Akiro went back to his seat and heard several knocks afterward. He allowed them to open the door and didn't fail to see the twinkling eyes of Erik that seemed to double ever since he stayed here in his mansion and his suspicion was right when he heard Erik's greeting.
"Good morning, Honorary Master Mage and my benefactor at the same time," Erik said.
"Good morning, Sir..," Irene said.
Erik began to get excited while Irene didn't know how she'd call Akiro since she wasn't versed in the nobles' life but she was sure that he's an important person in the society.
"Take a seat, we'll have a lot to talk to," Akiro said.
The two of them took a seat on the left side. There were two seats there so they chose to sit beside each other. The two of them stayed very close despite the difference in social class standing.
Akiro was amused by their innocence and friendship although they both have mysterious backgrounds which he had taken interest in the moment Erik explained it to him.
"About your dreams, I think the best way to find the truth is to practice your magic and you'll do it together. I'm sure both your magic is compatible with each other. It's only been a day so I haven't collected enough information about your condition. I'll inform you if I completed my research. For now, I want you to accompany Lady Luna in her free time and when you also finished your magic practice," Akiro said.
"We'll gladly follow your orders mas--," Erik was interrupted.
"Just call me Sir Akiro. You're not a worker and also we don't want others especially outside to know that the Honorary Master Mage is walking in the streets," Akiro said.
"Yes, Sir Akiro!" Erik said. Irene only nodded.
Akiro started to think that Erik would be like Ryle bit by bit as he spent his days in Akiro's mansion.
'He's still a child. It'll change,' he thought.
"And you're still at the age that needs to study. I'll hire a tutor for both of you. I hope you will study well with both academics and magic study," he said.
"We'll study well. One more thing, we already have magic elements. We helped Irene awaken hers. I'm wondering why Lady Luna doesn't have any magic element. I think she's a high-ranking noble though?" Erik asked.
Nobles have their ways to awaken their elements since they have more access to resources than commoners. Since Luna seemed close to Akiro by how she called him and also Ryle, he concluded that she's a noble like them.
"Her condition's a bit different and regarding her background, you don't have to know it. Nonetheless, I suggest you continue to call her Lady Luna," Akiro said.
Erik nodded and didn't follow up any question about Luna.
"About your visits to your mother, you can go once a month. A carriage will be arranged and you can tell about this to Miss Zione and ask her or other servants if you have concerns when I'm not free. Ryle will also help. He's just idling here anyway," Akiro said.
Erik knew that Ryle belongs to Xanthe Family after he greeted them yesterday. He's baffled why the son of the high-ranking noble was just idling in an Honorary Master Mage's mansion.
Moreover, he recently learned that not anyone could just set foot in his mansion. Only the Magus Emperor could visit without notice though he questioned if the emperor even had free time to visit Akiro's mansion.
"That's all, you can leave now if you don't have any questions," Akiro said.
They both stood up and bowed.
"We'll be leaving then, Sir Akiro," They said.
As soon as the door closed, a magic barrier enveloped his study room to prevent anyone from peeking into his secrets.
His eyes were sharp and a small grin was plastered into his face.
'Ready to work then,' Akiro said.
***
Ryle walked around the mansion feeling bored. It's because Luna was currently busy in her magic studies while the silver-haired kids were taking too long in Akiro's study room.
At first, he thought that those two are twins or at least siblings because of their rare hair color but it was due to their magic constitution.
'Where did he even find these people?! First, he brought Luna, the book smart, and then the silver-haired kids with rare magic. How lucky, and his hobby these days seems to collect uncommon and mysterious people around Magus Nation,' Ryle thought.
His inner blabbing stopped because he caught sight of Erik and Irene that stood side by side while walking downstairs.
'It wouldn't be surprising if they'd be a couple in a few years. And Luna well, I don't know about that girl who doesn't fancy romance like Miss Zione,' he thought.
Still, it seemed that Ryle still babbled in his thoughts like usual.
"Erik and Irene do you want me to guide you in your training for today? I don't know what to do today," Ryle said.
Erik's eyes widened. He was sure that Sir Ryle Xanthe would be a good tutor despite the difference in magic elements since a high ranking noble have much more knowledge and resources than his family.
"Really? Let us be your students for today Brother Ryle!" Erik said.
He was told to call him brother because calling him young master Xanthe or Sir Ryle was a bit formal although he's still not used to it.
And since it was cold outside, they were allowed to train inside the mansion which they asked for Miss Zione's permission first and she gave them a key to the second indoor training room.
The one that Luna had practiced previously was Akiro's training room and they weren't allowed to enter that room. That training room's filled with his precious belongings and his master was currently busy so Miss Zione didn't want to disturb him at this time of the day.
The second one didn't have anything that would be important in her Master's eyes so she decided to hand them the key to that room.
The three of them entered the training room which was lit up by the floating candles the moment they stepped inside. The second training room didn't pale in comparison to the first one.
The left side was filled with different things related to training while the other side was quite empty with only the fireplace that was lit up by a servant after Miss Zione instructed him.
"Since I will be teaching you, it's best to be formal. Call me sir for today, is it clear?" He asked.
"Yes sir!" They said
"How many months or years did your magic element awakened?" Ryle asked.
"I awakened it last two years sir," Erik said.
"Mine is just eight months ago," Irene said.
"So Erik's the senior but you shouldn't let it go to your head since if you slack off, Irene can do better than you, is it clear?" Ryle questioned.
"It's very clear sir!" Erik said.
"Show me your magic element. Erik will start first then Irene will follow," he said.
Erik nodded and closed his eyes then chanted some words. A crystal clear water soon surrounded him like a shield while the water looked like it could pierce anyone if they threatened Erik.
Irene soon followed and wind as cold as the one outside pierced Ryle's skin. He immediately covered himself with a spell.
Irene's magic was like the snow outside and it enveloped Erik's water defense which made his defense twice stronger than earlier. She soon entered his barrier.
"This is the best we can do right now," Erik said.
"You should be happy! I'm excited to teach you around. I wonder how your defense will look like after our practice. Be sure to listen well," Ryle said.
"Yes sir!" They both said.
He could see the enthusiasm in their eyes just like the days he started learning magic.
--To be continued--