I was forced to hear the narrator praising my beauty for quite a while. Words that described one's appearance in detail, seeming grandiose yet ultimately excessive—I thought those paragraphs were fine when I read them in novels, but it was a different story when the subject was me. Even the narrator's voice, which was pleasant to the ear, sounded like teasing after a period.
Putting aside the question of whether she had a personality or not, my mood plummeted. It wasn't until the crowd started heating up, perhaps signaling the arrival of the empress's convoy, that she switched target.
[The whirls of magically-fueled car engines resonate along with the people's cheers. Amidst the batch of sturdy vehicles heading toward the academy square sits a pure white unit, one that bears the distinct crest of a silver rose. The Augustus Empire's sole ruler—Amaris Fatalia Augustus—settles behind its tinted window, her gaze distant.
Amaris is an exquisite beauty even by high society's standards. Her skin is of a porcelain white, smooth and spotless, her pristine silver hair pours down to her back, velvety as silk, and her striking crimson eyes sparkle like jewels, adding a touch of redness to a beautifully blooming silver rose.]
See?
The sheer enthusiasm with which the narrator described these... characters was somewhat unsettling. Either way, the empress's convoy did go past us, but as expected, I couldn't see a thing. Considering that Amaris was the only remaining imperial member, I supposed this level of security was normal.
And once again, the empress could very well be the protagonist of this world's story. Broadly speaking, she was immensely more influential than someone like Leila or Soo-yeon, although if that was true, I'd have a much harder time getting to her.
Swallowing a sigh, I retreated to our poor little church. It was time for breakfast.
Matt actually suggested eating out today so I could have time to join the opening ceremony early, but I insisted on cooking. Even if I went there early, all I could probably see would be some unfamiliar figures giving boring speeches. Somehow, Matt gave me a grateful and determined look afterward. I wondered what he was thinking.
By the time we finished the meal, it was well past seven, which meant that the ceremony should have entered its latter phase. I already felt tired, hearing the narrator re-telling the lengthy speeches to me in a serious tone. Reluctantly, I packed the letter Eugene gave me and headed toward the main buildings, joining the crowd with Matt.
Upon questioning a few passersby, I learned that the speeches had indeed wrapped up. At this point, the staff would be busy guiding the freshmen around the campus, clubs would also start their advertising campaigns, and more activities would be available for everyone to participate. There was even a banquet in the evening, followed by a fireworks show as well.
It was borderline a festival. Though, of course, I wasn't really into that. Neither was Matt.
''Now then... how should we get to the archmage?'' I sighed.
I couldn't catch the empress or the archmage earlier since I skipped the speeches. The former was granted, but I doubted I could approach the latter even if I had been there.
Naturally, I hadn't planned how to get to him. Didn't know how. The man was probably busy, and I didn't want to ask around when he wasn't present.
''Should we just go in?'' Matt suggested.
''...I guess that's the most direct approach,'' I replied.
So, we ended up at the academy's administrative office. I spotted quite a few nuns and knights from other churches earlier, though none of them had striking features as I did. In other words, I stood out again.
''...How may I help you, sister?'' The front desk staff, a young lady, inquired.
I endured the employees' looks as well as those of the other students and parents in the room, calmly stating my purpose. She seemed friendly, but the moment I mentioned the archmage's name, she spotted a helpless look on her face, ''I'm terribly sorry, but His Excellency does not receive guests at the moment...''
''...''
It didn't work. I even mentioned Eugene's name, yet she stared at me like I was a lunatic. Figured—that old man's name was rather cheap. Perhaps seeing my souring expression, the staff lady quickly added, ''B-But our principal is available, sister. Perhaps you can ask him to deliver your letter... maybe. P-Probably. Mhm.''
That was a lot of uncertainty.
But since we didn't have a better route, I ultimately decided to go with the staff lady's suggestion. Still, it was the opening ceremony day, during which the principal couldn't possibly sit around doing nothing, so we had to wait for quite some time before he was free. The principal's room was further up in the building. We knocked, received permission, and went in normally.
Well, compared to the extraordinary people like the archmage or the empress, the principal, James, certainly seemed easier to approach.
''Welcome.'' He greeted us with a kind smile. ''Please sit comfortably. Is tea okay?''
''Yes. Thank you.'' I politely replied.
James' office was decorated harmoniously with paintings of various sizes and styles. It didn't reek of paint, even though I could see the tools for that in the corner. If the narrator were to describe this scene at this moment, she would probably use words like 'elegant' or 'refined.' Nonetheless, James soon served proper hot tea and sat opposite us. He looked just like an easy-going middle-aged neighbor, which was a relief.
But strangely enough, upon hearing our request, he offered a solution in mere seconds, seemingly without even thinking, ''I'll guide you to His Excellency.'' He said, ''That should be more appropriate.''
''...''
I couldn't help but find it suspicious. We were essentially nobodies compared to the likes of the archmage, yet he allowed us to see him this easily. Perhaps he knew Eugene personally, or there was another reason. Still, we couldn't complain, especially seeing James' bright eyes as he led us to another building.
