HTNSA 50

Chapter 50

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“How many more times do I have to do this?”

It felt endless. Crafting the mana sensitivity cure was a painstakingly delicate process.

Even if every step was followed perfectly, there was no guarantee of success.

Despite all the preparation, each attempt yielded slightly different results, sometimes requiring additional adjustments.

But most of all, the color she needed wasn’t silver or gold.

“A deep crimson. Like blood.”

There was always a chance the potion wouldn’t turn that color.

Potion-making was a science of probability.

Even the perfect mix could be undone by something as small as a single extra leaf.

Eila repeated the same process through the dark night.

How many monotonous hours had passed?

She glanced toward the window as the sky gradually lightened.

The sun was rising.

“This is my last chance.”

She carefully picked up a sprig of Heaven’s Tear. The rising sun meant Moon’s Trace was fading.

The herb named Moon’s Trace was so called because it resembled dawn sunlight.

Eila crushed the herb and added it to the potion, which had taken on a faint pink hue.

The soft rose color—like her hair—slowly deepened.

Something about it felt right.

If the potion didn’t turn completely red, she would fail the exam.

But even so, she wouldn’t avoid it. She would go and accept her failure.

Eila stared into the simmering pot.

Finally, the potion stopped changing.

Silence fell over the dormitory room.

With moist eyes, Eila looked quietly at the final result she’d made.

Rosia was in high spirits that morning.

Having arrived first at the exam hall, she sat by the window with a pleased smile.

“She must have collapsed by now.”

It had been two full days since Eila was locked in the shed.

Rosia planned to let her out only after the exams were over.

Honestly, just thinking about Cardin made her want to keep Eila locked up forever.

But she shook her head.

As much as she wanted to, Eila was still useful. Her existence was a crucial conduit to amplify Rosia’s magic.

So, she couldn’t let her die just yet.

“Not that it matters. Socially, she’s already done for.”

Students began filing into the exam hall.

Freya naturally took the seat beside Rosia.

“You’re early, Rosia.”

“Yeah. I guess I was nervous.”

Freya smiled.

“Nervous? I’ve seen how you study. You’ll take top marks for sure.”

Normally, Rosia would wave off the compliment modestly.

But today, she simply smiled with quiet confidence.

There was no one here capable of beating her.

“These academy students are nothing.”

She didn’t even bother hiding her skill anymore. As a daughter of House Blanche, magic excellence was her birthright.

She lightly pressed her lips together and picked up her pen.

She was already envisioning the aftermath.

“As expected of Rosia Blanche.” “Unlike the fake, she’s truly talented.”

The admiration of her peers rang in her ears.

The Blanche family would be proud too.

“She’s in another league compared to Eila.” “Blanche is finally regaining its past glory!”

Even Irene would have no choice but to acknowledge her.

“With skills like this, you must truly be my daughter. I’m sorry I didn’t realize it sooner, Rosia.”

A blush warmed Rosia’s cheeks.

But that wasn’t all she wanted.

“Impressive. You’re the only one worthy of being my fiancée, Rosia.”

“If I take first place, Cardin will see me differently. Then we can move forward with our engagement.”

As she indulged in those sweet dreams—

“Eila?”

Freya’s startled voice rang out. Murmurs spread quickly.

“Is that Eila?” “Wasn’t she supposed to have left with her birth parents?”

Rosia spun around in shock.

Her eyes went wide.

“It’s really her.”

Eila looked pale, her lips tinged blue.

She must’ve just escaped the shed.

“This can’t be.”

Rosia had personally confirmed Eila’s imprisonment.

She’d cast every concealment spell she could think of.

“How did she get out?”

Rosia’s heart dropped.

Eila walked toward her without hesitation. Rosia’s eyes twitched.

Eila smiled faintly.

“What is that smile?”

It irritated Rosia more than it should’ve.

That knowing smile—it felt like Eila had figured everything out.

But that couldn’t be.

“I cast confusion and emotion-manipulating magic. There’s no way she remembers.”

Rosia turned to the window, feigning innocence.

Still, her mind raced.

“Who helped her escape? How did she break out?”

The room buzzed with whispers.

“I guess she wanted to keep her pride.” “The result will be the same though. Better than running away, I suppose.”

Rosia forced herself to ignore it.

Eila would fall further. That much was inevitable.

“I’ll take top marks. She’ll be stuck at the bottom.”

Rosia glared at Eila’s reflection in the glass.

Even if she escaped, the outcome wouldn’t change.

The academy’s final exams lasted three days.

The first day was mostly written tests.

Starting early in the morning, they went until late at night, forcing professors to grade well into the early hours.

While checking papers, Professor Arina—who taught Magical Tactics—muttered in surprise:

“Two students scored perfect marks.”

Professor Roman, who taught Applied Magic, looked up.

“Let me guess—Eila and Rosia?”

Arina nodded.

Roman smiled.

“They both aced my test too. The essay section was tough, but their answers were outstanding.”

The other professors nodded in agreement.

“Same for my subject. Rosia is clearly gifted—just as one would expect from House Blanche.”

“Indeed. She performed impressively in practice too.”

Everyone seemed pleased.

Then they turned toward the one silent professor—Jacy.

Sensing their gazes, Jacy shrugged and said;

“Eila’s theoretical work is still second to none.”