{ "It has been 2 weeks... or more now since I last talked to my guardian" } Dahlia narrowed her eyes
She scribbled on her book with a dazed face
{ "... Did he give up on me?" } Dahlia sighed deeply
"Lady Dahlia! Focus! I have called you like 5 times" Her tutor pinched the bridge of his nose
Dahlia snapped out from her thoughts, looking up
She was currently in a lecture
It was about magic
Clearly her first time doing this class, cause usually she attended classes that involved etiquette, language learning and so on
Only Jhony has attended this class alone
Now, Dahlia was allowed to learn this too. Since she was old enough
"Ah- right! I apologize" She chuckled slightly
The tutor sighed deeply
"Yes but don't doze of now, my lady"
The tutor turned towards the board and began to draw something on it
Meanwhile, Jhony was besides with Dahlia
He glanced at her, "Your eyes are still red... and dark bags has formed under... Were you crying again? And not sleeping?"
Jhony rubbed under her eyes
Dahlia sighed softly as she mustered up a small smile
"I didn't cry... I just stayed up all night reading books" She replied
Jhony narrowed his eyes at her, not fully convinced
But didn't asked further
"Excuse me, no talking" The tutor clapped his hands to get their attention
Both Jhony and Dahlia looked over
Their attention were back at their tutor
"Good, now please look at the board here. Lady Dahlia, please pay attention well. Since you don't know this stuff, unlike Lord Jhony here" The tutor pointed at the board
Dahlia nods as she fixed her gaze on the board
In the board, there were different patterns written there in a circle
Basically five circles
"Lady Dahlia, you probably are aware that a mana is developed on a person's body when they turn 7 years old?" The tutor asked
Dahlia nods in response
Tutors nods back, "But they don't just develop it. They must meet specific conditions. Do you know what the conditions are?"
Dahlia shook her head
"Then, you must know. For one they must have to meet at least one conditions, for them to develop mana in their body" The tutor explained
He pulled up three fingers
"There are basically three conditions" He began
"First condition is, one must have the greatest desire for something to protect. That can make the heart release some sort of power. Which in fact is the source of mana. The greater the desire, the more mana and powerful they will be" The tutor lowered one of the fingers
"Second condition is, one being at the midst of danger. Like for a moment facing a life threatening situation. Making them awaken. You will find more information on the book cause there are many complications about awakening" The tutor lowered the second finger
"And lastly, the third condition is extremely rare... yet possible..." The tutor lowered his third finger
"I think my sister isn't old enough to hear the last condition, Sir Dev" Jhony interrupted
Dahlia blinked multiple times as she stared at him
"Eh? Not old enough???" Dahlia asked him
Jhony only flicks her forehead, "Not suitable"
Dahlia gasped as she rubbed her forehead, she glared at Jhony
Jhony remained unfazed before looking back at the tutor- Dev
Dev nods as he cleared his throat, "Right... it is definitely not suitable. Maybe Lady Dahlia will learn of this when she is older"
"Anyways, moving on... there are five types of magic in total depending on the person's desires and goals" He tapped on the board
Dahlia looks over as she refocuses
"The five types of magic are fire, water, wind, earth and ice" Dev gestured at the five patterns
"It is basically complex to pin point which person gets which kind of magic via their desires and goals. But take it as how lottery works" Dev chuckles faintly
"Lottery... then... none can say clearly what kind of magic type they will get?" Dahlia asked as she tilted her head slightly
"Yeah but the main question rises up, if that person will still have the same magic type or not if their goals and desires changes. Cause that happens to literally everyone that changes their goals from time to time" Jhony huffed
"I already explained to you many times Lord Jhony..." Dev groaned as he facepalmed
"I forgot" Jhony said with a serious face
Both Jhony and Dev stared at one another intensely
Dahlia blinked multiple times as she kept a smile on her face, { "They get along well... I guess this teacher is the one my brother always insists on attending the classes first instead of swordsmanship..." } she thought
"Lord Jhony..." Dev lets out a sigh
"Not my fault, my memory is just bad" Jhony huffed
One of Dev's eye twitched at that, "Yes, your memory is bad. Too bad that you can't remember about 100 types of beasts, their species and what level they are..." he said sarcastically
Jhony only blew a whistle as he looked away
Dev only shook his head, "Anyways Lady Dahlia, if you have that same kind of question then I will say that it is highly impossible. No matter how the goals and intentions changes, one person can't change it's magic type" he explained
Dahlia nods, "Uhm... Sir Dev, can one person have more than one magic types?" she asked
"Oh, they can. But unfortunately they are usually weak. Since they need to equally give away the mana on both sides. If one magic type is powerful and the other is not... the weaker magic type won't be able to stand. And will burst, that causes death" Dev answered
Dahlia tensed up at that
The clock soon started to ring as it is now noon
Dev looks up at the clock, "Ah! My time is up. I shall take my leave. And for Lord Jhony, you will read up to page 50 to 60 for the magic spells. And Lady Dahlia, you will read up to page 10 to 20 about the second condition to develop mana"
"These will be your homeworks, see you both tomorrow"
Dev packs up his books and leaves the room
Dahlia sighed deeply as she looked up at Jhony
"You like teasing the teacher, don't you?" Dahlia pointed out
Jhony only hummed as he flicked her forehead again, "I like it when he is frustrated. He will thank me later for giving him white hairs"
Dahlia groaned as she rubbed her forehead
Jhony soon stood up, "Come on, I have free period. And I want you to meet some people"
Dahlia perked up, "Meet with people?"
