Academy’s Genius Mage

The patent certificate from the government office wielded tremendous power.

Rumors spread that Ian was not only granted related authority by Professor Frost but also reaping enormous royalties, leading to a skyrocketing of Ian’s standing.

In addition, word got around that Ian had his paper published in the special section of this year’s Magic Society’s Journal, leaving the Department of Magic astounded.

Naturally, it was a positive shock.

Through this event, Ian became a known name not only among his peers but also to his seniors.

“Ian! You’ve got to treat us!”

“Will just a treat be enough? Shouldn’t the Oracle Family throw us a grand party?”

“We’re looking forward to it!”

“That guy Ian is definitely reincarnated. How else could he be so good at everything in his second life?”

“If reincarnation magic exists, I want to learn it too!”

The number of peers who warmly approached Ian significantly increased.

As a result, the lecture hall was bustling from the morning. More than ten peers surrounded Ian, each chiming in with their comments.

This was a meaningful change.

Originally, the attention should have been on Sebastian, but it was now focused on Ian, signaling a shift.

“Really can’t stand it.”

Ophelia muttered, displeased.

Previously, she couldn’t stand a low-born family successor making waves, but now it was different.

She wasn’t at all envious of the potion manufacturing patent; after all, the Drias Marquis’s family had much more money.

However, having a paper placed in the special section of the Magic Society’s journal was something she was quite—no, very jealous of.

She wanted to let out a slew of swears, yet couldn’t because of a promise she made.

“How did he get a paper published in the Society? Isn’t it a mistake, perhaps a namesake thing?”

“How could that be? I heard Isera helped him.”

Sebastian interjected.

Since Ophelia’s pardon, he had been acting more amicably towards her. That oily smile, as if cooked with butter, seemed richer.

“You’re so foolish. Haven’t you read the paper? Isera only wrote the paper, and it’s Ian who discovered the new technique.”

“Hmm, did he?”

“You should study more, shouldn’t you?”

“Hahaha, never thought I’d hear such a thing from you!”

Ophelia’s attitude towards Sebastian changed slightly too.

Through this event, she had an epiphany.

She thought Sebastian harbored romantic feelings for her.

But it was quite the opposite. He was merely keeping her close to use her politically.

And so, Ophelia resolved,
‘This time, I’ll exploit him. I’ll bleed him dry.’

Ophelia’s malice had grown stronger.

Naturally, the obtuse Sebastian misinterpreted this malice as being directed at Ian, rather than himself.

Ophelia hadn’t exactly distanced herself from him, after all.

“Ian, if you have time, how about a cup of tea?”

“I’m free too.”

“I know a nice salon. The desserts there are really delicious…”

Even the attractive female peers became more proactive in their approaches. Listening to this, Milo complained with a bug-chewing expression.

“Hey! Take a number. There are lots of people waiting!”

“You need to zip it.”

“Where does this muscle pig get to interfere?”

“People who are ugly never seem to have awareness!”

“Physiognomy is considered natural science, you know.”

He had just made one comment, yet the returned comments were brutal criticisms.

In the end, Milo slumped onto his desk, and Edel patted his shoulder consolingly.

“Cheer up, Milo. Being ugly isn’t a sin, right? It’s what’s inside that counts.”

“….”

Edel was unexpectedly a cruel person.

Ian waved his hands to calm his peers.

“Thanks, everyone. When there’s a chance, I’ll invite you all to our mansion.”

“Really?”

“Was that a promise?”

“Is there even a need to promise? I am the head of the family.”

“Oh, right?”

“I’m envious! I want to be the head of the family too!”

Ian thought there would be no particular problem in inviting all his peers. It was, at most, a group of 40 people.

Wilson and Dorothy might become a little busy, but they would surely be delighted. This would be the first time so many people were invited to the estate.

The Oracle Family’s mansion had always been a quiet place. It felt like a library.

‘Sometimes, a little bustle is nice.’

Having many friends to invite meant that Ian was adapting well at the academy. It was something Wilson, who was standing in for Ian’s father, had longed for.

Meanwhile, Sebastian, who was watching this scene, had a slightly different thought.

‘If I had known it would turn out like this, I would have taken Ian as my running mate!’

Sebastian’s intertwined fingers indicated his nervousness as his thumb moved restlessly.

Honestly, he had never expected Ian’s value to rise like this.

Though he maintained a smiling exterior, Sebastian was scheming for his own benefit.

‘Damn! It’s become too complicated in the final stretch. It might have been better to drop out.’

Sebastian glanced at Ophelia.

She had not given up running for vice president.

Becoming student body president was too much, but there was no need to relinquish the vice president position.

‘Still, I should endure. Father requested something special.’

A peculiar smile appeared on Sebastian’s lips.

Sebastian was the eldest son of the Kent Marquis family. Barring any incidents, he was expected to inherit the family.

However, he had many siblings below him.

He couldn’t predict when they might reveal their ambitions.

‘If I earn points with Father here, the family will completely be mine. I must be cautious of the Drias Marquis family. I’ll handle this one carefully and then discard her!’

At that moment, his eyes met Ophelia’s.

