William stared at the thesis on the desk for several minutes, overwhelmed by complex emotions.
Later, he sat at the desk and examined all the objects around him: alembics, mortars, test tubes, scrolls, talismans... There was even a large telescope pointed toward the window.
He took a quality parchment and began drawing a magic circle on it. Today, he planned to analyze his condition and the changes his magical power had undergone.
Soon, Alfred gently knocked on the still-open door and entered the room.
"I'm glad to see you working here again, Sir," he said with a warm smile.
"Sir, before you begin, I'd like to know how to respond to *The Wonder Times*. As I mentioned this morning, they want to interview you about your thesis."
William looked up, hiding his surprise. I had forgotten, but Alfred did mention it this morning. To think that *The Wonder Times*, the most famous newspaper in Valoriah, wants to interview me about my thesis...
Hmm, what should I do? Accepting the interview would align with William's personality, but it increases the risk of being exposed. Besides, I'm not thrilled about having to defend the idea that William is the author of my thesis.
I'm not used to the codes and behaviors required during an interview. I might inadvertently damage William's reputation, triggering the curse.
However, if I refuse, it might raise suspicions with Alfred and others about my behavior...
It's also possible that declining an interview with a prestigious newspaper like *The Wonder Times* could be considered harmful to William's image.
Either way, I'm taking risks. It's like choosing between the plague and cholera.
After weighing the pros and cons, William gently set down the magic pen. "When do they want to conduct the interview?"
William chose to give the interview, deciding it was the safest option for now, as it would allow him to maintain William's image in the short term.
Alfred didn't seem surprised and even nodded, reassuring William in his decision. "Their next issue will be published on Monday, September 2nd. Today is Tuesday, August 27th. They haven't made an unreasonable request regarding the interview date, leaving you free to choose before Sunday."
"I see. In that case, let's do it on Saturday," William said, not eager to conduct the interview. The later, the better.
"Sir, may I remind you that you have appointments at the academy from Thursday to Saturday in preparation for Monday's start of the school year. I'm afraid the only available date is tomorrow," Alfred replied with a slight bow.
Why did you even ask me if I didn't have a choice from the start! William silently criticized.
William sighed, waving his hand at Alfred. "Fine, let's schedule it for tomorrow. I'll leave the details to you."
"Very well, Sir. I'll take care of it right away."
Alfred bowed once more before leaving the room.
William watched him go before sighing deeply and slumping into his chair. "It's exhausting to act like this. I just want to run far away..."
"Anyway, I can't stay in this body forever. At the very least, I need to break free from the enchanted oath. My previous attempt was a complete failure. I must find a safer method..."
My previous attempt involved using one of the fundamental principles of equivalent exchange: sacrificing my magical power to break the enchanted oath while avoiding the curse of sleep.
I won't try such a spell again until I understand why it failed. For now, I need to search for another option…
My situation proves that the enchanted oath is linked to the soul and not the body. Why not tie it to this body and switch bodies again?
Several ideas crossed William's mind, but he quickly dismissed them before returning to his work.
...
Before he knew it, the sun had given way to the moon. William stretched his tired arms as he stood up from the chair where he had spent the afternoon. Looking out the window, he saw a magnificent silver-colored moon illuminating the manor's gardens.
Under this gentle light, the gardens exuded a romantic and fairy-tale-like atmosphere. William observed them for a few seconds before letting out a heavy yawn. He thought he saw a shadow move in the garden's hedges, but it was just a cat with orange eyes playing around.
The cat took a few steps in the garden before disappearing behind a bush.
A small chuckle of self-derision escaped William's lips. "I'm really tired."
Pushing his body and mind too far was dangerous, especially for a sorcerer. William therefore headed toward his bedroom. Once in bed, he fell asleep instantly, like a baby.
...
Once again, he opened his eyes in a vast space filled with darkness. This time, however, William could clearly remember having been here once before.
"Is this a dream? I didn't remember it after waking up last time, but here my memories are very clear," he observed.
Once again, nothing happened for a long moment before a soft golden light illuminated William's feet. And once again, as he prepared to observe, a massive force pulled him toward the sky.
As he was pulled at absurd speeds, William thought he heard soft, comforting whispers that calmed his mind and heart.
"What a sweet sensation..."
...
The next morning, sunlight lit up William's sleeping face, causing him to frown.
William turned over in bed to escape the light, but it was already too late. He was fully awake.
Realizing that sleep had eluded him, he slowly got up, wiping a bit of drool that had accumulated at the corner of his mouth.
"It's been a long time since I've slept this well," he murmured to no one in particular.
William's slightly groggy face reflected in the mirror, which didn't please him much.
Even upon waking up, this guy maintains a certain elegance. Nature is truly unfair... he grumbled, filled with disgust.
After washing up, he dressed in an outfit similar to the one he wore the day before and left his room, heading toward the dining room.
He had noticed it yesterday while following Tesse as they made their way to the study.
Upon arriving, he pushed open the wooden door and entered a large dining room. A long table was set with six chairs on each side. Sunlight bathed the room in a gentle glow, and on the walls, paintings depicting marvelous landscapes were hung.
A maid, busy setting the table, turned around when she heard William enter. Upon seeing him, she bowed and pulled out a chair at the end of the table.
William nodded in thanks and sat in the chair she had just prepared.
The maid stepped back a few paces. "I'll bring your breakfast right away, Sir. Do you have any special requests this morning?"
Not used to such privileges, William simply shook his head in the negative.
A few minutes later, William was stunned. Before him was a spread of fresh fruits, scrambled eggs, buttered bread, fruit juices, ham, sausages... The table's delightful aroma was almost moving. William had to make a great effort to hold back his tears.
He hadn't eaten the day before, and after a day of fasting, he found himself before the most beautiful buffet he had ever seen.
Money really does work miracles… he thought with emotion.
William indulged himself. He didn't worry about possible digestion issues that might follow, stuffing as much food as he could into his mouth.
Finally, after an indeterminate amount of time devouring breakfast, William was finally satisfied. As he debated whether to collapse into the lounge chair or return to work, Alfred entered the dining room.
The butler spoke. "Sir, the journalist from *The Wonder Times* has already arrived. She's 30 minutes early."
Oh right, I had almost forgotten. I should prepare for the questions she might ask, William thought with concern before sighing.
"Very well, I'll meet her now. Lead the way," he said reluctantly. On his way out, he still grabbed a piece of toast for the road.
William didn't worry too much. The interview was about his thesis. Even if the original William might have struggled to answer, it would be child's play for him, the creator.
After wandering through the corridors, the duo arrived at a lounge that William was unfamiliar with. It seemed more subdued and welcoming, perfect for receiving guests.
On the couch sat a beautiful woman with long wavy brown hair. She wore a lovely dress and a pair of rectangular glasses, exuding an air of erudition and knowledge.
As their eyes met, William flinched slightly. For a moment, it seemed to him that she looked at him like a hungry tiger would at a gazelle.