The Innocent Mage's Spellbinding Nights - Chapter 62
“Um… can’t we postpone it?”
“Of course not! This is the first meeting since the commotion at the White Tower. And originally, it was supposed to be held here, but Loretta kindly agreed to host it at the Black Tower.”
If they requested to cancel on the day of the meeting, not even a few days prior, it was clear that while the Black Tower’s Loretta might understand, her subordinate mages would view the White Tower as being rude.
“This is really troublesome.”
Irina and Hesed, hoping against hope, rushed to the White Tower’s library and searched every book related to ‘Chenus’. However, they could not find a way to nullify its effects, only learning that this strange phenomenon could last from as short as one day to as long as three days.
Meanwhile, the time for the Tower Master meeting approached.
‘Oh, we’re doomed!’
They, especially Irina, had no choice but to take the final resort.
“Please, Hesed. Just, please, behave yourself, okay?”
“Senior, how can you not trust your junior this much? I don’t have any special requests for you. I’m starting to feel a bit hurt.”
Not only their bodies but also their minds were perfectly in sync, and there were no secrets between the two within the White Tower. In other words, Irina knew Hesed’s duties, and Hesed knew hers inside out.
Therefore, if they were careful with their behavior, attending the Tower Master meeting and Vice Tower Master meetings in their switched bodies shouldn’t cause much trouble.
“Don’t worry, Senior. I’ll do my best so that you have nothing to worry about.”
“No, don’t do your best at a time like this!”
Suppressing the urge to voice that thought, Irina nervously headed to the meeting room in the Black Tower, where the Red Tower’s deputy, Zephyros, the Blue Tower’s deputy, Ceres, and the Black Tower’s deputy, Amuro, would be.
She felt like a prisoner being led to the gallows.
***
Click.
Opening the door to the Tower Master meeting room, Hesed saw that the other three Tower Masters had already arrived.
It seemed like they had left later than usual due to spending time searching through the library books.
‘Normally, Hisran or Siord would arrive just in time like this, but well.’
Hesed didn’t particularly feel guilty in this situation, but his gentle Senior would be different.
As the saying goes, when in Rome, do as the Romans do. So, he had no choice.
Since he was using Irina’s body, he couldn’t behave as recklessly as he usually would.
With a sociable smile, Hesed entered the meeting room.
“Sorry I’m a bit late.”
The first to make eye contact with Hesed was Loretta, the Black Tower Master, who had a doll-like appearance.
“Hm?”
Her deep blue eyes, reminiscent of a profound lake, showed a glint of interest.
Seeing her seemingly meaningful gaze, Hesed couldn’t help but flinch slightly, but Loretta didn’t add any further comments.
“It’s tough getting back to work seriously after slacking off for months, huh? I get it, I really do,” said Hisran, the Red Tower Master, with a sly grin.
‘Bullsh-t! Even after announcing our retirement, Senior and I have worked tirelessly. The one who always slacks off is you. That’s why Zephyros looks so stressed out every time he attends these meetings.’
Hesed merely smiled gently. It was frustrating not to be able to retort as he usually would in his original body.
“Since everyone’s here, let’s start the meeting. I don’t plan to stay here until dinner.”
“Same here. I’ve got a reservation at a nice restaurant with Jaha,” Hisran added.
Hesed hesitated for a few seconds at the suggestion to start the meeting. The best way to avoid raising suspicions about their current state was to remain quiet and only respond when necessary.
‘Hisran and Siord always bicker, and Loretta usually sits there with an unreadable expression. It’s always hard to guess what she’s thinking.’
‘Senior usually initiates the agenda and gathers everyone’s opinions…’
Knowing this, Hesed couldn’t afford to zone out. He needed to address the key points quickly to finish the meeting without causing Irina any concern.
“Let’s start by discussing the whereabouts of that damned dark sorcerer, Devrant.”
Hesed’s words were barely out when a small laugh escaped. He turned to see Loretta covering her mouth, offering an apology.
“Sorry. It’s just… you seem a bit more spirited. It’s quite refreshing.”
“Really? Maybe it’s because of everything that’s happened recently.”
This Black Tower Master seemed suspicious. Hesed narrowed his eyes slightly.
Loretta was the most enigmatic among the four Tower Masters. She appeared much younger than the others despite being the oldest, and there were rumors about her having the ability to see things others shouldn’t.
The Black Tower’s deputy, Amuro, was also difficult to deal with. Perhaps it was the gloomy atmosphere unique to the Black Tower that affected them both.
‘Even if she suspects something, as long as she keeps quiet, it doesn’t matter.’
Hesed shifted his gaze from Loretta to Hisran and Siord.
“Why, even if it’s Irina, she can curse Devrant. He deserves it,” Hisran remarked, seemingly without a second thought.
Siord, however, was intently watching Hesed, perhaps clued in by Loretta’s reaction.
