episode_0707

– The Iris Guild is the best guild in the world!

Now a statement so commonplace that it no longer evoked any resistance.

Having heard the same words countless times around him, Lee Ho-yeon understood it intellectually.

“Yeah. The Iris Guild is the best in the world?”

But deep down, he might have been too dismissive of the fact that it was the best guild in the world.

Scarlet, Ellis, Irene, Dr. Kang Hyo-rin… They were all close to Lee Ho-yeon, so he hadn’t really paid much attention to how remarkable the Iris Guild truly was.

“… What’s all this?”

Lee Ho-yeon’s mouth fell open as he looked at the sprawling factories before him.

The place where Ellis and Irene had brought him was an industrial area nearby.

It wasn’t his first time seeing an industrial area, but the fact that the entire region was owned by the Iris Guild was astonishing.

“It’s the Magic Tool Factory. They manufacture pocket dimensions here. Iris Guild products are sturdy and well-received.”

Ellis, wearing sunglasses, stood next to Lee Ho-yeon.

Today, she didn’t just look cool; it seemed genuine.

“The entire land here belongs to the Iris Guild? Even the factories?”

“Of course. We’ll just take a quick look around this facility and then move on quickly.”

“Are there other places?”

“We can’t tour all our facilities. We have dozens like this around the world. Let’s head to another area now.”

“Dozens…?”

The manufacturing process of magic tools is much simpler compared to electronic or engineering products.

But if there are dozens of such factories… How much money are they pouring into this?

“I should treat the craftsmen well.”

Next time, I should invite them to a cheese soon tofu restaurant.

Scarlet may not like it, but the Guild Master is a man, so he’ll surely appreciate it.

Following Ellis, Lee Ho-yeon nodded his head.

“Ellis, did you meet the administrator?”

Irene, also wearing sunglasses like Ellis, adjusted her smartwatch and managed their schedule.

“Yes. Unni. Let’s head to the research lab next.”

It was the first time Lee Ho-yeon saw Irene and Ellis working.

Dressed in uniforms, they looked particularly beautiful today, embodying the office ladies admired by men.

“Miss Irene, does the Iris Guild have its own research lab too?”

“Yes. Since we visited the factory, reporters might be around. Be careful.”

“Got it, Miss Irene.”

After leaving the industrial area,

Lee Ho-yeon finally understood why Irene and Ellis were wearing sunglasses.

“Lee Ho-yeon, you’re famous! You’re so handsome!”

“Thank you. I appreciate it.”

The area around the Iris Guild’s research lab was already crowded with people.

Not only were there many journalists, but also a huge crowd of ordinary people, most of whom were there for Ellis and Irene.

“Ellis Unni, look over here!”

“Miss Irene, I love you!”

Ellis and Irene waved as if accustomed to it, while Lee Ho-yeon glared at a man who said he loved them.

“Ellis and Irene are practically idols here in France.”

In reality, it wasn’t that strange.

If Lee Ho-yeon roamed the streets of Korea, he would likely receive a similar level of attention.

Usually, he’d cast a perception-dampening spell to avoid unnecessary attention, but when he had obligations, he revealed his face.

“Is it true that the Three Stars are hosting a party where Mage Lee Ho-yeon will also participate!?”

“Please say a word about the collaboration between Mage Lee Ho-yeon and the Iris Guild!”

For some reason, the reporters were already camped outside the research lab, ready to pounce.

Ellis stepped forward confidently, familiar with the situation, and answered their questions.

“Today, we are seeking advice from Mage Lee Ho-yeon on magical tool research. We will discuss important matters at the upcoming party.”

After exchanging brief greetings, we entered the research lab, and as soon as the reporters’ gazes disappeared, Lee Ho-yeon stuck close to Ellis.

“Elise. Do you think I should ask the researchers for advice? I’m not very familiar with magic tools.”

“Just ignore what I said. But still, you need to keep the researchers in good spirits. It would be quite effective if they spread the word too.”

“But aren’t they researchers, not journalists?”

“These days, with the development of communities and social media, anyone can access and share information. The fact that both journalists and ordinary people have come here is evidence of that. Just spreading rumors that magician Iris Guild is close with Elise within their circles can have a positive impact.”

It was Irene who answered Ho-yeon’s question.

She spoke while flipping through the hologram monitor with one hand.

Ho-yeon looked at Irene with some surprise.

“…Irene, you look pretty cool today. You seem like an expert.”

“You might not know what you used to think of me… but I am indeed an expert. I am the leader of Iris Guild’s 1st Division.”

Now it was a given that Elise would be the next guild leader of Iris Guild, but before that, Irene was the top ace of the guild.

Of course, Ho-yeon didn’t know this fact.

“I just thought you were a silly little sister.”

