The Book Eating Magician Chapter 97:

Chapter 97 – State Guests of Elvenheim (3)

The news of the mission to Elvenheim spread through the magic towers and the Magic Society .

The king had commanded them to be silent about it, but it was unavoidable in order to find magicians to participate in the mission . Anyway, the number of Superior magicians currently in Mana-vil was less than 100, so there was little chance of it leaking onto the streets .

However, those who heard the news were ecstatic .

“At present, there are 93 Superior magicians remaining in Mana-vil, of which 71 are willing to participate in the delegation . Of the remaining, 13 wanted to apply but had to give up due to their circumstances,” Vince smiled wryly as he explained the craze raging inside the Magic Society .

Elvenhein was the holy land of the elves where humans weren’t allowed to step foot in, so the ability to explore that mysterious world pulled out desire even from magicians . Even if it wasn’t a major expedition, it was worth going into the heart of the Great Forest .

The magicians of the magic towers were always thirsty for stimulation .

“…It is very noisy . ”

“Who wouldn’t want to go? It may not be exposed to the outside, but it is currently an unbearable situation where people are mobilizing all types of bribes or stories . ”

Elvenheim was a mystical land overflowing with elementals and mana . So far, the kingdom of the elves had never been exposed . It was a sanctuary where six high elves were staying . If the magicians could see the hidden secrets, they would be able to jump years or decades in understanding .

Some people wanted to cross the ‘wall,’ while others wanted to acquire new research material . Magicians with their own purpose tried to show their worth to the White Tower Master, Orta .

In a sense, Kurt III had made the best judgment when he entrusted the recruitment to the White Tower Master . If it were Theodore who didn’t know politics, who knew what would happen?

“Hoo… It might seem a little pathetic, but I’m glad I don’t have that role . ”

“Haha, it is true for me as well . If you were to act as the screening officer, I wouldn’t even have time to talk to you . ”

There was a difference in treatment of a Superior ranked magician and a tower master . Needless to say, it was much easier to approach a Superior magician with a bribe than a tower master .  Kurt III had considered this, which was why he hadn’t given Theodore the authority .

Vince explained up to there and got up . “I should go . There isn’t much time left until the interview?”

“Interview?”

“It is the instruction from the White Tower Master . He told us to summarize what national interest we can obtain from Elvenheim . ” 

In the end, Theodore couldn’t help laughing . “Aren’t you busy with your study of the ancient language?”

“Well, shouldn’t I get fresh air sometimes? Besides, I may be able to find some clues in Elvenheim . If you think about it, elves are like witnesses of history, so it is a reasonable conclusion . ”

Vince’s words weren’t wrong . Elves lived more than three times as long as humans, so Theo couldn’t deny the possibility that records of ancient languages could be left in Elvenheim’s library .

However, Theo didn’t nod and whispered to Vince who was standing stiffly, “Master, isn’t that an excuse?”

“Uhuh! I like intelligent disciples, but disciples who are sharp are uncomfortable . ”

In a word, Theo was correct . The two people looked at each other and laughed .  Then Vince headed for his private room . Just as he was about to move away from Theo, he looked back like he thought of something .

“That reminds me, I saw that the child is participating in the application as well . Her interview papers are well prepared, so she may surprisingly pass . ”

“That child…?”

“Sylvia . ”

Indeed, a genius who had reached the 5th Circle before 20 years old was entitled to apply for this mission . Sylvia had been helping with his training for a month, but a genius was a genius . She had prepared enough to apply for the mission .

Theo nodded with admiration, but Vince sighed lightly at his reaction .

“That kid still has a long way to go . This is why the parties…”

“Yes?”

“No, it is nothing . It isn’t a story that a third party should be talking about . ” Vince let it pass and returned to his room .

Theodore remained alone in his private room and didn’t think about anything .

*     *     *

Exactly three days afterwards, the White Tower Master verified the reasoning and capabilities of the magicians, and ruthlessly dismissed them .

Magicians were scholars who sought to explore the mysteries of magic, so senior magicians held a lot of knowledge . As a tower master, it wasn’t surprising that Orta’s amount of knowledge was already equivalent to a few libraries .

“Gathering wild herbs for the purpose of breeding . I’m sorry, but the B2-Mandragora doesn’t grow in the Great Forest . Maybe you should study more herbs in the western swamps . ”

“P-Please forgive me once!”

