Chapter 67

“It’s difficult to call something an individual talent if anyone can do it. Of course, there are cases where ‘Kyronic mana’ appears as a measurable trait, but… the young master of Overhen wasn’t one of them.”

Louis pointed to the next line on the report.

“However, the young master of Overhen showed an unusually high level of mana sensitivity. It means he can sense the flow of ether and mana around him far better than most people.”

“Is ether different from mana?”

“They’re similar but not the same. Ether is magical energy in its natural state, while mana is refined and controlled for human use. But that distinction isn’t important right now.”

Louis brushed off Agnes’s question and continued.

“High mana sensitivity is an incredible advantage when studying the field of magic. It allows a person to observe ether at a level invisible to ordinary eyes.”

“…But it says here that such people often struggle in everyday life.”

“Yes. Because they see too much. The young master of Overhen must have been easily affected by the emotions of others and overly sensitive to the atmosphere around him. Isn’t that right?”

Agnes looked at Noah and gently ran her hand through his hair.

Louis’s words were true. When they lived in the Overhen mansion, Noah had always been the one who felt the servants’ pain as if it were his own.

She had once thought it was simply because he was an emotional child, but now she realized it might have been because of his mana sensitivity.

For a child who could feel more deeply and see more clearly than others, life in the harsh and suffocating Overhen household must have been unbearable.

Rickman had called him weak when he stopped speaking, but in truth, Noah had endured and endured again in a world far more painful for him than anyone else.

He was strong, and he was brave. Agnes’s hand tightened gently on his shoulder.

Louis watched Noah quietly before speaking again.

“I believe the young master of Overhen should come to the Magic Division. His abilities would greatly benefit magical research, but more importantly, it would help him as well.”

“Why? Wouldn’t he see even more things there since magic is used constantly?”

“That may be true. But once he understands what he’s seeing, he won’t have to fear it. He won’t need to feel anxious or overwhelmed anymore. Wouldn’t you agree?”

Louis’s voice was calm but full of conviction.

“Young master of Overhen, tell me. Have you ever seen something that made you feel troubled or confused?”

Noah looked puzzled by the question, but Agnes couldn’t hide her unease.

Louis was referring to exactly what had happened not long ago.

“Perhaps you saw something others couldn’t, and they called you strange. Or maybe someone told you not to talk about what you saw.”

As Louis explained further, Noah’s eyes widened.

He must have remembered the glowing crystal inside Dylan’s chest.

“Um… it’s a secret.”

The boy stammered, clearly flustered, but that was all the answer Louis needed.

Agnes could only give a weak smile, while Louis chuckled warmly.

“I see. A secret, then. And we must always keep our secrets, mustn’t we? I understand.”

Satisfied with the response, Louis turned to Agnes.

He knew she was the one who ultimately had to be convinced if he wanted to bring Noah with him.

“Of course, I’m aware that the young master is still very young. I’m not suggesting he join us immediately. But in cases like his, the earlier he begins, the better. Recently, a twelve-year-old boy joined the Division and now studies magic with us.”

“Twelve? Isn’t that far too young?”

“Perhaps, my lady. But there are too few mages in this world. Which means it’s very hard for someone with such abilities to find understanding. You saw it yourself just now, didn’t you? How genuinely happy he was.”

Agnes couldn’t deny it. She turned her gaze to Noah, who was looking up at her with bright curiosity.

“I’m not saying we should force him to join the moment he turns twelve. It’s only a suggestion. If the young master is interested, while I’m staying here in the North for a week, I could show him what kind of things we study at the Magic Division. How does that sound?”

His last question was directed at Noah, spoken softly like an invitation. Noah nodded right away.

Then, noticing his mother’s worried expression, he blinked up at her with his round eyes.

Agnes sighed at the sight and said quietly, “You can’t go alone. At least Sir Daren, Sir Pavel, and the maid Lizzie must accompany you. Only then can it happen.”

It was a condition, but it was also a form of approval. Noah’s face brightened immediately.

How could she say no when he looked so happy? Agnes smiled and patted his head.

Noah glanced around and tugged on her hand as if realizing something.

“They’re all here.”

He looked straight at her, his eyes gleaming with excitement. He meant that he wanted to start today.

And indeed, with Daren, Pavel, and Lizzie all present, the conditions she’d set were already met.

Before they left, Agnes asked Louis one last question.

“Sir Louis, this mana sensitivity you mentioned, does that mean Noah can see things related to mana?”

“He can see anything that’s connected to magic. With his level of sensitivity, even more so.”

“Thank you for answering.”

Agnes nodded and stepped back to give Noah space to enjoy his first lesson.

After leaving the annex, one of the maids quietly approached her.

“Shall I take you back to your study, my lady?”

“No. I’m going to the training grounds.”

Agnes gathered her dress slightly and walked quickly down the corridor.

She wanted to tell Dylan about this as soon as possible.

He might dismiss it as a trivial matter or call it a waste of time, but that didn’t matter.

This wasn’t for Dylan’s sake. It was for her own peace of mind.

When she reached the training grounds, she stopped near the entrance and waited quietly.

Inside, the air was thick with the shouts of knights, the clash of swords, and the heat and scent of sweat.

In the center stood Dylan, looking unlike his usual composed self.

He was wearing light training clothes instead of his usual formal attire, and his hair was tousled, damp with sweat.

As he brushed his wet hair back, he seemed to sense her gaze and turned toward her.

His blue eyes widened slightly in surprise before he called out to Bram and said something in a low voice.

Then, handing his sword to the squire beside him, Dylan strode over to her.

“I’m sorry for interrupting your training.”

Before he could speak, Agnes bowed her head slightly in apology.

But there was no irritation in Dylan’s expression. If anything, he looked more curious and intrigued.

“Not long ago, you ran off with Noah, and now you’ve come here to find me.”

Agnes’s cheeks flushed pink as she lowered her gaze and smiled awkwardly.

“Has Noah caused you any trouble since then?”

“No. I suppose he got bored of the training grounds. He hasn’t come by once, so there’s no need to worry.”

Agnes took a slow breath.

Dylan had been worried ever since realizing that Noah could see the curse within him.

He feared others might find out and treat the boy cruelly. He feared that Agnes might also be afraid yet pretend otherwise.

She knew how heavy that burden was for him, and she couldn’t ease it easily.

Because to offer comfort without certainty, to say it would all be fine without proof, would only wound a man like Dylan who had lived his life in shadows.

But now, she finally had an answer she could give with confidence.

Agnes reached out and gently held Dylan’s hand in both of hers.

“Your Grace, it’s all right. Whatever Noah sees or feels from you, it won’t bring him any harm. I’m sure of it.”

She knew her words were abrupt and scattered, but when she saw the faint light returning to his blue eyes, she knew she wasn’t wrong.