Chapter 236 - Infinite Mage

"If I had done it poorly, you wouldn't be helping me now." Although Woo Rin wore a puzzled expression, Shirone was not deceived by her mask. This realization, too, was something Woo Rin had brought to him. "You're different from Zion. You're the heir to the Empress. For someone like you dreaming of becoming the emperor, the political landscape of Khazra is merely a fraction of your concerns, isn't it?" "Is that so? Well, everyone seems eager to cling to my power. You're no exception, Shirone oppa." "That could be true. But for you, Ataraxia must mean something else, no?" For the first time, interest flickered in Woo Rin's eyes. "What's different?" "The Empress of the Kashan Empire is the head of the Valkyries. And Ataraxia represents the supreme power of the archangels within the Valkyries. Surely, it holds significant value for you as well." Woo Rin nodded meekly. If Shirone's Ataraxia had not left such a strong impression on her today, there would be no reason for her to assist him. "That's right. Seeing your abilities made me reconsider. Ataraxia will be a great help in becoming the emperor." "So please help me. If you want, after graduating from the magic academy, I'll stand by your side. Just don't harm my family and friends." Woo Rin let out a small laugh. "A bit naive, aren't you?" "What?" "How many grand magicians do you think submit resumes to me each year? If you thought I'd cling to you just for Ataraxia, you're mistaken. I'm not dismissing your talent, but you're still just a student, aren't you?" 4. Theraze's Proposal (2) "So, you can't accept me?" Woo Rin scratched her cheek apologetically. "I do want to help, but the daughters of my competitor Theraze are in numerous kingdoms. I'm younger, so I don't want to stand out just yet. Khazra isn't a particularly strong base either. I don't need to draw attention and become a target for my sisters prematurely." Shirone felt a pang of bitterness. Fourteen years old. That was the age of the girl sitting before him. 'You're truly remarkable, Woo Rin.' He also realized how absurd his own actions had been just days ago. Even now, having understood the true nature of the palace, he felt a chill. How naive had he been to think he could confront someone like her back then? "Fine. If there's no room for negotiation, I'll leave. I have to find Amy." With a decisive air, Shirone rose from his seat, signaling that he had heard enough. If he was mistaken, everything would spiral into a disaster, but it was a risk he had to take. Inaction in the face of danger was not an option for anyone in the palace. "Good luck." When Shirone heard Woo Rin’s farewell, his heart sank. However, he showed no outward reaction as he walked toward the door. Hesitation, fear — none of that should show. He had to genuinely abandon everything and leave the room. 'I don't need Ataraxia. Really?' Perhaps it wasn't so important to Woo Rin. But even if it held the slightest benefit, people tend to loathe giving up even the smallest advantage. Clinging to a sliver of hope, Shirone walked on. Even when he grasped the doorknob and began to turn it, there was no reaction from Woo Rin. As the door opened, he clenched his eyes shut. This was the conclusion of everything. "But if perhaps..." Shirone came to an abrupt halt. "If we stretch it as much as possible... let's say by kind of prepaying for your future." Shirone slowly turned his body to look back at Woo Rin. "Then maybe you'll have a chance to negotiate with Theraze's daughter." "A chance to negotiate?" Even if Ataraxia was pawned, all he could gain would be a mere place at the negotiation table. A chance for which he would have to mortgage his own future. "Yes. Negotiation. I cannot just help you for nothing. As I said earlier, I don’t want to put myself in danger without reason. There's one condition. It's not an especially difficult one, but if you agree to it, I will stand by you." Shirone lifted his chin, urging her to continue. "Tonight, spend the night with me." "W-what?" It seemed absurd, considering the intensity of the psychological battle they'd engaged in thus far. Why would he have to spend the night with her? Sensing his thoughts, Woo Rin elaborated. "Don't worry. I didn't mean it that way. I simply mean for us to be together tonight. Although... if any other thoughts cross your mind, you're welcome to try." Shirone's expression twisted into a frown. "What are you talking about? You're my half-sister." "We'll only know for sure after a paternity test. Plus, it doesn't really matter. Same-sex marriages are common among royalty, where a whole kingdom can be a dowry." Shirone felt as if he had encountered a nonsensical question after solving a series of complex exam problems. "Why? What does that have to do with you helping me?" Woo Rin sighed, as if reluctant, and spoke for the first time about herself. "The Theraze family has always had women ascend the throne. It might sound strange, but to us, men are merely tools to be used and discarded