Chapter 184: The Significance of History

Chapter 184: The Significance of History

"Magic actually has a certain paradox."

"Turning imagination into reality involves two factors: imagination and knowledge."

"The more knowledge you possess, the clearer your understanding of the principles of magic, and the better you can wield it. However, as your knowledge accumulates, you become increasingly 'reasonable,' and your imagination is constrained."

In the research room, Fleurian rested her chin on her hand while purple lightning and white beams flickered in her other hand, explaining today's lesson.

Lu Ke pondered, "Because you understand, you know what is 'impossible,' and thus you truly can't do it. But also because of this understanding, you can maximize the things you can do. This is why offensive magic, which excels in power, is so different from folk magic, which has a wide variety of effects but little power. Is that it?"

Offensive magic makes excellent use of magical power but lacks the imagination to change reality. Folk magic, on the other hand, has a myriad of wondrous effects but is weak in power.

"You really have a talent for magic."

A student who can always draw connections makes teaching a pleasure. Fleurian praised him and dispelled the magical light in her hand.

"Perhaps someone else would be a better teacher for you."

"Who?"

"My great-grandmaster—Selya."

Selya, an elf who has existed since ancient times, embodies the concept of magic itself. Her terrifying magical power and refined techniques, combined with her vast repository of magical knowledge, mean that even a Demon Lord would likely be no match for her.

To end a war, this elf could do it, but she has no intention of interfering. For certain reasons, she enjoys seeing the conflict continue, and the number of casualties or the tragedies that ensue are of no concern to her.

She is neither an executioner nor a guardian but views everything with a neutral and objective eye.

Thinking of her unpleasant great-grandmaster, Fleurian twirled her silver-white hair and pouted.

"If you want to pursue the pinnacle of magic, she's the one to seek. However, I personally don't recommend it; she's a very domineering and self-centered individual."

Lu Ke calmly closed the magic guidebook. "I'm quite satisfied with my current situation and have no desire to study further. Your knowledge is enough for me to learn for a long time."

Fleurian seemed a bit troubled at his words. "Staying here indefinitely wasn't part of my plan. I initially intended to earn some travel expenses and leave."

The revenue from the flight magic spell made her rich, and the reason to stay here had disappeared. However, Lu Ke was an excellent student, and the living conditions at the Campbell Manor were excellent, with a rich collection of magic guidebooks. Staying a bit longer wouldn't be a bad idea.

After much thought, Fleurian raised three fingers. "I can stay for at most this long."

"Three months?"

"Thirty years."

Fleurian answered seriously.

Lu Ke: "..."

That time span was longer than his age.

Indeed, he was still too young, underestimating the "a while" mentioned by a thousand-year-old immortal.

"By the way, the Magic Association seems to have included you in the textbooks?"

Thinking of the revenue from the flight magic spell, Fleurian asked naturally.

"It seems so. The flight magic spell is significant, and being recorded as its creator is only natural." Lu Ke spoke with a hint of apology to Fleurian.

"I'm sorry for taking credit for your achievement."

"That's not important." Fleurian waved it off casually. "Do you have any thoughts on it?"

Lu Ke thought for a moment. "It feels surreal, to become a character in a textbook and a part of history."

Fleurian slowly shook her head, looking at him meaningfully. "For humans, it's history. For elves, it's an ongoing autobiography."

"For elves, it's an ongoing autobiography."

These words resonated deeply, echoing in his ears and leaving Lu Ke momentarily dazed.

When he looked up again, the silver-haired elf had already left the room, leaving behind a somewhat lazy remark.

"You don't need to attend classes for the time being. Focus on preparing for your wedding."

...

A faint voice seemed to come from the horizon, the view stretching and fading. A white light appeared, followed by a few shakes.

"Lu Ke, Lu Ke!"

Trella called out twice without getting his attention, so she shook him, finally seeing his pupils focus.

Lu Ke snapped back to reality, his thoughts returning to his body. "What is it?"

"Why are you always daydreaming lately?"

"I was thinking about some flaws in magic design."

Trella tapped his forehead. "You, you need to have limits in your obsession with magic. You should care about me more."

Lu Ke remained noncommittal. "So, what is it?"

"Ms. Rhine said she wants to have a portrait of you painted. An artist is coming over soon, so get ready."

After learning that Lu Ke would be written into the textbooks, Ms. Rhine was very pleased. Besides preparing a grand feast, she planned to leave a memento.

Initially, she wanted to make a life-sized statue, but Lu Ke refused, so she settled for a painting. Seeing how enthusiastic the elderly lady was, he couldn't bring himself to decline.

