Chapter 8: Scamming the Funding

Lucian's lips twitched. Psychological activity, changes in the human heart — was he going to have to cover dream analysis, behavioral psychology, and oneiromancy? "So many Wizards actually believe Isabella could win the Laurel? Just because it's groundbreaking and pioneering, able to fold illusion further into the Arcane system, they'd completely ignore that this is still a shallow, immature piece of research? This violates the very spirit of Arcane Magic!" Harrison paid no attention to the oddity of Lucian's smile and continued venting indignantly. After arguing with a horde of Archanists about this matter all afternoon, he had built up a great deal of pent-up frustration, and finally finding someone like Lucian — an Archanist who was also a straightforward elemental and astrological mage, with no preconceived stance on the matter, someone who could serve as a good listener — he naturally poured out his thoughts on the subject. Lucian held his wine glass, smiling as he listened to Harrison's complaints, and thought of the paper he was about to write and submit, feeling a rather uncanny sense of being shot through. After rambling on for quite a while, Harrison finally subsided. The banquet was about to begin. He nodded at Lucian with satisfaction: "Evans, you really are an outstanding Archanist — you have sharp insight into Arcane Magic and can clearly judge the value of Isabella's research. In the future, if you have any questions about alchemy or illusion, feel free to consult me." Without waiting for Lucian to reply, he headed back to the grand hall together with James, Russell, Hisong, and the others. "I didn't say a single thing…" Lucian silently watched his retreating figure, crying out in injustice in his heart. All he had done was listen with a smile from the sidelines, chiming in with an occasional "mm-hmm" or "ah" — how had Harrison taken him for a supporter of his views? "Though he does seem to prefer calling himself a Wizard — that honorary title from the ancient Magic Empire — rather than an Archanist like the rest of us…" This was Lucian's first encounter with a high-ranking illusionist, and he instinctively assessed the man's views from his speech habits and speaking tendencies. "Right then, Evans, let's go out. I'll introduce you to everyone — they're all nobles in the kingdom who lean toward the mages' side." Prince Patrick ended his conversation with Duke Russell, Duke James, and the others, rested for a few minutes, and took a vial of restorative potion. Only now did he call for Lucian to return to the grand hall together. Lucian set aside his analysis of Viscount Harrison and followed the prince out with a smile. After some twenty or thirty nobles and their ladies had greeted the prince, Patrick pointed at Lucian and announced: "Ladies and gentlemen, the guest of honor at tonight's banquet — Lucian Evans! This evening is held to celebrate his becoming a disciple of the Storm Lord!" The nobles, who had not been informed in advance and only learned of this now, went from blank astonishment to enthusiastic applause. The Storm Lord's reputation in these nations on the far side of the continent was formidable. Many nobles knew he was a Grand Archanist and a core member with veto power in the Magic Council's Supreme Council. The weight of his disciple's standing naturally spoke for itself, and the fact that Lucian Evans had accepted Prince Patrick's invitation to such a banquet signified that he was pro-nobility — worth applauding and congratulating. After the applause, the bald Duke James came over with his wine glass: "Evans, when we were discussing the Electromagnetic Communication spell earlier, you didn't offer any opinions. Were you secretly laughing at us for going down the wrong track? Heh, I wonder — could you put in a word with the Storm Lord, see if he might simplify the Electromagnetic Communication spell down to Second Circle? I'd absolutely have no objections to cooperating on that." Though his tone carried a hint of "complaint," James was actually using this conversational gambit to draw them closer — far more familiar than his earlier courteous, smile-laden politeness. "I'll do my best, but as you know, the Master has a terrible temper. We're constantly on edge around him, not daring to make the slightest mistake." Lucian deftly used the Storm Lord's fearsome "reputation" as a shield. Harrison, who had followed along, stared at Lucian for a long moment before speaking: "Congratulations, Evans. I expected you to land a committee member as your master, but I never imagined it would be the Storm Lord himself. Earning a Crown or Medal before reaching high rank — that really does make a tremendous difference for one's development." "Mr. Harrison, just saying 'congratulations' won't do. I'm