"Luna Railer, well done."

"Th-thank you!"

Luna's magic circle received high praise from Professor Mcguire.

Using a shape other than a circle for a magic circle is, in fact, a technique used in the magic world.

It's true that circular magic circles are easier to create.

However, when striving for the utmost efficiency, it's said that magic circles can be made with other shapes as well.

The fact that she created such a magic circle without knowing this carries significant meaning.

Genius.

Is there any other way to describe her?

If you simply look at it, you might say, "Anyone could come up with that idea."

But conceiving it without any prior knowledge isn't easy.

And she did it.

Moreover, the fact that her magic circle activates is crucial.

There may be a few other students who thought of different shapes for their magic circles, due to the hint of creativity on Professor Mcguire's grading sheet.

Hearing the term "unique magic circle," people would typically think of a visually distinctive one.

However, after a few attempts, most would give up.

For ordinary people, it's challenging to determine whether such a magic circle is efficient and to meet the activation requirements.

A regular person would find it more convenient to stick to established theories when designing a magic circle.

Luna stood out among these ordinary people.

She created her own magic circle and eventually completed it.

This was the mark of a genius, unlike ordinary individuals.

A genius isn't just someone who comes up with novel ideas.

A true genius is someone who explores and perfects their ideas.

"Everyone, let's give a round of applause."

Following Professor Mcguire's words, the students clapped for Luna.

Her face turned red, seemingly embarrassed, as she scratched her head.

Then, she caught my gaze and gave me a slight smile.

It was a different behavior from her previous avoidance.

Had she finally acknowledged me as a friend?

It was a positive change in our relationship.

Now, all I needed to do was propose my sponsorship to Luna.

The conditions for sponsorship weren't related to the magic book.

It would be under the conditions suggested by Professor Mcguire.

In exchange for receiving research results, I would provide sponsorship.

I hope to prevent the incident where Luna destroys the library.

Professor Mcguire asked Luna to produce results within a certain period.

However, I planned to make a different proposal.

I wouldn't specify a deadline; instead, I'd ask her to show me the results when they were ready.

This way, I could learn from the shared research and alleviate any time-related pressure on Luna.

This difference was crucial for Luna, who would eventually reach for 'that book' out of desperation.

Although the punishment for destroying the library wasn't severe, there was one crucial point.

The confiscation of the magic book Luna had used.

It was a natural consequence since the book had essentially caused the damage.

I intended to prevent the book's confiscation and use it myself.

There was no need to obtain the book hastily.

First, I had to reach at least the intermediate level in magic to utilize the book.

I'd slowly improve my magic abilities and borrow the book later.

I could take my time to decide how I'd borrow it.

I'd simply borrow it depending on the circumstances.

My current magic level was Beginner LV 6.

Upon reaching LV 9 and growing further, I'd obtain Intermediate Magic LV 1.

Until then, obtaining the book would be more harmful than helpful.

Moreover, borrowing the book wouldn't affect Luna's growth.

Her magic was still significantly weaker than mine.

In other words, even when I reached the intermediate level, Luna would still be using beginner magic.

It wouldn't be a problem to borrow the book for a while, as she couldn't use it anyway.

"Sigh..."

I mentally organized my thoughts and prepared myself.

I opened the notebook where I had roughly organized what I wanted to say.

As I skimmed through the pages, I saw the phrase I had written at the bottom.

"…Should I leave this part out?"

It was a peaceful day.

Not a single cloud marred the clear sky.

Luna sat alone in the garden and opened the paper bag.

As she sat on a bench beneath the shade, a cool breeze tickled her hair.

Luna brushed her hair behind her ears and took a bite of the bread from the bag.

A happy smile spread across her face as she chewed the bread.

"Hehe..."

Today was such a joyful day.

For the first time in her life, she received genuine praise for her magic.

It wasn't just an empty compliment, but high praise.

Luna's smile reached for the sky.

"...Hehehe..."

An involuntary, silly laugh escaped her lips.

Although she was eating the bread alone, it tasted sweeter than any feast she'd had at the mansion.

She owed her ability to receive such praise entirely to Rudy.

At first, she had been genuinely scared when he took her to the laboratory.

It was frightening to be led to a quiet place where no one else was around.

However, her worries had been unfounded.

Rudy was just as kind a friend as she had thought.

Luna didn't even have enough money for meals right now.

That's why she couldn't afford even a relatively inexpensive "temporary scroll."

She had considered asking Ena for help, or even switching to a regular magic circle.

But Rudy had been a lifesaver for her.

'Did Rudy know I don't have money?'

She had suspected as much when he gave her the bread.

But how did he know?

Luna's family wasn't famous.

So, there was no way Rudy would know or care about her family's financial situation.

They were just a small family in a remote region.

"...He seems kind, but also...not..."

