The party was in full swing, buzzing with energy and noise. People mingled with drinks in hand, laughter and chatter filling the air. Some groups discussed potential business deals, voices low and calculated, while others were locked in talks about family alliances, throwing around phrases like “my son should marry into your family,” their smiles hiding underlying intentions. A few lingered in the shadows, whispering to each other, scheming and plotting behind the backs of those they pretended to toast. It was the kind of event where everyone wore a mask, and the atmosphere practically pulsed with the hidden tension beneath the festivities.
Me? I just stood there, observing the scene with a smile that barely reached my eyes, hiding my true thoughts behind a practiced expression.
Suddenly, a pair moved toward me—a young woman and a man, catching my attention. The woman was dressed to kill, her usual twintails replaced by a perfectly styled bun that gave her a mature edge. Her lips were coated with a deep, bold crimson lipstick that made them pop against her pale skin, her face caked with makeup that accentuated every feature. Her arm clung tightly to the man beside her, fingers lightly pressing into his arm. He was just as striking, dressed in an expensive suit that fit him like a glove, his hair color matching mine exactly. He had that sharp, chiseled look, and even through his suit, the definition of his muscles showed—hard lines and tension beneath the fabric.
“Surprising to see the owner of Leonamon here,” the man said. It was Sesillian Quinn. “I never thought you’d actually make an appearance, considering you usually leave everything to that woman who seems like your co-owner.”
I let out a small, dismissive laugh. “I’m not a fan of being the center of attention. But Duke Merca wouldn’t let it go today, so as his partner, I figured I’d give in to his request. Doesn’t really hurt me. Besides, this place isn’t as public as you might think. Even here, I can stay out of the spotlight.”
“Is that so? The way a big-time businessman and entrepreneur thinks is always a bit beyond me,” Sesillian mused, the corner of his mouth curving up. “But I’ve gotta say, you’ve done quite a bit to push this world toward a modern one. It’s almost like you have a talent for making everything bend to your will.”
“I don’t, really. I just have help,” I replied, keeping my tone light but firm, my gaze steady on him.
Sesillian let out a small, practiced laugh, the kind that didn’t reach his eyes. “Oh, how rude of me to just walk over and start a conversation. My apologies. I’m Sesillian. Sesillian Quinn. It’s a pleasure to make your acquaintance.” He extended his hand, his smile a mask of politeness, but his eyes held a hint of calculation.
I shook his hand with a smile of my own, equally practiced. “Mine’s Christopher Faust. A pleasure as well,” I said, turning my attention to the woman beside him, who seemed to shrink slightly under my gaze.
Sesillian followed my look, then gestured toward her. “Ah, and this is Charlotte Sierra. Please, dear, introduce yourself.”
Charlotte’s eyes darted to mine, a nervousness flaring in their depths. She swallowed hard, the movement of her throat barely visible under the dim lighting. “N-Nice to meet you, S-Sir Faust. My name is Charlotte Sierra. It’s a pleasure to make your acquaintance,” she said, her voice trembling slightly as she dipped into a graceful curtsy, her lips barely curling into a smile.
“The pleasure is all mine,” I responded smoothly, the edge of my words just sharp enough to make her flinch.
She retreated a step, subtly moving behind Sesillian as if trying to shield herself from my gaze.
Sesillian, unfazed, leaned in slightly, his tone shifting as he spoke again. “Would you mind if I spoke with you for a bit?” he asked, his eyes narrowing with curiosity. “I’ve been dying to understand your ideas—how you managed to come up with concepts so… otherworldly. Not even someone with a massive brain could dream them up. That is, if you’re willing to share.”
I let out a low, amused chuckle, the sound carrying just enough edge to hint that I wasn’t entirely taken in by his flattery. “Well, it’s not like talking would do me any harm. Sure, let’s chat. How about we discuss it over a drink?” I offered.
“That is fine,” Sesillian said with a slight nod.
With that, we made our way to a small, secluded table in the corner of the room. The three of us took seats around a round table, the ambient noise of the party fading into the background as we settled in. The dim light from a nearby chandelier cast shadows across Sesillian’s sharp features, giving him a more intense look.
“So, how did you come up with the concept of this device?” Sesillian asked, placing his smartphone on the table between us. He leaned forward, his curiosity obvious. “I never quite grasped how it works, and I doubt I ever will. Think you could enlighten me a bit?”
I picked up the sleek device, turning it over in my hands with a smirk. In this world of swords, magic, and ancient traditions, the concept of a smartphone was practically alien. “The idea might seem complex at first, but in reality, it’s simpler than it appears,” I replied, my fingers tapping lightly against the smooth surface of the phone.
“It’s all about harnessing mana and converting it into information,” I continued. “Think of it like a crystal communicator, but far more advanced. I infused specialized mana crystals into a compact device, allowing them to store and transfer data. These crystals are enchanted with rune circuits that connect to each other over distances using mana waves.”
“But what about the images and voice recordings?” Sesillian pressed, tapping the phone screen where a picture shimmered. “How does it capture something so clearly?”
“Ah, that’s the fun part,” I said. “We used enchanted lenses, similar to those in ancient scrying orbs, but refined to a much smaller scale. It captures the light and sound around it, then stores that data directly into the mana crystal. When you tap the screen, the runes decode the stored mana and project it back as an image or sound.”
Sesillian, though still puzzled, nodded slowly, clearly impressed. “So, you’ve basically managed to blend ancient magical principles with modern technology… all in the palm of a hand.”
“Exactly,” I replied, tossing the phone back to him casually. “A blend of magic and innovation, turning an idea into reality. It’s not about reinventing the wheel, but about using what’s already here in ways no one else has thought of. When you mix mana’s adaptability with some creativity, you get… well, this.”
Sesillian caught the phone, studying it again as if it might suddenly reveal more of its secrets. “I see… It’s no wonder people say you’re a visionary,” he muttered, almost to himself.
