Academy’s Genius Mage

“A thousand pieces?”

Frederick was taken aback. A thousand were enough to supply a fairly large potion workshop.

Moreover, Ian was currently an academy student.

No matter how he thought about it, there seemed to be no place requiring a thousand potion containers.

Above all, Frederick was well-informed about the rumors in the capital.

He had never heard of Ian setting up a potion workshop.

“Why are you so surprised? It doesn’t seem like that many.”

“A thousand is indeed a significant quantity. There are hardly any workshops in the capital dealing in such numbers.”

“I see.”

“Are you preparing for some kind of business?”

Frederick asked seriously. However, Ian shook his head.

“These are just for personal use. If things go well, I might order even more than a thousand. Perhaps I’ll need other items by that time.”

“From my perspective, I can only hope that your endeavors go well.”

Ian merely smiled.

However, Frederick couldn’t make a decision easily. He mentally weighed his options for a moment.

Getting involved with the Oracle Family wasn’t desirable.

There were already rumors that the family had accumulated a massive debt.

Ian had the same thought.

‘If I were in Frederick’s position, making a transaction wouldn’t be a good choice. The Hamel Trading Company is awaiting repayment, after all. People would surely notice.’

However, Ian’s ultimate goal wasn’t merely to purchase potion containers at a cheap price. He wanted to see what choice Frederick would make.

‘If he manage to strike a deal even in this situation, it must mean there’s something behind it. That will serve as a clue. A clue that could unravel the secret hidden behind my father’s debts.’

Though it would still be difficult to prove whether his father’s signature was forged or the documents manipulated.

Still, having even a slight direction was vastly different from having none at all.

Just like how a compass is useful when lost.

Ian sought a clue that could serve as his compass.

Meanwhile, Frederick’s mind was in turmoil.

It was such an unexpected meeting, and Ian’s demeanor was far different from what he had anticipated, he failed to notice there might be an ulterior motive.

“Very well! If it’s a thousand, I can give you a discount of about 30%. I’ll price each at 3,500 shillings. How does that sound?”

“3,500 shillings, hmm…”

Ian’s act was impeccable.

At that moment, he appeared like a young noble concerned about unit costs.

Exactly the kind of individual an experienced merchant might prey upon.

“There are many general stores in the capital. I assume I won’t have to run around comparing prices?”

He implied whether he could trust him. Frederick revealed a broad grin, flashing his teeth.

“Of course. You are no ordinary gentleman after all, but the head of the Oracle Family. Meeting your needs should not be an issue.”

“Good. I’ll start with just ten. If they’re satisfactory, I’ll place a large order.”

“Understood. Let me prepare that right away. Please hold on for a moment.”

After a short while, Frederick prepared ten well-packaged potion containers. When Ian reached for his money, Frederick waved it off.

“No! Please just take them. Consider it a gift for the Young Master after such a long time.”

“No, please, accept it.”

“When I used to work under Baron Lefevre, I received a lot of assistance. I’m only able to repay it now, but alas, the Baron is no longer with us.”

So, he simply wished for Ian to take them.

Despite the sincere gesture, Ian did not stop. Soon, 50,000 shillings rested on the table.

In this atmosphere, he should have pocketed his money pouch back inside.

Yet, Ian quietly took out the money and placed it on the table.

For a moment, Frederick’s expression changed subtly. Ian did not overlook this change.

“Mr. Frederick.”

“Yes?”

“In truth, I don’t know much about you. I heard about you through my father. He said you are diligent, sincere, and exceptionally talented. It seems he was right, judging by your warm reception after such a long time.”

“Ha ha ha… It was a sudden meeting, but I’m delighted to see a familiar face.”

Ian gathered the potion containers and stood up. However, his words were not yet over.

“You’ve heard about our family, haven’t you?”

“What story are you referring to?”

Frederick, who stood up alongside him, responded like he knew nothing. Ian suspected this might just be the merchant’s poker face.

“I mean the story that my father borrowed money from the Hamel Trading Company under the pretense of research funds.”

“What? That’s… This is the first I’ve heard of it.”

“Is that so?”

“I also trade frequently with the Hamel Trading Company, but this is the first time I’ve heard such a story.”

There was no need to hide information concerning the debt. On the contrary, it was advantageous for Ian to make it public.

“Strange. If such a matter were true, rumors should have spread long ago…”

“A few days ago, someone from the company came by. They claimed there was a debt to be repaid.”

“Oh dear, that must have been shocking for you.”

“Well, more than being shocked, I was angry. It felt like someone was playing tricks on us.”

For a moment, a blue light flickered in Ian’s eyes, sending a chill down Frederick’s spine.

It seemed like a storm might erupt from Ian’s gaze at any moment.

But it was brief.

Ian smiled faintly.

“As you know, my father was not someone who borrowed from others. He diligently continued his research even under difficult circumstances.”

“Yes, that’s how I remember him. Even when the operational costs of the lab were high, he always ensured he paid wages on time.”

Ian had been waiting for this comment.

“Frederick, do you also think my father borrowed money from the Hamel Trading Company?”

The need for potion containers was merely a superficial reason.

Ian wanted to inquire about Frederick, one of the people connected to his father’s past.

“Well, I’m not in charge of accounting, so I’m not sure. Lord Ian, have you seen any promissory notes or contracts?”

“I have seen them.”

“Then it must be true that the money was borrowed. Especially considering it’s not a small company but the Hamel Trading Company, the documents should be precise. It’s just a cautious assumption, but perhaps Baron Lefevre had some unspeakable circumstances at the time?”

“That might be the case.”

