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Chapter 1.2
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Igarian Calendar, Year 10008
“Why do we have to leave the village, grandpa?”
“Cause’ it’s unsafe there. Didn’t you say you wanted to be able to experience the city life Cael? Now’s the perfect chance.”
“But… this is a bit too sudden.”
“Weeeell, grandpa might consider continuing that story if you visit the city with me.”
“Uuuugh, fine I’ll go.”
“Perfect. Well let’s hop along then.”
As I enter the carriage, I begin to reflect on the previous couple of days...
It seems Echrit died by the time I returned with Cael. I have my suspicions of poison, but why would anyone target us? Anyhow it won’t be long before they discover his death, and given the mysterious nature of it, they’ll have their doubts about me; especially since Echrit had rather good relations with the other villagers. I’ve decided to get Cael to a safe place first, then perhaps investigate after tensions have lightened. I’ve left my authority to Vestri for the time being, but I fear for the others’ safety. They’d probably call me crazy in my old age if I tried to explain it so I’ll just leave it up to the gods to decide their fates. I’d rather avoid such a callous decision, but I’ve no choice in the matter…
Entry 2, Kalus Ver
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A couple of days later...
“Ahhhgh! It’s so much louder than I expected it to be.”
“Well of course Cael, it’s a city. There’d have to be at least a thousand people bustling about at around this time of the day.”
“Can we please find some place that’s quiet? I can barely think in all this clamor.”
“What about a library, Cael?”
“Oooooooh! That’s sounds like a perfect place! Let’s go!”
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...
...
“Once again, this is not *cough* what I had in mind. Why is it so *cough* dusty in here?”
“Well it’s the attic for one Cael, and rarely anyone comes up to the third floor anyways; it’s reserved for mages. Also make yourself at home, cause this is where we’re living for a while.”
“What?! What do you mean we’re gonna live - wait... what did you say about mages?”
“Hmmm? This floor that we’re on is exclusively for mages, Cael.”
Stolen from its rightful author, this tale is not meant to be on Amazon; report any sightings.
“Wait?! So magicians exist?! I thought it was all just made up stories!”
“Of course they’re real. Those stories you read may be a bit exaggerated, but that’s because mages are naturally prideful, perhaps a bit too much so.”
“Does that mean there’s a school for mages?!”
“Correct. Though I hear the requirements they have for applicants are rather stringent. It also largely depends on your latent talent, so don’t get your hopes up too high.”
“Awwww… but I really want to be a mage grandpa…”
“Well don’t be so sad, just because I said it’s difficult doesn’t mean it's impossible. If you work hard Cael, you just might be able to make it.”
“Really?! Then I’ll work super duper hard!”
“Alright, alright. I’ll acknowledge your resolve for now. But don’t go crying to me when it gets too hard, Cael.”
“Of course! I’m dedicated to becoming the best mage there is!”
“Hoooo, those are some lofty aspirations Cael. Let’s see if you can match those dreams of yours.”
“I promise, grandpa. I’ll make my dreams a reality even if it takes me a thousand years!”
“Hmph. I’ll hold you to that promise, Cael. Anyhow, it’s getting late so let’s hit the hay before Baz invades your dreams.”
(AN: Baz is known in folklore as a demon that haunts dreams of children who sleep too late.)
“Ahh! W-well good night then grandpa…”
“Good night to you too, Cael.”
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Regalus Library, Floor 1...
“Hey. Thanks for giving me the place on such short notice. It’s nice seeing you again after all these years, Estel.”
“Hmph. This is the last favour I owe you, Kalus. Don’t get too friendly, I’m still angry at you.”
“Come on, it’s been more than a decade since then... can’t we just let bygones be bygones and move on?”
“No.”
“Well I guess there’s no point in arguing so I’ll see you around then.”
“Wait, Kalus. The kid, he yours?”
“Of course not, Estel. You don’t think I would give up my courtship of my favourite librarian, do you?”
“Tch. You and your sly tongue of, it never changes.”
“Well of course not, how else could I have prevented the Venus of the generation from pursuing anyone.”
“Pfft. Don’t bring that up. It just happened to that there wasn’t anybody worthy of me.”
“Hahaha, of course. It’s as you say, princess.”
“Ugh. Don’t remind of that title again. I’ve been trying to forget about that for years now.”
“Haaaah. Sorry, sorry. Just reminiscing of good times, Estel.”
“Hmmph. So what’s the story with the kid then, Kalus?”
“Cael’s an orphan. His mother just disappeared at the village I was in charge of so I took him because nobody else wanted to burdened by another mouth to feed.”
“An orphan, huh? How coincidental.”
“Yes, very. I just can’t forgive people who would just leave their child behind, regardless of the circumstances.”
“Kalus…”
“It’s ok, Estel. I’ve learned of the ways of this world through my life, and I can’t let Cael suffer the same way.”
“Kalus... I’ll help him too, Cael was it?”
“Oh no, I couldn’t possibly implore that of you when we’re already living here.”
“It’s my decision Kalus.”
...
...
...
“Thank you… Estel.”
"Hmmph."
“Well... good night then Estel."
...
...
...
“Good night… Kalus.”
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