The harmony between magic and alchemy has led to the creation of many secret techniques passed down through generations.
Though these secrets were typically transmitted only to direct descendants or disciples, Sierra, as the heir of a family specializing in alchemy, knew many of these methods.
“Of course, I also create some myself. The combinations of magic and alchemy are limitless if you can figure out how to mix them properly.”
“Oh….”
“First, you should know that the combination of magic and alchemy always requires a tool. Without it, you can’t really call it a true harmony of magic and alchemy.”
Sierra explained that alchemy involves combining various common and rare materials to produce certain effects or objects.
Magic is merely a support for this process; the core is always alchemy.
A girl with mint-colored hair approached.
“President! Should I put this here?”
“Bring it over.”
“Yes!”
Her name was Ella, a distant relative of Sierra, and their names were quite similar.
“I brought the application form too! But is it okay?”
“What?”
There are a lot of clubs aiming for Your Highness, and if we make our move first, we might attract a lot of attention…”
“…”
A thin line appeared on Sierra’s smooth forehead.
She tried not to be bothered by it, but hearing it said out loud made her uneasy.
As someone introverted, she was worried about the sharp looks she might get from her peers.
Epherna spoke up.
“Don’t worry. I’ll take care of that.”
Epherna was well aware of her influence and knew about the subtle tension among the clubs vying for her membership.
She understood what was expected of her once she joined the club.
“If anyone gives you trouble, come straight to me. I’ll take care of them.”
Epherna’s assurance eased the tension on Sierra’s face.
Ella then pulled out one of the items she had brought, and Sierra began her explanation again, with Epherna listening intently.
The combination of magic and alchemy that Sierra explained was quite fascinating.
“Even though alchemy is the core, there’s still magic involved, right? So, we usually use this method.”
Prepared materials were mixed with magic.
Any missing elements or materials were supplemented by magic, maintaining a certain ratio and forming a magic circle.
The completed magic circle resembled a traditional magic formation but had subtle differences.
“Is that Demon Language Theory mixed in?”
“Exactly. You recognized it.”
The metal that once trapped her, formed by Demon Language Theory, was now slightly incorporated into the magic circle Sierra had created.
“Sierra, you can handle Demon Language too?”
“I can only handle it. If I want to use it, I need to buy a scroll.”
It was the same for Ern. He could handle Demon Language but needed a Demon Language Scroll to use it.
Handling Demon Language is nearly impossible due to its difficulty.
Those who are not chosen cannot use it without a scroll, and thus cannot gain experience with it.
One must study the theory and master it only through that.
Even Ern, with his unique ability to read mana through his special eyes, could only master it with some ease.
“That’s impressive. I haven’t fully mastered Demon Language Theory yet.”
“I haven’t learned much either. Just a few essential theories.”
Even so, it was impressive.
Epherna thought so and asked something she was curious about.
“So, how did you make the aphrodisiac spell?”
Sierra began her explanation.
The aphrodisiac spell wasn’t much different from the usual magic and alchemy combination methods.
It involved preparing the necessary ingredients for the aphrodisiac, mixing them with magic in a certain ratio, and forming a magic circle based on that.
The principle itself was simple.
By incorporating a specific Demon Language Theory, the aphrodisiac spell was completed.
“I recommend that the Princess learn this theory personally. It’s easier to handle changes in the quality or quantity of ingredients if you understand it rather than just memorize it.”
“Got it. I’ll study this part by tomorrow.”
“By tomorrow? You can take your time…”
“I’m just curious.”
That day, Epherna returned to the dormitory and spent the entire day reading books on Demon Language Theory.
When she became interested in something, she would endlessly explore and question it.
This was the mage’s path she had chosen.
*****
Epherna spent several days after joining the club fully immersing herself in learning the aphrodisiac spell.
The spell required more than just proficiency in handling Demon Language.
It also required deep knowledge of alchemy and an understanding of pharmacology.
After several days of effort, Epherna managed to cast the aphrodisiac spell but wasn’t satisfied with that.
She clung to Sierra, begging her to teach her more secrets, and Sierra ended up revealing all her personal secrets, excluding her family’s legacy.
“Promise you won’t tell anyone I taught you this? And don’t teach it to anyone else.”
“Of course.”
If it wasn’t for Epherna, and if she wasn’t the First Princess, Sierra would have never taught her these secrets.
But what could she do?
The person in front of her was the princess of the country she lived in.
And besides, Sierra had once wronged Epherna.
She had cast an aphrodisiac spell on Ern Astra, the hero of the Empire and Epherna’s Personal Guard.
Normally, casting such a spell would warrant a death sentence, but Epherna decided to let it slide as if nothing had happened.
Moreover…
“Let’s call it a day. Want to grab some food?”
Recently, Epherna had been leading them on various outings, and the way people viewed her had changed.
Before Epherna’s arrival, Sierra was just another student, but now, she was respected by juniors and envied by her peers.
Although Sierra, who had always been introverted, found this attention overwhelming, she didn’t mind it.
After all, she had the support of the formidable First Princess by her side.
However, there was one thing—something that wasn’t bad, but rather, terrifying.
And it was happening right now.
‘It’s Professor Astra.’
Sierra glanced sideways, trying to gauge Epherna’s reaction.
Epherna’s face lit up with a smile at the mere sight of Ern Astra, but that smile quickly faded.
Ern had just finished a class and was chatting cheerfully with some female students.
‘Oh… this is bad.’
After spending over a week getting closer to Epherna, Sierra had learned something important: Epherna didn’t need an aphrodisiac spell to fall for Ern—she was already deeply in love with him.
It was a scene right out of a romance novel, a moment she had once longed for as a fervent fan of the two.
But now, seeing it unfold before her eyes, she couldn’t help but feel frustrated.
“Oh! It’s Professor Astra! Hello!”
Ella, unaware of the tension, called out excitedly and approached Ern.
He recognized her from his class and greeted her warmly, engaging in conversation.
‘Hah… he shouldn’t smile and chat with just anyone.’
Even though he was engaged, he was acting recklessly.
With his handsome face that was naturally attractive to women, such behavior could cause young girls to cross lines they shouldn’t.
Objectively, it was just a student asking a question and a professor answering, so there was nothing wrong with it.
But for Epherna, who liked Ern, it must have been agonizingly frustrating, whether he realized it or not.
After witnessing this scene for several days in a row, Sierra decided she needed to take action before Epherna reached her breaking point.
*****
One of the events hosted by the academy at the start of the semester is the Cherry Blossom Festival.
This festival is held during the most refreshing and pleasant time of spring, just before the season ends.
Today was that day.
“Professor Astra, you don’t have any classes today, right?”
“That’s right…”
“Wouldn’t you like to walk around together? There are a lot of booths this year.”
“Oh, right, today’s the Cherry Blossom Festival, isn’t it?”
“You didn’t know?”
“I hadn’t really thought about it.”
He wasn’t particularly interested in the Academy’s internal events.
“I have plans with the club members today, so why don’t you explore the festival with Professor Astra, Your Highness?”
“Hmm. Yes, I think I will.”
“Oh, and Your Highness, please take this.”
Sierra pulled a glass bottle out of her pocket and handed it over.
Inside the bottle was a pink liquid that resembled cherry blossoms.
“It’s a drink I made in honor of the Cherry Blossom Festival. Please try it with Professor Astra and let me know what you think. If it’s good, I’m thinking of setting up a booth next year to sell it.”
“But there’s only one?”
“Of course, I prepared two.”
Sierra pulled out another glass bottle and handed it to Epherna.
