A few days had passed since my conversation with my father.
I had accepted his proposal without much hesitation. I could continue learning magic with the help of someone capable of teaching me properly, but in exchange, I would also begin sword training with Kael.
To be honest, I didn't dislike the idea.
Magic was still what interested me most, but I found it hard to turn down the opportunity to learn how to wield a sword. After all, in a world where magic, monsters, and adventurers truly existed, knowing how to defend myself certainly couldn't be a bad thing.
Since that conversation, Kael had become particularly enthusiastic about starting my training.
“You'll see, Ewen. The sword is much simpler than magic.”
I looked at him skeptically.
“You say that because you're a swordsman.”
“Exactly.”
“So you're not exactly objective.”
Kael fell silent for a few seconds.
“You really take after your mother.”
“Why?”
“Because you ask too many questions.”
Mira, who was nearby, burst out laughing.
This new routine would be starting soon.
But before that, there was one thing left to take care of.
The person Kael had contacted.
My future magic teacher.
I knew practically nothing about her. My parents had been fairly tight-lipped about her identity, and whenever I asked a question, they simply told me I would meet her soon.
So I had no idea what awaited me.
On the day she arrived, I was in the main room with Mira.
She was sitting by the window with a book in her hands while I reread a few passages from my own magic books.
Ever since my parents had discovered my secret studies, I no longer needed to hide my books.
I continued studying them on my own anyway.
I wanted to understand my mistakes before someone started teaching me.
After a few minutes, three knocks sounded at the door.
Mira looked up.
A smile immediately appeared on her face.
“She’s here.”
I closed my book.
“You really know her that well?”
“Yes.”
Her answer was simple.
But her smile said much more.
Kael crossed the room before opening the door.
“Coming.”
The door opened.
A young woman stood in front of our house.
The first thing that struck me was her appearance.
She looked to be in her twenties.
Her long black hair fell to the middle of her back, with faint purple highlights whenever the light caught it. Her eyes were a deep red, and her delicate features gave her an almost unreal appearance.
She wore simple, practical traveling clothes, along with a dark cloak that looked like it had seen a great deal of use.
For a few seconds, she and Kael looked at each other.
Then she smiled.
“It’s been a long time.”
Kael returned her smile.
“Far too long.”
He immediately stepped aside to let her in.
“Come in.”
The young woman crossed the threshold.
Her eyes quickly swept across the room before stopping on Mira.
Her expression changed instantly.
“Mira...”
Mira stood up.
“Lyria.”
They moved toward each other without waiting.
Mira pulled Lyria into her arms, and the young woman returned the embrace.
They stayed that way for a few seconds before parting.
“I missed you,” Mira said with a smile.
“Me too.”
Lyria looked Mira up and down.
“You really haven’t changed at all.”
“Look who’s talking.”
Mira gave her a small, amused smile.
“You still look exactly the same as you did back when we traveled together.”
“And you still have the same eyes.”
Kael, standing behind them, cut in:
“Are you two really going to stand there staring at each other all day?”
Lyria turned toward him.
“You’re still just as impatient.”
“I know you two. You could talk for hours.”
“And does that bother you?”
“Not at all.”
Kael smiled.
“It brings back good memories.”
I watched them in silence.
I still didn't understand everything.
But one thing was obvious: Lyria wasn't merely an acquaintance of my parents.
She was a friend.
A former traveling companion.
Someone who had shared part of their past.
And despite my curiosity, I didn't ask any questions.
Not yet.
Lyria eventually noticed me.
She turned her head in my direction.
Her gaze settled on me.
“So...”
She smiled.
“This is him?”
Mira nodded.
“Yes. This is Ewen.”
Lyria approached me gently.
She crouched down in front of me.
“Nice to meet you, Ewen. My name is Lyria.”
“Nice to meet you.”
She gave me a small smile.
“You’re very polite.”
I shrugged slightly.
“Mom taught me.”
Lyria looked at Mira.
“He’s grown so much.”
Mira smiled.
“And he learns very quickly.”
“I’ve heard about his talents.”
I looked at her curiously.
“Dad told you about me?”
“Your father talks a lot.”
Kael immediately raised his hands.
“Hey!”
Lyria laughed.
“Yes, he did. He explained what happened.”
My face grew slightly embarrassed as I thought back to the attic window.
Lyria noticed.
“So you’re the one who made a fireball explode over the garden?”
I slowly nodded.
“Yes.”
She remained silent for a few seconds.
Then she smiled.
“Interesting.”