Yeah, that’s right.
I couldn’t remember because theology isn’t my major, but Jeffrey’s major definitely was theology.
Moreover…
’Huh? Are you curious about what I’m researching? Livia, do you happen to have an interest in ancient temples? Not interested? Let me know if you develop an interest later.’
Thinking about his major, I recalled something Jeffrey mentioned in passing.
Back then, I had no interest and just brushed it off…
‘Why is that coming to mind now?’
I looked at Jeffrey with uncertain eyes and then spoke up.
“I’ll do it.”
“Really?!”
Jeffrey’s face lit up instantly.
“Then get ready right away!”
I took a deep breath and flashed a confident smile at Cardien and Vincent.
“Sorry, but due to this situation, I think I should go in first. Let’s meet up after it’s over.”
I quickly said and tried to go inside, but Cardien’s voice stopped me in my tracks.
“But, tutor.”
“Yes?”
“Is that guy trustworthy?”
“Excuse me?”
What’s with the sudden question again?
I turned to look in the direction Cardien was looking.
Jeffrey was directing the students.
After a moment of contemplation, I nodded slightly.
“Probably, seems trustworthy.”
After my response, Cardien remained silent for a moment before speaking up.
“I see. In my eyes…”
His voice was colder than ever.
“He looks very shady to me.”
* * *
As Livia entered the auditorium through the back door, Vincent took his seat in the audience with Cardien.
Soon, the host went up on stage, signaling the start of the symposium.
“Now, may the representative of the graduates please come up!”
As the audience quieted down, the tapping sound of high heels grew closer to the stage.
Vincent’s eyes sparkled as he looked at her.
’Wow.’
Livia, standing on stage, was more confident and beautiful than anyone else.
Her posture was straight, and her gaze was fixed forward.
There was no hint of wavering in her pumpkin-colored eyes.
After scanning the audience once, she parted her red lips.
“Hello, I am Livia Pellington, a graduate of the 195th class. It is an honor to be able to share this special day commemorating the 200th anniversary of the Imperial Academy’s founding.”
Her unwavering voice resonated throughout the auditorium as if through a magical instrument.
However, it wasn’t the voice Vincent usually knew from Livia.
’Firm.’
The Livia Vincent usually faced was as gentle and warm as sunlight, and affectionate.
But the Livia on the stage seemed unyielding and resolute as if she wouldn’t bend to anything.
Her echoing voice was firm yet natural. Eventually, Livia began her speech.
Despite being hastily prepared, the speech was flawless to the point of it being unbelievable.
Applause erupted from various parts of the audience at intervals.
Each time, Vincent felt an inexplicable sense of pride.
Vincent looked up at Livia on the stage with rapturous eyes.
His mouth opened slightly.
“…Duke.”
At his calling, Cardien shifted his gaze to Vincent.
But Vincent, oblivious to whether Cardien was looking at him or not, murmured absentmindedly.
“Tutor is so impressive….”
At his words, Cardien slowly redirected his gaze back to Livia.
Livia, who had finished her speech, was now taking questions and answering them.
Despite occasionally difficult questions, she effortlessly handled them with sensible answers.
Cardien silently observed her.
* * *
‘Ugh…….’
After the meeting, I walked downstage and froze in place.
‘Crazy…….’
I don’t know how I finished the talk.
I was just frantically answering questions and before I knew it, it was over.
‘At least I didn’t say anything stupid, right?’
As I was trying to recall if I said anything foolish, Jeffrey approached.
“Well done, Livia. It was indeed a splendid symposium. Thanks to you, it ended smoothly.”
Jeffrey raised his thumb as if to affirm his words.
“Haha… thank you…”
“Shall we head to the research lab right away? There are things I need to discuss with you.”
“Oh, right.”
He mentioned in the letter that he had a proposal for me.
“Let’s not delay any further”, Jeffrey urged as he walked ahead.
“Just a moment, I need to find my companions first.”
Then Jeffrey turned to me and said.
“You mean the Duke of Mercedes, don’t you?”
“What? Oh, yes.”
“In that case, don’t worry. They went to the party hall first.”
“They said they would go to the party hall first?”
That doesn’t sound like them.
Both Cardien and Vincent weren’t the type to leave without me.
Seeing my incredulous expression, Jeffrey gestured for me to follow him.
Leading the way, Jeffrey soon pointed towards the door leading to the auditorium.
“See, there’s nobody here.”
While a few people were coming and going, Vincent and Cardien were nowhere to be seen.
’I thought I told them to meet me back at the door.’
“I sent them away because there were too many people. I told them not to worry, I’ll take care of Livia and bring her with me.”
“Mmm…….”
Even so, it didn’t make much sense.
‘ But Jeffrey wouldn’t lie to me. ‘
Even if they got separated, Cardien would be with Vincent, so it should be fine.
’We’ll meet again in the carriage later.’
Having made up my mind, I nodded.
“Alright. Let’s go then.”
“Follow me.”
Jeffrey began walking ahead again.
I glanced back for a moment before following him.
* * *
Jeffrey mentioned that there were two research labs.
One is the professor’s research lab. The other is…
‘There is a lab in a place like this?’
Jeffrey had taken me deep into the woods.
“There really is a lab in a place like this?”
I asked again, and he nodded.
“The laboratory here is where more dignified and profound research takes place.”
Dignified and profound research…
“What makes dignified and profound research different?”
“It’s different.”
As he walked ahead, Jeffrey nodded his head.
“The research I do here is my life’s work. And the research I do here has changed my life. You’ll surely be interested as well.”
I sensed a strong conviction in Jeffrey’s words.
But I couldn’t help but feel puzzled.
If it were a different major, I might understand, but…
’Is there research of that level in theology? Is there that much research in theology?’
Theology is a field that contrasts the history of the empire with the history of temples and studies the manifestation of divine power, the role of saints, and the will of God.
It’s a study, of course, but I couldn’t see what was so sacred, so profound, so life-changing about it.
’Is it an exaggeration?’
Handling such important research…
’If that’s the case, he might also know something about ancient temples.’
As a professor at the academy, Jeffrey could be considered one of the most prestigious scholars in the empire.
So, if Jeffrey doesn’t know, then it’s safe to assume that there’s no one else who knows about ancient temples.
“Here we are.”
Jeffrey’s stride abruptly came to a halt.
I tilted my head in surprise.
’The Academy has a house like this?’
It was a rather humble and small cabin, not quite deserving to be called a research lab. While it blended well with the backdrop of the forest, the fact that this site belonged to the academy felt alien.
“Is this the research lab…?”
“That’s right. Come on in.”
Jeffrey opened the door with a key and ushered me inside.
From that moment, I felt a strange sensation.
It was odd that a cabin served as a research lab.
’Isn’t the security too lax for a place conducting important research?’
It seemed like the door could easily break open with just a good kick, rather than requiring a key.
Once inside, I couldn’t help but be puzzled again.
To anyone’s eyes…
’Isn’t this just an ordinary cabin?’
A bed, a dining table, a desk, drawers, even a sink.
There was no sign of any research-related items; just ordinary furniture neatly arranged in their places.
“Have a seat. You used to like Chandra tea, didn’t you?”
I nodded quietly, and as directed by him, I sat down quietly at the table.
As I sat there, looking around, Jeffrey placed a teacup in front of me.
A sweet and fragrant aroma wafted from the empty cup.
Chandra tea was known for its strong sweetness among teas, and Jeffrey and I used to drink it often.
’He served tea in a cup like this back then too.’
For a moment, amidst the eerie feeling, I reminisced as I lifted the teacup.
