Academy’s Genius Mage

Goyang, comfortably sprawled on the sofa, extended its claws and scratched its belly.

“This is so boring and dull.”

It was the epitome of laziness.

At that moment, it purposely hadn’t materialized itself.

If Wilson or Dorothy happened to walk into the office, they’d be shocked at the sight of a cat behaving like a human.

Under normal circumstances, Ian would have formally introduced Goyang, but the family was currently in a state of emergency. The introduction was postponed.

Furthermore, there was a specific reason for not materializing.

Ordinary people couldn’t sense spirits. Only those skilled in handling mana or warriors who had undergone advanced training could feel a peculiar sensation.

In other words, by remaining hidden until launching a surprise attack, it could achieve a significant ambush effect.

Ian intended to make full use of this opportunity.

After all, anything could happen.

It was already getting dark outside.

The candles Dorothy had lit earlier illuminated the dim room.

“They don’t even think about moving. Are they going to be here until dawn?”

The assassins seemed frozen in place, not budging an inch. Their skills were better than Ian had initially thought.

Naturally, Ian was also aware of this, so he didn’t bother to respond.

The self-proclaimed great spirit was annoyed by its partner’s indifference.

Eventually, unable to bear the boredom, goyang turned its head sharply.

Ian came into its view, sitting at the desk reading a book.

“Say something! Human.”

“Don’t worry. They’ll definitely attack today.”

“Hmph. How can you be so sure?”

“I haven’t been going out much these days.”

Ian continued to leisurely turn the page.

“No matter how skilled they are, infiltrating the academy is a suicide mission. If they miss today, it will be difficult to promise another opportunity.”

“Hmm, that makes sense.”

“They probably have my movements all mapped out. After all, I was negotiating with the Bahamut Trading Company.”

Ian didn’t bother to hide the fact that he had been negotiating specifically with Woodward of the Bahamut Trading Company.

Felix would use that information.

“So, we just sit quietly and catch them when they come to us. By now, Mr. Polo should have loosened security on one side, so they’re bound to infiltrate from there.”

After dinner, Ian had secretly contacted Polo to convey his strategy.

He asked Polo to open a path for the assassins to infiltrate easily.

At the time, Polo had tried to dissuade him, calling it a dangerous plan, but Ian was unwavering.

“Even I think it’s too risky. What if the assassins come in droves?”

“Do you not know why they’re called assassins? They’ll target me with the minimum number of people. So, the leader acting alone is the best conclusion.”

“It’s a gamble.”

“It’s fine. I’m not alone.”

The indirect compliment from Ian made Goyang’s chest swell with pride. Though it didn’t want to admit it, the words from its partner elicited a mixture of emotions.

It was then that a knock was heard, followed by Dorothy’s voice.

“Come in.”

Ian closed his book momentarily.

Goyang was displeased. It couldn’t understand why Ian was giving more attention to a mere maid than to itself.

“You’ll stay up late tonight, Master?”

“I’m just going to read a book before bed. Is there something wrong?”

“No, not particularly. I was just about to finish up, so I wanted to see if you needed anything else.”

Ian smiled and shook his head.

“No need. You did a great job today. You must have been surprised by my unexpected arrival, but dinner was delicious.”

“I’m glad to hear that!”

Dorothy responded with a cheerful smile, her cheeks slightly flushed.

Goyang sighed deeply, feeling somewhat disdainful.

However, Dorothy hesitated, holding onto the doorknob without turning back.

It had been Ian, who had grown up with her since childhood.

Something was clearly on her mind.

“If you have something to say, just say it. Who knows when we’ll next see each other again? Even if we set up a communication line, it will take some time.”

“Well, it’s about… um… the dress… thank you!”

“Wilson made you, didn’t he?”

“I guess I can’t deceive the Young Master’s eyes.”

He wondered why such trivial matters warranted thanks, but then he realized it was the first time he had given gifts for the household staff, aside from gifts from the heart.

“You’ve worked hard for the family, so it’s only natural to do that much. Don’t dwell on it too much.”

“I thought you, Young Master, would say that.”

“How is Wilson?”

“He doesn’t say it, but he seems really pleased. He was even humming a tune earlier!”

He couldn’t help but laugh, imagining Wilson in such a manner.

“Sometime soon, we’ll hire a few more maids, so just hang in there a little longer. Things will get easier.”

“Ah, really?”

“Yes. We can’t leave all the housework to you and Wilson. Now that we have some leeway, we should hire more people.”

No matter how small the Oracle Family’s mansion was, daily management was no easy task.

Ian planned to use the money he had stored in the bank to hire additional staff.

“So prepare well to train the new people coming in.”

“Then will I become the head maid?”

“Maybe not the head maid, but you can be a strict senior.”

“Hooray! Understood!”

As much as he wanted to chat more, Ian sent Dorothy back to her room.

A change in the shared senses was felt.

Both Ian and Goyang stood up simultaneously.

『That little girl seems to like you a lot.』

“She does like me. I like her too.”