This one looked just like a mansion—no, it was a mansion. A luxurious one at that. It made sense that the archmage lived here, I reckoned. Either way, we passed numerous layers of security with James accompanying us, even entering the house and ascending the stairs directly. The people guarding this place were more professional, though their gazes on me remained curious.
''Go ahead. I'll be waiting outside.'' James said as he stopped at a room at the end of the second floor.
Like before, we knocked, and a hoarse male voice came from inside, ''Come in.''
The moment I turned the doorknob, I found my senses ringing as an endless heap of cold air washed over my body. I could feel it even outside, but the sheer amount of mana in the atmosphere was vividly palpable.
As I entered the room, that feeling intensified—an obvious development since I was getting closer to the source. Beyond the piles of books and old scrolls, old paper, beyond the densely packed antique items and trinkets, sat an elderly gentleman. He dressed neatly in a dark blue robe, his hair and beard long, a color of bleach white.
But he couldn't be misunderstood for a random person's grandfather. His tall and chiseled features, which were undeniably noble, the explicit feel of wisdom in his deep golden eyes, and this inexplicably towering presence felt from his reclined frame—they all pointed toward an extraordinary being.
So much so that I nearly turned into the narrator herself. It was a bit embarrassing, yes.
In any case, this person was unmistakably Theodore Virtus Magianova, the empire's only archmage—perhaps among the strongest in the world at this point—a star that shone so brightly it dwarfed all others in the night sky. Despite having lived for over three centuries and possessing the appearance for that, his magical prowess was so intense that even an expert would break down in a cold sweat before him.
And I was no different. I could use most elemental magic and some miscellaneous ones, like telekinesis or clairvoyance. The combination was quite rare in itself, though my magic remained at a very weak level. It was thanks to individuals like Theodore that I realized how powerless I truly was.
''Hooh... you are...''
''...?''
And for some reason, Theodore widened his eyes slightly when he spotted me. I felt uneasy looking at those golden eyes. They seemed to see through me, which was uncomfortable.
''Sit down, sister. You, too, young man.''
As if intrigued, he signaled us to come closer. After exchanging some meaningless pleasantries, I felt confident enough and handed him Eugene's letter. Although he appeared to have other interests in me—not in an inappropriate way—Theodore still acted professionally. The archmage scanned the letter thoroughly, and an optimistic look gradually fell on his face.
I wasn't sure what was written in it, but Theodore's attitude toward us became much more favorable, if it wasn't before.
''I did indeed meet bishop Eugene before.'' He chuckled. ''You could say I owe him a favor.''
''I see...'' I nodded absentmindedly, unable to process the latter sentence. What could Eugene have done to help someone like Theodore...?
''Yukina and Matthias, right? It is nice to meet the two of you today.'' Theodore stroked his beard with a smile, one that gave a 'wise' impression, unlike that of Leila. ''Let's talk more often. I'm always free on Sundays. Of course, you're free to visit whenever if you ever need help.''
''...Understood. Thank you.''
That was all I could mutter as we left the room.
It was... a success? It did feel easier than I thought. Matt was equally as puzzled as I was. Still, the result was positive, so I shouldn't complain.
''Did it go well?''
''...Ah, yes.''
Outside the mansion was James, who tentatively asked us as we exited the building. I almost forgot he was here. Whether it was Theodore's smile or this guy's smile, I couldn't get used to it. Regardless, we bid farewell to him afterward.
Standing amidst the cheerful noises of the festival, I pondered, ''The church is closed, and it's already lunchtime... you want to buy something, Matt?''
''Sure.''
I already saw him eyeing the food stalls earlier, so I just gave him the money and sent him away. I was tired from moving around and enduring the narrator's nagging script, which prevented me from ever wanting to tag along.
''Hah...''
Instead, I stood near the mansion, leaning against the wall to rest. Theodore was right nearby anyway, so there shouldn't be any danger.
[Among the rowdy upbeats of the opening ceremony, a figure can be seen near the archmage's residence. Her quiet steps were headed toward the building, seemingly unnoticed by the festival-goers.]
''Hm?''
Suddenly, the narration started again. Rather, if I heard it right, wasn't that person nearby?
[''...?'']
Our eyes met as we turned to each other at the same time.
She was a tall blond beauty wearing a distinctly white habit—somewhat similar to a nun, but not quite. Though that design... was she from The Sculptor's church?
Before I could process anything, a look of pure astonishment fell on the woman's face... and she started walking toward me aggressively.
''Uh?!''
I couldn't help but yelp as she cornered me, her arms on my either side, blocking my escape. Her face was dangerously close to mine, and although she was pretty, she glared at me as if she wanted to skin me alive on the spot.
The narrator was saying something since earlier, but in panic, I couldn't hear anything.
''A new variable...'' The woman murmured in disbelief.
The moment I heard those words, something instantly clicked. Her unbelievably tired, cynical look, her borderline violent yet desperate mannerism. I had read too many novels not to realize it—this person... was a regressor.