CHAPTER 46: CHAPTER 46

Arthur looked confused when Clayton asked about the conference.

"Huh? You mean you don’t know?"

"Nope. Is that a problem?" Clayton asked innocently.

Arthur sighed. Judging from what he’d heard, it seemed Clayton genuinely had no idea—probably because of his father’s influence. No wonder people often called him a greenhouse flower.

With a patient tone, Arthur began to explain.

"So, the Academy of Water and Fire Magic is trying to show goodwill by hosting a conference. There will be classes covering all sorts of magic-related topics—basic training, specialized applications like agriculture, alchemy, and more."

Clayton listened, visibly surprised. To him, the knowledge system in this world had always seemed tightly restricted. But now, it felt like everything was being opened up.

"Wow... The Academy of Water and Fire Magic is really generous, huh? Is something that good even possible?" he muttered.

Seeing that innocent face, Arthur could only sigh. It was clear Clayton truly had no clue.

"Well, I guess you could say that. The information shared during the conference is actually useful and real."

Arthur added, "But to participate, you have to pay ten low-grade magic crystals."

Clayton nodded. If the knowledge was truly valuable, the price seemed fair.

"Also, the conference has made farmers appreciate the Academy more. They feel lucky, and in turn, they’ve become more tolerant toward mages. Plus, people from different regions are flocking here to learn. It’s made the city feel livelier and more prosperous."

Arthur’s tone shifted, becoming more cautious.

"And one more thing—the conference is also the Academy’s way of controlling information in the region. Politely speaking, it’s about maintaining stability. But bluntly... it’s a form of brainwashing."

Clayton fell silent. He hadn’t expected something that looked so noble to have such hidden motives. He remembered an old saying: There’s no such thing as a free lunch.

"Of course," Clayton thought. "The wise ones from the ancient world never lied."

Arthur was pleased to see Clayton pondering so deeply. He knew this kind of talk was risky—but after getting to know him, Arthur no longer saw Clayton as just another naive kid. He hoped this connection could become something mutually beneficial.

"So, what do you think? Will you go?" Arthur asked.

Clayton snapped out of his thoughts and nodded. "Of course I will."

Even knowing the hidden motives behind the conference, the benefits were too valuable to ignore. He was just a small-time guy—he couldn’t afford idealism over opportunity.

Arthur began giving him a more detailed rundown of what to expect. Clayton listened intently.

...

The Next Morning

Clayton walked toward a towering spire, accompanied by his miniature skeleton companion.

Upon arriving at the entrance, he paid the ten low-grade magic crystals as required. Then, he went in alone, leaving his skeleton hidden in a safe place outside.

He had just taken a few steps into the building when someone called out his name. At first, he thought they were calling another Clayton. But when a hand tapped him on the shoulder, he realized—

"Brother Clayton!"

Clayton turned. It was a woman he recognized quite well.

"Oh... hello, Miss Isadora," he replied politely—neither warm nor cold.

Isadora was a little annoyed by Clayton’s aloofness. She had once believed that cutting ties with him was the right choice. But now, not only had Clayton not been exiled by the city authorities—he was rumored to have gotten rich helping farmers.

She deeply regretted her decision. If only she had stayed close to him...

Still, she quickly buried her frustration and decided to rekindle their relationship. In fact, if possible, she wanted to get even closer.

She believed that with her charm, naive little Clayton would be easy to manipulate—like a puppet.

"Brother Clayton, why are you being so formal? Weren’t we like family before? What’s with this cold attitude? Have you gotten so full of yourself that you can’t even recognize your big sister Isadora anymore?" she asked in a flirty, playful tone.

Clayton scoffed inwardly. Full of myself? Wasn’t it you who ditched me the moment I became poor? What a hypocrite.

"Ehhh, I’m not being arrogant, Miss Isadora. You were the one who said we weren’t anything to each other and even told me not to let anyone know we were acquainted," Clayton replied flatly.

Isadora instantly went pale. She knew he was getting back at her. Those words from back then had come back to haunt her.

Still, she forced a smile. "Hehe, Brother Clayton, you actually believed what I said back then? I was just joking! We were so close—that’s why I dared to tease you like that~"

Clayton scoffed again in his mind. Shameless.

But he had to admit—she was good at playing with men’s emotions. That’s why Clayton felt a little tempted... to turn the tables on her.

"But Miss Isadora, I think this is for the best. My father told me I should live independently after he was gone. I don’t want to trouble you. Still, thank you for everything you’ve done for me, like... umm..."

Clayton paused, pretending to search for an example—but found none.

Isadora immediately realized she was being insulted, and her face flushed with anger.

Just as the tension rose, a male voice spoke up.

"Hey, Miss Isadora, why’d you stop here? Something wrong?"

They turned and saw a man with a very average-looking face.

Clayton frowned. That face... was too generic. Even after staring for a few seconds, he couldn’t remember a single detail about it.

The man didn’t like being stared at like that, but he kept his composure for the sake of his image in front of Isadora.

Truthfully, Isadora didn’t like this guy either. But then, an idea popped into her head.

"Oh, it’s nothing, Brother Ardy. I’m just sad because Brother Clayton’s acting all stuck-up and won’t even acknowledge me as his big sister anymore..."

Ardy’s face lit up. Usually, Isadora was cold toward him, but now... this was different.

He knew Isadora was using him to pressure Clayton, but he didn’t care. In his eyes, this was natural. Men chase beauty, women chase wealth.

With new energy, Ardy joined in.

"Ohh, so you’re Clayton? Why are you being so mean to Miss Isadora? Just because you’re a little successful now, you’re letting it go to your head, huh?"

"Yeah, Brother Clayton~ Why are you being so cruel~" Isadora chimed in again, acting even more coquettish.

Her confidence returned. Moments ago, she’d worried she’d lost her charm—but Ardy’s support was proof she still had it.

If Clayton could read her mind, he’d probably vomit and shout, "Who ever said you were pretty?!"

As the two of them ramped up their little drama, Clayton started feeling bored.

"Don’t blame me. I’m just doing what Miss Isadora told me to do. You said I should be independent, remember?"

"Well then, Miss Isadora, Mister... I have things to do. See you around," Clayton said, turning to leave.

But Ardy stopped him, grabbing his shoulder with a firm grip.

Clayton turned around, clearly displeased. "What’s the meaning of this, friend?"

Ardy smiled. "Nothing much. Just feels rude to walk away while someone’s still talking to you," he said, tightening his grip.

Clayton narrowed his eyes. He didn’t understand what this guy wanted.

Their movements started attracting attention. People nearby began turning their heads. A crowd began to form—like a show was about to start.