Born with a silver spoon, Irene had a natural fondness for wealth.
Surprisingly, she wasn’t reckless with it. She had a sense of market trends and financial strategy.
Though her obsession with wealth wasn’t entirely her fault. It was the result of her stigmata. Or perhaps, considering the nature of stigmatas, the other way around?
「Eye of Midas」
She could see the “value” of everything—living or non-living. People, objects, and even intangible concepts all had a “worth” that only she could see.
“Here it is, Princess Irene,” Zia said, handing over the invitation.
“Good work. You may rest now, Zia.”
“Understood,” Zia bowed her head before quietly leaving the room.
Irene unfolded the replicated invitation and scanned the contents.
————
To His Imperial Highness, Franz Barielle Aetherion,
It is with the utmost respect and discretion that we extend this invitation to the Imperial Prince himself.
.
.
For only those who walk unseen may rise above the rest.
— A Watcher from the Branch
————
Her golden eyes narrowed as she reread the final line.
“A Watcher from the Branch….?”
Activating her stigmata, the value of the letter appeared before her.
10.
“Hm….”
That number alone told her there was something more to it. Normally, a plain piece of paper with written content had a value of 1.
However, parchment with magic circuits always had higher values, depending on the type and complexity of the spell embedded.
“There’s magic in this….”
Considering the nature of Zia’s stigmata, this paper was an exact replica, down from the type of ink used all the way to the magic circuit embedded on it.
Of course, according to Zia, she could only replicate until the beginner type spells. Anything else wouldn’t work.
“Huu….”
She exhaled slowly. The air around her shifted as a faint golden glow pulsed from her fingertips.
With each pulse of her mana, the letters on the page began to distort, rearranging themselves.
“So that’s how it is….”
The ink moved, sliding into new positions. What once looked like a cryptic riddle was now aligned to form something else entirely.
————
Date: 8th, 11:00 PM
Location: Apaste Venue
.
.
— Council of Owls
————
“….”
Her eyes narrowed.
“Council of Owls….”
She recognized the venue. It was a grand hall, often used for grand parties and balls.
After about a minute, all of a sudden, the invitation disintegrated into nothingness.
“….”
***
“Where do you want me to put it, Roselyn?”
“Ah, over there.”
For the past few days, Karina had been helping Roselyn with her work. Both of them were assistant professors, Karina had some time to squeeze in.
During that time, Roselyn had shared bits of her story. It wasn’t a pleasant one. From what she said, Professor Vanitas had been supporting her in more ways than one.
It made Karina think.
For someone as enigmatic as Vanitas, he sure did a lot for people—without asking for anything in return.
He’d helped Roselyn, Ezra, Astrid, Margaret, even Karina herself, and possibly others too.
Yet, despite all that, the disdain, the whispers, and the back–talking he received from students and even some professors didn’t sit right with her.
It was clear to her now.
While cold and stern on the surface, if one took a moment to look deeper, they would see it.
Professor Vanitas was kind.
As the days passed, Karina began to understand why Professor Vanitas had assigned her to assist Roselyn.
It wasn’t because she could help with Roselyn’s research. Karina had no talent or understanding of alchemy whatsoever.
It was for something else entirely.
Professor Claude, the one responsible for harassing Roselyn, often visited the alchemy practice storage room, which Roselyn called her lab.
But with Karina present, his behavior changed.
He didn’t act like his usual self, from what Roselyn had told her. He didn’t make snide comments or give Roselyn that condescending glare.
Instead, he pretended to be kind.
Karina knew why.
Because she was Vanitas’s assistant, Professor Claude was cautious. Afraid that if he slipped up, she’d report everything back to Vanitas.
“What about this one?” Karina asked, holding up a box filled with vials.
“Ah, put it over there,” Roselyn replied, pointing to an empty shelf.
Karina nodded and placed it neatly on the shelf.
“Thanks for all the help, Karina.”
“It’s nothing,” Karina replied, brushing some dust off her sleeves. “Besides, it’s better than doing nothing.”
Karina glanced at her and then at the door.
“Hey, Roselyn,” Karina said, leaning against the table. “Have you ever thought about just… reporting him?”
“Reporting him? You mean Claude?”
“Yeah. I mean, if he’s giving you this much trouble, why not just report him to the faculty board?”
Roselyn hesitated. Her eyes flicked to the side as she placed the flask down carefully.
