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Chapter 40
Reaching the level of a Sword Master at such a young age, Ains likely found the basics I was learning to be laughable. Still, his mocking tone felt unnecessary.
I felt unexpectedly intimidated.
Even the fundamentals that Ains referred to seemed complex to a beginner like me. While I understood in theory that there were distinctions based on elements, actually feeling and matching mana was an entirely different challenge.
I shot Ains a resentful glance, but he merely looked at me with indifference. Eventually, I had to look away, feeling small under his gaze.
Then, Master Cesare intervened.
“Well, it might seem like common sense to some, especially to the Duke, who is a Sword Master. But we shouldn’t forget that not everyone has that background. There’s a significant difference between theoretical knowledge and practical experience.”
His words countered Ains’ dismissive attitude. Master Cesare smiled kindly as he continued, “Although not perfect yet, the mana that Viscountess Marves sensed is currently the most densely concentrated here.”
His confirmation brought a faint smile to my face.
“The progress you’ve made in such a short time is truly impressive. Even compared to the mages in this tower, your speed is commendable.”
Perhaps sensing my intimidation, Master Cesare praised me a bit too much, making me feel a little burdened.
“…Thank you.”
I replied quietly, feeling embarrassed. Ains looked down at me with intensity before quickly turning his head away.
“Now that I think about it, for the Duke, who has achieved a high level in swordsmanship, distinguishing the properties of mana might seem trivial. Isn’t that right?”
Master Cesare suddenly asked Ains. Surely, such concepts would appear simple to him, given his exceptional skills.
Having reached the status of a Sword Master, which many swordsmen aspire to, Ains likely found my early attempts at understanding mana laughable. That must be why he had dismissed my observations so easily.
As if to confirm Master Cesare’s assumption and my thoughts, Ains nodded, resting one hand on his waist. “That’s true. Although it’s my first time at the Magic Tower’s training ground, nothing seems particularly unique.”
While Ains’s comments could be seen as offensive, Master Cesare responded without any hint of displeasure. “Yes, I thought so. In that case, there’s no reason for you to stay here any longer. I’ll find someone to guide you around the tower.”
With that, Master Cesare turned to look for someone else to assist Ains. Ains frowned, glancing between Master Cesare and me.
“There’s no need for that.”
“Pardon? Why not?”
Master Cesare asked, confused by Ains’ refusal.
“If you stay here, only Duke Graham, who already knows how to handle mana, will get bored. While Master Versena and I are here to help Viscountess Marves, who is just starting her journey with mana, there’s no reason for you to remain.”
Ains fell silent. Master Cesare’s reasoning was sound. Ains had come to the Magic Tower to meet Master Versena and explore, which was a different objective from mine, focused on feeling and training with mana.
As Master Cesare pointed out, it would be better for Ains to be guided by another mage and discover various parts of the tower rather than staying in the training ground.
Ains’ silence likely stemmed from his calculations.
Perhaps influenced by Master Cesare’s comments, Ains glanced at me again, having done so multiple times already.
I didn’t shy away; instead, I met his gaze directly.
For a moment, it felt as if time had frozen before Ains turned his attention back to Master Cesare.
“There’s no need for such consideration.”
“No, it’s not a difficult task, so please don’t feel burdened.”
“I came here as part of Master Versena and Cecilia’s group. This isn’t an individual visit, so I don’t want to leave this place.”
Ains spoke firmly, and Master Cesare paused to consider before nodding.
“It might get boring. Are you okay with that?”
Ains shrugged slightly in agreement.
“Then I have a request.”
“What is it?”
“As you know, Viscountess Marves has only recently begun her training in mana. What seems obvious to you may not be to her.”
“……”
“I hope you refrain from saying things that could dampen a beginner’s enthusiasm. And whether you realize it or not, Viscountess Marves’ progress is impressive. No mage could achieve this much so quickly, not even Master Versena or myself.”
While Master Cesare’s praise felt a bit overwhelming, I understood his intention.
He was addressing Ains’ earlier dismissive remarks about theoretical knowledge.
Watching their exchange felt like Ains was being reprimanded by Master Cesare. It wasn’t just my impression; it was clear that Master Cesare was considering my feelings.
However, I worried whether Ains, with his strong pride, would accept Master Cesare’s words.
My concern wasn’t for Ains but for Master Cesare, who might find himself at odds with Ains for defending me.
From what I knew, Ains would never bow to anyone. As a noble closely tied to the imperial family and someone who controlled a significant portion of the empire’s commerce, he was a powerful figure.
The Magic Tower could face serious repercussions if it fell out with Ains over something so trivial.
“Uh, Master Cesare, I’m okay…”
I began to express my discomfort, but Master Belle stopped me. She smiled gently and shook her head.
“Just stay put, Cecilia.”
“What?”
Master Belle continued to smile without elaborating, suggesting it was fine to let Master Cesare continue.
But was it really okay? What if the Magic Tower ended up in conflict with the Graham Trading Company because of me? I should have never agreed to sit with him…
I looked at Ains and Master Cesare with concern. Ains appeared uncomfortable while looking at Master Cesare, who was patiently waiting for Ains’ response.
I hated causing trouble for others, and the fact that the person causing this trouble was my ex-husband, whom I once loved, made me feel even more uneasy.
Master Belle assured me it was fine, but I didn’t feel that way. I sensed I would regret not intervening before things escalated.
Just as I was about to step in, Ains took a deep breath and exhaled slowly, easing my worries. I hesitated, intrigued by his unexpected calmness.
“Let’s do that.”
Ains agreed more readily than I anticipated. Master Cesare smiled softly in response.
I looked at Ains in surprise, not expecting him to yield. He merely regarded me with a sullen expression, remaining silent.
“Good. Then I trust you will continue to cooperate.”
Master Cesare confirmed, but when Ains didn’t respond, he chuckled and shifted his focus back to me.
“Shall we continue?”
His tone was kind, as if he had anticipated this outcome.
“…Yes.”
I replied, feeling a bit bewildered.
After that, Master Cesare demonstrated magic right beside me, illustrating how to feel mana. He explained that these were spells too dangerous to use in the mansion’s backyard.
He showed how the nature of mana could change not only in temperature but also in various ways when using fire and ice.
Fortunately, unlike his earlier interruption, Ains stood a short distance away, arms crossed, silently observing as I learned to sense and detect mana.
