“What are you doing?”

“The bracelet won’t come off.”

Cordelia grunted as she tried to remove the bracelet, but it felt like it was getting smaller, perhaps due to her state of mind. Seeing this, Candias burst into laughter.

“Hahaha! Well done. Well done!”

“What’s well done?”

“Once you put that on and it recognizes you as its owner, you can’t take it off until you die. Atilei spent a year searching mountains and seas to get that bracelet, but his disciple snatched it up as soon as she saw it. Hahaha! Like master, like disciple indeed.”

“Oh no!”

I’m dead now.

Cordelia’s face quickly lost its color. She made a sad face and shook her wrist with the bracelet at Candias.

“Is there really no way to take it off? If my master finds out about this, he won’t let me off easy.”

“What does it matter? You said with your own mouth that your master is dead. Why care about a dead person?”

“Ah, well. That is. He’s dead, but… he’s dead, but…”

She stammered in great confusion. Candias snorted at Cordelia’s reaction.

“Anyway, I don’t know, so make sure to show it to your master and ask him how to take it off.”

“Haa…”

“But you know. Something’s been bothering me since earlier.”

As Cordelia sighed deeply, pondering how to deal with the bracelet, Candias moved closer to her.

“Me?”

“Have you perhaps made a contract with a demon?”

“What? No. I don’t know how to do such things.”

“Really? But why do I smell a familiar scent?”

Candias squinted his eyes and examined Cordelia from head to toe. However, unable to reach a conclusion no matter how much he looked, he clicked his tongue and changed the subject.

“Take these. The last flower of Rancel, the Tears of the Saint, and the Breath of the Red Dragon.”

As Candias blinked a few times, objects fell onto Cordelia’s skirt with a flutter. Though their shapes varied, they all emitted a mysterious light.

Cordelia hurriedly stuffed them into her pocket.

“Thank you.”

“No need for thanks. I’m so happy that you put on that bracelet. It’s just a shame I can’t see that guy’s distorted face up close.”

“…”

‘No, why would you leave something so precious just anywhere! If my master finds out, I’m dead.’

While inwardly shedding tears, Cordelia outwardly pretended to be nonchalant.

“I’m sure my late master would understand. I’ll be going now, Sir Candias.”

“Alright, alright. You must show that bracelet to your master, right?”

Candias delivered a final irritating farewell. Cordelia checked her pocket with the sacred objects once more before opening the door and leaving. Unlike entering, exiting was easy.

“You came out quickly.”

“Huh? Don’t tell me you’ve been waiting here the whole time?”

“Yes. I was worried since you’re not yet familiar with the layout of the Magic Association.”

Rosenblair’s face, which Cordelia encountered as soon as she came out, was etched with concern.

How can a person be this kind? Cordelia couldn’t help but marvel. It really puts someone else in comparison.

“Did you take care of everything you needed?”

“Yes.”

“Then you’ll need a place to stay within the Magic Association now. For the time being, I’ll guide you to the room where Leo used to sleep. You can rest today and…”

“No, just show me the way out. My husband is waiting.”

“Your husband… I see. I’ll take you there.”

He looked like he had a lot to say, but he guided her outside without a word.

They quickly reached the entrance, passing through the Hall of Stars that she had first seen. Cordelia sincerely thanked Rosenblair.

“Thank you so much for today. If it weren’t for you, Mr. Elfenbaum, I wouldn’t have been able to enter at all.”

“It’s nothing. And please, call me comfortably. Rosenblair.”

“Ah. Then please call me Cordelia too!”

“Alright. Cordelia.”

It was just her name being called, but somehow her cheeks flushed red. She felt incredibly sad at the thought of having to part ways with such a handsome man now.

“Where are you staying?”

“The Shining Stars.”

“Oh my. What a coincidence.”

“What coincidence?”

“I was just about to head that way too, as I need something there. Shall we walk together?”

“I’d love to.”

She accepted his offer without hesitation, smiling from ear to ear.

As she walked with him, she could feel people openly glancing at Rosenblair. Cordelia understood completely. After all, she too had stared in awe when she first saw Rosenblair.

“How’s learning magic?”

“It’s fun. A bit tough with all the homework, but…”

“Homework?”