“I thought about it,” she muttered. “But he’s…. well, he’s Claude. He has connections, you know?”
“Connections?”
“His uncle is on the faculty board,” Roselyn said with a sigh. “If I make a complaint, it’ll just get swept under the rug. It’s easier to just…. endure it.”
Karina’s eyes narrowed. She clenched her jaw and glanced toward the door again.
“Enduring it, huh…. How long have you been doing that?”
“Long enough. But I’m fine now. It’s not as bad as before. Thanks to you and…. well, thanks to him.”
“Still…. if he ever crosses the line, just tell me, okay? I’ll report it to the professor myself.”
“Karina….” Roselyn gave her a grateful smile. “I will.”
Suddenly, the door creaked open. Both of them froze.
Claude stepped in with a warm disgusting smile. His eyes flickered between Roselyn and Karina.
“Oh? Hard at work, are we? Professor Vanitas must be proud.”
Karina’s eyes didn’t leave him.
“….”
Claude’s smile twitched slightly under her stare.
“Don’t mind me,” he chuckled, raising his hands as if surrendering. “I just came to check on some supplies. Carry on.”
He walked over to one of the shelves, grabbing a jar. But even as he moved, Karina’s eyes followed him.
Claude glanced over his shoulder.
“Something wrong, Assistant Karina?”
“No,” she replied with a polite smile. “I’m just curious about alchemy. That’s all. Don’t mind me, sir.”
“Oh?” He raised an eyebrow. “And which aspect are you curious about? It’s rare for someone to take an interest in alchemy these days. Feel free to ask anything.”
“Really? Then, what’s the best way to identify if a potion’s been tampered with?”
Claude’s smile faltered for a split second before quickly returning.
“Depends on the potion. Some react to heat, others to mana interference.”
“I see….”
“Is that all? I have a bit of time to spare.”
“I don’t want to take too much of your time, Professor. If I have more questions, I’ll ask Roselyn.”
“Is that so?” Claude’s eyes shifted toward Roselyn, who was organizing some ingredients nearby. “I hope she answers you properly. Roselyn is brilliant, but a bit clumsy.”
“….”
Roselyn flinched at his words but pretended not to hear. Her back was turned, but it was obvious she was holding in her frustration.
“Take care, ladies. Don’t work too hard,” Claude said with a grin before the door clicked shut behind him.
Silence lingered for a moment.
Karina glanced at Roselyn.
“Don’t listen to him, Roselyn.”
“I know….” Roselyn muttered, pulling out her notebook.
Karina walked over and leaned slightly to get a look. “How far have you gotten?”
Roselyn glanced at her, her face more serious than before.
“The 8th layer.”
***
August was the month when first-year students could finally join clubs and, unofficially, fraternities.
There was no limit to how many clubs a student could join, but they had to balance club activities with their academics.
Starting a new club was possible, but far from easy. It required a professor’s approval, at least five founding members, and by the end of the month, they had to recruit at least ten members.
For students with no connections, it was nearly impossible. Even those with friends had to be careful. Friends alone weren’t enough. They needed active participants, as weekly reports on club activities and progress were mandatory.
Without real commitment, the club would fail.
“I’m thinking of joining the Drama Club and the Spirit Provision Club,” Charlotte replied.
“Is that so…?” Cassandra turned to Elysia. “What about you, Elysia?”
“Alchemy,” Elysia said plainly. “You?”
“I’m still thinking about it….” Cassandra muttered, tapping her chin.
Then, a sudden thought came to her. She turned to Charlotte.
“Does Professor Vanitas handle any clubs?”
“No, I don’t think so.”
“Oh….” Cassandra pouted, looking rather disappointed.
As they walked further, they noticed a crowd gathering ahead. The sound of clapping, cheers, and loud voices echoed through the campus
“What’s going on over there?” Elysia asked, tilting her head.
They moved closer. At the center of it all stood a group of older students wearing matching black and gold armbands.
One of them, a tall, broad-shouldered guy with a confident grin, raised his arms, calling for attention.
——Brothers! Sisters! Hear me out! If you’re looking for a place where you’ll never stand alone, where loyalty and strength are forged through blood, sweat, and trust, then this is where you belong!
——Yeah!
The members behind him cheered, raising their fists.
——We’re the Black Talons Fraternity! We don’t just talk about brotherhood, we live it! You’ll have comrades who’ve got your back no matter what!”
The crowd murmured, some whispering in amusement, others nodding with interest.
