"Serie, aren't you afraid I'll sabotage the whole thing if you let a demon like me take part in human educational reforms?"
"I'm not worried about you."
Aura tilted her head, caught off guard. There was an odd warmth to Serie's certainty, as if trust were something natural between them.
"Because I'm kind?"
"Because you're a fool."
"..."
'Damn it, I, Aura, am really looked down upon!!!'
Aura gritted her teeth. Although there were traces of tears on her face, it did not stop her from being angry.
She, Aura, had earned her place as one of the Seven Sages of Destruction through intelligence and magical talent. The political maneuvering and scheming she had navigated were no less treacherous than human power struggles—if anything, the bloodshed and ruthlessness among demons surpassed them.
How dare anyone call her a fool?
Did she really seem like the kind of brute who, when outwitted, would simply flip the table and swing an axe in frustration?
Serie noticed Aura's clenched teeth and mistakenly assumed she was unwilling. Raising a brow, she asked,
"You don't want to do it?"
"I'll do it!"
Not only would she do it—she'd do it better than anyone else!
Aura was already considering how to infiltrate the upper echelons of the Continental Magic Association, where ordinary mages had no access to classified secrets.
This was perfect—Serie had just handed her the opportunity on a silver platter.
After accepting the mission from Schlacht to investigate the secrets of the Magic Association, Aura began to miss the days when she served as the president of the Magic Association. At that time, any secrets, any decisions on the development of human magic - anything that had not passed through her hands was not considered important.
As president, she could access whatever secrets she pleased. But now? Now she had to get her identity verified just to attend a lecture.
But no matter.
It wasn't too late to reclaim her former position. If she followed the same path as before—proving herself through official assignments from the Association—she could gradually regain authority.
Finally, when she takes the position of President of the Association again, it will be easy for her to kick Zanze out of the position of President and expel great mages like Flamme from the Magic Association, not to mention the confidential documents that Schlacht wants. ~Haha~hahaha~hahahaha~~
That was Aura's brilliant plan.
Sure, her actions would inevitably push human magical development forward—perhaps even faster than anticipated—but...
So what?
Nothing in this world came without a price.
If advancing human magic was the cost of obtaining that critical document—something of immense importance to demons—then it was a price well worth paying. Even the Demon King would surely understand.
"I accept. Teaching humans magic? That's easy for me! And if anyone gets in my way—one magic cannon, and they'll listen. If one isn't enough, I'll hit them with another! I've yet to meet a human who can take three of my magic cannons and still refuse to cooperate!"
Aura thumped her chest in assurance.
Serie, pleased, offered a promise in return.
"Go ahead, then. If you do well, I'll grant you one wish."
"Even my freedom?"
"That's impossible. The Magic Association isn't mine to command alone—many would oppose it."
"Oh, please. If you don't want to let me go, just say so. Since when have you ever cared about what others think?"
"I'm glad you understand."
Serie neither confirmed nor denied it.
She had no intention of letting Aura leave. She had already been deeply reluctant when Aura, covered in wounds all over her body, had escaped from her once before.
Although Aura loves to play pranks and always causes trouble for Serie, it is undeniable that Aura is her most useful disciple.
Every time, Aura's intelligence and wisdom led to unexpected benefits.
This time would be no different.
"Flamme, ah, Flamme… You went through all the trouble of bringing Aura back but never figured out how to use her properly. Always hesitating… Well, I'll put her to good use first."
Serie chuckled softly. Beside her, a stack of papers floated into the air, and a quill, dipped in ink, began writing on its own. When it finished, Serie pressed her seal onto the document.
A letter of appointment—assigning Aura as the head of the Magic Association's branch in Hohenburg—was placed into her hands.
————————
Hohenburg, a human city neither too far nor too close to Kribi.
Neither close enough to bask in Kribi's wealth nor far enough to escape its influence, Hohenburg had long settled into its quiet, unremarkable existence. Its streets were lined with aging stone houses, their roofs weathered and worn by time, and its population was sparse compared to the bustling metropolis of Kribi.
Yet, despite its relative isolation, Hohenburg held a certain strategic importance. Its proximity to Kribi made it an ideal testing ground for magical reforms. Laws and regulations regarding magic could be introduced here first, monitored for effectiveness before being implemented on a grander scale.
The city's detachment from major trade routes ensured that any failures would remain contained, while its accessibility allowed for swift intervention should things spiral out of control.
For most of its citizens, however, magic remained a distant luxury—something reserved for the privileged few.
But amid the humble surroundings, one building stood in stark contrast—the Hohenburg branch of the Magic Association.
Unlike the rest of the city, the branch exuded an air of wealth and prestige. Its grand halls were adorned with intricate carvings, designed to rival the estates of the local aristocracy. It was more than just a center for magical learning—it was a beacon of influence.
The reason for such extravagance was simple.
Unlike in the Kribi, where magic was an integral part of daily life, Hohenburg's Magic Association operated primarily as an academy.
Here, nobles and wealthy merchants sent their children, regardless of their magical aptitude. For many, it was less about magical prowess and more about status—an opportunity to forge connections, strengthen alliances, and solidify their place within the upper echelons of society.
As a result, the institution thrived on noble sponsorship, its halls filled with students who cared little for the intricacies of spellcraft. To them, magic was secondary to power.
Barret was one such mage—and the one most closely connected to Graf Konrad.
Barret had served as the vice-director of the Hohenburg Magic Association branch for over a decade. Unlike the revolving door of directors, who sometimes lasted two years and sometimes only one, his position remained stable.
And the secret to maintaining his role?
"My lord, My lord! Another new director has been assigned!"
The moment Barret received the reassignment letter from the Association's headquarters, he immediately turned the wheels of his chair. His enormous body strained against the wooden wheelchair, causing it to creak under his weight.
Despite the effort leaving him drenched in sweat, he still insisted on traveling part of the way by carriage and part by manually wheeling himself to Graf Konrad's estate in the heart of Hohenburg.
By the time he arrived at Graf Konrad's estate, the servants had already anticipated his visit. The gates swung open without question, his presence as familiar to them as the changing of the seasons. Without delay, a servant was dispatched to inform the Graf of his arrival.
Within moments, the nobleman emerged, clad in formal attire. He had not made Barret wait.
In the grand hall, the two men sat across from each other.
Barret's presence was imposing, but Konrad, though tall, carried himself with a different kind of authority. He was overweight, though nowhere near Barret's size, and unlike the vice-director—who had long since lost the use of his legs—Konrad still engaged in enough physical activity to maintain his health. His broad frame, combined with his sharp eyes, gave him the air of a man who knew how to wield his influence.
He wasted no time with pleasantries.
"Barret, your last branch director was only in office for two months," Konrad said, his voice smooth yet firm. "Why has he already stepped down?"