counting on you to introduce me to other high-ranking mages. I don't actually know many people in the Magic Council," Lucian said with a sincere smile. Instantly understanding that Lucian was looking to build his network of connections, Harrison's small grievance evaporated. Much more earnestly than before, he replied: "My friends and I look forward to discussing Arcane and magical matters with you, Evans." Light, elegant music played, and the banquet proceeded in this pleasant atmosphere. Lucian met many great nobles who wielded real power in the kingdom or controlled entire regions. And to his surprise, the bald Duke James had already advanced to ninth rank, becoming a Golden Knight, while several other nobles among the guests were Sky Knights. …… After the banquet, Lucian returned to Allendre and was about to head to his study to write his paper when Leo came to report: "Master, a gentleman named Lazarus has arrived with a group of Magic Apprentices to pay you a visit." "Well, they've certainly got quick intelligence." Lucian had planned to invite friends and apprentices over for a gathering after finishing his paper to announce his return, but Arthur, Lazarus, and the others had come to find him one after another. Still, the arrival of good friends made Lucian very happy, and he told Leo: "Show them in at once." Brown vest, white shirt, black double-breasted frock coat, tall top hat — Lazarus's attire was no different from over a year ago, and his smile was still as radiant as sunshine, lifting the spirits of anyone who saw him. Annick, Lailiya, Heidi, Sprint, and the other apprentices, however, had shot up in height and now looked like proper teenagers instead of half-grown children. "Lucian, you came back without even dropping me a word! Thank goodness Katrina works the front desk at the Department of Mage Administration, or we'd never have known you'd become the Storm Lord's student!" Lazarus enveloped Lucian in a warm embrace. The other apprentices stole glances at Lucian with a mixture of excitement and trepidation, bowing stiffly: "Welcome back, Master Evans." "Front desk reception at the Department of Mage Administration? Katrina, you've graduated? What about Cindy and Donna?" Lucian asked with mild surprise. Katrina, already tall and mature-looking at fourteen, had grown even more striking over three years, her excellent figure a constant source of envious admiration from the slender Lailiya and Heidi. She answered with a hint of amusement: "Master, you've worked at a magic school yourself — don't you remember that graduation is in June every year? Besides, we enrolled three years ago. We've long since completed all the Senior Class examinations and passed the Arcane fundamentals assessment, earning those basic Arcane points." Mentioning their achievements, she couldn't help showing off a little before her teacher, who was both respected and feared. Heidi, Lailiya, Annick, and the others unconsciously straightened their backs, ready to receive praise. Only Cherie looked somewhat dejected: "I'm the only one who hasn't graduated yet — I just entered the Senior Apprentice class." Lucian was not a teacher who withheld praise. A warm, genuine smile crossed his face: "Although the Magic Council rules that three years is sufficient to graduate from magic school, very few apprentices actually meet the requirements. You all only encountered Arcane theory midway through your studies, so achieving results like this is truly impressive." Hearing their teacher's praise, the apprentices beamed. Only Sprint managed a brief smile before lowering his head with a look of sulky, rebellious frustration. Noticing his unusual behavior, Lucian chose not to press him for the moment and turned his gaze to Lazarus. Lazarus chuckled: "Cindy and Donna are both at the critical stage of advancing to full mages, so they quit their jobs to focus on preparation. And Katrina, as an outstanding graduate of the Douglas School of Magic, was recommended to this excellent position. If she hadn't overheard several high-ranking mages passing through discussing things, we wouldn't have even known you were back — let alone that you'd become the Storm Lord's disciple. Tch, all this time I assumed it would be Mr. Lavendie." Outstanding graduates of magic school could be recommended to the Council headquarters and various branch offices for good positions. The other apprentices had received similar recommendations, but preferred to find their own way. "I was surprised myself. By the way — aside from Katrina, what about you, Annick and Lailiya? Are you at headquarters, a branch office, or somewhere else?" The matter of the Storm Lord involved much, and Lucian planned to discuss it later. For now, he asked about the situations of several apprentices with whom he was closely