.
- { Moments later, at the garden } -
.
Dahlia followed Jhony to the garden
Her eyes widened from what she is seeing
The nanny- Jasmine was there
But not alone
She was with her now adopted children - Jeon and Hunji
She was carrying Jini who was laughing
"So, that is what you look like when clean?" Hunji commented as Jeon chuckled
Jasmine lightly hit Hunji's head, "Behave"
Though she can't help the small smile forming on her lips
Hunji groaned playfully as he rubbed the back of his head, "For now"
Jeon laughed as he nudged Hunji
Meanwhile, Jhony only glanced down at Dahlia
"I heard from them that you got along with them well... so arranged the meeting to lighten up your mood" He explained
Dahlia bit her lower lip as her eyes glisten slightly, she looked up at her brother
Jhony meets her eyes before he gently pushed Dahlia forward
"What are you waiting for? Greet them or do you plan to stand like a statue forever?" He stated
Dahlia snapped out
She stared at the boys for sometime
.
.
.
Soon she quickly ran towards the boys
Immediately hugging the two tightly
Both Hunji and Jeon stumbled slightly, their eyes widening slightly
Before looking down at Dahlia, she was basically trembling
Then looked at one another
Their eyes immediately softened as the two hugged her
"Getting emotional, are we?" Jeon commented
"Not that we mind" Hunji sighed deeply
"Shut up and let me hug you two properly" Dahlia hiccupped
"Oh, how demanding our lady is now" Jeon let out a dramatic sigh
"She was always like this back then, don't be surprised" Hunji tried to sound serious, but a grin broke out from his lips
Jhony watched the reunion, { "She seems relaxed with them..." } he thought internally
He closed his eyes briefly as he smiled, { "Good thing I set the meeting up..." }
.
.
.
Jasmine had left the children in the garden as she went off to tend to her duties
Dahlia relaxed as she was sitting on the grass under the tree with them
Jhony was also among them
"So, I have one question to ask... why wasn't Fenry brother mentioned in the newspaper?" Dahlia asked
"And... why isn't he with you two?" she tilted her head
Jeon doesn't answer as he simply plays with one of the grass absentmindedly
While Hunji only looks the other way
Dahlia raised a eyebrow, { "Why aren't they answering me?" }
"Dahlia, who is "Fenry" exactly?" Jhony asked as he tilted his head
Dahlia looks up, "Oh! He is one of the children that got missing. He also helped us!"
Jhony only nods, "I see... can you describe his appearance? Maybe I can know who he is"
"You don't have to Dahlia..." Hunji began
Dahlia looks up at Hunji with Jhony
"I will answer your question..." Hunji looks over at Dahlia, meeting her eyes
"Then answer" Dahlia narrowed her eyes
"Fenry's gone" Hunji answered simply
Dahlia's eyes widened, "Wait... what?!"
"Yes, he is gone... he already explained to you-" "Wait wait wait!!! I changed it with him!!! He can return back since he is not part of that place!" Dahlia quickly explained
Both Hunji's and Jeon's eyes widened
"WAIT- WHAT!?!?!?!!" The two's voice raised in tone
Jhony groaned as he rubbed his ears, as Dahlia did the same
"Watch your tone, you two" Jhony hissed
Both immediately quiet down
"Uhm... sorry... but when did you changed him?" Hunji asked
"When you all lost consciousness" Dahlia replied
"Then- why didn't we find Fenry brother?!" Jeon looked up at Hunji
"I don't know..." Hunji narrowed his eyes
"That is why I am asking. Can you describe his appearance so I can know who your talking about? Maybe I might know him" Jhony added
"How would you know anything?" Hunji asked flatly
Jhony's eye twitched, "Is that much of a trouble to say how he looks?"
"No, but what is the point in telling you? You barely know him" Hunji shot back
"Excuse me- you-" "He has short blonde hair, chocolate skin color... and amber colored eyes" Dahlia explained cutting Jhony off in the middle before the argument can escalate
Jhony blinked multiple times
"Oh... Hmmm" Jhony looks away as he pondered
"See? Useless" Hunji crossed his arms over his chest
Jeon let out an awkward chuckle
"No..." Jhony quickly added
"I do know that kid..." He replied
Everyone immediately perked up
"Wait- really?! Where!?!" Jeon asked quickly as he scooted closer
"That kid was the one that had no injuries unlike the many others. The mages were fascinated by him, so they took him" Jhony explained
Everyone froze completely
"Wait... taken by mages...?" Hunji gritted his teeth as his hands clenched to fists
Jeon lowered his head as his were wide open, "No..." he mumbled
Dahlia paled from hearing this
{ "Wait... don't tell me they went to think negatively about mages taking him?" } Jhony ruffled his hair, not surprised
"Don't act so worried, he was taken in by mages. True. But he will be treated fairly, as they are nice" He explained
"And how do you know that? Huh?!" Hunji hissed at Jhony
"I know cause those mages are supported by our household, genius. And to answer Dahlia's question. No, he wasn't mentioned in the newspaper. It is a way to protect him from being a target" Jhony scoffed as he crossed his arms over his chest
"We can meet with that kid, whenever we want" He huffed
Dahlia's shoulders loosened a lot, "Oh... that is a relief..."
