The Youngest Son of the Northern Grand Duke Decided to Divorce

45

Alraune began to draw flames around his body, starting to drive out the coldness.

Magic does not lose its form unless it escapes the body.

The principle seems to apply similarly to attributes, allowing for the mitigation of anomalies in the current situation.

“…I see. So the curse has even transmuted the user’s magic.”

Uriel and the Frost Witch both wield the attribute of ice.

While their fundamental concepts differ, they ultimately share commonalities.

Perhaps it was the entanglement of Uriel’s lineage and the Frost Witch’s curse that brought forth a superior ice attribute.

“This must have been beyond even the Frost Witch’s prediction. To think the curse acted as a catalyst for change!”

Allaune could not help but marvel at the outcome.

Of course, there have been instances where a curse interacts with the target’s magic.

But never before had it excluded the attribute’s anomalies as it did now.

Thus, Alter Radiant acquired a unique and superior trait through the curse.

“Uriel’s sacrifice was not in vain. To dismantle the very foundation of the curse through death.”

From her youth, Allaune had always regarded Uriel as an extraordinary sorceress.

She constantly sought to break away from conventional methods and challenged established theories.

Hence, while many sorcerers shunned Uriel, she and Erze respected her as a fellow seeker.

Despite having to forsake magic due to emotional entanglements, Uriel never lost her resolve, even unto death.

“…Even I cannot be certain. With such talent, she could have reached even greater heights.”

Throughout her time as a sorceress, Allaune had encountered many talents.

Each possessed exceptional skills, and some, like herself, managed more than one attribute.

Yet none had touched the essence of an attribute as Alter had, not even the great archmages before her.

“The curse brought fortune. Who else could awaken such magic?”

Allaune observed the cold that sought to extinguish even flames, her expression grave.

Normally, the disparity in temperature would prevent any approach to the flames.

But Alter Radiant’s chill advanced relentlessly, continuing to encroach upon the flames.

“If the curse fades like this… it will become even more perfect.”

In a flash, Allaune’s eyes sparkled as she expanded the range of the fire.

The cold enveloping her was pushed back, losing its form.

Alter ceased the manifestation of magic belatedly, retracting even his magic power.

“There is much to teach. For today, this will suffice.”

“Isn’t it a bit early to end things as they are?”

“Take good care of your body. You are still buried in the aftermath of the curse. If you overdo it in such a state, you will harm yourself.”

“… Understood.”

Allaune seemed to observe Alter for a while before finally moving on.

Alter’s feelings were understandable, but it was not yet time for that.

Now was the time to adapt to magic and be completely liberated from the curse.

‘I have indeed taken on a remarkable disciple. A talent that comes once in hundreds of years.’

Allaune was caught up in considerable anticipation, but soon quelled that momentum.

At times like these, one must not deviate, and not even the smallest detail should be missed.

If one cannot control oneself, it could lead to great loss.

‘To raise him properly, I must finish the ritual first…’

Allaune reaffirmed his determination and thought of a rough plan.

First, he would have to go to the northern territories with Erze to track down the Frost Witch.

If they encountered the Frost Witch, they would have to seek the ritual first, but depending on the situation, they were also considering exterminating her.

Perhaps the death of the Frost Witch might be what truly leads to the ritual.

‘Hmm… In case of need, I would like to seek cooperation from an authority…’

The matter related to Alter Radiant was entwined with a master-disciple relationship, so it had to be dealt with alone for the most part.

However, considering the danger of the Frost Witch, a strong ally might be necessary.

The Frost Witch’s side must have detected the ritual attempt by now, so they would have prepared by this time.

‘Only a Sword Saint or a Holy Priest would suffice… Huh?’

Allaune noticed a subtle change and lifted the sleeve of his robe.

The edge of the sleeve was slightly frozen.

He was sure he had completely neutralized it with the flame attribute, yet how did it freeze his robe?

“Heh… To be affected without noticing.”

Allaune ignited a flame and slowly brushed over the sleeve.

The awkwardly attached pieces of ice disappeared in an instant.

He might have underestimated Alter’s talent a bit.

‘After the ritual is achieved, he might even surpass me.’

***

From noble mtl dot come

Alter continued the silence after attending the banquet of the Ailrike Ducal Family.

From the beginning, he had avoided the noisy and chaotic environment and did not enjoy interacting with people.

I had only gotten better physically compared to before, so I tried to foster social connections in the society, if only as a formality.

“Are you really okay being alone?”

“Yes. You don’t have to worry.”

“Isn’t it better to be together?”

“I can’t impose on Mr. Brillié. I’ll stay right here.”

“Hmm…”

Brillié seemed to hesitate for a moment but then reluctantly agreed.

It would only be tiring to busily go around with Alter anyway.

