Huh? Is that? Narias stopped all of a sudden.
Narias, Ileena, Flavia and Emilia were on their way out of the Mazaar shopping district when he noticed a shop that he wouldn’t mind visiting. The girls were chatting cheerfully still walking in front of him and didn’t notice him stop.
I bet there’d be many new books in there I could pick up, but now is not the time. I can’t be selfish right now. I promised to take Ileena, Flavia and Emilia to the Fabs & Swirls restaurant. It’s a real shame, though. I’ll have to come back here some other day for sure. Narias was debating in his head.
“Is something wrong, Narias?” Ileena finally noticed him being distracted.
“Ah, no. Sorry…” he quickly turned around and caught up with the girls.
“Really? Huh?” The girl in glasses looked around.
“Are you sure, partner?” Flavia’s face was in front of Narias.
“Yes, haha,” he laughed silly.
“Ok then. Let’s go, shall we?” the bunny girl smiled her charming smile.
“Actually, I would like to visit another shop before we go to the Fabs & Swirls restaurant. If you don’t mind, that is?” Ileena suddenly asked.
“What? Another shop?” Flavia exclaimed, then pouted her lips. “Don’t tell me you want to buy another dress, Ileena?”
“Of course not…” Ileena made a pause to adjust her glasses. “There’s a bookstore nearby and I would like to buy a book.”
“A book? Where did that come from? You didn’t say anything about a book all this time,” the bunny girl was confused.
“I… I would like to check if they have any books about Lightning Magic. Miss Salroze suggested I study more in order to get better,” Ileena explained calmly, trying to hint something to her.
“I can understand that, but going to the bookstore now is…” Flavia rubbed her cheek with one finger.
“Ahem…” the girl in glasses furrowed her eyebrows. “Didn’t you say you wanted to learn more about your Anima-Transformation. You might find a book about it in that store.”
“I would like to buy a new book as well,” suddenly, Emilia stepped in.
“You too, Emilia? Huh?” Flavia was becoming stubborn, but Ileena’s intense stare made her think twice before she could say anything else. “Oh, yeah… right. The book about the Anima-Transformation. I remember now. Yes, so… where was that bookstore again?”
“Huh? What?” Narias became confused about the sudden change in girls. “You… want to go to a bookstore?”
“Yes. Well… if you don’t mind us going there, Narias?” Ileena asked almost apologetically.
“No, of course not.” He definitely didn’t mind.
“But where will we find a bookstore?” Flavia wondered.
“I don’t know,” Ileena held her chin with one hand.
“Maybe we should go back and check the map?” Emilia suggested.
“Excuse me,” Narias said. “I think I saw a bookstore just over there.”
“Really?” The girl with the orange hair strands pretended to be surprised. “Could you show us the way, Narias?”
“Yeah, yeah. Lead the way, partner,” Flavia grinned her charming smile.
“Please, if you could?” Emilia added.
“Right. This way, please,” Narias was beaming.
The girls winked at each other, with Flavia sticking her tongue out after finally realizing what the real reason going to the bookstore was.
All four of them spent some time in the bookstore. Ileena, Flavia and Emilia picked up a book each while Narias got himself two books. He wanted to take more, but managed to convince himself it would be enough. They were still to go to the Fabs & Swirls restaurant after that.
{inside the Fabs & Swirls restaurant}
“Well, well. If it isn’t Rudolf? Glad you finally made it inside,” extravagantly looking male student in glasses greeted him.
“Thank you for being so patient, sir. The… the line to enter the restaurant was really long today,” Rudolf bowed down timidly.
“Now, now. No need to be so formal in here. We’re not at our student club today. Please, have a seat,” the same male student motioned with his hand, then picked up his cup to have a sip of his drink. “Aah… this lime tea is splendid. Why don’t you ask the waitress to bring one for our guest here as well, Nalitta?”
“Right away, sir,” the girl sitting at the same table bowed her head.
She then waved her hand, and a pleasant, polite waitress appeared at their table right away. Nalitta ordered the lime tea, which was delivered in no time, and the conversation continued.
“Please, have a taste, Rudolf.” The student in glasses offered politely, which also sent shivers down Rudolf’s spine. “Quite an exquisite taste, wouldn’t you say, Rudolf?”
“Uhm… Yes, very… delicious, sir…” the boy had a taste.
