Academy’s Genius Mage

The memories of that day were still vivid.

Someone had insulted the butler whom he cherished.

They openly called him a ‘incompetent butler’. That alone was unforgivable.

Even ignoring dubious parts, this in itself was an act that defamed the family.

‘They’ll probably regret it deeply. It’s the perfect situation for the saying, “to lose big by seeking something small”.’

If the new potion formula received a patent under the King’s name and went into exclusive production, the royalties alone could bring in tens of billions of shillings.

No, it could hold even greater value. If word spread to other kingdoms, dreaming of hundreds of billions wasn’t out of the question.

In that case, the debt could be paid off in an instant.

The Hamel Trading Company would regret its pressure on the debt. They never expected Ian to become this wealthy overnight.

‘This is probably their first time having to bow to a debtor. Most importantly, if everything goes well, their true motives would become even clearer.’

That was Ian’s true plan.

Trading Companies were always driven by greater profits. The choice between a 300 million shilling debt and hundreds of billions in profits was too obvious.

‘I’ll seize the opportunity to reveal the truth.’

He would earn money and restore his Father’s honor. Ian sensed that the end was near.

“But you’ve overlooked something. The rights to file the patent, and indeed the negotiation rights, don’t belong to you. They belong to me as the project head professor.”

“… What?”

That unexpected remark hit them like a splash of cold water.

The same went for Milo and Edel.

Focused on the success of the experiment, they had failed to consider other aspects. Both of them were freshmen and lacked information.

“What do you mean by negotiation rights?”

“Just what it sounds like. All rights regarding the project results belong to the head professor. Could it be that you weren’t aware of the rights and duties of the head professor?”

“I apologize, but I only knew it as one of the conditions for carrying out the project.”

“Well, that’s unfortunate.”

Professor Frost gave a sly smile.

Ian felt as if he had been struck on the back of his head.

Could Professor Frost, whom he had trusted for a brief moment, be betraying him?

‘No, it’s not betrayal. It’s entirely my fault.’

Realizing the situation, Ian quickly calmed his mind.

All of this was his responsibility.

If he hadn’t chosen a head professor, the experiment wouldn’t have proceeded.

As he had once told Professor Frost, he might have considered starting a business after dropping out.

That process certainly wouldn’t have been smooth.

Outside the academy was like a jungle. Getting scammed was not uncommon.

‘In the first place, without the professor, the experiment itself wouldn’t have been possible.’

Ian bowed his head.

“Professor, I was short-sighted. I was so focused on the experiment that I failed to notice my surroundings. Please forgive my ignorance.”

“A researcher must be humble. They should verify truths even when revealed and be cautious in disseminating them.”

“I will keep that in mind.”

The plan to register the patent and receive royalties from the trading companies itself was presumptuous.

Even if it were possible, he should have first consulted Professor Frost, the head professor.

“Everyone starts clumsily. I believe this was a valuable experience for you. Hmm, Ian Oracle, would you step outside with me for a moment?”

“Yes, Professor.”

Ian asked his comrades to handle the cleanup, then left the dormitory.

Professor Frost took a seat at the open space next to the dormitory, a place where a long bench allowed students to rest.

Several students passing by glanced at Ian and Professor Frost.

“Does it bother you?”

Professor Frost crossed his legs and sat comfortably.

“No, it doesn’t. I just feel sorry.”

“Don’t worry too much. While I don’t know the details, I do understand you need to clear your debt.”

“If that’s the case…”

“Are you familiar with the method of patent application?”

Ian was startled. There was only one reason Professor Frost, would ask such question.

“I know the procedures. I’ve studied them separately.”

“As expected. Apart from supervising professor-related tasks, you’ve prepared so perfectly that it’s almost eerie. Same goes for that research notebook from earlier. It feels a bit different from your father, doesn’t it?”

“Professor.”

Ian’s expression turned serious at the mention of his father.

“I’ve heard you studied with my father in the past. If it’s not too forward… may I ask what your relationship was like?”

“What kind of relationship? We were students of the same major, major in Theoretical Magic.”

But as Ian continued to gaze at him without a change in his eyes, Professor Frost let out a brief sigh.

“It seems you’re not satisfied with that answer.”

“To be honest, yes.”

“Why are you suddenly curious?”

“I feel you know me quite well. Even though I mentioned the debt, your pointing out the Mana Concentration Disorder didn’t seem like a coincidence.”

After a moment of pondering, Professor Frost nodded.

“Well, we weren’t on bad terms. Baron Lefevre was a respected man by everyone. He embodied Theoretical Magic itself.”

It sounded like they were quite close, not just on cordial terms.

Yet at the same time, a question arose.

“Then why have you never visited our estate? I don’t recall ever meeting you. Of course, my memory may not be complete, but still.”

“I’ve only been in the capital for a short while. After graduating from the academy, I went elsewhere. By the time you were growing up, baron Lefevre and I communicated only through letters. If you don’t believe me, go through your father’s letters. You’ll find quite a few from me.”

“I see.”