Luna tilted her head in confusion, chewing on the bread.

"What's not?"

"Uh!"

Luna jumped in surprise at the voice coming from behind her.

Fortunately, the sound didn't travel far as she had a mouthful of bread.

"Ru...Rudy?"

Rudy stood behind Luna.

"Is the bread good?"

"Bread... Bread? Bread... Yes, it's delicious!"

Luna alternated her gaze between the bread and Rudy.

Had he never tasted it before?

He had always given it to her, but it seemed he hadn't eaten it himself.

Recalling her previous mistake, Luna tried her best to keep her composure and speak calmly.

She knew that Rudy put bread in her locker, but he didn't know she knew.

Saying, "I hid nearby and saw you putting bread in my locker!" would sound strange.

That would make her a real stalker.

"You did well in the presentation today. The magic circle seemed to be more refined, too."

"...Hehe, it's all thanks to Rudy."

Luna laughed in response to Rudy's compliment.

Feeling somewhat shy, she lowered her head and scratched her head.

Then, in a soft voice, she said once more:

"It's all thanks to Rudy..."

Luna couldn't be certain about the magic circle she created.

She wasn't sure if it was the right path.

Rudy was the one who told her it was the right way.

He gave her confidence in her path.

He infused confidence into the wandering Luna.

"If it weren't for Rudy, I might not have submitted it."

No matter how great a magic circle was, if it wasn't known to the world, it was meaningless.

It would have been nothing more than self-satisfaction.

So the magic circle could come into the world thanks to Rudy.

"Luna."

At Rudy's words, Luna looked at him standing there.

Rudy's face was utterly serious.

"I have something to say."

"Y-you do?"

Luna's eyes widened at Rudy's words.

Rudy, seriously talking to me?

Imaginations unfurled in Luna's head.

She stared blankly at Rudy with her mouth open.

Could it be... Rudy... likes me?

However, the words that came out of Rudy's mouth were truly unexpected.

"Do you want me to sponsor you?"

"Sponsor?"

"I'll support your tuition and research funds. I'll sponsor you under my name."

"…?"

Luna was bewildered by the sudden, out-of-the-blue statement.

And she felt embarrassed for her wild imagination.

'I...I was surprised.'

Luna calmed her pounding heart and slowly thought about Rudy's proposal.

It was common for nobles to support students.

Nobles would support students who struggled with tuition or who had low overall grades but excelled in one area.

It was a way to build connections with outstanding students early on.

"But... I'm still an inexperienced student, aren't I?"

However, Luna thought she was still lacking.

She had been praised in class this time, but couldn't it have been just good luck?

And she wondered.

There was no difference between her and other students.

She was just an ordinary student.

So she was curious.

"Why... did you offer it to me?"

Rudy simply said,

"Potential."

And he continued without hesitation.

"Your efforts and the results you've shown. Isn't that enough?"

"It might be a hasty decision. There's no guarantee I'll become an outstanding student."

Then, Rudy gave a faint smile.

"It would be a shame to miss out on talent right in front of me."

Rudy called me talented.

Luna felt warmth in her heart upon hearing those words.

Though she had hoped for a different confession, that confession was enough to make Luna happy.

However, Luna shook her head and regained her senses.

While she was grateful for his words, she couldn't help but wonder if there was an ulterior motive.

He had given her bread and even proposed sponsorship.

He must have expectations for her.

But no one knew what his intentions were.

Did he suggest it because he had a different idea in mind?

Could there be ill intentions behind it?

As Luna pondered, Rudy opened his mouth to speak.

"Um... and."

"Huh?"

"There's one more thing I want to say..."

At this, Luna felt a tinge of anxiety.

Was there indeed some hidden agenda behind his proposal?

Just when she was about to feel disappointed, she heard Rudy's words.

"Would you like to have lunch together?"

"...?"

"No, this isn't a condition for the sponsorship, I just thought we could have lunch together as friends."

Rudy, who usually didn't show much emotion, was visibly different this time.

His face had turned slightly red, and he frowned a little.

His expression was no longer charismatic and sharp.

Seeing him like this, Luna couldn't help but smile.

"Pfft..."

And she felt somewhat reassured.

Luna sensed that her initial thoughts about Rudy Astria needing a friend were accurate.

The concerns about the motives behind his sponsorship proposal and complicated thoughts flew out of her mind.

It wouldn't make sense for someone who said such things to sponsor her with the intention of harming her.

"Alright, I'll accept your proposal."

Luna replied with a smile.

At that, Rudy's expression relaxed.

"Then, I'm counting on you, my sponsor."

Luna grinned and reached out her hand.

Rudy grasped it and smiled faintly.

***

Some long blocks of text in this chappy.. Is it easier if they're split into maybe 3 lines max? or nah whatever

Enjoy the chappy!