The Lord Demon King is Unfathomable!

Chapter 1278 377: 178th Void Realm_2

"If you learn it, that would be even better; then you can teach it for me later."

...

Luo Yan stood beside Ilana, patiently explaining the basic concepts and core challenges of "Functional" to her. His voice was gentle yet clear, unraveling those abstract and dry theories and presenting them to his most talented apprentice.

Ilana listened intently, occasionally nodding in realization, and at other times furrowing her brows to ask deeper questions.

Both of them were completely immersed in their exploration of knowledge, forming a purely academic atmosphere into which outsiders could hardly intrude.

Meanwhile, this conversation was overheard by Ophelia, and to her ears, it was no less profound and unfathomable than the most obscure Magic Books.

"Variational?", "Path-optimizing equations?", "Least action principle?"...

What... what is this?

Is this really mathematics?

Why does every word make sense individually, but together they become a devil's whisper?

Ophelia was flabbergasted.

She looked at Ilana's notes, filled with formulas and calculations like Ghost Talismans, and felt that what the professors at the Imperial Royal Academy taught was all rubbish!

That might be a bit exaggerated, but that was her most direct feeling!

At the same time, it was her first time to so clearly feel that even between geniuses, there could be a chasm as vast as the heavens.

This tremendous sense of disparity deeply impacted her.

Especially when she saw Prince Colin's genuine appreciation and approval, a faint sense of sourness and grievance welled up in her heart.

This can't go on... Ophelia, you're the daughter of the Duke of Castellion, the recognized talent of the Holy City and the empire! How can you lose to a country girl who appeared from nowhere, far away from the Holy Light on these snowy plains?

Although in the eyes of the Luo De people, Ilana was already an unattainable imperial girl, in the eyes of the Holy City's Duchess, there was really no difference.

Ophelia did not mean to look down upon Ilana, but the thirst for knowledge in her eyes and the recognition ignited her competitive spirit!

The children of the Castellion family shall not lose to a commoner!

That lecture, akin to reading a heavenly book, finally ended, and Luo Yan left satisfied, while Ilana, filled with admiration and insight, continued her research.

Ophelia took a deep breath, adjusted her sleeves, and gracefully walked over to Ilana's side.

Ilana noticed someone and looked up in confusion.

Upon seeing the Duchess, she immediately displayed a look of surprise, put down her feather pen, stood up from the desk, and spoke with careful wording.

"May I ask if there's something you need, Miss Castellion...?"

Looking at Ilana's polite and cautious demeanor, Ophelia displayed an elegant and appropriate smile and said courteously.

"No need to be nervous, I don't have any particular motive. It's just that I noticed Prince Colin seems to value you highly, and I got a little curious... May I know your name?"

"Ilana Otavia... from the Pierce Province of the empire," Ilana softly introduced herself, looking at the Duchess in confusion.

She didn't feel that Prince Colin valued her highly; on the contrary, she felt she caused quite some trouble for the prince, frequently bothering him with academic confusions.

Noticing their conversation, Jamie quietly nudged Lam's arm.

"Hey, look over there."

Lam looked up in confusion, following Jamie's pointed finger.

"What's up?"

Jamie said nervously.

"I feel like there's something subtle about the atmosphere between them."

"You mean... between Ilana and Miss Castellion?" Lam queried, his face showing surprise, "But why?"

"I don't know... I was hoping you could find out for me." Jamie shook his head like a rattle, his face showing both nervousness and a touch of excitement.

Although he was a little worried that Ilana might be bullied by this noble lady, he was also somewhat eager for the amusement that might follow.

Oh well...

After all, Prince Colin definitely wouldn't sit by idly.

"Ilana Otavia... that's a good name."

With a piercing gaze on the perplexed Ilana, Ophelia lightly coughed and, in an utterly serious tone, issued a declaration of challenge.

"I will not lose to you!"

"...?"

That sudden statement left Ilana momentarily stunned.

Won't lose to... me?

The other party was already a noble, her talent in magic far surpassing hers, and she wasn't sure how this lady could lose. This "I will not lose to you" seemed more fitting if said by herself, didn't it?

Of course, only a little more fitting.

Everyone comes into this world with different missions, and she had little interest in competing with anyone; she just enjoyed the pure pleasure of being immersed in her world.

Studying mathematics allowed her to temporarily forget the unpleasantness of reality, without the need to worry about complicated interpersonal relationships.

Ilana's gaze shifted slightly, suddenly falling on the paper filled out by Prince Colin, her eyes showing a slight realization.

Oh, so that's it...

It's mathematics.

Looking at this new companion brimming with fighting spirit, she gave a genuine, warm, and encouraging smile.

"Yes, let's both do our best."

That smile, clear and radiant like the afternoon sun, pierced through Ophelia's heart like an arrow coated with honey.