CHAPTER 105…………………………………………
The Law King, draped in a beautiful silver that seemed to have absorbed all the light on its own, emerged from underground and entered the building.
One of his subordinates came to greet him. Since they were the one bringing news he had been expecting, the Law King’s smile softened considerably.
However, contrary to the welcoming expression of the Law King, the face of Priest Paine showed an extremely serious expression.
“Welcome back, Paine.”
“Your Majesty. Please punish the traitor.”
Thud.
As the Law King approached, Paine lowered himself to the ground with such force that the sound of him hitting the floor could be heard.
Kneeling and bowing his head, Priest Paine spoke.
The Law King’s smile temporarily faded as he listened to the report.
“They refused?”
“Yes. There was no room for reconsideration. They were consistently firm in their stance.”
“Hmm.”
Hearing from Paine about the cold reception in Pegasus territory and the stance of the Saint, the Law King let out a small nasal sound.
After a few minutes, as if having made a decision, the Law King spoke in a voice that even sounded brisk.
“Understood.”
“…….”
Instead of discussing potential measures or debating which approach to take, Priest Paine lowered himself in a posture ready to obey whatever command was given. The Law King looked at Paine’s orange hair with satisfaction.
Finally, the Law King issued a real command.
“We may need to be more proactive. So that no ill influence reaches the Saint…”
Ill influence.
In the Law King’s mind, the emblem of a certain family with a distinct striped pattern came to mind.
“Ah. Did you say Lin Pegasus has unusual hair color?”
“……Yes! At first glance, it looks silver, but it shifts through colors like a rainbow whenever it moves.”
“Ho. I see.”
Paine paused briefly, recalling that the Law King had previously described Lin Pegasus’s hair color as a sacred silver, the same as the Law King and the Numen family. But he quickly understood the intent of the question and gave the perfect answer.
The Law King’s fox-like eyes softened as if praising a clever subordinate. He spoke in a gentle, story-like tone, as though telling children a fable.
“Paine, do you know what a rainbow signifies?”
“I do not. Please teach me.”
“It’s an old tale, so you may not know. Originally, rainbows were an ill omen.”
Thwak.
The Law King, moving gracefully, opened the previously closed window.
“It is a foreboding sign that will bring chaos to the world.”
The sky, without a single cloud, seemed trapped within the Law King’s silver eyes.
Pegasus Castle — Head of House Office
Sitting at the large office desk and working, Theodore lifted his head, sensing something ominous.
“…….”
His serious eyes, framed by sharp features, looked toward the window.
The bright blue sky had not a single cloud—no sign of ominous omens.
‘It doesn’t seem like rain is coming. So why do I feel this strange sense?’
Before Theodore could trace the source of his intuition, a knock outside interrupted his unrelated thoughts.
“Good afternoon, Acting Lord.”
“Miyack.”
Theodore’s assistant, Miyack, entered with a light greeting.
Theodore looked silently at the heavy stack of documents Miyack carried, sending a glance that silently said it did not feel like a good afternoon.
‘Well, both the Acting Lord and my master were never fond of paperwork. It’s just not their style.’
Miyack, who had a career as a martial guard captain, could relate.
However, even Miyack could not avoid paperwork when the genius heir, who could finish a cartload of documents in the time it takes to drink tea, was in a deep sleep.
Moreover, Miyack had a secret weapon today.
Heh.
Smirking, he raised a separate bundle of papers.
“Acting Lord, do you know who submitted this report?”
“?”
It’s a report, whoever submitted it. Theodore raised an eyebrow, seemingly uninterested, but his expression changed when he saw the writing.
“Lin?”
“Yes. Miss Lin prepared and submitted this report.”
“Give it here.”
Miyack, knowing which document Theodore would be most interested in, handed over Lin’s letter—marked as a budget report.
“…….”
“What topic does our young lady intend to research this time?”
While Theodore read Lin’s writing carefully, Miyack tried to draw his attention back to other work—time to handle other tasks now that he had enjoyed a glimpse of Lin’s letter.
Satisfied, Theodore put down Lin’s report and spoke with a faint smile.
“Previously, Lin had a friend who was a non-magical being. Since then, she seems interested in magical research that helps non-magical beings as well.”
“Indeed. Magical abilities are exceptional, but not many have them.”
“Exactly. Not just within the Pegasus family; most of the territory’s residents are non-magical. Lin wants to make more people happy.”
Truly a praiseworthy and excellent goal.
Theodore maintained a composed expression, pretending to relay his niece’s words objectively, but pride clearly shone in his eyes as he looked down at Lin’s writing.
“Actually, for someone Lin’s age to write a proper report like this is remarkable.”
Miyack nodded in agreement, impressed by Lin’s excellence.
This was not the first time Lin had submitted a budget report.
She had her mother’s study full of templates and materials for magical research budget requests.
Moreover, her mother’s diary contained tips used by wizards to secure more funding.
Especially since wizards are meticulous, the examples were detailed—allowing Lin to utilize these tips effectively.
“Research as a hobby, huh? At her age, she could play more… Though being popular with friends probably makes pure playtime exhausting.”
“Yes… indeed… Shall we stamp this and move on to the next document?”
“Mm.”
Ignoring Theodore’s proud words about his clever niece, Miyack picked up another document.
Theodore, confirming it was time to return to work, stamped Lin’s report with approval.
“Ah, the amount in this report is a bit tight. Add some from my budget.”
“Understood.”
Thinking of his kind, talented, and diligent niece, Theodore smiled, happy to support her ambitions.
Lin had expressed her desire to create artifacts that would make everyone happy, and Theodore was more than willing to add extra funds.
Thus, Lin’s research budget for the Eastern Continent grew even richer.
Thanks to her mother’s diary tips, Lin managed to incorporate travel expenses seamlessly into her budget report—leaving her quite pleased.
Grand Mage’s Study
In her mother’s study, experimenting as usual, Lin finally held a completed magical artifact in awe—one that did not explode.
“Oooh!”
[…….]
“Waaaah!”
[……Why such a fuss?]
Lin exclaimed dramatically, seeking attention.
Caligo, lounging on the cushion like a cat basking in the sun, let out a resigned sigh and lifted his head.
Hehe.
Finally satisfied, Lin proudly held up the magical artifact she had created.
“Look! I made it! The ultimate magical artifact that will empower all my friends! …Prototype.”
Her voice bright with excitement for most of the sentence, the last word was whispered softly.
