Chapter: 297
As the fair approached, a major incident erupted. Even I, who had developed a strong tolerance for unusual events, alongside the Principal and Villar, unanimously agreed that this was a “huge bombshell.”
“It’s true. The mana circulation has accelerated.”
I nodded silently at the Principal, who seemed utterly dazed. This proved that the Duke of Magic’s cookies had effects not limited by skill level.
“Amazing. To think mere cookies could have such an effect.”
The Principal, still unable to gather his wits, trembled as he held the cookie in his hand. Given the situation, I simply watched. If being a non-magic user impacted me this much, imagine how the Principal, a magician, felt.
At a completely unexpected moment, an unimaginable event had occurred. Who would have thought that the Duke, who was quietly focusing on pastry, would pull off such a surprise right before the fair?
‘Not intended, but still…’
However, it was a problem that even the Duke didn’t foresee this accidental incident.
Yesterday, right after wrapping up the weekly lecture at the debate club, the Duke immediately began making cookies. He returned from the lecture looking particularly bright, despite it being a tiring day, so I just quietly watched him. There was no reason to stop him when it was something he enjoyed.
Then, with a beaming smile, he presented the cookies he had made, cheered on by Louise.
“Baby, if it’s okay, could you taste and evaluate it?”
“Of course!”
I quickly nodded in response. Since the beginning of school, the Duke had made countless cookies, but he refused to give me any, insisting on handling the inferior ones by himself. This was the first time a cookie made by him appeared before me.
So, with eagerness, I took a bite. I was even prepared to say it was delicious, regardless of the taste.
‘What is this?’
But as soon as I bit into it, I felt a strange change. The speed of mana circulation within me skyrocketed.
That’s impossible. A beginner might be affected by minor stimuli or potions, but someone with my experience, who had doped with various potions and spells, wouldn’t be affected unless it was an extremely potent potion. Yet, just one bite of a cookie made it accelerate? Twice the normal speed, no less?
At first, I thought it was a coincidence, but after finishing one cookie and then an entire plate, I was convinced. This was no fluke. I didn’t know how, but all the cookies made by the Duke must be infused with high-quality potion effects.
“Uh, how is it? Does it suit your taste?”
Seeing the Duke nervously inquire about my opinion nearly made me burst out laughing. His expression was not one that expected a reaction to the surprise potion; he was genuinely anxious for my taste assessment.
I reassured him verbally that it was tasty while my mind raced. If the Duke was unaware of this mana-doping effect, then the cookies he brought to the debate club must have had the same effect, and this bizarre rumor would spread like wildfire.
And of course, ominous speculations often hold true; rumors about the Duke’s homemade mana-doping cookies spread quickly. That’s why, even on the weekend, I was brainstorming with the Principal.
“It’s problematic that this is happening just before the fair.”
After a moment of silence, the Principal sighed, then spoke.
“Yes, I agree.”
It was a wise statement, and I wholeheartedly concurred. Just the fact that the cookies were made by the Duke held significant symbolism. Wizards from the academy, and even outsiders, would be eager to buy such a treat. They’d probably want one for themselves, brag about it to friends who couldn’t come to the academy, and buy another for preservation with a permanent storage spell.
But it was not just symbolic; it had effects comparable to potions? A snowballing cycle of demand slowly turned unbearable. The higher one’s prowess, the stronger the thirst for mana. Wizards would bet their entire fortunes for even the smallest effect.
‘It’s going to flip for sure.’
Wow! Truly, the Duke has turned the academy upside down.
No, it feels like he’s flipped the entire continent.
“What shall we do now?”
I gently probed the Principal, who was inhaling cookies while sighing heavily. How do we control the news that could send these wizards into a frenzy?
“Shutting them up is impossible. It’s already been a day; the word has already spread, and trying to silence students now would only give credence to rumors about us,” he replied.
His response was wise again. Yeah, stifling them is futile. Once the wizards, a concentrated mix of fanaticism and initiative, spread the word, it would rock the academy and echo throughout the empire and continent. The wizards’ network is not to be underestimated.
And if the noisy wizards suddenly went quiet, everyone would know something was up. Even outsiders who may have had doubts about the doping cookie rumors would come to the academy with certainty now.
It’s maddening. It would be troublesome to let them keep yapping, but trying to shut them up would just lead to a wave of student oppression controversy.
‘Should I just let it be?’
It’s undoubtedly a huge incident, but the situation calls for restraint. How pitiful.
“So, I have a request for the Executive Manager.”
“Are you talking to me?”
I was taken aback by the unexpected comment. Was there something for me to do in this chaos? Even the authority of the Executive Manager wouldn’t hold weight against the invasion of foreigners.
