"Hmm? What's the problem?" the Tower Master asked softly, her voice carrying that calm steadiness which always demanded attention.

The air shifted slightly, pressing with a subtle weight. Luca rubbed his thumb against the smooth surface of the working table before speaking. "I'm the only person with a spatial aura. So… if we want to mass produce these artifacts, how can we even do that?"

For a moment, silence lingered. Then, behind her veil, the Tower Master's lips curved into a mischievous smile. "Oh my my… you've already begun thinking of mass production and raking in profits?"

Heat crept to Luca's ears as he scratched the back of his head, laughing awkwardly. "Well… I don't exactly have money problems right now, but—who can complain about having more money, right?"

The Tower Master chuckled lightly, her eyes glinting with amusement. "Greedy, but practical. Don't worry. I already have some solutions in mind. How about this—when I come to visit you next time, I'll bring what's needed with me."

Relief softened Luca's expression as he nodded. "I'm sorry, Master… it looks like I've taken up too much of your time."

"What are you talking about?" she chided gently, shaking her head. Her voice carried an uncharacteristic warmth as she continued, "You don't realize how many doors this ability of yours has opened for us. You've solved more of my problems than you can imagine. If anything, maybe I'll finally get some free time in the future."

A genuine smile spread across Luca's face. He felt… happy—deeply, sincerely happy—that he could give something back to her, even in this small way.

The room grew quiet for a moment, a silence filled not with tension but with unspoken thoughts. Then, almost hesitantly, the Tower Master's voice slipped through.

"How… How is Selena doing?"

As Luca spoke, he recounted the recent happenings at the academy. He mentioned how Selena had performed exceptionally well in the practical test, her icy magic leaving quite an impression. Then he casually brought up the new priest instructor, his voice carrying a trace of curiosity. But what surprised him the most—and what he couldn't help but mention with a soft chuckle—was that Selena had actually joined the Gourmet Club.

That, even for him, was unexpected.

The Tower Master listened with calm attentiveness, her lips curving into a smile at the right moments, laughing softly as if she were earnestly savoring every word. Her reactions made Luca feel strangely at ease, as though he wasn't simply reporting events, but sharing them with someone who truly cared.

But his voice slowed when he finally said, "Actually, Master… wouldn't it be better if you asked this to Selena yourself?"

At that, an unreadable expression crossed her face. For a fleeting moment, she looked almost… sad.

"Even if I ask," she murmured quietly, her eyes lowering, "what do you think she would say to me?"

Luca fell silent, staring at her. Something about that answer didn't sit right with him. This won't do, he thought firmly.

"Master," he said gently, "you could at least initiate, right? Who knows, maybe she's waiting for you to ask… and you're hesitating to do it?"

The Tower Master blinked at him, as if taken aback by his straightforwardness. Luca pressed on, his voice steady but carrying a quiet weight.

"I don't know much, Master. But… I at least understand what position a parent holds in their child's life. Parents are the only ones a child knows will always be there, no matter what. Other people come and go… even friends can leave. But a parent—" his throat tightened a little "—a parent is someone you know, no matter what happens, will always be with you."

His gaze dropped to the floor, shadows flickering across his expression. I didn't get my parents' love in my past life, so I didn't feel much. But when I spent those small moments with… Luca's parents, I realized what I was missing all along. If I had parents in that life…

A sudden warmth startled him. A hand stretched out, cupping his cheek gently. He looked up, eyes widening slightly, and saw the Tower Master watching him. But her usual composed gaze was gone—what remained was warmth, tender and gentle.

"I guess… you are right, my disciple," she whispered. "If I want her to take a step towards me… maybe I should take ten steps towards her first."

A small smile tugged at Luca's lips, and he nodded. "You said you'll have more time in the future, right, Master? Then why not spend it with Selena? Maybe it will help."

The Tower Master's eyes softened further, and she nodded. "I will do my best."

Then, as if suddenly reminded of the flow of time, her gaze shifted. She glanced at a nearby clock and blinked in mild surprise.

"Oh, it's already midnight… I didn't even realize how quickly time had passed."

She turned back to Luca, her hand lowering from his cheek, and said warmly, "Why don't you rest here for a while? In the morning, you can return to the academy with Seraphina."

Luca hesitated only for a moment before nodding. He was, after all, quite exhausted. Without overthinking, he leaned forward and slumped onto the desk in front of him. Within moments, his breathing evened out, and he slipped into a deep, unguarded sleep.

As Luca finally surrendered to sleep, his breathing grew steady and soft, the faint rise and fall of his chest echoing a rare sense of peace. The Tower Master sat silently beside him, her sharp eyes—so often piercing and unreadable—now softened by something gentler.

Her hand lifted almost unconsciously, fingers brushing through his hair in slow, careful strokes, as if afraid that too much force might wake him. For the first time in a long while, her touch carried not the weight of duty or power, but simple affection.

"…Why does it feel like this child…" her whisper was hushed, almost fragile, "…is hiding more and more behind that smiling face?"

Her gaze lingered on him. His lashes trembled slightly with each exhale, his lips parted in an unguarded expression that he would never show while awake. So young, she thought, and yet the burden of his powers he carried was heavier than most seasoned mages could withstand.

"Even the devil cult is resurging now… and Her Majesty… what did she put you through in that past?" Her fingers paused briefly against his hair, curling ever so slightly before resuming their gentle motion.

Her tone was quiet, almost confessional. "Even as your master, I could not give you much of my time… and still, you never once complained."

The rhythm of her hand stilled. For a moment, she just watched him, her usually calm face softened by a shadow of guilt. Then, little by little, her own eyelids grew heavy. Despite herself, she leaned back against the chair, her posture slackening as the silence wrapped around them. Eventually, her head tilted, coming to rest on the edge of the armrest—close enough that her cheek almost brushed his.

Time passed.

When she woke again, it was not to the hum of mana or the rustle of parchment, but to the startling closeness of Luca's sleeping face. His breath tickled faintly against her skin, and her eyes widened before she quickly pulled back, the faintest heat coloring her cheeks.

"…Did I… fall asleep as well?" she muttered, almost incredulous. Straightening, she smoothed the folds of her robe, coughing softly to cover the small slip in composure. "How… embarrassing."

Just then, Luca stirred. His lashes fluttered before he opened his eyes halfway, his voice hoarse with drowsiness. "Master?"

She froze for a heartbeat, then forced her expression back to its usual mask of serenity. Turning toward him, she answered with practiced calm. "Ah. You are awake now. Go and freshen up. I will ask Seraphina to escort you back to the academy."

Luca sat up slowly, blinking away the remnants of sleep. His gaze flickered to her for a brief moment, as if catching something in her eyes—but then he gave a faint nod. "Alright, Master."

He stretched lightly, rubbing the back of his neck, then pushed himself to his feet. As he walked toward the washroom, his steps unhurried but firm, a thought surfaced in his mind, sharp and unwavering.

Well… I guess this might be the right time to tell the professor about that.