A Fairytale for Wizards

When Rhema returned with his familiar spirits, Azriel was in the hall of the outhouse. The outhouse was a three-story building that could be compared to other decent mansions. Maylie first thought that it was Azriel’s house but almost fainted to find out that it was only an outhouse. There was even a small party hall in the outhouse. Brownie prepared a party at that hall.

Maylie’s family, who had already seen Blanchet, got used to the spirit quickly. Especially Maylie’s three younger siblings who adapted to the new environment fast as they were young. The chatty spirit, delicious cookies and food, and the expectation of a new life all mixed together and brought smiles on their faces.

Rhema stood by the window and watched Azriel who was smiling among people. Seeing the joyous people, Largo got eager. When Rhema nodded at him, the big dog excitedly wagged its tail and jumped between the people.

“Yikes! What is this big dog?”

“It’s alright. He’s Largo. Largo, when did you come? Welcome!” 

The hall became boisterous and then laughter broke out again.

“Aren’t you getting inside?” Noir asked Rhema, pricking up his ears. Rhema slightly stepped back.

“All of you can go inside,” Rhema replied.

“What about you, Rhema?”

Not answering him, Rhema turned around and headed toward the castle. Just as Noir was going to say something, Blanchet hit him.

“Ouch! Why do you keep hitting me? Just use your words!” Noir complained.

“You don’t get it when I use my words,” Blanchet said.

“What is it this time?” Noir asked.

“Have some wits! Do you really think you can be my partner with that much wits?” Blanchet gave him a dirty look and went her way. Noir muttered following behind her. “What’s up with him? Why doesn’t he want to get in?”

“They look happy. Yeah, and delighted,” Blanchet observed.

“Indeed. Rhema doesn’t seem he would fit in that kind of atmosphere. He doesn’t like people that much,” Noir said.

“Yes, that’s right,” Blanchet agreed.

“But won’t he like it since Azriel’s there? When Azriel’s happy, Rhema also feels happy. Then, doesn’t he have to get in there?”

Blanchet struck Noir with her front paw again.

“Hey!”

“It’s worse because Azriel is there, you stupid!”

“I said use your words!”

“Rhema can’t be too happy or sad. We’ve seen our owner for decades and you still don’t know that? Of course you need to be beaten up, don’t you think so?”

“No, I know that. But would he be shaken just by that even though Azriel’s there? He will feel a little better than usual at most.”

“He could be shaken.”

“Why on earth would he?”

“Azriel looks so happy. She’s not with Rhema but with other people.”

“Come on. What about that?”

Hearing Noir’s question, Blanchet gave him a pathetic look and turned around at once.

“He must’ve slipped away because he doesn’t like the mood. Or he could just be shy,” Noir kept talking, following behind her. “Oh, is he just not confident that he might not get along with them? Rhema has been living alone for a really long time. Then we should help him as his familiar spirits!”

“If you’re not sure, just shut up and get in, Noir.”

“Hey, is it not right? Then what is it? Tell me in detail.”

“Just get it. Azriel must be waiting.”

“Teach me, Blaaanchhheett.”

“How can you put that disgusting face so close to me?” Saying so, Blanchet clawed Noir’s face. After fighting for a round, the two cats could join the party.

*

Azriel was walking the hall of the castle. The candles that Brownie had lit up were lighting the hall. She could see a light coming out through the open door at the end of the hall. She peeked in through the open door.

‘It’s the same as the study in Rhema’s house.’

It was a familiar study which was so huge and wide that the wall on the opposite side was not visible. Memories of learning letters, reading picture books, and learning many things from Rhema were embedded in this place.

‘He said he connected this castle in the Khu Kingdom to Modjankle. Maybe this study is the same.’

A white wizard was leaning back on the armchair in the study. His long finger slowly turned the page. It was a sight Azriel missed. After knocking on the door, she opened the door a little more.

“Rhema.”

He lifted his head and saw her. Azriel entered the study.

“Only the familiar spirits came, so I thought you’re not here yet, but here you are.”

“Yes, just a while ago,” Rhema said as he closed the book.

“You like reading, Rhema. Is it fun?” perching on the chair next to him, she said.

“No, not much.”

“It’s not interesting? Is it a new book?”

“I’ve read all the books here.”

“You’ve read it before and you don’t enjoy it, then why are you reading it again?”

“It’s to pass time. I usually read books for that purpose,” he put down the book in the air. The book floated in the air and automatically shelved itself in an empty spot.

“It’s just to pass time— Do you ever find reading a book fun?”

Rhema’s eyes were narrowed at Azriel’s question. He thought for a moment and said.

“The Theory of Limit of Mana in Human Body”

“What?”

“It was the last interesting book I read.”

“When was that?”

“It was among the books I read when I couldn’t move from one spot for three days because I was making it rain— I think it was about 600 years ago.”

“600— W, wait, the four days of rain 600 ago?”