Translator: Henyee Translations Editor: Henyee Translations
Many people might have asked the same question if they had dared.
One was a royal magic caster, and the other was a shadowy dark magic caster. They were both very powerful, and clearly regarded each other as enemies. But, Amy didn’t seem to care.
Krassu and Urien were taken aback, but strangely, they didn’t reject her right away. They exchanged a long look.
20 years ago, the elven girl had said the same thing. After that, they had fought for almost a year, but neither had given up. Then, she had got taken away before one could get the better of the other.
It was one of their most bitter regrets, though they didn’t say it. They had had to watch helplessly as they took her away.
“It’s a good idea, isn’t it? I’ll be able to fly and summon a dragon. I’ll be very powerful!” she said happily, clapping her hands.
“You don’t need a dragon. You’ll be able to kill dragons with your staff, or a fireball if you prefer,” Krassu pointed out.
“Girls have no business flying in the sky with a staff. You can perform my magic in a dress,” Urien said gently. “They won’t be able to touch you. You will be graceful like every other girl.”
A slow smile crept across Mag’s face. The looks on the two old men’s faces suggested they were considering Amy’s request. I was right to have Amy bring this up. They like her. Besides, it would be great if Amy could reconcile them. After all, they probably don’t have many old friends left, considering their age.
Amy shook her head. “But I want to study under you both. Please…” she said, looking at them with her big watery eyes.
The two old men weakened suddenly. They thought they saw the elven girl who liked making sport of everyone with deft cruelty, and who could make everyone succumb to her cuteness.
Amy was much younger, but just as sharp-tongued and cute. They looked at her, and couldn’t help but nod.
Amy’s eyes lit up immediately. “Really, Turtle Grandpa, Half-beard Grandpa? I’m your disciple now?” She threw her arms around Mag’s neck, and kissed him on the cheek. “Father, I have two masters now! They’ll teach me magic!”
“I…” Krassu said after he realized what he had done.
“Master Half-beard!” Amy said to Krassu.
Krassu froze for an instant. He took a look at Amy’s smile, and bit back his words. He managed a smile, and gave a nod.
Urien lifted an eyebrow. “But…”
“Master Turtle!” Amy said as she turned to face Urien. She thought for a moment, and added with a smile, “Can I play with Green Pea and Black Coal from now on?”
Urien agonized for a while before he nodded. “Yes,” he said at last in a hoarse voice.
Amy clapped her hands, eyes shining with excitement and expectation. I’ll be able to make it snow and summon a dragon, as well as fly in the sky!
The crowd never made a sound. Apparently, no one had expected this sudden turn of events. They have taken a half-elf on as a disciple? It seems she is the owner’s daughter.
Krassu turned to Mag, and asked, “Mag, what do you say?” He had to ask for Mag’s permission first.
“I respect Amy’s choice. You’re both undoubtedly very powerful. I’ll let Amy become your disciple on one condition—that you deliver on your promises,” Mag said solemnly as he looked at the two old men.
Devious bastard! Urien and Krassu thought. Talk about a businessman!” Technically, they had no obligation to deliver on their promises now.
But the look on Mag’s face suggested they had no choice. A talented and lovely daughter came with many benefits.
“I hate my disciple to have another master, but I respect her choice. I don’t see why she had to choose him, though,” said Urien. “Starting tomorrow, she’ll study under you for three days, and then study under me for three days. Then rest one day. I’ll keep all the promises I’ve made earlier.” He lifted his hand, and the rest of his magic copies shattered immediately. The real Urien looked at Krassu, and said coldly, “And the savory tofu pudding is the best.”
“Do you think I like to share a student with you? You should consider yourself lucky that Amy wants to learn your showy magic,” Krassu said. “I’ll take you up on your offer. And I’ll deliver on my promises.” The flame on his staff vanished. He pointed his staff at Urien. “The sweet one is the best. Fight me if you dare.”
Smiling, Mag put Amy down on the ground. He took a look at the time and nodded at the two magic casters. “Well, it’s settled, then. Amy will study under you from tomorrow. We’re open now. You can have your breakfast here if you like.”
“I’ll have two plates of Yangzhou fried rice and a roujiamo,” Krassu said, making for the restaurant.
“A plate of Yangzhou fried rice and a roujiamo,” Urien said after he thought a moment, looking at Krassu’s back. Then he walked towards the restaurant too.
“Leader, what do we do now?” a man whispered to Barzel. The square hadn’t been badly damaged, and there were no casualties or injuries—only two small trees had been destroyed. The square had sustained much more severe damage from the fight between two orcs the other day.
“Report this to the top brass. Don’t ask them any questions. If I’m right, that white-robed magic caster is a big shot,” Barzel said. He took a long look at Mag. This restaurateur is anything but ordinary.
