About two days had passed since the young master left the castle. I wasn't told much other than it would be dangerous and that we could also be in danger, so I was inevitably tense.
I was finally getting used to my new environment so I didn't want any drastic changes. However, I wasn't tense only because I was anxious.
"So, Kaili, what should we do?"
For some reason, on the same day that young master left, Lily came to visit. And not just for one night either, but for an indefinite period of time.
"Kaili, why are you making that face? Do you hate me being here that much?"
"N-no! Of course not. I'm just worried that something will happen while you're here."
Under normal circumstances I would never complain about having a sleepover with the only friend I had that was my age, but since we would likely be attacked my excitement was suppressed.
'What were young master and Lady Queen thinking?'
Both of our guardians were aware that this castle would become a battle site, so I couldn't understand why they would send her here at such a time.
"Oh, you worry too much. I'm sure that if any bad guys come here we'll be enough to take care of them." said Lily while puffing out her chest.
I couldn't help chuckling at this sight before responding, "That would nice but," remembering my current situation I sighed before continuing, "I still need to study more."
"Summoning magic, right?"
"That's right."
When I first found out that I would be learning summoning magic, I couldn't wait until I could summon something as impressive as a spirit king. However as the young master taught me I realized that it wouldn't be so easy.
It was obvious if I just thought about it, but if it was that easy to summon beings on that level, then summoning magic would be much more popular and spirit kings wouldn't be known as creatures of myth.
"Are you having a problem learning it?"
"Not so much a problem learning it than a problem using it," I replied.
"Hmm? What do you mean?"
"Well summoning magic is just dragging something from somewhere to where you are. As long you know the basics, it's not that hard to perform intradimensional or otherworldly summoning. But for it to be useful it's not enough for me to succeed."
"Uh-huh."
"In other words, I can summon but I can't summon anything that strong. So far the best that I did was," in order to give Lily a proper idea of what I was talking about, I asked the spirit that was still around me to make itself visible.
I didn't know how to speak in spirit language, but luckily I could get my intentions across with one of the first abilities in Summoning Magic, General Telepathy.
Once her eyes caught sight of the small green sylph flying above my head, Lily was surprised but, it wasn't as much as I expected.
I couldn't feel too proud about my first summon but I thought it would at least make her excited.
'Is this too plain?'
As I started getting worried that my success was even more unremarkable than I thought, Lily said, "Wow, a baby sylph. And it likes you too."
Her expression was back to usual but her genuine smile made me feel better.
"Mhmm, it seems like it. It can only help with simple things like passing me a book or blowing on my tea, but it has been nice to have around at least."
"Then isn't that pretty good?"
I understood her good intentions but I shook my head, "No, this isn't enough. I need a stronger one."
At this moment, Lily frowned and stared at me. She still looked cute but I was worried that I had messed up somehow.
"What is it?"
"Kaili, you're not thinking that you don't want to disappoint Big brother again, are you?"
"No, mostly not."
When I first arrived here, I was always worried that I would make a mistake and be kicked out. But with Lily's help I was able to believe that young master and Big Sis wouldn't do something like that.
I was able to believe due to the incident where Lily had purposefully knocked over a vase and said that I did. I remembered being beside myself with fear while devastated that she would betray me. However, young master only sighed before snapping his fingers and having one of the skeletons clean it up.
Then, he brushed my head with his hand and said, "I'm glad you're not hurt. Be careful, okay?" before walking off.
It was the moment that he looked even cooler than he did when he rescued me from that treant. After that incident, I tried to be myself more in the castle. However, that was that and this was this.
As Lily put her hands on her hips and shook her head, I knew a lecture was incoming so I grimaced.
"Kaili, I proved to you that you had nothing to fear, didn't I? Do I have to write on the walls this time for you to get it?"
"Please don't!"
It might have sounded like a joke to others, but for better or for worse, Lily always set out to do what she said she would.
As Lily continued glaring at me, I sighed before continuing, "It's not that I think he'll abandon me, it's because I know he won't why I want to do better. I can't be sure of how many times he'll need my help so I want to be strong enough to lend a hand as soon as possible."
'I want to protect my new home with my own hands.'
I didn't know if Lily understood what I was trying to convey, but her expression eventually softened before going back to normal.
"You're such a considerate little girl, aren't you," she said.
"Thank you."
"Right, maybe you'll be able to..."
"Hmm? Did you say something?"
"No. I was just thinking of how I should assist my dear best friend."
While a question mark appeared in my mind, Lily moved her chair right next to mine and held each of my hands with one of hers.
"What is it, Lily?"
"I'm sorry but would you mind entrusting yourself to me for a bit?"
I didn't know what she meant, but I noticed the hint of seriousness in her eyes so I obediently nodded.
"Good. Please close your eyes."
As I followed her instructions and closed off my sight, I became more aware of the warmth of her hands.
'Were Lily's hands always this small?'
My mind drifted to strange places as we held hands, but before I was too far gone, I heard her voice almost like a whisper.
"Think about it. Think about what question regarding summoning magic is plaguing you."
Without any second-guessing, I tried to come up with a good question and quickly settled on one.
'How should I use my elementary sylph in combat?'
I remembered that even the youngest of spirits could still be useful in battle, but I couldn't figure out how a little breeze would help.
"Very well. Embrace the knowledge you seek."
At first I didn't notice anything, but before I knew it more ideas about how to use my summon in battle appeared. Some ideas were familiar since they were things that should have been in textbooks I read, but other ideas seemed original.
However, rather than question this weird event, I enjoyed it.
...
"It's time to wake up."
"Huh?"
When I finally opened my eyes again, I found Lily giving me a smile that was a little different than I remembered. I couldn't put my finger on it but something was wrong with her smile.
"Lil-"
"It's time for dinner."
Unable to ask about her smile or about what I just went through, the only response I got was of Lily placing her finger over her tiny lips.
'I know, I won't say anything.'
As I watched Lily head to the door where Big Sis was waiting, I shrugged and tried to stand up, but only after my toes touched the smooth floor did I realize that they had gone numb during the time I was in a trance.
"Ahh!"