Hunji and Jeon hesitated as they glanced at Dahlia for confirmation
Dahlia looked over, "... The mages that our household supports are good people. I also met them from time to time. They treat everyone fairly" she tried to assure them
The two soon finally slumped on grass
"That is a relief then..." Jeon let out a long exhale, which he didn't he was holding
"Yeah..." Hunji mumbled
"So, we can meet him whenever we want? Right?" He asked
"Yes, we can. If we didn't, then I wouldn't say it from the very beginning" Jhony glared at Hunji
Hunji was pissed off as he grabbed Jhony by his collar, "You..."
Jhony remained unfazed as he glared at Hunji still, "Unhand me. You will ruin my clothes"
A vein popped on Hunji's forehead
"What did you say, you noble crab!" Hunji growled
"And what did you called me, you little puppy" Jhony's eyes sharpened as he grabbed Hunji by his collar
"They don't like each other" Dahlia mumbled
"Agreed..." Jeon nods
"Should we go somewhere else?" Dahlia suggested
Jeon nods quickly
The two stood up as they sneaked away, leaving the two angry birds to fight
.
.
.
The two arrived at where Jasmine is as she was tending to Jini
"You must be hungry, no?" Jasmine chuckled as she poured milk carefully on the tettina
Jini giggled
"He really is adorable" The head maid chuckled
"Yes, I can't help but feel all my tiredness go away when hearing his laugh" Jasmine added as she fed Jini
"You definitely are well qualified as mother" Scarlet added
Jasmine only smiled as she continued to feed Jini
Both Dahlia and Jeon goes inside the room
"He looks healthier than the last time I saw him" Dahlia added as she jumped to see how Jini drinks the milk from tettina
"Yes, she kept him well fed. That is the sole reason why..." Jeon mumbled as he looked away
Dahlia froze briefly as she lowered her head
Not saying anything
Jasmine looked down at Jeon before looking back down at Jini
"It is true that I kept it well fed that he is healthy now. But, it couldn't have been possible if this child wasn't alive" Jasmine's tone softened a lot
Both Dahlia and Jeon froze
"You two are heroes of this child. Jeon, for taking care of him. Making sure he is alive. And Lady Dahlia, for bringing him in as quickly as possible when it caught a fever" Jasmine pointed out
The head maid sighed deeply as she looked away, clearly to hide her tears
Scarlet only sniffled with Nathalie
Meanwhile, Jeon was clenching his hands to fists as he shut his eyes tightly
Dahlia's visions became blurry as her cheeks burned
Then... Jeon and Dahlia felt a pat on both of their heads
They looked up and it was the Duchess
"You two did well... now, let the adults handle it" The Duchess reassured them, then she looked down at Jeon
"You fought well, I am sure your parents are proud of you even if they are-..." The Duchess froze briefly
"Though, I am sure your new mother is proud. Right?" The Duchess glanced at Jasmine
Jasmine's eyes glistened slightly before she nods
Jeon gritted his teeth as he lowered his head more
His shoulders trembled a lot
{ "No... stay strong... stay strong..." } He thought internally
"R-... Right... they must be..." His voice cracked slightly
Soon he glanced at Jini
Seeing his little brother happily eating something suitable, instead of the milk he usually brought... which wasn't suitable for a child like him
But.. what could he do when he was a commoner without any parents... or adults to look after him and his little brother
Suddenly he felt something warm coming out from his eye
He touched it and looked down at his fingers
It was tears
{ "Ah... no no no... not this again... stop... just stop!!!" } He wiped away the tears which are coming out
Yet... no matter how many times he tried to wipe it away...
More tears come
"It's ok... child..." The Duchess said softly
Jeon's whole body stills completely
His eyes widened
Tears continued to fall from his eyes as a hiccup escaped from his lips
Before finally...
He cried
The Duchess lowered herself as she tucked Jeon in her arms
"There there..." The Duchess patted his back soothingly
Jeon hugged the Duchess while crying
While Dahlia hiccupped as she gripped her mother's sleeve tightly
Her eyes stinged from crying many times, but couldn't help the tears coming out from her eyes as well
The Duchess noticed and used her free hand to pat Dahlia's back
"This is so emotional..." Scarlet hiccupped
"Don't cry too much, your gonna have a runny nose" Nathalie commented
"Hey- Talk about yourself!" Scarlet glared at Nathalie
Before she pointed at Nathalie's eyes which were swollen already
"You talk about your swollen eyes" Scarlet pointed out
"These are normal reactions for a human body" Nathalie stated flatly
"Exactly" Scarlet huffed
Yet the two maids still were tearing up from the scene happening in front of them