HMC 18

~Chapter 18~

“So this is where they research magic medicine…”

Rosedale wrinkled her nose and covered it with her hand as she stepped into the Magic Research Department with Lukas. The room stank—probably from all the failed herbal experiments.

Lukas gestured, and the knights rushed to open the windows.

“W-We greet the Sun of the Empire!”

The six researchers bowed deeply at the waist.

This room was tucked away in a remote corner of the northern palace—home to the so-called “budget thieves” of the Empire. Now Rosedale saw for herself: they looked hardworking, but without a magician, they had achieved little.

The staff peeked curiously at her from their deep bows.

Are they sizing me up?

Rosedale casually scanned them back. They must’ve already heard from the knight who arrived earlier—that she would be their new head.

While everyone was quietly evaluating each other, Lukas gently placed a hand on Rosedale’s back.

“As you’ve heard, this is my magician, Rosedale Bell. She will now lead the Magic Department.”

No one responded at first.

Then, an older man stepped forward.

“It is an honor to meet the world’s only magician. I’m Liamson, head of the Magic Research Division.”

“A-An honor to meet you, Lady Rosedale…”

As Liamson greeted her, the others followed awkwardly.

“Nice to meet you,” Rosedale smiled casually.

She looked around the room.

“So what have you all been researching?”

“We’ve mainly been analyzing magic documents from 100 years ago,” Liamson replied, still bowing.

She tapped his shoulder.

“You can stand up, you know.”

He straightened his back, then followed her as she inspected the room.

“Since no one can use magic, even if we decode magic circles and spells, we can’t activate them. So we haven’t made any breakthroughs.”

Rosedale stared at a beaker of bubbling green liquid.

“And this disgusting stuff?”

Ugh, it smells like the swamp I fell into when I came to the human world…

She nearly gagged at the memory.

“We were trying to recreate a magic potion based on ancient records…”

Liamson gestured, and the assistants quickly covered the beaker with cloth.

“There are still soldiers suffering from injuries after the war,” Lukas added grimly.
“I heard magic medicine used to cure incurable diseases. If we can recreate it, fewer citizens will have to lose loved ones.”

The researchers flinched at his words—they took them as scolding.

Seeing this, Rosedale quickly turned to Lukas.

“Your Majesty, are you busy?”

He blinked.

“Are you kicking me out?”

“Yes.”

The emperor’s presence seemed to make the staff nervous. If they kept flinching like this, no one would get anything done.

The others gasped—who talks like that to the emperor?

“I just don’t want to waste your time,” she added innocently.

“Wow. I’m so touched I might cry,” Lukas said sarcastically, but his smile was warm, not offended.

“Fine. This bothersome emperor will leave. But you’ll report to me directly later.”

“Got it.”

Rosedale gestured with her eyes for him to leave quickly.

Smirking, Lukas walked out. Cain gave her a sharp look before following.

Once the door closed, silence returned.

The staff was still bowing—probably out of respect for her now.

“Okay, are you going to stay like that forever?” Rosedale said.

“Please speak comfortably, Lady Rosedale,” Liamson said, still perfectly bent at the waist.

“Ugh, just stand up already,” she sighed.

Finally, they stood—but still avoided direct eye contact.

Rosedale walked to the desk and reviewed their work. Ancient formulas were neatly organized.

“Wow. You guys really organized these magic circles and spell translations well.”

Just that one compliment lit up their faces like sunshine.

They had worked so hard, yet no one had ever acknowledged them until now.

“Still… no results because you don’t have mana, huh?”

Magic spells and circles all required one thing: mana. Without it, nothing worked—no matter how precise the theory.

Rosedale spoke firmly.

“So our first job is to work together.”

“Work together…? You mean, we can actually help you?” one staff member blurted out.

Embarrassed, they quickly covered their mouth.

“Hey, you. What’s your name?” Rosedale asked, approaching.

“I-I’m Phillippe…”

“Next time you want to say something, just say it. I can’t read your mind.”

She patted Phillippe’s head gently. The tall girl flinched but didn’t pull away.

“Don’t you mind?” Phillippe asked hesitantly.

“Mind what?”

“That I’m just a commoner woman… I spoke to you without permission…”

“Not at all.”

Rosedale’s clear red eyes showed no judgment—just honesty.

Phillippe continued nervously.

“Most of us here are commoners. Except that one.”
She nodded at a sharp-looking man in fine clothes.

“That’s Todd. He’s the fourth son of Marquis Lindgren. For some reason, he joined this department and acts all superior.”

“Who’d want to be here?” Todd muttered. “I thought I’d get to use magic…”

Phillippe ignored him and looked back at Rosedale.

“Nobles hate that we commoners work here. They wouldn’t even talk to us if this wasn’t such a low-profile department.”

“And?”

“You’re equal to a Chancellor… on par with Dukes. Don’t you mind us speaking up?”

“Not at all,” Rosedale smiled, looking around at all of them.

To her, they were all the same—cute, earnest humans.

Maybe that was just how fairies saw the world.

“You’re all adorable humans. You cry for friends, love your families, and fight for what you care about. I like that.”

“So speak freely. I have great ears.”

She patted Phillippe’s head again, and finally, the team started looking at her with less fear.

Except Todd.

“So… do you even need our help, oh mighty magician?”

Rosedale’s smile turned chilling.

“Child. Shut your mouth. You’re annoying.”

She pointed—and Todd’s lips magically sealed shut.

“Mmmph!!”

He flailed as if glued shut, while the others giggled.

“Five minutes. Reflect quietly. I’ll unseal you later.”

With him silenced, Rosedale turned back to the table.

“I have mana. You have spell circles. So—”

She faced the team confidently.

“We’re going to combine your circles with my mana and mass-produce magic potions.”

“Mass-produce?!”

“His Majesty said time is short. Magic circles should speed things up, right?”

“Is… is that even possible?”

Everyone stared, hope flickering in their eyes.

Even grumpy Todd listened now.

Rosedale smiled brightly.

“Then let’s get started.”