“A Young Magic Prodigy who was known as the Future of Magic, a title that even someone as exceptional as Instructor Elira doesn’t have.
Why haven’t I heard about any such person before?
What did Tower Head mean when she said you all erased her existence?”
Kael asked a series of questions, just like Elira told him to.
At the same time, he also observed the King’s expression.
Now, if Elira’s suspicions were correct and the King actually did plan for him to know about Lavinia, then instead of burying this topic or feeding him a lie, the King would try to answer him.
Therefore, Kael was looking forward to the King’s answer and to know where he stood, but…
“The Tower Head’s words were unexpected; even I was taken aback by it. I do not know what she was trying to achieve, but she has always been like this. No one could understand her actions.”
The one who answered his question was the Crown Prince.
Kael turned toward Edric, and the Crown Prince continued,
“The Future of Magic? That’s a grand title, but admittedly, no one in Drakthar deserves this title.
Think about it yourself. If someone like that indeed existed and was loyal to the Kingdom, would we not protect him or her with all our strength?
It would make no sense to erase the existence of a Prodigy like that.”
‘And now he’s suspicious again, fuck.’
Kael cursed in his head as he heard Edric’s words.
Honestly, with how Edric stood up for Elira and even put his life on the line to save her, Kael began to have second doubts.
Was the Crown Prince truly the enemy?
Was he misjudging him?
But seeing the man denying Lavinia’s existence so aggressively made him suspicious again.
‘Make up your mind, you bitch.’
Kael snorted inwardly as he stared at Edric. Soon, however, another theory popped up in his mind…
‘Is he… together with the Xenthalor Empire…?’
It would make sense.
Then Kael’s intervention back then wouldn’t have been required. The Crown Prince would have stood up on his own after the Xenthalor Mage won and revealed his trump card, saving Drakthar’s face and uplifting his own image.
At the same time, Xenthalor would then get the chance to show off their new product and do what they did.
But…
‘No, something doesn’t add up.’
Kael shook his head.
Edric was the Crown Prince. He had no reason to be involved with another Empire when his position was already strong. Plus, him being the only one sensing Maw’s Corruption when even the Pope couldn’t do it would raise suspicions.
And Xenthalor didn’t exactly need his help either. They could have arranged another, even grander event to show their product to the rest of the world, without having to reveal that its source was the Power of Corruption.
Edric and Xenthalor couldn’t be together…
‘So is he just a jealous brother who doesn’t wish to see his talented sister again no matter the cost?
But he doesn’t sound so simple…’
‘Father, you have been silent for too long.’
While Kael was thinking all this, Igni warned, bringing him out of his reverie.
Kael blinked. He wasn’t exactly taken aback by the Crown Prince’s response. Elira had predicted it to some degree and had prepared an answer.
“But she seemed pretty sure about it.”
Kael spoke, and then, his frown deepened.
“Would the Tower Head truly make up a story like that on the spot? There were so many people there, and not even one stood up and called her out.
Even you, who later stood up to her, didn’t mention anything about her making up a story.
You simply stood up and silenced her…
Almost as if you were trying to silence her.”
“What are you implying, Hero Kael?”
Edric narrowed his eyes at those words.
Kael, however, was oblivious to that look, like a naïve Hero would be.
“I am saying that it doesn’t add up. Back in my world, if a higher-up from one power tries to slander another power with a made-up story, we instantly call out that lie and get back at the one who said those words.
But the Drakthar nobles simply stayed silent as the Tower Head Selene continued to tell me the story you call a lie.
Even Instructor Elira—I still remember her body trembling at those words, as if it was something that gnawed at her very heart. She didn’t react that strongly even when the Tower Head was directly slandering her.
Why would a false story affect her so much? Why would, instead of being confused as to what the Tower Head was talking about, Instructor Elira look like she is in pain?”
“Instructor Elira was intimidated by Tower Head Selene because of her previous remarks. She may not have shown it during the gathering, but the Court Mage is oddly sensitive.”
“Oddly sensitive, huh…”
Kael muttered, making sure to stare at the King as he said those words.
“It is strange how I didn’t even know about my instructor even though I have spent so much time with her.”
He commented, admitting his defeat while his eyes still lingered on the King.
Now, according to Elira, if the King had indeed arranged all this just so he could reveal Lavinia’s existence in front of Kael, this was the moment where he would stop him, who was about to excuse himself.
“A few weeks is hardly enough time to understand anyone, Hero Kael.”
Edric smiled lightly.
“Now that you do know how sensitive your instructor is, be respectful to her—not that I am implying you are disrespectful. I know the Hero’s relationship with the Court Mage is special.
I am just stating there are times when we say things we do not mean, things that might hurt the person we do not intend to hurt. People like the Court Mage are much more susceptible to such cases, so I hope the Hero will be careful.”
“Thank you for your advice, Crown Prince.
You have answered my questions and eased my doubts like I expected you to.
I should take my leave now.”
Kael smiled as he turned around.
The King’s test began.
Honestly, in his mind, Kael still doubted the King. He had no reason; he was just being paranoid. But he knew it was better to doubt someone than to trust him without reason.
But then, just as Elira predicted with certainty,
“Stop.”
The King called out.
“Fathe-“
The Crown Prince tried to say something, but,
“Enough.”
The King silenced the Prince.
“The Hero must know the truth. He deserves that much.”
Alden spoke, and Kael’s expression changed.
‘Holy fuck, she was right.’