The common girl was left with her mother, but the father will help and educate her as much as possible. Only the official mistress remained dissatisfied, which are usually made here — the girl lived at the expense of the common family, and with its collapse and "position" was reduced.
— Mademoiselle, do you believe in the hereafter? — For some reason, that's what came to mind.
— Hmm, a strange question for a sorcerer. — The girl replied in a strange tone. — It's Muggles who engage in such entertainments, we know that miracles exist. — The blonde's voice was full of pride.
— Perhaps you are right — we are used to magic and miracles have become commonplace... — I replied, looking at the stars pale in the light of the city. — I wonder how ordinary people would react if they saw a real air dragon or a fire spirit? — I cover my eyes and smile, imagining the panic in the city at the mere sight of a firebird and an oriental dragon wriggling through the air currents in figure eights.
— Well... they'd make a lot of noise, yes, and then the Dousers would erase their memories and the Muggles would go on with their lives as before. — The girl shrugged.
— What about cameras? Cameras? People would have found out anyway, and there would have been more questions. — Although, I'm lying, who would notice that the photo was original? Who's going to prove it's not a photomontage? They'll write it off as crazy, that's all.
— In France, the service is of high quality! — The blonde girl stuck out her neat nose and took on an arrogant look. — The Ministry of Magic has long since developed many protocols for various cases, so they are prepared for any surprises. — She also crossed her arms over her chest.
It was impossible to see the girl's figure or even her face in detail, as Mademoiselle sat in the shadows and also had a dark cloak draped over her shoulders. It would be possible to shift my gaze and examine the interlocutor in every detail, but I am frankly lazy — let it remain as it is.
— If I may, what is the most magical thing you have ever seen in your life? — Without looking at the blonde, I ask, as if speaking into the void, the silence that lingered for a few minutes, I even thought I would not answer.
— We were taken on a field trip from school to the Elder Forest at the foot of the Alps. The grove of young Ents was the most amazing thing I saw. It's not just a view," the girl said quietly, as if reliving the image she had seen. — It's a world of its own, separate and beautiful. The ringing laughter and songs of the dryads, the whispering voices in the foliage, the ghostly lights.... — the girl exhaled at the edge of hearing. — A magical place.
— It sounds beautiful. — After waiting a while, I replied. — I wonder if it's possible to go there?
— I know that every year there are field trips to the Elder Forest for pre-graduate classes, but whether you can get there just like that — I do not know. ....
I couldn't continue the strange conversation — I received a letter from an airplane with a request to come to the Light Eyes immediately, because I had to meet someone important. After apologizing, I left the girl and returned to the noise and light.
Looking ahead, I can say that I did not make it to the Elder Forest — the home of the Gallic druids. The foothills and part of the mountains are occupied by old hippy men who jealously guard their domain. Powerful magical sources once allowed them to perform some hidden rituals, and now it is forbidden to enter these vast areas without the permission of the druids.
These expert gardeners won't even let their own people in, let alone outsiders? One more thing. These are the last places that are free from the control of the state and the aristocracy, all the other lands have long been divided and redistributed, including the lands hidden by magic, where small magical reserves, manors, special farmlands are located, there are no free places — all the lands are working. Well, when you put it all together, it turns out that the French authorities are really working efficiently.
I was introduced to a bright and incredibly sexy woman, although her name and surname, to my shame, I stupidly listened, still thinking about the girl's words. The woman, also blonde, elegantly twirled a fan in her hands, slyly flashed her eyes, and smiled very differently. During the conversation I felt something strange, like waves of hot air coming from the woman, filled with spicy, enchanting aromas. It was interesting, and the sensations were not unpleasant, but nothing more.