Chapter 179 - The Identified Kidnapper

‘I think I know why Rhema was so happy,’ Azriel thought, looking at the wizards’ ardent eyes on her.

She loved magic. To her, magic was a mysterious process by which she drew constellations that would change the world as she wanted on her own night sky. She was compelled to love it the more she learned. And it was a very pleasant thing that so many people like this were actively seeking to learn her beloved magic. Thus, she smiled happily and said, “May I teach you how to make a relic? Does anyone want to learn?”

As soon as she was done speaking, there was a hustle among the wizards in the warehouse, each scrambling to try and be first. After a round of chaos, Nak Naham came forward and organized the situation.

“It is an awful loss if an excellent wizard like Miss Esthera wastes her time to teach every one of us,” he said.

“Oh, that’s all right,” she said.

“No. I’ve already been disrespectful to you so far. I can’t cause you any more inconvenience. I apologize for yesterday. I was foolish.” He bowed deeply. He was being quite polite, which stood in stark contrast to his initial attitude toward her.

Azriel looked at him with surprise in her eyes. “Oh, that’s okay. I wasn’t that upset, so you’re fine. You don’t have to apologize to me.”

“…You are very generous. Thank you,” Nak continued calmly, straightening his waist only then. “Miss Azriel, it’d be better if you teach only one of us first. Then, that person can teach the rest of us.”

“Do you think that’ll be more convenient? Then, who will learn from me?” she asked.

This time, the wizards exchanged intense looks. Despite the obvious fact that he wanted to recommend himself, Nak fixed his glasses with a trembling hand. “Drawing… lots will be the… best, I think…”

“Okay. Then, let me know about the result later,” she said.

“Yes,” he replied.

“Oh, and these relics should be delivered to the targeted people as soon as possible. Which region should I be in charge of?”

“That is all right. We should be responsible for such things. You can just give me the location through communication when you receive a signal, Miss Esthera.” Nak waved his hand. Then, he almost pushed Azriel to send her off. “You should go back and get a good rest, Miss Esthera.”

“Oh, okay…” Azriel left the warehouse without realizing it. She was about to go back to the underground tower but found that her familiar was not following her.

“Marthi?” She looked around, calling his name in a low voice. Soon, a lion cub popped out from a window on the upper levels of the warehouse.

“What were you doing, Marthi?” she asked.

“I watched them for a little while because I thought they might be up to something, Master. Those humans were preparing to draw lots as if putting their lives on the line.”

“Putting their lives on the line…” she echoed.

“That’s only natural. They are choosing who will receive the honor of your teachings. I’m relieved that the selection process seems to be fair.” After that boast, Marthi hopped on Azriel’s shoulder, puffing out his chest proudly.

‘Their response was more enthusiastic than I expected… It looks like Grandpa Pendelok was not unique.’ For no reason, a sense of nervousness came over her. ‘I will finish making the thing for Sophie first and then organize the details to teach when I return.’

The underground tower and the Topaz Guild were a decent way apart. Walking slowly, Azriel organized her thoughts, noting the most important bits on relic production.

“Master,” suddenly, Marthi whispered in her ear, “someone is watching us.”

“What?” Azriel replied.

“We’re being watched,” he repeated.

Reflexively, Azriel nearly turned around but stopped herself. In a low voice, she asked, “Is it a hostile stare?”

“It’s a little ambiguous…” Marthi hesitated and glanced back. “I don’t know for sure. How about checking it out for yourself?”

“Where is that person?” she asked.

“In the back alley. Oh, darn it,” Marthi groaned.

“What’s wrong?” she asked.

“They’re gone.” Marthi had a very unpleasant look on his face.