Taking Office

Breathing in the air unique to the summit of the snow-covered mountain, filled with the crisp chill of ice and snow, Anvis slowly rose to his feet, walked to the edge of the terrace, and leapt out.

Beneath his feet, invisible wind elements formed a staircase, lightly bearing him toward the tall arched window of Duke Carlot's study.

"Who's there?"

Although Anvis had concealed his presence with all his might, Duke Carlot still detected something unusual beyond the window at such close range.

Seeing this, Anvis did not hide himself. He merely tapped lightly on the window, signaling for the Duke to let him in.

"Anvis...? Shouldn't you be at Pamir Academy right now?"

Inside the study, Duke Carlot lifted his head from amid a pile of documents and looked somewhat puzzled at Anvis, who had suddenly appeared. At the same time, he waved a hand and dispelled the Protection Magic on the window.

"You are correct, Father. That is why there is indeed another 'me' studying peacefully at Pamir Academy right now."

His body turning insubstantial as he entered the study, Anvis gave the Duke a slight bow.

"Are you sure this won't cause problems?"

The Duke froze briefly, then understood what Anvis meant. It was nothing more than an Avatar or some other spell with a similar effect, but in the Duke's view, doing such things at Pamir Academy carried considerable risk.

"In your opinion, am I speaking with you in my true body right now, or have I merely arranged for an Avatar to secretly return?"

Facing the Duke's azure eyes, Anvis remained composed.

"I understand. This must be one of your Fortuitous Encounters."

After carefully examining Anvis's body, the Duke nodded in realization.

"Though it is difficult to determine with certainty, I believe this is your