"That's exhausting…"
"…Truly"
After reporting their success exterminating the swarm of beasts to the Association branch in Sandhaven, an official messenger arrived at around the same time. He sprightly informed Mikaela and Alana that the current mayor would hold a celebration for their achievement in his mansion and expected them to attend.
""....""
The two kept silent and sensed nothing but trouble from the news, but reluctantly, unwillingly, accepted it, as refusing personal invitation from the number one person in this city was discourteous. Beside, punishment might befell the innocent messenger if they were to refuse… How vexing…
---Their intuition proved to be right, in the extravagant party, the mayor brazenly offered them an unexpected reward for their deed, which invited spectacular round of applauses and admiration from attending nobles.
Contrary to the merry atmosphere, the two ladies ran away as soon as they heard the content of his speech. They had no intention to stay for even a second longer. No more subtlety needed.
"Guards!!" perplexed by his guests action, the mayor instinctively called upon the guards.
Armored guards with golden decorations came rushing to prevent them from escaping, and were immediately thrown away hitting the wall after Mikaela conjured a small-scale tornado inside the hall. The remaining guards who still stubbornly coming afterward were easily dealt with by Alana barehanded, with her higher physical prowess she played them like powerless children.
Those ornamental guards were unable to deal with the threat from the beasts, what made them think they could detain the pair who triumphed over those beasts? It was hilarious how they forgot that particular fact.
That evening, the mayor's mansion was in utter chaos, and grinding sound of continuous destruction could be heard. The two beautiful offenders managed to escape unscathed, and none was able to pursue them.
"Being his concubines?! What kind of reward was that?!? I'll find my own partner thank you!"
Alana was extremely irritated remembering the mayor's suggestion, even more so since the mayor wholeheartedly believed he was being righteous. Annoyingly, other guests seemed to share his line of thought. Even the wife was touched by his decision, maybe she should check her head to a doctor, just in case?
"That's just how nobles think, it's not uncommon actually, it is leagues easier terminating beasts in the wild than to deal with their kind" added Mikaela with fed up expression, she felt mentally exhausted.
'Aren't you one as well?'
Alana was about to let out that reflexive comment, but managed to hold herself from doing so because she knew it was an unpleasant subject for Mikaela.
"…Anyway, did he mention who was offered to be the first and second concubine?"
"You're still discussing this?! Stop it!"
Mikaela genuinely could not believe what she just heard from her friend, although both of them knew Alana was joking to lighten up the mood and they laughed it off together.
"You know, can't help feeling curious… So, tell me about your magic, what special training did you do?"
"Nothing of the sort…It's kind of a long story…"
"I have more time than I want to these days, let's chat while having a nice drink and snack. You're paying"
"…You still want to eat after all that?? …Well, alright, let's head to a quiet cafe or something"
Afterward, they strolled around the city looking for suitable place to eat and have relaxed conversation far from the mansion. Finally, they decided on a place that according to the locals was known for its architectural beauty and modernist style, as well as their limited yet extravagant beverages and meals set.
After taken to their seat by a waitress, Mikaela ordered a vanilla latte, a simple drink. Yet, from that one drink alone she could determine the cafe's quality, and might order something else later.
"…Bring me your recommendations…"
On the other hand, Alana immediately ordered a meal, drink, and desert for herself, and she had the gall to ask for the most expensive one for each item. Hearing her orders, a person who appeared to be the manager or owner was delightfully happy, and told the waiter to give them the best service.
"Alana…you know I'm the one paying, right?"
"Of course I know, that's why I ordered them in the first place" replied Alana with a childish, yet mature smile. Seeing that kind of smile Mikaela just could not get angry at her. So, she let it slide.
When the orders came, Mikaela began her story, about her quest, a dragon, and that person. Alana attentively listened to her while heartily eating.
During this session, Mikaela was slightly distracted, and wondered how a person with monstrous appetite like her friend could have such a perfect toned body shape…
"…Mikaela, the person in your story, Alfraed Logick, to be sure, he's not a figment of your imagination, yes?" asked Alana soon after Mikaela concluded her story.
"How rude, he's real, I still have his shirt in my place"
"Is just, hard to believe, I mean… how many potion-makers and healers you know could threw giant boulder with force capable of smashing a dragon? How many able to amend a person's broken magic circuit?"
"…I have to say none. If I didn't see and experienced it first hand, I might not believe my own story as well"
"...But, from what I saw today, he did not just fix your magic circuit, he reinforced it. Did you feel any difference?"
"….Is that why I can store more mana, and regulate it easier now?"
In fact, Mikaela had been practicing new magic elements to add variation to her fighting style, and soon able to utilize them with proper control in real battles.
"Might be, it's just my opinion, we'll have to ask the person to know"
"I plan to see him actually, after my rank up test to Gold Rank next month…"
"Oh, you already know where he is?"
"Did you heard about the auction for a Perfect Grade Health Potion in Anspia?"
"Yeah, what a surprise, someone finally able to make that potion after so long….. wait, is that…"
"Yes, it's him, and I want you to come along with me"
"Hm, why…?"
"Well, you heard my story, he might be able to restore your magic circuit…"
"…Are you still dwelling about that until now? I told you, it's not your fault, I made that decision… That being said, it's worth a try. I'll wait without holding any expectation though…"
Alana was actually the one who introduced Mikaela to the realm of magic, and with tolerance taught her the basics. She was someone Mikaela looked up to, secretly.
Unfortunately, due to a certain incident Alana overused her mana, and her magic circuit crumbled. Thankfully, she survived, but the most she could do now was slightly adjusting weight of things she hold. A far cry from what she used to be.
Since Alana did not have the word 'give up' in her book, she continued to move forward to pursue her dream of becoming a Platinum-Ranked and started learning swordsmanship several years ago to compensate her lack of magic, and she seemed to find joy in it. Currently, she was Emerald-Ranked, would she be able to realize her dream? No one knew. But, she believed it, and Mikaela admired her determination.
"Say Mikaela, from your story, this Alfraed Logick seems strong, knowledgeable, kind, and looks to be financially stable, right?"
"…Looks like it"
For reason unknown to her, Mikaela somehow felt proud Alfraed was praised by other people, and it showed in her expression.
"...Single?"
"...I think so"
At this point, Mikaela had a bad feeling on where this conversation was heading.
"Then, I'll say this in advance, if he really able to fix my magic circuit, there is high chance that I might fall for him you know…"
That statement was as Mikaela's expected, but still came out as a shock when she heard it directly, and it took her a minute until she was able to reply with confidence.
"...…. When that happen, I won't lose"