“Now, I have another question for you, Rudolf. Do you know why our student club is called the ‘Elite Magicians’?” the same important looking male student asked.
“Well… sir… Because our student club accepts only students who come from the elite families… Sir…” Rudolf was clearly feeling nervous.
“Such a shallow thinking, wouldn’t you say, Nalitta?” the same person asked.
“Indeed, sir.” The girl agreed with him.
“Eer… I’m sorry, sir,” Rudolf immediately apologized.
“No need to be so nervous, Rudolf,” the male student in glasses gave him another of his piercing smiles. “It is only natural for you to think that way. You’re only a first-year. You have still much to learn.”
“Yes, sir,” the boy responded with an added confidence.
“Regarding our student club. You were not wrong with your answer. However, it may look so from the outside only. The reason our student club is called ‘The Elite Magicians’ has much more deeper meaning.” The person had another sip of his tea again. “Would you like to know what it is, Rudolf?”
“Yes, sir,” Rudolf bowed his head down.
“Competence,” he answered in a single word. “Competence triumphs over everything else. It doesn’t matter how well off your family is. If you can’t show results, your status means nothing. Wouldn’t you agree, Nalitta?”
“It is as you say, sir,” the girl answered in a serious, yet humble manner.
“Hmm…” the male student in glasses smiled. “You needn’t be so serious, Nalitta. I would like to see your smile once in a while.”
“Smiling is not part of my job, sir,” she answered calmly.
“See, Rudolf? As charming as Nalitta’s smile may be, that was not the reason why she is my assistant. A person can smile all day, but get no work done. Nalitta here is the exact opposite. She get’s the work done. She is competent. That is why she is where she is. Now the question is, are you competent, Rudolf?” the same student asked.
“Y… yes, sir,” Rudolf wasn’t very confident with his answer.
“Are you sure? You don’t sound very confident,” which wasn’t overlooked by the male student in glasses.
“I…” the boy shivered.
“Then tell me. Why Emilia isn’t part of the Elite Magician’ dungeon exploration group? Didn’t you say you will take care of it?” the person asked, procuring a pleasant, yet frightening smile.
“I… I did, but… someone showed up, and…” Rudolf was trying to find the right words to explain himself.
“Excuses don’t make you competent, Rudolf. The results do,” the male student in glasses said after having another sip of his tea.
“I… I’m sorry, sir. It won’t happen again. I… I will definitely put Narias in his place next time,” Rudolf sounded like he was begging for another opportunity.
“Narias?” the important looking person raised an eyebrow.
“Narias Talrone, sir. He is a first-year student, belongs to the Magic Research club, and has reached the semi-finals at the Solo Arena Battle competition we had earlier this year.” Nalitta was quick to provide the information about Narias.
“Oh? A small achievement, yet achievement nonetheless,” the male student in glasses wasn’t exactly impressed.
“Narias Talrone is also part of Emilia’s dungeon exploration group, sir,” Nalitta added.
“Is he now? Now that’s interesting. If he is such an outstanding student that even Emilia has chosen to accept him into her Magic Dungeon exploration group, why isn’t Narias Talrone in the Elite Magicians student club?” the guy wanted to know.
“Narias Talrone comes from tier four rank status family, sir,” the girl was quick to answer.
“Oh? I see. That’s a shame. But then… why would Emilia accept him into her dungeon exploration group?” the same student asked.
“I’m sorry to say this sir, but it was Emilia who joined Narias’ group, not the other way around,” Nalitta added without a hint of hesitation in her voice.
- ‘Cling,’ – at the same time, the cup’s handle broke when the student in glasses tried to pick up his cup.
“Oh, dear. What bad luck. I think I will need another cup,” the person said with a calm smile.
- ‘Gulp,’ – Rudolf on the other hand, was afraid to pick up his own cup.
After a short while, the broken cup was taken away and a new, fresh cup of tea was brought in for the same male student.
“Now…” the male student had a sip of his tea again. “Aah… I could drink this tea all day. So refreshing. You should try some, Nalitta.”
“I’m sorry, sir, but I don’t like lime tea,” Nalitta answered calmly.
“Such a shame. The taste is rather exquisite,” he tried to persuade her.
“I will have to take your word for it, sir,” the girl had no intention of ordering one for herself.
“Hmm… Your convictions are so admirable, Nalitta. But you should be open to try new things once in a while,” the person didn’t want to let go.
