Breeze in the warm forest

“This is the location.” The man pointed underneath the cliff.

I looked down and saw two carriages flipped to their side, one on shore and the other bathing in the water. The locals on land pulled the rope connected to the carriages, using momentum attempting to flip it back yet still didn’t look to budge.

I placed a hand on my chin, pointing my lantern in front.

“How heavy are the carriages?” I glared at him.

“Uhm… Around… one ton each?”

I grabbed my temple. Great. Here’s the problem… First, I can’t fly in the open. Second, Nixie will detect me from here. Curse the long range detection spell she implemented in the barrier… I can’t use my magic on the outside…

“Marieka. This time you’ll do it. You learned Klavin Vasione right?” I turned to her.

She nodded and straightened her arm to the sideーPalm open and a flash of light before her staff appeared.

I smiled, exhaling as I stared proudly at her progress. I’m still not used to seeing her with pocket magic. It makes me happy seeing her grow, maybe I should teach her a little more magic for convenience.

Then I turned my head towards the man. “Please inform the workers to move out of the way.”

He nodded before stepping closer to the ledge and placed both of his hands around his mouth, taking a deep breath.

“Make way for the carriage please!!” The man yelled.

One by one the workers on shore moved out of harm's reach from the carriage as Marieka held her staff using both of her hands, pointing underneath the cliff before closing her eyes. Her body began glowing blue, droplets of mana encircling her.

She opened her eyes and took a deep breath.

“Vorth saith, Klavin Vasione!” Two magic circles were cast underneath the carriages, the light flooding the entire area.

In a breeze, the heavy carriages weighing two tons levitated in the airーun-flipped itself as each carriage was lifted onto the cliff, landing gracefully as gentle as the feathers. The workers were gnawing to the extent, thinking that even a spell as simple as this, was spectacular to see.

Finished, Marieka lowered her staff and exhaled. I tossed myself towards Marieka, hugging her by one arm with the other holding the lantern. “Great job. I’m proud of you~~, you’d make a great apprentice.”

She gasped, her smile grew bigger.

“Receiving a compliment from you… MY LIFE IS COMPLETE!!!” Bouncing happily.

⇔ ⇔ ⇔ ⇔

Five hours of traversing back to the village, the sound of the horseshoe clanking on the cobblestone path that led to the open entrance, the three of us trailed just behind the carriage as it moved slowly.

“Thank you both. And you, young miss.” He glanced at Marieka. “We wouldn’t have done this without your help… As promised, I’ll be willing to give you a grimoire of your choosing.” Bowing his head at her as we walked.

Marieka crossed her arms, thinking of what she'd choose. “A grimoire of any kind…? Maybe, Hmmm….”

I pressed my lips in a thin line. Gosh… I sure hope she picks a decent one. Something convenient… If they have a few good grimoires, then she’ll have a variety to choose from.

“Then, can I have the ones for shields?”

My mind froze, tilting my head.

Huh…?

“Ah! Not a problem! Though it's one of our most valuable ones… Because we never had mages, it’s been in our village for a long time now… Please wait somewhere until we’ve sorted out everything!” The man sprinted forward to catch the carriage.

I cleared my throat, then stared at Marieka, my face slightly disappointed. “What made you choose the shield…?”

“Based on my studies, it’s the hardest to learn. I’d be vulnerable without it, especially around here…”

“I can understand… But I could’ve taught you instead? So why didn’t you pick another one that’s convenient…?”

“There’s nothing that I thought of! Pocket magic is enough for me, and plus.” She looked me in the eyes. “That magic, I still haven’t seen it bloom…”

My expression shot up.

Oh yeah. I’ve forgotten about that… I’m glad she reminded me.

“....So what about the next hint? Are you gonna tell me now…?”

She paused before holding her hand out. “Bloom!”

My eyes widened, I stopped my stepsーplacing a hand on my chin. “So… This whole time… You wanted me to make…?”

Marieka nodded without turning, putting her hands behind her back as she continued her step. “That’s what I wanted you to create indeed~~”

This cheeky girl. What’s this magic supposed to be used for anyways…? Is this some sort of symbolic message?

I hurried to trail Marieka. Moments later, as the carriage made its way to the gateーAnnaliese was seen standing on the side of the pathway. Straying from the carriage as it makes its way inside the gate, we approached Annaliese.

“Did you see any magical wolves around?” I asked.

“Not particularly… Not a single one at least, maybe because I can’t use magic. But I’m positive there wasn’t any.”

“Then that’s a good sign. One thing to note, I hope you two didn’t forget our purpose here.” I glared at both of them.

“Of course, do we buy our supplies now…? Or do we stay in an inn?” Annaliese crossed her arms.

“For now, I’d be best to stay here for the night. We’ll stock up tomorrow. Besides, my body yearns for rest~~”

She nodded before pausing. “So… Did the two of you receive the payment that the man offered? Mistress Varieka?”

“Oh not yet, we’re still waiting for it to be handed. We could just receive it tomorrow. It's Marieka’s anyway and not mine.”

Annaliese’s expression shot up. “Really…? Well that’s to be expected… Mistress Varieka wouldn’t need… No… For useless ones though…” She stuttered.

“Hey. I only collect the valuable ones. And earlier, I let Marieka handle the carriages. So she’s the one who’ll receive the payment.”

“....Mistress Varieka truly is the kindest pointed hat.”

“Again, no compliments please, thank you.”

As minutes passed. Finally, the man from earlier came back rushing to usーholding a book in his arm as he stopped short. Kneeling while he panted to take a breather, standing up to face Marieka.

“As per promised… Here is the grimoire.” He handed it to her.

Marieka’s smile grew bigger as she took the book from the man. “THANK YOU SO MUCH!!”

“No no! I should be thanking the three of you… We really appreciate your help… As a token of gratitude… We’d like to offer if the three of you are willing to stay at an inn…?”

The three of us nodded. Then the man bowed, lowering his head.

“Well then… As for the inn. It's located in one of the tall buildings. For the payment, It’s on the house! Thank you once again.” He turned around and left us to ourselves.

Marieka glared at me, hugging the book with both of her arms.

“VARIEKA… I WANT TO TRAIN COMBAT!!” She hopped in excitement.

I jolted, feeling a cold shiver down my spine. O… oh no.

“Uhm…. Well…. Thatsー,”