Chapter : 8
“Has something like this ever happened on such a large scale before?”
“You should go down immediately after the Princess’s welcome banquet ends. It doesn’t seem ordinary… someone might have cast a group spell or something.”
In the original story, the mass appearance of gates was mentioned from time to time.
Whenever a gate appeared, the monsters that emerged from it caused severe damage to civilians.
The problem wasn’t just the gates. In the original story, the rebel organization opposing Aria was also a major issue.
They were a group secretly organized by those who opposed the imperial family and the nobility ruling the empire. They were constantly plotting to overthrow them.
In the original, the leader of the rebels appears as the final villain, but their true identity or what kind of person they were wasn’t revealed in detail.
‘This terrorist attack must be related to the rebels as well.’
If I work for my master, I’ll have to confront the rebels at some point, so I could also eliminate anyone trying to disrupt my master’s and the princess’s happiness.
“Haah…”
Hearing such an unusual tone clarified what I needed to do.
“Understood. You may leave for now.”
As the conversation with the priest seemed to be wrapping up, I quickly stepped away from the door. Sitting on the sofa, I sipped my tea calmly, pretending nothing had happened.
“I didn’t realize you were so interested in our affairs.”
But Everett must have noticed already. He just hadn’t shown it.
Feeling a little guilty, I cleared my throat and fiddled with the teacup.
“I apologize for eavesdropping. You looked so serious that I thought I might be able to help.”
Since it was true that I had overstepped, I bowed slightly, and Everett chuckled.
“It’s fine. I was just teasing, but your response leaves me speechless.”
“…Please don’t speak so formally.”
Everett always treated me with utmost respect, and it embarrassed me. I wasn’t used to being treated like that.
“Temis, you are the only disciple of the Grand Mage, aren’t you?”
“But you can’t be compared to Everett.”
“You speak so stiffly. I feel like you’ve forgotten all the bonds from your childhood.”
Blinking, I asked,
“…You remember?”
In truth, Everett and I weren’t completely disconnected. Mages and priests often had close interactions, and priests were periodically dispatched to the Mage Tower.
Apprentice priests were required to stay at the Mage Tower for a certain period, so Everett had also spent some time there.
I thought he might have forgotten someone like me after meeting so many people, but apparently not.
‘This could actually work.’
Filled with hope, I stared at Everett passionately. He cleared his throat and asked,
“Anyway, this is the first time you’ve asked for a private audience with me. Is your health really that poor?”
The concern in his voice nudged my conscience. I cleared my throat before answering.
“I’m fine for now… but since I was involved in the recent attack, I worry about aftereffects and want regular treatment.”
“I understand. I’ll arrange for a dedicated priest for you immediately.”
“No, I…”
I hesitated, then looked at Everett earnestly.
“I want to receive treatment from you, Everett.”
Everett blinked and furrowed his brows—a first sign of surprise I had ever seen in him.
“…From me?”
He repeated, and then let out an “Ah.”
“Ah, you mean you want to receive treatment alongside the Grand Mage? You always said you wished that.”
“No, no. At a different time from my master. I want to meet only with you, Everett.”
Perhaps surprised by my words, Everett froze like a statue and frowned slightly.
“Am I really speaking to Temis?”
Seeing him talk as if doubting my condition, just like my master, made me blush. I decided I’d have to live even more diligently.
I nodded sincerely and spoke,
“I know it may surprise you, but I truly mean this.”
Looking at Everett reminded me of my master—they had the same reaction.
“This is sudden. May I ask the reason?”
Explaining that it was for my master’s happiness would probably be incomprehensible to him.
“You can’t rely on my master forever.”
So I chose another reason.
“My master is my master, and I am me…”
Saying it made my chest ache. Even knowing this was the right thing to do for my master, my heart still felt empty…
‘Because I’m being selfish.’
I need to try harder to become a better person.
Perhaps convinced by my words, Everett stroked his chin instead of asking further questions.
“…I’ll think about it. But I may need to discuss this in a meeting, as it’s difficult for me to decide alone.”
“Can’t you decide right now?”
I asked again, undeterred, knowing this was a gentle refusal.
When I pressed persistently, he spoke frankly.
“I prioritize those who urgently need my treatment. Unfortunately, Temis, you haven’t engaged in much activity yet, so you don’t require my treatment.”
Typical of Everett, keeping work and personal matters strictly separate.
Receiving treatment from the male lead wasn’t going to be easy.
“Then who needs your help?”
“Those whom ordinary priests cannot handle. For example, a powerful mage like the Grand Mage, or someone frequently dispatched and often injured.”
“What if I become one of them?”
“Excuse me?”
Increasing time with Everett while strengthening my mage abilities and stabilizing my mana core—a win-win plan.
“I will join you on missions to defeat monsters.”
“Excuse me?”
I knew how badly mage manpower was lacking for these missions, as the Mage Tower often collaborated with temples.
From the moment you depart until you return, you continuously kill monsters and receive treatment from priests—a grueling cycle all mages tried to avoid.
Using magic under such a punishing schedule would exhaust both body and mind.
‘I hadn’t volunteered before because I didn’t want to leave my master.’
But now it was different.
Color returned to Everett’s face.
“Are you serious?”
“Yes. I believe it’s time to use the power my master taught me for the right cause.”
“If a mage as capable as you supports us, it’s great… but…”
Though he hesitated verbally, his face betrayed his delight.
Seeing a rare change in his expression multiple times—I wondered if that meant I was comfortable around him.
‘No, he’s just desperate for manpower.’
Just meeting him a few times wouldn’t make him that comfortable. My assumption was clearly wrong.
“You want my treatment in exchange for joining missions, right?”
Of course, I wasn’t just volunteering for the mission.
“Yes, don’t priests and mages usually work in pairs?”
To destroy monsters, they must enter dungeons where monsters continuously regenerate and destroy the cores.
Mages constantly expend energy, and priests must stay with them to provide treatment. During missions, they’re practically inseparable every day.
‘Perfect to separate the Princess from Everett.’
I looked straight at Everett.
“I will prove that I deserve to work as your partner. Please treat me.”
I had never fully demonstrated my abilities as a dark mage, so I wasn’t sure how strong I was compared to other mages.
‘But darkness is rare…’
Even my master had never said my power was weak. And if it’s for my master, what couldn’t I do?
“Please consider this carefully.”
After saying all this, would he really refuse?
“…Understood.”
It was a long silence, but that answer was clearly positive.
“Really?”
I smiled brightly and asked again. Happiness over my master’s plan going smoothly brought a natural grin to my face.