connected. Heidi answered with a touch of pride: "Master, we're all at Council headquarters. I'm in the Apprentice Examination Department, Lailiya is in the Exchange Division, and Annick is in the Mission Division — though it's mostly menial work." As she spoke, she suddenly pouted and adopted a pleading expression: "Master, please help Sprint." Sprint's head shot up and he glared at Heidi, seemingly unwilling to accept anyone's help — and having this brought up in front of everyone made him flush with shame and anger. "What happened to him?" Lucian gestured for Heidi to speak freely. Heidi was a lively girl who feared no one except Master Evans, and she answered in her clear, bright voice: "Sprint was expelled from the school for cutting too many classes — he didn't graduate properly." "Cutting classes?" Lucian looked at Sprint with an amused expression. This one really was a rebellious student. Sprint replied gloomily: "Potion-brewing, Elemental Fundamentals, Magic Analysis, Magic Construction — I'd already mastered all of that using the materials you left behind, Master Evans. So why should I waste time sitting in lectures? Couldn't I study more advanced material on my own? Apart from Practical Magic, I don't see a single other class at that school worth attending." "Not a bad argument, but I doubt the old fossils at the magic school would accept it," Lazarus interjected with a grin. Lailiya looked at Sprint with some sympathy: "Master, because Sprint was expelled, the Council headquarters, the magic towers of various organizations, and even the journals all refuse to hire him. Right now he can only work as a waiter at a magic restaurant. Could you possibly find some way to help him?" In the eyes of Lailiya, Heidi, Annick, Katrina, and the rest, Master Evans — who had become the youngest-ever Holm Crown Award recipient and a Grand Archanist's disciple shortly after arriving at the Council — was an omnipotent, miraculous figure! "Master, I'm fine as I am. Once I become a full mage, who's going to refuse to hire me?" Sprint said proudly. Lucian said nothing, stroking his chin. After a moment, he spoke: "I've had an idea for quite some time, but I never had the standing to act on it. Now that I'm the Master's disciple, I should have enough credibility. Sprint, I'm planning to apply to establish an Arcane Research Institute. Would you like to serve as my assistant?" "Research Institute?" Lazarus and the others didn't quite grasp the term. Lucian smiled with deeper meaning: "Just think of it as a name for a research project. I wonder whether the Magic Research Committee will approve it. What do you say, Sprint?" "I — I — thank you, Master!" Sprint was a deeply proud young man, and working as a waiter had been nothing short of humiliating. After only a brief moment of internal struggle, he agreed, consoling himself that it was his own teacher, after all — serving as his assistant was only natural. But as he said thank you, the rims of his eyes reddened. Lazarus thought for a moment and said: "Lucian, my mental strength has already reached mid-rank standards, but my grasp of mathematical foundations and magical analysis is too weak to see any hope of advancement. Could I resign from Elemental Will and come work as an assistant at your Arcane whatever-it's-called institute? I deeply admire your abilities in Arcane theory, and I believe that working alongside you long-term, conducting magical experiments and receiving your guidance, would be of tremendous help to me." "No problem at all — but I'll need to get the approval first." Lucian welcomed Lazarus's interest. The man was, after all, a second-circle Archanist and second-circle mage. Lazarus flashed his radiant smile once more: "Regardless, I've already decided to consult you on Arcane matters. Oh, and the name 'Arcane Research Institute' is a bit vague — could we come up with something more specific?" The apprentices immediately chimed in with suggestions, blurting out names like "Storm Laboratory" and "Evans Institute" without a second thought. Lucian considered for a moment and said: "Let's call it the 'Atomic Research Institute.'" "Sounds so cool," Heidi remarked with admiration. Annick, usually quiet and reserved, mustered his courage: "Master, I don't like the work in the Mission Division. Could I also join your Atomic Research Institute?" "I'm short-handed as it is." Lucian didn't refuse. "Us too!" Heidi and Lailiya were purely jumping on the bandwagon, and even Katrina hesitated for a good while before expressing her willingness. After Lucian agreed to everyone, Heidi joked: "The way it looks, the Atomic Research Institute and the Arcane Supplementary Writing Class are basically the same place." "You young lady don't understand — this is called two plaques, one crew," Lucian thought to himself.