A Scholarly Discussion
schoolingcorrinâ:
âDo you have some interesting books you could recommend me on the subject,â the other man asks Corrin while leaning forward on his desk. In response the prince takes a step away from the desk, crossing his arms as he does so.
âIâm still looking into it myself so I donât have a lot of books on the subject. None I can recommend anyways.â He tilts his head as the rest of Azelleâs words sink in. If dark magic is something his homeland associates with a cult thenâŚÂ âMay I ask why youâre interested if dark magic isnât looked upon favorably where you come from?â
He initially ignores the question about his motivations for studying dark magic, instead clutching the book more tightly to himself. Considering the associations dark magic has where the other man comes from, his questions feel more sinister than they would otherwise.
âIâd rather not discuss that yet. Maybe in the future,â is all Corrin can bring himself to say in reponse.
Corrinâs words prompt the initial smile to wane from Azelleâs face. It would perhaps appear that the Mage has crossed some sort of line that the librarian would rather not breach, and the Velthomerâs reaction is instinctive. âOh⌠Yes, of course. Iâm sorryâ I did not realize you would rather I donât askâ, he says quickly, shaking his head.
He casts a glance at the book in the other manâs arms, then at his own as he considers the question. âWell⌠It is true that in Jugdral, Dark magic is largely associated with⌠an evil cult, to put it bluntly. But that is not the case in many other countries, including Fodlanâ, he explains. âThere are teachers and students alike around here who use Dark magic⌠and are perfectly normal, good people. I cannot judge them with the same criteria used for Dark magic users in my homeland.â
A slightly nervous chuckle escapes him. âBesides⌠the Academy is within its rights to expect Dark magic knowledge and seminars from me, so I should try to broaden my horizons.â
The faint smile attempts to return to Azelleâs face as he looks back up at Corrin. âI hope that makes sense.â
Corrin watches as the smile disappears from the other manâs face and he shakes his head back and forth with a quick apology. Seeing the manâs state and listening to his apology and explanations, he relaxes his posture and brings himself closer to the desk once more.
âSorry, sorry! Itâs just a bit odd that someone from a place where dark magic isnât looked upon well would be interested in it,â he says as he slides his book back onto the desk. âWhile my home isnât a stranger to it, I focused more on other forms of magic myself. Iâll admit my interest in it now isnât purely academic,â he continues as he lets slip some information on his motives towards the man sitting before him.














