DHDF 38

chapter 38

“What do you want to hear first?”

No matter how much I tried to think, my limited imagination couldn’t even guess.

To be honest, I could somewhat anticipate the good news.

But if it wasn’t good news, the disappointment would be even greater, so I was trying my best to ignore it.

“I’ll hear the good news first.”

“The ability every mage must have: ‘Mana Perception.’ You have it too.”

Hmm, really? My surprise lasted only a moment before my heart swelled with excitement.

I had only wanted to learn it because I needed another tool, but being told I was qualified made me happy.

‘Wait. Then what’s the bad news?’

Surely, it wasn’t that he didn’t want to help me now… I didn’t voice it out of fear it might come true, but fortunately, that wasn’t the case.

“But for the next step, ‘Mana Sensitivity,’ you need to master ‘Mana Perception’ first.”

“Master it… what does that mean exactly?”

“You need to be able to sense mana instantly as soon as you focus on it.”

I thought deeply.

Looking back, all I had experienced was pain.

That meant I still couldn’t even grasp this ‘mana.’

If I had to go through that process just to perceive it, how much more vomiting would I have to endure?

“So, get sufficiently used to it first, then we’ll talk again.”

“Got it. I’ll be ready.”

The next day, I went straight to the library and borrowed books about magic.

I realized that geniuses aren’t always talented at teaching.

If someone had been able to sense mana from birth, would they even have tips to teach me…?

“Although there are individual differences, beginners typically take about 30 minutes to recognize mana.”

Thirty minutes. I hadn’t timed it exactly, but it seemed I had taken less than that.

“The resulting pain and symptoms vary widely. Some may feel a burning sensation all over the body, as if scorched, while others may cry so much that they suffer dehydration.”

Still, it seemed the aftereffects diminished once you got used to it.

Right. Vomiting before even using magic would definitely be inconvenient.

After finishing a cup of tea I asked Rosaline to prepare, I began practicing mana perception.

“Ugh!”

The pain became sharper.

As soon as I felt the reaction, I checked the clock and buried my head in the nearby bucket.

Twenty-one minutes. Shorter than average, but I couldn’t settle for that.

‘Laot said I should be able to feel it immediately…’

So, I needed to shorten that 21 minutes, meaning there was still a long way to go.

Moreover, each session put a heavy strain on my body, so I couldn’t practice for long periods.

Instead, I tried to build up basic theory from books. Many unfamiliar terms made it tough.

‘But it’s fun anyway.’

Time passed like that until the day of the appointment arrived.

It was the day I was to visit Count Erdion’s mansion.

‘Honestly, I thought they might refuse because it was a bit sudden.’

But they gladly agreed, so I could go.

Laot accompanied me again.

Perhaps noticing my puzzlement on my face, Laot kindly explained without me asking.

“The mage you applied for is at a high level. Definitely worthy of some caution.”

“How high?”

“If you’re generous, Grade 2. At worst, Grade 3.”

To be officially recognized as a mage, one must take official exams hosted by the Mage Tower or the Empire.

After multiple stages, the grade is determined: Grade 1 is the highest, Grade 7 the lowest.

So being Grade 2 or 3 isn’t something that can just be ignored.

“So until we catch them, you’ll follow your schedule accordingly.”

The shadow under Laot’s eyes was explained in that moment.

It seemed caused by him forcing his daily routine for my sake.

“I can catch them before I become an adult, right?”

This was crucial for me. Otherwise, I’d have to handle that mage alone.

Laot looked incredulous.

“What? You’re a year younger than me.”

“Yes, that’s right.”

“It won’t take that long.”

While we talked, Count Erdion’s mansion came into view.

It was the first time I visited a major noble’s residence since the Edendale house.

Valosio had some townhouses that children found endlessly fascinating, but they couldn’t compare.

‘Impression-wise… it feels lively.’

Edendale had been antique and serene, while Erdion was bright and vibrant.

It wasn’t just because of the white contrasts; it felt like it had popped out of a painting.

“Thank you for coming. I’ve been waiting, my dear. And you too, Laot.”

As we got out of the carriage, Count Erdion himself quickly approached to greet us.

“He had urgent business and went out last night. He regrets not being able to greet you.”

“Oh, I see? That’s too bad. I hope everything goes well for him.”

Then, guided by the Countess, we toured the mansion.

I remembered Arthur had told me about the Erdion house before.

They supported and introduced many artists.

Sure enough, wherever we went, works of art were everywhere.

“If you find a piece you like, let me know. I’ll gladly give it to you.”

The Countess said gently as I admired the art.

“Thank you just for the offer.”

“I was serious. I couldn’t possibly let you leave empty-handed.”

The Countess personally led me through various galleries and corridors, explaining each work.

Of course, I knew nothing about art, so nothing really registered in my mind.

I didn’t even know a single artist. Naturally, it was all lost on me.

‘I tried not to show it, but it must have been obvious…’

As I was getting quickly exhausted, I noticed a familiar building in a landscape painting.

Partially obscured, but it was clearly the Count’s mansion.

“This is…”

“You recognized it immediately. Sharp eyes. Shall I tell you something amazing? This painting is older than our mansion.”

“So the mansion was built after the painting?”

“Yes. The Count at the time was so captivated by this painting that he immediately summoned artisans. Beautiful, isn’t it?”

“Yes, it is.”

I felt a little uneasy.

It must have cost an astronomical sum, and yet they invested just for such a simple reason—it was astonishing.

“Tea time already. I’ve recently found a variety I enjoy and want to share with you both.”

I turned from the painting and followed the Countess into the drawing room.

I made sure the windows were wide open before sitting.

“I’m thinking it might not suit young tastes, though.”

As the teacup filled, the Countess spoke suddenly. I understood—children usually prefer something sweet.

Thanks to my training with Aete, I managed to handle it smoothly, but I felt someone flinch beside me.

Laot, whose face turned bright red under our gaze, whispered,

“…Sorry.”

“Oh, it’s fine. I’ll get something else for you.”

It was the first time I realized Laot didn’t enjoy tea.

Not all noble children have “antique tastes.”

After tea, we received various gifts and got back into the carriage.

I stuck my face out the window, staring blankly at the Erdion mansion receding behind us.

‘Living alone, I don’t need such a huge house. Cleaning and maintenance would be a nightmare.’

I began picturing my future home in my mind.

‘One room for the bedroom, another for a study.’

Maybe a guest room too, just in case.

I thought I might still keep in touch with Litema even after I leave.

‘I’d like a garden, even if small.’

I never cared about that before, but after enjoying Edendale’s garden, I changed my mind.

Sometimes I took care of flowerbeds at the orphanage, so I could probably manage one myself.

I knew I’d have to pay accordingly for my own home.

‘But I have no idea how much it would cost under my conditions.’

I added another plan: check house prices.