Chapter 92: Secrets

Chapter 92: Secrets

Chapter 92 - Secrets

Kai paused, the attention of his teachers on him. Acting took over, making his nervousness and hesitation melt awayon the outside.

Virya sat at the head of the table, Elijah on her right. With only one more place set for dinner, Kai took a seat on her left.

A flowery scent filled the air. A subtle smell, sweet and dry, unlike any plant he tended in the garden. He didnt take long to identify the culprit: the candles.

Is Virya one of those scented candle fanatics?

He hadnt often been allowed inside, except for the library, but he had noticed a few colorful wax sticks around the mansion. Drowned amidst all the eccentric and exotic decorations, he never paid them much attention. The rare times he walked the halls at night, the rooms were lit with mana-fueled crystals.

You wanted to see me? Kai asked.

Its time we have a chat. Virya nodded. But not before eating. I dont want to let the food go cold. Her focus was taken by the silver serving tray. Lobsters, crabs and shrimps were neatly arranged on wide salad leaves. A booklet rested beside her plate.

Should have expected it

Without another choice, Kai tried to ignore his nervousness and do the same. There were nine different pieces of silverware by his plate.

Oh, great.

Stealing glances at his two teachers, Kai served himself a big crab with gravy and began eating. He had breakfast with Virya enough times to know she didnt care much about table manners. Elijah was quite the opposite and gave him a warning glance from across the table.

Virya ate with her casual grace, each movement the steps of a ballet dancer. She continued leisurely eating, as if they were not dining at the same table. It was maddening how nonchalant she acted after setting up this mysterious charade. Still, her lack of interest wasnt a terrible thing. It was reassuring to know she wouldnt care even if he floundered.

Kai had never seen Elijha eat before. He had to begrudgingly admit Elijahs actions carried a dignified air. Contrary to the mage, the mans manners felt like a deliberate and conscious choice.

Using Acting to stealthily copy them, the awkward meal passed painfully slow. The light tapping and creak of forks and knives against the plates were the only sounds in the hall. Mostly they were caused by himas in every single time. No matter how he tried, he didnt possess his teachers supernatural graces and dexterity.

The only saving grace was Dora's delicious food. It kept his mind too busy to construct catastrophic scenarios where he ended up being sacrificed to some eldritch entity.

The crab legs' tenderness made his mind fly to happier places. Elijahs critical eye wavered somewhat after he showed he was making an effort, and not purposely stuffing his mouth to annoy him like usual.

Dora came to bring the dessert, giving him an encouraging smile and an abundant slice of fruit cake. Unfortunately, all things, good or bad, had to come to an end.

Was the dinner to your liking, child? Virya said, sipping from a chalice.

Yes, Kai answered stiffly.

You can relax. Thats just her sense of humor. Elijah said, surprising them both.

The mage threw him a displeased look. Kai stared dumbfounded. Why did you invite me here exactly?

For a conversation long overdue, Viryas piercing orange eyes nailed him. I must admit, I didnt give you a high chance of lasting long initially. And yet, here we are. Its time we make a decision or cut it off.

Cant follow. Is it that fun to speak in riddles?

Her words were vaguely ominous, Kai would have felt intimidated if Elijah hadnt actually rolled back his eyes.

Did I see that right?

Perhaps we should start with your question. Virya pulled back on the theatrics, relaxed in her chair. Can spells be woven through words and why didn't we teach you? Is that correct, Kai?

He nodded. That was the initial question that prompted Dora to act weird and led him to this dinner. For the life of him, Kai couldnt see how things connected.

What do you know about magic? Virya asked. More specifically, what you know about the different ways to channel mana and cast a spell?

Kai's thumping heart slowed down. Lessons and tests were a familiar challenge. He could deal with this.

Well, there are many ways: through Mana Manipulation and specific elemental skills, with runes, profession skills and, I assume, also through speech. Do I need to get into the details?

Is spoken magic forbidden? Kai asked, puzzled. It didnt make sense, he had seen Valela use it in front of everyone.

Depends on the language. They are called languages of power because there are many of them. Our runes are the same as the Merian Republic uses, our language is not. Yes, Kai, we are not from the Republic.

None of us is. Elijah specified.

Kai opened his mouth, no words came out. From how she spoke of the Republic it had almost been a given that Virya was from another place. Elijah and Dora not so much.

Are you wanted by the Republic? Kai blurted out, realizing too late how saying that out loud might not be the brightest idea.

"The feud about different languages of power is a problem within the orders of mages. For us, the danger would be giving away our origin and attracting unwanted attention. For a young novice such as you, chances are youd be treated like a spy, tortured for information and made to disappear. Virya stated flatly.

The reason we came here is due to a more personal disagreement. She continued as if she hadnt just described his possible demise. Elijah will tell you as much as he believes appropriate.

Virya picked up her booklet and left, leaving them alone.

Really?

This was far from the first time that she cut a conversation, but those were usually about some random lessons, not such a serious topic.

The butler sighed. Come on, ask your questions.

Kai took a moment to gather his thoughts. After the discovery of chanted spells, they either kicked him out or it was inevitable he would discover they werent from around here.

Thank you for trusting me, Kai said.

A hint of surprise flashed in the butlers expression. Its nothing. Since I took you as an apprentice, I plan to do it properly.

I promise I wont speak a word of this to anyone, Kai swore.

Im sure of that, a chilling smile flashed on Elijahs face. I imagine there is no need to tell you what would happen if you did.

A cold aura washed over him. Kai gulped.

So, well talk about this today, and never again. Ask your questions if you have any. Elijah dared him.

Something tells me the right answer is none. The less I know the safer Ill be.

Why dont you tell me what you want? Kai said, cursing his own curiosity. This was the best compromise he could make.

Not a complete fool, but close, Elijah said. There isnt much you should know.

For a moment he thought the man would leave it at that and close the conversation. Part of his brain was already crying tears of blood for wasting his chance to get some answers.

I am the reason we came here, the man said, a dark look on his face. Virya and Theodora could have stayed behind and continued on with their lives, but they chose to help me escape.

Elijah was looking at him, his mind was far away. Thats all you need to know. Dont ever mention this again.

Kai was left alone in the large hall. The flickering candles around him lit the remains of their dinner.

It went well.

Kai jolted in his seat as Dora made her entrance. You were listening?

Oh, no. The alchemist said with a guilty face. I would never eavesdrop on Lady Virya. Anyway, dear. I knew Elly would trust you. You know, its been hard for him since we were forced to run. He must really like you.

He gave her a skeptical look.

I dont want to know how he treats those he doesnt like.

Kai helped Dora clear the table, chatting idly. Where were they from? Why did they have to run away? What was Elijah's role in this? The temptation to ask her poked at his thoughts.

With a determined thought, Kai made himself accept hed never talk about this again. He owed at least this much.