The next two weeks were rather normal. I spent a lot of time studying and training. Other students still stared at Kaito but the novelty was wearing off. I was busy doing some homework in my room when I heard a knock on my door.

"Come in." I said and a maid entered.

"Hello Koyuki. There is a man calling himself Sir Edward. He is requesting a meeting with you. He is waiting downstairs inside the park." She informed me.

"Sir Edward? I have never heard of that man. What does he want?" I asked.

She shrugged. "He did not say."

I had never heard the name but I was curious. And the guards had not turned him away. I was also paranoid enough to not just go alone.

"Nyx, let's go."

"Meow." My trusty feline companion jumped on my head. I also called Kaito and Hatsumi over my link.

The maid led me outside to the park, where the man was waiting. He was a human, dressed in a black suit. His expertly trimmed hair and the mutton chops beard added to the look, he was clearly wealthy and spent some money on his appearance.

"Greetings, I am Sir Edward Reston." He introduced himself.

"Greetings, I am Koyuki." I replied.

During the introductions Hatsumi and Kaito appeared. The man's eyes brightened as he saw them. "Ah, the famous undead! A true Dullahan! Marvelous."

"Greetings, I am Kaito."

"Greetings, I am Hatsumi."

My undead introduced themselves.

"And the cat on your head is also a tier three?" Edward asked.

"Meow." Nyx replied.

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"Truly amazing!" He said.

"Um, what do you want?" I asked.

"Oh, sorry! I am a necromancer working at the capital. During your summer break there will be a conference at the Academy of Neth. I am here to personally invite you!" He declared.

"A conference?" I wondered.

The man nodded. "It is about necromancy. Very few people appreciate our art, I am afraid. That Princess Olivia is backing you has been a blessing. It has certainly increased the interest in the discipline. Now we plan to host a proper conference. Partially it is to show off new research, or interesting creations, partially it is to show the country how useful our magic can be."

"You came here just to deliver the invitation? The break is still more than a month away." I replied.

"We could have sent a letter, of course. But I admit that I wanted to see your creations in person. Do you even know how rare Dullahans are? Beheading is not how people normally die in combat, this means very few Dullahans rise naturally. Creating them is tricky as well. You need a proper corpse for it and the matching affinities!" He said.

"I guess there are not too many headless corpses available." I mused.

"Indeed. Sadly a few necromancers decided to create the corpses themselves. There was a bit of a scandal 20 years ago." Edward shook his head. "Some people go too far in their pursuit of necromancy."

Just like the Brotherhood. I wondered if they were involved in that incident. They gave all necromancers a bad name.

"So, how does this conference work?" Hatsumi asked.

"Ah. There will be presentations, where mages can show off their latest research. Some of them are more academic, some are for marketing. Koyuki would be expected to hold a small talk about her achievements. We are also offering her a booth where she can present her undead, answer questions and potentially attract funding or customers."

"Funding? Customers? I am not selling anything." I replied.

"You could sell knowledge. While you are only a student it is not uncommon for established mages to teach others. I am certain quite a few necromancers would pay for your assistance, when it comes to creating tier three. There might also be groups, or people, willing to provide you with resources as long as you report any discoveries to them, and only them. It is a shame but magical knowledge is often hoarded, not shared." Edward explained.

I scratched my head. "I am not sure if I want to sell anything. Or parade my friends around."

"Think of it as an opportunity to show the world the beauty of necromancy!" Edward tried to encourage me.

I looked at Kaito and Hatsumi, then I looked at Edward. "My undead are my friends. I don't want them to be seen as tools. They are people."

He raised an eyebrow. "Interesting. But this conference would also be a place to discuss your values and promote them to other necromancers."

Hatsumi shrugged. "I do not mind. I would only be concerned about your safety."

"It could be interesting. We might meet fellow tier threes there." Kaito mused. "However, it might be best to discuss with your friends and teachers first. I assume Koyuki can bring her friends?"

"They could attend the conference, it is open to all. Well, all of a certain standing. But we will only provide free lodging and transportation for Koyuki and her minions. They would have to pay for themselves." He replied.

"I get free lodging?" I asked.

He nodded. "Of course. If you attend the conference we shall cover the costs of your stay."

"How long do I have to decide?" I asked.

"Preferably within the next two weeks. We want to advertise the conference and your attendance would be a selling point." He replied.

"I will think about it." I decided.

He accepted the answer, then asked to spend some time with Hatsumi and Kaito. They agreed to a quick chat. Meanwhile I contemplated the offer. I had never been to Neth. Maybe I would have some time for sightseeing. And if Helena and my friends could join me, it could be fun. I also had to ask Gronir and ensure this conference was not a trap. Maybe Gronir would like to come as well. Maybe I could work with him on a presentation.

Of course, going to the capital might involve something truly terrifying. Politics. I shuddered.

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