The professor cleared her throat somewhat awkwardly, her voice echoing clearly in the quiet lecture hall.
She subconsciously adjusted the glasses on the bridge of her nose, as if that would help her better organize her words.
“Just like a brewed drink, the ratio of ingredients to water must be moderate, but an elf’s ratio of eight-to-two is clearly abnormal.”
She glanced at Princess Merlinlia again.
The elven girl with the blue-gradient hair sat quietly, the sunlight sketching a hazy halo around her.
*Should be fine, right? Was my wording a bit rude just now?*
The professor silently thanked the Princess for her broad-mindedness. If she went home and complained to Ophelia, things would be bad regardless of who was in the right.
“Ahem… because most elves live in the Forest of Spirits for long periods, the outside world cannot definitively state their characteristics. According to current research, even for ordinary elves, their high percentage of soul makes it easier for them to resonate with the mana in the air.”
Another glance at the Princess.
*She seems to be listening seriously? It should still be within the allowed range, right?*
“Of course, to maintain this balance, a Crystal Core forms within an elf’s body. The Crystal Core can be described as something close to an elf’s second heart. It gathers the elf’s power and maintains the balance between the flesh, the soul, and internal and external mana. Naturally, the principle behind it remains unknown to this day, nor should it be known…”
A female student raised her hand.
“Since the Crystal Core possesses an elf’s mana, could it be exploited by people with ill intentions?”
This question made the professor’s heart skip a beat.
Almost reflexively, she glanced at Merlinlia for the third time, observing her reaction.
“In fact, the reason I told you not to mention this term in front of an elf is precisely for this reason. Historically, there have been many incidents of elven kidnappings. Their beauty is, of course, one reason.”
The professor sighed.
“The most important thing is the Crystal Core. Everyone knows the status of mages in this world. Magic is a matter of talent, and the nobles of the Amber Empire take pride in the magical talent within their bloodlines. However, there will always be nobles without talent, and those who seek even greater power. Once an elf loses their Crystal Core, they become unstable or even die.”
This time, the professor clearly saw Princess Merlinlia’s brow furrow.
She couldn’t cross the line any further.
“I’m sure the children who could make it to this school can probably understand what happened afterward. The reason I am teaching such heavy content in the first lesson is because this is the trauma of the elves. If you want to understand the culture of another race, you must first learn their boundaries.”
A student’s voice rang out.
“So, has anyone actually succeeded?”
A long silence filled the spacious lecture hall.
“In history, almost every human who tried failed, often losing their lives in the process. But it’s said that under certain conditions, success is possible, however…”
Another long silence.
“I’ve heard of one success. But hundreds of years ago, even the Amber Empire suffered massive losses due to the elves’ wrath. That history is ancient, and while the losses brought to the nation by their fury are recorded, the person who succeeded seems to have been erased from history, leaving not even a name. Therefore, no one dares to target elves today.”
Masina’s clear voice rang out.
“Then, as an elven princess, Merlinlia’s magic must be…”
The professor immediately interrupted Masina’s unfinished probe with a louder, even somewhat exaggerated laugh.
Though she didn’t know what Masina wanted to say, in this sensitive atmosphere regarding elves, discussing anything about Merlinlia would cause an explosion.
The Principal had warned her…
“Ah-ha-ha, please ask the Princess herself for more detailed matters, but remember not to be offensive.”
The professor made a louder noise to cover it up.
“Ahem-hem-hem-hem-aah-aah-aah.”
Then, the bell rang.
“Oh, perfect timing. Class is dismissed.”
The professor grabbed her teaching materials and bolted, her figure quickly disappearing at the end of the hallway, leaving only the students staring at each other in the classroom.
***
“Your Highness, is it really necessary for you to go in person?”
Lucia looked at Mary, who was following beside her.
“What’s wrong? Isn’t it just meeting a classmate?”
“Because you only returned last night, it would be better to recover your health first…”
“It’s not necessary. Don’t you know how long I slept last night? I’ve had much harder days than this.”
Mary nodded and obediently followed behind Lucia.
“Besides, the news that an elven princess with rare blue-gradient hair is attending Zelyon has already spread throughout the Imperial Capital. The students have seen her with their own eyes. Wouldn’t it be unfair if I’m the only one who hasn’t seen her?”
In fact, since the second day of meeting Merlin, Lucia had received news of an emergency deployment.
If she hadn’t managed to get a good night’s sleep last night, Lucia would have definitely torn down the Imperial Palace over such a sudden, unannounced deployment.
She heard Merlin was injured and that her identity had been accidentally revealed. She had wanted to see what the elven princess looked like and thank Merlin in person, yet she was suddenly called away to help?
Hmph…
Lucia held an empty bottle in her hand.
The candies Merlin had given her these past few days were indeed useful.
Although the accompanying knights complained about not getting enough sleep, Lucia was already pleasantly surprised to be able to fall into a deep sleep for a short time. These candies had truly come in handy during the short-term mission.
Hmph-hmph, the elven princess’s secret recipe? She even gave her the production method for free.
“Princess Lucia.”
“Speak.”
“Why are you so obsessed with the relationship between Merlinlia and Masina?”
Why?
Because it was the first time Lucia had seen that Masina show a flaw.
“Mary, I’ve told you before, haven’t I? Humans can’t create truly perfect things. Even the strongest Dwarven blacksmith has times when he sighs and reforges his work.”
“Even so, hasn’t Masina never done anything out of line? Everyone has to wear some disguises when mingling in noble society.”
“Just consider me a bad person. Regardless, I’m just a twisted person, and my reputation wasn’t good to begin with.”
Even when Lucia lost the student council president election to Masina last semester, she didn’t actually hold a grudge. Their daily relationship was just like ordinary classmates, but Lucia was simply annoyed.
Because she was too perfect, it was annoying. Lucia had seen through that skin from the start, sensing it was fake, but a year had passed without finding an opportunity to expose it.
Yes, she was truly jealous. While she was tortured by illness every day and had a poor reputation at school, Masina was the complete opposite—loved by everyone.
Lucia didn’t plan to drag her down; she just wanted to see that perfect person’s interesting reaction when a flaw was exposed.
As long as she saw her showing a flaw, she would feel much better.
Just like on the day of the opening ceremony.
Because humans can’t create perfect things.