“That is not part of my job, sir,” she answered in a calm, yet serious voice.
“Your dedication to your work is something I also admire,” the student in glasses gave her a mild smile. “Now, about that… Narias Talrone. I would be curious to meet him.”
“What? You want to meet that low status nobody, sir?” Rudolf reacted and only then realized he was too quick to open his mouth. “I… I’m sorry, sir. I just… Why would someone as extraordinary as yourself would like to meet someone from such a low status family?”
“As I mentioned earlier, competence always triumphs over everything else. I would like to see what kind of person Narias Talrone is. After all, he succeeded where you had failed, Rudolf,” the young man pierced Rudolf with his eyes again.
“Eeek…” Rudolf shivered as a result.
“Nalitta, when do you think you could arrange a meeting with the said… Narias Talrone for me?” the male student turned to the girl.
“I could try my best to arrange a meeting right now, sir,” Nalitta answered.
“That would exceed my highest expectations of you, Nalitta. But you shouldn’t try to impress me unnecessary. I know how competent you are, but I also hate empty promises.” It was evident the guy wasn’t exactly in the best mood.
“No, I sincerely mean it, sir. Narias Talrone has entered the Fabs & Swirls restaurant just now. And it seems Emilia Frizz is with him as well,” the girl answered calmly.
“Oh? That does exceed my highest expectations. I shouldn’t have jumped in to accuse you of empty promises. Will you forgive me for such blatant mistake, Nalitta?” the person procured a mild smile again.
“No need to ask me forgiveness, sir. I am here only to serve you,” the girl bowed her head.
“And that’s why I like you, Nalitta. Nonetheless, I apologize,” the same male student smiled at her again. “Now, if you be so kind to call Narias Talrone to come over, Nalitta? And Emilia Frizz as well, if you please?”
“Right away, sir,” Nalitta stood up to go.
━━━━━━━━━
Thank you for reading. Leave a comment and favorite the chapter if you enjoyed it.
Read 10+ extra chapters on my Patreon – Extra Chapters on Patreon
━━━━━━━━━
Extra thanks to nonomo4 and Lynderyn for their support and help.
Huh? Is that? Narias stopped all of a sudden.
Narias, Ileena, Flavia and Emilia were on their way out of the Mazaar shopping district when he noticed a shop that he wouldn’t mind visiting. The girls were chatting cheerfully still walking in front of him and didn’t notice him stop.
I bet there’d be many new books in there I could pick up, but now is not the time. I can’t be selfish right now. I promised to take Ileena, Flavia and Emilia to the Fabs & Swirls restaurant. It’s a real shame, though. I’ll have to come back here some other day for sure. Narias was debating in his head.
“Is something wrong, Narias?” Ileena finally noticed him being distracted.
“Ah, no. Sorry…” he quickly turned around and caught up with the girls.
“Really? Huh?” The girl in glasses looked around.
“Are you sure, partner?” Flavia’s face was in front of Narias.
“Yes, haha,” he laughed silly.
“Ok then. Let’s go, shall we?” the bunny girl smiled her charming smile.
“Actually, I would like to visit another shop before we go to the Fabs & Swirls restaurant. If you don’t mind, that is?” Ileena suddenly asked.
“What? Another shop?” Flavia exclaimed, then pouted her lips. “Don’t tell me you want to buy another dress, Ileena?”
“Of course not…” Ileena made a pause to adjust her glasses. “There’s a bookstore nearby and I would like to buy a book.”
“A book? Where did that come from? You didn’t say anything about a book all this time,” the bunny girl was confused.
“I… I would like to check if they have any books about Lightning Magic. Miss Salroze suggested I study more in order to get better,” Ileena explained calmly, trying to hint something to her.
“I can understand that, but going to the bookstore now is…” Flavia rubbed her cheek with one finger.
“Ahem…” the girl in glasses furrowed her eyebrows. “Didn’t you say you wanted to learn more about your Anima-Transformation. You might find a book about it in that store.”
“I would like to buy a new book as well,” suddenly, Emilia stepped in.
“You too, Emilia? Huh?” Flavia was becoming stubborn, but Ileena’s intense stare made her think twice before she could say anything else. “Oh, yeah… right. The book about the Anima-Transformation. I remember now. Yes, so… where was that bookstore again?”