——You there!
The loud voice cut through the noise as the leader pointed straight at a student passing by with red hair.
——Me?
It was Ezra.
He blinked, pointing to himself in confusion as saying, ‘You talking to me?’
——Yeah, you! You’re a first–year, right? You look like you’ve got fire in your soul, brother! You’ve got the eyes of a fighter!
——….
Ezra tilted his head, looking genuinely confused.
——I’m just heading to the cafeteria.
——Even better! We all gotta eat, brother! But why eat alone when you can dine with family?
He stretched his arms wide, raising his voice louder than ever.
——The Black Talons are more than a fraternity. We’re a family! You join us, and you’ll never walk alon—
——Pass.
Ezra shoved his hands in his pockets and kept walking like he didn’t hear a thing.
——Ah, come on, brother! Don’t walk away! You’re wasting your potential!”
——Yeah, yeah. I’ll think about it.
That meant he wasn’t going to think about it. A flat out rejection.
The leader clicked his tongue, then turned back to the crowd.
——Alright, you saw that, right? That’s what confidence looks like! If you wanna move with that same energy, join us!
“Pfft….”
Charlotte couldn’t hold back a snicker. Cassandra and Elysia glanced at her, grinning as well.
As they continued walking, a familiar voice called from behind.
“Charlotte Astrea.”
The trio stopped and turned around.
Standing there, hands on her hips, was Astrid.
“Ah, Princess. Do you need something?” Charlotte asked politely, lowering her head.
“No need for formalities,” Astrid said with a gentle smile. “Please, call me Astrid.”
“Alright… Uhm…. Astrid.”
“Hello to you as well, Cassandra Myne and Elysia Brunhilde,” Astrid said, her gaze shifting to the two girls.
“Nice to see you again, Astrid.” Cassandra bowed politely.
“The Princess knows who I am….” Elysia mumbled before quickly bowing her head.
“Have the three of you decided on a club yet?” Astrid asked, tilting her head slightly.
“Kind of, but we’re still unsure,” Charlotte replied.
“I’m pretty sure with mi—” Elysia started, but Astrid cut her off.
“Then why not join my club?” Astrid suggested with a warm smile. “We have six members so far. With the three of you, we’d only need one more to hit the ten-member quota.”
Charlotte tilted her head, tapping her chin as if she were thinking it over.
“I don’t think I can balan—” Elysia tried to say, but this time, Charlotte interrupted her.
“What kind of club is it?”
“It’s a Magic Research Club,” Astrid said. “But it’s not like the regular Magic Research and Development Club. This one’s an upgrade.”
“Upgrade?” Cassandra raised an eyebrow.
Astrid nodded. “Yes. Since I’m the Princess, we won’t have to worry about funds for research, exploration, investigation, or materials. Everything will be provided. No need to waste time filling out those tedious request forms.”
“Whoa… seriously?” Elysia’s eyes sparkled, completely ignoring her earlier doubts.
“None,” Astrid replied confidently. “We’ll have access to resources that most clubs can only dream of. And if something’s not available, I can make it available.”
Charlotte exchanged glances with Cassandra and Elysia.
“So, what do you say?” Astrid said, smirking.
Charlotte hesitated, tapping her finger on her chin. With two clubs already on her plate, she wasn’t sure if she could balance it all with her academics.
But an offer like this was hard to refuse.
However, it was hard to pass up an offer like that.
“I’m in,” Elysia said without hesitation.
“Me too,” Cassandra added with a grin.
Charlotte blinked, glancing at the two in disbelief.
“Elysia, didn’t you just say you’d focus only on the Alchemy Club?” Charlotte asked, raising an eyebrow.
Elysia shrugged with zero shame. “Yeah, but didn’t you hear about the benefits just now?
“….I guess so.”
“Besides,” Elysia leaned close and whispered in Charlotte’s ear. “I can always ‘focus on Alchemy’ while reaping the benefits of a princess-backed club. You can’t tell me that’s not big-brain strategy.”
“Okay,” Charlotte whispered back. “But if my schedule falls apart, I’m blaming you, Elysia.”
“Blame me all you want,” Elysia responded with another whisper, giving a thumbs-up. “I’ll be in the princess-funded club with zero regrets.”
Charlotte turned to Astrid and said, “Okay, we’re in.”
“Perfect.” Astrid clapped her hands. “Now all we need is one more member.”
“What about Ezra?” Charlotte suggested.
