Although Nanaly was very intelligent, she had not yet reached the level of genius.
As for the mage instructors, while they hadn't taught Nanaly suitable casting methods, this wasn't really their fault.
Humans originally didn't have access to many elemental magics - at most, they only had Light Magic used by church priests or holy knights.
Most of the magic that humans currently use was learned from the Elf Clan in order to counter the Dark Magic of demon races.
Of course, since magic was fundamental to the Elf Clan, they never revealed their more profound magical arts to humans.
If not for the circumstances at the time, the Elf Clan likely wouldn't have taught even these basic magics to humans.
However, even for these simple foundational magics, the Elf Clan had conditions for teaching humans.
The first condition was that the knowledge couldn't be spread through Magic Rubbings or similar methods. Therefore, those sent by the Empire to learn magic from the Elf Clan could only teach others through oral instruction.
Although many Magic Rubbings now circulate in black markets, they are all considered forbidden texts, and those found possessing them face execution.
Most of those humans who were sent to learn magic were divided among the Empire's nobility and royal family, specifically to teach their own clan members.
Some were assigned to the military to teach magic to the troops.
A small portion wandered among the common people.
As time passed, the magical traditions held by the imperial nobility gradually disappeared, and what remained was tightly controlled by the nobles, never to be shared with outsiders.
As the Empire grew increasingly corrupt, the military's mages were poached by nobles through various means. This led to most current military units not even knowing basic incantations, completely betraying the Empire's original intention in sending people to learn magic from the Elf Clan.
Those mages who wandered among the common people also gradually vanished.
Whenever Laine thought about this, he couldn't help but lament that the current king was such a weakling, managing to play such a good hand so poorly.
If it were the crown prince instead...
"What are you thinking about?"
Nanaly's voice pulled Laine from his thoughts. After collecting himself, he explained:
"There's nothing wrong with what your instructor taught you, but unfortunately, it doesn't suit your constitution."
"Constitution?"
"Yes, magic is very profound. Everyone's magical circulation pathways are different, so the methods of casting magic also differ. The same casting method can't possibly work for everyone."
Laine tried to explain Nanaly's situation in terms that ordinary people could understand.
Hearing this, Nanaly quickly understood, her eyes brightening: "So you're saying I'm not lacking in magical talent?"
"That's right."
Laine nodded with a smile: "Perhaps from your perspective, those with magical talent are in the minority, but that's not true. In fact, those without magical talent are the minority. It's just that our current teaching methods are too uniform, which has caused many people with magical talent to miss their opportunity to learn magic."
Listening to Laine's explanation, Nanaly unconsciously sat up straighter and began listening intently.
"In my view, young lady, not only do you have magical talent, but your talent is quite high."
"Really?"
Although Nanaly was still trying hard to control her expression, her heart was already leaping with joy.
"Whether it's true or not, young lady, you'll know once you try casting magic using the method I teach you."
Nanaly nodded vigorously, her eyes fixed on Laine, afraid to miss even a single word of his instruction.
"What you've learned is the most basic mage casting method, which involves converting magical power into elemental energy and releasing it in the most direct and destructive way possible."
Laine patiently explained: "But based on my observation, your constitution is actually more suited to being a Summoner."
"A Summoner?"
"Yes, Summoners don't use magical power as a simple, direct weapon, but rather as a tool."
As he spoke, Laine raised his palm and once again summoned a flame.
Then, with a thought, the flame transformed into a small fire person who began to dance.
Seeing Nanaly watching the dancing fire person without blinking, Laine smiled gently and said: "Interesting, isn't it?"
Nanaly was about to nod instinctively but quickly caught herself, her small face turning slightly red.
Seeing Nanaly's expression, Laine decided not to tease her further. He dismissed the fire person with a wave of his hand and continued:
"A Summoner's method of channeling magical power focuses on 'control.'"
"Control?"
This was the second time Nanaly had been puzzled by a term from Laine's mouth.
The moment these words left Laine's lips, Nanaly seemed to grasp something, though she couldn't quite explain it.
Seeing this, Laine nodded with satisfaction - his young lady was indeed very intelligent, which would make teaching her much easier.
"First, you need to view the magical power you're channeling as a living entity. Then, you must control it, like a monarch, making it obey your commands."
Hearing Laine's explanation, Nanaly seemed to have an epiphany and immediately began organizing the magical power within her body, unconsciously closing her eyes.
Laine remained silent, quietly standing guard beside Nanaly as she worked with her magic.
After some time, Nanaly opened her eyes and extended her palm.
The next moment, a dancing flame appeared in Nanaly's palm.
Although the size of the flame hadn't changed compared to before, it was clearly no longer weak and flickering. Instead, it was incredibly lively, as if it had gained a life of its own.
Genius.
This was the evaluation Laine gave Nanaly in his heart.
Seeing that the flame continued burning for a long time with no sign of extinguishing, Nanaly finally couldn't contain her joy and turned to Laine with a delighted smile:
"Laine, I did it!"
Laine was momentarily stunned.
This was the first time Nanaly had called him by name, and the first time he had seen her smile.
Her childish voice seemed to shed its initial distance and became more endearing. To Laine's eyes, this genuine smile made her appear like an angel from heaven.
Being looked at this way by Laine, Nanaly also noticed her loss of composure and quickly suppressed her smile, patting her gradually reddening cheeks:
"Um, I didn't... no, well... thank you..."
After stumbling over her words for quite a while, Nanaly finally managed to say a quiet thank you while blushing.
"No need to be so formal with me - after all, you are my young lady."
Laine shook his head with a smile, then continued:
"Compared to mages, Summoners have different magical circulation methods. I'll teach these to you as well. You're very intelligent, young lady, so I believe you'll learn these quickly."
"Can I... really do it?"
Although Laine spoke with certainty, Nanaly still felt it was somewhat unrealistic.
"Of course you can, young lady. You can try trusting me a bit - after all, I am now your personal butler."
Laine felt it was time to address the matter of being her personal butler.
"Young lady, I've noticed you seem to be somewhat resistant to me? Have I done something wrong?"
"No..."
Nanaly shook her head and murmured:
"It's just... when Old Lamb fell ill, you didn't come back, and then you happened to return on the day Old Lamb passed away... I... found it difficult to trust you."
"And now?"
Laine asked with a smile.
"Now..."
Nanaly turned her slightly reddened face away and said softly:
"Now... I suppose I'll try... trusting you a little..."