Trella couldn't resist pinching the elf's face, which was so tender it seemed to be dripping with moisture, making her a bit envious.

"Speaking of which, what exactly are elves? Why is their skin so pale and smooth? Fleurian is the same."

"According to academic research, elves are a subspecies of humans, with physical characteristics very similar to humans. However, their internal anatomy is difficult to determine. Due to the scarcity of specimens and ethical constraints, it's impossible to conduct dissection studies on elves."

Trela took a step back in horror, "Suddenly telling scary stories, hurry up and change your clothes, we're leaving."

She gestured toward the clothes laid out on the chair.

Luk glanced at them. It was a deep black embroidered formal suit, complete with matching undergarments, accessories, headwear, and ear clips. The outfit was exceptionally elaborate and grand.

"I don't know how to wear it."

Luk's answer was brief. He hadn't studied much about noble etiquette and had no idea how to put on such a complicated outfit.

"I'll help you."

Trela stepped forward and skillfully stripped off his clothes. With her assistance, Luk, who usually wore simple and lightweight training clothes, was transformed into a refined nobleman's evening attire.

The close-fitting clothes accentuated Luk's tall and lean figure. The intricate accessories, though cumbersome to wear, added a touch of elegance. Combined with his strikingly handsome face, even among elves, he looked incredibly captivating.

After helping him dress, Trela couldn't take her eyes off him. "You look so good. This is my second favorite look of yours."

Luk frowned, feeling the constriction of the elaborate clothing. "What's the first?"

Trela blushed slightly. "The best look is no look at all."

Luk: "..."

A moment later, the appointed artist arrived, and Lady Roine smiled as she led Luk out.

With such an excellent model in front of him, the artist was very excited. He worked flawlessly, painting from dawn until dusk, still feeling unsatisfied when he finally finished.

"Actually, I could have done even better, but it would have required more time."

"Really? Then how about..." Lady Roine immediately planned to continue the next day.

"No, it's already perfect."

Luk glanced at his portrait. The handsome elf sat on a chair, his beautiful brown eyes like deep pools that drew the viewer in. The golden light on the canvas made it look incredibly beautiful.

Artists capable of painting nobles were naturally masters, and this artist's skill was high, capturing about 80-90% of the real scene's essence.

"Since it's your painting, I'll go with your decision."

Lady Roine smiled, picking up the portrait and gesturing. "Trela, help me hang this portrait. Where do you think it would look best?"

"I think the staircase hallway would be nice."

The two of them discussed and walked around, comparing different spots with great enthusiasm.

"I'll see the master out."

Luk watched them for a moment, then escorted the artist out of the mansion. When they were alone, he asked, "Master, how long can this painting last?"

"The paper and paint are of the highest quality. If properly framed and protected, it should last for thirty to forty years without a problem."

"Are there any specific requirements?"

"It shouldn't be exposed to direct sunlight or moisture. These two points are crucial."

Luk was silent for a moment. "What about after thirty years?"

"Then it would need to be maintained by another artist, which could extend its life to a hundred years."

"And after a hundred years?" Luk pressed.

"By then, the techniques of artists will have changed, making maintenance more difficult. The paper will also be too fragile, so it will likely deteriorate."

The artist answered truthfully, adding, "There's a legend that a magical spell can protect a portrait from decay. If that exists, the painting's lifespan could be extended even further."

"I see."

...

Most of the wedding preparations were handled by Trela. She seemed to have everything planned out: the venue, the ceremony, the scale of the banquet, and the customization of the wedding attire.

Luk had intended to help, as it wasn't fair to leave everything to the bride. However, every time he tried to help, Trela would send him back, saying she didn't trust his taste.

"Fleurian, is my taste really that bad?"

After being repeatedly discouraged, Luk returned to the study room, a bit puzzled, and asked Fleurian, who was reading a book.

Fleurian looked Luk up and down in his simple training clothes and shook her head. "I think they're fine."

The adorable old elf, wearing an even simpler white dress and gray robe, was equally puzzled.

Despite having acquired great wealth, Fleurian preferred to spend money on purchasing magical books and devices. She had little interest in clothing or, for that matter, most things.

"Maybe elves and humans have different preferences."

Luk: ...

He had lived as a human for over twenty years, though he hadn't really dated much or had many opportunities to interact with the opposite sex.

"Tastes..."

He fell into deep thought, wondering what girls might like.

A moment later, he seemed to have an inspiration and looked at Fleurian.

"Fleurian, can you teach me a spell?"

(End of Chapter)

Chapter end