“What exactly is that mansion?”

“I don’t know the details myself. It’s only been seventy-three years since that mysterious place was first confirmed. Three days a year— even if you add up all the time people have spent there, it hasn’t even been a full year.”

Less than a year. That was an absurdly short amount of time.

Exploring the unknown usually took years at the very least.

Considering that, the Kasarr Basin was still far too new to have been thoroughly studied.

“Of course, since mages from all over the world gather there, the density of activity during those three days is remarkable. But even so, the mansion itself hasn’t been known for long. Perhaps ten years now?”

“That’s much shorter than I expected.”

“The entire path leading to the mansion is filled with mysterious energy. Even inside, the strange power of the Kasarr Basin lingers. Naturally, the mansion itself is no different from a magic zone.”

An entire ❀ Nоvеlігht ❀ (Don’t copy, read here) area shrouded in the unknown, with the mansion at its center.

Hearing this, it was hard not to be intrigued.

“But we’re talking about mages here. The slightest hint of unknown magic drives them mad with curiosity.”

“I won’t deny that.”

“They’ve been investigating the mansion for the past ten years— who built it, when it was built, how it was built. What they’ve discovered is that the mansion is at least several centuries old.”

“Several centuries?”

“That’s right. And despite no signs of maintenance, the mansion remains intact. Furthermore, evidence suggests its owner was a mage.”

The mages who explored the mansion reportedly found books on various magical theories inside.

Most were written in lost ancient languages, making interpretation difficult, but partial translations suggested that they contained knowledge of lost spells.

“And I’ve heard you recently finished decoding Larsil and even shared the method publicly.”

“Yes, I did.”

“Aren’t you curious? With your expertise, you could easily decipher the books deeper inside. You might uncover magical knowledge lost for centuries.”

Hmm.

Ludger wasn’t particularly enthusiastic.

Knowledge of magic from centuries ago was tempting, but he already knew someone who was a living embodiment of ancient magical history.

‘But Master never taught me the really ancient spells.’

Whether it was because Ludger lacked the ability or because there wasn’t enough time to teach them, he didn’t know.

Grander’s whims were as unpredictable as tomorrow’s weather forecast.

Even so, there was no harm in attending GeheimnisNacht.

“Are you certain there’s information about Non-Attributed Mana there?”

“Tell me, how many people do you think have possessed Non-Attributed Mana so far?”

“Based on what you’ve told me, only two.”

“Right. But I know of three more. I told you there were more than you’d expect. And they all had something in common.”

“They didn’t live long.”

Heibach nodded.

“Exactly. Most who possess Non-Attributed Mana don’t live past twenty-five. A pitiful fate— a life shorter than half of what a normal person enjoys. But do you know what else they all had in common?”

“What else?”

“They all participated in GeheimnisNacht. Every single one. As if searching for something there.”

That was news even Ludger didn’t know.

“Those burdened with a cursed, short-lived fate all flocked to GeheimnisNacht. What does that suggest to you?”

“That there might be a way to improve their condition hidden there.”

“Exactly.”

Ludger hesitated before speaking.

“But that’s just speculation. There’s no solid evidence that information on Non-Attributed Mana exists there. They might have gone chasing false hope.”

“Heh. True, I can’t argue against that. But...”

Heibach’s gaze deepened as he looked at Ludger.

“There’s a difference between having no chance at all and having even the slightest possibility.”

“...”

“And do you think they’d risk their lives for a hopeless cause? No, I believe they saw a glimmer of possibility. Like moths drawn to flame, they went to Kasarr Basin for a reason.”

“In an uncharted land where nothing has been fully revealed?”

“Precisely because it’s uncharted. And even if not every detail is known, there are major facts we do know— the mansion was built long ago, and it holds knowledge of ancient magic.”

Ludger considered this carefully.

Heibach’s reasoning was persuasive.

A mansion containing lost magical knowledge from centuries past?

It was certainly tempting. There might indeed be information he hadn’t been able to find anywhere else.

‘Non-Attributed Mana... Even Master couldn’t solve that problem. But could there really be something about it hidden in that mysterious mansion at Kasarr Basin?’

It wasn’t entirely impossible.

Even if Grander was an ancient archmage and a vampire, she didn’t know all magic.

Most of her long life had been spent in boredom and detachment.

Considering that, it was natural that she might not know everything about GeheimnisNacht.

‘And Master herself admitted she doesn’t know every spell in existence.’

So maybe— just maybe—

The mansion could indeed hold that knowledge.

And beyond Non-Attributed Mana, there could be other valuable information.

‘Perhaps even records about Relics, which have existed since ancient times.’

The thought was enticing.

There was no harm in going.

Of course, there were other matters to consider.

‘The “contaminant” Heibach mentioned is likely the First Order.’

First Order—Lesley.

He was planning something at GeheimnisNacht, a scheme to slaughter mages.

He had admitted it himself to the Zero Order.

Judging by his behavior, he valued discipline and seemed genuinely loyal to the Zero Order.

At the time, Ludger hadn’t cared much, since it wasn’t directly related to Seorn.

‘But now... I have no choice but to get involved.’

Noticing the change in Ludger’s expression, Heibach narrowed his eyes slightly.

“So, you’re willing to do it now?”

“I simply decided there’s no harm in trying.”

“Hah! Glad you found my advance payment— the information— satisfactory. But tell me something, Professor. I have a question.”

“What is it?”

“You’re looking into Non-Attributed Mana because of that student of yours, aren’t you? But I find that a bit odd.”

Ludger frowned.

“What’s odd about that?”

“Nothing odd about wanting to help a student. Especially after seeing how fiercely you stood up to Duke Lumos at the banquet, it’s clear you care for your students deeply.”

