Chapter 44

Alraune drew flames around his body and began to drive away the cold.

If magic power does not escape from the body, its form is preserved.

Since similar principles apply to attributes as well, the irregularities could be glossed over in this situation.

'... I see. Did that curse even alter the user's magic power?'

Uriel and the Frost Witch both wield ice-based properties.

Though their fundamental concepts differ, in the end, they share a common result.

Perhaps the intermingling of Uriel's bloodline and the Frost Witch's curse drew forth a superior ice attribute.

'Even the Frost Witch herself wouldn't have anticipated this. The curse acting as a factor of alteration!'

Alraune couldn't help but marvel at this outcome.

Of course, there have been cases where a curse intervened in a person's magic power.

However, it was unheard of for the irregularity of an attribute to be eliminated as it was now.

In other words, Alter Radiant had acquired an overwhelmingly unique trait due to the curse.

'Uriel's sacrifice wasn't in vain. Dying, she managed to break even the foundation of the curse.'

Alraune, even in his youth, had regarded Uriel as an exceptional mage.

She constantly tried to deviate from standard methods, always questioned the established theories.

That's why so many mages avoided Uriel, but Alraune and Erze respected her as a fellow seeker.

In the end, Uriel had to turn away from magic due to romantic feelings, and yet, even on the brink of death, she hadn't lost her resolve.

'... Even I can't say for certain. With such talent, he could've soared to even greater heights.'

Alraune, during his career as a mage, had encountered countless prodigies.

Some were exceptionally skilled, and a few, like himself, mastered more than one attribute.

But none had ever contacted the source of attributes as Alter did, not even the great mages of previous generations could accomplish such a feat.

'Fortune has come through the curse. Who else could have awakened such magic?'

Alraune observed the coldness pushing even the flames to fade, his expression grave.

Normally, the difference in temperature would make it impossible to approach the flames.

But Alter Radiant's coldness advanced unimpeded, relentlessly engulfing the fire.

'If the curse disappears like this... he'll become even more perfect.'

Alraune's eyes gleamed momentarily and he expanded the reach of his flames.

Then, the coldness that had been enveloping him receded, losing its form.

Alter belatedly stopped his spell, gathering up even his magic power.

"There's much that I must teach you. Let's end here for today."

"Isn't it a bit early to finish like this?"

"Take care of your body. You are still mired in the aftereffects of the curse. Pushing yourself in this state will only harm yourself."

"... Understood."

Alraune seemed to watch Alter for a while, then moved away.

He could perfectly understand Alter's feelings, but the time still wasn't right.

He would have to gradually adapt to magic and be completely freed from the curse.

'I have truly taken in a remarkable student. Such a prodigy emerges only once in centuries.'

Though seized by great expectations, Alraune quickly calmed himself.

All the more at times like this, one mustn't deviate or overlook even the smallest detail.

Failing at self-control could result in tremendous loss.

'To raise him properly, the curse must first be undone...'

Alraune, recalling his resolve, came up with a rough plan.

First, he and Erze would head north to track down the Frost Witch.

If they encountered the Frost Witch, lifting the curse would come first, but depending on the situation, he was also considering eliminating the Frost Witch altogether.

Perhaps the death of the Frost Witch would be the very key to unraveling it.

'Hmm... I'd like to ask for assistance from an authority, just in case...'

Because matters related to Alter Radiant were tied to a teacher-student relationship, he would have to resolve most things himself.

But, given the Frost Witch's danger, a sufficiently strong ally might be required.

Most likely, the Frost Witch's side had already sensed the attempt at lifting the curse, and would have taken precautions by now.

'It would have to be at least the Sword Saint or a high priest... hmm?'

Sensing a subtle change, Alraune lifted his sleeve.

The end of his sleeve was slightly frozen.

He should've canceled this completely with fire attribute, so how had his robe ended up frozen?

"Heh... Did I get caught off guard without realizing it?"

Alraune invoked flames and gently brushed his sleeve.

The half-attached ice shards vanished in an instant.

It seemed he may have underestimated Alter's talent, after all.

'Once the curse is lifted, he might even surpass me.'

* * *

Alter was maintaining a silent presence at the banquet of the Duke of Eiliche.

He had always avoided noisy, boisterous places, nor did he enjoy mingling with others.

Now that his condition had improved, he participated in social events just as a matter of formality.

"Are you really fine being alone?"

"Yes. You needn't worry about me."

"Still, wouldn't it be better to stay together?"

"I can't burden you, lady Brillie. I'll remain right here."

"Hmm..."

Brillie hesitated for a moment but reluctantly agreed.

Taking Alter around busily would only tire him out.

