Arkhald Asylum.
That was where Arwen Ainsley was currently held.
“An asylum, huh?” Vanitas muttered to himself, staring at the report in his hands.
There was no real need to visit her. Even if he tried, they would likely turn him away with the excuse, ‘Only immediate family members are allowed to visit.’
Just knowing she was alive, her current condition, and her whereabouts were enough for Vanitas to piece together what might have happened to her.
It took an entire week of personally studying her case for him to come up with his own conjectures.
“If I’m right, the shock of her entire life’s work being dismissed due to the original Vanitas’s accusation of plagiarism, backed by nonexistent facts, combined with her fragile position within the Ainsley family, it’s no surprise she attempted suicide.”
He flipped through the documents he had gathered on Arwen Ainsley.
“An orphan, adopted by the Ainsley family due to her exceptional talent in magic, far greater than their own son, Silas Ainsley.”
It was all mere conjectures given the facts.
But there was a high likelihood it was a political power play for the Ainsley Family.
“They needed Arwen to maintain their noble standing.”
It wasn’t as if the Ainsley family was at risk of losing their status.
But in a world where the aristocrats played a game of snakes, having an heir with subpar talent would undoubtedly crumble in the future.
“….”
However, something stood out to Vanitas.
“The way they invested in her education, her public appearances alongside Silas, and the way she was gradually introduced into aristocratic circles…. it’s more or less obvious.”
Arwen wasn’t just adopted to fill the role of a gifted daughter.
She was being groomed to be Silas’s future fiancée.
“They wanted to secure their family’s future by pairing their magically inept son with a prodigy.”
Going by that logic, it made perfect sense.
If Silas couldn’t carry the weight of their family’s reputation, then Arwen would.
As his wife, she would ensure the Ainsleys remained powerful and influential.
It wasn’t an uncommon tactic among aristocratic families.
Adopting talented individuals with the long-term goal of integrating them through marriage had always been common practice throughout history.
But despite her talent, Arwen was still an outsider.
No matter how much effort she put in, her place in the family was conditional.
“A fragile position that could be shattered the moment she failed to meet their expectations.”
And that’s exactly what happened.
“With her accused of plagiarism, her worth crumbled in their eyes. She wasn’t their daughter. She was an investment. An investment they had most probably put extreme pressure on. And when investments fail…. they’re discarded.”
Vanitas sighed, closing the file.
“The controversy forced them to keep everything quiet. That’s probably why they told the university to treat the topic as taboo.”
He stood up, straightening his blazer.
“To think.… a child like her was once a student assistant working under Vanitas.”
A betrayal like that must have felt like a knife to the heart.
He walked over to a hidden cabinet, where he had stored files from Arwen Ainsley’s time working under the original Vanitas.
They had been carefully tucked away by the original Vanitas, but he had managed to find them.
“….”
It was quite puzzling.
Given the original Vanitas’s personality, he should have destroyed these files the moment he cut ties with her.
Yet, he had kept them hidden.
Finding them hadn’t been easy. It took Vanitas two weeks of searching, practically turning the office upside down.
But once he did, he secured them again in a safer place.
“There.”
Pulling out one of the files, he poured mana into his spectacles and scanned it carefully.
Her signature.
A beautiful penmanship—the letter ‘A’ flowing into an elegant loop that connected smoothly to the ‘R’ and ‘W.’
It was complex but undeniably sophisticated.
It had become his routine ever since finding them. Using his spectacles to study and replicate Arwen’s signature to an extremely accurate degree.
Nodding to himself, he placed all the files back, sat down, and took out a fresh sheet of paper.
Scritch. Scratch.
Once again, he began practicing her signature. Each of his strokes carefully mimicked the original.
Time passed, and about an hour later, Karina burst into the room with colorful excitement.
“Professor, I’m back! Look!”
She held up a thick book proudly.
Vanitas glanced at the book and chuckled.
“The line must have been long.”
