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Chapter: 11
A week passed.
During that time, I came and went from the library and toured the Mage Tower, enjoying a leisurely stretch of days.
As time dragged on, perhaps growing impatient, the Tower Master summoned me. For the first time in a week, I returned to his chambers.
“Have you made your decision?”
The same kindly smile as before held a faint glimmer of delight.
He must think I’ll agree, of course.
That was probably why he had been willing to wait an entire week.
“I’m truly sorry.”
Regrettably, I couldn’t give him the answer he wanted.
“I’ve thought about it seriously, but no matter how much I consider it, I want to prove myself on my own—without relying on your help, Tower Master.”
“…Is that so?”
“Yes!”
I deliberately clenched my fist, putting on an optimistic, determined expression.
If I were in his place, I would’ve been furious to wait a week only to receive a rejection.
But he managed his expression with seasoned composure.
Just how long can he keep that up?
“I think only by doing things myself—without leaning on anyone—can I truly prove myself to my father.”
As I added that shyly, he opened his mouth, still wearing a smile.
“If that is Miss Ophelia’s wish, then I must respect it.”
“Thank you.”
“Very well. Thank you for giving it thought. Please be careful on your way out.”
It was a far gentler response than I’d expected.
He’s letting me go this easily?
Even as I opened the door and stepped out, my doubts lingered.
I had expected him, at the very least, to ask me to reconsider—even if he didn’t beg.
Was he more patient in the past?
Considering how he used to fly into a frenzy over even the slightest denial of Hexwood, his calm reaction felt strangely unsettling.
Then—
“You won’t regret this?”
He stopped me just as I was about to leave completely.
“If you became my disciple, you could easily become a full mage of the Tower and receive support others could only dream of. And that’s not all. With proper education, you could grow into a truly exceptional mage.”
He’s talking a lot.
Though he tried to act indifferent, his efforts to sway my resolve finally put me at ease.
“I hear you visit the library every day—that your passion for learning is remarkable. If you didn’t possess my token, do you think an outsider like you could have lived so comfortably here?”
“Well, that’s…”
“I don’t think so.”
He lifted one corner of his mouth crookedly as he spoke.
“Shouldn’t you be able to prove yourself without a token if you truly want to succeed by your own strength?”
He didn’t hesitate to apply pressure.
“That’s true!”
I turned back, acting anxious yet resolute.
When I placed the token on the desk before him, the corner of his lifted lips twitched.
“Thank you for lending me the token!”
After that bold farewell, he didn’t try to stop me again.
Now how will he react?
Now that I’d actually gone through with it, I felt a twinge of worry—but the water had already been spilled.
I hope the response comes soon.
What I was aiming for was for the Tower Master to repeat the same mistake he once made—losing his reason and bringing the Tower to ruin. The thought made me both nervous and excited.
That way, Felion will return sooner too.
And the reaction I’d been waiting for came sooner than expected.
After leaving the Tower Master’s chambers, I headed straight to the dining hall.
As usual, I greeted the security guard and tried to go inside—but he stepped in front of me.
“This area is restricted to outsiders.”
“What? I was here just this morning.”
“We ask for your cooperation. Entry by non-mages is restricted.”
Even as he said that, he allowed groups who clearly didn’t look like mages to enter.
It meant only I was being barred.
Not even an hour has passed.
My prediction was right—his patience was short.
To stoop this low over food…
It was petty behavior, unbecoming of someone with the title of Tower Master.
“Oh my, you look quite wronged, don’t you?”
At the familiar voice, I slowly turned around and saw Ellis approaching, her golden hair swaying.
“You’ve received quite a bit of special treatment because you were the Tower Master’s guest—but you’re no longer his guest, are you?”
She deliberately brushed past me into the dining hall, then turned her head slightly, curling her lips into a smile.
“What a shame. Even if you regret it now, it’s too late.”
She even winked mockingly before disappearing with light steps.
I could feel the surrounding gazes drawn by the small commotion.
I looked at the guard with pleading eyes, but he coldly shook his head.
What should I do?
Making a scene was an option—but I didn’t want to appear like a childish troublemaker throwing a tantrum.
As I stood there hesitating, another voice spoke.
“What are you doing? Stop blocking the way and move.”
It was Leonar.
Perfect timing.
If I look like I’m being treated unfairly compared to someone my age, maybe I’ll earn some sympathy.
I had been wondering how to respond, so this worked out nicely.
“Why aren’t you answering?”
“I didn’t want to acknowledge you and get you treated unfairly too.”
“What are you talking about? Stop saying nonsense and move—I’m blocking traffic.”
At his sharp response, I gave a bitter smile.
“I can’t go in.”
“Why not?”
“I think I’ve earned the displeasure of someone important.”
He frowned, clearly not grasping the situation.
I started to say something, then shook my head as if it were nothing.
“Don’t act like you know me next time.”
I didn’t forget to add that.
Leaving him with a confused expression, I offered my final farewell.
“Enjoy your meal.”
Then I walked away, my steps heavy.
“What’s wrong with her?”
He looked puzzled, but didn’t stop me.
Once the gaze at my back faded, I quickly slipped out into the corridor.
Since I’m out anyway, should I check?
Instead of returning to my room, I headed for the facilities I’d been using.
The library, laundry room, dining hall, garden, community center—every facility within the Mage Tower was now off-limits to me.
“I’m sorry, Ophelia. Unfortunately, we can’t let you in from today.”
“These facilities are only available to official Tower mages or invited guests.”
“Where do you think you’re going? Are you trying to get someone fired?”
Some staff looked at me with pity, while others sneered as if enjoying my misfortune.
With every part of daily life blocked off, I grew visibly serious.
Of course, that seriousness was only on the surface—inside, I breathed a sigh of relief.
Just in case, I went to the Tower’s main gate to ask. Thankfully, they didn’t plan to expel me. I simply couldn’t use the facilities, but I was free to come and go between the Tower and the outside.
If I look too energetic, it might seem like I’m not desperate enough.
I deliberately slumped my shoulders, wearing a gloomy expression.
Back in my room, I leaned against the long sofa.
The Tower Master was probably waiting for me to come crawling back, unable to endure the inconvenience.
Unfortunately for him, I had no intention of dancing to his tune.
I closed my eyes and recalled the time I’d been kidnapped by him in the past.
“It’s not difficult. You just need to help with my research. You’ll become an assistant to my magnificent work for the boundless advancement of humanity!”
Just meeting his madness-filled gaze back then had made me tremble in fear, unable to even ask questions.
Only after Felion rescued me and Moremo revealed that he was researching magic for immortality did I finally understand that madness.
I’m glad he hasn’t changed at all.
Because he was exactly as I remembered, I felt no guilt whatsoever about driving him out.
It’s understandable for anyone to dream of immortality as they age—but kidnapping innocent people to achieve it is undeniably wrong.
With patience this short, it won’t take much to make him snap.
I didn’t like having to stay cooped up in my room in broad daylight, but it was necessary to appear deep in thought.
My goal was simple: to make the Tower Master lose his reason and act rashly, forcing the Vice Tower Master to return.
“By the way… did the letter arrive safely?”
Now that the immediate problem was put aside, I remembered the letter I’d sent to the ducal house—and then forgotten.
Please, let it arrive safely and stir things up.
Holding onto that small hope, I closed my eyes to give my strained mind and body some rest.