“I wouldn’t say that deeply.”

“If you insist. But when you’ve lived as long as I have, you see more than what meets the eye.”

Though Heibach chuckled, his gaze was sharp, probing Ludger’s true intentions.

“And to these old eyes, it doesn’t seem like you’re doing this just for your student. It feels like there’s something deeper. Something... more emotional.”

“...”

“So here’s my theory.”

Ludger tensed for a moment.

If Heibach got too close to the truth of that day...

A man like Heibach could certainly figure it out.

“You’ve fallen into a forbidden love with your student!”

“...”

“You’re doing this for the woman you love, aren’t you? Isn’t that the most reasonable explanation?”

Isn’t it? Am I right?

Heibach looked at Ludger expectantly.

The faint tension on Ludger’s face vanished, replaced by a cold stare.

And more than that, his gaze shifted to one of sheer disappointment, as if looking at something beneath contempt.

“Oh? Professor, the way you’re looking at me— as if I’m some kind of subhuman creature— must be my imagination, right?”

“Since you already know, I won’t bother saying it out loud.”

“Hah! So that means I hit the mark.”

“Completely wrong.”

There was a faint trace of irritation in Ludger’s voice.

“Hmm? I was wrong? Strange. Normally, when someone acts like that, there’s some personal feeling involved, isn’t there?”

“She is a student, and I am a teacher.”

“A teacher and student romance! That’s quite common, isn’t it?”

“Common? In what world does that happen?”

“You really don’t know, do you? Surprisingly, teacher-student scandals happen every year at Seorn—it’s practically an annual tradition. Why do you think the position you’re holding became vacant? The previous instructor left after getting involved with a student.”

Wait. Was that really why this post had been vacant?

Ludger felt a sudden headache coming on.

“...I’m not interested in my predecessor’s personal life. It has nothing to do with me.”

“No, you should be interested. The teacher before him was the same, and the one before that too. For some reason, instructors in Manifestation Studies are particularly prone to... such entanglements. Almost as if the position is cursed.”

What nonsense was this? As if it were a seat that required seducing students!

“So you think I’ll end up the same way?”

“Why not? You’re far better than any instructor who held this position before you. Handsome, skilled— I can guarantee there are plenty of female students hopelessly in love with you.”

“I’m not interested. They’re children.”

“Children? These students are legally adults, you know. Old enough to marry.”

“You sound like you’re actively praying for me to get cursed.”

“No, no, I’m just saying life doesn’t always go the way you expect. Do you think those previous teachers started teaching Manifestation just to seduce students?”

This was ridiculous.

Ludger pressed his fingers hard against his aching forehead.

They said old men got nosier with age—Heibach was proving it perfectly.

“In any case, I’m not interested in anything like that.”

“Heh. Really? Ah, then how about meeting my granddaughter? She’s sharp enough to be the heir to our family and, if I do say so myself, quite beautiful—she takes after me.”

What— was he seriously trying to play matchmaker now?

Ludger muttered dryly, sounding incredulous.

“So that was your real goal all along.”

“Caught me.”

Heibach smacked his lips, as if genuinely disappointed.

Ludger sighed.

“Even as a joke, please don’t say things like that.”

“I wasn’t joking.”

“...Anyway, I’ll accept the request.”

Ludger ended the conversation and practically pushed Heibach out of the office.

Any more talking, and he might’ve lost his mind.

* * *

Ludger walked down into the streets of Rederbelk.

He needed to check on things after recently moving an enormous amount of money.

“You’re here.”

Hans greeted him as though he had been waiting all along.

“How’s the situation?”

“Smooth, like a tailwind pushing us forward. The mighty Ranpaltz Corporation is falling apart like a grasshopper torn to pieces by ants.”

“Ranpaltz won’t just sit still. Any countermeasures? Asking their connections in politics or finance for help, perhaps?”

“I kept watching just in case, but it seems no one’s extending a helping hand. The tide has shifted too decisively against them.”

Hans paused, then added,

“But... Drahen, the president himself, hurried off somewhere.”

“And?”

“He headed straight to Lumos territory. One of the Three Ducal Houses.”

“I see.”

“...That’s all you have to say?”

Hans had thought it was big news and delivered it with weight, but Ludger’s answer was rather nonchalant.

“You already knew, didn’t you?”

“I was told there was someone pulling the strings behind this.”

“Tch. Guess I got excited for nothing.”

“Anything else?”

“You remember that bastard you kicked out last time? Albert, from the Pablo family.”

“The spoiled brat.”

“Right. His side sent a few people after us in retaliation. After all, you crippled the boy so badly he can’t live a normal life anymore. His father had to do something, even if unofficially.”

“And?”

“I made an example of them. No damage on our side. Every rat was caught.”

Ludger nodded, satisfied.

“Good. Keep making it clear we’re not to be touched.”

“You sure about this? Back-alley thugs usually bow their heads after seeing strength, but noble families aren’t like that.”

If this didn’t settle things, they’d definitely send stronger forces next—perhaps even mages.

But Ludger smiled faintly.

“Our elite forces have been idle too long. This will give them something to do.”

“Well, in that case...”

“Anything else?”

“No. Business is running smoothly, and the money’s flowing. Ah, but there is one thing.”

“What is it?”

“You told me to keep an eye on that Casey Selmore, just in case.”

“I did.”

Ludger hadn’t expected her name to come up now.

He watched Hans’s expression carefully.

“Is there a problem?”

“Hmm. Ever since that detective lady returned from the capital, she’s been locked up in her room. I can’t see inside, but... she doesn’t seem to be doing well.”

“I see.”

As Ludger nodded, Hans noticed something in his expression and widened his eyes.

“Boss?”

“It’s time I paid her a visit.”