“It was!” she huffed. “But I finally got a copy!”
Vanitas reached into his desk drawer and pulled out an identical book. “You could’ve just asked me. I had two copies.”
“….”
She stood there, staring at him in disbelief.
The book in her hands was none other than the thesis Vanitas had published.
Thanks to the scholars hyping it up, it had quickly gained popularity and was now available in major bookstores.
Astrea Magic Worldview.
* * *
Meanwhile, the Scholars Institute were engaged in Vanitas’s thesis, which had been published two days ago.
What Vanitas had presented during the verification process was only a glimpse of what the full thesis contained.
The finalized content was truly astonishing.
Scholars gathered in groups, debating and discussing the theories outlined in Astrea Magic Worldview.
Several practical problems were included in the thesis, which challenged them to apply the proposed theories.
——Has anyone figured out the theory yet?
——Not yet, but I applied the formula and got a mana coefficient of 853.
——That can’t be right. Mine’s 422, and I followed the formulas exactly.
——Seriously? I got 641.
Across the institute, different groups scribbled complex formulas on chalkboards and parchment. Some debated over minor details, while others experimented with practical applications.
——I’ve got something!
A scholar stood up, holding his notes.
——I managed to reduce the incantation time for the Master spell Vapor Convulsion from 23 seconds to 21.7!
——That’s incredible!
——How did you do it?
——I followed the circuit modification theory from the foundation circuit. Instead of the standard node configuration, I utilized the linked–node approach.
On the other hand, other scholars quickly flipped through their copies of Astrea Magic Worldview, eager to verify the results.
——The formula for stabilization works, but I still can’t balance the mana output.
——Try recalibrating the core resonance suggested in the footnotes. That might help.
It had been a long time since the Scholars Institute had been so captivated with a thesis that was frustrating yet fun, and undeniably brilliant.
——Can someone get a hold of Astrea? He needs to explain the modernization of linked–node circuits on page 438.
Elder Tristan, who was also deep into studying the thesis, sighed.
“Not at the moment. He’s a professor, not a scholar. If you want answers, you’ll have to attend his lectures.”
The room suddenly fell into silence.
“….”
The scholars exchanged glances, clearly considering the idea.
“You old bastards….”
It was obvious.
They were seriously thinking about it.
“Wait until he becomes an Imperial Professor, at least,’ Tristan said, rubbing his temples.
An Imperial Professor.
A prestigious title in the academic world, which elevated a professor’s license to a higher level.
Those who achieved it had the authority to establish their own academy or university.
They could also be nominated and appointed as Headmasters of renowned institutions such as university towers or government academies.
It was a goal that many professors aspired to reach.
And Tristan was certain of it.
Vanitas Astrea had the potential to become an Imperial Professor.
* * *
The atmosphere was more or less the same throughout the university tower.
Professors who weren’t close to Vanitas found themselves utterly astonished.
‘Is this really Professor Vanitas’s work?’
Questions like that often arose among them.
‘This has to be ghostwritten, right?’
Naturally, doubts arose from those who didn’t know him well.
After all, they remembered the kind of person he was just a year ago. Rumors even claimed that some of his past lectures were ghostwritten.
Of course, they were just that.
Rumors.
But it was hard not to believe them when it came from a colleague they once thought was unqualified, unreasonably strict, and borderline obsessed with odd subjects that had nothing to do with what he was supposed to teach.
In their words, a weirdo.
However, there were also those who believed in him—or rather, the current Professor Vanitas.
They had seen his lectures firsthand, witnessed his dedication, and noticed his improved work ethic.
It was as if he had changed.
Among those who believed in him were Professor Dahlia Voss, who taught spirit manipulation, and Professor Eamon Thorne, who specialized in spirit manifestation.
Both belonged to the same department, and it had to be noted that Charlotte attended their lectures.
Perhaps it was her outstanding performance in their courses that gradually shifted their perception of the Astrea name.