“Exploring elemental magic at Elvenheim? It is reasonable, but don’t you know that elves abhor the act of enchanting elementals? This isn’t an exploration but a mission . Dismissed . ”

“T-That…”

Orta didn’t miss the manipulation of research data and also knew lesser known elven customs . He had a wider range of knowledge, and his ability to conduct himself was better than that of any other tower master .

Magicians who were stupid enough to prepare in Orta’s vicinity and those who made mistakes were sent away by Orta . Fortunately, Theo’s acquaintances didn’t fall into such cases .

Theodore received the list of names a few hours before departure and found two names on it . “Red Tower, Vince Haidel… and Blue Tower’s Sylvia Adruncus . ”

Both were amazing . They had competed with over 70 magicians of the same rank and won . Vince had accumulated his experience, while Sylvia was younger than 20 . Wouldn’t the eliminated magicians be grabbing their wine bottles by now?

Then at that moment…

[Hoing!] Mitra sprang up from a pot on the window, flew into the air, and hit Theodore’s cheek .  Mitra emerged lost in thought, so she was also surprised .

“Wah, Mitra?”

However, Theo didn’t get a chance to ask as his senses stirred . There was a presence which couldn’t be ignored by his sixth sense . It seemed to be both here and nowhere . This was different from Veronica, but the presence was so great that it was hard to ignore .

If he had to express it in words, the presence was close to a non-materialized elemental .  Theo’s logic grasped the identity of the person before his intuition did . “Sir Edwin?”

He opened the door and pretended to be surprised .

“…Ah, excuse me . I don’t know about etiquette, so…”

“You can come inside . Next time, tap lightly on the door a few times . ”

“Ah! Is that called ‘knocking’?” Edwin responded as he entered through the door . Unlike his mysterious appearance, he seemed different when he was not facing the king and nobles .

Edwin crossed the threshold carefully and sat on a chair according to Theo’s instructions .  Then he gazed at Theo with glowing eyes . “I’m sorry for seeing you separately so late . I wanted to come find you on the first day, but my duties slowed my steps . I am glad to see you like this . ”

“It is a pleasure to meet you . Then…” Theodore asked without hiding his expression, “Why are you acting so polite? From my perspective, Sir Edwin’s attitude is a little burdensome . ”

“Huh? Is that so?” However, Edwin’s response was more surprising . He stared at Theo blankly with an expression indicating that he didn’t understand . “You don’t have to be burdened . You are the strength and grace that rescued Ellenoa! The saviour of one of Arv’s blood isn’t lacking at all . ”

“No, that isn’t…”

“I don’t know about human customs, but it is natural for us to treat you with such honour . Please understand . ”

It was a culture shock, so Theo didn’t know what to do .

From his point of view, a master level person was able to flaunt their position in any country . The possession of that sort of strength could break through any social structure like identity, rank, or wealth! Theo had never dreamed that such a transcendental being would act like this toward him .

It seemed different from humans who focused on individuals . Elves were faithful to the value of a group . The difference in perception between the two species was hard to accept, even for Theo .  However, it would be rude to ask Edwin further, so Theo decided to tolerate it . Apart from the awkwardness that filled his body, the courteous treatment wasn’t doing any harm .

However, that decision was tested in a few minutes . .

“Benefactor, is there any place that you want to go to in Elvenheim? I will be happy to take you there . ”

“I don’t know any places, so…”

“Ah, that’s right . I was too short-sighted . I will show you things you will appreciate . ”

“It is okay if you do it moderately, moderately . ”

Edwin kept asking him questions enthusiastically, while Theodore replied with a weary face . The exchange between human and elf was rare in this era .  Compared to Theo’s first impression of him, Edwin was a surprisingly talkative elf . Theodore liked to be silent, so he couldn’t help feeling pained .

Thus, it was inevitable that the subject was changed .

“That…” Edwin held a gift from Ellenoa .

It was a seed which gave out a bluish light . As soon as the cloth was untied, a fragrant scent rose up from the seed . It attracted Mitra and all the elementals around Edwin! They came running with loud sounds .

Edwin smiled brightly at Theo’s reaction and explained its identity, “The seed of the world tree . Of course, it is different from the myths, but it still has this effect . ”

[Deo! Deoo!] Mitra drooled and at pulled Theo’s clothing . Theo couldn’t ignore it and hugged her .

Then Edwin suddenly extended the seed to Mitra . “This is a message from Ellenoa . Give this ‘seed’ to Mitra . ”