“….”
Astrid froze for a moment as if she’d just heard something ridiculous.
Astrid tilted her head.
“Who?”
***
“Uh….”
Ezra blinked, looking completely lost. He had just finished his meal when four girls suddenly ambushed him.
“You need anything, Althea?” he asked, gesturing to the princess.
“….”
Astrid sighed, rubbing her temple. It wasn’t surprising at all.
She was used to it at this point.
“Join our club, commoner,” she said bluntly.
Ezra’s gaze shifted between the four of them before settling on Astrid.
“No.”
“Alright, guess that’s that,” Astrid shrugged, brushing her hair over her shoulder. “Let’s go.”
“Wait.” Charlotte stepped forward, turning back to Ezra. “Why not? It’d benefit you too.”
Ezra tilted his head. “Feels like Astaroth over there is gonna sacrifice me.”
“Wha—!” Astrid spun around, her eyes widening in disbelief.
“She won’t,” Charlotte said, waving it off. “Why would you even think that?”
Ezra stuffed his hands into his pockets, glancing away.
“I’ll think about it.”
Which, of course, meant he wasn’t going to think about it.
Charlotte rubbed her chin, pondering for a moment.
“If you join…. you’ll only have to show up once a week.”
“Why are you—” Astrid started, but Ezra cut her off.
“How about this,” Ezra said, holding up a finger. “I get rights to borrow all the books we’ll use for free.”
“Hold on, don’t just—” Astrid tried to protest, but Charlotte cut her off.
“Deal.”
“Hey!” Astrid shot her a glare.
***
Well, it didn’t matter.
Charlotte seemed adamant on getting Ezra to join the club, and that was fine with Astrid.
As long as Charlotte joined, that was all that mattered.
Because her real goal wasn’t any of the two of them in the first place.
It was Professor Vanitas.
If his younger sister was part of the club, then wouldn’t he be more likely to accept the role of club moderator?
“Hm…”
Professor Vanitas sat at his desk, scanning the club proposal form.
In front of him stood six students lined up in order; Ezra, Charlotte, Astrid, Sophia, Cassandra, and Elysia.
To Ezra, if they had just told him from the start that their plan was to have Professor Vanitas as the club moderator, he would’ve joined without hesitation.
He was the only professor Ezra actually got along with, after all.
To Cassandra, it was simple. Despite all the rumors, she believed Professor Vanitas was the kindest professor. As long as he was there, it was bound to be pleasant.
To Elysia, it went something like, ‘Shit, he’s even more handsome up close.’
To Charlotte, having Archmage Zen as their club moderator was like having a legendary figure directly guide them. It was a no-brainer.
To Astrid, a competent professor like Vanitas was a perfect fit for the club she had in mind. His vast knowledge would be a valuable asset in all their club activities.
And then there was Sophia.
‘Holy fuck. This wasn’t part of the deal, Astrid! What do you mean Professor Vanitas is going to moderate the club!?’
Her eyes darted nervously to the man seated in front of them. Her heart thumped like a drum.
Astrid’s response was blunt as always. ‘Stop being ridiculous.’
Professor Vanitas flipped to the next page of the form. Then, his eyes scanned over each of them before he spoke.
“Where are the other members?” he asked,.
“Ah, the others are in a lecture right now…. We’re the only ones available,” Astrid answered with a light cough.
“And the club name?”
“It’s, uhm…. written there, Professor,” Astrid said, pointing to the form.
“Huh? This?” Vanitas squinted, tilting the paper slightly for a better look.
“Yeah, it’s writte—Ah!?”
Her eyes widened in horror.
The club name read: ‘Astrid and Friends Template.’
“….”
Silence fell upon the room.
Everyone turned to look at Astrid. Their faces were blank with disbelief.
“….Who’s Astrid?” Ezra mumbled, looking genuinely confused.
“I can accept the position,” Vanitas said with a shrug. “If the club name is fine with you, I’ll send it to the—”
“No, no, no, no!” Astrid practically screamed, her face flushing red.
She turned around and glared at Sophia.
“Sophia! I told you to print the other one!”
“Ah?! Me?! Why are you blaming me!?” Sophia shot back, her face just as red. “It’s not my fault the magic printer printed the wrong form!”
“You literally pressed the button!”
“Yeah, because you told me to press it!”
Leaning back, Vanitas let out a deep, tired sigh, considering whether to accept the proposal or not.