“Actually, I called you over this time to ask for your advice…”

Loren told Paqina everything that had happened recently, while also grabbing a towel to wipe her face. She hadn’t even washed up; her face was all dusty.

For some reason, Loren suddenly felt a sense of déjà vu, like he was taking care of a child. That was how he used to take care of Anna.

“It feels like Master Mentor is looking after a kid. Crisis averted.”

Loren’s attitude toward Luna had also been more like treating her as a child initially, but they had eventually taken things further. That’s why Jessica didn’t take Paqina’s threat seriously either:

“Look at Master Mentor’s eyes. They’re full of fatherly love.”

…

After hearing Loren’s words, Paqina began to think, letting Loren fuss over her without resistance.

Paqina found it quite heartwarming. She had been alone since childhood, with no one ever caring about her, let alone looking after her.

Sometimes she would see children doted on by their parents and feel deeply envious. It was a bit late, but it still mattered.

“Remember this symbol. The Mastermind Behind the Scenes’ methods are likely related to this.”

Loren took out a pen and drew an Inverted Cross with an eye in the center on a piece of paper. This was the pattern on the back of the Tarot cards and also the symbol of the Observer.

After a moment of thought, Loren spent a few seconds mixing paint and drew a picture on another blank sheet of paper.

It depicted a figure standing on the moral high ground, holding a gun in hand, with a blazing sun behind them. They stood against the light, their face invisible.

This was the card art of the Sun Card. He couldn’t share this knowledge with others, but he could tell Paqina.

“I’ve got a plan!”

Looking at the picture Loren had drawn, Paqina suddenly shouted.

“What plan?”

When Loren asked for the specifics, Paqina looked troubled and stammered, unable to say.

Loren understood. Her method was most likely related to her own Arcane Ability, and she wasn’t yet willing to reveal her identity as a Witch.

She was genuinely afraid that Loren would distance himself because of her Witch status. Even if Loren himself didn’t hate Witches, Witches were dangerous. Getting too close to one could easily bring trouble.

“Not convenient to say? Alright, then I won’t ask. Do you need my help with your plan?”

Loren’s considerate nature moved Paqina a little. She shook her head:

“No need to trouble yourself. I can handle it alone.”

“Alright, then let’s head to class first. Tomorrow’s a holiday anyway…

“Here, take this.”

Loren handed a pouch to Paqina. She weighed it in her hand and found it quite heavy, so she opened it for a look. Only then did she realize it was packed full of gold coins.

“This…” 𝓯𝙧𝙚𝒆𝙬𝙚𝒃𝙣𝙤𝒗𝓮𝓵.𝙘𝙤𝙢

Paqina knew that the materials Loren had given her to use before were also very valuable. But since they were materials, she hadn’t really felt their substance, and those materials were teaching tools belonging to the academy.

Money, however, gave Paqina a very direct feeling. And this money was given to her by Loren. She had already received so many benefits from him. Even if she had to become his suicide soldier, she wouldn’t think it was too much.

So taking money for working for him made her feel a bit ashamed.

“Take it. Think of it as your allowance.”

Loren saw Paqina’s hesitation and spoke up. Anna also chimed in:

“We’ve long considered you family. Just keep the money.”

“I’ve never seen this much money in my life…”

Since both Loren and Anna had said that, Paqina couldn’t refuse. But taking so much money at once felt a bit overwhelming for her.

“Go to class first.”

Given Loren’s personality, even if he knew Paqina’s Arcane Ability would be useful, he wouldn’t rely entirely on her. He would still carry out his original plan.

“Okay.”

Paqina put away the money pouch. Holding so much money made her a little flustered.

Loren wasn’t worried that spoiling them this much would ruin them. That was the nature of Witches—neither poverty nor wealth would ever change their kindness.

In the past, Loren had seen many bloody examples. A father would exhaust himself trying to give his daughter a good life, only to be called a deadbeat dad and falsely accused of sexual assault.

The more Loren saw of these things, the more he loved Witches.

Loren had already lost count of how much money he’d given the Witches. But their choice was always to save it for emergencies, never spending lavishly.

Among all the Witches, the biggest spender had once been Laila. But her money came from robbing the rich, and she used it all to help the poor.

…

When Loren arrived at the training ground, the students were already waiting. However, they had no complaints.

They had already formed their groups and were quietly waiting for Loren’s arrival.

“Alright. Now each group is a collective. I’ll teach each group a new spell, and you’ll compete against each other. The group that performs well will get something new from me.

“Now, who wants to go first?”

Competition was just Loren’s excuse. His real goal was to execute his plan.

“We’ll go first!”

The first to raise their hand was still Yvonne. The group she was in also consisted of the top noble students. Even though Yvonne didn’t care about these things, various circumstances had made it turn out this way.

People from the same social circle always stuck together. Those from lower classes would try to curry favor with those from higher ones…

“Alright, you go first.”

They gathered around Loren. In just a few sentences, Loren taught them a new spell. Just as he was about to change the subject, Yvonne spoke up:

“Master Mentor, although the Rumors have died down, the Mastermind Behind the Scenes hasn’t been caught yet. Do you have any ideas? The Chailros Family will fully support you!”

Since Yvonne had said that, Loren took the opportunity to lay out the plan he had devised, emphasizing that they shouldn’t tell anyone else.

Yvonne nodded solemnly and warned the others before leaving, letting the next group take their turn.

Loren repeated the same process, telling each group a different plan.

His reason for having the students form their own groups also served a purpose. This way, those who got along well would be together. And if the children got along well, their families’ relationships wouldn’t be bad either, with plenty of shared interests.

If Loren really had no way to verify things later, he could just deal with the entire group directly.

After teaching the spells, Loren had some free time. He found a spot to sit down and observe the students.

“Master Mentor…”

Casper walked over. He had been nearby for a while but was waiting for Loren to be free.

“Headmaster Casper? Do you need something? I apologize for not being able to discuss things with you lately due to some trouble I’ve run into.”

Loren’s implication was clear: help me deal with the people spreading rumors about me, and then I’ll give you the knowledge you want.

“Master Mentor, I’ve sensed the presence of Outer Gods in the Royal Capital. I suspect this matter is related to the Outer Gods…”

“Outer Gods?”