The Innocent Mage's Spellbinding Nights - Chapter 41
The next morning at dawn, Irina and Hesed were found and rescued by White Tower mages who had been conducting a search operation throughout the night.
The three trainees who had abandoned their teammates and fled were ultimately expelled from the White Tower in the most dishonorable manner, known as “expulsion,” with their internal magic circuits sealed off so they could never use magic again. Although the situation they faced was considered difficult to resist, it did not absolve them from their actions.
Meanwhile, Irina, a girl whose academic achievements had not stood out much, was chosen as the third direct disciple of the Tower Master, and Hesed learned the meaning of ‘humility’. He also gained a new goal.
‘…I must stand in the same position.’
He resolved to work tirelessly for the time being, aiming to become a direct disciple of the Tower Master like Irina.
It took a bit longer for him to realize that his desire to follow her was not mere admiration but something else entirely.
***
“…Why are you staring at me like that?”
“Just reminiscing a bit.”
Irina smiled wryly at Hesed’s answer.
During the two days she had been avoiding him, Hesed could only think that attending childish duels as the Vice Tower Master was too much of a bother, and listening to the festival noises had been unbearable.
But seeing Irina’s smile now, everything became fine for Hesed. The slightly warm weather didn’t bother him, and even the flapping of the eagle’s wings in the sky seemed cute.
“Shall we go for dinner now?”
“With so many people, I wonder if we can find a spot at any restaurant,” Irina shrugged.
She seemed so tired of the crowd’s hustle and bustle that she might suggest returning to the White Tower to rest. Sensing this, Hesed quickly spoke up.
“Leave it to this junior!”
In fact, Hesed had reserved dinner at a high-end restaurant for three consecutive days during the festival, hoping for at least one day to have a date with Irina. It turned out that the old saying about being prepared was true.
“Why do you look so serious? Relax your shoulders and lead the way. If we can’t find a spot, I’m okay with grabbing something simple from a food stall,” Irina said, nudging his shoulder.
Hesed shook his head as if to say that wouldn’t be necessary.
The restaurant he had reserved offered private dining spaces, allowing them to enjoy a quiet meal even on a bustling day like today. It was also famous for its delicious desserts that women loved.
Seeing Irina enjoy her food made Hesed feel full. As he kept smiling, she pouted her lips.
“We’re not kids, so why do you enjoy festival sightseeing so much?”
“This is our first time sightseeing just the two of us, Senior.”
“…Right.”
Except for the past month, most of Irina’s activities with Hesed had also involved their other seniors, Scarlet and Vine.
In the past, she would have called Scarlet and Vine midway to spend time together. But today, while walking around with Hesed, they didn’t cross her mind.
Indeed, since sharing a secret with him, her relationship with Hesed had changed.
‘I need to tell Hesed.’
She had been cautious for a few days, trying to be sure, but now it seemed the side effects of the drug had completely worn off.
‘There’s no need for you to come to my quarters at night anymore.’
Why was she hesitating to say such a simple thing?
With the festival ending, Irina thought it was time to sort out her confused feelings.
“Senior, do you not like the dessert here?”
“Huh? It’s fine, not too sweet.”
“But your expression suddenly hardened…”
“It’s nothing. I just remembered a rather unpleasant request I received recently…”
“Oh, the backalley disappearance case?”
Well, today isn’t the only day. There’s no need to make the dining atmosphere uncomfortable.
With a reasonable excuse to push aside her complicated thoughts, Irina finished her meal and stepped outside.
Although darkness had completely fallen, the streets were still full of people.
“It should start soon, right?”
“Will we be able to see it well from here?”
Amidst the expectant voices, a clear bell rang, and the surrounding shops and stalls began to turn off their lights.
As the street returned to a primordial stillness without the advancements of civilization, a serene silence fell. Then, with a series of loud bangs, colorful patterns started to embroider the deep blue velvet night sky.
“Wow, a camel!”
“That’s an eagle!”
Friends, lovers, and families gathered and looked up at the sky in amazement. The fireworks, enhanced with magic, not only depicted stars and hearts but also intricately illustrated animals famed in the West.
“…It’s beautiful.”
For the first time in a while, Irina looked up at the sky with childlike wonder.
As she murmured, she felt a warm touch on her cheek.
Startled, she turned her head to the side. Hesed, unlike his usual self, was staring at her intently, his face devoid of its usual smile.
“You’re more beautiful, Irina.”
Kissing her and calling her by her name were not things he usually allowed himself. Such things that constituted crossing the line between them were only possible under the pretext of treatment when they explored each other’s bodies.
Even though they were under a perception-blocking spell and the surroundings were mostly dark due to the extinguished lights, this wasn’t something that should be done in such a public space, especially given their senior-junior relationship.
“You…”
“I like you.”
Those three words silenced Irina, who was about to speak. Her green eyes wavered violently.
“I’ve liked you for a long time. Not as your junior, but as Hesed.”
