Chapter 126 – Riftan’s Envy (1)
Max gave him a puzzled look as she handed over the bookcase.
“You think I came out because I hated the World Tower, don’t you?” He was able to discern her thoughts.
“I didn’t like the discipline, but I didn’t hate it by itself. In fact, there’s no other place in the world where hundreds of great wizards can gather to hone their skills like in that place,” he said in a faint longing voice.
Max’s curiosity had been piqued. Nornui was an unknown island with very limited access to outsiders. Only the wizards were allowed to enter and leave the tower while the merchants from the south and west were busy at the port. To and from knowledge had to go through the proper channels.
Without a doubt, this forbidden place exuded a mysterious aura. Countless minstrels had spread songs about the mysterious Nornui all over the continent, fascinated and enchanted by its secrecy.
It’s no wonder that Lady Calypse was enthralled by the tale of the runaway wizard. Since listening to the tales skillfully sung by singers, she had been lost in strange dreams about the World Tower for a long time. And now that she was in the company of someone best acquainted, she decided to learn everything she could.
“D-do all wi-wizards study at the W-World Tower?” Her eyes glimmered with curiosity as she inquired.
“What do you mean-do you want to study magic by yourself at Anatol?” Ruth shook his head as if telling her not to ask stupid questions.
“In order to master the magic’s properties, you must go into the World Tower and train. However, you don’t have to go too far to learn the universal magic you want to learn. Most of the wandering wizards in the mercenary corps are these non-affiliated wizards.”
“What do these attributes mean for a new chick who has just started studying the theory of magic?... You’re worried about learning the basics aren’t you?”
“W-well, it’s just... ah! I only asked one question.” Max grumbled burying her nose into the book hiding her embarrassed face.
Ruth smiled and moved a few books beside Max before rising from his seat to light the fire. The sky was cloudy and a dim shadow hung over the library, despite the fact that it was still early.
With tongs, he removed small embers from the furnace and lit them on a candlestick and lamp. Max rubbed her tired eyes and kept reading before rising just in time; it was already evening.
“Are you going to the dining hall for dinner?” When he saw her packed books and parchment, Ruth asked mischievously.
Max shook her head. She couldn’t face the knights last night because she was too humiliated by her tipsy self.
“I-I’m going to e-eat in my room. I-I want to st-stay there re-reading all these books.”
“Calm down, Max. You haven’t made that big of a mistake. I don’t think you’ve ever seen a real drunkard, much less hear he gibberish they spew.” Ruth, who immediately saw through her excuse, spat out. He then went on to suggest.
“Oh, why don’t you take this chance to build friendship with the knights? Everyone seems to think it’s funny...”
“W-well.. I-I don’t want to be fu-funny...”