"Well now, this maid's tea skills are quite remarkable."
With the headmaster's arrival, Alice temporarily returned to her seat.
Trimmau brought out the black tea and served it to Alice, while Edward across from her unceremoniously requested a cup for himself.
The atmosphere in the compartment instantly shifted to something resembling a tea party.
Except one of the participants was a bearded old man.
Edward savored the tea, still wearing his kindly smile.
Yet his robust physique and the sheer volume of magical energy radiating from him clearly indicated he was no ordinary, gentle grandfather.
He was the strongest magus of the nineteenth century, and the headmaster of the world's premier institute of magical learning—Edward Rutherford.
Cedric sat somewhat uncomfortably next to Edward, too distracted to even taste the tea Trimmau had served.
For some reason, he had been like this ever since Edward appeared.
"Let's return to the main topic."
Alice, her patience wearing thin, spoke without hesitation, interrupting Edward's tea time.
Her icy tone caused the atmosphere in the compartment to cool considerably.
"You were the one who invited me, correct?"
Though phrased as a question, her tone left no room for doubt.
Cedric's earlier behavior suggested he was completely unprepared for this meeting, making it obvious he was merely a pawn.
"Indeed. My apologies for the delay."
Edward bowed his head slightly, his attitude utterly sincere.
The smile never left his face; if anything, it deepened a little. "Shaking off certain individuals is no easy task."
"The strongest magus of the nineteenth century worries about such things?"
Alice asked offhandedly, her eyelids lowering slightly.
"What can I do? It's precisely because of that title that so many have their eyes on me."
Edward shrugged helplessly, raising a finger towards the ceiling. "This school houses not just students, but a gathering of spies from various nations."
"No single magus, no matter how powerful, can stand against an entire country."
He spread his hands open, as if presenting the quiet serenity surrounding their compartment.
"Thanks to Miss Kuonji's magecraft, this area has become considerably more peaceful."
I see. Alice slowly lifted her teacup.
So that's why they needed that Cedric to make the initial contact?
Probably Cedric's earlier mention of cooperation with Germany was also under this headmaster's direction.
And that artificially modified body of Cedric's, along with the heart that felt completely incompatible with his physique… likely this man's handiwork as well.
How interesting...
Alice gave a slight wave of her finger, sending her magical energy spreading outwards.
In less than a second, her mana enveloped the entire compartment, every detail falling within her perception.
Feeling the immense magical pressure, Cedric shrank back into his neck.
The energy passed right by him, flowing directly towards Edward.
But the moment it made contact with Edward, it could penetrate no further.
As expected, the headmaster wasn't as easily dealt with as the students.
Edward chuckled softly from across the table. "Miss Kuonji's control over her mana is truly exceptional."
"Most people in this world cannot utilize magical energy in such a manner."
He gradually lowered his defenses, allowing Alice's mana to seep slightly into his body.
It was the confidence of the nineteenth century's strongest magus, and also an apology for his tardiness.
The moment Alice's energy entered, a heart incompatible with Edward's body came into view, the magical traces upon it causing her to raise a brow slightly.
Just as I thought. He and Cedric must have had their hearts swapped via magecraft.
Alice lifted her gaze, observing Edward's aged appearance across from her.
To go to such lengths… are they grandfather and grandson?
Alice gave a slight, understanding nod. The mental interference earlier was likely dispelled by him as well.
She took a sip of tea and asked softly, "So, Headmaster, why seek out an ordinary student like me?"
Are you an ordinary student?
The corners of both Edward's and Cedric's eyes twitched almost imperceptibly.
The former let out a silent sigh, bowed his head slightly, and began to explain. "There are many excellent magi in this world."
He tilted his head slightly, looking out the window as if gazing upon the nation itself.
"Among them exist those capable of foreseeing the future."
"He once made a prophecy—'On the night of seven sevens multiplied, at the time of sixfold germination, humanity shall become God's mouthpiece. It shall be like unblemished jade. First, authority shall be overturned, receiving the petitions of outsiders; next, the shackles of control shall be broken, the city bathed in a hymn of purification; then, a rain of falling stars shall descend, a sign of genesis. And thus, the Child of God shall descend, reigning from the heavenly throne—behold then, at that one's side shall attend the Divine Machine.'"
He returned his gaze to Alice, a kindly smile on his face. "My teacher's foresight is absolute, and normally unchangeable."
Alice nodded quietly.
If a prophecy changed frequently, its credibility would plummet.
It seems the previous conclusion that the Night Party was unrelated to the Divine Machine can be discarded.
'The night of seven sevens multiplied' likely refers to this 49th Night Party.
Seeing Alice's responsive gesture, Edward's smile broadened.
"But then, half a year ago, he added to the prophecy. At the very end, one more line appeared."
"—Thereafter, through sacrifice, the perfect life shall stand beside the Witch of Fairy Tales."
"Everyone who learned of this passage was sent into a frenzy. They speculated that two Divine Machines might descend simultaneously."
Edward gestured slightly with his hands, as if depicting the fervent scene.
"Yet they could not identify who the Witch of Fairy Tales was. There are many witches in this world, but none bear the title 'Fairy Tales.'"
At this point, his smile gradually faded, and his once-amused eyes grew calm.
"Subsequently, I made a surprising discovery. Precisely half a year ago, a lady of unknown origins took up residence in the western-style mansion."
"Simultaneously, she would enroll in the school as a new student this semester."
He looked into Alice's calm eyes and asked softly.
"Might Miss Kuonji have some... insight regarding this prophecy?"
Alice's tone remained flat. The teacup met the saucer with a clear, crisp sound. "An interesting story."
Hearing her response, Edward let out a soft, wry chuckle, then abruptly shifted the conversation. "Miss Kuonji, your goal is the Divine Machine, correct?"
"Yes."
It wasn't an objective worth hiding. Rather, anyone coming to this school at this time was here for that very reason.
Hearing Alice's reply, Edward's smile slowly vanished.
His expression grew serious, and he spoke with utmost sincerity. "We could cooperate."
"Once the Divine Machine is born, I only wish to study it, or perhaps we could share the research findings."
"Until then, I would provide you with assistance."
Alice slowly raised her eyes, her dark pupils fixed on Edward across from her.
After a long moment, she spoke. "You must have many potential partners."
"Naturally." Edward's reply was straightforward.
"I value capable people."
He gestured towards the window. "Student Magnus is one of them."
"We are comrades, sharing a common goal."
--+--
T/N: While I am an inexperienced Translator, I have a Patreon! While it may seem empty as of now, webnovel will get 3 Chapters Every Day, and advanced chapters will be uploaded on Patreon.
It may not seem worth it now, but maybe in the future. Who knows!
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If you guys wanna check it out.