I sat on the edge of the big bed, running my fingers over the intricate carvings on the wooden desk. It was already five days since the Lord of the mansion asked me to teach his children.
His children had travelled with their mom for a week, a week before I was told of my new job. I wasn't bothered. I was, in fact, happy that I was stress-free.
A soft knock on the sliding door disturbed my peaceful and blissful thinking.
*Hmm? I wonder who that is.* I thought.
It's not locked," I said, expecting a servant.
The door slid open, and a young girl with piercing green eyes and raven-black hair stepped in. She was about my age, and I recognized her as Emiko, the lord's daughter.
"Hello," she said, her voice hesitant.
"I'm Emiko. My father told me you're to be our magical tutor." She continued.
*Oh... they're back. Goodbye.. my stress-free life.* thought, standing.
I bowed, trying to hide my nervousness and to show respect.
"Yes, that's correct. I'm honoured to be working with you and your siblings."
Emiko's gaze wandered around the room, taking in the simple yet elegant decor.
"I've never seen this room before. It's nice." She said.
I smiled, feeling a sense of pride in my new space.
"Thank you. I'm still getting used to it myself." I said, standing straight.
Emiko's eyes locked onto mine, a hint of curiosity in them.
"What's your name?"
"Oh, I'm sorry for not introducing myself earlier. I'm Natsuo."
"I look forward to our lessons, Natsuo. Okay, let's get on with it. My siblings are waiting." She said, dragging me out of the room.
We got into another room, far much bigger than the one I was given. The other two children of the Lord sat around a table talking to each other.
"Guys, look, it's our tutor," Emiko said, smiling as she dragged me towards them.
The other girl looked up at me. Her nonchalant expression turned to that of shock and then back to being nonchalant.
"Huh?! Tutor? He looks very young, not older than me by far!" The boy said.
"I'm Natsuo, I'm honoured to teach you guys some magic," I said bowing, completely ignoring the boy.
"Huh?! Don't ignore me."
"Erina..."
"Hmm?"
"I'm Erina. Nice to meet you." She said.
"O-oh, mm, yeah. Nice to meet you, too." I said, smiling at her.
"Come on, tell him your name too," Emiko said as she nudged the boy.
"Why would I tell my name to this commoner?" He asked.
*Well, that's kinda mean, son.*
"Don't be like that. Remember, Dad told you to be more friendly with others."
"F-fine..." He said, hesitating a bit.
"I'm Yuu." He said, looking away.
"Nice to meet you, Yuu-sama."
"Hmph!"
After exchanging pleasantries, I began teaching them basic magic.
*It's not easy teaching others, Huh?* I thought, feeling stressed out.
"Earth, water, fire and wind magic. These are the four main magic. Some others have been found out like dark and light magic, also some others which weren't talked about." I said, looking over to Yuu, who was already fast asleep.
*Ha...*
"We have basic magic, intermediate magic, advanced magic, superior magic, and god-type magic. Legend has it that the superior and god-type are very rare. They've only been one person who has reached those levels." I continued.
This continued for some time until we all agreed that we should call it a day.
*Ugh... if I hadn't begged the Lord to let me get into the library, it would have been hard for me to teach this stuff. I didn't even know they had levels in magic.* I thought, slumping on my bed.
*Who knew that teaching magic was this stressful and boring? I wish I could do something else.* I thought, grabbing the old lady's book.
*It's been a long since I used this book, I think I need it now.* I thought, opening the book.
*Mom...*
The next day, I continued teaching them about the history of magic, something I only learnt a few days ago.
"So, then we talk about affinity. Some people have an affinity for different magical elements. Some can have affinity for two, even more."
"What element do you have an affinity for?" Emiko asked, looking excited.
"Um..."
*I hadn't thought of that!* I thought, forcing a smile.
"Well, I haven't checked. I don't know." I said, looking away.
"Oh."
"Mm."
"So as I was saying about the elements..."
This continued for at least a month. I still wasn't getting used to teaching others how to use their magic.
"Come on, this is too boring. Why don't we do some practice, you've been talking for a very long time I'm becoming bored." Yuu said.
"Oh, is that so?" I asked looking at the others.
*I tried avoiding this for another month but looks like I have no choice but to do this now.* I thought.
While I read the books in the library, I found out that the incantations used there were totally different from the ones I learnt when I was younger.
Well, I tried learning the ones I found in the library and while learning it I found out the major difference between them. The new one(from the mansion) was far more powerful than the ones I learnt from the old book.
It wasn't hard to pick up since I'm a very fast learner. And I was able to try them out whenever I went to the mountain for some training.
*Well Emiko looks kind of excited but Erina... hm, I can't say.* I thought before letting out a sigh.
"Okay then, we might as well receive some fresh air," I said as Yuu jumped on his feet excited.
"Yes!!!"
"Okay, watch this. I'm about to do a basic water magic. Listen well." I said.
"Get on with it!" Yuu shouted excitedly.
"Okay, forming out of the oceans, seas and rain, come to me with accuracy and protect me from my enemies, helping me fight against them too, AQUAMORI," I said as water began forming around me.
*Ah... this is very warm. I feel... too comfortable inside.* I thought, smiling with my eyes closed.
"W-we have seen it, you can stop now!!" Yuu shouted.
"Oh," I said before stopping the magic.
*Crap, I didn't hold back.*
"Well, that's the basic for water magic."
"Is that really basic magic, it was so powerful!!" Yuu shouted.
"A-haha." I laughed while rubbing the back of my head.
"Well... you can do it, right?" I asked still forcing a smile.