“Huh? What?” Narias became confused about the sudden change in girls. “You… want to go to a bookstore?”
“Yes. Well… if you don’t mind us going there, Narias?” Ileena asked almost apologetically.
“No, of course not.” He definitely didn’t mind.
“But where will we find a bookstore?” Flavia wondered.
“I don’t know,” Ileena held her chin with one hand.
“Maybe we should go back and check the map?” Emilia suggested.
“Excuse me,” Narias said. “I think I saw a bookstore just over there.”
“Really?” The girl with the orange hair strands pretended to be surprised. “Could you show us the way, Narias?”
“Yeah, yeah. Lead the way, partner,” Flavia grinned her charming smile.
“Please, if you could?” Emilia added.
“Right. This way, please,” Narias was beaming.
The girls winked at each other, with Flavia sticking her tongue out after finally realizing what the real reason going to the bookstore was.
All four of them spent some time in the bookstore. Ileena, Flavia and Emilia picked up a book each while Narias got himself two books. He wanted to take more, but managed to convince himself it would be enough. They were still to go to the Fabs & Swirls restaurant after that.
{inside the Fabs & Swirls restaurant}
“Well, well. If it isn’t Rudolf? Glad you finally made it inside,” extravagantly looking male student in glasses greeted him.
“Thank you for being so patient, sir. The… the line to enter the restaurant was really long today,” Rudolf bowed down timidly.
“Now, now. No need to be so formal in here. We’re not at our student club today. Please, have a seat,” the same male student motioned with his hand, then picked up his cup to have a sip of his drink. “Aah… this lime tea is splendid. Why don’t you ask the waitress to bring one for our guest here as well, Nalitta?”
“Right away, sir,” the girl sitting at the same table bowed her head.
She then waved her hand, and a pleasant, polite waitress appeared at their table right away. Nalitta ordered the lime tea, which was delivered in no time, and the conversation continued.
“Please, have a taste, Rudolf.” The student in glasses offered politely, which also sent shivers down Rudolf’s spine. “Quite an exquisite taste, wouldn’t you say, Rudolf?”
“Uhm… Yes, very… delicious, sir…” the boy had a taste.
“Now, I have another question for you, Rudolf. Do you know why our student club is called the ‘Elite Magicians’?” the same important looking male student asked.
“Well… sir… Because our student club accepts only students who come from the elite families… Sir…” Rudolf was clearly feeling nervous.
“Such a shallow thinking, wouldn’t you say, Nalitta?” the same person asked.
“Indeed, sir.” The girl agreed with him.
“Eer… I’m sorry, sir,” Rudolf immediately apologized.
“No need to be so nervous, Rudolf,” the male student in glasses gave him another of his piercing smiles. “It is only natural for you to think that way. You’re only a first-year. You have still much to learn.”
“Yes, sir,” the boy responded with an added confidence.
“Regarding our student club. You were not wrong with your answer. However, it may look so from the outside only. The reason our student club is called ‘The Elite Magicians’ has much more deeper meaning.” The person had another sip of his tea again. “Would you like to know what it is, Rudolf?”
“Yes, sir,” Rudolf bowed his head down.
“Competence,” he answered in a single word. “Competence triumphs over everything else. It doesn’t matter how well off your family is. If you can’t show results, your status means nothing. Wouldn’t you agree, Nalitta?”
“It is as you say, sir,” the girl answered in a serious, yet humble manner.
“Hmm…” the male student in glasses smiled. “You needn’t be so serious, Nalitta. I would like to see your smile once in a while.”
“Smiling is not part of my job, sir,” she answered calmly.
“See, Rudolf? As charming as Nalitta’s smile may be, that was not the reason why she is my assistant. A person can smile all day, but get no work done. Nalitta here is the exact opposite. She get’s the work done. She is competent. That is why she is where she is. Now the question is, are you competent, Rudolf?” the same student asked.
“Y… yes, sir,” Rudolf wasn’t very confident with his answer.
“Are you sure? You don’t sound very confident,” which wasn’t overlooked by the male student in glasses.
“I…” the boy shivered.
“Then tell me. Why Emilia isn’t part of the Elite Magician’ dungeon exploration group? Didn’t you say you will take care of it?” the person asked, procuring a pleasant, yet frightening smile.
“I… I did, but… someone showed up, and…” Rudolf was trying to find the right words to explain himself.