as needed. That's why a Theraze daughter would never keep a man who harbors feelings for another woman. If you're going to hold Amy in your heart, then I cannot accept you." Shirone understood. It wasn't unusual for women of the Theraze family to live by such an ironclad rule. But Woo Rin was mistaken. Amy was his best friend, someone he treasured above all others. "I understand what you’re saying. But I don't hold feelings for Amy." A subtle smile played on Woo Rin's lips. "So it seems Zion oppa is the one interested in her." A fierce wave of heat surged in Shirone's chest. "Of course, if she's not interested, nothing will happen. Despite how he seems, I'm a person with strong self-esteem; I don't force myself on women who reject me." If what Woo Rin said was true, it was a relief. Yet the fire ignited in his heart showed no sign of dying out. Clapping her palms together, Woo Rin said, "Let's do it this way. I just want to know where your heart truly lies. From this moment, I guarantee the safety of Amy and everyone else. All I need to do is issue the order. But that's only if you stay with me tonight." It's unclear what threats Amy faced to follow Zion, but accepting Woo Rin's proposal would ensure her safe return. Furthermore, it would secure the safety of his family and Reina. There was no reason to refuse. "Where did Zion take Amy?" "I can't disclose that until you decide. It's simple, really. Just trust me over her, and show me that I come first." The tremor that started at his fingertips spread throughout his body. Everything was leaning in his favor, yet he couldn't make the decision. He couldn't verify it. Were humans truly slaves to their senses this much? On what basis should he trust her words? There was no evidence that Woo Rin wasn't aiding Zion. If, by chance, she was lying, Amy was in tremendous danger. "Why are you hesitating? I am Theraze Woo Rin. I don’t lie, and isn’t this offer what you wanted? Prove to me that no other woman holds your heart, and I will support you fully. I'll spare no expense in honing your skills, and when I become the emperor, you could become the greatest magician in the world." To Shirone, it was a dreamlike promise. And she had the power to make it reality. Grand magicians were eager to submit their resumes to work under Woo Rin. Such an enormous opportunity now lay before him. After much contemplation, Shirone finally made his decision. "I'm going to Amy. I won't accept the offer." Woo Rin sighed, as if frustrated. "Are you really going to miss such a tremendous opportunity? Moreover, you could protect your family that you hold so dear. And yet, you would throw it all away for a mere woman?" "Yes, that's exactly what I'm going to do." Woo Rin was momentarily speechless, seemingly in shock. Yet, there was no trace of resignation or regret on Shirone's face. "But, Woo Rin, that's all there is to being human. Only what you've seen and felt is the real world. Even if you truly save Amy, if I can't confirm it, then it belongs to a world that doesn't exist for me. I can't leave Amy in visible danger for the sake of invisible safety. That's why I have to go to her." A flicker of sadness passed through Woo Rin's eyes. "Life is really hard for you, isn't it? It would be easier if you just chose." Shirone gave a bitter smile. He often thought so himself. But that's the shackle of intelligence. Once you know, you must act. "I understand how incredible the opportunity was. How much you, the heir of the emperor, were willing to concede to help me. It's not that I don't trust you. But I have to go." Woo Rin approached Shirone, wrapping her arms around him and burying her face. "You're such a fool, oppa. I'm sorry I couldn't do more for you. Personally, I really liked you. I hope luck is on your side in the future." She then took a few steps back, revealing the information Shirone needed. "Go to the gallery. It's the only place where you can avoid drawing attention. It's also where he takes women to woo them." A spark of hope reignited within him. As Shirone prepared to leave, Woo Rin pulled something from her pocket. "Wait. Take this." Shirone caught the small object Woo Rin tossed to him. Opening his hand, he revealed a glowing red orb. It looked like a ruby, but it lacked the cold touch that gemstones possess. "What's this...?" "The price of the El Krauch's porcelain dolls. It's worth at least a hundred million." "No, I honestly wanted it to be a gift to you..." "I understand your sincerity. But rationale and emotions are separate things. Since the negotiations fell through, I cannot owe you anything." With those words, Shirone saw no reason to refuse her gesture. Personally, he found himself drawn to her, but politically, they were now strangers. Settling their debts neatly was best for both of their futures. "Alright. I'll put it to good use after graduating." Shirone pocketed the orb and walked to the door. As he paused momentarily, he glanced back at Woo Rin. Reflecting, he realized how much he owed her. She upheld