Chapter 18

“Now I understand why you brought her here, Lady Iris.”

Teachers had no obligation to come to school on Sunday, but some of Iris’ students had asked for a tutoring session. While she had a fulfilling day, it didn't mean she wasn’t exhausted. At least her students gained a good amount of knowledge. She was about to head home when she ran into Rivernfor.

“Who are you talking about?” Iris asked, standing by the main staircase that headed to the first floor. Kings used to go up and down these steps, although many years had passed since someone last used this place as their home.

“You know- right, you are correct, you have brought a lot of students here,” Rivernfor murmured. “But I am talking about the most recent one. Ayisa.”

Iris narrowed her eyes.

“Please, spare me that look, Lady Iris. I am not here to criticize you.”

“Then what do you want? I'm quite tired today.”

Rivernfor adjusted his suit, as if preparing for some presentation. But there were only the two of them there. He didn't need to do anything.

“Emotional magic. Have you heard about it?”

“Yeah.”

“Such magic truly exists?” he asked, sounding genuinely curious.

Unfortunately for him, Iris didn't have the answer he sought. “Don't know. I've just learned it this afternoon.”

Rivernfor winced, his grip on his cane tightening for just a moment. “So that is not why you brought her here?”

He looked a bit dejected. Had he really expected that to be the reason Iris took the girl in?

“Of course not.”

Rivernfor sighed. They had been teaching together for years. He must have had an idea of Iris’ true reasons by now.

“I have mistakenly believed it to have something to do with your research.”

“Nope. So, you're here to discuss that? Can't we do this tomorrow during lunch?”

“Do you have no plans at lunch?”

Iris tapped her cheeks, leaning her head against her finger. She opened her mouth, then shook her head. “Forget about that.”

“I figured.”

“But really, you're asking the wrong person. I didn't even know it existed until now.”

Iris was equally surprised when she heard the tale told by the three. A book that taught how to use such mysterious magic? As a magic teacher herself, she was intrigued. She was already thinking of accompanying Ayisa to find it. Niat Lake might be far, but with official business, she could give Ayisa a reason to leave a day early. That should be enough time for them to travel the distance.

“Do you not find it peculiar? A child with unclear origins being able to use magic that no one knew existed?”

“You think she’s lying?”

“My son is there with her. Even if he is not, based on what I have observed all this time, I found it difficult to believe that both of them are lying.”

“She's starting to grow on you, huh?” Iris chuckled. “Not even a semester in.”

“I was expecting something closer to half a year.”

Iris grinned. “So, can she join my club now?”

“Your club required something much more than magic abilities, unfortunately.”

Iris rolled her eyes, expecting this answer.

“Besides, Ayisa had not applied, had she?”

“She’s probably scared of you.”

“I am not the one handling the club.”

Rivernfor was willing to admit that, yet he still had a handle on who came in. If only Iris could change that. She wanted her club to be the most accepting there was. Besides, why did the others trust her with it? It didn’t seem to be a club that best fit her abilities. She would have a better time advising the Magic Study Club.

“She would do well in the magic club, though. A bit more training and she would have no trouble with passing the Ministry’s test.”

“As if she could go away for so long.”

“If she is truly as powerful as you believe her to be, then that is but an easy task.” Rivernfor turned around. “I apologize for taking your time. Have some good rest.”

Iris turned away, heading back to her home in town. Even as she made the journey back, her mind replayed the group's words. She had studied magic all her life. What she researched made her realize that more elements existed out there. Elements that existed on the table, elements that existed outside the table. Still, she had never heard anything mentioned emotional magic before.

And it was so vague. How does the emotional element work? Does it change the emotions within a monster’s heart? Based on what the group said, the Tawurofs simply turned around and fled. Were they scared of her? Could Ayisa be wielding such immense power all this time?

She recalled the day they met for the first time. Well, they didn’t exactly ‘meet’ back then. She was sure Ayisa also saw her, but she saw all the other teachers as well. Iris, on the other hand, had her eyes locked on the girl the second she appeared.

A mysterious girl in dirty clothes out in the forest, all alone. She couldn’t kill the wyron back then, but as she watched Ayisa fight the wyron, Iris saw an immense amount of talent hidden behind the girl’s small frame. Comparable to the kingdom’s greats.

And even if she didn’t… then that’s fine. Not everyone has to be on the top of the world to warrant a good life.

But yeah, I really should ask her about it.