『Oh. Your taste is simpler than I thought. I assumed you’d like that pretty human in the library more.』

The mention of the pretty human in the library referred to Isera.

It felt as if he had been struck with a sudden headache.

He decided that upon returning to the academy, he would immediately seek out Isera to clear up any misunderstandings.

“I meant liking her as family. Dorothy is no different from my younger sister. Don’t go raising your fur out of jealousy.”

『W-who would feel jealous!』

“As expected, the great spirit wouldn’t feel such emotions, right?”

『C-correct!』

Although Goyang seemed somewhat pricked in conscience, there was no time for chit-chat. Ian went around the room, extinguishing the candles one by one.

Soon, the office became dark.

Outside, Polo’s expression turned grave as he watched. He raised his hand to signal, and the formation of the mercenaries changed.

On the surface, it appeared they were reinforcing the perimeter, but it was a deception.

One side was slightly unattended.

Just enough for one or two people to slip through quietly.

* * *

“Until when do we have to wait here?”

An assassin with a mask covering his face inquired.

However, Dimon, Felix’s right-hand and loyal sword, merely continued watching the Oracle Family’s mansion in silence.

“Sir Dimon!”

The assassins felt impatient.

That small, insignificant mansion could easily be overtaken with a single leap.

Dimon wasn’t usually this cautious.

He was a consummate professional.

A person who boldly infiltrates enemy lines and drives a dagger into the target’s heart. But today, he moved with remarkable caution.

“The defenses at the back of the mansion are weak. If we subdue the mercenaries there and proceed, we can take his head right away.”

“I know that.”

“But why…?”

In an instant, Dimon’s sharp gaze pierced through the deputy leader’s eyes.

“Do you have a death wish?”

“N-no, Master.”

“Then shut that stinky mouth of yours and stay quiet.”

Quietly rebuking, Dimon focused on the mansion once again.

There was merit in the deputy leader’s words.

Normally, he would have infiltrated before the subordinates’ grievances emerged, but today didn’t feel quite right.

‘It’s strangely a too-perfect opportunity.’

If he were a novice or intermediate, he would’ve eagerly attempted the infiltration right away.

However, Dimon wasn’t some common thug wandering back alleys.

No matter how much he thought about it, he couldn’t understand why Ian decided to stay overnight outside the mansion.

‘If the Bahamut guys are really spread here, that means even Ian knows that the assassination squad is moving. Why would he specifically choose to stay outside?’

Yet Ian had decided to spend a night at the mansion.

It was confirmed information from a source within the academy’s administration office.

‘There’s definitely something there, but not knowing what that something is bothers me.’

Dimon prided himself on having gathered perfect information on Ian.

He collected data on Ian from the moment he was born until now.

In fact, the old information wasn’t much use. There wasn’t anything special about it.

The only thing worth noting was the records since Ian had entered the academy.

Dimon had confirmed that Ian was showing significant promise in research fields and that his mana measurement was only 77.

It was somewhat unsettling that the Mage Tower and the academic society began paying attention to him, but what intrigued Dimon was his mana measurement.

‘What on earth is he plotting with a reading of just 77?’

Unfortunately, no information came in after Ian filed an overnight stay request.

Wanting to handle matters more cautiously, Dimon withdrew the informant immediately after confirming Ian’s request.

Thus, the facts that Ian had acquired a mystical creature and had completely subdued Rahel Thousand, had not been communicated.

Even if that information had been revealed, it would not have changed the plan significantly.

If there was a mystical creature, they would need to be more cautious, and nobody considered the Thousand Baron’s House worth looking into, so there was no need to worry about it.

‘But after today, who knows when the opportunity may arise again. If I try to avoid danger, I’d have to venture into infiltrating the academy.’

The situation was not favorable.

Despite the lingering bad feeling, Dimon did not have many options to choose from. Hesitate too long and it wouldn’t be Ian who’d lose out on the opportunity, but himself.

‘I must make a choice now!’

And at that moment, the light in Ian’s office went out.

Dimon’s heart leaned to one side.

Was this not a chance given by heaven? He thought.

Normally, the office light wouldn’t go out until past midnight.

“Leader, the light is off.”

“I see it.”

Soon, the curtains were drawn. It was a perfect sign that Ian had gone to bed.

Lights in other rooms also went out consecutively.

All the lights went out, and the mansion met perfect darkness.

Dimon and all the assassination group members knew the mansion’s interior like the back of their hands.

They confirmed that even the two resident servants in the mansion had retired for the night.

“Leader,”

A subordinate’s voice sounded slightly urgent. Dimon’s gaze shifted towards him.

“The guard at the west wall of the mansion has loosened.”

“What?”

“It seems there’s a gap during the patrol exchange. It’s a dark spot, making it a good path for infiltration.”

Dimon did not tend to trust the reports of his subordinates.

He moved towards the west himself and began to discreetly confirm the infiltration route.

Once again, he had a gut feeling.

This was undoubtedly a chance given by heaven.

“I will go alone. Everyone stay put and be alert for unexpected situations.”

Dimon leapt towards the western wall.