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“……………”

Hedera continued her deliberation under everyone’s gaze.

Why had she grown so weary of these presentations? It was because most appealed to emotions – begging her not to take away their jobs, pleading to postpone the sale as if begging for their lives.

But today was different.

Those present weren’t just employees facing layoffs or breadwinners desperate to provide for their families. At this moment, they faced the princess as true mages.

It was evident in their eyes.

While they had previously been driven by performance metrics, now they aimed solely for the challenge. Their efforts for success had transformed into efforts to avoid regret; the difference between striving for success and striving to avoid regret, though seemingly similar, was immense.

“……………”

Hedera looked at the sale proposal in her hand.

The Second Princess had faith in herself. She had faith that she could dismiss most matters with a laugh.

“…………..”

However.

Ezekiel’s presentation, regardless of her personal preferences, was clearly beyond the ordinary. It was something she hadn’t anticipated at all.

“………….”

Her deliberation dragged on.

The Ascension Ceremony.

The crucial event that those with dragon blood must undergo in the celestial realm was approaching. The performance review of the Magic Tower was scheduled even earlier.

Thus, this situation was a gamble for Hedera as well.

If the entrusted Magic Tower flourished, it would add to Hedera’s proud achievements. But if it failed, it would remain as a glaring blemish, potentially hindering her at the Ascension Ceremony.

Suddenly, a phrase came to mind.

— I’m sincere.

…Could it be that he knew how close the Ascension Ceremony was?

Was he implying that while he couldn’t explain everything, his intentions were genuine? That he aimed to develop this Magic Tower for Hedera’s Ascension Ceremony?

“……………..”

The problem was, she couldn’t directly ask him about it.

Hedera and Ezekiel had been apart for a long time, leaving many unknowns between them. Even if she asked outright, it was uncertain if she’d get an answer.

“……………..”

Hedera quietly surveyed her surroundings.

Everyone was still looking at her.

With desperate eyes, they simply watched.

As her deliberation seemed to stretch endlessly—

“Your Highness, please, we beg you.”

—someone broke the silence. Nox, from the Pragmatic faction, was bowing respectfully as he pleaded.

“Please give us a chance.”

This became the signal for all the mages to speak up.

“Please, we implore you!”

“Please postpone the sale!”

“We’ll work extremely hard!”

The same phrases as before; these words hadn’t changed at all. Yet unlike before, Hedera was now genuinely considering.

As the training hall suddenly burst into commotion—

The Second Princess lowered her mask and murmured softly.

“Stop.”

At once, everyone froze without warning. Like a photograph capturing a single moment, time seemed to stand still, creating an eerie scene.

This was the power of a dragon blood possessor. The Lingual Magic.

“…One day.” At the center of the motionless space, the Second Princess spoke, “I’ll think about it for exactly one day.”

She lifted the Lingual Magic and left the place.

~~••~~••~~

The next day.

As dawn broke, I got up. Checking the clock, it was 5 AM. Hedera’s decision announcement would be in one hour. After getting ready, I opened the dormitory door and immediately noticed something placed there—a rectangular box.

“A lunchbox?”

I opened its lid.

Immediately, an appetite-stimulating aroma wafted out. Inside were several fresh-looking vegetables and fried foods, along with a note.

[ I enjoyed your presentation. I’m leaving early. ]

[ I’ll pray for your well-beeng !]

I understood immediately upon seeing it. Solana had left this.

“It should be ‘well-being’, not ‘well-beeng’.”

Despite her exceptional holy power, her spelling remained unsolvable. Meanwhile, I was suddenly reminded of the past.

— Master! Let’s eat together!

— I made this myself!

Solana always loved cooking and would offer her homemade food whenever she was in a good mood. Receiving a lunchbox from her after so long felt somewhat strange.

‘At least Solana seems satisfied. That’s a relief.’

An angel can turn into a devil the moment they turn their back.

Why, even during our conversation in the reception room earlier, she had exuded a terrifying chill once. I was glad not to see that side of her again. Now all that remained was Hedera’s decision.

“Inspector, Inspector.”

Just then, someone called me. Twice, even.

“Inspector.”

Now three times. The voice belonged to Agnes. She wore her usual expressionless face, but somehow seemed urgent.

“Agnes, do you have three Inspectors to manage?”