Still, simply sitting here wasn't an option; the best compromise had to be found.

"I'll be back soon. Just wait here for a bit, okay?"

"You can stay out as long as you like. I'm much better than I was before."

"... Then I'll see you in a while."

Brillie slowly walked away, then turned halfway around.

He hesitated briefly but did not return.

Alter watched Brillie for a while before turning his gaze away.

'I really don't need to be worried over anymore...'

After the curse weakened, Alter had been living quite peacefully.

Now, walking didn't make his sleepy, nor did he fall ill as before.

Most of all, his physical strength had increased, perhaps due to better blood circulation driving out the coldness.

'If my body is healthy, I can use magic even better.'

Now he could use magic spells in succession and not be overwhelmed.

Of course, if he used too much magic power, he'd get tired, but he no longer coughed up blood or collapsed.

In effect, as his body recovered, he barely met the conditions necessary to act as a mage.

'I can manage alone now.'

There's no need to be protected anymore, nor is there any reason to restrain himself.

With steady practice from here on, he could surely reach an above-average level.

If only the curse engraved on his heart could disappear, it would be perfect, but for now he had to wait.

'... There'd be no point in rushing out there myself.'

The Frost Witch was an extremely dangerous monster, recognized as a formidable opponent even by great mages.

He needed far more power to confront the threat.

Even if Alraune himmself intervened, the process would still be perilous and difficult.

'First I need to finish things here and plan again.'

Raising his level of magic was only the minimum preparatory stage.

He had already given up on breaking off his engagement with Brillie, so he needed to look beyond the wedding.

Before long, an incident would erupt at the imperial palace, and Brillie would be dragged into it.

'In the original work, they do manage to prevent it...'

Naturally, Brillie and Lang would find a way to suppress the disaster.

But now that there were more variables, the outcome was far from certain.

If, at this point, the Emperor or a direct royal descendent were killed, what would happen?

'I'll need to see for myself.'

Since the event celebrated the founding of the nation, the royal family was directly hosting the banquet.

Almost every member of the royal family and nobility would attend, and he was qualified to be there as well.

He would quietly observe at the banquet and decide whether to intervene.

'There... there's a chance Brillie could die, however slim.'

Decisions between life and death aren't determined by mere strength.

One could fall despite great power, or survive easily with little might.

With more variables in play, an extreme outcome was possible, and even Brillie's life was not guaranteed.

'I should go. I can help from afar using magic, after all...'

"Do you remember me? Didn't we meet briefly last time?"

"... I remember. We did meet for a moment."

Alter recognized his and responded calmly.

They had exchanged sharp words when with Brillie before, but now she was showing a reserved side.

With many distinguished guests present, it made sense to act more like a noble lady.

"Pardon my late greeting. I am Terosa Eiliche, the second daughter of the Duke of Eiliche."

"I am Alter Radiant, the youngest son of the Grand Duke Radiant. I sincerely congratulate the Duke of Eiliche on the anniversary of your house's founding."

"Thank you. Did you not come with Lady Brillie?"

"He stepped out briefly for some business. Were you looking for Lady Brillie?"

"I often interact with Lady Brillie. But right now, I want to fully focus on the honored guest before me."

Wearing a gentle smile, Terosa sat across from Alter.

She was aware of Alter's frail health and how rarely he ventured outside.

At social gatherings, Brillie was always close to Alter, so Terosa had been paying her special attention.

"Since you made the effort to come, you aren't feeling too lonely alone, are you?"

"I am more comfortable alone. I can't stay long at gatherings like this."

"I wish you could enjoy the banquet... it's a pity."

"Your thoughtfulness is more than enough, thank you."

Alter felt no particular emotion toward Terosa.

Though Terosa often quarreled with Brillie, it was always rooted in their friendship, almost like playful rivalry.

Nevertheless, she seemed to feel some competition toward Brillie, sometimes showing off in front of her.

"You seem to get along well with Lady Brillie? She always says she looks out for you."

"I lack in many ways, so she's always looking after me. It's more than I deserve."

"... Now I see why Brillie likes you. You really do have a certain strange charm."

Terosa said softly, her eyes tinged with a gentle light.

Alter's appearance alone was persuasive, and his voice was nothing short of sweet.

While perhaps lacking in masculinity, it only served to provoke a desire to protect.

His striking beauty and an air of sadness combined to create a truly singular impression.

'Ah, I really regret this. I never expected to be jealous of Brillie. He's clearly my destined partner... Isn't there some way? Should I beg them to call off the engagement?'

-------------= Clacky's Corner -------------=【ദ്ദി(⩌ᴗ⩌)】

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