Chapter 119 - 39. Confession

Chapter 119: 39. ConfessionTuesday’s classes weren’t for freshers but for sophomores, delving into advanced Magic courses. Though the classes were called advanced, they were actually still within the realm of basics for Fisher, so teaching was a breeze for him.

His rules were no different than those for the first-year courses, but the sophomores had no complaints—they dared not speak up or express anger. Even if some were uncomfortable, they still had no choice but to attend with stiff upper lips.

First, there was no Princess-level standout like Isabella in their class.

Second, they were the inaugural students of the Magic Academy and understood the situation at Saint Nali University well. They were eager for the opportunity to attend classes; as long as they had classes, everything else was negotiable.

Not only did they have classes now, but they were also taught by Fisher Benavides, a direct disciple of Master Helson—opportunities coveted by many. They were bound to cherish their good fortune and suppress any minor irritations they might feel.

A class passed quickly under Fisher’s guidance. Many students were not yet quite satisfied and gathered around Fisher’s podium after class, blocking his way to inquire about questions that had arisen during the lesson.

By the time Fisher had answered all their questions, it was nearly half-past twelve.

Fisher rubbed his shoulders, returned to his office, and sent a little messenger, intended for that Artificial Witch, Carlo.

The so-called messenger was actually a targeted Magic Item, a communication medium locked to both parties, just within the level these students would reach upon graduation.

By their graduation, they would probably be able to create an imperfect messenger. If simplicity and speed were desired, a paper airplane would suffice, but for more frequent use, more complex Magic Materials would be necessary.

This messenger was for Carlo and unlikely to be often used, so Fisher casually tore a piece of paper into a paper airplane, inscribed it with magic, and used it as a messenger.

After handing the messenger over to the Hart Bird, he then prepared to go for lunch.

The school had a dedicated cafeteria. Fisher casually found a spot to sit and enjoy his meal, but no sooner had he sat down than he noticed a middle-aged man with a large black hat entering. That was his colleague, Roger, whom he had met yesterday in the office.

"Hey, Mr. Fisher, you’re also having a late lunch?"

Upon spotting Fisher, Roger walked over, sat down across from him, and ordered a chicken noodle dish from the waiter, settling in with a friendly demeanor.

As the weather outside was hot, Roger hurriedly removed his Mage robe’s symbolic large black hat upon entering the cafeteria, fanning himself with it like a fan.

"Yeah, got held up by students... What brings you dressed like this today?"

"Ah, I was just about to tell you." Roger glanced at his Mage robe, then smiled at Fisher, "It’s almost Gedelin Festival in Saint Nali, and the school will hold an early celebration from this afternoon to evening, since we’ll all be off during the actual festival."

"I see."

Fisher’s lunch arrived, and while he listened, he had no desire to participate in the celebration.

Gedelin Festival celebrated Gedelin I’s birthday, as well as the day he established the kingdom and claimed kingship. The people commemorated the king, whose fame echoed throughout the continent, by treating the day as a holiday, with traditional activities such as horseback tournaments, poetry events, and feasts—one of Nali’s grand festivals.

Members of the Royal Family would also grace Saint Nali’s biggest festival venue on that day, joining the people in the celebrations.

In previous years, the King himself had made an appearance, but his health had been on the decline in recent years, resulting in the Prince taking over the customary celebration with the public.

"Our university is a place that the King holds in high regard. This year, the elder Princess will also come to celebrate the festival! It was decided suddenly this morning, quite a surprise, really. Last year, it was just the Royal Spokesperson. Mr. Fisher, why don’t you join me at the event this afternoon..."

In fact, Isabella herself was a Princess, but the Princess generally referred to by the public was Princess Elizabeth.

Isabella was still young and rarely appeared in public. As a child, she was often carried by the King to New Year’s speeches. Now that she was older, her public appearances had become even less frequent.

So, Princess Elizabeth is coming here this afternoon?

Hearing Roger’s words, Fisher didn’t respond but instead stiffened slightly while eating, suddenly looking around the cafeteria as if he had understood something and began searching for certain individuals.

Sure enough, he quickly spotted several soldiers dressed in the white Royal Guard uniforms outside the cafeteria. They were surveying the inside of the cafeteria and, upon making eye contact with Fisher, gave him a salute before waiting at the door.

Fisher turned to Roger, sitting opposite him, and said somewhat speechlessly,

"Let me guess, you didn’t just happen to meet me in the cafeteria by chance, right? You’re here on behalf of Princess Elizabeth’s soldiers to take me to this afternoon’s events?"

Roger wiped his nose, clearly aware of Fisher’s astuteness from his resigned smile,

"Princess Elizabeth’s soldiers found me this morning and declared that I must make sure you attend this afternoon. She said if she wasn’t around, you’d run, so she asked me to come and chat with you first. She’ll be here soon."

Knowing he couldn’t escape, Fisher sighed, placed a spoonful of food into his mouth. Roger, glancing at the soldiers outside, whispered,

"I’ve always known there was something special between Mr. Fisher and Princess Elizabeth. Her personal attendance this time is probably on account of you. Honestly, Princess Elizabeth is indeed a great match for marriage. The King’s health is worsening by the day. Though it’s unlikely she will inherit the throne, her status afterwards will only rise, not fall..."

