Chapter 17: Look of Longing

Wilcox also nodded.

“Yes, opinions like yours are a little more widely accepted, Victoria. There is no need to think of Aether as something extraordinary, especially since using it trims our lives. But we know how the air works mostly. I guess you could call it a physical version of Aether since it exists everywhere, except where it doesn’t.

“But where air seeks to balance itself out by flowing to places of lesser density, Aether doesn’t care. Air is also affected by all forms of physical interference, whether it be force or temperature. Aether isn’t.

“We know these things. But we don’t know why. The breath-of-the-world theory tries to explain it. It might not be correct, but only by eliminating all possibilities through evidence and reason can we pinpoint the right one,” Wilcox explained.

The theory he had mentioned, while outlandish, wasn’t meant to be interpreted as the truth and reality. It was to raise another point of view and make people question what the Aether really was.

“I understand, Teacher.” Victoria nodded.

“Good. I hope that goes for the rest of you as well, because that’s the end of the lesson. We’re ending a little early since I don’t want to confuse you all too much. Your homework is to think about what magic and Aether are. Feel free to talk about it with your classmates. If you’ve been registered, you can also check the library.

“And while you’re at it, you can start looking for magic circle condensation methods that suit your affinities—Reina, I mean, Miss Woltz did test your affinities this morning, right? Good.

“I have to say, though, that reading a condensation method can both help and get in the way of you sensing Aether, so use it at your own risk. That will be all. Off you go.” Wilcox gestured for the students to leave as he sat down.

Alec wanted to learn more about magic, so he looked at Wilcox as if he was going to stay behind, but he had things to do, so he left. He caught up with Taryeon while looking around.

Victoria had glared at the back of his head for most of the lesson this time as well, especially after he gave his answer to what magic was. It was uncomfortable.

He wanted to do something about it before she used the influence she had as the daughter of a duke to kick her from the Academy or something. She didn’t seem like the same type of noble as Benjamin, but Alec didn’t want to take any chances.

However, she was surrounded by lesser nobles eager to talk to her about her thoughts on magic and Aether. Victoria didn’t seem interested, but the crowd around her didn’t seem to take note of that.

Alec sighed.

“I don’t think you have a chance with her just because you blew it with Sarah,” Taryeon said, his arms crossed thoughtfully.

Alec glanced at him.

“What are you talking about?”

“You spent all day at the library yesterday. Sarah works there. But your reaction earlier made it clear that she already shot you down. Now, you’re looking at Victoria with longing.”

Alec frowned.

“I think you need to work on reading people. I did not look at her with longing. I looked at her to see if I could get a chance to apologize.”

“What for?”

“For offending her, I think.”

“When did you do that? Or are you thinking that since the Masons are subordinate to the Fosra Family that you need to apologize to her for picking a fight with that Benjamin guy?”

’Double shit.’

“I…did not know that. So, no. During our first lesson, I piggybacked off her answer to get the right answer to Miss Woltz’s question. I don’t think she liked that. I’ve felt her glaring daggers at the back of my head ever since.”

Taryeon’s eyes narrowed as he gave Victoria’s shrinking back a second look.

“No…I don’t think that’s the case. If Victoria were displeased with you, she would have shown it. She doesn’t have a reason to hide it.”

“Yes, thank you for the insight. If only your opinion had been reliable.” Alec rolled his eyes. After how Taryeon had assessed the situation with him, Sarah, and Victoria, Alec had no trust.

“So, what are you doing about dinner?” Taryeon asked, changing the subject since he could at least tell that Alec didn’t want to talk about it.

“I’ll figure something out. I’m going to talk to Miss Woltz first.”

“About your condition?”

“Among other things.”

“Good luck. I think you’ll have better luck with someone our age, though, even if they’re a noble.”

Alec sighed and just looked at Taryeon until the ordinary-looking lightning mage scurried off with an impish grin.

Then, Alec made his way to Reina’s classroom.

She was already there with books stacked on her desk, several of them flipped open in front of her.

“Ahem.”

Reina’s head whipped up, and she looked at Alec like a startled deer. She had been so focused on reading that she hadn’t even noticed his arrival.

“Alec. You’re here.”

“You told me to come.”

“That I did. Good. How was Wilcox’s lesson?”

“Enlightening.”

“And lunch…?” She asked, with a clearly more careful tone.

“Did you hear about what happened?”

“I did. Do you need help?”

“It would probably be wise, but I want to solve it on my own if possible.”

“How were you planning to do that?”

“I heard scholarships were a thing? I had the crazy idea to use the money from one to buy food from the city.”

“That’s…certainly an idea. How did you hear about scholarships?”

“My roommate.”

“You have a good roommate, then. As you might have noticed, you didn’t have to pay a dime to enter the Academy.”

Alec nodded.

“That’s because you don’t have to pay it right now. Tuition, food, supplies, and so on are tallied during your time here. You can start paying it off in your third year if you find the time or money. Otherwise, you get saddled with the debt of your years here when you graduate. But you also get work for the kingdom that pays well so you can pay it off quickly.

“It sounds a little sneaky at first, but…”

“But it keeps talented mages and warriors in the kingdom. By the time they’ve paid off the debt, they’ve forgotten the grudge of being tricked into paying it.”

“Oh, saying ’tricked’ like that…”

“Am I wrong?”

“Well, no. But still.”

“Okay, fine. Scholarships cover the cost of food and tuition, I guess.”

Reina nodded.

“And if you fall into the path of research, there are scholarships and grants to help you with the expenses for that.”

“So, unless it’s a research scholarship, I won’t be getting any money, only my tuition covered?”

“Yes.”

“How do I apply for a research scholarship then?”

Reina looked at the books in front of her.

“Actually…”

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