyone is gathered."

"We were planning to have a celebration party. We were looking for you, but you're here just in time!"

Looking around the club room, I saw that the oven was already working hard. It's nice that they are so diligent in preparing the after-party food.

"Everyone has worked hard. I didn't see the written test, but your practical skills were outstanding."

I offered some appropriate compliments as I sat down. They did suffer from the exam and the shock today. Of course, the two sacrificial lambs and the unexpected third victim, who was hit by the unique spell, suffered the most.

"Haha, thank you. But Louise was even more impressive."

"That's right. She cornered her opponent with a spell we had never seen before."

The conversation turned to magic, and Lather continued Ruitis's statement. Yes, it's natural that it was the first time they saw it. If it were a famous spell that even you knew, it would be a big problem.

"She was impressive."

With the topic of Louise's magic, I could naturally join the conversation. I couldn't directly ask, "Do you have any connection with the Duke of Magic?" but I could hint at it.

"I'm not an expert in magic, but it was a unique spell. I'm curious where she learned it."

I casually threw it out there. Since she has been hiding her unique spell, she might keep her relationship with the Duke of Magic a secret, but now that she has revealed it, she might also reveal her relationship. Her answer will show which way she leans.

"I learned it from a wizard when I was young. He said he was a wanderer, and I met him by chance near the mansion."

A wanderer. A term often used by the Duke of Magic when he abandons his duties and wanders around. The wizards of the magic tower hear the word "wanderer" dozens of times when they search for the Duke of Magic's trail.

"He had blue hair like Lather. Does that mean all blue-haired people are good at magic?"

"An interesting hypothesis."

Louise laughed, and Lather responded enthusiastically. But I couldn't laugh.

'The Duke of Magic has white hair.'

If it were blue, it means he was in disguise when he met Louise. Then Louise wouldn't know who taught her the spell.

'Damn.'

The quest content has changed. Instead of asking Louise about her relationship with the Duke of Magic, I need to ask the Duke of Magic why he taught her the spell.

Having an unknown disciple of the Duke of Magic in the academy is a headache, but it's manageable. However, the fact that he trained a disciple while hiding his identity is not something to be taken lightly.

A special force like a wizard, especially one trained by the Duke of Magic, being cultivated in an unknown place is a serious issue. There's no guarantee that this is the only case, and it could mean that there are special forces unknown to the empire scattered everywhere.

'Do I have to ask him?'

The situation was so terrifying that my hair felt like it was turning white. Receiving a message from the duke is already nerve-wracking, but I have to contact him first? Even worse, I have to say, "Sir, it seems you've done something fishy." What the hell, is the difficulty level insane?

'Maybe I should pass it to the Special Affairs Bureau.'

I even seriously considered it.

But upon further thought, it seemed like a good idea. The Special Affairs Bureau is responsible for special forces like wizards. Broadly speaking, this matter falls under their jurisdiction.

Yes, I belong to the Ministry of Finance. As a civil servant, I should focus on my own responsibilities and not meddle in others' affairs. Experts exist for a reason.

The communication with the head of the Information Bureau after a long time was the worst.

- Have you finally gone mad?

"The issue is related to wizards."

- That's not a wizard issue; it's a duke issue. Don't categorize it incorrectly.

The head of the Information Bureau, who had been calm, showed a strong refusal as soon as he realized it was related to the Duke of Magic. The Information Bureau is already overworked, and they wouldn't want to take on a large bomb like the duke.

But what can I do? I don't like it either. Do you think I have all the time in the world?

"It's not a trivial matter. The Duke of Magic's disciples might be everywhere."

- I understand it's a serious issue, but why are you asking the Information Bureau?

"Is there any related information?"

- Hah.

The head of the Information Bureau's derisive laugh made me feel a bit embarrassed. I thought there wouldn't be any. The five dukes are nobles above nobles, loyal servants and partners of the emperor. Even the Information Bureau can't gather information on the dukes without the emperor's order.

Still, I asked in case the emperor had given an order about the Duke of Magic, but it seems not.

After a few more exchanges, the head of the Information Bureau sighed and nodded.

- I understand the head of the Inspection Bureau's situation. With the Duke of Magic involved in the academy, you must be busy.

"Thank you for understanding."

- The Information Bureau is also busy. You know that well.

"Of course."

- Anyway, since I'm in the capital, I'll try to find a way. I can't rely on the head of the Inspection Bureau in the provinces.

The head of the Information Bureau, who clicked his tongue, finally understood my earnest wish and accepted it. Indeed, the head of the Information Bureau, I trusted you.

But my trust in the head of the Information Bureau shattered the next morning when I saw the message in the communication device.

[ Tried my best, but couldn't find a way. Apologies. - Head of the Information Bureau, Special Affairs Bureau ]

At first, I didn't understand what it meant, but the next message made it clear.

[ Darling. Contact me as soon as you see this. ]

A short message without revealing who it was from. But given the context and the tone, there was only one person it could be.

'You bastard, head of the Information Bureau.'

You said you would try to find a way.

Was that your way of directly connecting me to the Duke of Magic?