I Give Up on the BL Novel's Male Leads - Chapter 89
It was true that everyone was friendly toward Illein, knowing she wouldn’t become a competitor in their future careers.
Illein didn’t mind this goodwill too much; it was part of the reason she could be in her current position.
However, the current situation was incredibly difficult.
She was struggling with having to attend classes alongside Rodein.
“In the automation of magic, you draw multiple magic circles and then sequentially visualize them,” the professor explained.
Illein had to focus intently as the concept was complex, but Rodein’s blatant and persistent gaze was incredibly distracting.
“In such cases, you should remember the framework precisely and then continuously visualize the changing parts while using your wand. This will produce a continuous flow of magic and thus automate the spell.”
Illein quickly scribbled notes with her pen.
“This way, the magic will form a loop, connecting the beginning and end. It can then be maintained in an automated state. Of course, if the magical energy within is depleted, the spell will vanish.”
Recently, she had heard that the imperial family was researching automated magic in depth, so she hoped excelling in this subject might give her an edge when applying for administrative roles.
“There’s also research being conducted into ways of naturally supplying magical energy for automated spells.”
“Professor,” Illein raised her hand.
“Yes, Illein?”
“If we were to build something like a power plant nearby, would it continuously supply magical energy, allowing the magic to be sustained?”
“Ah, that’s correct. Have you done some extra studying? This isn’t in the textbook.”
“…Yes.”
“Well, you’re quite the diligent student.”
Illein blushed at the professor’s praise.
“In this case, a thermal power plant would be ideal. Wind power requires a wind mage to be present all day, and hydropower involves very large facilities. Additionally, if the water becomes polluted, the magical concentration decreases, making it difficult. Thermal power is more straightforward, as you only need to supply fuel that can burn continuously, even without wizards around.”
As the professor explained with enthusiasm, Illein diligently continued to take notes.
Illein was feeling more pressure than ever.
She had previously thought the worst-case scenario would be Edwin coming in first place and herself in second.
But now with Rodein’s appearance, there was a risk she might end up in third place.
If that happened, she wouldn’t receive a full scholarship. The first-place winner got a full scholarship, while second and third places received half scholarships.
Illein was terrified that if she fell to third place, it would jeopardize her chances of getting a job as a civil servant.
Her family was relatively modest, and their name could actually count as a liability towards her when applying for royal positions.
To counter all these negative factors, only her abilities mattered.
Given her situation, she was desperately striving but felt increasingly overwhelmed.
“……?”
Seeing her eyes redden, Rodein couldn’t help but smirk.
No matter how she looked, it seemed the only changes were a slightly taller stature and a flatter chest.
The expression on her face, almost as if she was about to cry, was so radiant it made Rodein almost forget she was in a male guise.
[Why are you studying so hard?]
Rodein scribbled on her notebook with his pen.
Illein was startled and stared at the words with wide eyes.
[There is another way to repay your debts besides becoming a civil servant.]
Rodein chuckled as he continued to write.
[If Edwin is deposed, I could pay off your family’s debts.]
The ink seemed to dissolve into gold every time Illein looked at it, as if to show that she had read his message.
[If that’s not enough,]
He hesitated briefly before adding more.
[I could give you even more money.]
Illein thought that Rodein might have learned too much about her from the confession drug incident yesterday.
[Wouldn’t it be better for you to do as I say?]
Illein stared at him with wide eyes.
[If my brother is deposed, I could secure your future. So, shall we partner up?]
Rodein was quick-witted and knew well how much Edwin cared for Illein.
If Edwin were to care about anything, it would surely be a weakness for him.
Rodein smirked as he saw Illein’s hesitation and silence in response to his words.
[But aren’t you afraid of me revealing that you’re a woman here?]
He then firmly grabbed her hand, as if he was about to remove the ring.
In an instant, Illein’s hand was clasped in his, and she felt as if she might stop breathing.
Illein, flustered, tightened her grip on Rodein’s hand.
Rodein, finding her trembling like a frightened rabbit amusing, chuckled as he looked at her hand.
Illein gazed at him with a tearful expression.
Rodein then cast a spell on his pen, and it began to write on its own.
[Answer.]