“Were you really looking properly? But it’s Elise’s fault for being cute. It’s kind of cool and cute when she gives those cold smiles to the journalists… but…”

“I think I know what you mean. Her usual smile is a bit different… Ouch!”

“Please refrain from saying such things in front of the person involved.”

Blushing, Elise lightly stomped on Ho-yeon’s foot.

She couldn’t bring herself to hit her real sister, so she hit Ho-yeon instead.

Inside the research facility, researchers were busy working.

Elise and Irene went to meet the administrator, while Ho-yeon stood alone, exchanging greetings with the researchers.

“Pleased to meet you. I’m Akershi, the chief researcher of Iris Guild.”

“Hello, Mr. Akershi. I’m Magician Ho-yeon. I’m here in an advisory role, but… I’ll just be taking a look around, so you don’t have to worry.”

After shaking hands with Akershi, Ho-yeon looked around.

Magic tools, magic circles, healing potions, and more…

They probably don’t research all of these in the same place.

They must have gathered prototype products since Elise and Irene were visiting.

Ho-yeon squinted and picked up a nearby magic tool.

“This is a defense magic tool. Is it for self-defense?”

“Yes. It’s a self-defense magic tool that anyone can use. It’s about to be released soon.”

Although self-defense items and Ho-yeon were distant, they weren’t difficult to understand from a civilian perspective.

Especially considering Ho-yeon’s past inability to use magic.

Just by briefly reading the internal magical power, he could understand how the magic tool operated.

“It seems that pressing it completes the magic circle embedded in the magic tool. The magic contained is superheated air… Since it’s made for civilian use, it can’t hold much magical power, so its effectiveness is a bit lacking.”

“Have you already deciphered the magic circle? As expected of Magician Ho-yeon…!”

Akershi couldn’t hide his surprise.

He thought there would be something to learn if he sought advice from Magician Ho-yeon.

“Not bad. But wouldn’t superheated air be a bit weak for a self-defense magic?”

“Oh, it’s difficult to insert high-level magic into a product meant for civilians who can’t use magic. If we decide to, we could put in better magic with a change of heart, but it’s challenging due to cost constraints.”

“No, with just a few adjustments here, it should be fine.”

Swoosh-

Magical energy emanated from Ho-yeon’s fingertips, starting to manipulate the prototype magic tool.

The magic circle inside the magic tool was already quite decent by Ho-yeon’s standards, but with a little refinement, it seemed like it could yield even better results.

“Oh, be careful touching it recklessly… Uh, uh…?”

Aekashi’s eyes widened in surprise at Lee Hoyeon’s magic.

Despite being acknowledged as a commercial magician and joining the Iris Guild, the magic unfolding before him was on a different level.

Swoosh- Crack-

The haphazardly cast and torn magic gradually began to take shape, allowing Aekashi to grasp the magic tool.

“It’s a magic circle that launches highly compressed hot air like a projectile. It operates with the same magic power and the size of the magic circle is also the same.”

“This is unbelievable….”

He had heard many stories about Magician Lee Hoyeon, but witnessing his abilities firsthand was even more astonishing.

However, Aekashi lowered his head with a regretful expression.

While the magic itself was exceptional, using it commercially was challenging.

“Magician Lee Hoyeon. Thank you for the amazing magic. However, with such high performance, there is a possibility of it being misused for crimes and a high risk of accidents…”

“Don’t worry. There are safety measures in place to prevent any harm. And when someone uses a magic tool, their magic power connects with it. By investigating those traces, we can quickly identify if it’s being used for criminal activities.”

In that brief moment, everything was settled.

Aekashi gathered the prototype and looked at Lee Hoyeon.

“I will try to release it as soon as possible. Can I promote it by saying that I received advice from Magician Lee Hoyeon?”

“Well… there’s no reason why not.”

“Thank you! I’ll inform the marketing team.”

“Yes. Please do.”

With a nod, Aekashi disappeared towards the other side of the lab.

As Elise entered, she approached Lee Hoyeon with a grin.

“What’s going on? It’s the first time I’ve seen Aekashi so excited.”

“I helped with modifying the magic circle, and he wanted to promote it by saying I advised him.”

“That’s good. I’ll send you a contract later for confirmation.”

“What contract between us?”

“That’s what I mean. Even in close relationships, financial transactions should be clearly defined.”

Elise turned on her smartwatch and sent a message to Lee Hoyeon to deliver the contract.

Then, she grabbed Lee Hoyeon’s arm, who was looking dazed, and said, “Is the consultation over? Let’s go out slowly.”

“Where are we going this time?”

“The work is done. Now it’s time to spend time with my sister. You should come along too.”

“Elise! Lee Hoyeon! There you are!”

Lee Hoyeon smiled faintly as he saw Irene running towards them.

It seemed like he would be dragged around all day today.