CHAPTER 5

As the long summer ended, the autumn sky spread out clearly, and the world was dyed in the colors of autumn leaves.

The rattling vibrations of the carriage gifted a drowsy lethargy to his body.

Outside the window, the deep fragrance of tulip fields unfolded in a dazzling spectrum of colors, stretching endlessly to the horizon. The world had already entered autumn.

"You must behave politely, Rain."

"I know. We're going to meet Grandfather, after all."

"I'm sorry. If I had been more competent, I wouldn't have had to bring you to a place like this."

"As long as you know."

"...?"

"...?"

"Ah, I-I see… right."

The boy flinched as he watched Kayven smile awkwardly.

Was that the wrong way to respond?

He rapidly spun the extraordinary gears of his mind, searching through memories of Lystar. How would Lystar have answered in this situation?

'I have no idea…'

Right now, his mind wasn't working at full capacity due to the sleepiness washing over him.

Despite possessing the intelligence of a Grand Mage, he was only eleven years old.

His young body could not resist its natural biological responses.

"You must be tired. Get some rest during the journey. We still have five days to go."

The Holy Human Empire had five major elector families, each ruling over a region, and five great mage families serving them.

The Warden Margrave Family of the East.

The Keppel Margrave Family of the West.

The Blado Margrave Family of the North.

The Page Margrave Family of the South.

And finally, in the resource-rich central region, the Ludwig Margrave Family, to which the boy belonged, served the Elector Prince Sion.

The mage families originated when the electors granted positions to outstanding court magicians. Among the counts, only mage families were allowed to bear the title of Margrave.

The Page Margrave Family was an exception as the foremost mage family, but that explanation could wait for later.

The carriage crossed the territory of the Ludwig family, known as Siastulica, and finally arrived at the city of the Elector Prince— Rainbow Garden.

"Wow…"

It was truly a beautiful city.

The entire city was divided into seven districts, each representing a color of the rainbow, shining brilliantly under the autumn sunlight.

For example, the district containing the Elector Prince's fortress was violet, while the education district was indigo.

Kayven led the boy into Rivarden Magic Academy, where his father was currently teaching a lecture.

"How is it? Do you want to take lessons too?"

"I prefer lessons from Father."

A pure answer without any ulterior thoughts, spoken by the boy who had already become absorbed in the lecture.

This kid…

Kayven felt a lump in his throat at that simple response.

"Does anyone have any questions?"

As Skalgie Ludwig, the grandfather, set down his chalk and posed the question, Rain raised his hand. Kayven tried to stop him, but Skalgie spoke first.

"What is it?"

"I'm curious why you used a rune in the form of 區 instead of 刺. Using 刺 would allow for a more simplified mathematical formula while increasing its power. There's also 睾 as an alternative."

Skalgie's face was overtaken with surprise, and the students in the lecture hall turned to stare blankly at the boy.

"Impressive. That was supposed to be covered later in the advanced section, 'Applications of Runes and Mathematical Abbreviations.'"

"...?"

"...?"

"...?"

"Since my family has arrived, today's lecture will end here. Teaching assistants, summarize the lesson. You two, come with me."

"You two" referred to the boy and Kayven. As the father and son followed into the corridor, Skalgie shot a glare at Kayven.

"Are you still doing that?"

"My heart wants to scold you immediately, but I'll hold back for the sake of my brilliant grandson."

"The one who gave you this brilliant grandson is Brim, Father."

Skalgie was an old man with a strong, imposing presence, his back still straight despite his age.

The dignity of a proud mage radiated from his entire being, and the magic he unconsciously exuded felt welcoming even to the boy.

After all, Skalgie was one of only ten Glados-class (4-star) mages in the entire empire.

"Strange. He's not only smarter than his foolish father but also seems well-mannered. I like him. You can leave now. The Elector Prince must have requested an audience with you, anyway."

At that moment, for some reason, the boy felt compelled to speak.

"Father is not foolish. He is a good father and a great teacher."

Why did he suddenly say that?

Was it because of the memory that surfaced—the moment when Kayven had smiled awkwardly in the carriage?

— Sir Lystar, why are you taking such a young and inexperienced child?

— There are six other skilled Glados-class (4-star) mages besides him.

— That's right. He lacks cooperation and is too arrogant.

Familiar words and gazes.

For an orphaned boy who had lived his entire life under the eyes of jealousy, Lystar Alter Shirfen had once blocked those stares with a gentle smile.

— Rain is the best magician. He is neither inexperienced nor uncooperative.

— ...?

— He simply doesn't know yet. He just needs to learn from now on.

That voice still remained deep within his memory.

And maybe… maybe he had always wanted to say the same thing to someone.

"...."

"...."

Kayven felt a sting of emotion in his eyes, a deep ache piercing his heart.

Skalgie gazed at the boy, meeting his unwavering eyes for a long moment, then suddenly let out a soft laugh.

"Do you think I don't know that? He is my son, my pride above all else in this world."

"Father…?"

"You. I told you to leave, didn't I?"

"…Understood."

"But don't go running back to the estate. Once I confirm Rain's aptitude, let's share a drink together for the first time in ages."

"…!"

"Now, follow me."

As Skalgie took Rain's hand and walked down the corridor, Kayven bowed deeply.

There was a smile in the grandfather's eyes, and tears in the father's.

The boy wondered—

Was this, too, a gift from Lystar?

If he had never met her, would he have even considered such things?

— You'll do just fine. Rain, you are a kind child.

Though he excelled as a Grand Mage, he had always lacked wisdom.

And so, today, he took another step forward—toward becoming a sage.