“How could that be? I’m a dedicated secretary. Naturally, managing you alone is my entire job.”

“Then why call three times? I heard you the first time.”

“…I was in a hurry. That’s why.”

My gaze shifted to the cube in her hand, and Agnes quickly stuffed it into her pocket. However, the suit’s breast pocket wasn’t elastic enough to hold the cube.

…It stuck out like a squirrel with an acorn in its mouth.

“Anyway, Inspector.” Agnes swiftly changed the subject, “We’ve received a communication from another Magic Tower. After reviewing the contents, it seems you’ll need to compose a reply personally.”

I received a sheet of paper from Agnes.

== x == x == [ Invitation ] == x == x ==

Greetings.

Once again this year, the Empire’s six Magic Towers have organized a magic exchange meeting through steady efforts and achievements.

As this is a year for performance presentations, we ask for much encouragement. We especially request the esteemed guests from the Imperial Magic Tower to attend and grace us with their presence.

Though humble, we have prepared gifts. Artifacts, elixirs…. We believe you will not be disappointed. We will do our utmost to provide for you even if you just visit.

From the Black, Red, Blue, Purple, and Green Magic Towers of the Empire.

== x == x == x == x == x == x == x ==

The content itself was quite simple.

It was an invitation to a regular exchange meeting of officials from each Magic Tower, hoping for the Imperial Magic Tower’s participation.

However, I read this invitation three times.

Because it was strange.

…Strange how favorable the conditions were.

“Agnes.”

“Yes.”

“They’re saying they’ll give out things just for visiting. Isn’t it usually the opposite?”

For a meeting of officials from the six Magic Towers, even just participating would be an incredible experience. Wouldn’t it be more common to offer gifts to secure participation in such an exchange?

Something seems odd. They’re giving out precious gifts just for participating?

“It turns out there were reasons behind it,” Agnes stated matter-of-factly.

“The Imperial Magic Tower has missed over ten exchange meetings now. It’s not just once or twice; other towers are starting to notice our dire situation.”

“They’ve been preparing quite diligently.”

The other Towers weren’t complete fools.

They must have sensed something was off with the Imperial Magic Tower long ago. It seems they’re trying to lure us into a visit, expose our weaknesses, embarrass us, and elevate their own standing.

“Visits are such a hassle. Can’t we just accept the gifts?”

“…Are you in your right mind?”

“I’ve never been in my right mind.”

“This is no time for jokes. Anyway, the biggest problem right now is…”

Agnes hesitated for a moment.

“They’ve requested an immediate reply. We haven’t heard the Second Princess’s decision on the sale yet. What do you think, Inspector? How should we respond?”

I blinked quietly.

Not because I had much to consider, but because there was no need to deliberate.

“Tell them we’ll attend.”

I’m confident I can win Hedera’s trust.

I’m confident I can visit the exchange meeting with pride.

Agnes looked at me as if she wanted to ask something, but soon nodded and started writing something in her notebook, “…Understood. I’m sure you have your reasons, Inspector.”

“Oh, and tell them to skip the elixir and pack some sunweed instead.”

Snap—

Agnes’s pen nib broke.

~~••~~••~~

At the training grounds inside the Imperial Magic Tower.

At last, the time Hedera promised had arrived.

After she took her seat, an intense silence filled with tension enveloped the area. This was to be expected. No matter how well Ezekiel had presented, the final decision ultimately rested with the Second Princess.

Would it proceed with the sale as planned, or overturn it and postpone?

Was this the end, or would there be one more chance?

Everyone waited with bated breath for Hedera’s answer.

“……………”

And then, at some point, Hedera stood up.

Just as she was about to speak—

“Pardon me, Your Highness.”

Another person abruptly rose from their seat.

“………….?”

Simultaneously, confusion flickered in the eyes of the mages.

The reason being, the person who stood wasn’t a mage. It was the Knight who had been guarding Hedera’s side all along.

“Knight Valken, assigned to protect the Second Princess.”

“Valken, what is your business?”

Even Hedera herself was unaware of his intentions.

“If I may…”

Valken turned his head in a specific direction.

His piercing gaze, impossible to conceal even behind his helmet, was fixed on Ezekiel.

“…There is something I must urgently request of Her Highness.”

He concluded with a weighty voice.

All the while, he continued to stare intently at Ezekiel.