Chapter 515 – Another Day, Another Deal.

Within the top floor of the Institute’s magic tower, silence prevailed. Roland stood there, contemplating a tantalizing offer. She knew one of his deepest, darkest secrets, but for now, it seemed she wouldn’t reveal it. Surprisingly, the thought of his father discovering his true identity no longer bothered him as much as it once had, thanks largely to his growing strength and independence.

This all began with the appearance of a strange, temporary knight assigned as his shadow, one that tried to kill him. He had assumed one of his siblings or their mothers was behind it but he never suspected his father. By this point, he had already risen above his siblings and their mothers; they likely couldn’t oppose him, and few assassins would dare take on someone of his status. The greater concern was the awkwardness of explaining everything and the possibility that his father might try to forcefully reclaim him or even appeal to the Valerian Duke for assistance.

Roland wasn’t certain of his father’s exact standing within the military hierarchy. As a Lord Marshal, his father commanded a large number of troops, and although he belonged to the royalist faction, that didn’t mean his voice would be dismissed by their opposition. In times of crisis, factions from the same kingdom often found common ground. The Duke, enticed by the prospect of indebting a potential Tier 4 class holder, would likely grant such a favor.

“Your library, you say?”

Roland asked, his curiosity piqued despite his reservations.

“What sort of knowledge does it contain?”

Yavenna’s smile widened, a hint of pride gleaming in her violet eyes.

“It houses ancient texts, rare spell tomes, and research that spans centuries. You’ll find information on runic magic, enchantments, and even some forbidden arts that aren’t available to the general faculty. It’s a treasure trove for any mage seeking deeper understanding.”

He could tell she was exaggerating to some extent, but he couldn’t underestimate the hidden knowledge stored in that library. After all, it was a book from there that had enabled him to finally construct the runic prosthetic. He knew that knowledge was power, and he hadn’t even fully explored the Institute’s main library yet. Roland wasn’t ready to abandon this place as there was still so much he wanted to accomplish here. The Institute also served as an excellent teleportation hub, and he intended to investigate each of the elemental towers and their tower spirits to strengthen his own.

After hearing what he would receive in return, the exchange no longer felt like blackmail; it actually seemed like a good deal. With his teleportation gate, he could visit the Institute in an instant. When thinking of it as a weekend side job, it didn’t sound so bad. He could still spend most of the week back in Albrook and even return there each night if he wished.

“How exactly would my curriculum look? And what do you expect me to do here?”

“Hah, I knew you could not resist my library’s lure~”

Yavenna chuckled, her eyes twinkling with satisfaction.

“You’ll continue with your lectures in runic theory and remain an active member of the Runic Department. Fulfill your duties as you were before, without raising suspicion. But more importantly, I need you to keep a close eye on the other Departments.”

“I see. Would a report twice a week suffice?”

“Oh, that would be wonderful!”

Yavenna replied, clearly intrigued by his suggestion. This method was common practice in Roland’s more modern world. Recording his findings in writing or saving them to a runic device would be much simpler than meeting with her in person each week. Efficiency was his priority, and Yavenna seemed to appreciate his streamlined approach.

“I could also install a master console in your office, or somewhere else in the tower. It would make using the runic monitoring system much easier.”

He tapped his chin, his metallic gloves clanking against his helmet as he was already considering ways to streamline the work. If he could automate most of the process, he could minimize the time spent on these investigations. But as he was mulling over these ideas, he noticed the Arch-Magus watching him with an oddly knowing smile.

“If you’re already contemplating such solutions,”

She said with a raised eyebrow.

“Does that mean you accept my offer?”

Roland’s gaze flickered toward Yavenna, meeting her curious smile. He had weighed his options, but her offer was too compelling to dismiss. Her library would give him access to knowledge he craved, and her offer also protected him against Wentworth. At the time being, he felt like he was not quite fit to face someone at that level. His strength had been tested and he failed to meet his own expectations. The world was still big and before he truly faced it, a few things needed to be done.

“Yes, Headmistress. I accept.”

Roland inclined his head with a hint of formality, signaling the temporary deal between them. He wasn’t sure what the specifics of it was but he didn’t need to wait long as Yavenna came prepared.

“Great, then please, sign on the dotted line.”

Before he could pose any questions a quill along with a long parchment floated towards him. It was a magical contract, a type that he had signed many times before. This wasn’t his first rodeo so before signing anything, he read through.

“This contract is very thorough, but could we address a few points?”

The Headmistress raised an eyebrow, clearly surprised that he’d examined it so closely.

“Oh? Are you really trying to renegotiate my contract? How bold of you~”

She didn’t seem annoyed that he was questioning the terms set by an Arch-Magus, just surprised. In truth, she could likely force him to sign anything or present a contract far less favorable. Most people would understand this and simply comply, but Roland had no intention of being pushed around. He was prepared to stand his ground, even if it meant hours of haggling with her here. Yavenna’s lips curved into a wry smile as she leaned back, folding her arms as if she were about to settle in for a show.

“Very well, Deputy Professor, let’s hear your proposals. Consider it a… test of your mettle.”

Roland nodded and got ready, making a deal with a mage of a higher caliber was never easy but he would do his best to get the best deal possible out of this.

“First, this one clause states…”

He voiced all his concerns about the contract, and the Headmistress seemed both surprised and annoyed by his questions. However, his assertiveness only reinforced her belief that she had chosen the right man for the job – someone unafraid to challenge even an Archmagus like herself. After spending a little over an hour reviewing the contract in detail, they finally reached an agreement.

Roland would be required to visit the Institute at least once per week. The Headmistress reserved the right to summon him for specific missions, and if he completed certain tasks, he could be exempted from his weekly obligations. In return, he was granted access to her personal library for one day per week. Although he couldn’t take any books with him, he was free to study them at his leisure on-site.

Stolen from its rightful place, this narrative is not meant to be on Amazon; report any sightings.

To earn additional library privileges, he simply needed to extend his time at the Institute or perform exceptionally well on assigned missions, according to a merit system they had agreed upon. He could even use these merit points to waive his weekly attendance requirement, though it would require a large amount of points.

Once Roland had secured the final terms, he signed his name on the parchment with a fluid, practiced motion, and the contract shimmered briefly before vanishing into the ether. The Headmistress gave him a satisfied nod, her violet eyes gleaming as she accepted their formalized alliance.

“Excellent, Deputy Professor Wayland. I trust this will be a fruitful arrangement for both of us. Do not disappoint me.”

Roland inclined his head, acknowledging her words. He already felt the weight of this deal – though this time, the scales were balanced more in his favor than he’d originally anticipated. She had access to his talents, and he, in turn, to her private archives. The knowledge contained within her library could be the key to advancing his understanding of runes, machinations, and perhaps much more.