“Yeah. Got to admit, I didn’t expect such a heavy conversation coming here.” My nerves are fried. If I had the option, I’d just go home and call it a day but my schedule is not my own. I am beyond ready for my initiate year to be over.

“I’d like to think we’ve made progress though.” Miss Talia closed her eyes. “As you asked a question of me, I would like to ask one of you. What are your favorite foods?”

“Huh?” Too drastic of a switch. My brain is still spinning from the stress of rapid and complicated thoughts. “That’s a strange question.”

“Is it? I thought I could invite your family to dinner to return the favor. It would be a nice opportunity for socializing.”

…do I need to be worried about someone this earnest? Please tell me I don’t have to. It would be such a waste. “I’m fond of a good roast.”

“Noted. Would you like to ask another question?”

“Why do you always wear those plain robes? I see what Kierra gets paid so I know you could afford better if you wanted.”

Miss Talia raises an arm. “I can’t see what they look like. I choose what’s comfortable and easy to put on.”

Oh. She’s blind, to an extent. Forgot about that.

“If you’d like, you could help me pick out something else.”

“Love to.” This is a free opportunity to undress her, right? Of course, with only pure intentions of helping. Hehe.

“My turn. Sorry, but I must ask this question. What are your goals?”

You mean as someone who will probably become the most powerful caster in the world? Or are we talking more immediate goals, like what I’m planning to do here at the Hall? Basically, the same either way. “To live the most amusing life I can.” That was the agreement.

“…amusing?”

“Yes. There are a few more things sprinkled in there. I want to see more of the world, elevate the Tome family and the art of summoning, maybe slay a dragon or two just to say I did, but mostly I want to live an enjoyable life I won’t regret.” I shrug. “If you’re worried about my aspirations for ruling, they amount to nothing. Absolutely zilch. No one has anything to worry about from me.”

“I see. A life you won’t regret. That is a fine answer. People are so full of ugly ambition. Willingly to do disgusting things for even a modicum of the power you wield. Yet, I know you are not a product of having that power, but your true self. I think even if you weren’t so important to my own ambitions, I wouldn’t mind being your friend.”

“Aw, thank you. You aren’t too bad yourself. A little intense, but not bad.”

“Thank you as well. I believe we are connecting? More progress.”

I chuckle. “You don’t have to point it out, but yeah, we’re connecting.”

The moment is interrupted by soft knocking then the door swings open. A young girl, a few years younger than me, walks in, stopping at the end of Miss Talia’s desk. Dressed in the white and black uniform of a servant, hair hidden beneath a frilly cap, her dark eyes drill into me with apprehension, thin lips pressed into a disapproving frown.

Um, why am I suddenly being disliked by a stranger? Do people really hate me?

“This is my assistant, Marie,” Miss Talia says, gesturing toward the girl. “Given my visual impairment, she assists me with the paperwork one of my position cannot avoid. Quite essential to my work. Marie, this is Lourianne Tome, an initiate here at the Hall.”

Marie gives me an impeccable bow. “A pleasure to meet you, my lady.”

“Ah, pleasure’s all mine. Don’t worry too much about the formalities.” I stand up. “I’m guessing you have to get back to work? I also need to hurry up and get something to eat.”

“Indeed. I enjoyed our chat and would like to do it again. You are free to visit whenever you wish.”

I dart my eyes to the side. Strange. I could have sworn I felt some serious hostility aimed at me, my senses for such things honed by my loving wife’s training, but the only other person in the room, Marie, is gazing at the floor demurely. Did I imagine it?

“Coo.” [Not at all, Master Lou. The girl is rather upset with you for stealing Umphrieltalia’s attention.]

A rival? Ah, comrade. I feel your pain. Unfortunately, this is not a relationship I can back away from. I need to keep Miss Talia close to me. Otherwise, I won’t be able to rest easy with her having hold of my secrets.

“Coo coo.” [I don’t believe it is the same type of affection as you seek. She sees her as more of a beloved guardian, perhaps a mother.]

We’ll see. “Bell says bye,” I say to explain away the cooing of my imp.

“Goodbye, Bell.”

[Hm. The woman asks if next time I may speak with her as well.]

Sure, why not? She already knows you are more than you appear. With a wave to Marie, I leave the office, hurrying over to the Bronze Dorm so I don’t starve for the rest of the day.