Return of the Legendary Runesmith

"What?" Adrian was stunned.

It was already evening. Sylvie had returned hours ago, and inside the room only Annabelle and Adrian were present.

Just then, Ariana entered, her expression uneasy, carrying unexpected news.

"Yes… he's waiting in my office."

The 'he' she spoke of was none other than the Patriarch of the Vermillion family—arrived with his daughter.

"Help me with my shirt," Adrian said, trying to get up, only for Annabelle to press him firmly back down.

Her brows knitted as she scolded, "Why do you have to go? Just tell him you're not well." She turned toward Ariana, almost pleading, "Right? You can say that for him."

For a moment, Ariana looked as though she might actually agree. But Adrian's voice cut in, calm yet determined, "He isn't here for a casual visit, nor to ask about my health. Bella, I needed to take a walk anyway so let me go meet him."

Ariana exhaled slowly, giving in, and walked to the cupboard. She fetched a clean shirt. Adrian slipped out of the one he wore, and Ariana helped him into the fresh fabric.

Running a hand through his hair and sliding his feet into his shoes, Adrian glanced at Annabelle. "You can stay here if you want."

"No, I'm coming." She stood at once, unwilling to leave him, and followed.

…

Evening had painted the academy grounds in a soft glow. Students strolled toward the common hall or made their way back to their dorms. But then, their eyes fell upon a figure walking through the courtyard.

A raven-haired woman.

The air seemed to shift around her. Conversations died mid-sentence, footsteps faltered. Their stares clung to her, not just because of her breathtaking beauty, but because they all knew exactly who she was.

"The strongest being on this planet… I never thought I'd see her in person."

"The epitome of humanity."

"Her eyes feel like they're crushing me… ah, step on me, mommy."

"Bro, control yourself."

Ignoring the whispers, stares, and awe that trailed after them, the trio kept walking—heading straight toward the headmistress' office.

….

Ruby's palms were clammy. Her heart beat faster the closer she sat in the office.

This was the first time her father would be meeting Adrian, and the situation could not have been stranger. She had no idea what kind of outcome to expect.

The reason she had been delayed earlier was because of the… negotiation she'd had with her father about Adrian.

Not about marriage—though, in the far-off future, who knew? No, this was something much heavier. Something that could shape more than just her relationship. Depending on what happened today, it might decide whether Ruby stood with Adrian… or with her family.

Inside the office, only Gilbert remained. A loyal man tied to the Vermillion family.

And not just him—there were professors scattered across other academies too, quietly serving the same house. The Vermillions believed in always keeping their eyes and ears everywhere.

"Heard you're retiring," Reid's deep voice broke the silence.

The words made Gilbert flinch before he quickly bowed, his head nearly touching the floor. "Yes, M—Lord Vermillion."

Reid's eyes lingered on him. A faint hum left his lips, but he said nothing more.

Gilbert's stomach twisted. He realized too late that he had almost addressed Reid as My Lord. But no—his mistake wasn't the title. Or was it something else. Something far more dangerous.

Just then, the doorknob twisted, and three figures stepped into the office.

Ruby immediately rose from her seat. Her eyes lit up the moment she saw Adrian.

Without thinking, she rushed forward and wrapped her arms around him.

"I'm glad you're safe," she whispered, her voice trembling slightly. "I don't think I've ever felt such anger at anyone… as I did that day when you weren't at the academy."

From the side, Ariana gave a short nod. She too had been furious, though she held her emotions far tighter than Ruby.

Adrian gently patted Ruby's back, his voice calm, "I'm sorry for worrying you. But I couldn't let them escape before Bella arrived."

Ruby lingered in his embrace for a moment longer before, with some reluctance, she pulled away.

Throughout it all, Reid hadn't moved an inch from where he sat on the couch, his presence looming quietly over the room.

Adrian finally stepped forward, his expression steady as he greeted the man, "Good evening, Lord Vermillion. It's an honor to meet you."

Reid rose at last, his movements deliberate. He took Adrian's hand and gave it a firm, brief shake. "I've heard much about you," he said, his tone even but carrying weight. "It's unfortunate our first meeting has to be under such grim circumstances."

Adrian gave a small nod and gestured politely toward the couch. "Please, have a seat."

Ruby sat down beside her father, while Ariana and Annabelle chose places at Adrian's side, forming an unspoken line of support.

Sensing his duty was over, Gilbert bowed out quietly, excusing himself from the office.

Once the door clicked shut and locked, Adrian's gaze slid toward Ariana.

Without needing a word, the woman stood and pressed a small artifact against the wood. A faint shimmer spread across the frame before fading. The barrier was set—no sound would leave the room now.

Reid wasted no time. His voice cut through the silence, low and direct. "Mister Adrian, Ruby tells me you can use independent magic."

Annabelle's eyes flew wide. She snapped her head toward Ruby, scandal etched on her face. "Ruby… you traitor."

Ruby shrank in her seat, her fingers twisting together nervously. But before she could defend herself, Adrian spoke with quiet assurance. "It's fine. I knew sooner or later word would spread."

Reid's brows arched. His tone carried both doubt and curiosity. "Show me."

For all his composure, even Reid found it hard to believe. A nonbeliever wielding independent magic? It was something no record, no history book, no whisper of legend had ever claimed possible.

Adrian said nothing. Instead, he lifted his hand and fixed his eyes on the porcelain vase resting on the table between them.

A stillness filled the room. Then—without a chant, without a circle—the vase rose gently into the air. It hovered for a breath before gliding back down to its original place with the softest clink.

It was a simple act, yet not one that could be dismissed.

Every Acolyte who had trained their mana for more than thirty days could perform a flicker of telekinesis. But to refine it—to make it more than a clumsy parlor trick—required affinity. Without affinity, progress was impossible.

Reid heaved a sigh, "Guess it was the right choice to come here after all."