Adrian slowly parted his lips as he stared at Mikhail’s cold expression.
“Kyle sunbae’s research topic isn’t entirely about black mana. It’s more about exploring whether there’s some kind of connection between Ordinas and black mana. If you’d asked, I would’ve told you right away. But since there’s no conclusive result yet, I figured it’d be premature to bring it up.”
Kyle, who had been listening quietly while nodding along, pulled an exaggerated face and let out a dramatic groan. Then he muttered, “It’s true there’s no conclusion yet, but… hearing it like this still kinda stings.”
Mikhail merely looked at Adrian’s face as he explained the situation in a calm tone. For some reason, his eyes—when they met Adrian’s—were brimming with betrayal.
A brief silence passed.
Adrian wondered, Does this just sound like a lame excuse, even though it’s true? Mikhail remained silent. Eventually, Adrian gave a resigned expression and spoke up first. He wasn’t sorry, but it felt like the right thing to say.
“Sorry I didn’t tell you earlier. I didn’t think you’d be interested in black mana research.”
Mikhail let out a small sigh before replying. Just hearing that apology made it feel like he was the one who’d been desperate to know the research topic.
“It’s not that I’m mad about that, it’s more like… never mind.”
The frustration lingered. Mikhail turned his head sharply in the opposite direction.
It was then that Kyle, who had been sitting across the table silently listening to the conversation, finally spoke up.
“So, are you going on the field trip with us or not? If you are, there’s a mountain of stuff we need to fill you in on, so the sooner you let us know, the better for everyone.”
“Ah, is that so? It was the Hildeke Cliffs, right?”
“Yeah. To be honest, it’s not exactly a place I’d recommend for beginners. The terrain’s rugged and steep. But if you want to prove the connection with Ordinas, it’s the best spot. I’m planning to leave right after the Serichane Festival ends.”
Rugged cliffs, huh.
A student dying on an expedition like that… that sort of thing wouldn’t be all that surprising. Adrian gave a subtle smile and nodded. It was the kind of detail that might come in handy someday.
“Honestly, I’d prefer it if you came with us, Adrian. It’s one thing to take the reagents and use them in a lab, but seeing it in person might let you grasp something deeper.”
Kyle added with a serious look on his face.
Just as he said—if Adrian were to see the source of black mana with his own eyes, perhaps he might come to understand the nature of this “irresistible force” that had been tormenting him lately.
But… what would it change, whether it was destiny or not? Even if he learned the truth behind that unyielding force and order, what was he supposed to do with that knowledge? If everything was already predestined, wouldn’t ignorance be easier? Wasn’t he already in trouble precisely because he knew too much?
As Adrian rested his chin on the table, lost in thought, Mikhail suddenly cut in.
“So? Are you going?”
“Hmm… I’m still thinking about it.”
“Thinking? You didn’t hesitate a second when you were secretly researching black mana behind my back, but now you’re having this long of a dilemma over just going on a trip?”
“…Didn’t we already finish that discussion earlier?”
Talk about holding a grudge… Adrian grumbled internally at Mikhail’s sarcasm. Kyle, watching Adrian’s strange expression, earnestly started emphasizing the appeal of the expedition.
“It’s not even a long trip. Just a few days. Once we wrap up the research on the origin of black mana, it’ll practically feel like a vacation! The Hildeke Cliffs are the only dangerous part—surrounding them is a forest with great scenery and perfect spots to rest. I think it’ll be a lot more fun than you expect.”
“I see…”
Adrian’s unconvincing reply prompted Kyle to shift targets. He turned to the person sitting right beside him—Mikhail.
Kyle had to graduate this year. Which meant he needed to wrap up this massive research topic within the current semester. Fortunately, Mikhail had shown interest in black mana too.
Clearing his throat as if to compose himself, Kyle drew both freshmen’s attention.
“Also… there’s still one slot left open in the team.”
A glint of realization flickered in Mikhail’s eyes.
If it was after the Serichane Festival, the schedule was doable. His older brother had told him not to get involved in this matter, but that level of interference wasn’t enough to stop Mikhail’s will. The royal family in the capital always went overboard in coddling the youngest prince. If Mikhail didn’t take action himself, it was obvious that no one would tell him anything about black mana until Rustavaran was on the verge of destruction.