“Now that we’re in this situation, I intend to promote it widely.”
?
What does he mean? We’re trying to keep it quiet, but now he wants to make it more public? In a situation where we wanted to limit the crowd?
‘Has he lost it?’
I couldn’t help but think that way. The Principal, who was expecting a quaint fair only for alumni nobles, might have finally lost his mind, especially with the fair evolving into an international bazaar.
Despite my thoughts, the Principal continued standing firm.
“It’s evident that everyone will be after the cookies made by the Duke. Supply won’t be able to keep up with demand.”
“Yes, I suppose so.”
It was something that didn’t need to be said. The Duke is just one person, while guests arriving from all over the continent would likely number in the hundreds, thousands, maybe even more. No matter how incredible the Duke is, it’s impossible to satisfy that insane demand.
“Then let’s say they are limited editions. An auction format might work well, too.”
“…What?”
What in the world is he talking about?
The sharpness and creativity that comes with experience cannot be matched by young ones. The title of Principal wasn’t earned just playing poker.
“If supply isn’t going to meet demand, we might as well market them as limited editions. If we sell normally, people will whine about them selling out. But if it’s through an auction, they’ll only have to blame their own finances.”
“Oh, yes.”
“I can’t just casually auction off something the Duke made. So, I’d need the Executive Manager to persuade him.”
“Of course. That’s only right.”
I was filled with awe. If we simply sold cookies and ran out of stock, it would be seen as the seller’s unpreparedness. But if the cookies are sold at auction and someone fails to buy them, it’s the buyer’s fault for not having deep pockets. It’s a crazy capitalistic logic only fit for the Gold Duke.
But it wasn’t exactly wrong. We’re talking about the Duke’s special mana-doping cookies. Who would think they could buy them casually? It takes a fortune and more to even be considered worthy of one.
“I’m fine with it. If it means fewer people get my cookies that I want to give to the baby, that’s good.”
Fortunately, it seems the Duke doesn’t have the mindset of “I want everyone to see my cookies.” I should be able to persuade him easily.
However, it looks like I’ll have to consume the cookies I was supposed to sell at the booth. But that’s a problem for later.
“Thank you, Beatrix.”
Grateful for her cooperation, I playfully tugged at the Duke’s ear. With everyone else at class, we were alone, making it possible.
It’s a bit weird that I was showing gratitude by touching his ear, but surprisingly he preferred it to a head pat. Is it a trait unique to elves?
“Huh…”
The proof was in the pudding; as soon as I grabbed his ear, the Duke melted like butter.
He seems to love it so much it makes me happy too.
*
Ernesto Academy transcends a mere educational institution; it’s a symbol for the United Kingdom of Yuben.
The great magician who significantly contributed to uniting the five kingdoms of the Yuben region into one. Ever since the five kingdoms became known as the United Kingdom of Yuben, he dedicated his life to the advancement of magic, earning him the title of Teacher of Yuben. He is revered and worshiped, referred to as Mentor Ernesto.
Such an academy named after Ernesto is not only essential to the very existence of Yuben but also lives on as a piece of history.
“If Kefellofen is an empire that wields heaven’s decree, Yuben is a strong nation that holds magical hegemony.”
The third Principal of Ernesto Academy left such words. The empire’s might is acknowledged, but even an empire cannot surpass Yuben’s magic.
It’s a lesson every Yuben magician carries in their hearts. We wield magical hegemony, and in anything magic-related, we won’t fall behind the empire; we are the premier magical nation of the continent. We have not forgotten that pride.
Because of this, Ernesto Academy has long competed in rivalry with the empire’s academy.
“Are we ready?”
“Yes, we can move at any time.”
I’m only saddened that this rivalry ended in a loss during my era.
But what can be done? If the Duke has chosen the empire’s academy as his foundation, there’s nothing to be done. Only when Mentor Ernesto is revived would we have a chance to challenge the Duke.
Defeat is painful, but as a magician, failing to recognize inferiority while only presenting pride is a fatal error worse than death. Acknowledge defeat when necessary and take care of the things that need taking care of. That’s the rational way forward.
“Let’s go. The students must be excited.”
Not to mention, losing to the Duke is a noble defeat. Even descendants who lament our loss will likely understand and react with, “It can’t be helped,” once they realize the opponent is the Duke.
‘It’s a crouch for progress.’
And if I could meet the Duke and receive his teachings, and if I could secure those rumored mana cookies while I’m at it, I’d gladly accept this defeat.
Just to be safe, I prepared enough funds. I had saved enough to buy a decent estate or castle, so I should be fine.
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