Chapter 111
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Chapter 111
"Just because someone conducts themselves with propriety doesn't mean they're a good adult, does it? Lucian is growing well in his own way."
Ahin continued his explanation with a serious expression.
"Most children that age only think of themselves. But the Lucian I've seen is different. He's integrated into communal life better than anyone. This would be impossible without genuine care and consideration for his peers."
"That's right. Where else would Lucian have learned such a heart?"
Melissa, who had agreed with Ahin's words, pointed toward me.
"Lucella taught him all of it."
Melissa smiled at me as she spoke.
It was kind of her to say, and I found myself believing their words without reservation.
"Isn't that just how it appears to Ahin and Melissa's eyes? You two have been together with Lucian for months, so you've seen sides of him that others haven't noticed. Other people wouldn't know about those."
In my eyes, Lucian is still a troublemaker.
Of course, he's improved considerably compared to when he was causing problems constantly, but I felt he still had a long way to go.
However, Ahin and Melissa shook their heads.
"Lucella, do you not know how much people praise Lucian?"
"Everyone says he's completely different from the rumors. Some are even saying that the Duke of Bellomen deliberately spread false rumors."
"Really?"
"Of course."
"It's true."
Ahin and Melissa nodded vigorously.
"So please, don't worry too much about Lucian or doubt him. Perhaps Lucian is growing far better than you expected."
"...I understand."
Hearing their words, my throat tightened for some reason. 'I thought it was just empty flattery.'
When the nobles praised Lucian, I had assumed they were forcing out compliments to get closer to me.
But reality was different. People genuinely cherished watching the once-immature child grow.
Once again, I had been trapped in my narrow perspective and failed to see Lucian properly.
'My boy is growing up well.'
I took a sip of tea.
Fearing that continuing to talk about Lucian would bring tears to my eyes, I changed the subject.
"Anyway, I didn't expect you two to accept my request so readily."
"Didn't we promise? That we would grant anything Lucella asks without conditions."
Sensing my feelings, the two of them accepted the new topic without much resistance.
"Still, it's not easy to decide to go into business together. You could have refused if it felt burdensome."
"If it's something recommended by Lucella, it's trustworthy."
I widened my eyes at the trust the two of them showed toward me.
"Am I really someone so trustworthy?"
"Of course."
Melissa nodded with an expression that asked why I would ask such an obvious question.
"When Wyvern appeared, I became certain watching Lucella sacrifice yourself without the slightest hesitation. I knew—this person is trustworthy, even if I can't trust others."
"So naturally we should accept a business proposal from someone like that."
"Wow, I'm really grateful, but it's a bit overwhelming."
Ahin and Melissa burst into laughter at my jest.
"Please don't feel burdened. My decision wasn't based solely on faith in Lucella, after all."
"After our conversation, Count Ollender struck me as quite a diligent man. His track record and the results he's produced speak to that. He seemed sincere, so I accepted the proposal. At the very least, I don't believe he'll disappoint us."
Oh, so you've already investigated Count Ollender?
Despite his careless demeanor, Ahin possessed a surprisingly meticulous side.
"With the Monster Forest and the cold-wind magical artifacts, things are about to become quite hectic."
At Ahin's words, I tilted my head in confusion.
"Are the two of you also participating in the mana stone excavation work?"
Both Ahin and Melissa shook their heads at my question.
"No. We've only been tasked with investigating the Monster Forest itself. We're looking into why monsters gathered there in the first place, and what connections exist between monsters, mana stones, and miasma."
Melissa's eyes trembled slightly as she spoke. Even imagining it seemed to give her a headache.
But Ahin was different.
"Isn't it fascinating that mana stones don't disappear even when miasma is purified? If monsters are necessary for mana stone generation, then miasma must play a crucial role in the process...."
His eyes gleamed as he continued his explanation about monsters and mana stones.
Unable to comprehend a word of what he was saying, I merely nodded vaguely with a vacant expression.
"Ah, that's why."
After rattling off his explanation like machine-gun fire, Ahin clapped his hands sharply and retrieved something from his pocket.
What he pulled out was contained in a small vial....
"Miasma?"
"Precisely."
Ahin nodded.
True to his word, dark and murky miasma swirled violently inside the small vial.
"You can carry something this dangerous outside?"
"It's safely sealed, so there's no problem. It's a special vial designed to contain miasma. After all, didn't Lucella fail to sense any miasma earlier?"
"Yes. It's remarkable."
I stared at the miasma churning violently within the vial. The intensity of the whirlwind suggested a considerable quantity of miasma, yet I felt nothing at all—proof that Ahin's containment was working perfectly.
"But why did you bring this?"
"I wanted to give it to Lucella as a gift."
"What?"
My face contorted at Ahin's words.
"This is... a gift?"
"Haha, Lucella's honesty is refreshing, I must say."
Apparently my expression was amusing, as Ahin threw his head back in laughter.
"Actually, it's not a gift so much as something I brought hoping you might help us."
He set the vial containing the miasma down on the table.
"Didn't I mention we're investigating the correlation between miasma and mana stones?"
"Yes."
"Well, I can only come up with a few plausible hypotheses, but the research isn't making real progress."
He retrieved something else from his inner pocket. This time, it was a mana stone.
"If I provide you with both the vial of miasma and the mana stone, would you be willing to assist us with the research?"
"But I'm not a mage. I have no knowledge of magic or mana."
"I am aware. However, sometimes the most brilliant ideas emerge from the most unexpected quarters, do they not?"
He extended toward me a vial containing magical essence and a mana stone.
"I do not expect anything extraordinary from someone who is not an expert. I merely ask that if anything comes to mind upon observing this magical essence and mana stone, you might offer me a subtle hint."
"It's not something I cannot do, but... isn't this terribly dangerous? It's magical essence."
"The magical essence will not leak unless you deliberately shatter the vial, so there is no need for concern. Lucella and Lucian possess the ability to handle any situation should the essence escape. Of course, such a thing will not occur."
Watching Ahin speak with such confidence, my anxiety eased somewhat.
As he said, Lucian and I possessed special abilities. Should even the slightest trace of magical essence escape, I could purify it entirely with Lucian's power.
"I understand."
"Thank you. Since you are already contemplating this, I would be most grateful if you would ponder with me how this magical essence might be utilized."
"Don't you dare subtly dump this task on me."
"Ha, you caught me."
With our conversation concluded, we rose from our seats. It was time for Ahin and Melissa to return to the Imperial Research Laboratory.
I placed the items Ahin had given me into my pocket and gathered the documents.
Though my knowledge was limited, I had been asked, and I intended to deliberate on this matter together with Lucian.
"I shall endeavor, but please do not hold your expectations too high..."
I was in the midst of speaking to Ahin and Melissa.
"My, Miss Rilprey?"
A voice from across the way caused my words to falter.
"Ah, Miss Dimen."
The person who had greeted me was Elena Dimen, whom I had come to know through a tea party not long ago.
'Now that I think of it, Miss Dimen...'
She had said she harbored affection for Claude.
She had even asked me if she might pursue him.
As the forgotten memory surfaced, a heaviness settled in my heart.
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Brought to you by Valir Scans! To support our team and enjoy the latest releases, please read directly on our official site: valirscans.org
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