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Chapter 13
After hearing the truth from Lasha, Leckalin was deep in thought in his study—the very place where he had gotten a nosebleed while helping Lasha.
“Back then… I definitely saw a bird outside the window.”
The mansion was originally protected by nine layers of magical barriers—he had wanted to set up as many as possible, but surpassing the ten-layer barrier of the imperial palace was impossible.
So no bird should have been able to get in. Leckalin was relieved to find that his suspicion—that he had merely imagined it due to physical exhaustion—was incorrect.
Somehow, Lasha had appeared as if momentarily floating in the air just before he had caught her.
“So it really was the work of a wind spirit.”
Leckalin’s eyes widened.
Spirits were entities visible only to those born with the innate gift. Those without the blessing could never see them. They had always been rare, but in the present day, Spirit Masters were even more precious.
And such a being was Leckalin’s aide. He felt his heart beating faster than usual.
Though he was currently buried under an immense workload, Leckalin’s true nature was that of a magician.
Magic was the act of probing the world, and it aligned perfectly with the pursuit of truth. Most magicians were obsessed with seeking truth and researching it relentlessly—a kind of madness.
That trait had shown itself even in his youth, and Leckalin had been known as a quiet yet thoughtful child.
Already, in his mind, he was conducting research on spirits.
His imagination had reached the point of drafting dozens of papers for submission to magical academies.
Even his usually calm, mechanical expression carried a subtle glimmer of anticipation.
And Lasha, summoned to the study by Leckalin’s call, noticed that expectation.
Lasha had placed Shuivan on the bed in the room and was on her way back. Her eyes still shone with intensity.
She had also been told by Riventa that, upon signing a contract with her, she had temporarily risen from a lower to a mid-level rank, causing phenomena perceptible to the perpetrator—thus attracting Leckalin’s notice.
“So magicians really are obsessed with research. Leckalin is no different.”
Leckalin rose and approached Lasha. His straight ponytail swayed with his steps, and the sharp scent of sandalwood hit her.
“Do you wish to conduct research with my spirit?”
“Yes. I would like your permission as my aide for research.”
His expression flickered with curiosity and anticipation.
Lasha felt a fresh sense of excitement and remembered the promise she had made while returning in the carriage.
“If you grant permission, you’ll give me a proper reward, right?”
“Of course. Ask for anything you wish.”
Lasha looked to Riventa.
[If it’s research beneficial to us, I don’t mind.]
Lasha asked him about the research topics, and Leckalin pulled out ideas he had long considered for studying spirits.
Dozens of topics poured out.
Lasha selected the ones Riventa had expressed positive interest in—research on spirit evolution and properties, essentially encouraging her to evolve quickly and form contracts with other elemental spirits. Shuivan was a normal rabbit, so she would contract with him, but she had not yet given a firm answer.
“Since I cannot see the spirits myself, the aide will need to set aside time as an intermediary. I’ll pay compensation separate from the research reward.”
“Very well. Oh, will you include my name on the paper?”
“Of course. I intend to list you as the first author. If you prefer to be the corresponding author…”
“Oh, no! I’d like you not to include my name at all.”
Leckalin looked puzzled, and she continued carefully.
“Spirit Master is such a rare profession, isn’t it?”
“Are you uncomfortable with attention?”
“I’d feel like a circus clown.”
Leckalin nodded in agreement.
“Then it shall remain secret. You can reveal it later whenever you wish.”
Further discussions continued, and they decided to write a contract.
“Magic enforces it stronger than a written document.”
Leckalin said this, summoning his magic. The study was bathed in a blue light.
Lasha blinked at the sight—it resembled the color of dawn.
Outside, the night was pitch-dark, with no moon. To catch a glimpse of the clear colors of dawn under such darkness felt like a secret meeting, making her heart pound with excitement.
Leckalin extended his hand. Lasha took it as his thin lips began chanting in runes—the language of magicians.
Letters appeared in the air, and clauses were inscribed. Lasha was Party A, Leckalin Party B.