“Even if it’s a massive debt, if you repay it steadily, it will be resolved soon. You have the capability, my lord. If you ever need help, please don’t hesitate to ask.”

“Did I ever mention that the family’s debt was massive?”

The moment the baited hook trembled ever so slightly.

Frederick, who had been momentarily shaken, waved his hands.

“No, that’s not what I meant. It was just a metaphor… assuming the debt must be significant…”

“Even in tens of thousands, or hundreds of thousands, it’s a considerable debt to me.”

“Oh, my apologies.”

From that response, Ian reached a conclusion.

‘He knows.’

The primary objective was achieved.

Ian walked past Frederick and headed towards the entrance of the office where they had been alone.

Before leaving, Ian turned back.

“I’ll contact you if things go well. I would appreciate your support then, too.”

“Ah, yes. Take care, my lord.”

Frederick bowed, and Ian stepped out.

“……”

Left alone, Frederick couldn’t take his eyes off the entrance for some time.

When he regained his composure, he opened a drawer and pulled out a cigarette. Lighting it, he took a puff.

“Damn it.”

Frederick frowned. Crushing the cigarette to extinguish it, he abruptly stood up and grabbed his coat.

“I’ll be late today. Close the shop and leave first.”

“Yes, Master.”

Frederick began walking in the opposite direction of where Ian disappeared.

* * *

Returning to the academy, Ian promptly headed back to the dormitory.

Along the way, he ran into a few freshmen from the Department of Magic.

After the induction ceremony, students were given a few days to orient themselves.

They wandered around campus, familiarizing themselves with the geography and culture while preparing for tests.

“Is the mana measurement preparation going well?”

“We’re looking forward to it, Ian Oracle!”

“Show us what you’ve got!”

His peers expressed nothing but anticipation.

Of course, Ian simply smiled without responding. Bluffing had already begun.

Once the orientation period ended, students in the Department of Magic would undergo a mana measurement test.

The results of the tests would be made public to everyone.

It was a way to incite competitiveness.

The person who measured the highest was treated as a hero and, at the same time, became the target of everyone’s scrutiny.

Until graduation, there would be constant competition to reclaim that spot.

Ian, pulling his hood deeper over his head, entered the dormitory.

“You’re here earlier than I thought.”

Milo was already there.

He was assembling the experimental equipment according to the plans Ian had left him.

Judging by the sweat on his brow, it seemed he had been engrossed in his work.

“You’re the one who surprised me. I thought you’d stagger back drunk.”

“If I got disciplined for that, I’d be kicked out of the family. I fought hard to get into the Department of Magic. I need to keep myself in check for a while.”

Ian went to one side and lined up potion containers.

Then, standing next to Milo, he checked the equipment.

“How’s the setup?”

“I’ve gathered all the parts as you asked, but I have no idea what this thing is for. Maybe I should have studied a bit more alchemy?”

“Just work hard on this. It’ll be good learning.”

“Confident, aren’t you?”

“I brought my father’s research notes from home. I’ll show them to you later.”

Milo showed interest.

“Wait, your father’s research notes? Is it okay to just show them around?”

“Knowledge has value only when it’s shared.”

“Wow, you should be the professor!”

At that moment, the door opened, and Edel entered.

He was carrying a bag made of straw, looking every bit like a herbalist.

“I’m back.”

“Oh~ do I hear forty thousand shillings jingling?”

“That’s right.”

Ian and Milo made a good team.

A shadow crossed Edel’s expression. An extra ten thousand shillings had been added when he wasn’t paying attention.

“That’s not fair. I worked hard to gather those herbs…”

“What hard work? You got there comfortably by cart.”

“My parents thought I’d been expelled and were really worried.”

That was understandable. Nobles worried about their children’s rankings, while commoners worried about graduating safely.

“It’s because you have the wrong roommate. What a hassle already before the semester starts. Others are busy taking elixirs and preparing for the magic power measurement.”

Despite his words, Milo seemed to be enjoying it. Edel didn’t appear too displeased either.

“Can I have a look at the herbs?”

“Yeah, just a moment.”

Edel first spread a clean cloth on the lab bench. Then, he carefully started transferring the herbs, one by one.

The ingredients for a low-grade healing potion were common.

They could easily be found in the hills or fields. They weren’t particularly difficult to cultivate.

Yet Ian could tell from Edel’s careful demeanor that his family came from a proper lineage of healers.

‘Skilled healers never handle ingredients without care.’

Edel seemed to have internalized his father’s teachings.

Soon, all the herbs were laid out.

Since they weren’t making a large quantity, the ingredients were abundant. In total, five types of ingredients were gathered.

Ian bowed his head, examining them closely.

Edel, who had been watching breathlessly, asked carefully.

“How is it?”

“It’s fine. These would be considered premium. You brought excellent herbs.”

“There are times when he’s too strict. He prioritizes the medicine patients take most highly.”

Nodding, Ian took out a money pouch.

“How much should I give you?”

“Oh, it’s okay! My father just gave them to me, telling me to bring them along.”

“We should still settle accounts properly. I feel bad enough for asking.”

“If you really feel bad, could you… reduce my debt?”

Ian coolly nodded, and Milo didn’t seem to mind.

Thanks to being in debt, Edel felt much more comfortable than when they first met. That was already a significant accomplishment.

“Ta-da! Ladies and gentlemen! Oh right, there’s no lady. Anyway, it’s finally done!”

Milo wiped his sweat-drenched forehead.

The experimental device stood impressively on the lab bench. Ian and Edel moved over to it.

“So, what are you planning to do with this device?”

“Boil water.”

“Boil water?”