The apple didn’t fall far from the tree, after all.
If the younger sister was a genius, then the older brother—despite the rumors surrounding him in the past—was probably just misunderstood.
Maybe, by academic standards, he was actually a genius too.
No, at this point, calling him a genius felt like an understatement.
“I’ve been waiting for this ever since the professor introduced that circuit in his class back then….”
“Right? Damn. The finalized version is way more detailed than I expected.”
The two professors had finally managed to get their hands on a copy of Astrea Magic Worldview.
“I don’t understand any of this….” another professor muttered.
It was Professor Ui, a new faculty member who had joined the university tower a year ago. He hadn’t exactly had the best first impression of Professor Vanitas.
* * *
Meanwhile, Astrid happily hummed as she skipped through the halls, clutching her copy of Astrea Magic Worldview.
“Hm~ Hmm~”
At first, she planned on buying it in person, but after seeing the long lines at the bookstores, she decided to use her privilege as an Imperial Princess to get a copy instead.
It was another valuable addition to her growing collection of Professor Vanitas’s lecture materials.
* * *
On the other hand, Charlotte stood patiently in line, waiting to buy her own copy. With all the excitement surrounding the thesis, she couldn’t help but be curious about its contents.
A thesis proposing ideas by Archmage Zen, the legendary Archmage who laid the foundation of magic centuries ago, being redefined in the present era.
Who wouldn’t be fascinated by that?
——Next!
After a few hours of patiently waiting in one of the long lines, Charlotte finally stepped forward.
The Scholars Institute was hosting a book fair across major bookstores in Aetherion.
As always, they showcased and sold various published theses from renowned scholars and professors.
But without a doubt, Astrea Magic Worldview was the undisputed bestseller.
Demand was so high that the staff didn’t even bother placing the book on shelves. It sold out the moment it arrived.
Instead, several lines were formed to accommodate the sheer number of customers.
“AMW?” the clerk asked.
“….AMW?” Charlotte repeated, unfamiliar with the term.
“Astrea Magic Worldview,” the clerk clarified.
“Ah, yes.”
“Figures. Unfortunately, miss, we’re completely out of AMW,” the clerk said with a regretful smile. “You just missed the last copy.”
Charlotte’s shoulders slumped. “I see…. Will there be another restock soon?”
“We’re expecting a new shipment in a few days. In the meantime, may I recommend another thesis?”
“Ah, no, that’s okay,” Charlotte replied, shaking her head. “But…. has the author said anything? Any special arrangements? Perhaps a sibling privilege?”
“Sibling privilege?” The clerk tilted his head. “I don’t think Professor Vanitas Astrea has mentioned anything specific.”
“Ah, okay. I understand.”
Charlotte nodded and stepped out of the line, feeling a pang of disappointment.
“Gosh, seriously?”
Returning to the university in defeat, Charlotte was about to head back to her dorm room when something lightly tapped the top of her head
“Ack?”
She turned, ready to glare, but stopped when she saw what it was—and who had tapped her on the head.
“Where were you? I’ve been looking everywhere for you.”
It was him—Archmage Zen, or rather, her supposed brother, Vanitas.
He had lightly tapped her head with the very book she had been waiting hours in line for but couldn’t get. Her eyes widened in surprise.
“….”
“I’m not sure if you’re interested,” Vanitas said. “But I got a copy for you just in case. I heard the lines have been long.”
“….”
Charlotte blinked, then nodded bashfully and took the book from his hands.
“….Thank you.”
“Mhm,” Vanitas said. “By the way, are you free later? I figured I’d show you something.”
“Y–Yes?” she blinked. “What?”
“Our new estate.”
“Ah, okay. I’ll check it out with you.”
“Great.” Vanitas nodded and walked ahead.
Charlotte watched him leave, then glanced down at the book in her hands.
“….”
The book seemed to have been used. There was no plastic cover. Still, it was the same book she had been trying to get.
