In the hallway, Fiona hastened her stride to catch up with Selena. "Let me come along!"
Hearing her voice, Selena stopped and turned. "Fiona? Did you need something else?"
"Do you mind if we chat for a bit? It's very important."
"Does it relate to my behavior with Tyrus?"
"That too, and there are other things I'm curious about."
Selena spun on her heels and said, "We can talk in my office. Our conversation can't be heard by others so casually."
Fiona nodded in acknowledgment and followed her aunt's footsteps. The three-story building of the Explorer Guild had each floor designated for specific purposes. The first floor housed the receptionist's desk, while the second floor was reserved for spare rooms. Resting was allowed in the bedrooms, while the offices were intended for pre-examinations and meetings. At the end of the floor, a stairwell provided access to both the upper and lower floors. They began ascending the stairs.
They found a room with wide double doors at the end of the hallway. The door easily swung open as Selena pushed it, and the sound of squeaking filled the space. A stream of light illuminated the room's colors and textures. The branch leader casually made her way to her chair and gestured for Fiona to sit down, and she followed suit.
"Refrain from doing that ever again," Fiona warned. "Aunt, your thinking was really reckless."
"I admit that there was a more effective approach that could have been taken, and I deeply regret pushing him beyond his limits. My intention was to assess his character, capabilities, and limitations."
Fiona placed one leg over the other. "You've been watching his fight against the rock spider? For how long?"
"Just as he arrived at the nest, I too arrived. Upon being alerted to Ivy's peril, I hastened to the scene and discovered him in combat with the beast."
"Is that so… Well, how was he?"
Lacing her fingers together, her aunt frowned. "Remarkable as he is, it comes as no surprise, given his lineage. And considering his age and experience, he exhibited exceptional performance. Interestingly, he solely depended on his lightning element and augmentation. At no point did he use his Beast Transformation. As a result of that, I found it quite unusual since it would have simplified matters for him. He has a considerable amount of work to do, particularly regarding his imprecise footwork and inadequate weapon proficiency."
"He's only nine years old," Fiona said with a sigh. "It's not reasonable to expect him to have skills that match those of an Adept Sorcerer or even an apprentice."
"Fiona, I was being sarcastic with my remark. Nobody starts off as an exemplary. Unless you're the protégé of a family head or a prodigy. Speaking of prodigy, have you heard of what Igneal is up to…"
Selena stopped talking when she realized Fiona's change in mood. Her face twisted into a scowl as she clenched her fists. "Let's change the subject. What are you curious about to discuss with me? Are you perhaps finally willing to switch–"
"No, I don't plan on switching my focused element," Fiona interjected. "I don't mean to be impolite, but I don't want you making my choices for me. My decision is final, and nothing you say can change that."
"I understand, but I urge you to give it careful consideration. Your future and well-being are important to me. I'll repeat, if you persist in your current path, you'll only hold yourself back. Blue Dawn's goal of reaching adamantine will be farther than necessary. There is only so much time a sorcerer can put in for an element. It's unwise to focus all your attention on training a poor affinity."
Despite her reluctance to admit it, Fiona knew she was right. Limiting oneself can cause harm to the individual. She was struggling, much like fighting with a handicap. Nevertheless, she had to conquer her limitations and prove the family head wrong. Even after all these years, she still remembered his words vividly.
A Lockhart without the primary affinity of fire is but a flawed reflection of our greatness. To acknowledge a defect in the Lockhart name is to betray generations of honor and prowess. It is especially disrespectful when your affinity lies on the antithesis. Leave my sight and never return to the ancestral halls.
Fiona pushed away her anger and let out a sigh. "I'm getting sidetracked. The thing I wanted to ask you is about Tyrus enrolling in Valis Academy of Sorcery. What are your thoughts?"
The branch leader arched an eyebrow. "You seem to be focusing too much on the boy, don't you think? I advise you to reserve that for yourself."
"I'd appreciate it if you didn't make it seem like I'm obsessed with him. He has great potential, and our goals align with each other. The most important thing was that I didn't want him to be alone in Valier Forest. I just felt… sad for him."
"Are you driven by compassion for him or are you motivated by your own self-interests to use him?" Selena asked. "As I previously mentioned, you never showed such sympathy towards beggars from what I can recall. Your treatment of him resembles that of a farm animal being cultivated for its yield."
At her aunt's accusation, Fiona's face turned stern. Just before speaking, Selena surrendered by raising her arms. "I'm reminding you to be attentive to your actions. If the benefactor only saw the boy as a means to her ends, it would shatter his heart."
"You're making me seem like a villain…"
Based on her actions and demeanor, did it appear that she was using Tyrus for her own personal gain? She truly cared for Tyrus and thought it was appropriate to bring him along, but she acknowledged that not everyone, including Grant and Reo, would understand her reasoning.
To Fiona, it wasn't about using Tyrus for personal gain, but rather about recognizing his potential and wanting to offer him an opportunity for a better life. She had seen his skills as a sorcerer and felt a genuine connection to him, empathizing with the hardships he had faced. Bringing him into the world of exploration seemed like a way to empower him and provide him with a chance to grow and thrive.
However, she recognized that others may not see things the way she did. Grant and Reo might have their own interpretations of her actions, and she couldn't be certain of their thoughts unless they expressed them openly. She wondered if they might be thinking she was using Tyrus for his magical abilities, or perhaps viewed her decision as driven by some ulterior motive.
She had only thought that Tyrus would be a great ally to the Lockharts, and that was the end of it. His desire for money and strength was communicated, and she simply presented him with a way to achieve them.
Yes… There's nothing else to it. No need to think it over deeply.
Fiona stood up abruptly and gave a weak slap to her cheeks. She walked over to one of the bookcases and brushed her fingers along the smooth leather. Not even a pinch of dust-stained her fingertips. "I just want to double-check; are you giving him a recommendation for the Explorer Guild? If the other parties found out, do you know what would happen? The recommendation of a branch leader carries significant weight."
"If things went awry, then you and your friends will surely handle it. I can't be playing favorites," Selena said with a smile.
"Their reaction might not be positive. A small kid receiving such an honor? Blinded by jealousy and greed, they may commit harmful actions. Members of the Explorer Guild tend to be prideful. The fact that Selena Lockhart recommended a child would be a hit to their ego."
Selena paused for a moment, leaning back in her cushioned chair. A satisfying crunch emanated. "You're taking this seriously. If that's what you're worried about, how about we ease their doubts?"
Pausing her inspection, Fiona turned. "You've thought of something already? I thought it would've taken you longer."
"Who do you take me for? Come closer so that I can share with you what I have in mind."
Fiona shuffled behind the desk and adjusted her body to level her ear with Selena's mouth as she listened to her aunt. As she whispered, her shock deepened with each passing moment. After Selena finished, Fiona stepped back and rested her chin in her hands.
"There's a strong possibility it will work if that's the case. I knew that confiding in you was the best decision I could make! When will you begin?"
A glint of excitement crossed Selena's eyes. "The day of the monthly examination for new members."