“You’re not accusing me of pretending not to know despite being friends with your father, are you? I believe I’ve provided enough convenience for you.”

“No, not at all.”

At last, Ian felt a bit of his curiosity had been resolved.

Had he thought his parents passed away and sorted their belongings, he might have discovered letters from Professor Frost.

However, he had not touched any of their possessions so far.

He merely instructed Wilson and Dorothy to keep everything clean, insisting that his parents would one day return hale and hearty.

‘Does the professor miss them too?’

Ian couldn’t bring himself to continue questioning.

Professor Frost seemed lost in old memories.

His gaze touched the endless streched sky beyond the blue greenery.

After some time, Professor Frost spoke.

“Time is truly unforgiving. People began to erase the Oracle Barony from their minds. But on the contrary, there are those who have been waiting for your admission. So don’t think of yourself as alone and keep working hard.”

Suddenly, Ian thought of a mage named Mist.

A man who suddenly appeared and urged him to enter the academy.

Was he also someone who had been waiting for Ian’s admission?

“Thank you for saying so.”

“Are your not going to ask who waited for you?”

“I am curious. But I think it might be fun to find out on my own.”

“Indeed. That is correct. Above all, I’m glad to have gained a good companion with whom to share my vision. Ian Oracle.”

Reflecting on it, it had been a peculiar meeting.

Ian Oracle never imagined that this encounter would continue in such a manner and exert such a positive force.

A smile appeared on Professor Frost’s face as he patted Ian’s shoulder.

“I shall delegate the patent registration and negotiation rights to you. However, if I delegate everything, the Academy may not view it favorably.”

“What should I do?”

“The responsibility for the patent holder falls on the supervising professor. While my name will be on the patent, all the profits will go to you.”

Ian was taken aback.

‘I did think I could earn a lot of money.’

However, the option of not sharing the profits with Professor Frost had never crossed his mind.

“Professor, just a moment. That’s problematic. Your share needs to be larger. That way, others won’t raise any issues.”

“You know one thing but not the other. Do you think I’m not gaining anything?”

“Pardon?”

“Just having my name as the patent holder is a significant benefit. It has a value that can’t be converted into monetary terms. Therefore, this condition is fair. I’m content with having my name recorded on a page in the Academy’s history.”

In other words, since Ian’s name could not be included as a patent holder, they intended to compensate him with money.

“And this plan was set up by you from the beginning. If someone like me butts in, it will ruin the picture. So it’s only right that you take responsibility until the end.”

“What do you mean by that? ‘Butt in’? No one would think that way.”

“If you don’t recognize how inadequate you are, can you really call yourself a true scholar? If I were you, I wouldn’t even think of lining up the administrators.”

Ian found no words to rebut Professor Frost’s sharp observation.

“Thirty percent of the royalty goes to the Academy, and you take the remaining seventy percent. That way, no one will complain. I hope it helps you clear your debts. If it bothers you, gift me a new spellbook.”

With those words, Professor Frost stood up and left.

Ian attempted to follow, intending to persuade him, but Professor Frost merely waved his hand, steadfast in his decision.

He had no choice but to stare blankly at the professor’s retreating figure.

‘Is this something I should just let go?’

Snapping back to his senses, Ian quickly followed after Professor Frost.

“Is there still something else you need?”

Eventually, Ian entered Professor Frost’s office. Humbly, he clasped his hands and stood respectfully.

“I have more to say.”

“Hahaha. You’re persistent. If it’s to persuade me, give it up. You may have heard rumors, but even Dean Jessica finds it difficult to sway me.”

“I’m not here to persuade you. I’d like to discuss the debt.”

“Debt?”

It seemed this topic was unexpected. Professor Frost, intrigued, sat on the couch. Ian faced him.

“Actually, my father borrowed research funds from the Hamel Trading Company. No, to be precise, it was ‘made to look like’ he borrowed money.”

“‘Made to look like’… that’s an unusual expression. Do continue.”

Ian recounted how Felix had visited him a while ago, detailing all the suspicious circumstances.

Listening for a while, Professor Frost finally spoke softly.

“Is this true?”

Ian was not the only one feeling something was amiss.

Even on Professor Frost’s face, doubt was clearly visible.

“Yes, it is. I’ve put my mana into the contract to prevent tampering. It’s currently kept at the Goldmine Bank.”

“I can’t believe something like this happened.”

Ian had two main reasons for telling Professor Frost the truth.

First, Frost had extended his trust to Ian. It was Ian’s turn to reciprocate. Accepting a large amount of money freely was not an option.

Second, Frost was familiar with his father. Ian hoped by sharing the situation, he might glean some useful information.

“I’m not sure how my father managed the research laboratory, but I don’t think he would have gone to such lengths to incur debt. What’s your opinion, Professor?”

“I agree with you. Baron Lefevre was never one to appeal for favors.”

Having reached the same conclusion, Professor Frost’s eyes gleamed sharply.

“You mentioned Felix of the Hamel Trading Company? It sounds like something that needs investigating.”