She shrugged and headed to her dorm room.
Sitting at her desk, she opened the book and started reading.
“Hmm….”
[Astrea Magic Worldview
Author: Vanitas Astrea.]
Flip— Flip—
“Ah?”
The book had definitely been used.
Sticky notes were placed throughout the pages.
The notes seemed to summarize complex ideas in much more simple terms. Concepts that had taken scholars hours to decipher were broken down into easy-to-understand fundamentals.
“Did he…. leave these for me?”
The thesis had been published two days ago. As the author, Vanitas must have received his copies earlier.
If he had this copy for her all along, it made sense why it took him a few days to give it to her.
Because he had taken the time to simplify all the concepts for her.
“….”
Charlotte couldn’t help but smile.
* * *
The construction speed in this world was far faster than what Chae Eun-woo was used to in his previous life.
With the use of magic, skilled workers specializing in magic had made significant progress on the Astrea estate in just three weeks.
The main structure of the mansion was already standing. The outer walls were nearly complete, and the roof was in place.
“….”
That being said, the estate included extensive grounds that required different specialists.
Mages proficient in Aqua magic had set up an irrigation system for the gardens and fountains, while mages specializing in Gaia magic were already shaping the landscape.
“So, what do you think?” Vanitas asked.
“….”
Charlotte stood in silence. Her eyes were wide open in astonishment.
“Just…. wow…. How much did you spend on this? Are you sure our finances aren’t drained by now?”
“Almost zero,” Vanitas said. “Just a few people who owed me favors.”
“Favors….” Charlotte repeated, her tone sounding a bit skeptical.
It was hard to believe. Could favors really cover the cost of an estate that was easily worth 3,000,000,000 Rend?
But that wasn’t all.
The land the Gambinos had managed to secure for Vanitas was much closer to the University Tower compared to their old home.
The new location was convenient, which cut down travel time and made things more efficient for both him and Charlotte, if she ever decided to move back in.
That being said, Vanitas had other plans for their previous estate.
Instead of selling it, he was investing his own funds to transform the estate grounds into a factory.
“I haven’t forgotten my promise to you.”
“Promise?”
Charlotte tilted her head, trying to recall. When it finally came to her, her brows raised slightly.
“Ah.”
“The Astrea Family’s honor,” Vanitas continued. “Like I promised, the Astrea name will rise to the status of Duke.”
The honor the Astrea family once held.
“….I see.”
“Don’t tell me you forgot?” he asked.
“No…. it’s just, I didn’t expect you to work this hard for it.”
Perhaps, when she made that deal with him back then, she had no real expectations.
She was a girl who had lost everything—who had given up everything that night. The suicide note Vanitas had found, written by Charlotte herself, was proof of how close she had been to the edge.
Yet, in the end, she had given life one final chance—through him, or rather, Chae Eun-woo.
That was why Vanitas had made her well-being one of his top priorities.
He had even gone as far as destroying the Wyndale household just because their heir, Desmond, had bullied her.
After a moment of silence, he placed a hand on her head.
“This is my gift to you,” he said. “Live freely, without worries. Focus on your studies, enjoy your youth, make friends, and pursue your dreams. I’ll be here to support you every step of the way.”
Charlotte’s eyes widened, but she remained silent.
“Do the things you love. Find what makes you happy. You only get one chance at youth, Charlotte.
Charlotte bit her lip, feeling the warmth of his words settle in her chest. She lowered her head slightly and nodded.
Was this what having a family felt like?
Ever since her mother passed away, she had never truly felt the warmth of a family again.
‘If I disappear one way or another, at least you’ll have everything you need to stand on your own,’ he thought.
There was always the possibility that his soul could be expelled, and the original Vanitas could take over again.
If that ever happened, he wouldn’t hesitate to end things himself.
“….”
Vanitas patted her head lightly before stepping forward.
“Come on, let’s take a look inside.”
She wiped her eyes quickly and followed him. “….Un.”