Tiya’s Smooth Regression Life Chapter 20

“Masteeeer, the pace is too faaaaast.”

 

<Why? You’ve already memorized all the texts.>

 

There was no coming back from that….

 

Tiya let out a deep sigh in front of a mountain of magic theory books. 

 

She hadn’t realized this would happen back when she was following Winter’s orders, gathering one theory book after another from the mansion’s library.

 

<Just memorize them. You’re good at that.>

 

She never imagined she would have to memorize every single word in those books.

 

‘I didn’t know magic was a theory class!’ 

 

At this rate, becoming an Archmage seemed impossibly far away.

 

Winter gently encouraged her discouraged student.

 

<You aren’t as stupid as you think you are.>

 

“I never thought I was stupid, though….”

 

Tiya’s expression grew even sulkier.

 

<I said you’re not as dumb as I thought. Three constellations implanted basic magical formulas in your head—if you can’t memorize that, there’s no excuse.>

 

Tiya fidgeted with the top of her head, grumbling.

 

“Nothing’s grown out of it, though…. How is that even supposed to work?”

 

A moment later.

 

“…It actually works.”

 

There was both shock and exhilaration in her voice.

 

With every turn of the page, the basic structure of the magic formulas was etched into her mind instantly, as if being slammed down by a stamp. 

 

“What should I do, Winter? I think I’m a genius!”

 

Tiya’s boasting continued long after that. 

 

“Whew, even I am afraid of my own talent. Just how far will you grow, Snow Leopard of the North!”

 

After such self-praise, she already began preparing the speech she would give once she became the Lord of the Magic Tower. 

 

“I just read through the theory books and somehow became the Tower Master? Hmph, I dedicate this glory to my parents who gave birth to a genius. Though of course, I’m the one who put in the effort! And I’m the one who’s the genius!” 

 

She puffed out her chest. 

 

“I’m not usually the type to give out autographs, but~ since you’re begging, just this once!” 

 

Her chin, tilted high in triumph, showed no sign of coming down. 

 

<…Alright, enjoy it while you can.>

 

Once she entered formal magical studies, she would soon realize how insignificant she was in this vast universe.

 

During the three-week period of being forbidden to go out, Tiya locked herself in her room and devoted herself to practicing magic.

 

Of course, she didn’t forget to squeeze in some “parenting” of her father, and Winter did not neglect digging up the Count’s weaknesses. 

 

<How can a trash guardian who doesn’t even know his kid ran away have account books this clean?>

 

“Tsk. Dad! No! I won’t say bad things!”

 

<…I can’t tell whether she’s raising a child or training a little devil.>

 

Shurka’s tense brow still hadn’t smoothed out once, and his cold, blunt remarks still left bruises on Tiya’s heart. 

 

On the other hand, Tiya’s relationship with Lev had changed significantly.

 

After finishing her magic class, Tiya burst into Lev’s room.

 

“Brother! Your lifelong little sister Tiya is here~”

 

“Go away, rib-breaker.”

 

Lev, whose ribs had actually been cracked by Tiya’s “heart attack” hug, grumbled but made room for her on the bed. 

 

Tiya quickly climbed onto the bed as Lev sent all the servants guarding the room out.

 

“Alright, now tell me.”

 

“Tell you what?”

 

“Let’s hear what a toothless brat like you actually did when you ran away. What did you do to become a mage? And where did you get a Frost Spirit’s egg?”

 

“What? You’re only asking that now?”

 

Lev and Tiya had agreed to keep both the Frost Spirit Egg and Tiya being a mage a secret.

 

So she thought the conversation had ended there.

 

“Umm, well….”

 

She tried to speak honestly, but the rules of the world sealed her lips.

 

Tiya subtly signaled Winter for help.

 

<Tell him what we discussed in advance.>  

 

Winter advised her to answer with a careful blend of truth and lies.

 

For Tiya, who couldn’t lie, that was the best option.

 

“Master told me. How to become a mage, and where to find the Frost Spirit Egg.”

 

“Master?”

 

“Yes, I happened to meet them when I went out before. Master said I have incredible magical talent!”

 

Suddenly introducing a master sounded suspicious.

 

Lev narrowed his eyes and asked,

 

“What’s that person’s name?”

 

“Master only said this.”

 

Tiya sprang up and, mimicking someone grandly, said,

 

“Falling snow makes no sound. Likewise, my good deeds are silent. Simply remember the name: the Snow Leopard of the North.” 

 

“Crazy…”

 

Lev splashed water on his face.

 

He began to regret impulsively taking the Frost Spirit’s egg just because he trusted Tiya. 

 

“Fine, let’s say that suspicious person told you. What about the money for the journey? Did this so-called master give that too?”

 

“Huh? Don’t you remember? …… lent it to me.” 

 

“Who?”

 

Tiya sank to the floor, rolling her eyes.

 

“…Brother.”

 

What was she talking about? She called Rodion “Brother,” so she must mean someone other than him.

 

“Do you have someone else you call ‘Brother’ besides me?”

 

Lev’s expression suddenly grew serious.

 

“You can’t just go around calling anyone ‘Brother’ so easily. You should only call someone ‘Brother’ if they share your blood, are two years older than you, and call you Toothless!”

 

I’m your brother. There can’t be two!

 

Lev’s calm explanation turned into an impassioned outburst.

 

Tiya replied cheerfully to reassure him.

 

“That’s why I borrowed it from you.”

 

This time, it was Lev’s turn to blink.

 

“Don’t you remember? When I asked to borrow money before, you said okay…. What was it called? A pro—promissory note? I even left a lemon candy instead of one.” 

 

Suddenly, a dream from the previous day came to mind.

 

“…you lend it to me?”

 

“…Could you lend it to me?”

 

“Brother, could I borrow some money?”

 

In an instant, the faint echo in her head became clear.

 

“You, don’t tell me!”

 

Lev leapt up and opened the lid of the jar by his bedside.

 

The jar, once half-filled with gold coins, was empty.

 

He had never told anyone, but it was a gift he had saved up bit by bit for the people who would come to his funeral. 

 

But someone had—

 

“You stole it……?”

 

“Stole it? I borrowed it!”

 

Right, Winter?

 

Didn’t Winter say so herself?

 

<People tend to be generous when half-asleep. So go ask politely. He’ll probably agree. And you’ll definitely repay him.>

 

It seemed Lev felt differently. 

 

In a fit of anger, Lev struck Tiya on the back.

 

“What is this shrunken Toothless even saying!”

 

“Ouch! Don’t do that, Brother!” 

 

“You did something wrong, and you’re telling me not to do that?!”

 

“Owwie! You’re gonna break your own bones at this rate!”

 

“Why are you worried about my bones…?!”

 

It was then.

 

Crack.

 

With the sound of something snapping, Lev’s shouting stopped.

 

The siblings’ gazes simultaneously turned to Lev’s wrist. Seeing it limp, Tiya’s face went pale.

 

“Ouch.”

 

“See! I heard a snap! How could you hit me so hard? Melodyyyyy!” 

 

“Ah, it’s already starting to swell.”

 

“Brotheeeeer! You can’t dieeeee!”

 

In the end, not long after his ribs had healed, Lev sprained his wrist.

 

By the time that wrist healed and Tiya’s magical achievements deepened day by day,

 

“Young Lady! The First Young Master has returned!”

 

The news of a welcome return arrived.

 

Rodion, who had extended his stay at the academy, had come back.