Chapter 10. First Recepient of Letter from the Unknown

Later that night…

Jacinta rubbed her temples, sinking into the chair by her bed. Her head throbbed, the exhaustion of the day finally catching up to her.

"I'm just getting started, yet I already feel like I've run out of energy."

She had braced herself for her sisters' endless questions about the letters. But to her surprise, dinner had passed with nothing but gossip about society's latest scandals. Though curiosity flickered in their eyes, they hadn't dared to ask. After all, the contents of those letters were unbelievable. Who would take them seriously?

A breeze stirred the curtains, the pale blue fabric swaying like water. Beyond the window, the moon shone brilliantly, casting its glow across the room. Then, without a sound, a figure appeared.

An old man.

"I received your letter, young one."

Jacinta shot to her feet, her heart skipping a beat. But she quickly gathered herself and offered a respectful bow.

"Greetings to the esteemed Archmage Ferdinand, Master of the Eastern Magic Tower."

The man's white robes shimmered faintly in the moonlight, his long hair tied back in a simple ponytail. A staff rested in his hand, its polished surface etched with ancient runes. He stroked his white beard thoughtfully, a small smile tugging at his lips. Despite the palace's powerful magical barriers, he had entered without a hint of resistance.

"Hoh," he mused, amused. "You recognized me right away, though I've never set foot on this continent."

"I'm an admirer of your work, Master. I've read countless books on your magical discoveries and innovations."

He chuckled, his eyes twinkling. "I didn't expect someone so young to write such an intriguing proposal."

"You flatter me, esteemed Master." Jacinta met his gaze, her voice calm and steady. "But I'm nowhere near your level. Still, your presence here must mean you found something of interest in my letter."

"Straightforward. I like that," Ferdinand said with a grin.

With a subtle flick of his fingers, the air around her shifted. Before she could react, her feet lifted off the ground. Weightless, she hovered mid-air, the room spinning slightly beneath her.

"I'm here to fetch you," he said simply.

And in an instant, the world around Jacinta disappeared.

When Jacinta blinked, she found herself in a grand, unfamiliar room. Glowing orbs floated lazily in the air, casting a soft golden light. The walls were built of bookshelves with layers of books on them. Before she could gather her thoughts, she felt herself drop — not onto cold stone or polished marble, but onto a plush sofa.

A small table slid effortlessly in front of her, carrying a porcelain teapot and a delicate cup. Almost instantly, a luxurious fur coat draped itself over her shoulders, cocooning her in warmth.

'A long-range teleportation? As expected of a Grand Archmage.' Jacinta was in awe yet also felt jealous at how she was not blessed with such a level of magic.

"Apologies for the abrupt summoning, young one," the archmage said, his voice carrying a note of amusement. "Please, have some tea."

Jacinta gave a polite nod, carefully lifting the cup to her lips. The moment the tea touched her tongue, her eyes widened. It was divine — not overly sweet, not too bitter. A subtle, lingering flavor danced on her palate, making it impossible not to crave another sip.

"Lotus petals," Ferdinand explained, watching her reaction with satisfaction. "They're grown and nurtured with magic — a specialty of the Eastern Magic Tower. Even the imperial palace can't get their hands on such a brew."

Jacinta lowered her cup, savoring the lingering taste. It was unlike anything she had ever experienced. "It's exceptional. Thank you for sharing it with me."

Ferdinand leaned back, crossing his legs and tapping his fingers against the armrest. He studied her with curiosity, his sharp eyes gleaming.

"You're quite a peculiar one," he remarked. "Far too polite for a royal."

"I am in front of an esteemed Master. Jacinta smiled, her tone light. "It's just natural to show respect and politeness."

Master Ferdinand — one of the most renowned archmages in the world, ranked third in magical prowess. His exact age was unknown, but his name had appeared in countless magic books for over a century, particularly on the subject of teleportation.

His most celebrated invention was the Express Teleportation Mail — an oblong-shaped mirror capable of delivering anything to anyone, anywhere. Letters, packages, even small gifts could be sent instantly. It had become an essential convenience, used by commoners and nobles alike.

In the novel, Ferdinand had only been a passing mention — a subject of admiration when the female lead discussed his work with the crown prince and the first princess. But given his residence on a distant continent, his direct involvement was never part of the plot.

'A powerful piece on the board. If I play my cards right, he could help me escape this tangled web. It sent letter without revealing my name, but he found me nonetheless. That alone speaks volumes."

Jacinta straightened her posture, meeting the archmage's sharp grey eyes. "May I ask your thoughts on my proposal, Master Ferdinand?"

The old man's lips curled into a small smile, his amusement evident. "Straight to the business, wasting no time, I see. I respect that." He stroked his beard thoughtfully. "Your theory is certainly unconventional. Most mages would scoff at the idea — using nature's wind to generate what you call electricity and mechanical energy instead of relying on magic. But," he paused, the air crackling with subtle energy, "you're not the first to think along these lines."

With a flick of his wrist, a book soared from a nearby shelf, landing softly on the table before her.

"The World Without Magic," Jacinta read aloud, the title embossed in faded gold. Beneath it, the name Marcus William stood proudly.