Magic Life in the Empire-Chapter 100: Power of Friendship

It was now Friday, October 24, one week before Hollowing.

The rumors about what the academy might do during the celebrations were becoming louder and louder.

A ton of people claiming to have insider knowledge spoke about the wildest things. It was like a competition.

Cyril was curious too but he decided against asking Margaret about it, letting it stay a surprise.

What surprised him was that both Morpho and Tigris had started showing interest in the holiday.

Now they wanted to have a costume for themselves too, which led to some helplessness.

Tigris was easy, but Cyril and Rhamn had no idea what kind of costume would suit a butterfly.

Still, under their hopeful gazes, they had no choice but to figure something out.

...

Today's history lesson was filled with the not-so-young professor complaining about people taking Hollowing lightly.

"...Back in my day, everyone knew you should stay masked and solemn that night—lest the spirits come and turn your body into an empty husk!" he droned on and on.

At least it was somewhat entertaining for the students. They got to hear some trivia about the holiday.

With the Empire gaining more and more power, humanity didn't have to cling to old superstitions to protect themselves.

Now it was only a fun celebration for people.

Once the lesson was over and the students were released into the world, Cyril quickly approached Myra; he was yet to tell her about what happened yesterday.

He called Rose too, just in case she was feeling adventurous today.

"I got a small lead about Lapis..." He quietly relayed the information in a secluded spot.

In the morning he already visited Monty to check his rock collection. Of course there was no Black Tulip there, only worthless stone.

He quickly left without asking about Albert. That was their business.

"Do you really want to mess around with Lapis? Why don't we just study like normal?" Rose said with a frown.

She liked spending time with her friends but never understood their tendency to act as heroes.

Myra, as expected, was very interested in the idea.

"We do need information. Let's go, and if we have any time left, let's visit Alvin as well; maybe he is finished with our order." She said with shining eyes.

Rose hesitated for a few more minutes but agreed in the end. She didn't have any other plans tonight anyways.

They decided to meet in a few hours near the gates as usual, and each went their separate ways.

Cyril didn't even try to invite Edmund this time. His friend was somewhat avoiding him recently.

...

As Cyril was approaching his dorm, he noticed Academy staff standing near the entrance, talking with Ophelia.

This maid was acting rather low-key recently. Cyril said he didn't want to be disturbed, and so she didn't bother him.

Occasionally he could see her cleaning the grounds with a black cat following her. She was apparently pretty popular in the academy.

Once Cyril got close, she quickly bowed and stood silently to the side.

Noticing this, the staff member cleared their throat and spoke. "Student Cyril, regarding your relocation request—we've found a suitable option. If you're available, we could proceed now."

This shouldn't take too long.

"Please, let's go," Cyril replied.

So after quickly taking Tigris and Morpho with him, he followed after the staff.

Ophelia casually walked after them, acting invisible.

...

As it turned out, Cyril vastly underestimated Margaret's generosity.

After a bit of a walk, they reached a sizeable three-story house with a small garden in front of it. There was even a fountain.

"Some time in the ancient past, this was a manor house of the local lord. After that nation fell and the Empire arrived, it became a villa, but even that was abandoned once the tower was built."

The staff presented the place as a merchant would a prized possession. All while maintaining a very servile, flattering tone.

If anything, this place truly had enough rooms for the foreseeable future. It was almost bigger than the Felling mansion.

"Is it really alright for me to live here?" Cyril even cautiously asked.

"Please, don't worry about it. All was approved by the principal herself." The staff replied with a wide smile.

"But I won't be able to properly take care of this place..." As soon as Cyril said this, Ophelia stepped forward.

"Master, please allow me to stay here. It would be my honor to keep this place presentable." She said with a bow.

It was now obvious why she followed after him. Though it was a wonder who told her the news.

"Maybe Margaret keeps contact with her?"

Cyril grew silent, thinking about what to do. This house fitted all his needs, but it also felt a bit too shameless to move into such a place.

As if rumors about him weren't bad enough already, what would people say when they find out the academy let him live in a villa?

"Who cares about them? Morpho and Tigris need only the best! Just imagine them playing around in the local garden!" Rhamn tempted him on the side.

He didn't even need to imagine; Morpho and Tigris were already happily exploring the territory. They looked very satisfied with the place.

"Thank you for your help." Cyril bowed to the staff, swallowing any doubts.

"No need for gratitude! This place was gathering dust without any purpose anyways!" The staff said with a flattering smile.

He quickly gave the keys to Cyril, explained a few things to take note of, and left.

Nepotism is a scary thing...

"I prefer to call it 'Power of Friendship' now."

Rhamn celebrated with Morpho and Tigris.

She didn't have even a shred of guilt on her face.

"Then I'll begin my duties, Master." Ophelia took some of the keys and began cleaning the place. There was quite a bit of dust here.

I should pay Margaret back somehow.

Cyril tiredly thought. He only wanted to go through the process a bit faster...