With that, he rose unsteadily to his feet and began cleaning up the parchment and books scattered all over the floor. Feeling thoroughly chastised, Maxi quietly helped him. After gathering the parchment pieces into one roll, Ruth tied them with leather string and tossed them haphazardly into a large chest.
“Have you finished reading the books I recommended yesterday?”
“I was only able to r-read…about half of them.”
“Mm…Had we finished your lessons on Elemental Theory?”
“N-No…”
Ruth stroked his chin and narrowed his eyes. “It would be difficult for you to learn defensive or offensive spells if you do not have basic knowledge of geometry and Elemental Theory. You will have to read all the books that I recommended to start.”
“I-It would not take long,” Maxi answered eagerly. “Will I be able to learn…offensive magic then?”
“I thought it would be best for you to learn the basics of self-defense first,” Ruth said with a shrug. “You should at least have the means to protect yourself in case you find yourself in danger again.”
Maxi thought of how helpless she had felt during the wyvern attack and nodded somberly.
Ruth stared up at the ceiling before suddenly snapping his fingers. “Very well. For today, let us try mastering the spells you’ve already learned. I have asked the squires to gather the necessary materials ahead of time.”
“M-Materials?”
Ruth’s smile was mischievous. “They are special materials that will help to greatly improve your abilities.”
His ominous response made her uneasy. What on earth was he planning? She eyed him apprehensively as he gathered a few items from under the table and placed them in a sack. When he headed out the door without warning, Maxi had no choice but to follow.
“Where…are we going?”
“To see the squires for the materials I just told you about. Were you listening?”
“Can’t you just t-tell me what the materials are?”
“You’ll know them when you see them,” he said in a singsong voice as he hurried out of the castle.
Maxi stopped herself from asking more questions. Just as he said, she would know soon enough. Swallowing her unease, she followed Ruth past the long garden path.
A wooden building soon came into view. Two elm trees loomed like watchtowers on either side of the old structure. Just outside, Ulyseon, Garrow, and three other squires were sparring with practice swords.
Ruth gave them an exuberant wave. “Good day, everyone.”
“Mage Ruth!”
The squires lowered their weapons and turned toward them.
“We were actually planning to go see you right after our morning practice,” said Ulyseon as he wiped his sweaty face. “Your request yesterday—”
He stopped when he noticed Maxi, his eyes growing round. He quickly ran over to them.
“My lady! Have you been well? I am so glad that you have recovered! You do not know how worried I’ve been. I should have done better to protect you…. You are truly all right now though, aren’t you?”
“Calm down, Uly. Can’t you see that you’re making her ladyship uncomfortable?” Garrow chastised. He gave Maxi a polite smile. “Good morning, my lady.”
“G-Good morning. It has been a while…s-since I saw you both.”
“Might I ask what brings you here, my lady? Is there anything we can do for you?” Ulyseon asked, his eyes bright.
Ruth stepped in when Maxi clearly became too flustered to answer. “We are here to pick up the materials I requested yesterday. They will be used to help her ladyship practice her magic.”
“Ah, so they were for her ladyship! Please wait here a moment. I shall go get them right now.”
