While Nina was answering the questions of the academy employee who was taking her application, Professor Marks approached Vicente and Eve.
"Good to see you again." Marks said as he stopped before Vicente, remembering the first time he had seen them and all that had happened since.
Vicente had used the gift Marks had given him that day, buying items at a discount because of this man's 'coupon.' After that day, Nina also ran into Marks a dozen times on her way to visit Newton.
Marks had even taught the girl a few things during his visits to Newton, having recognized her potential as a scholar.
He also knew about Nina's problems, which made him feel moved and more supportive of her.
In addition, he had met Vicente a dozen times and managed to exchange favors, further improving their relationship.
They both had a lot of contacts and making friends made sense!
"Professor Marks." Vicente shook the man's hand. "When do the academy classes start? I'm looking forward to Nina starting her activities here."
Marks smiled, not doubting that Nina had a good chance of making it through the selection process. The girl was really good!
"In four months. She'll be in my assistant teacher's class if all goes well." Marks said as he looked at Nina. "I'll make some exceptions for her if necessary."
"Then thank you." Vicente smiled. "For now, just help me take care of Nina at the academy. I'm going on a long trip as soon as she gets used to the new study routine. I hope you and Professor Newton can help me with her."
"Oh? Don't worry about it. But if you don't mind, can you tell me what you intend to do?" Marks was curious.
"A friend of mine was looking for his third pentagram, and then he disappeared. After investigating him for a while, I discovered that he acted purposefully after discovering clues from his father. I want to go to him and help him with this problem... Since he's left the kingdom, I might be out of the city for a few months." Vicente replied, not lying, although that wasn't his real goal.
He would really try to help Casey on his journey of revenge!
"I see... All right, I'll do my best to help young Nina. But don't worry; the first year at the academy will be very simple. It's mostly theory and without too many disputes." Marks commented.
"Hmm, that's good," Vicente said before handing the man a spatial ring. "Keep it as a token of my appreciation."
After this brief conversation, Marks saw Nina return to her brother's side and leave after saying hello.
Vicente wouldn't be there much longer once he had sorted out his sister's situation regarding the selection for the vacancies at the local Royal Academy.
He would soon return to the Fuller estate with Nina and Eve, leaving behind the place where several influential people were watching him.
Some of them knew him because they had done business with him, while others had simply heard of him through their contacts. But even those who knew nothing about Vicente might be interested in him. He seemed to have a good relationship with the head of the academy, Marks, which was remarkable and noteworthy.
So even people from outside the province who didn't know Vicente were interested in him.
"Who is this person?" A young man with brown hair asked the two guards in golden armor standing behind him.
"That person... We don't know, but we can find out."
"Then do it. See what you can find out about the girl as well." The young man said as he watched Nina limping out of the place with her brother.
"We'll sort this out as soon as possible, Your Highness!"
...
Later that day, registration for the Royal Academy of Saltstar City ended, and night slowly took over from the day.
While Nina was at home caring for her anxiety, Vicente was in a tavern in a remote area of the city center, face to face with Ian.
Having arranged this meeting earlier, the two had met and came to this place where Ian had promised Vice that there would be some good drinks.
They had just sat down and started drinking when Ian asked Vicente what had happened since their goodbye in Millfall.
Vicente told his friend in detail about his tragedies and successes at the forge until Ian could understand his old friend's real situation.
Hearing about events in other people's lives from other people was never the same as hearing it from the person who had actually lived it all.
"So that's what happened... Sigh, it's all crazy, man. Your life has gone from calm to chaos since we said goodbye. Even now, you still have so many things on your mind. I'm so sorry, man." Ian said as he sighed deeply.
Vicente had only told him about his public stuff about the Fuller family that anyone investigating him could find out. But that was enough for someone like Ian to think Vice's life was hectic.
Compared to the life of Ian, who was basically studying and working at the academy, the life of a person who had to fight, travel, protect his business from competitors, and deal with criminals was very agitated.
The current chaos in Vicente's life might be less than when he lost his mother, father, and older sister, but it was still something out of the ordinary for a guy like Ian.
"Don't worry. The worst that could happen has already happened, and now I'm used to my routine." Vicente smiled at Ian.
"And what about Rory? Have you heard from him?" Ian asked, remembering that the young redhead had seemed intent on joining Vicente at that time.
"Rory is fine. He joined me after I returned to Martell Village. We've done a lot of things together, and now he's taking care of my family's business outside of Saltstar City." Vicente said. "The next time he comes to the city, I'll tell him about you and arrange a meeting. Are you going to stay here for a while?"
Ian was happy for Rory and nodded. "Yes, I'll be here for at least another year. If everything works out for me, I'll return to the capital and finally get a place at Seidel Magical College. After that, I don't know if I'll come back, and I don't know when."
"That's enough time for you to meet a few times... Anyway, I hope you succeed. I intend to leave Nina here in Saltstar City until she graduates from the Royal Academy. Then I'll send her to the capital. You can help her when she's there." Vicente smiled.
"I will certainly do that," Ian commented, not doubting Nina and hoping that what Vicente had said would really happen.
Then, he became more serious, thinking of some rumors he had heard earlier at the academy. "But Vicente, seriously, what is your current level? I heard that you're a High-level Mage. Is that serious?"
Vicente smiled at his friend, seeing that Ian had found out his level. He said. "Yes, it's true."
"How?" Ian asked in disbelief. They were the same age and talent grade, but Vicente was almost ten years ahead of him in terms of power.
Ian knew how difficult it could be to accumulate mana and resources, so he estimated that it would take him at least ten years to reach that level if everything worked out for him.
"Well, with great misfortune comes great opportunity. My businesses also generate good profits, so I've had access to resources that few others have." Vicente was sincere but did not give details of his situation.
"So that's it... I thought you were getting involved in things you shouldn't be." Ian laughed, feeling relieved...
