Seren 38
Magic and Magical Devices are Amazing!
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ON my way out the door to go home, I ran into Arles and said a personal thanks for the amazing wedding present. Now, I was on my way back to my residence in high spirits.
I was glad I’d been able to say thanks and excited that Arles would be teaching me fire magic. I’d been learning wind and water magic from my peers but was told it was still too soon for me to start on fire magic.
I’ve just about completed intermediate-level wind magic and only just started learning water magic.
That was my current level. So, it was decided that it would be better for me to strengthen my skills in those areas before I started on fire magic, which I hadn’t even shown any special aptitude for yet.
At the time, I agreed. I was struggling enough as it was with water magic. I never even thought of trying out fire magic. But now, I had this burning desire to try fire magic as well.
I mean, I wanted to be of assistance to Lord Viol.
Ever since our honeymoon ended, Lord Viol has been coming home much later than me almost every day. He often came home even later than the hour Vi used to visit my room.
Lord Viol said it was because he was taking care of work that had piled up while we were away. But according to his assistant, Contard, he used to stay even later in the past.
“Now that he’s a newlywed, he’s been leaving earlier than ever.” Contard laughed when he told me that. I wondered if this meant Lord Viol might be coming home even later sometimes…
That made me want to find some way to help Lord Viol feel less tired out by everything. Of course, fatigue recovery magic can help restore the body, but it would also be nice to provide some sort of treatment effect… something soothing to the soul.
Then I remembered that warm healing magic Lord Viol used on me before. That same soothing heat that had healed me, mentally and physically, when I’d been in that state of fear. That would, no doubt, make Lord Viol feel happy, too.
Once the idea had occurred to me, I was desperate to try it out.
I felt a little awkward asking the older mages, so I went to Arles instead. And I got a yes! I was going to practice hard so that one day soon, I could show Lord Viol. I couldn’t wait to see his look of surprise!
What kind of skills would I need to be able to cast good fire magic?
I was excited to try out a new magical attribute as well. I found it hard to stay calm. I was practically skipping as I walked!
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“OH, Lord Viol… You’re a little early today!”
I met Lord Viol at the door when he came home. He was holding what looked like an expensive bottle of liquor. Odd. I don’t drink myself, so I can’t claim to know much about it, but it didn’t look like ordinary dinner wine or anything. Just from the design of the bottle and the label, I could tell it was something very top-shelf.
“Yes. I had to see Borden about something, so I left work early… But Borden was busy with something. He’s going to visit me here tomorrow.”
“Oh, Prime Minister Borden is coming?”
It’s nice that the two of them are such good friends. I should stay out of the way if they’re going to discuss something important… But still, I should at least pop my head around the door and say hi.
“Lord Borden has done so much for me. Is it okay if I show my face and say hello?”
“Of course. Borden would like that.”
“Oh, good.” I beamed, and Lord Viol’s expression softened. “Is that bottle for Lord Borden…?”
“Yes, it’s his favorite tipple. Albert?”
“My lord?” Albert, our butler, who’d opened the door, softly smiled as he took Lord Viol’s robe and the liquor bottle.
“Albert, would you mind serving this when Borden comes tomorrow? We haven’t decided on a time yet, but he should be coming sometime in the afternoon.”
“Certainly. But, Lord Viol…”
“Yes? What is it?”
“In the future, we servants will prepare whatever refreshments you require. Simply let us know the desired product. You’re a busy man… We can handle those sorts of arrangements.”
Lord Viol looked surprised by the idea. “I see. I hadn’t thought of that.”
Classic Lord Viol.
“Thank you. I’ll probably be making a request like that of you all in the future,” he said.
“Certainly, my lord.” Albert smiled, and Lord Viol’s eyes crinkled a little at the corners. I had to fight back a huge grin of my own.
Until we got married, Lord Viol lived alone. Since we started living together in this house, Lord Viol has been navigating the unfamiliar nature of having staff and servants. Lately, though, he’s been getting the hang of it.
“Then, I shall have a light meal prepared for Lord Borden’s visit tomorrow. Incidentally, do you know what his likes and dislikes might be?” Albert inquired.
“Borden’s not all that picky. He doesn’t appreciate sweets like I do, but he’ll indulge now and then.”
“Understood. I’ll let Jean know.”
“Thank you. That’s very helpful.”
Lord Viol thanked Albert, who disappeared briskly into the kitchen with a look of satisfaction. From the quietly assured look on Albert’s face, I was sure that he and Jean would be able to provide a comfortable welcome to Lord Borden.