his parents' dignity at dinner and supported his claim to attend the magic academy. In the gallery, she introduced him to the world of art, and in the coliseum, she provided invaluable insights into the kingdom's reality. Now, the porcelain doll's worth provided the means for his escape. In the looming threat of the royal pursuit, the hundred million gold would be invaluable. "Thank you. From the beginning until now. Looking back, I wouldn't have managed to hold on this far without you." "Even in hell, there's water to drink." Woo Rin responded with a saying from Khazra. The proverb meant there is hope even in the direst situations—though flipping it around, it could mean that a glimmer of hope sometimes prolongs suffering. "Haha! That's quite true." Realizing his predicament, Shirone let out a hollow laugh, leaving Zion's room. "Whew." As the door closed, Woo Rin exhaled deeply and paced the room with hands clasped behind her back—an unusual thing for her to do. "Arian Shirone..." Stopping in her tracks, she looked swiftly back at the door. Her chilling smile was reminiscent of a child with a new toy, her eyes glinting with a crazed excitement. "He's no ordinary person, is he?" Woo Rin burst into laughter, a bright cascade of giggles, and then confidently returned to her seat, plopping down into the chair. With her legs crossed and chin resting on the table, she stared intently at the door Shirone had just exited through. Of all Woo Rin had said to Shirone, less than ten percent was the truth. It was all lies. She had no intention of favoring Shirone, nor any plan to guarantee Amy's safety. The claim that Zion had strong self-esteem was far from the truth. In reality, he was someone who would do anything to eliminate the women he set his sights on. Had Shirone spent the night with her, his life could have been utterly ruined. "Humans have no sense of trusting others. Isn't that right, Cleo?" Meow. Woo Rin's cat responded. There was no way it could understand her words, but it hardly mattered. There is no way for humans to truly trust one another. Yet people overlook this simple truth merely because it seems unappealing. Those who acknowledge the truth and those who turn a blind eye to it— Woo Rin considered this small difference as the divide between rulers and the ruled in the world. She leaned back, tilting her head over the chair's backrest, and gazed up at the ceiling with a faint smile. "If you delve deeply enough into yourself, you might eventually reach it." The cat did not respond. 4. Theraze's Proposal (3) @ "Hurry, hurry!" Reina raced towards the annex with all her might. If the Theraze faction had made a move against Shirone's parents, the situation was dire. At the same time, she felt guilty for not being more vigilant. "No, this is the best course. I've fortified every possible security measure..." If that was the case, it meant the adversary was acting rashly, disregarding the consequences. The thought that all the escorts might have been wiped out crossed her mind. The question was, why now? Sending an assassin on the first day was a clever move. But now this side was well-prepared. Of course, making a high-risk move for meager returns when the tables could easily turn if caught was senseless. Reina entered the annex, turning towards the residence where Vincent was likely staying. At the same time, she collided with an attendant from the Ozent family at the corner. "Gah! Miss Reina!" Pushing the attendant aside, Reina rushed into the room. "Move! What happened?" Entering through the door, she saw Vincent and Olina looking at her with curious eyes. The atmosphere hardly seemed chaotic. Vincent was carving wood, while Olina was wrapped in a blanket, sipping cocoa. "Miss Reina, is something the matter? You look distressed." "Um, well..." Reina was at a loss for words with Vincent's inquiry. The two were safe and sound. So why had Amy gone with Zion? The attendant, now returned and face flushed, asked urgently. "Miss, what's going on? Why are you suddenly here?" Reina quickly collected herself. "Oh, I just wanted to check in, make sure everything was alright. Just doing a patrol." The attendant sighed in relief. "Phew, I thought there was an emergency. I was just about to report. Everything here is fine." Olina asked with a concerned look. "Is there anything wrong? What about Shirone?" A mother's instinct is keen indeed. Reina swallowed hard, hastily fabricating a response. "He's still at the banquet hall. He's having fun with Amy, so there's no need to worry." Hearing Amy's name seemed to reassure Olina. Surely, if something had happened to Shirone, she'd have rushed down here. "Alright. Don't worry. We're doing well." "Hoho! Right. Then rest well. I'll be back shortly." Forcing a smile and a wave, Reina left the room, heading in the opposite direction. Shirone's parents were unharmed. But Amy wouldn't have had a way to confirm that fact. So she must have been threatened. But why Amy? Reina abruptly stopped in her tracks and spoke aloud.