The Innocent Mage's Spellbinding Nights - Chapter 58
Side Story I: Comeback
No more, no less—just as it is now.
These days, Hesed was very happy.
After Irina resigned from her position and he also announced his intention to step down from the position of Vice Tower Master, he had been freed from all responsibilities.
Together with Irina, who was in a similar situation, he spent leisurely and enjoyable days. They would have a relaxing brunch at a cozy café around noon, basking in the warm sunlight and gentle breeze, or have an early dinner and cuddle affectionately on the bed.
‘We should have done this sooner! Both Senior and I were drained by the White Tower!’
Hesed was willing to do anything to preserve this happy life.
*
However, when the light is strong, the shadows are equally deep.
It seemed as if there was some law of the universe that dictated the total amount of happiness, and as Hesed’s happiness increased, so did the misfortune of others—specifically, the majority of the White Tower’s mages.
Well, except for Irina and Hesed of course.
“This is really bad.”
“Two and a half months have already passed… but it seems like the Tower Master and Vice Tower Master have no intention of retracting their decision to retire. What should we do?”
“Elder Dorian, hah! What a joke. He was so eager for the Tower Master and Vice Tower Master positions, but when the opportunity arose, he backed out, saying he wasn’t up to it?”
“Not just him, everyone is just watching each other, afraid they might have to take on the roles. Shouldn’t the Elders take responsibility and persuade them?”
In the past, Irina had been pressured by most of the White Tower mages who spoke lightly, but as things got serious, they started looking for scapegoats. The elder mages who had tried to install a new Tower Master and had leaked information to the enemy were all expelled, but the remaining elders were still feeling the critical stares and unspoken pressure from the other members.
At this rate, they would not only lose their influence in the White Tower but would also be forced out. Thus, they surrendered completely and stood before Irina and Hesed.
“Tower Master! Vice Tower Master! Please reconsider your decision and save the precarious White Tower from its current state.”
“We feel responsible for creating this situation and hence, decided to step down. We are just as frustrated. It’s been ages since we announced our retirement, yet there’s not even a candidate list for the next Tower Master and Vice Tower Master.”
“There are many more capable individuals in the White Tower than Hesed or me. Convincing them would be a faster way to stabilize the current situation.”
Not only Hesed but even the usually gentle Irina showed a surprisingly firm attitude. However, the elders couldn’t back down here. Shamelessly, they mobilized regular mages and even trainees to plead tearfully in front of the White Tower’s main gate and the central tower.
“We urge the Tower Master and Vice Tower Master to reconsider their decision to retire!”
Seeing this scene, Hesed and Irina increasingly spent their time outside the White Tower. Both initially enjoyed the sense of liberation that accompanied their escape from responsibilities.
“Excuse me? Did you say it would take over a week to get support? I’m sorry to say this as someone receiving help, but it seems slower than before.”
“I’m sorry, but not just here, the support for other places is delayed too. The White Tower is in a bit of chaos these days…”
“Oh, is it because of that rumored disaster?”
Passing by the civil service office without much thought, Irina witnessed the people of the West struggling to receive delayed support for monster subjugation and natural disaster recovery due to the disarray in the White Tower. This scene created ripples in Irina’s heart, deeply unsettling her.
“Rosaline, could you organize the complaint statuses when you’re less busy and hand them to me?”
“Yes, Tower Master!”
“No, that title…”
“Why? Officially, you are still the Tower Master!”
Irina’s change of heart did not go unnoticed by Hesed, who was always by her side, as well as the elder mages who learned about it through various channels.
They were already racking their brains.
‘No way! Absolutely no comeback! Both Senior and I have finally escaped being work machines and started living like humans!’
‘This is it! If we hold onto the Tower Master, the Vice Tower Master will naturally follow as a 1+1 deal.’
Although Irina did not intend it, Rosaline’s report quickly attracted everyone’s attention. The elder mages approached her first.
“Rosaline, delegate your current tasks to others and focus on the report for the Tower Master. I’ll inform Deon and Hugh.”
“And refer to this data when writing the report. The drought in the Midway region is much worse than commonly known.”
Hesed, too, was not someone to be easily outmaneuvered.
‘First, I need to get Senior to a safe place.’
Thinking he needed to distract Irina temporarily, he put on a playful act.
“Senior, Senior! Shall we go to the beach?”
“Huh? We went two weekends ago.”
“This time, it’s a different place. The sea doesn’t always look the same, right? There’s also a family villa in the area we’re visiting, so it’s perfect for a relaxing stay.”
“Hmm…”
“Oh, Seniooooor!”
“Why are you acting like this?”
Seeing Hesed’s pleading face, Irina laughed incredulously but agreed on the condition that they could return within the weekend.
‘Great! Two days will turn into four, and four days into ten.’
