Drip, Varnen’s blood fell onto his finger. The moment the blood touched the magic engineering weapon, the magical formulas written on the weapon glowed red and started moving like mathematical equations.

Surprised by the unexpected change, I looked at Varnen with a startled expression.

“This is…”

“It’s a locking mechanism called an engraving system that prevents others from using magic engineering weapons recklessly.”

“Yes, I’m well aware of it.”
“The method of imprinting the blood of the spellcaster to establish the owner is the same, but I have reinforced the engraving system even further.”

As Varnen grasped the magic engineering weapon, a low, resonating sound echoed.

The reaction of the weapon, as if recognizing its owner, was endlessly fascinating.

“When I insert the newly developed magical formula I created, once a person is imprinted as the owner, they will forever be the owner of that weapon. Resetting is completely impossible.”

It could be seen that the engraving system was much stronger now than the previous method of changing the owner, as Varnen claimed.

Unconsciously, I found myself looking at the magic engineering weapon in Varnen’s hands. There was a passing thought in my mind.

“So, what the master is saying…”

“Yes. By now, you might have guessed, but if you modify the magic formula I created and engrave it on the pyrostone you developed, a new magic stone that only you can use might be born.”

The reason the Ragent Empire tried to kidnap me was precisely to discover a way to create new magic stones.

Despite already resolving to keep the method of creating new magic stones a strict secret, Varnen happened to create a suitable magic formula for it.

Looking at Varnen, I faintly smiled for the first time in recent days.

“Thank you, Master. It seems like it will be a great help.”

“With your skills, you can create something even more sophisticated based on the magic formula I developed. Don’t push yourself too hard; take it easy.”

Varnen glanced at the mess in my research room but didn’t say anything and left the room.

And so, I once again immersed myself in magic engineering research, forgetting whether it was night or day.

I didn’t sleep well, and meals were irregular. If Askan saw me now, he would probably nag me endlessly.

In fact, I wanted to save even the time for eating and sleeping, but humans were beings who couldn’t live without at least minimal sleep and meals.

To avoid collapsing, I forced myself to eat when I had time.

Today, when I opened the door to the laboratory, a neatly prepared meal was placed by Jerin.

Not knowing what it tasted like, I hastily ate the food. Suddenly, I noticed that there was a carrot in the food.

─ Do you dislike carrots?

Ever since Askan knew that I didn’t eat carrots, he picked them out from my food every time.

I thought I was getting used to this lifestyle, but seeing a carrot in my food made me choke as if it were a lie.

At that time, I didn’t think it was a big deal, but now, just seeing a carrot reminded me of Askan and made it impossible for me to eat.

It wasn’t just carrots.

I couldn’t drink the herb tea he used to bring me regularly anymore.

─ It’s herbal tea that the young lady likes. I thought you might look for it around the usual time, so I brought it.
No one could ever care for me like Askan did, especially when it came to herbal tea. However, for some reason, I didn’t feel like drinking tea offered by anyone other than him.

As time passed, instead of Askan’s absence being filled, I was starting to realize how much he had taken care of me, knowingly or unknowingly.

“Stew is too cold…”

I didn’t know before. The reason why the food left at the door always felt freshly made.

Askan constantly went back and forth to the dining hall, reheating the food or making sure it didn’t get cold at the door.

At that time, I didn’t know about his care. Now, I keenly felt how he had looked after me.

“Is he still alive…?”

Wiping my warm eyes with my hand, I forcibly put the food in my mouth.

“Hold on a little longer. I will definitely save you.”

Regardless of the taste, I had to eat. I couldn’t afford to collapse now if I wanted to create a powerful weapon that no one could harm me or my precious people with.

Before I knew it, the seasons had changed.

Olland, Nokxia, Varnen, and Matella kept coming to the laboratory because I didn’t step out, but I didn’t open the door.

Bang, someone knocked on the laboratory door again today.

“Tanasia, if you don’t come out, I’ll have to break down this door.”

Just hearing the stern voice was enough to know who it was. It was Olland.

But today was a little different from usual. It seemed like he had judged that leaving me like this was unacceptable; Olland wasn’t alone.

Soon, Nokxia’s delicate voice was also heard.

“Sister, at least show us your face. We need to know how you’re doing to feel relieved.”

It wasn’t just the two of them.

“Hujak-nim, let’s just break in. Who will break Tanasia’s stubbornness?”

“Oh my, sir, please wait a little longer. If you rush, it might backfire.”