“Excuses don’t make you competent, Rudolf. The results do,” the male student in glasses said after having another sip of his tea.
“I… I’m sorry, sir. It won’t happen again. I… I will definitely put Narias in his place next time,” Rudolf sounded like he was begging for another opportunity.
“Narias?” the important looking person raised an eyebrow.
“Narias Talrone, sir. He is a first-year student, belongs to the Magic Research club, and has reached the semi-finals at the Solo Arena Battle competition we had earlier this year.” Nalitta was quick to provide the information about Narias.
“Oh? A small achievement, yet achievement nonetheless,” the male student in glasses wasn’t exactly impressed.
“Narias Talrone is also part of Emilia’s dungeon exploration group, sir,” Nalitta added.
“Is he now? Now that’s interesting. If he is such an outstanding student that even Emilia has chosen to accept him into her Magic Dungeon exploration group, why isn’t Narias Talrone in the Elite Magicians student club?” the guy wanted to know.
“Narias Talrone comes from tier four rank status family, sir,” the girl was quick to answer.
“Oh? I see. That’s a shame. But then… why would Emilia accept him into her dungeon exploration group?” the same student asked.
“I’m sorry to say this sir, but it was Emilia who joined Narias’ group, not the other way around,” Nalitta added without a hint of hesitation in her voice.
- ‘Cling,’ – at the same time, the cup’s handle broke when the student in glasses tried to pick up his cup.
“Oh, dear. What bad luck. I think I will need another cup,” the person said with a calm smile.
- ‘Gulp,’ – Rudolf on the other hand, was afraid to pick up his own cup.
After a short while, the broken cup was taken away and a new, fresh cup of tea was brought in for the same male student.
“Now…” the male student had a sip of his tea again. “Aah… I could drink this tea all day. So refreshing. You should try some, Nalitta.”
“I’m sorry, sir, but I don’t like lime tea,” Nalitta answered calmly.
“Such a shame. The taste is rather exquisite,” he tried to persuade her.
“I will have to take your word for it, sir,” the girl had no intention of ordering one for herself.
“Hmm… Your convictions are so admirable, Nalitta. But you should be open to try new things once in a while,” the person didn’t want to let go.
“That is not part of my job, sir,” she answered in a calm, yet serious voice.
“Your dedication to your work is something I also admire,” the student in glasses gave her a mild smile. “Now, about that… Narias Talrone. I would be curious to meet him.”
“What? You want to meet that low status nobody, sir?” Rudolf reacted and only then realized he was too quick to open his mouth. “I… I’m sorry, sir. I just… Why would someone as extraordinary as yourself would like to meet someone from such a low status family?”
“As I mentioned earlier, competence always triumphs over everything else. I would like to see what kind of person Narias Talrone is. After all, he succeeded where you had failed, Rudolf,” the young man pierced Rudolf with his eyes again.
“Eeek…” Rudolf shivered as a result.
“Nalitta, when do you think you could arrange a meeting with the said… Narias Talrone for me?” the male student turned to the girl.
“I could try my best to arrange a meeting right now, sir,” Nalitta answered.
“That would exceed my highest expectations of you, Nalitta. But you shouldn’t try to impress me unnecessary. I know how competent you are, but I also hate empty promises.” It was evident the guy wasn’t exactly in the best mood.
“No, I sincerely mean it, sir. Narias Talrone has entered the Fabs & Swirls restaurant just now. And it seems Emilia Frizz is with him as well,” the girl answered calmly.
“Oh? That does exceed my highest expectations. I shouldn’t have jumped in to accuse you of empty promises. Will you forgive me for such blatant mistake, Nalitta?” the person procured a mild smile again.
“No need to ask me forgiveness, sir. I am here only to serve you,” the girl bowed her head.
“And that’s why I like you, Nalitta. Nonetheless, I apologize,” the same male student smiled at her again. “Now, if you be so kind to call Narias Talrone to come over, Nalitta? And Emilia Frizz as well, if you please?”
“Right away, sir,” Nalitta stood up to go.
━━━━━━━━━
Thank you for reading. Leave a comment and favorite the chapter if you enjoyed it.
Read 10+ extra chapters on my Patreon – Extra Chapters on Patreon
━━━━━━━━━
Extra thanks to nonomo4 and Lynderyn for their support and help.