Fisher glanced at him and said,

"Is that what she told you to tell me?"

"How could I dare! I wouldn’t meddle in the affairs of such important people—this is just a bit of gentlemanly advice."

Mr. Fisher didn’t respond to him, feeling somewhat relieved at this moment that he had arranged for Renie to stay home and rest. He hoped she really would behave and not go out.

Lunchtime quickly passed by, and Fisher wiped his lips, then said goodbye to Roger and walked toward the soldiers. He didn’t harbor any resentment towards Roger since he knew that Roger wouldn’t have done such a thing if he had had a choice.

"Mr. Benavides, Princess has already arrived at the school and is currently in the school’s hall. She asked us to invite you over to talk."

Fisher nodded, signaling them to lead the way.

The so-called hall was a deep part of the school. The Mother Goddess’ chapel exists in many places and occasions for those with pure faith in the Mother Goddess to worship.

But Princess Elizabeth’s movements were indeed secretive. If it wasn’t for those soldiers appearing here, Fisher wouldn’t have known that Princess Elizabeth had already arrived at this school.

"Princess is inside, please enter."

The hall was a standard small church style; normally, students on duty were responsible for cleaning it, but today there were only Royal soldiers standing outside.

After leading Fisher there, they quietly stood at the door. It was clear they had been ordered that only Fisher could enter.

Fisher pushed open the door and walked into the small church.

The most common scent of the Church’s incense wafted over. Under a ray of sunlight filtered by stained glass, a lady sat quietly in the first row of the church. Directly in front of the lady, a statue of the benevolent Mother Goddess gazed gently at the visitor before her.

Princess Elizabeth wasn’t wearing a hat, her golden hair cascading down like a waterfall. At this moment, her hands were folded in a respectful prayer gesture.

Her eyes closed as if she was confessing her most primitive sins to the Mother Goddess, just like those devout followers from Kado.

However, as soon as Fisher approached her, her movements stopped, and her pale golden eyes opened. She looked at the gentleman beside her with a serene smile.

"Mr. Fisher, you’ve arrived."

"Princess Elizabeth."

Fisher gave another gentlemanly nod, but this time, Princess Elizabeth still maintained her smile and suddenly extended the back of her right hand toward Fisher.

This was an old Royal hand-kissing ritual, a sign of the Royal Family’s favor towards their subjects and vassals, allowing them to kiss the back of their hand.

Fisher even understood Princess Elizabeth’s intention, ’Since you like ceremonies so much, I’ll let you perform the complete set of standard Royal greeting rituals. Have your fill.’

But this ritual also implied favor towards Fisher, after all, not everyone was qualified to kiss the right hand of the Royal Family.

Legend has it, only the Great Pope from Kado was entitled to kiss the right hand of Gedelin I.

Fisher looked at Princess Elizabeth’s extended right hand, paused for a second, and then knelt before her, gently grasping her soft and fair right hand.

Princess Elizabeth gently clasped Fisher’s wrist, waiting for him to bring her hand to his lips, and after a tender kiss, she slowly with a growing smile withdrew her right hand.

"Please, no need for formalities, Mr. Fisher."

She sat gracefully and pointed to the seat beside her; Fisher didn’t hesitate and took a seat directly.

"I thought Princess Elizabeth would go directly to the principal’s office to discuss the Gedelin Festival, but to my surprise, the Princess actually sneaked into the Mother Goddess’ chapel."

Princess Elizabeth looked at the loving Mother Goddess statue before her, her expression unchanging, but her words seemingly imbued with a deeper meaning,

"Everyone has original sins that need confessing, and I am no exception... Besides, there’s an important reason why I am speaking with you in private, away from others’ ears."

"Please, do tell."

Princess Elizabeth’s peripheral vision turned to Fisher, seated a bit far from her. Her mild eyes briefly flashed an imperceptible hint of terror, but it was only for a moment; then she returned to her gentle demeanor.

"The date for Schwali’s visit has been set, about twenty days from now, at the beginning of next month."

"That so... What’s the official reason?"

Everything was clear. Princess Elizabeth obviously knew Fisher was well-versed in the game of politics, so she didn’t hedge and looked towards Fisher, extending her finger towards him,

"The official reason is you."

"Me?"

"Yes, your previous theory on the source of Magic Power and the soul not only caused a stir in Nali’s academic world, but it was the same in Schwali. Don’t forget, a large part of their Magic Academic World belongs to the ’Forbidden Magic School’. Your theory is undoubtedly a slap in their face, and I think they can’t wait to come here and have a debate with you."

Fisher sighed. He hadn’t expected that Schwali’s reason for visiting was his paper. It was apparent he would be fully involved in the visit.

But according to the news from Carlo, there was more to this visit than met the eye, and, if it wasn’t necessary, he really didn’t want to be involved.

"Not just academic figures, but to show their seriousness, their Queen will send their Prince to accompany the scholar group on the visit to Nali. It will be an ice-breaking trip for the relations between Schwali and Nali."