As the founder of magic among humans,
The hero who spread and popularized this wisdom throughout the Unified Empire—
Just how revered was the first human Archmage, Flamme, among the people of the Empire?
Even though Agusheed had learned the answer to that question well enough during their ten-year journey,
When their carriage leisurely passed through the gates of the Imperial Capital under the respectful gaze of hundreds of imperial guards,
The scene that unfolded before Agusheed still exceeded his expectations.
Countless fireworks erupted in the sky the moment Flamme appeared before the people.
Endless admiration and adoration surged forward amidst thunderous cheers.
—The passion of the people of Eiseberg nearly drowned Flamme.
Even Agusheed, simply because he was Flamme's companion and sat beside her,
Became the center of heated discussions among the citizens.
That alone was enough.
Flowers and crystals, delicacies and fine wines were held high by countless people.
They gave their all, just hoping for the slightest favor from Flamme.
And Flamme—
She did not ignore a single person; she responded to every hopeful gaze.
To every cheering citizen, she returned a smile.
Of course, this kind of scene was something Agusheed couldn't understand.
It wasn't that he had never seen such grandeur.
Three hundred years ago, he had been summoned by His Majesty the Demon King and was appointed as one of the Seven Sages of Ruin.
That ceremony was far grander than this.
Back then, tens of thousands of demons filled the sky and land.
Even five high-ranking demons stood before His Majesty the Demon King.
But...
At that time, Agusheed didn't feel any of what Flamme was experiencing now.
There was no passion, no cheering—
Certainly no respect.
The tens of thousands of demons knelt only because of power.
The five high-ranking demons smiled only because of his immense magical energy.
Even the Demon King...
Only intended to appoint him as one of the Seven Sages of Ruin because Agusheed was useful enough.
But these people in front of him—
Were there some who admired Flamme because of her power?
Perhaps, but only a very small part.
The rest revered her because of her actions.
But...
Why would humans feel such intense emotions for things that seemed so meaningless?
"Humans... I was once human too...
But why is it that now I can no longer understand these emotions at all?"
Three hundred years ago, it was precisely because his humanity still lingered that he refused His Majesty's appointment.
But now, three hundred years later, looking at everything before him,
He could no longer understand his choice back then—couldn't recall his thoughts at that time.
"Did you dislike that scene just now?"
Flamme's voice pulled him back from his thoughts.
The carriage had already passed through the main street and was heading towards the Imperial Palace.
"Not dislike. I'm just troubled because I can't understand their feelings for you."
"I see…"
Flamme shook her head, looking at the troubled Agusheed with a helpless gaze.
"Put aside that trouble for now. Otherwise, my students might see through your Magic of Human Disguise later."
"There you go again with that unrealistic nonsense."
Despite saying that, Agusheed still adjusted his mood appropriately.
He accompanied Flamme into the palace, under the vast dome.
Everywhere he looked were court magicians.
In the spacious corridors, all the court magicians stood in orderly lines,
Quietly watching as Flamme and Agusheed walked forward.
"Teacher."
"Seeing you return safely puts my heart at ease."
"Your Excellency, your long journey has finally come to an end."
"Did you find your journey enjoyable?"
…
…
"It is truly an honor to see you again in my lifetime."
One greeting after another resounded in succession.
These court magicians, usually powerful and proud,
Now all bowed their heads in unison before Flamme.
"Ten long years… In the time I couldn't see, you all have gradually grown into the pillars of the Empire."
Flamme looked at her disciples with great satisfaction.
Then she grabbed Agusheed, who had been standing to the side with barely any presence, and pulled him to the front.
Only then did the court magicians turn their attention to the young man standing beside their teacher.
And then, they were startled.
"Such immense magical power…"
This was the surprised reaction from a few of the more ordinary court magicians.
But in the next moment, their voices were drowned out by another cry of astonishment.
"Something's off… Wait, it's shaking?!"
The strongest among them began to sense it, exclaiming without reservation.
"No way, the magic is trembling? Even with such monstrous magic, it's still being suppressed?"
"No doubt, he's definitely an Archmage."
"This magical power rivals even that of a high-ranking demon."
Listening to the string of reactions, although no one saw through the disguise magic on Agusheed,
Flamme showed no disappointment.
Instead, she seemed pleased that a few of them had noticed the slight tremors caused by Agusheed suppressing his magic.
"Is this a new disciple you took on during your journey?"
Suddenly, someone asked the question that everyone had been curious about.
Flamme looked at their curious eyes and simply smiled without answering.
"You'll find out soon enough."
Leaving those words behind, she led Agusheed deeper into the palace.
"Your students are quite talented."
Walking along, Agusheed did not hesitate to offer his praise.
"Even though my magic suppression is far less refined than yours, the fact that they could see the tremors is proof they're geniuses."
"Though they still haven't reached the level of a high-ranking demon,
I imagine that in a few decades, even facing the Seven Sages of Ruin, they might stand a chance."
"The talent of humans is terrifying. It took them just a little over a decade to catch up to what would take a demon centuries to achieve."
"But clearly, I wasn't wrong—as I said, they couldn't see through my magic."
Agusheed spoke calmly.
The absolute confidence in his own magic was a flaw shared by all demons.
Hearing this, Flamme smiled mysteriously.
"Agusheed, it's far too early to make that judgment."
Step—
Agusheed stopped in his tracks, his gaze fixed on the door to the library ahead.
"You're talking about the one behind that door?"
"The way she suppresses her magic is so crude… And even without suppression, it doesn't seem to match the previous ones."
Flamme, walking ahead, also stopped and turned to look at Agusheed.
"Trust me, Agusheed."
"That child will surpass your expectations."
Bang—
As Flamme's words fell, the door to the library was thrown open from the inside.
Under the watchful eyes of Flamme and Agusheed—
A small white-haired elf wearing a white dress poked her head out from the shadows.
She waved at Flamme, who was right in front of her.
"Flamme, I heard you came back today, so I came to play with you."