The Induction ended, the students clapped for the guests who one by one said a few words to them, the last one to come forward was Astra and because of that, the event ended on a higher note with all the students, be it the new ones or the old, were excited for the upcoming semester.
Vaan, on the other hand, however, had a strange look on his face.
After hearing Vaelen's words, he couldn't help but look at things from a different perspective.
Vaelen wasn't exactly wrong.
The Vesta Family may have been looking at things a little too narrow-mindedly.
Of course, Vaan wasn't planning to simply switch sides either.
He knew his mother well. Astra wasn't a woman to foolishly believe whatever was told to her.
She must have her reasons for treating the Church of Light as an enemy, therefore, Vaan decided to hear things from her perspective.
After all, who would know more about things than the leader of one of the strongest powers in the world?
Thinking about it, Vaan quickly made his way towards Astra, Elara, of course, was together with him.
She wanted to hear her Teacher's perspective as well.
But suddenly,
"Sir Vaan, Lady Elara.
"
They were interrupted by a gentle voice.
It didn't take an instant for Vaan to recognize the voice.
He turned around and just as he expected,
It was Selene Rainwarden. The Student Council President.
The blonde was looking at them with her signature gentle smile on her face. Vaan, of course, had no plans to fall for that smile.
He still firmly believed that all of this was a fake front this woman had created and was actually hiding her real self.
Of course, Vaan couldn't just act brashly like he normally does either.
He needed to solve this 'tactfully'. Like a gentleman.
Thinking about it, Vaan straightened his chest, corrected his collar, and looked at Selene with the fakest smile possible,
"Lady Selene, it is such an honor to meet you."
Selene momentarily frowned, she couldn't place a finger on it, but she could feel that something was wrong here.
In the end, however, she just shook her head and decided to say what she came here for,
"The pleasure is truly mine. I'm delighted to have the opportunity to connect with you as well.
"
Selene smiled and continued,
"Actually, I have been keeping an eye on the two of you ever since you joined the Academy.
After all, a Student receiving a Star the moment she joins the Academy isn't something that happens every year.
I was quite shocked to learn that Lady Elara had already become a 4th Circle Mage at such a young age.
But then you surprised me even further with those advanced circles you showed.
I still find it hard to believe that you were able to find a completely new Magic Circle that is much more useful than what we currently have.
It is a groundbreaking research.
I am so glad that I have an opportunity to talk to a brilliant genius such as yourself."
Selene's green eyes were shining brightly, with how she talked, she seemed genuinely interested in the advanced magic circles Vaan 'researched.
'
Of course, it wasn't a surprise. After all, those circles were something that would change the world.
It could completely reshape the current perception of Mages in the world and increase their destructive power.
'So you are showing your true intentions from the beginning huh.
'
Vaan couldn't help but smile inwardly when he noticed the desperate look on Selene's face.
'Well, that is better for me.
At the very least, I can say that you aren't the angel these people believe you to be.'
"Hahaha~ Thank you so much.
It was merely a fluke that I came up with them."
Vaan laughed, Selene however, shook her head, and with a strict look on her face, she glanced at Vaan and,
"Sir Vaan, as your Senior in the Academy, please let me say this one thing.
Staying humble is good.
However, you are still young, young people should be brimming with confidence, especially people like you, if you have done something incredible, you should come forward and accept it.
Announce it to the entire world. Say that you were the one who did it and you didn't do it out of coincidence, you achieved it through your own hard work.
Don't undermine yourself.
Be proud of yourself.
"
Selene spoke with a gentle smile and seeing her, Vaan frowned.
He couldn't tell what this woman was thinking.
"You talk like that but you are only a few years older than me," Vaan spoke.
"Well, my situation forced me to mature faster than others," Selene replied, again her smile never left her face, Vaan however, could notice a strange flicker in her eyes.
"I am in a somewhat similar situation."
"Is that so?"
"Mhm.
"
Vaan nodded. Then, he sighed and,
"But I will take what you said to heart."
He replied.
Selene smiled brightly as she then glanced at Elara and,
"You as well, Lady Elara.
You are a rarely-seen Magic Prodigy, you also have one of the best mages in the world as your Teacher, you should be more proud of yourself. I notice that you tend to be timid and shy, while that itself is quite adorable, I would love it if I could see more of your confident self in the future.
After all, you carry Lady Astra's name on your shoulder, no? As her pupil, you need to continue working hard so as to not disappoint her, okay?"
"Yes, I will work hard." Elara nodded.
Selene smiled, "I have high hopes for both of you, I am sure you will raise our Academy's Prestige when you grow up. Although I doubt something like this would happen, but if you face any problems in the Academy, you can always come to me, I would be glad to help you two.
"
"Mhm, we won't hesitate to bother you then." Vaan smiled.
"You will never bother me, Sir Vaan, Lady Elara, you two are my juniors after all."
Selene replied.
"It was great talking to the two of you, I would love to talk more when we both have time on our hands. I would also like to wish you luck for the Ancient Ruins you will be exploring.
I am sure the Headmaster will explain to you everything you need to know about it, but if you want, you can come to me to learn more about it. I have been there quite a few times, so I am sure I can give you some helpful tips.
"
Saying those words, Selene turned around and Vaan blinked in surprise.
He couldn't understand just what happened to him.
Other than the initial 'desperation' he felt from Selene, he couldn't point out anything strange from that woman…
She looked rather… kind…?
'Was what Vaelen saying true?'
Vaan wondered in his head but suddenly,
"Vaan."
Astra called out.
"Mother." Vaan turned towards his mother.
"Were you talking to the Student Council President?" Astra questioned and Vaan nodded.
"That is correct.
"
"Mother, I have something to ask," Vaan spoke up.
"Is it about the Student Council President?" Astra could guess it.
"Yes…" Vaan nodded.
"I have to say, she is quite a special girl."
Astra chuckled.
"Special…?" Vaan tiled his head in confusion.
"Did you not feel it? Did you not feel strangely attracted to her?"
"Huh?"
"What?"
Elara was quick to turn towards Vaan and narrowed her eyes.
Noticing her stare, Vaan stuttered, "M-Mother, what are you talking about?"
Astra frowned, "What?" Soon, however, she realized what happened and shook her head,
"Not that type of attraction, you fools.
Get your minds out of the gutter."
Elara lowered her head in embarrassment.
Vaan on the other hand, was getting impatient,
"Mother, what are you talking about?"
"That girl has a strangely positive aura around her. An Aura that attracts others towards her.
You two must have felt it, no? What was your first impression of her?"
"…" Vaan didn't answer.
"She seemed like a good person."
Elara was more honest.
"See? This is what I am talking about.
Do you not find it strange that almost everyone in the Academy likes her? No matter who you are, you will always have enemies, yet for some reason, it doesn't seem to be the case with her."
"Does that mean she is somehow manipulating everyone?" Vaan questioned as he narrowed his eyes.
He had his doubts before, but with Astra almost confirming his thoughts, he was now even sure.
But…
"When did I say that?"
Astra tilted her head in confusion.
"Vaan, this is the Agresia Academy, world-class experts gather here, you think a child like Selene would get away with 'somehow manipulating' everyone?"
"Then are you saying that she is the sort of person everyone believes her to be?"
"I don't know." Astra shook her head.
"She is from the Church of Light."
"Mother, I have another question.
"
"Ask."
"Why do we consider the Church of Light as our enemies? Is it because of what happened 5000 years ago?"
