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E129-The garden

As Apolo walked along the blue-tiled path, he observed the slight changes in the garden. Although some changes weren't so subtle and were visible at first glance, like the fact that the grass had been mowed and the weeds had been replaced with more bright green grass. However, being nighttime, the young man couldn't appreciate the full spectrum of colors. Nonetheless, several sections of the estate's yard were illuminated by some old lanterns, their glass replaced with newer and more functional ones, so he could still make out a good part of the changes made by the Gururis in the garden during these months.

Naturally, the trees in the estate hadn't changed, but they had been pruned, and in some cases, the fungi and parasites that grew on their bark had been removed, making them much more presentable. The most noticeable change in the yard could be seen in the shrubs and flowers of the estate, which, being more delicate plants, had died long ago due to neglect. These plants had been replaced by new ones, so they hadn't grown yet, and their beauty remained hidden from Apolo's curious eyes.

—They really did a nice job with the yard of my estate. I didn't know plants were so cheap—Apolo responded while looking at his extensive garden. The garden was actually many kilometers of land to take care of, and there were too many flowers and shrubs to replace, so the young man was surprised that he could afford it.

—We managed to collect the payment for your work as a Goros inspector. They paid you more than you've earned as a wizard so far, so we had extra crystals, and we even had some statues made, but they're not finished yet, and it may take a few years before we see them in the garden—Zoe replied while proudly gazing at the estate's garden.

—I'm glad; I'm sure the mansion's garden will look beautiful with the statues, and my neighbors will finally be happy...—Apolo murmured calmly.

—I didn't know you cared about your neighbors' opinions, Master. In fact, we received several gifts from them; it seems that everyone liked that you finally had the grass cut and the weeds removed, which spoiled the beauty of the place—Aquiles commented.

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—I don't care about the neighbors and their opinions, but it does matter to my ancestors, and it's my duty to honor their last wishes—Apolo replied calmly as he proceeded to sit on a marble bench that had been placed to overlook the lake on the estate. The lake was truly beautiful at night; it even had some crystals illuminating its bottom, allowing you to see colorful fish swimming inside.

Somewhat hypnotized by the beauty of the place, Apolo stared at the lake for a few minutes before finally snapping out of it. Taking out the silver mask and the book he had obtained from the hidden pocket in his toga, the young noble looked at them carefully and calmly said:

—When I die, I also want to leave something to my family, so please deliver this mask and this book to them. Along with a wooden box that is on one of the desks in my room, inside the box are all the documents that were given to me as a wizard.

—Is the Master dying?—Zoe asked expressionlessly; although her question implied a lot of concern—I don't want to lose my Master again.

—I'm not dying, but that's precisely my problem...—Apolo murmured, calmly looking at the lake— I don't want to live anymore. I've fulfilled all my duties, and it's time for me to get my well-deserved rest.

—But if you leave, who will be the new Master?—Aquiles asked, worried.

—The owner of the estate will be Zoe; when she dies, you two will be the Masters, and when you both die, time will be the Master of this mansion—Apolo replied calmly, looking at the fish swimming in the lake—Time will always be the Master because I don't plan to ever sell this mansion, and I doubt anyone would want to buy it; I'm afraid the people in the capital won't be able to appreciate the beauty of the hidden furniture in this mansion...

—Can't we be the Masters before Zoe?—The two pink Gururis asked simultaneously.

—No, because you have more time than Zoe, Zoe has more time than me, and time has more time than both of you—Apolo said, standing up to look at his three Gururis, as if he didn't want to forget their horrifying faces—Getting you three was the best advice I received from my ancestor. You were good disciples, although I'm afraid I wasn't a good teacher, as I didn't teach you anything... except not to kill each other.

—It was a very valuable lesson, Master!—The three Gururis exclaimed in unison.

—I'm glad my only lesson was useful to you. Now, accompany me back to the mansion and go to sleep, or you won't be able to work normally tomorrow—Apolo said with a slight smile, resuming his slow walk along the blue-tiled paths while continuing to admire how beautiful his garden had become.