“Does that mean it’s possible to join even without being a registered research assistant?”
“Of course it is!”
Kyle responded quickly but then added with a sheepish smile, as if something was weighing on his conscience.
“Just keep in mind… this won’t be anything like the luxurious royal excursions you’re used to. I’ve done what I can to prepare, but not everything is top-grade. As you know, it’s an academic expedition, so we’re already stretching the budget to its limits.”
“Budget?”
Hmm. Mikhail looked down at the table in response to Kyle’s words. Three full portions of food still lay spread out in front of him. In Basamiel, he had been so penniless that he couldn’t even order meals like this freely. But going on this expedition meant stepping beyond Tilon’s influence.
Out where he could finally spend gold instead of dealing with that damned Tilon.
“I don’t know how much funding you’ve been given, but the royal family of Rustavaran will double it. I’ve got no patience for shabby trips.”
Well, if it’s related to black mana, that’s reason enough. Mikhail gave a light shrug, casually tossing out an amount that would let a commoner live in luxury for several years.
“Wait… what? What?!”
Kyle was practically gaping, unable to shut his mouth at the sudden stroke of fortune. The idea of a royal family sponsoring a senior’s graduation thesis research at the Academy—it was something he had never even dared to imagine.
The freshman sitting across from him suddenly looked like he was glowing. That noble silver hair shimmered in the light as if reflecting divine brilliance—it was blinding.
Afraid Mikhail might take it back, Kyle snapped out of his daze and responded quickly.
“O-of course! That’ll really help us prepare properly. Adrian, you’re definitely coming too, right? A research expedition funded by the royal family of Rustavaran! That’ll open so many doors down the line!”
Kyle’s eyes sparkled as he turned to Adrian, his expression practically begging to set off on the journey this instant.
“Well… yeah. I guess I am…”
Adrian gave a reluctant nod as he stared back at that gleaming look. It was obvious that turning down such a golden opportunity would mark him as strange in their eyes.
“Still, we’ll be leaving after the festival as originally planned, right?”
Mikhail lifted his teacup to his lips as he spoke. This meeting had started off irritating, but in the end, it had turned into a very satisfying negotiation.
Kyle felt like a light had suddenly appeared at the end of the long tunnel of his research—a chance to finally graduate after barely scraping by. He answered Mikhail’s question with confidence.
“Yeah, we’ve got enough prep time. I’ll make the schedule as flexible as possible.”
“It’s nice talking to someone who actually makes sense.”
Unlike a certain someone. Mikhail glanced sidelong at Adrian with an expression that said this whole matter had nothing to do with him.
“Oh dear, Prince, you flatter me.”
Kyle chuckled and met Mikhail’s eyes with a grin. From afar, they might have looked like conspirators hatching some secret plan.
Adrian, still seated at the same table, silently sipped his tea. He seemed to be the only one even slightly concerned that Mikhail’s plates were still piled high with untouched food.
See? It was the right call to be greedy after all.
Adrian thought with a blank, unreadable face.
***
It was the quiet of night, with everyone else fast asleep.
In the dark room, Adrian lay on his bed, silently raising his hand to gaze at the back of it.
[5,104 Tilon]
Instantly, a bright glow revealed the floating numbers. It was the total from selling all the fruits of the Kevish saplings he had raised—a transaction finalized just a few days ago through the school newspaper. He’d cultivated them with great care, ensuring top quality, so this price wasn’t outrageous by any means.
Adrian stared at the numbers hovering in the air.
If he handed this over to Mikhail, all the hassle would vanish. Then Mikhail would win the tournament, combine the prize money with this gold, and claim Fellen Deeps’ sword. If Adrian simply accepted the fate ordained by Ordinas, perhaps the burden of his and Mikhail’s “All-Seeing Eyes” would lessen.
But…
“Not yet.”
Adrian’s quiet voice echoed softly through the stillness of the room. Not yet. I can still wait.
For now, he had decided to watch things unfold a little longer.
Omg we’re so close to his ‘death’