Chapter 116 - A Loving Mother

“Well, that’s understandable from you. You said you came to join the society, didn’t you? You’ll learn about them naturally when you visit the underground tower often,” Pendelok smiled and looked at Sophinea, who was asleep. His eyes blurred as if he was looking at a precious granddaughter. “A great wizard like you’d help that child, I sincerely thank you. It’s like a miracle. No wonder Edith burst into tears.”

“You must know the Duchess very well.”

“Of course, I know her well. She’s my close friend’s daughter who he used to consider the apple of his eye. Being Edith’s daughter, Sophie is like my granddaughter. Since I haven’t married and my friend has passed away early, I should be the one to look after them-both Sophie and His Majesty,” the old man had a longing look as he said.

‘He must’ve been a friend of Charles’ grandfather. That’s why Charles contacted him when he was left alone.’

Since the Duchess, Edith Modjankle von Rudimna, was a little sister of the former king and Charlene, the current king’s aunt, Pendelok Palaios must have been a close friend of the king before the former king.

“So, the reason why Lady Rudimna is staying in the underground tower, instead of the Duchy of Rudimna, is for you to take care of her? I saw her in the underground tower last time as well.”

“Just call her Sophinea as you like. She’d like it better that way. Mere class wouldn’t matter to you who’s the pupil of the Horizon,” Pendelok waved his hand and continued. “She used to be in the Duke’s mansion. Since Sophie was an unprecedentedly powerful nameless wizard from birth, the Duke of Rudimna built a separate building for her.”

“Then, why in the society…”

“There are some grave incidents happening these days, so we did it for her safety.”

“Incidents?”

Is it related to Charles’ frequent visit to the society with his identity as a king? Instead of answering Azriel’s question, Pendelok asked another question. “Why are you trying to join the Aurora Society?”

“Well, there’s something I want to look into.”

“It’ll be way more accurate to ask your master instead of joining the society and researching it. If the members of the society find out who you are, they’ll all come to you with their research topics since the Wizard of the Horizon is a living witness of the magic civilization.”

“Finding out about it myself is a test that my master gave me.”

“Whoa,” Pendelok had a very intrigued look. “What on earth is it that you need to find out that it became a test?”

“If you tell me about the incidents related to Sophinea’s safety, I’ll also tell you.”

“Ehem,” Pendelok gave a dry cough as if she had him going. Azriel asked again. “Shouldn’t I know about it now that I’m helping Sophinea? You said those incidents are related to safety.”

“Technically, it’s not related to Sophinea herself. She’s just related because she’s a nameless wizard.”

“Is being a nameless wizard a problem?”

“I’m sorry, but this is not a matter I can speak of at my will. I will talk to you after discussing it.”

It seemed to be related to something big and complex that she did not know of. Pendelok added, with a regretful face. “Except for that problem, I will support you with anything I can do at my personal expense. Not only for the cure of excessive mana disorder but also anything you need for your test. The family of the Duke of Rudimna will also support you to their best, not to mention the recommendation letter required for joining the society.”

*

The Duchess of Rudimna and Pendelok wrote a letter of recommendation right away in the room. The joining process of the society was not long. When she completed all steps, she received a silver badge in the form of a semicircle. It was a badge that certified her membership.

‘It’s made in the form of a half Aurora Disc.’

As soon as she received the badge, Azriel returned to Brownie Castle. She had a hard time since Sophinea did not want to be separated from her after waking up, but Azriel comforted her by promising that she would visit her again tomorrow.