The following afternoon, after successfully passing the exams, Kito and the others gathered to share information.

  "Knowing that their supporters are from the magic faction is valuable information. Let's proceed with the assumption that they are involved. There is one trustworthy teacher at the magic school, so I'll ask them about this. I hope we can meet by tomorrow evening," Kito said, resting a hand on their head as they spoke.

  "We may not know if Lord Primus was a former cardinal, but it’s clear he holds a significant position. He mentioned becoming the guardian of the saint Lucius, so he likely wields considerable power," Kito continued.

  Listening to Kito's words, Maiol decided to gather even more information.

  "Seneca’s story is interesting as well. There was indeed a distinctive scent. It was the kind of fragrance you'd expect in a fancy antique shop—memorable and unique. I too believe it must be something special."

  "Yes. It wasn’t sold at 'Pharma', though. But the shop owner might know more, so I’m scheduled to meet them shortly," Seneca replied.

  Earlier that morning, Seneca had visited the pharmacy that sold the potpourri but had not found any useful information.

  "The owner of 'Pharma' is quite well-known, and I’ve heard they are acquainted with Yulia. They specialise in herbs and have developed several products with long-sting effects. The potpourri, too, seems to have medicinal properties."

  Kito wrote down the information shared by the others, reviewing it slowly.

  "I have a few contacts in the magic community, so I’ll follow up on that lead. However, I’ll be cautious with my inquiries, as prying too deeply could raise suspicion. In that regard, Seneca’s 'scent' is a less obvious lead, so it should be safer to investigate," Kito concluded, absentmindedly patting Seneca on the head.

  Seneca smiled, enjoying the gesture.

  "I’ll speak to Attalos. He’s trustworthy, and if Seneca is ever in danger, I’m sure he’ll warn me," Maiol said, setting the course of action.

  With a nod of agreement, each person began to move forward with their respective pns.

  ...

  Later that Evening

  Seneca returned to 'Pharma' to meet the shop’s owner. Upon entering, the same shop assistant who had greeted her earlier directed her to the back room, where the owner was.

  Inside, an elderly woman with deep lines around her eyes greeted Seneca.

  "Ah, you’ve come. I’m Apiana, the owner. You must be Seneca, yes?"

  "Thank you for seeing me today. I’d like to offer you this gift," Seneca said, her posture stiff as she followed the greeting that Maiol had taught her, presenting a package of Yulia’s special tea.

  "Well, well, thank you," Apiana said, eyeing the tea with a furrowed brow. "Hmm? Where did you get this tea?"

  "It’s from Yulia, who lives in Baetica. A friend of mine is her disciple, so I’ve received her help," Seneca expined.

  Apiana’s expression softened, and the deep wrinkles around her eyes deepened as her demeanor became much warmer.

  "Ah, you know Yulia? You should have said so sooner! In that case, let’s make some tea," she said with a chuckle, then left the room to fetch some hot water. Moments ter, she returned with a tea pot and cups.

  "Now, while we drink, let’s talk. I hear you’re investigating a particur scent. Could you describe it?" Apiana asked as she set the tray down.

  Seneca straightened up, preparing to answer.

  "It smelled like herbs, but not overpowering—strong in the sharpness of the pnts," she expined.

  "As expected," Apiana said. "I have some of the potpourri from my shop here. Take a look and see if it’s simir."

  Apiana retrieved a jar of potpourri from the shelf and handed it to Seneca.

  "This one has a simir sharpness, but what I smelled seemed older—more modest, with a certain simplicity. This one is much more fragrant," Seneca remarked.

  At that, Apiana burst into a hearty ugh, reaching for another jar from the shelf. She handed it to Seneca, who carefully opened it and inhaled the contents.

  A strong scent hit her nostrils, filling her body with its intense sharpness. It was as if the smell seeped into her very being, cleansing her mind.

  "It’s simir, but not as strong as the one I encountered," Seneca said, handing the jar back.

  Apiana then produced yet another jar.

  "This one is the same as what you just smelled, but it’s been open for a month. The scent has changed quite a bit."

  Seneca leaned in hesitantly, drawing close to the jar. The scent now was much subtler, its sharpness rounded and mellowed with age. It was a more refined fragrance.

  "This is it! This is the scent!" Seneca excimed, her eyes sparkling with excitement.

  Apiana closed her eyes slowly, pcing her hand to her forehead as though deep in thought. After a long pause, she spoke.

  "This potpourri is a special blend of mine. I've only sold it to a select few customers. I find it strange that someone connected to you would have it, especially when they can’t even ask about the origin of the scent directly. That raises a few concerns… So tell me, where did you encounter this smell, and who were you with?"

  This was crucial information, and Seneca fell silent, sensing the seriousness in Apiana’s gaze. The woman’s sharp, unyielding stare left no room for evasion.

  Seneca felt a brief surge of resistance, but there was something in Apiana’s eyes—pure and unwavering—that made her decide to speak truthfully.

  "I smelled it when I met a priest named Primus at the church. To be honest, I came here to learn more about him," Seneca admitted.

  At this, Apiana ughed loudly, spping her knee in amusement.

  "Ha! You’re a brave one, I like you. That straightforwardness of yours—it’s a weakness, but also a strength."

  Seneca was caught off guard, unsure of how to respond.

  "Alright, I’ll tell you. Primus and I go way back. We’ve known each other since we were young. You could call it a bitter bond," Apiana continued with a mischievous smile. "He uses this potpourri. When I heard a disciple of Yulia was joining the magic academy, I was looking forward to meeting them. But it looks like you’re the more interesting one."

  Seneca was still processing the unexpected turn of events when Apiana urged, "I’m sure you’re not just interested in that, right? Go on, tell me everything."

  ...

  Seneca then recounted all that had transpired, speaking of the complexity and intrigue surrounding Primus, the church, and the pns she had discovered.

  Apiana listened carefully, absorbing all the details.

  "Ah, that old man. Seems just like the sort of thing he would come up with. You’ve had a rough time of it, haven’t you? But I suppose, with everything going on in the church, his actions are understandable."

  "I see," Apiana said, her tone turning serious. "You mentioned you were to meet tomorrow night? Well, I’ll take you to 'Spelunka' myself."

  Seneca’s eyes widened in surprise. "You know about it? Really?"

  "Of course I do. It's an important pce for us. I’m curious to see what’ll happen when you and that old man meet. Come to the shop after sunset tomorrow, and I’ll be ready to take you," Apiana said, her voice full of promise.

  Seneca’s face lit up with excitement, but then Apiana added, "However, I’m only taking you. No one else. That’s the rule. So, if your friend wants to come, they’ll have to find their own way."

  Seneca nodded slowly, understanding the gravity of the situation.