*Flip*

Elana flipped the hourglass as the hour passed.

They have already filled thirty questions, with majority votes until now. It was surprising for her that the four before her had such agreement with each other that they barely argued. And it was no friendship or camaraderie, but rather, pure academic knowledge of the five people that was making things easier.

“Who was the first person to use the First-graded weapon to slay a Dragon.” Elana dictated the question and three voices responded,

“Arthur L. Williams.”

Elana also had the same name in mind so she filled the blank.

“Who was the person who- *cough*” Elana coughed, now realizing that her throat was dry because of continuous talking.

“Here…” Since Sylvie was the closest, she instinctively extended the glass of water to Elana.

The silver head looked at the Princess before she took the glass silently,

Aries thought that they might have a staredown because of a glass of water, but thankfully, the Ice Lady was mature enough to forget about past grudges…if they had any.

Once Elana’s throat was moist, she continued, “Okay, so, onto the thirty-third question…”

——–**——–

Adrian stretched his back a little. It has already been over two hours since they entered the room, and from his calculations, his students must have already crossed the minimum requirement by now.

Suddenly, a familiar person, whom Adrian wasn’t expecting, approached him.

“Sir Albec?” Adrian called out.

The man raised his hand, and the two soldiers, who had been following him until now, walked away as commanded.

Albec took a short breath, his gaze firm before he said, “What happened yesterday, I want to apologize for that.”

Adrian casually replied, “You have already apologized.”

Albec could sense that the previous politeness was no longer there in his voice. Adrian was hurt, and he had all the reasons, too.

If someone had done something like that to him, Albec might have attacked Moret before the assailant.

The very fact he stayed for his students, shows that he is a mature man and a very good teacher.

And the Tower always respects such people.

“I know there is no forgiveness for what has happened, but to show my sincerity, I want to give you something. Anything you have in mind, please feel free to ask me.”

Adrian’s brows slightly rose.

Anything from the Tower, huh…

Adrian knew that sooner or later, he would meet and get involved with the Tower again so maintaining the wariness was pointless.

So, if he rejects the compensation right now, he will surely regret it later.

After a brief pause, he asked, “The tool used for inscribing runes on the bridge and the other security tools in the Tower…it is the Heartstone, right?”

Albec nodded, “Yes, it is the rare mineral found at the foot of only one mountain.”

A rare, living mineral capable of storing runes without requiring constant magical upkeep from the runesmith. Once inscribed, the Heartstone sustains the runes for anywhere between two and twenty days, depending on the quality of the stone and its age. Thanks to its exceptional durability and longevity, a Heartstone can be inscribed with new runes repeatedly over its lifetime, making it an invaluable material for long-term enchantments.

Adrian hesitated for a bit, thinking whether he should ask for such a priceless thing that could only be brought or excavated with the permission of the Towers.

However, before he could have even asked, Albec told him, “Four kilograms of stone would be sent to your workshop before you return.”

Adrian’s eyes widened, ‘F-Four kilograms…that’s a lot!’

He was actually thinking of asking for a few grams…but this was too much.

“In addition, I would add one decaton of mithril to the list and a few Tower executive weapon materials. Will that be okay?”

“Yes, it’s more than enough.” Adrian was thankful. Just thinking about how many weapons he could make with so many materials, was keeping his mind abuzz.

He just wanted to enter his workshop and start working!

Albec again lowered his head slightly and said, “I wish we maintain a good relationship ahead, Sir Adrian.”

Adrian hummed, this time sounding better than before, “We surely will.”

…

Not so long after, Albec was returning to his office when suddenly someone approached him from behind, “Quite generous you were there.” It was a black-haired woman.

On her chest was a similar silver star as Albec’s

She is the third master of the Tower—Tia.

She is four years older than Albec, but her behavior and small stature make her appear like his younger sister.

“You were listening?” Albec asked, not anxious that she overheard their conversation.

“Well, I just happened to be passing by. But do tell me, my junior, what made you invest in him so lavishly?” She was really curious. Given Albec’s personality, even after what happened last night, a formal apology would be the only thing a person would have gotten.

Albec softly smiled at that question, “There is something about him…that tells me he would become one of the most significant pillars for humanity.” With his gaze drifting to something afar, he added, “He hasn’t even reached ten percent of his potential. That’s why, what you call investment, in my eyes, is a stepping stone for Sir Adrian, which would lead him to his true potential.”

The lady smirked, “You seem quite confident in that man.”

Albec halted in his path and with a knowing smile, he said, “You will stay until the third day, right? You will know what makes Adrian so special.”

———**———

After a long three hours, the doors of the meeting rooms finally parted, revealing the students from different academies.

Adrian, naturally, ignored all of them and continued to glare at the door from where his students would be coming.

Ariana heaved a sigh, completely relaxed about the results since she knew already that her students would pass this round.

After a few seconds, the door finally parted and revealed the faces of his students.

They silently walked out in an orderly fashion before they approached Adrian.

Elana had a bright expression on her face, but Adrian’s eyes were clouded by anxiety to notice that smile.

Once they approached, Adrian calmly(barely) asked, “So…how did it go?”

“Disaster. We ended up fighting and the answer sheet was torn. Sorry, Professor.” Aries bowed her head in apology.

Adrian’s face paled upon hearing that.

Elana stomped the girl’s foot, making her eyes go wide, and she nearly shouted—only for the student beside her to cover her mouth just in time.

Elana didn’t care about the fact that she nearly fractured that toe and told her Professor, “We answered seventy questions with majority votes. Don’t worry Professor.”

A smile bloomed on his face as he asked, “Really?”

“Yes, Profess-.”

Maybe it was the excitement of hearing the results, he ended up hugging the girl before him.

Elana turned stiff, her arms and legs turning frozen as she felt the warmth of her beloved surrounding her.

It was as if she was being cuddled…his smell…his cologne…everything etched in the deepest part of her mind even though she was shocked beyond belief outwardly.

Adrian soon realized that he might have gone a little far, so he distanced himself from her and said, “Well done, Elana.”

Despite the pain, Aries suddenly spread her arms weakly and said, “I also did a good job, Professor.”

Guess, who got her other foot stomped?

——-**——-

A/N:- Imagine what Elana would do tonight~

Source: Webnovel.com, updated by NovelKeep