Chapter 14
"My apologies. As you know, our house is humble and circumstances prevent us from engaging in external activities. While I've long known your esteemed name, I haven't had the honor of seeing your distinguished countenance. Please forgive me."
Ian assumed the most deferential posture possible.
He didn't know this man's identity.
But for a noble to fail recognizing a high-ranking peer of the same kingdom constituted grave discourtesy.
"No need for such apologies. I'm well acquainted with your house's situation. It's simply been ages since someone failed to recognize me - found it rather refreshing, truth be told. Hmm."
Ian maintained dignified composure while staring directly at the man.
The desired response still hadn't emerged.
Professor Frost broke the silence from the side.
"This is Lord Keiji, patriarch of House Hildrant. He also serves as Academy advisor."
"Your Excellency the Count."
Ian bowed again.
In that fleeting moment, his mind began whirring.
'Why would such an eminent figure be seated in the student counseling room?'
The situation felt unnaturally orchestrated.
He'd anticipated at most a department head professor hearing his account and issuing warnings.
House Hildrant's prestige was known even to Ian - vast territories, marital ties to royalty.
Nobles of such standing typically excelled in either swordsmanship or magic.
But Count Keiji epitomized the administrative bureaucrat.
Though lacking martial or arcane talents, he'd distinguished himself analyzing political landscapes during the Sorol War, rising to prominence.
His true worth lay elsewhere - extensive connections spanning key government positions.
In essence, a man of substantial core influence.
"Shall I deduce your thoughts? You wonder why someone of my station occupies this chair over trivial matters. Correct?"
"Frankly speaking, yes, Your Excellency."
"Let me clarify. Ian Oracle. You're not accused. I came personally with questions - no need for apprehension."
Count Keiji softened his tone.
Ian's expression remained immutable. Relaxing guard felt akin to being devoured whole.
'Caution never harmed anyone.'
The Count proceeded to essentials.
"There was considerable commotion this afternoon. Though immediately reported, preparations for His Majesty's event delayed investigation. Hence this late summons."
"My profound apologies for Your Excellency's nocturnal inconvenience."
"Unnecessary. This constitutes official duty."
The atmosphere thickened.
Ian's apology carried layered meaning - his emphasis on 'nocturnal' questioned why urgent nighttime proceedings couldn't await morning hours.
The subtext crystallized:
'While less critical than royal affairs, this matter warrants immediate attention over routine postponement.'
Why?
Currently unfathomable.
As Hildrant patriarch, Keiji ostensibly supported Crown Prince Medev's faction.
'Unlikely he'd seek to salvage Helios' dignity without cause.'
Today's admonishments to Helios were objectively sound - criticisms any observer would deem justified.
Typically, only bureaucrats aligned with Prince Helios would nitpick such counsel.
Yet here sat this wholly unexpected interrogator.
What political currents did this signify?
"Ian Oracle. You'll answer truthfully henceforth under Academy regulations and His Majesty's decree."
"By your command."
"Why does Helios of the Martial Arts Department bear you animosity?"
The Count's neutral address of the rogue prince heightened Ian's tension.
"The reason escapes me. Though peers mentioned absurdities..."
"Elaborate."
"Rumors of him hating handsome men. I dismissed them as slander."
Fortunately, neither listener reacted with amusement.
Count Keiji stroked his beard pensively.
"Helios' appearance complex is common knowledge. Yet he's never publicly harassed attractive individuals at royal functions."
"Indeed."
"Any further conjectures?"
None existed.
This was verifiable - Ian hadn't attended noble gatherings since his parents' disappearance, save childhood memories of being led to parties by their hands.
"None. As you know, I'm virtually unknown in social circles - dubbed 'reclusive hermit' for avoiding society. My days involved study, research, and magical training. Helios likely saw me first today."
"Curious."
The Count's beard-stroking intensified as his gaze deepened.
'Are there underlying factors I'm missing?'
Helios' unprecedented outburst defied logic - challenging someone to duel over handsomeness? Missing links demanded explanation.
Silence permeated the counseling room.
Ian carefully ventured:
"Wouldn't inquiring directly with Helios yield answers? Your Excellency's authority ensures truthful responses."
"I've no intention of meeting Helios."
Ian barely suppressed asking why.
By Academy regulations, both disturbance participants should be investigated. This deviation altered everything.
'My summoning isn't about the Helios incident!'
Ian tightened mental vigilance.
After prolonged contemplation, Count Keiji narrowed his eyes.
"What's your relationship with Isera Heburaim, second-year Magic Department?"
"......"
"Why hesitate? Speak candidly."
Enhanced alertness proved prudent - Isera's unexpected mention would have caused stuttering unprepared.
Even momentary silence constituted successful parry.
"The question startled me. Apologies. I share no acquaintance with Isera Heburaim. We met today. At most, she's senior in Magic Department."
"Certain of first meeting?"
"I swear upon my house's honor."
"You know the tradition of freshmen clashes between Magic and Martial Arts Departments around enrollment. Our non-intervention stems from belief these pride contests benefit national interests - fostering commitment to chosen paths. Hence seniors never interfere. Unwritten law."
Emphasis weighted 'unwritten law'.
Leaning forward, the Count locked eyes with Ian.
"Yet Isera broke this convention. As Magic Department's star student, she knew Academy rules. Grasp the implications?"
Realization struck Ian.
'Helios isn't the concern - Isera's political position is.'
Isera's homeland being Sonokin's vassal made conflict with royal family members politically volatile.
Gratitude and guilt toward Isera mingled - someone of her intellect must have anticipated repercussions.
After measured consideration, Ian responded:
"Your Excellency's analysis holds merit. Isera's intervention appears irregular, breaching norms. However, I cautiously posit this as exception."
"Exception how?"
"This concerns not Helios and I, but Helios and Isera."
The Count's brow furrowed in confusion as Ian continued:
"There's distinction between intervening during tension versus preventing formal duel. She merely caught his thrown handkerchief."
"Thus reducing it to personal matter beyond Academy jurisdiction?"
"Precisely. The handkerchief's throw made it individual affair. I can't speak to other matters, but convention breach seems unlikely."
"Aren't you overreaching?"
"Merely personal opinion. Judgment remains Your Excellency's prerogative."
Count Keiji stroked his beard through protracted silence before rising.
"Appreciate your cooperation. Ian Oracle."
"I regret my limited assistance."
"Not at all. Retire now - night deepens."
The Count departed first, leaving Ian alone with his advisor.
"My apologies for the disturbance, Professor."
"Annual tradition with changed protagonists. No matter."
"I'll exercise caution henceforth."
"Potion preparations proceed? Roommates cooperating?"
"All participating. I'll introduce them next week."
"Excellent. Any plans?"
"Returning to dormitory. Tomorrow begins potion preparation."
"Then borrow your time briefly. Follow."
The resolved matter resurrected itself.
Suppressing curiosity, Ian followed Professor Frost into corridors.
Their destination was a secluded laboratory in building's recesses, deserted at this hour.
Professor Frost picked an antique lock before entering.
Inside sprawled experimental apparatuses and research papers - verging on squalor.
'That is...'
Amidst clutter, one object commanded attention:
A palm-sized orb protruding from square frame - Royal Academy's mana measuring device. Though simple in principle (transparent orb displaying readings upon touch), its creation demanded exorbitant time and resources.
"Fascinated, as expected."
Professor Frost chuckled, having caught Ian's interest.
"Having heard about your clash with Helios, I wondered - would my assessment of Ian Oracle's capabilities justify accepting a skilled swordsman's duel?"
The professor meaningfully extended his hand toward the device.
"Shall we verify my conclusion? Care to test?"