‘I know, you idiot. I’m the one planning to play and then discard you, so don’t worry?’

Both of them concealed their true intentions, sharing sly smiles.

Sebastian adjusted his collar and approached Ian.

“Congratulations, Ian Oracle.”

“Do you know how often you’ve been saying that recently?”

“Hahaha, is that so?”

Honestly, it was an answer that irked him, but Sebastian played it cool. Too many voters were watching.

Ian, with an amused look, asked, “Why? Are you betting again this time?”

“That’s not it. I just wondered if you’d thought about the proposal I made earlier.”

“I can’t quite remember. What was it?”

“I said I’d throw a party after the election.”

“Oh, that. But it seems like you’re still throwing a party even if you lose?”

Sebastian momentarily froze, taken aback by the unexpected comment.

“Lose… you say?”

“I meant, since you said you’re having a party before the election even started. Even if there’s no competition, you never know until the results are out.”

“Hmmm, I suppose that’s true.”

He couldn’t outright say he was confident of winning anyway because that might result in abstentions or invalid votes.

Since it was an anonymous vote, he needed to avoid actions that could fuel resentment.

Sebastian focused on maintaining his expression.

“Even if I lose, it doesn’t matter! Not throwing a party after losing is something only a petty person would do. Our Kent Marquis family isn’t cowardly.”

“As expected, the Kent Marquis eldest son is different.”

“The same goes for the successor of the Oracle Family.”

Ian chuckled softly and nodded.

“Alright. If you’re going that far, I won’t insist on pulling out. I’ll attend. But before that, I’ll visit the place I was already invited to.”

“An invitation?”

Sebastian and the surrounding peers perked their ears. They were curious about which remarkable family might have invited Ian.

The female peers’ interest was slightly different.

Unlike the other male peers, Ian was the sole heir to his family.

However, despite inheriting the family name, he had yet to marry.

The intention would become clear depending on whether the inviter was a man or a woman.

“Could it be Marquis Hunka?”

Marquis Hunka was the father of Ophelia and the head of the House of Drias.

“No. I was invited by Edel.”

“Edel?”

Sebastian tilted his head out of habit. It was a name he couldn’t remember.

It was understandable.

Since Edel came from a commoner background, Sebastian had no need to remember his name.

Ian did not miss this momentary expression.

“You really look like you don’t know who he is.”

“Oh, no. That’s ridiculous. I was just confused for a moment. How can I not know a peer’s name?”

“It’s unthinkable indeed.”

Fortunately, Sebastian realized who Edel was. The young man now blushing with embarrassment right next to him.

Simultaneously, a question arose.

Why was Ian going to a commoner’s home?

“Edel’s father is a national hero. He’s also an exceptionally skilled military doctor. Edel helped me a lot recently. It seems he inherited his father’s skills, so I wanted to meet him.”

“Hmm?”

Edel was taken aback.

The multitude of gazes that had been directed at Ian now shifted towards him.

It was the first time he received such attention in his life. He had no idea where to rest his eyes.

“I don’t want to say grand things like ‘In the academy, everyone is equal, so don’t discriminate…’ but there’s always something to learn. One should be able to recognize and acknowledge skills. That’s how progress is made, isn’t it?”

With Ian’s words, the atmosphere became solemn.

The only one still unsettled was Sebastian in front of him.

“R-right. Ahem, speaking of which, Edel, you’re impressive! Who knew you had such skills? Let’s get along well from now on! I look forward to it.”

“Ah, yes.”

Edel gazed at Ian with eyes filled with admiration, a gaze overflowing with affection.

In contrast, Milo sat with a sullen expression, leaning his chin on his hand.

He, too, had helped, but Ian had not mentioned him.

The timing was unfortunate.

At that moment, Professor Frost entered the lecture hall.

“Everyone seems excited.”

“Hello, Professor!”

Professor Frost stood at the podium, looking pleased.

“As some of you might have heard, Ian Oracle’s paper was published in Magic Society’s journal.”

“Ooh!”

Even though it was widely known, they applauded. Ian smiled sheepishly.

“Getting a paper published isn’t just about boosting one’s achievements or gaining fame. It prompts us to consider why we study the history of magic.”

Professor Frost suddenly pointed to Ophelia.

Startled by her vivid memories of that time, Ophelia rose from her seat.

“Yes, Professor.”

“What do you think is the reason and value of learning magic history?”

“I believe… the reason and value lie in examining the origins and evolution of magic diachronically. By studying how magic began and how it vanished, we can anticipate how it might change in the future.”

“An excellent response. How’s your health?”

“Pardon? Oh… I’m fine now, Professor.”

“That’s good to hear.”

Ophelia pressed her hand against her thumping chest and sat down.

“As Ophelia mentioned, learning the history of magic is about obtaining answers to how magic will evolve.”

Professor Frost’s gaze turned towards Ian.

“In this sense, Ian’s paper has opened new possibilities for basic magic, so it’s no exaggeration to say. I look forward to more from you, Ian Oracle.”

“I’ll strive to do my best, Professor.”

Resisting the flood of attention, Ian opened his textbook.

His plans were already moving into the next phase.