Chapter 67 Chapter 67 Spouse in a legal relationship.
Su Cheng wanted to speak but stopped, and stopped talking but still wanted to.
For a moment she suspected she had heard wrongly.
Su Cheng: "Are you saying what I think you mean? Can you be more straightforward? So you want to date me?"
Ian tilted his head slightly, "I'm interpreting what you're saying, so I think you want to go out with me?"
Su Cheng couldn't help but cross his arms again, preparing to have a good talk with him.
"But," the blond youth said, looking a little confused, "I'd also be happy to try it if you're interested. But what would it take?"
"Huh?" Su Cheng was a bit surprised. "You don't know? That's impossible, right? Even if you haven't experienced it yourself, you've at least seen it. After all, there seem to be some couples in the Holy City. Of course, you and I are not a couple, we're just getting to know each other better—"
"I've seen all sorts of dating methods," he said after a two-second pause. "I was just wondering what we should do."
"Oh," Su Cheng was stunned for a moment, "You asked me."
Playing games and watching movies are not possible.
There are no parks with playgrounds here either.
It seems that all that is left is eating and shopping.
Su Cheng: "...How do those people you've met date?"
Ian thought for a moment, "Library, training ground, shopping street, hotel, and even going out to the wild to see the scenery."
Su Cheng: "Is there anything you like?"
Ian looked down at her. "I think either is fine—as long as it helps us get to know and understand each other better. If you have any ideas, that's up to you."
The sun rose higher in the sky, and the mottled light in the corridor moved diagonally, casting a thin shadow on the young man's drooping eyelashes.
His eyes were like a quiet lake flowing with the morning light, with his face reflected on the water.
Su Cheng met his gaze, and the words he wanted to say were stuck for a moment, "...You, you are not going back to the Holy City?"
"It's very convenient to travel between the Holy City and the Beliant Temple," he said lightly, "I can come here often."
As the most prosperous political and economic center of the Northern Continent, the capital of the Silver Moon Empire is naturally a top priority for the Holy See.
Therefore, the person in charge of the Imperial Temple sent Flavia, who was highly trusted by the Cardinal, to stay here for decades.
The facilities of the Imperial Capital Temple are considered to be the most advanced and comprehensive among all the dioceses in the Northern Continent.
If necessary, people from the Vatican can go almost anywhere from here - provided that there is a Vatican temple there, many one-way teleportation arrays can be operated.
Ian gave a brief explanation, saying that other places might require approval, but as long as the clergy reached a certain level, they could use the teleportation array to travel between the Holy City and the Imperial Capital at will.
Of course, you are responsible for the consumption and expenses of the magic array yourself.
He said it lightly.
Su Cheng pondered secretly, and after thinking carefully, he realized that this so-called certain level must have high requirements.
Otherwise, given the huge number of clergy in the Holy See, even if there were tens of thousands of teleportation arrays, they would probably be packed.
Su Cheng knew that he was most likely of extraordinary status, or even if he did not appear to be high-profile, he was actually an important figure in the Vatican.
Hearing this, I couldn't help but look at him, "...So what are you doing here now?"
"Something that has already been done," Ian said casually, "I believe helping you can also be a part of it."
Su Cheng had a blank expression on his face: "...and I believe you are just playing tricks on me."
They had already had a similar conversation when they first met.
That's outrageous.
Why would she want to date someone like that?
"so--"
Ian elegantly spread his hands and made a gesture of invitation. "If you have an inspiration and want to put it into action, you can start at any time."
Su Cheng looked at him somewhat stiffly.
inspiration?
She had none of that.
I don't want to repeat the previous dates - and the conditions here are not met.
However, seeing such a beautiful woman here, she felt that maybe she should take the opportunity to do something. After all, the team leader would not return to the hotel until the evening, so there was probably no rush at the moment.
Su Cheng: "Would you like to help me with course selection?"
The question sounded a little strange, as if it was out of tune with their previous rhythm, but the man in front of him did not question it at all.
"Sure," Ian answered without hesitation, "Is there anything troubling you?"
