Chapter 16: Lynn embarked on her journey

The next morning.

Lynn, for once, woke up early.

One had to know, he was the kind of person who never got out of bed before the sun was high in the sky.

The reason he got up early today was because his father, Duke Reiner Carlette, had just returned from a council meeting at the Central Royal Court at dawn.

At this time, his father was likely having breakfast in the dining room.

His luggage had been packed the night before, and both Livia and Sophie had already left for the station ahead of time.

Now, the only thing left for him to do was to ask his old man to pull some strings and secure him a chance to participate in the entrance exam.

“Hahahaha…”

As Lynn approached the dining room door, he heard his father’s hearty, wild laughter.

He pushed the door open, only to see Duke Reiner holding the daily morning paper from Atz Royal City, laughing so hard he was doubled over.

“Lynn, look, look at this…”

Lynn took the paper.

On the front page, the headline read: “Shocking! Mysterious Arsonist Uses Magic Circle to Burn Down Forest!”

[Three days ago, a sudden fire broke out in the forest outside Atz Royal City. After days of firefighting efforts, the blaze was finally brought under control.]

[An investigation into the cause of the fire has commenced. Investigators discovered suspicious traces of a magic circle at the origin, along with what appeared to be human ashes and a partially burnt family crest.]

[City councilors speculate this incident may be linked to two major families within the royal city and have already reported to the king for judgment.]

[The king stated that forest resources are sacred and must not be destroyed, and ordered all relevant departments to pursue accountability to the end.]

[Our reporters will continue to follow this story.]

“I used to worry that the Vielph Family would gradually surpass us, but I never imagined they’d trip themselves up like this.”

The cigar in Duke Reiner’s mouth bobbed up and down as he laughed.

“According to market price, one hectare of forest is worth about three gold coins. Judging by the area burned, that’s a loss of at least three thousand gold coins.”

Lynn did a quick calculation.

“Exactly!”

Duke Reiner smacked the table, a bit excited.

“Even for our family, coughing up that much gold would hurt, let alone them!”

“Probably some junior in the family who’s fond of fiddling with magic circles made a mistake.”

Duke Reiner shook his head, his tone full of schadenfreude.

“Getting mixed up in something like this, it’s like your ancestors’ tombs have exploded to the heavens.”

Hearing this, Lynn nodded slightly.

He was surprised that, besides himself, there were others here who could draw and use magic circles.

He hadn’t expected such hidden talents and extraordinary people in the small Atz Royal City.

However… the mention of suspected human ashes in the report still caught Lynn’s attention.

It was probably an execution gone wrong when someone tried to use a magic circle.

“Sigh.”

Lynn let out a long, regretful sigh.

His own magic circles were for punishing evil and upholding justice.

But the noble lords’ magic circles had become tools for private executions—and they even managed to burn down a forest in the process.

If everyone were truly equal before the law, how could things like this still happen?

It seemed he still had a long road ahead to spread the idea of equality to every heart.

“By the way, you brat, you must have come to me for something, right?”

Duke Reiner stubbed out his cigar, leaned back in his chair, and crossed his legs.

Lynn nodded.

“I want to study at the St. Karai Magic Academy.”

“Is this another passing fancy?”

Duke Reiner sounded a bit helpless.

“You know, every time you chase after a new whim, it costs me a fortune and a mountain of favors, right?”

“And besides…”

Seeing that Duke Reiner was about to start a long-winded lecture, Lynn hurriedly cut him off.

“Father, I’m serious this time.”

Hearing this, Duke Reiner couldn’t help but laugh.

“Come on, since when have you not been serious?”

“Fine, fine, I’ll let you have your way one more time.”

As he spoke, Duke Reiner took out a fountain pen and some paper, quickly writing a letter.

“With this letter, you’ll be able to take the entrance exam,” Duke Reiner said.

“But after the exam, I’ll have Hale the steward teach you business. I still need you to manage my business in Central Royal City in the future.”

“As long as you promise to study business properly when you get back, you can go.”

With that, Duke Reiner lit a new cigar.

St. Karai Magic Academy had two affiliated schools: the Martial Institute and the Magic Institute.

Both institutes had notoriously harsh entrance requirements, making it hard for the average person to pass.

The Magic Institute especially, with the number of applicants so high, had added even more exam components in recent years.

For example: courage, wisdom, perseverance…

Things like that.

Even the supposedly easier Martial Institute, Duke Reiner felt, was far beyond what Lynn could handle.

With that scrawny body of his, if he came back without broken bones after the test, that would already be considered good physical condition.

Usually, he’d take the exam, fail, then slink back home to laze about.

Better to use this chance to wear out his playful streak completely, so he’d finally take over the family business.

After that, he’d find a few pretty girls for him, get himself a chubby grandson as soon as possible.

After all, Duke Reiner knew full well what his good son was really capable of.

When he saw the news in the paper, he hadn’t even for a second suspected Lynn could be involved.

In his eyes, Lynn was just a kid who only knew how to eat, drink, and have fun all day.

He had no talent for magic, and talking about magic circles—such high-level stuff—was pure fantasy.

Even if he was a bit useless now, he still had a promising future.

“I see. Thank you, Father,” Lynn said, a little surprised.

He hadn’t expected things to go so smoothly.

“Well then, I won’t take up any more of your time. I’ll set out right away!”

Duke Reiner nodded.

“Be careful on the road.”

With his father’s blessing, Lynn set off at once.

An hour later, he arrived at the platform.

The two were already waiting for him there.

Livia had dressed up specially today—maybe to hide her identity as a witch, she’d put on a khaki coat and pleated skirt.

Every little movement radiated the lively cuteness unique to a young girl.

Seeing this, Lynn felt a bit embarrassed.

Sure enough, this girl had followed him after all…

As the guardian witch, Livia theoretically wasn’t allowed to leave her territory.

After all, no one knew if the dragon clans from beyond might seize the chance to invade without a witch’s protection.

But, the guardian witch of Atz Royal City was a special case.

The place was so remote and hidden that even if someone wanted to find it, they might not be able to.

For hundreds of years since the founding of the kingdom, the dragon clans had never attacked this tiny city.

Besides, Livia wasn’t the only guardian witch.

Even if she left for a few days’ rest, nothing serious was likely to happen.

Not far away, the sound of a train whistle reached Lynn’s ears.

Soon, a massive steam locomotive slowly pulled into the station.

Looked like the timing was just right.

“Lynn!”

Sophie waved at him.

“Over here!”

“Really, you’re so slow!”

Livia put her hands on her hips, her tone full of mock reproach.

“Sorry, I got held up with something,” Lynn said, scratching his head and smiling apologetically.

“Hehe, it’s fine, I forgive you,” Livia said, slipping her arm through his and swaying back and forth.

No doubt, this was her real intention.

Another long train whistle sounded in their ears.

“It’s about to depart. Let’s go, Lynn.”

Livia took Lynn’s hand and boarded the train.