Whether she fully utilized her ‘ability,’ or borrowed a magical tool from Anne-Sophie, she could have tried to find out what he was doing without her knowledge.

However.

‘I don’t want to do that to Walter.’

He’d said it was a personal matter, and everyone has something they want to keep hidden.

What if she pried into it and got caught by Walter?

No, even if she wasn’t caught, could she look Walter in the face afterward?

‘I don’t want to ruin the relationship like that.’

Just to ease her own unease, she didn’t want to stir what might be Walter’s dark side.

Finally, Odette realized one thing.

‘I… value this relationship more than I thought.’

Without realizing it, Walter had made a deeper impact on her than she thought.

Although it might be a one-sided relationship, how could any relationship be perfectly balanced?

‘Let’s wait.’

He said he’d tell her when the time comes, so let’s not doubt him hastily.

Thinking this, her mind calmed.

Thanks to that, Odette could accomplish her purpose for visiting Belfor Academy in a much more relaxed state.

Specifically, assisting Anne-Sophie’s experiment.

It was an extension of research on the magical tool pendant she had borrowed from Anne-Sophie last time.

After conducting several tests, such as testing her magic, Anne-Sophie nodded her head in satisfaction.

“Ah, your ability is useful as always.”

“Thanks. Do you think there will be progress in the research?”

“Ah, I need to apply today’s results to a few things… but if it goes well, I’ll contact you. It’s a bit selfish, but I wish I could delve deeper into research. Really!”

Anne-Sophie, saying so, seemed sincere.

She exuded the air as if she would actually keep Odette here.

“Every time you say that, I get a little scared, you know?”

“Hey, would I really do that? It’s just a wish. Just!”

No, she really might.

Today, Anne-Sophie was burning with an unusual passion.

“Anne, you weren’t this passionate usually. Something happen?”

“There is! Your Highness has a keen eye!”

With this question scratching Anne-Sophie’s itch, she began to talk non-stop.
“You know we’re not on good terms with the Divine Studies department, right? The professors may be fine with it, but there’s a lot of bad blood between us! And recently, there’s been a lot of noise coming from them! They say they’ve had successful research!”

Divine Studies and Magic Studies were like cats and dogs.

Divine and magic powers had different natures, but the basic ways they were used were almost identical. Therefore, they had always been in competition to prove which was superior.

Certainly, the more accomplished professors on both sides were more interested in learning from each other’s methods and enhancing their own research, but the situation was different for their underlings.

So when the opposing department achieved something, naturally a fire would be lit in this department as well, driving everyone to show results of their own research.

“So something came out of the Divine Studies department this time?”

“Yes! I heard that they have been researching a relic that only exists three times across the entire continent, and it is said to grant wishes.”

“Wishes? Is that possible?”

“According to the literature, even turning back time or bringing someone back from the dead is possible. Of course, it’s still just a claim.”

Anne-Sophie’s words were intriguing.

However, Odette did not fully trust the story.

It was not because the story was too frivolous.

‘Both divine and magical powers are known for doing irrational things after all.’

Moreover, this was the research lab of the empire’s most prestigious academy.

The person who brought it up was the leading researcher in the magic studies lab.

So it wasn’t that the story had no credibility.

But, it was curious that nothing was known about this relic.

“If it’s such an extraordinary object, shouldn’t it have been known to the public by now? I’ve never heard of it.”

“That’s the thing… There are stories from people who have used it, but the method of using it is not known.”

Apparently, the last person to use it was from over a hundred years ago, and due to the scarcity and inconsistency of the recorded examples, research had not been easy.

“So, until they find out how to use it, the imperial court has taken measures to prevent any information about the relic from leaking.”

“Did the Divine Studies department find out how to use it this time?”

“No, they didn’t. However, it seems they found someone who could provide a case. I don’t know who it is, but they say that someone has used the relic in the current time.”

Anne-Sophie, who was complaining about the busy schedule of Professor Zantipe of the Magic Studies, suddenly exclaimed, “Ah!”

“Come to think of it, you might know the person.”

“Me? Who is it?”

“You know, that guy who seemed cursed? The one who looks like a parasite spirit! Was his name Count Kolobi?”

At Anne-Sophie’s muttering, Odette let out a bewildered voice.

Could it be?

“…Count Clovis?”