“Ah. Yes. I tend to give myself a lot of homework.”

“That’s impressive. It can’t be easy learning magic on your own.”

“It’s nothing compared to the joy of learning.”

She could now make up words quite shamelessly. The building of the Shining Stars began to appear in the distance. Cordelia already felt regretful.

Rosenblair seemed to notice this and carefully opened his mouth.

“Um. Cordelia. Will you listen to me without misunderstanding?”

“What is it?”

“I meant it when I said earlier that Leo’s disciple is as good as my own disciple.”

“Ah. Yes.”

“Magic is a very difficult discipline to learn alone. While you may be able to learn basic magic on your own by reading books at this stage, once you reach a certain level of skill, you absolutely need a master.”

She still didn’t understand what he was trying to say. Cordelia quietly waited for Rosenblair to continue.

“So, if you’re alright with it, I’ll become your master. Of course, once you become an advanced magician, you won’t need my teachings anymore. After that point, you have to progress on your own anyway. And you don’t have to receive the seal of Diduasel, that is, our school.”

Even to Cordelia, who wasn’t well-versed in the magical society, it sounded like an incredible privilege.

In fact, saying he would become her master without requiring her to receive the seal meant he was offering all the benefits without any of the responsibilities.

“It’s not just because of Leo, but because I personally desire it. I’ve always been waiting for a disciple like you, Cordelia.”

“Who decided that?”

At that moment, Leonard, with Craig’s face, suddenly popped out. Even though it had only been half a day since she last saw him, Cordelia was overjoyed to see him.

“Honey!”

“Honey? Ah. Honey.”

For a moment, Leonard questioned Cordelia’s way of addressing this unfamiliar person, but quickly realized their relationship.

“I have so much to tell you. Starting from the entrance of the Magic Association, then inside when people crowded around me, I really thought I was going to die.”

“I suppose you’re Cordelia’s husband?”

“Yeah, that’s right. And who are you?”

Despite already knowing well who he was, Leonard glared at Rosenblair with a mischievous face.

“I’m Rosenblair Elfenbaum. And you are?”

“I’m Cordelia’s husband.”

“I can see that.”

Rosenblair faced Leonard with a completely different, chilly expression from the one he showed Cordelia.

“But it seemed like you were trying to steal someone else’s disciple earlier. Don’t you know the unwritten rules of magicians?”

“I’ve never seen your face before. Are you a magician?”

“I’m… not a magician, but I know that world better than anyone, so I’m telling you. I heard it’s very rude to try to steal a disciple who has already received a seal.”

“Knowing well and being a part of it are different stories. Just as your wife is a magician, but you are nothing.”

“What? I’m nothing?”

“Honey, let’s go inside. Mr. Rosenblair, thank you so much for your help today.”

Sensing the ominous atmosphere between the two men, Cordelia looked around nervously and pulled on Leonard’s wrist.

“Rosenblair? Since when are you on a first-name basis?”

“What’s wrong with calling him by name? You’re making a fuss over nothing.”

“A fuss? Am I making a fuss now?”

“Ah, enough. Let’s just go in. Mr. Rosenblair, see you next time.”

“Alright, Cordelia. See you next time. I’ll hear your answer then.”

“Yes, yes. Take care.”

After finally sending Rosenblair away first, she coaxed and persuaded Leonard to enter the inn. He continued to fume the entire way in, seemingly unable to let go of his anger.

“How dare he? Personal desire for my disciple? Next thing you know, he’ll completely erase the seal and mark you as his own.”

“He was probably just saying that. Forget about it.”

“What were you going to answer?”

“What?”

“Blay, when that bastard asked you to be his disciple. What were you going to say?”

“Well, of course…”

The words ‘I’d love to’ almost slipped out, but she held them back. She knew that uttering those words would mean facing a sulky master for at least a month.

“I was going to refuse. How could I possibly, when I have a master as great as the heavens!”

“Hmph. Looking at your face, it seems you’ve already fallen for him.”

“Master! Is magic done with one’s face? Magic is about skill! How could I leave my master, who became the youngest Sirius? I won’t leave you even if you tell me to go.”

“You’ve got quite a mouth on you. Quite a mouth indeed.”

Cordelia glared at him, desperately asserting her will.