Su Cheng was a little surprised, "I thought you would mock me."
He sighed softly, "If I am sarcastic with you, it's because of what you said now."
"Really?" Su Cheng held his forehead with his hand. "Then just pretend I didn't say anything. Otherwise, the theme of our first date will be a quarrel in the temple garden."
She reached out and pulled up the blond young man's sleeve, leading him all the way back to the room where she had woken up.
After all the clothes were sorted and piled on the sofa, she pulled out a thick course selection list from her coat pocket and slammed it on the table.
“This stuff is unbelievable too.”
Su Cheng couldn't help but complain, "At first I thought there were only five compulsory courses, which didn't seem like a lot, but in the end—"
She pointed to the first page of "Outline of a History of Magic in the Northern and Southern Continents." "Just for this course, there are a full sixty books... and each one is super large!"
Su Cheng couldn't help but stretch out his hand and gesture in the air.
Ian looked at her waving hands and the size of the outlined shape. "Are you sure this is a book and not someone's tombstone?"
Su Cheng puffed up his cheeks. "Okay, that's a bit exaggerated. Anyway, you understand—you understand, right? You must be a very powerful magician. Where did you graduate from?"
"I am a very powerful magician?" The blond young man chuckled softly. "Thank you for the compliment, but the school I once attended no longer exists."
He paused. "And I wasn't really a student. I was just an assistant to a professor, and later I participated in some projects at the college—"
Ian paused, "Why are you looking at me like that?"
Su Cheng made no effort to conceal the admiration on his face. "That sounds amazing, like a typical genius experience."
She wasn't being deliberate in her compliment, but she really meant it.
"In fact," Ian glanced at her, "given your savvy and understanding of magic, if you're given some time, you can achieve the same."
His tone was also very calm, and it didn't sound like he was praising anyone, but simply expressing an idea.
But the more this is the case, the more convincing it is.
"Anyway," he carefully looked over the details on the course selection list again, "The History of Magic section is unavoidable. Even when I was... still in school, it was a compulsory course for wizards. It's just that I was a little older than you, so the textbooks back then were probably a few pages shorter than they are now."
When he said the last sentence, his tone sounded like he was joking.
Su Cheng never thought that the so-called fewer pages of paper actually meant fewer dozens of books, to a certain extent.
She just had a slight headache.
The contents of those books are nothing more than the origin and development of magic, the deeds of famous magicians, major events related to magic in the history of the northern and southern continents, etc.
The story of the God-favored One is quite interesting to read, as there is so little information about it.
But magic—
Especially for elemental magic, in ancient schools like Cross Star, there is already a very complete and sound system.
"...My time isn't unlimited," she couldn't help but continue complaining, "I'd rather learn a few more spells."
"Really?" Ian looked disapproving. "The study of magic is certainly interesting, but these histories themselves are a much grander and deeper narrative. If you can find a way to unlock them, you shouldn't find it boring. Have you read those books?"
"I have maybe one or two at home. I've flipped through them a few times, and they're full of names of people, places, and theories that are outdated from eight hundred years ago—"
"You can focus on the stories themselves. Some people grope in chaos, create new magical systems, or challenge gods in mortal bodies. And when those glorious and prosperous magical dynasties eventually decline or even perish due to seemingly insignificant decisions or some weakness of human nature, won't these things make you think?"
Su Cheng nodded after hearing this, "...it seems to make sense."
But it is hard to say whether the so-called powerful kingdom was destroyed because of human weakness or because the God of Light disliked them.
Ian paused for a moment, then suddenly chuckled softly.
Su Cheng raised his head.
"Think about it," the blond youth continued nonchalantly, "even though those people have turned to dust, their wisdom and foolishness, their love and hate, their achievements and mistakes are all condensed in these words. You can ponder these intelligent creatures—humans, orcs, elves—and their 'humanity,' and understand the motivations that drove people to make their choices, whether noble or despicable. It records the past, reflects the present, and even offers a glimpse into the future. From those successes and failures, glory and humiliation, you can learn lessons, avoid repeating past mistakes, and make wiser judgments when faced with complex situations."
