For the next few days, she became the top conversation in the bars and inns. Hilary always wore a cloak to hide because people would always stare. She had come to terms with her loss but did not know how to face the world. She approached the residence, going up to the second floor where Gilly stayed. She was awake and could be seen talking to Ephini, who sat at the edge of her bed through the door that was opened slightly.

Katherine, the cat girl who was with Zanora, sneaked up to her, who was peeping into the room. She tapped her so slightly. This almost made Hilary's spirit leave her body as she screamed, drawing the attention of the people in the room. She smiled and turned back to see a girl with cat ears pushing her into the room.

On entering, Zin and Valmor are standing opposite the bed of the room. She could not help but blush from the embarrassment she felt from seeing Zin. She hurried over to Gilly and sat beside Ephini, holding her hand.

"How do you feel?"

Hilary looked unsure of the feelings she had. But the one true thing was she did poorly as an examiner, letting her feelings cloud her judgement. Gilly smiled and nodded her head; her face said it all—that she was ok, at least on the surface. Gilly remembered the tune Ephini sang when she woke up.

"Ephini, that song..."

Ephini glanced at her father, who nodded as his lips curled upwards.

"This is a song that is sung from mother to children to put them to sleep; it's called Adore."

She paused as Gilly repeated what she said, her thoughts trailing off into a distance. She knew the tune was really familiar but had no idea how she had come to know of it.

"Don't worry, we will talk about it later."

The discussion that followed was on Gilly's rankings. Though she had a good performance, Ephini and Valmor had recommended that she be put in a lower rank to get a good experience. She went forward to present her badge to Gilly; it was a silver token shaped like a coin. It had a single sword engraved on it.

"What rank is this?"

She looked at Zin.

"Camper two."

The girl with cat features was just slightly taller than Zenora responded. Valmor looked at her, which made her smile, a nervous look written on her face.

"I guess it's bad of me; let me formally introduce myself."

This narrative has been purloined without the author's approval. Report any appearances on Amazon.

She took a bow.

"My name is Katherine, daughter of author Kalin, head of Loran."

This came as a shock to all in the room except Valmor, who nodded slightly after the introduction. Gilly smiled at her warmly.

"Nice to meet you, Kathy."

A slight cough came from Zin, who had always been cold to Hilary.

"If you are done, you can leave."

A slap to the head from his father made him quiet. Hilary was speechless. This was the first time Zin had spoken to her on his own accord. Even though he was harsh, she could not help but blush slightly. This made Zin's face like an ironed cloth. The statement made him feel weird. Ephini leaned forward to Hilary and spoke softly.

"Why don't you tell him how you feel?"

Gilly hearing this was equally shocked, as Hilary too was just realizing her feelings after those words. Katherine laughed and was about to say something when Hilary jumped up and ran out of the room, pulling her along. Valmor stared at Zin, but he kept an indifferent face, making his father sigh and shake his head.

"She needs to rest. I will take my leave."

He walked slowly towards the door and paused, the room trembling from his released aura, which was suddenly released. Zin brow furrowed remembering what he had discussed with his father earlier that day.

"Gilly, make sure to keep that power hidden, no matter what happens."

Gilly felt the pressure of that word even though it was spoken softly.

"Also congratulations," he smiled, turning back and then exiting the room.

"Wait."

She called out,

"I remember who my father is."

No one expected this, but they chose not to pry further; Seras had warned them not to do so.

…

Six days had passed, and she was eager to get out of bed. For one, Ephini had always pestered her each day, insisting on feeding her. Second, she was not used to being in a place for long. She took a stroll to Valmor's office, exchanging casual greetings with people along the way. She had become very popular after her test, so a lot of people knew her.

In front of his office were two people dressed in black armor. This was unusual because they had no such armor in their town. She had also familiarized herself with the guards who trained with her on the hill. Pom was the head of the guards in Elnor, who were overseen by the chief instructor Zin and the village chief Valmor.

"State your business, woman."

One of the men in armor sternly asked as she approached.

"I am here to see Valmor."

"You will have to wait because he is busy."

She saw the smug expression he had on his face. She was a bit angry because of the tone the man had used to address her. She couldn’t force her way through. Having no other option, she headed towards the library.

….

Ephini was busy as usual. On seeing Gilly, she put the book she was reading back on the shelf and floated towards Gilly. Zenora was at the reception desk receiving books from the incoming guests. This was the great Library of the South, one of the four major libraries on the continent. Gilly stayed a while, chatting with Ephini and got a few tips from her on magic.

She had learned that the library would be closing for a month because of the council meeting that would be held that month in each country. She said her thanks, bid them farewell, and headed back to the chief office.

….

A while later, an elf in a black robe walked out, with an annoyed look on his face. Valmor stood at the door as the two armored figures followed the man who had just exited. He turned and sneered.

"I hope you will comply with Her Majesty's will."

Valmor kept a vacant expression. He turned to look at Gilly, wearing a disgusted look, before they left.

He coughed slightly, catching her attention, and walked back inside, Gilly following closely behind. Inside the office, the smell of flowers filled the room, and the flower vase stood on top of two bookshelves filled with scrolls and books. Valmor had taken a seat with the window behind him, the library, and the large tree visible just a few streets away. He picked up an envelope from his desk, a picture falling out. A black-and-white drawing of a giant lizard was now visible.