#05 – Stellia
The old capital, Viskinel.
While it was called the old capital, it was one of five great cities within the empire, and its population exceeded one million.
It was a place that encompassed both the old and the new. Its expression changing with every district. A place that needed many words to describe it.
A certain vehicle was now rushing through this city.
“I didn’t know that you were interested in cars, Mr. Sylt.”
Yukito mused from the passenger’s seat. Mr. Sylt chuckled as he held the steering wheel.
“Due to the job, Hunters often have to travel long distances. As for Mr. Grafios, he prefers motorcycles.”
“…Seems like a good match.”
He would probably ride on a large motorcycle. Though, I doubted they had Harley-Davidsons here.
“Still, are you sure about this?”
“What do you mean?”
“Uh, the part about the instruction fee…being free…”
Yes, the magician…or magic arts master, that Mr. Sylt was going to introduce me to, did not want to be paid.
This was very difficult to believe, and so I asked repeated, but Mr. Sylt’s answer was the same.
“If anything, she might be a little offended at the notion.”
“Of-offended?”
“She’s an odd one. In many ways. Well, most magic users are. But this is the Magia Prism (Magic Exhibition) season, and she has nothing better to do. Surely that says enough? This is someone who is more eccentric than usual.”
However, it was not a done deal.
“Whether or not she really will teach you…that is for you two to decide. Well, it should be fine this time, as she agreed. But whether or not it will continue…I am not sure.”
“You mean, if she thinks I don’t have potential?”
“To put it simply, yes.”
…That felt rather narrow-minded.
I immediately thought of some elder with a pointed hat.
But then again, I am never right about such things…
“I’m looking forward to meeting this person.”
Ms. Aize muttered from the back seat.
Not many would say the same after listening to that conversation…
“Here we are.”
Mr. Sylt stopped the car and I looked at our destination. It was definitely not what I was expecting.
“A general store. Flyingrim?”
“Uh, yeah.”
Mr. Sylt scratched his cheek.
We were in the traditional district, and the building looked quite old. But the products being sold were just daily necessities, and nothing unusual.
…Was this just a front, and it was actually a magic store?
“No, this is a normal store.”
“I don’t get it.”
Ms. Aize said as she got out of the car after me. I agreed wholeheartedly.
“It’s very…”
“SYYYYYYLLLLLLTTTTY!!”
The doors flung open and something small rammed into Mr. Sylt.
Its head rammed into Mr. Sylt’s stomach, and he groaned in agony.
“You’re finally here! Hmph! I was waiting for you!!”
“So-sorry.”
The person who had flown out looked like a ten year-old.
She had flaxen hair tied with a ribbon and was adorable.
After recovering, Mr. Sylt managed to apologize, and her face brightened up.
“Hey, hey. Hurry up and come inside! Mom made a great pumpkin pie today…!”
“Sorry. I told you, didn’t I? I have some work to do.”
“Whaat!!”
She puffed out her cheeks with annoyance again.
He had to apologize and make a new promise to visit again before he was able to turn to us.
“Yukito. This is Stelia. The magician I wanted you two to meet.”
“What!?”
Both Ms. Aize and I could only stand there with wide-eyed shock.
After Mr. Sylt left, we were led into the general goods store.
Apparently, this is where her family lived.
Stelia Minefort Ariolt Rosencroix.
It was a long name, but Stelia Minefort was her real name, and the rest were more like titles.
Also, in spite of her height, she was actually twenty-two. She was the same age as Mr. Sylt, and they had grown up together.
“Hurry up. I don’t have all day.”
“Huh?”
Her words had suddenly become rather violent, and I thought I misheard.
“Eh!? You got a problem? Move your ass already.”
…A wolf in sheep’s clothing was an understatement.
She has you fooled, Mr. Sylt!
“An insane genius god like me would never have even looked at you if it weren’t for Sylty. Not once in your miserable lives. So you better be thankful to him.”
“Uh, yes.”
Damn, she was crazy.
“Hey, did you just call me short or something? Eh!?”
“I did not.”
Shit! Don’t tell me she could also read minds?
And so we were led into the store and to the second floor. Apparently, it was living space.
“So…then. Let’s hear what you have to say.”
It was spacious and appeared to be her private room.
Surprisingly, it was rather fancy, with pink walls. However, the desk was covered in papers, and she did not seem like a very tidy person.
She glared at me with those sharp eyes, and I straightened my posture.
“Uh…magic arts? Magic? We want to hear about that.”
“Eh!?”
She sat on the chair and crossed her arms. She sounded very angry. As for us, we sat down on the floor.
“Are you really that much of a damned amateur? You don’t even know the difference.”
“…Sorry. I don’t.”
“Tsk… Sylty owes me big time for this…”
Sorry, Mr. Sylt.
I thought apologetically, and then Ms. Stelia raised two fingers in front of us.
“There are two things you should know first. One. Do not tell anyone that I have taught you. Two. I won’t listen to any complaints or whining from you. Three! You will tell Sylty that I was nothing but an adorable and angelic genius. If you break any of these rules, I will kill you.”
That wasn’t two. But her eyes were serious, so I didn’t say anything.
“That is all. If you have any objections, get lost. Since it’s still early, I’ll let you off with a simple memory wipe, that’s all.”
“…I have none.”
What the hell!
Thanks for the chappy.