The Innocent Mage's Spellbinding Nights - Chapter 30
“Hisran Ephesion. The master must have decided that Hesed wasn’t the right match against him.”
“Well, among us, Irina is indeed the strongest, as long as she puts her mind to it.”
Scarlet’s remark was quite different from the common perception. While those with limited insight regarded Hesed as the greatest talent in the White Tower, both Hesed himself and their master, along with other senior disciples, were well aware of the true prowess of the mage known as ‘Irina Rowestin’.
A mage with an affinity for both mana and nature, rivaling that of any tower master.
Spirits and specters, which were usually invisible to others, followed Irina closely. Even without a contract, they would lend their strength to her magic if she wished for it.
To put it into perspective, if Irina desired, she could amplify a simple Fireball spell to the power of a much higher-level Fire Storm. There was probably no one more efficient in battle than her.
However, this ability remained hidden because of Irina’s overly gentle and kind nature. Unlike Scarlet or Hesed, she preferred conversation over using force.
“That’s true… but personality must have been a major consideration too.”
Hesed was arrogant, but Hisran was equally, if not more, arrogant and uncontrollable.
When strong personalities with strong abilities clash, destruction is the only outcome.
“It’s not just Hisran. The heads of the other towers who were replaced around the same time are all problematic too.”
Scarlet shrugged her shoulders.
The cold and selfish Blue Tower Master, Siord.
The indifferent and devious Black Tower Master, Loretta.
If Hesed had been chosen as the White Tower Master, the Latio Continent would never have a peaceful day due to the constant power struggles among the tower masters.
It was Irina’s calm and gentle nature, among the four tower masters, that served as a buffer and maintained the current peace. This was the foresight of the former White Tower Master.
“Poor Irina.”
Because of this, while the tower and the Latio Continent enjoyed peace, Irina herself suffered immense pressure and stress. She lost her bright smile and started distancing herself from Hesed, weary of the White Tower mages’ constant comparisons between them.
Unless Irina grew older and tougher, or the White Tower mages collectively repented with tears, it seemed unlikely that the estranged relationship between the two would improve.
“What trick did that damned Hesed pull off?”
“Senior, he’s also your disciple…”
Of course, Vine was fond of the kind-hearted Irina more than Hesed, but his doting affection couldn’t compare to Scarlet’s favoritism.
“If he sets aside his feelings for Irina, I might actually be able to be kind to him. But that black-hearted rascal dares to go after our precious junior sister!”
While they were whispering, Irina and Hesed were seen entering a famous restaurant after their walk.
“It seems they’ve come out for a meal together for a change,” Vine remarked nonchalantly.
But Scarlet’s eyes were still filled with suspicion.
“Don’t you think something is off?”
“Huh? What do you mean?”
“They look the same as they did before, but there’s something different,” Scarlet explained.
“I’m not sure what you’re talking about.”
“Oh, come on.”
Scarlet’s frustration was evident.
“Didn’t you see what Hesed did when Irina’s shoe heel broke?” she asked.
Vine recalled the moment from earlier.
“Ouch!”
Irina had stumbled when the heel of her right shoe broke.
“Senior! Are you alright?”
“Um, yeah, the heel just broke. I think I need to buy a new pair of shoes.”
“There’s a clothing store nearby. Luckily, it’s close.”
“W-Wait! Hesed! Put me down! Hey!”
Irina had protested as Hesed had picked her up like a princess and hurried to the nearby store.
‘Now that I think about it…’
Irina, who was usually quite conservative about manners and male-female relationships, had complained a bit but accepted the situation?
‘That means she’s quite used to his physical contact, right?’
Vine thought, his eyes widening in realization.
“Senior.”
“Finally figured it out?”
“Could it be… are those two in a relationship?”
“No way!”
Scarlet screamed, her voice loud. Luckily, Irina and Hesed had already entered the restaurant, or they would have been overheard.
“No, wait a minute, let’s think about this…”
Scarlet paced the narrow alley, trying to sort out her thoughts.
Irina had been looking more beautiful and radiant recently. She had blushed when Scarlet had joked about meeting a handsome man.
“Could they really be dating?”
Scarlet wondered aloud, half-dazed.
“No way. Irina is too good for him,” she murmured.
“…We can’t be sure yet,” Vine cautioned.
“Right? Maybe it’s just that their previously strained relationship has improved, making them look closer than before.”
But Scarlet’s furrowed brow remained, and Vine felt the urge to have a serious conversation with Hesed.
They weren’t the only ones who had noticed Irina and Hesed’s growing closeness. Many others had also seen the affectionate interactions between them.
