Chapter 64

"Hmm?"

Opening her heavy eyelids to check her surroundings, she noticed that a light snack and a change of clothes had been placed on the desk.

Feeling grateful, she gazed out the window, where the sky was changing from deep blue to a rosy hue, indicating that it was almost dawn.

Thinking she had slept well, she finally realized that she had slept through the entire night.

"Damn! Lord Levan said he would contact the palace, so there should have been some follow-up explanations! Even now... Ah, I can't wake him up!"

It was still too early for most people to be active. It would be better to assume everyone was still sleeping.

She decided to tidy herself up first. She started with a shower. The warm water, rather than cold, relaxed her mind and body, giving her a sense of security. She gradually realized that she had been fortunate enough to survive.

Looking at the amenities, she found toner, body lotion, scented oil for her hair, and a brush, all of which had been provided.

(With the sweet scent of the shampoo, I wonder if this room is often used by female guests?)

Impressed by the well-equipped room, Viela took care of her skin and put on the change of clothes that had been prepared. The underwear looked new, as if it had been taken from stock. The simple white blouse and navy skirt also appeared unused and new. The waist was a bit loose, but suspenders had been thoughtfully provided, so it was not a problem. The lace-up short boots fit perfectly.

This must be what they mean by "thoughtful and thorough."

After enjoying the light snack, a servant came to call Viela.

She was led to Levan's office. A large map of the city, showing the location of the protective barrier stones, was posted on the wall, with many notes added. It likely contained information about the update dates and the operational status of the barrier stones. Levan's seriousness as an administrator was evident.

"I will explain Viela's future arrangements. Please, take a seat."

"Thank you."

Viela sat down in the chair in front of the desk, which had been prepared for her, facing Levan.

"The palace is aware of Viela's disappearance and is relieved that you are safe. They will send someone to fetch you when the timing is right."

"Timing... Does that mean it can't be immediate?"

"It seems there are some issues within the palace... I can't provide more details, but they have instructed us to continue protecting you. Please feel free to stay at the mansion."

"I see."

Viela's shoulders slumped.

She really wanted to return to the capital immediately, but it was difficult for a mere clerk to be given priority over palace matters. She understood this.

She could probably return on her own, but there was a risk of being targeted again. Although three people had been captured, it was possible that there were still collaborators. To avoid causing trouble, she had no choice but to stay put for now.

"Viela, while you're here, would you like to help me with my magic research as a way to pass the time?"

Having been taken away with nothing but the clothes on her back, she had no books or materials on barrier magic that she had planned to read. With nothing to do, and being a lover of magic, Levan's proposal was appealing.

She realized she had put him out, but decided to repay him by being of assistance.

"I would be happy to! By the way, what kind of research are you doing?"

"I am working on the reverse calculation of magic formulas, which are the keys to unlocking them. Let me show you in the next room."

The adjacent room to the office was a treasure trove that would excite any mage. Bookshelves filled with books on magic lined the walls, and glass display cases showcased magical artifacts with unfamiliar magic formulas etched into them. The display cases were specially designed to keep the magic formulas floating.

What caught her eye was a large copper plate placed on the central table. Instead of using magical ink, the magic formula was directly engraved on the copper plate.

"Reverse calculation is my hobby. I am currently working on the reverse calculation of the magic formula engraved on this copper plate."

In the Magic Bureau, failed experiments are often discarded, but in a profit-driven company, reusable materials are reused. The problem is that the level of skill is not as high as that of a palace mage, so someone like Viela, who can intuitively unlock magic formulas, is rare.

Reverse calculation is used to easily unlock magic formulas. If the reverse calculation of a magic formula used in a product is known, it can be easily unlocked.

It is not uncommon for a veteran mage who has retired from the palace to find re-employment and start researching the reverse calculation of magic formulas used in products.

(But Levan, who was the former team leader of the Barrier Division, is doing this as a hobby... It seems the handicap of his prosthetic leg is significant.)

Previously, Levan had mentioned that he lost a leg in the aftermath of a war and had difficulty using magic.

Without being able to perform direct unlocking, it would be difficult for him to find re-employment at a research institute, even with his former position.

Feeling a bit bitter, Viela observed the copper plate.

"The barrier stone... but the formula is a bit different from the current one and seems very complex. What is this?"

"It's a magic formula from about a hundred years ago, no longer in use. The formula was so complex that it couldn't be unlocked, so the copper plates had to be replaced and updated. They were embedded in a device like this diagram to expand the range of the barrier."

"Is this etching the result of the copper plate being altered by magical energy? I've never seen anything like this before."

While not as large as a barrier stone, transporting multiple copper plates for updates must have been a challenge. Copper plates are not highly resistant to magic, so the update frequency was likely high.

On the other hand, copper is easy to process and can be reused for other purposes besides magical artifacts, making it budget-friendly.

Learning about the history of barriers that she had not known before, Viela's interest in the copper plate grew.

"Viela, what do you think? Wouldn't it be exciting to unlock a magic formula that even the old Magic Bureau struggled with?"

"Yes, I feel a sense of romance in this as a research subject."

"By the way, I remember that you were skilled in unlocking magic. Do you think you can unlock this formula now?"

"Hmm, can I touch it a bit?"

"Of course."

Viela traced the magic formula engraved on the copper plate with her fingertips. The vibration specifications that repel monsters and the formula for automatic magical energy supply were almost the same as modern ones. However, the range of effect was very wide, and the protection-focused magic formula was intricately constructed, making it look difficult to unlock. It was even more complex than the magic formula that combined a barrier with a monster-attracting spell. It was a formidable defense.

After examining the magic formula for about a minute, Viela gave her answer to Levan.

"I think it would be difficult to unlock immediately. The protection magic is a type I've never seen before, which is the challenge. However, I have a sense that it might be possible if I can understand it."

"Interesting, so it's not impossible. And you think you can do it alone?"

"Yes, if I can understand the protection magic better and practice to get a feel for it, I think I can do it."

"Indeed, you have talent..."

Levan gripped Viela's hands tightly, almost painfully, as if he couldn't contain his excitement. He must have a strong attachment to unlocking this magic formula. The expectation he placed on her was palpable.

"But, I can only do it intuitively, and I'm not sure if I can construct the reverse calculation. Also, the time..."

She was happy to be of help, but she could only assist until the palace sent someone to fetch her. She had no intention of taking away the complete results of someone else's research.

"That's fine. It would be enough to see how far you can get. By the way, how many days do you think it would take?"

"It's hard to say without actually analyzing and testing it."

Levan seemed to be in a hurry for results, but Viela couldn't make a definitive statement about a magic formula she had never seen before. She lowered her eyebrows and set a precautionary tone.

"That's understandable. I apologize. You are free to come and go from this room as you please. These books should be helpful. Can I ask you to work on this during your stay?"

Levan released Viela's hands, selected a few books from the bookshelf, and stacked them next to the copper plate.

"Understood. I'll start reading these books right away."

"Yes, I have work to do, so I'll return to my office. The servant will be stationed in the hallway, so please don't hesitate to ask if you need anything. See you later."

Levan hurried out of the research room, seemingly busy.

"Why is he in such a hurry?"

The research subject was an old magic formula no longer in use. There should be no need to rush to find the reverse calculation... Despite her doubts, Levan must have his reasons.

Pushing her questions aside, Viela opened the book.