But I couldn’t just sit still, so I had to find a suitable compromise.

“I’ll be back soon. Just wait here for a bit.”

“You can stay out longer if you want. You’ve gotten much better than before.”

“… Then, see you in a bit.”

Brillié slowly walked away and then turned halfway back.

He hesitated for a moment but did not return.

Alter kept watching Brillié and then belatedly looked away.

‘I don’t have to worry anymore…’

After the curse weakened, Alter had been living quite peacefully.

Now, I didn’t fall asleep while walking, and my ailments had almost disappeared.

Above all, my blood circulation had improved, driving away the cold and even enhancing my basic stamina.

‘With a strong body, I can use magic better.’

Now, I could withstand casting spells in succession.

Of course, if I expended too much magical power, fatigue would follow, but I wouldn’t collapse, vomiting blood.

Essentially, as my body recovered, the conditions for being active as a magician were precariously met.

‘I can move on my own now.’

I no longer needed protection, nor was there any reason to restrict myself.

If I diligently learned magic from now on, I would surely reach above average levels.

If only the curse engraved on my heart were gone, it would be perfect, but it seemed I still had to wait.

‘… Acting now won’t solve anything.’

The Frost Witch was a considerably dangerous creature, and even the Archmage recognized her as a formidable foe.

Naturally, I couldn’t confront her with my current power, so I needed to build up my strength.

Even if Allawnae were to intervene directly, it would likely be a perilous journey.

‘I should finish the work here first and then think about it.’

Enhancing the level of magic was merely the minimum preparation stage.

Having given up on the annulment with Brillie, I must look beyond the wedding ceremony.

Soon, an incident will arise from the royal family, and Brillie will be caught up in it immediately.

‘They do manage to prevent it in the original work…’

Of course, Brillie and Lang will somehow suppress the accident.

But now, with so many variables at play, the outcome is uncertain.

What would happen if the emperor or a direct royal family member were to die at this point?

‘I’ll have to check it out myself.’

Since it’s a celebration of the founding day, the royal family will host the banquet.

Thus, most of the royals and nobles will attend, and I have the standing to be among them.

Perhaps I could quietly observe the situation at the banquet and decide whether to intervene.

‘The possibility of Brillie dying… is not nonexistent.’

The crossroads of life and death are not determined merely by the strength of one’s power.

The strong may fall trivially, and the weak may survive easily.

Especially with added variables, the situation could take an extreme turn, so even Brillie’s life cannot be guaranteed.

‘It’s right for me to go. I can use magic from a distance…’

“Do you remember me? Didn’t we meet briefly before?”

“… I do remember. It was a brief encounter.”

Alter recognized the other party and responded calmly.

Back then, there was a brief argument with Brillie, but now a demure attitude was displayed.

Many distinguished guests were present, so it was all the more necessary to show the demeanor of a noble lady.

“My apologies for the late introduction. I am Terosa Ailrike, the second daughter of the Duke of Ailrike.”

“Alter Radiant, the youngest son of the Grand Duke Radiant. I sincerely congratulate the Ailrike family on their founding anniversary.”

“Thank you for your kind words. Did you not come with Miss Brillie?”

“She had to step away for a moment. Are you looking for Miss Brillie?”

“I often interact with Miss Brillie. Right now, I’d like to devote my attention to the distinguished guest before me.”

With a gentle smile, Terosa took a seat opposite at the table.

Alter was known to be frail and seldom went out.

Even at social gatherings, it was said that Brillié only hovered around Alter, which meant she must have been taking special care of him.

“Having come all this way, aren’t you feeling lonely by yourself?”

“I am comfortable being alone. I can’t stay long at such gatherings anyway.”

“I wish you could enjoy the banquet before leaving… It’s quite regrettable.”

“I appreciate your words alone.”

Alter did not harbor any particular feelings for Terosa.

Of course, Terosa often quarreled with Brillié, but it was always in the spirit of friendship, akin to playful banter.

Despite this, Terosa often seemed to exhibit a showy attitude, as if feeling competitive with Brillié.

“It seems you get along well with Miss Brillié? She’s always looking out for you, I hear.”

“I have many shortcomings, so she takes care of me. I think it’s more than I deserve.”

“…I can see why Miss Brillié is fond of you. You have a certain charm.”

Terosa murmured softly, her eyes brimming with depth.

From his appearance alone, he was persuasive, and his voice was nothing short of sweet.

Though slightly lacking in masculinity, it only served to evoke a desire to protect him.

In other words, his impeccable beauty and poignant atmosphere combined to create a unique impression.

‘Ah, I truly regret it. I never thought I’d be envious of Brillié. I’m certain of my destined partner… but how can it not be? Should I beg for a broken engagement?’