Chapter 678: Magic Cloak

Ultimately, the difference between low magic, high magic, and super magic lies in the varying speeds of the magic particles that compose them. However, such microscopic properties are hard to grasp.

Liszt just explained the idea of particle motion to Acheronides and didn't delve further into the subject.

Having advanced to the rank of Archmage, Acheronides had already proven that her talent blew most humans out of the water. With such intelligence, she could likely win a Nobel Prize if she were on Earth. Thus, handing her tougher research tasks would better free Liszt to focus on his Dragon Knight training.

Before leaving, however, he had one more task—taking Acheronides' body measurements to have clothes that fit perfectly tailored for her.

She would need everything: pajamas, casual wear, a magic cloak, and formal noblewear.

If Liszt were to establish a kingdom one day, Acheronides would be its first princess.

Though one look was all he needed to guess her measurements, Liszt still took out a measuring tape and carefully jotted down the most precise figures.

After jotting them down on thick paper, he smiled and patted Acheronides' hair. "Once the clothes are ready, you can stay in my castle. You're free to explore the territory, but keep your siren origins under wraps to avoid unnecessary hostility."

"I understand, brother," Acheronides replied with a polite nod. She had long yearned for life on land.

"If you'd like, I can arrange for you to visit the Mage Tower. There, you'll find great magicians like Cris, whom you already know. You can delegate simpler projects to them to help share your workload. Of course, keep the Archmage title quiet for now."

Both he and Acheronides had only recently advanced to high-magic ranks.

They needed time to grow stronger, so laying low was best.

Finally, he kissed Acheronides' forehead and left the beach house.

Upon returning to the castle, he passed her the measurements to the housekeeper, Mrs. Mossen, instructing her to arrange for immediate tailoring: "First, make a magic cloak and undergarments—they must be ready by tomorrow morning. Then, prepare a noble gown within four days. The rest can wait."

Even the most skilled tailor couldn't produce fancy clothes instantly. Fancy clothes, especially noble gear, took time to make right.

"My lord, what fabric should be used?"

"The finest, matching the same standard as my own clothes."

...

Early the next morning,

the tailor arranged by Mrs. Mossen had pulled an all-nighter to complete the magic cloak and undergarments. After his morning routine, Liszt handed them to Acheronides.

"Acheronides, put these on. I'll take you around Flower Town and Black Horse Island today."

"Mm."

Liszt left the room and closed the door, not thinking about sneaking a look while she changed. In fact, the thought never crossed his mind. Instead, he engaged in pointless small talk with the Giant Kelp Grand Sprite, Pyke, in the aquatic chamber.

"Acheronides has grown legs now, nearly as dashing as us."

"Is that so?"

"Of course, there's still a gap."

"Pfft."

"I don't like her hair. Tawny is the most beautiful color, just like the dashing Pyke. I suggest you switch to tawny clothes too—it’d be easier on the eyes. Otherwise, your handsomeness might struggle to keep up with mine."

Liszt smiled. "I do think tawny is quite appealing. But as a noble, an Abby-style frock coat suits my status best." Conversations with Pyke were mostly filled with vain, self-absorbed remarks—the Grand Sprite's thought process was rather peculiar.

Fortunately, Acheronides didn’t take forever. She soon finished changing.

The black leather boots, black mage robe, and black hooded magic cloak completely concealed Acheronides' figure, leaving only her flawless face peeking out from under the hood. Her large blue eyes remained deep and clear, making it hard to ignore their brilliance.

A mage's cloak wasn't about looks—it looked roughly the same on anyone, so there was little to comment on.

Liszt gave a slight nod of approval.

Pyke, however, shook his head rapidly. "Not good, not good! Acheronides, you look terrible in black. The only good thing is it covers up that blue hair of yours. You should wear earth tones, like handsome Pyke does. Otherwise, you’ll fall too far behind."

Acheronides' small face showed no smile, instead carrying a hint of discomfort. "Brother, I don’t like wearing clothes."

"You’ll get used to it."

"This fabric feels icky on my skin. Doesn’t it bother you, brother, wearing clothes like this every day?"

"Because I’m used to it. Though, these clothes aren’t very well-fitted—they’ll feel much better after a few days."

"Clothes are so inconvenient. They get wet when swimming, and soaked leather armor chafes horribly. I tried leather armor once." She rarely complained, but the clothes were clearly causing her a lot of discomfort. "Brother, in blood magic, there’s a way to craft clothes infused with mana that can be stored inside the body. I want to make something like that."

"If you can adapt the vampires’ magical methods, that would be great. Make me a set of clothes infused with mana that can be stored away too." Liszt understood her thoughts—when riding Rainbow Whale Rosi to swim, he often had to endure the discomfort of wet clothes.

Acheronides was full of confidence. "Mm! This kind of magic isn’t difficult at all. I'll have it working in no time!"

"Let’s go. We’ll take a tour around Flower Town first, then head to Black Horse Island. There’s a Black Dragon Spirit named Parris there—her condition still needs my attention. You can help me figure it out."

"I've been thinking about how to save her—lots of ideas that could help you."

Wearing the leather boots, Acheronides took a few steps before adjusting to the heels—since city streets were full of waste, boots typically had a finger-length heel.

Outside the seaside villa stood Liszt’s Squire Knights and footmen, among others.

Seeing Liszt enter alone but emerge with a female mage, they were puzzled but showed no reaction.

For Glory's Child, Liszt, this was just another ordinary occurrence.

If one day Liszt rode out on a dragon, they wouldn’t even bat an eye—they were used to his antics by now.

"Bring the carriage over," Liszt ordered.

The Squire Knights promptly brought the carriage forward. Liszt personally helped Acheronides board before climbing in himself, accompanying her on a ride around Flower Town.

They admired the daily toil of the townspeople and the beautiful rural scenery.

Eventually, the carriage stopped at the gates of Nameless Castle.

Liszt, playing the gentleman, helped Acheronides down and smiled. "Acheronides, you’ve stayed in this castle for many days, but this is the first time you’re seeing its full appearance, right?"

"Mm."

Acheronides lifted her head, taking in the modest two-story castle, and smiled happily.

Those were days she'd cherish forever—meeting her dearest brother Liszt and, under his guidance, stepping into the world of magic. From then on, her fate had completely changed. No longer the Small Mermaid drifting aimlessly, she had become a mage seeking magical truths.

Just then, a huge black hound emerged from the apple orchard, approaching Liszt and nuzzling against him before lifting its head to study Acheronides.

It kept sniffing her curiously.

"It’s Hiddleston." Acheronides recognized the big black dog and reached out to pet its fur.

Suddenly, a familiar surprised exclamation rang out from the castle.

"Uh-oh!"