Late night. Hearthstone Tavern.
Joshua was in his study looking at the ceiling. An originium crystal emitting a warm light was present on the ceiling. The originium crystal dispersed the darkness in the room. An unknown insect was attracted by the light and flying around the originium crystal nonstop.
Today, Ciri had returned to her room very early. The reason for that was because she had entered a state of embarrassment after she finished making her declarations in the carriage.
Joshua was also affected by the atmosphere. He never expected for Ciri to be so serious when making her 'lifelong declaration' in front of him. Momentarily, Joshua was at a loss as to how to respond.
"I don't think that's any different from entrusting one's life… or a marriage proposal?"
As Joshua pondered how to face Ciri tomorrow, a crow landed on his study's window sill.
"How's the investigation going?" Joshua removed his tangled expression and turned to look at the crow.
"Among Norland's Seven Sages, Purple Mage is one of the Sages with the least amount of information available. Currently, all I've gathered is that she had fought with Yellow Mage over a disciple before," Dark Elf Thousand Faces' voice sounded from the crow's mouth.
"Okay. Thanks for your trouble."
Joshua was not too hopeful that Black Dove will be able to provide him with useful information. After all, Purple Mage was an existence far older than the Black Dove organization.
The crow jumped a couple times on the window sill before flapping its wings and flying into the night sky.
The departure of the Dark Elf Thousand Faces does not represent the stoppage of the investigation. A message popped up before Joshua's eyes. It was sent by Ash-colored Owl.
'Purple Mage Mellors? I do know some things about her. However, those are not memories that I want to recall.'
Just by reading the first message Gray Mage sent him, Joshua knew that it was the right choice to inquire Gray Mage.
The message he received was extremely long. The Sage known as 'Norland's Living Fossil' informed Joshua some of the things that happened in Norland in the past.
Purple Mage was the only woman among the Seven Sages. Inevitably, her appearance and talent captured the hearts of the other Sages.
Gray Mage candidly explained that Croshere and Moracio, the Yellow Mage and the Black Mage, were the fiercest competitors fighting over Mellors. In the end, Black Mage Moracio won.
Back then, Norland was still only the size of a small village. Yet, they held a magnificent wedding ceremony.
Unfortunately, the post-marriage life wasn't blissful. Among the mages existed a rumor of the 'Bloodline Curse.' That is, the more talented mage couples were, the less likely their offspring will be able to survive.
Gray Mage's messages suddenly stopped at this point. Joshua was forced to send another message to ask for follow ups.
'Did their child die prematurely?' asked Joshua.
'Human young are incapable of bearing the tremendous amount of magic power. In fact, even Mellors nearly died…'
'...'
Reading between the words, Joshua was able to tell that it was a difficult subject for Gray Mage to talk about.
'She is a good mother. That is my only impression of her. Thus, if your assistant is to become her disciple, I believe that it is a joyous matter. Mellors has been all alone for too long. Besides… if you're still worried, I've had Ned bring over a small gift for you.'
As Joshua quietly finished reading the message Gray Mage sent him, Gray Mage's owl, Ned, soon arrived at his window.
The owl was holding a half-palm-sized case in its claws. It dropped the case on Joshua's desk.
Joshua picked up a piece of salted fish from his dinner plate and fed it to the owl. After the owl finished eating, it flew out the window perfectly content.
"A seal?"
Joshua picked up the wooden case. An unknown magic inscription was flickering on its surface. It seemed to be a seal that cannot be removed through force.
Gray-colored magic power started flowing out from Joshua's palm. The magic power effortlessly removed the magic inscription seal.
Joshua opened the case. The first thing he saw was a slip of paper. It was Gray Mage's handwriting.
Written on the paper was 'Ring of Clarity. Once worn, one will become immune to all mind magic regardless of level. It is an artifact discorded from the underground remnant.'
Joshua picked up the extremely simple looking silver ring. Merely from the description of being an 'artifact from the underground remnant' was enough to illustrate how valuable the ring was.
Naturally, Joshua had helped Gray Mage multiple times. But, apart from that, the reason why Gray Mage was willing to generously give such a precious item to Joshua was because he truly hoped for Purple Mage to be able to receive a satisfactory disciple.
"Is this the only choice?"
Joshua placed the ring back in the case and took a deep breath. Then, he picked up the wooden case and walked out his study.
...…...
Ciri's room was unlocked. Even if she locked her room, Joshua was the owner of the Hearthstone Tavern and could easily obtain the key to her room.
Joshua entered Ciri's room without any issue. The room was somewhat messy. Canvases and all kinds of different colored paints and mixing boards were piled up in a corner.
Nevertheless, a fragrant smell covered the room. It was a smell that stimulates one's appetite.
Joshua carefully walked into the room. He saw that Ciri was sleeping on the bed with her eyes closed.
This mage lady had grown more and more lazy after coming to Norland. Had it been before, she would immediately detect Joshua the moment he opened the door to her room.
Joshua slowly walked over to Ciri's bed. He started to gently place the wooden case beside Ciri's bed… While doing that, Ciri's eyes suddenly opened.
Ciri and Joshua looked at one another. Joshua's movement grew stiff.
Their eye contact lasted for three seconds. Finally, Ciri opened her mouth.
"Should I pretend to be asleep?" asked Ciri.
"No, you don't have to. I know how incompetent my stealth skills are." Joshua adjusted his breathing. Then, he openly placed the wooden case on the table next to Ciri's bed. "You can consider this a congratulatory gift in becoming the successor to one of Norland's Seven Sages."
Joshua pondered if he should leave. At this moment, his hand was grabbed by Ciri.
Ciri had sat up from the bed. Her long silver-gray hair was slightly messy. The bed sheet rolled down from her body. Her light pajamas were simply unable to obstruct her charming body. Mmmm… apart from her lacking chest, everything else was perfect.
"Earlier, I've asked on the Mage Forum. I was told that once you become a disciple of certain Sages, you'll rarely have free time…" Ciri's voice sounded a bit unhappy. She was lowering her head so Joshua was unable to see her eyes.
Joshua knew what Ciri was worried about. She was afraid that she would not be able to continue to stay in the Hearthstone Tavern once she became Purple Mage's disciple.
"I will negotiate with Purple Mage," Joshua walked back to Ciri's bed and sat down. He extended his hand and caressed the long hair across her forehead. Staring into Ciri's silver-gray eyes, he said, "Don't worry, you'll be able to finish class every night at the same time. Every week, you'll have two free days. During holidays, you'll have vacations too. Those are the conditions that I will negotiate with her. Furthermore, I have a job that I will have to entrust Purple Mage with. If she agrees to it, she'll likely end up running all over the place with me every day like the way you're doing right now."
"Entrust? Is it concerning the new movie?" Ciri was immediately able to associate it with the preparations for filming the new movie.
"You've guessed correct. Regretfully, there's no prize. Now then, you should go back to sleep," said Joshua after the end of Ciri's hair.
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