Chapter 96 - A Chance Encounter

Rhema did not answer right away. After standing still for some time, he replied in a small voice as he moved his steps.

“Yes. I have been a watchman all along. Thus, I can’t answer you.”

It was an answer that he barely managed to let out. He went away with that as his last remark. She watched him until his back disappeared into the shade of the building at the end of the corridor. Then, she heard a boisterous noise from the direction of the hall.

“When is Azriel coming? Why is she so late?”

It was Maylie’s voice. Only then, Azriel turned her attention and entered the hall. As soon as she opened the door, she was showered with clamorous congratulatory messages.

“Azriel, congratulations!” Maylie shouted.

“Sister Azriel! Congratulations for becoming a real wizard!” Maylie’s sister said.

“Esthera! Esthera! Welcome, Esthera!” Brownie yelled.

[Wolf, wolf, wolf!] Largo barked.

She joined the party with a smile on her face. “I’m home.”

*

The building of the Aurora Society was right next to the royal palace. There was Maylie and her younger siblings’ school nearby. Azriel set out for the society with Maylie. They did not accompany the familiar spirits since they would draw too much attention.

“I saw it every day because it’s on the way. People in robes always gather nearby. You can see aristocrats, too.”

Maylie said as she guided Azriel. Three years ago, when Azriel was gathering information about Tarbo Tameion, Maylie was a great help. It was she who investigated the Aurora Society.

“I told you the joining conditions, right?” Maylie asked.

“Yes, I remember,” Azriel answered as she recalled.

Minors under age 18 were not accepted, and three or more references from existing members were required. If one were to join without a reference, he must have an outstanding research result about the ancient magic civilization or donate numerous valuable relics.

“By the way Azriel, what made you look into the Aurora Society again, all of a sudden?”

“I have to find out about something here.”

“Is there anything I can help you with?” Maylie asked, sparkling her green eyes.

“Guiding me is enough. Normally, it’s your time to go to school,” Azrile said, shaking her head.

“There’s barely a month left until graduation. I’m free,” shrugging her shoulders, Maylie said with a dreamy voice. “I never thought I’d graduate. Really, I thought I’d never be able to keep up with the class…”

“Well, I knew you’d make it from the start.”

“What about me made you think that?”

“Maylie, you are smart.”

“That’s an illusion for certain, Azriel. You wouldn’t say that if you saw my barely-passing grade on the graduation examination.”

“You passed. That’s the only thing that counts. What are you going to do after graduating?”

Maylie hesitated to answer. She said, avoiding Azriel’s eyes. “I, I’ve got nothing like that. I surely am made to be a maid.”

“You’re lying. There’s something else you want to do, isn’t there?”

“N, no!”

“Don’t hide. Just tell me, please?”

“I’m going to return your favor!”

“Why do you think you need to repay it as a maid? You can repay me with something else.”

“But, but… there are things that the familiar spirits or the spirit can’t do…”

“You know Mrs. Maria does such things for me.”

Maylie’s mom, who had become healthy now, was into tending the castle alongside Brownie. She began gardening and learning how to cook new dishes. Maylie was also aware of it. She was silent for a while with her mouth shut. In the meantime, they could see the Aurora Society. The marble building with the exterior wall twisted with ivy looked small compared to the status of the society. As a matter of fact, the basement was the heart of the society rather than the building above the ground. It was because the building was built above underground ruins. It was said that the basement of the society had more than ten levels. Because of that, the building of the Aurora Society was nicknamed ‘the Underground Tower.’

“This must be it. Thank you for guiding me, Maylie,” Azriel said.

“Azriel,” Maylie called her as if she was determined. When Azriel looked back, she shut her eyes and opened her mouth. “Actually, like you said, there’s something I want to do! I, I’m not sure if I can do it well though…”

“Alright, what is it?” Azriel asked.

“…Re…,” Maylie said in a small voice that was barely hearable.

“Re?” Azriel repeated.

“I’d like to become a r, reporter!”

“Reporter? Are you talking about newspaper reporter?”

“Yes. I thought of it while I was researching Tarbo Tameion, the Aurora Society, the family of the Duke of Rudimna, and such things upon your request…,” Maylie’s face became red and began gushing. “It was quite fun finding out information and organizing it. I’ve met quite some people while inquiring around that. There was a reporter among them, and he asked me to work at a newspaper company.”

“A newspaper company? That’s amazing! Which newspaper is it?”

“It’s Modjanklian. It’s a newspaper produced based on magic communication… It must not be a strange company since it’s approved by the royal family as it’s based on communication.”

“I saw that newspaper, too. It’s the most famous newspaper in Modjankle. Geez, Maylie! Were you going to give up such an opportunity?”

“I wasn’t going to give up. Umm, I just thought they might not mean it…”

“That’s ridiculous! Of course, they suggested it because they thought you’d be good at it. That’s great, Maylie! Congratulations!”

Azriel grabbed Maylie’s hands. Startled, Maylie looked at her “Can I… do it?”

“Of course you can! Why were you going to not take it? You said you wanted to try it.”