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After agreeing to enter the academy, Vaan and Helia Ashenborn enjoyed their meal over some idle talk.

As Vaan filled his belly, the spiritual food, which was akin to quality medicine, nourished his body. They improved his health and strengthened his physical abilities.

It wasn’t something a commoner could enjoy, and it wasn’t something any noble household could enjoy every day either.

Vaan was certain that Helia Ashenborn was burning away her wealth to maintain her health.

By keeping the rest of her body healthy, she could at least slow down the spread of the second-stage antimagic spores that fused with her hands.

Nevertheless, Vaan didn’t shy away from the food because of that. After eating his fill, Vaan excused himself from the Great Hall and returned to his guestroom for the night.

Tomorrow, Vaan was going to visit the academy.

…

“Come in, Hester,” Helia Ashenborn summoned before watching Hester Thornton enter the Great Hall from the kitchen entrance on the left side.

At the same time, Helia Ashenborn casually noticed some food crumbs stuck to Hester Thornton’s left cheek.

Nevertheless, Helia Ashenborn ignored it and said, “I will listen to your report now. Feel free to dine with me if you haven’t eaten your fill in the kitchen.”

“Y-Yes, Lord Helia,” Hester Thornton replied with some embarrassment, wiping her face to clean off the food crumbs after noticing Helia Ashenborn’s gaze.

Shortly after, Hester Thornton gave her report on Vaan’s activities in the grand library during the day, which coincided with the information Helia Ashenborn received from her informants.

Afterward, Hester Thornton mentioned Vaan’s need for dual practice partners and the ongoing Zellera’s Curse that caused people’s concern recently.

“Zellera’s Curse, huh? That’s not a big issue. Just don’t f*ck for a week, and all the infected will be known and forbidden from dual practice by then. It should be easier to do than the abstinence month,” Helia Ashenborn casually commented without placing much importance on the issue.

“Nevertheless, the original carrier of Zellera’s Curse needs to be punished for spreading Zellera’s Curse and ruining the lives of several dozen others.”

“Is there no news on Malise Breedlove?” Helia Ashenborn inquired shortly after.

“The responsibility to capture Malise Breedlove was left to the city garrisons to handle. But considering there isn’t any news of Malise Breedlove for more than a day, we can assume that she had fled the city before news of Zellera’s Curse was spread,” Hester Thornton speculated.

Helia Ashenborn contemplated for a moment before agreeing with Hester Thornton’s speculation.

“That does seem likely to be the case,” Helia Ashenborn nodded before adding, “However, it will be troublesome if Zellera’s Curse is further spread due to our carelessness.”

“Let the city garrisons know they should continue searching for another week before suspending the search. In addition, I will put up a bounty of 200 mid-rank mana stones for Malise Breedlove’s capture, dead or alive, and notify our neighbors.”

“That should take care of Malise Breedlove’s case,” Helia Ashenborn stated before shifting the topic to Vaan. “As for Sir Vahn’s needs, you can check our in-house servants and see if any True Witches are willing to dual practice with Sir Vahn.”

“Understood, Lord Helia,” Hester Thornton obeyed with a bow before suddenly adding, “But as for Teacher Cadieux’s matter, actually I…”

…

…

…

Vaan returned to his guestroom on the ground floor before changing out of his day garments, the modified black witch uniform, and finding a sleeping attire for men in the wardrobe.

It was just a simple blue-colored silk pajama, but it enhanced sleep comfort.

After Vaan put on the blue-colored silk pajama and put away his stuff in the spare space within the wardrobe, he sat in bed and contemplated tomorrow’s plans.

‘Since I’ll be visiting the academy, I won’t have to worry about finding a dual practice partner. A Mid-rank Magic Academy like Redpine Academy should have more young witches with better talents than Blackmoon Academy,’ Vaan mused.

After establishing his position in Redpine Academy, it won’t be too late to woo some young ladies into dual practicing with him.

The fresher flowers were easier targets, and it was also his chance to collect some primal essence for his mission.

In any case, Vaan expected to experience some surprises during his time at Redpine Academy.

‘Physical attribute status!’ Vaan suddenly willed.

Ding!

=====

<<Physical Attributes>>

[150 Defense] [Mid-level Rank 2]

[27 Strength] [Low-level Rank 1]

[33 Speed] [Low-level Rank 1]

…

=====

‘As expected, Lord Helia’s spiritual food improved my strength and speed points again. But there’s a clear limit to how much spiritual food can improve my physical attributes,’ Vaan mused.

It was evident due to his stagnant defense attribute, which hadn’t improved in the least.

Considering how high his defense attribute was, Helia Ashenborn’s spiritual food was likely not effective enough to affect it.

Only higher-quality spiritual food and medicine could continue to improve it.

Nevertheless, Vaan also thought about the low-rank mana stones he would be earning from his business deal with Helia Ashenborn.

‘I haven’t tested it, but considering the versatility of the system…’

There was a possibility that Vaan could also use mana from mana stones if he directly swallowed them like he did spiritual food and Stalactite Milk.

As long as it enters his body, it will be detected and used by the system.

‘Unfortunately, I don’t have any mana stones to put it to the test. I can only wait until I obtain some before testing it out. Anyway, it should be about time…’ Vaan thought.

A few moments later, someone knocked on the door to the guestroom.

“Are you still awake, Teacher Cadieux? Are you still in need of a partner for dual practice? I’ve come to try your skills if you are interested.”

Hester Thornton sneakily whispered through the door as if she didn’t want to be heard by anyone else that might be within the vicinity of Vaan’s guestroom.

Nevertheless, Vaan clearly heard her.

Soon, the door slowly opened before Vaan pulled Hester Thornton inside, shutting the door on her way in…