Reminiscing a few thoughts

Yeah. I still don’t remember him… Maybe, I could go back in time and try to get the answers myself… I’m joking, that’s taboo.

After that little incident, everything went back to normal. I bought tents, and the staff for Marieka. And as usual, we stayed at an inn for the night out. The room was spacious, bigger than our first stop. There’s two beds this time so we didn't have to squeeze ourselves, which was perfect.

This is way better. Looks so comfy. Sad we’re gonna be staying for one day…

I jumped to the bed and let myself melt in the pillows. Ahh~~, It feels so nice… I will sleep the whole day, goodnight people.

Marieka continued to play with the staff. Swinging it around as if she was casting offensive magic. She turned her head towards me. “Varieka… I can’t put down the fancy staff you bought me.”

“ーYou still haven’t learned pocket magic, so you’re gonna carry that around. Are you okay with that?”

“It’s no problem! It’s a small price to pay… Least I can be helpful now to the party!” Nodding back.

“Mhm… Now that me and Annaliese know you can use church magic. Do you know how much it is to have a healer at our party…? A frontliner, a mage and a priest. It’s an ideal party lineup. If you were in the army, you’d be one of the most valuable personnel out of everyone.”

It’s true, it’s the all star match up. An apprentice of my colleague, a Pointed hat, and a mage who can use priest magic. Unfortunately. When things get serious… I’m afraid I may have to do a bit of overtime… Mmm… Too much work…

Annaliese cleared her throat. “ーStill, that magic you used was quite impressive Varieka. My gloves got dirty trying to handpick them, but you managed to do that without any physical work… Mages are really incredible.”

I straightened my posture. “You know… That really wasn’t compliment worthy, it’s a simple spell for wandering mages. It takes less time to learn and helps a lot. So If you want to see something impressive, I suggest you witness true offensive magic yourself. Not those simple spells, but types that are leagues above them.”

“What are those? I’ve never seen one in person. How is it different from offensive spells like Vuelies Araglia or more?” She tilted her head.

“It’s an offensive magic that’s exclusive to every Pointed hat. It varies from all the members. Each has their own theories, variations or even create an entirely new one. I’m confident you’ll be amazed to see one.”

“That’s quite the statement…?! I’m eager to see it now. Which Pointed hat is it, Varieka?”

“...! U… uh, W… well… M… mistress Eilise of course…” I stuttered.

Annaliese leaned from the bed. “SO YOU DID SEE HER! That’s amazing… You know, her name stretches across Brynheint, so I know a hunch of her description. but appearance isn’t one of them… Could you tell me what she looks like…?”

“A… ahh…. Uhm… Y… yeah. I didn’t really see her face… Only her magic…”

“Really? Then what about her hair color? Or her clothes? Or what her hat looks like?”

“I… I won't spoil you… You’re gonna have to see her for yourself if she ever comes back, Annaliese.”

“ーBut I don’t have connections, nor do I know what place she frequently visits…”

Avoiding the topic any further, I exhaled and rolled to my backーstaring at the ceiling.

I crossed my arms and began thinking… That old man… Did I really help him out? Three years ago, I didn’t reach out to anyone, even in public, I rarely went out. Only to eat and stray from the attention. I was always in my office doing paperwork.

Covering my face, my mind flashed to it.

Do I really have to use that magic…? No no, I’ll put it on hold. I can’t let them see it. And it’s taboo… I have to focus on the journey…

I cleared my throat. “Annaliese. Once we get to the port in the Imperial Vascht. From getting to the capital, we have to cross no man’s land, yes…?”

“I think it’s better to walk around it. Unless you two would like some challenge…?” She tilted her head.

“No please… Marieka will not survive and neither will I.”

Marieka sulked who was on the other corner. “ーYou know, Varieka WILL survive, but me? No no, that's unlikely…”

Annaliese cleared her throat. “I mean, it’s fine to go around no man’s land… I would like to avoid a few places. I don’t know much about the Imperial Vascht. But, someone I know of is definitely somewhere around the kingdom.”

My expression shot up. “Someone you know….?”

Annaliese stretched her arms, her face hardened. “She’s a weird one, yeah. I’m not gonna get into details, so let’s just try our best to avoid her… Regardless, we still have to cross no man’s land to get to the capital. It's just that we’ll take the longer cut to the forest.”

“Is she a horrible person? Or what…? Quite shocking coming from you Annaliese.”

She shook her head. “Not in the slightest. Just annoying… I won’t say anymore about her, I have to sleep… So let’s all catch up tomorrow… Goodnight you two!”

Annaliese laid in the bed, covering herself with the blanket.

Placing a hand to my chin, I began to think. Hmm… If Annaliese described her profile then I would’ve eventually found her… That’s a shame, I was gonna put my magic for spying to the test…

I yawned and rubbed my teary eyes.

It’s been quite the journey so far, and we haven’t even visited four out of the five kingdoms. Not only that. The Kingdom of Ryven’s geographical location makes our territory the smallest out of the four. So this journey will be the shortest compared to the rest….

Pulling myself as my back embraced the soft mattress, I tucked my blanket close to me and laid my head on the pillowーclosing my eyes and tried to sleep…

Then suddenly.

Thud…

I felt something hard hit my forehead. I opened my eyes and saw Marieka hiding her staff behind her, averting her gaze.

Though it didn’t take long for me to make it obvious for her. Clearing my throat, before she jolted, her legs trembled.

“SORRY VARIEKA!!!! MY HAND SLIPPED!!”

“.....That was a lie wasn’t it?” I stared at her dead in the eyes.

“NO NO!! IT’S THE TRUTH I’M TELLING YOU!!”

“Yes, yes. I totally understand…”

Great, my sleep is ruined…

I exhaled and stood up from my bed, scratching my head while closing my eyes shut. I was just gonna sleep… Whatever, I have to tire myself out again… Should I create magic? Maybe another offensive spell…? But come to think of it, I still haven’t asked Marieka about the description of her magic.

I turned to look at her. “So…? What's the magic? Are you gonna tell me or… You’ll do that after we arrive in the Imperial Vascht?”

Marieka placed her index finger on her lips, winking. “That’s still a secret! But I’ll give a hint!”

I tilted my head, totally oblivious to whatever ideas she’ll be bringing in.

Oh… Now I wonder what she’s gonna say? Perhaps something cool? Or perhaps something pretty…? Or none of the above!!

“ーThe hint is… Transformation!! And that’s the first hint.” She smiled proudly.

“.....What kind of magic do you want me to make? You wanna turn into an animal or something?”

“IT’S NOT FOR LIVING BEINGS!!!! That’s the only hint I’ll give for now… So you’re gonna have to figure that out!! You can do that right, you’re a…?”

I exhaled and facepalmed. Brother… Do you expect Pointed hats to read your mind without using magic? Goodness me… Then I’ll make do of whatever this is.

“Fine fine… Sure thing…” I waved my hands.