Su Cheng fell into deep thought.
"This is a very valuable wisdom," he continued. "I once had many doubts, and I found many answers this way."
Su Cheng nodded, "You still say you are a vulgar person, listen to what you say -"
"On the contrary, if I wasn't, I wouldn't have to think about it at all."
He interrupted her, "Think about it, because we are vulgar, we are chasing a certain goal, love, wealth, power, status, or strength, so we must understand the world."
Su Cheng: “…”
It's really weird.
She never thought that one day she would feel her heart beating when she heard someone say that we are all vulgar.
Su Cheng: "So what are you chasing?"
Ian smiled slightly, "I've already gotten what I once wanted, and now I'm exploring what other answers there might be to your question."
Su Cheng pursed his lips and said, "I thought you were going to say maybe it was love."
"I'm not sure," he said, looking deeply at her, "but if I can gain it in the process, I'll be very happy."
For a moment, Su Cheng felt his cheeks getting a little hot.
Although this doesn't sound like a touching confession.
She coughed lightly. "Speaking of which, I still don't know your...title in the Vatican?"
Ian didn't seem surprised, as if he had expected her to ask this. "There are some positions whose information and membership are only open to clergy."
He paused. "Or a legal spouse."
Su Cheng: “?”
Forget it then.
As a favored one of the God of Contract, she is very cautious about marriage, and it can even be said that it is best not to get married.
Otherwise, some actions can easily be regarded as betrayal of promises.
Su Cheng subconsciously imagined some extreme situations. Although they were unlikely to happen, when life was involved, people couldn't help but think too much.
For example, a person may be able to ensure that he does not cheat physically, but sometimes he cannot decide mentally.
If you have made a similar promise before, would it be considered a betrayal of your oath?
——Of course, then again, if we don’t make overly absolute vows when we get married, perhaps this problem can be solved?
never mind.
This is too far-fetched.
Although she wasn't just thinking about her relationship with Ian, she was also considering various situations related to marriage.
Su Cheng: "Then I won't ask, but to be fair, if there is something I don't want to tell you, you can't keep asking me."
Ian nodded slightly, "Of course."
He agreed without a second thought, looking as though he hadn't even considered asking her anything.
Su Cheng was a little unhappy, but he didn't want to admit that he was unhappy. He took a deep breath and continued to look at the course selection list.
“As for this!”
She pointed at the line below that read "Magical Ethics and Discipline." "When I saw this required course, I thought it would probably be one book, or two or three at most!"
The reality is far from what we imagined.
"…it turns out to be only a few volumes less than the Outline of a History of Magic."
Su Cheng said with a frown, "Look at what it says. This course aims to cultivate magicians with both morality and wisdom, and to enable them to deeply understand the social, ethical, and historical responsibilities of magic. Through the systematic study of the laws of the Magic Guild and classic historical cases, students will grasp the legal boundaries of magical power..."
"Well, this is the official version. Every magic school will give such a version."
Ian smiled. "If you haven't experienced this kind of course before, it's easy to think it's meant to instruct you, but in fact, it's more about teaching people how to control the forbidden powers in magic and how to distinguish those dangerous elements."
Su Cheng was stunned. "Taboo spells often originate from the reverse deduction of rules. If I can thoroughly understand those cases, then can I also create some powerful spells?"
"The true value of this kind of course is teaching you to weigh the costs. Sometimes, you want to learn how to gain more power without violating essential taboos. It's not because you're noble, nor because you care about hurting others, but because those taboos themselves can bring you trouble and danger."
Ian said calmly, "Oh, I'm not talking about you, but——"
"Yourself."
Su Cheng held up her chin and looked at him. "How to maintain humanity while possessing power? It's not because it conforms to universal moral values, but because you need humanity to survive better. After all, you are still in this society, and you always have to conform to the rules to a certain extent. Well, I'm not talking about you, but -"
"Yourself."
The blond young man raised his hand and touched the top of her head, revealing a satisfied look, "Very good."
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