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Party A participates in Party B’s spirit research once a week.
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However, the first clause is not mandatory.
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Party B provides Party A with extra compensation and one requested item.
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The research continues until Party B publishes a paper. Party A’s name will not appear as an author.
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…
Several hours passed as they adjusted the detailed clauses.
“Then we only need signatures.”
They signed the contract, which shattered into tiny fragments as soon as it was completed. The fragments fluttered like confetti, sinking into Leckalin’s heart.
“If the clauses are broken, the fragments will explode immediately.”
“Essentially a bomb in the heart, huh?”
“As long as the clauses are followed during the term, nothing will happen.”
It was a fearsome magic called the Heart Covenant. But it gave their agreement strong enforcement.
“Now, tell me—what does the aide want?”
“Have tea with me once a week, and allow me to bring one companion.”
“Very well, as long as it’s not a bribe or favor.”
Technically, it seemed more like matchmaking than bribery.
She smiled at Leckalin, planning to create regular interactions between him and Calian, fostering a natural closeness through shared interests. Frequent meetings were the fastest way to build familiarity.
She intended to use not only the weekly tea but also the spirit research to bring them together.
Workaholic dukes buried in their offices and plant-loving younger siblings rarely meet regularly without intervention.
The timing of Calian’s awakening of divine power also mattered. In the original timeline, the mark appearing after his awakening could only belong to the High Councilor, elevating Calian’s status as the successor. If born under the Empire, the emperor meeting him was natural—and the emperor would fall for him at first sight.
This was a kind of time attack: the original story’s flow versus her will.
[Your will burns brightly, Lasha. Perfect timing for skill training.]
She ignored Riventa’s comment and spoke to Leckalin.
“Is this sufficient?”
“Yes. Since it’s nearly time for work, rest now. I’ll add this to your extra compensation.”
She felt a thrill at the thought of checking her account in a few weeks, imagining an extra zero might have been added.
“Good night.”
“Ah, wait a moment.”
Leckalin went deeper into the study and pulled out a pile of books about spirits. She watched quietly.
The public was faintly aware of spirits, and some researchers were drawn to the attention of past powerful entities.
Spirit-related books were published annually in small numbers, and Leckalin collected them whenever possible.
He organized the books and materials neatly and handed them to her.
“Take these. They may be of some help.”
It was a good harvest. Riventa restrained her as she reached for them, using wind to levitate the books.
Since Leckalin now knew she was a Spirit Master, she could freely use spirit power in front of him.
“Ah, there seems to be much I can apply to work.”
Riventa flinched slightly, perhaps sensing the flash of mad planning in Leckalin’s eyes.
“I’ll only concern myself with your power during research,” she said, nodding, and stroked Riventa to calm him.
“I agree. Let’s go then.”
“Good work.”
Walking down the quiet corridor where everyone had gone to sleep, she stopped at her door.
Something lay there—a single flower, probably a pansy. Its meaning: Think of me.
Attached to the stem was a note:
<Once again, I want to thank you for treating my hand. To you, Lasha, and to the Duke.>
She placed the note and flower by the vase. Calian seemed particularly grateful to her.
[Was that the human in the bookstore, Calian?]
“Yes. The guardian of the ones you saved.”
[He probably likes you romantically.]
“What?”
She exclaimed aloud. Riventa continued calmly.
[Seeing the flowers in the vase, he’s been leaving them continuously. Only someone interested would go this far.]
“But that’s not proof he likes me… romantically.”
[No, I’ve observed humans for over a thousand years. Nine times out of ten, this is true.]
Riventa spoke with absolute certainty, and she scratched her head, reading the note. She wanted to claim the remaining ten percent doubt.
The note also expressed thanks to the Duke.
She decided to hold the tea tomorrow and confirm Riventa’s assumption.
“He’s bound to be wrong.”
[He’s definitely right.]
At that moment, a faint sound came from the bed.
[Kiiiii…]
“Ah.”
[He doesn’t look well.]
It was Shuivan. She regretted forgetting him for a moment and approached him.
