The Crimson Magister Chapter 93: V3-C21: Travel [4]

Read chapter 93 of The Crimson Magister by Okram on NovelPedia.

V3-C21: Travel [4] Avaros leaned back into his seat and whistled. His eyes darted from Aqua to Azure and then finally to Sheira, who sat next to him. “I am rather surprised, your highness.” “Why?” Sheira tilted her head. “Considering how important you are, it’s surprising that you did not bring a sizeable guard host.” The princess smiled awkwardly, “I don’t need guards when I have Azure here. And I am not as weak as you might think.” “Of course, I am not doubting you, your esteemed highness.” He tapped his foot and crossed his arms. “I was under the impression that Lady Hallowshield was supposed to be our country’s military asset. It’s rather strange she’d be allowed to attend the Academy again.” Sheira clicked her tongue. “She is on vacation.” “Vacation?” “Ah, I suppose the news hasn’t reached your house yet?” “Hm, I suppose not. It’s not my place to question you, your highness.” Azure shook her head. “Fortunately, the military is not without trainers; we found a replacement while I attend the academy.” The young man hummed, “I see. I am glad that our glorious homeland finally got its act together and reduced Lady Hallowshield’s military responsibilities.” His hands crossed. “Frankly, and don’t take this as an insult, Lady Hallowshield. Having you solely responsible for our military is asinine.” Azure’s eyes widened, and Aqua and Sheira chuckled. “Let me explain. First and most important, while I do not doubt your loyalty to the kingdom, the military would be more loyal to you than to the kingdom.” “Second, putting their faith in you alone would lead our nation to fracture if anything happened to you. And lastly, you are just a mortal. Your mind will crumble from the weight of the responsibility. I do not envy your position.” Azure nodded. This man was similar age to Sheira, yet he was much wiser than the princess. His gaze washed over the group of girls. “Well, it doesn't matter right now. We are about to attend the glorious Onost Academy. I had heard many good things about it from my father.” “Oh?” Sheira tilted her head, her eyes slightly squinted. “Anything in particular you would like to share, Sir Avaros?” “Hmm…” He puffed out a cheek and slowly pushed the air through his closed lips. “The professors are excellent, especially the casting specialized ones. Rumors are that even a southern savage who graduates here would be bound to greatness. Of course, I do not believe in such rumors. Only one’s merit has any weight.” He leaned back. “However, my family is not one to ignore a potential good. Thus, they sent me to specialize. I am to learn anything I can in order to properly utilize my power.” He opened his fist, and a spark of electricity danced in his palm. Sheira and Azure widened their eyes. “No catalyst?!” Avaros shook his head. His silence was heavy, and his eyes stared at his hand for a moment. “My father, about two centuries ago, had theorized that catalysts are mere crutches forced upon us by rigid traditionalism.” “And he was right. As I had just proven, catalysts, runes, and prayer aren't necessary, not even body movement. There is something else in the world, a power that we have yet to tap into.” His fist clenched. “My family sacrificed much to learn and study this mysterious power.” Sheira’s eyes fluttered. Her gaze slowly panned to Aqua, who observed Avaros with a slight smile on her face. “Aqua… could they have discovered… Aether?” Avaros snapped out of his stupor and stared at the princess. “Aether? Does the royal family know something we do not?” Aqua nodded. Impressive, to discover it and even learn how to utilize it on a basic level is rather extraordinary. “Sir Avaros…” “Just Avaros, you have saved me, Lady Brightcrown.” “Just Aqua, in that case.” She bowed. Avaros nodded. “Please, speak your mind.” “The force you are studying is called Aether. It is the lifeblood that is a crucial ingredient of mana.” She opened her palm, and sparks of flame danced upon it. On the other hand, she conjured a globule o