Emilia could see clearly that Banning’s attitude toward magic was even more serious and focused than when they discussed potions in the morning.
Observing his earnestness, Emilia felt as though she saw herself when she first began learning magic.
What surprised Emilia even more was that the questions Banning raised next were quite professional, not something someone completely unfamiliar with magic would ask.
It was only after his inquiries that Emilia discovered Banning had already purchased a Tier-1 magic book for self-study, and astonishingly, his battle profession was not that of a mage.
Emilia could hardly believe it.
Magic is an arcane field of study, and those without the profession of mage would find it impossible to grasp.
As for non-mage professionals, without the assistance of the “automatic incantation” skill, even if they learned magic, it would be difficult to put it into use… to put it bluntly, their efforts would be in vain.
Should Banning be called silly, or he is simply a pure lover of magic? Perhaps from this moment on, Emilia began to feel that Banning might be someone unique.
“If you truly wish to learn, I can teach you.”
Without realizing it, Emilia uttered a sentence she might regret in the future.
“Really? I’m truly grateful, Master Emilia.”
“Master… let’s not… just continue calling me Emilia.”
Setting aside some of his more detestable traits, Emilia acknowledged Banning’s commendable dedication.
If Banning were willing, Emilia even wanted to recommend him to the Branch Chief for a position within the Quest Guild.
.
Simultaneously, Branch Chief Oleg was carrying out the first phase of “The Plan” in the tavern.
“Nassar, over here.”
Oleg spotted Nassar entering the tavern and gestured toward his location.
“Branch Chief, you’ve arrived quite early.”
Nassar respectfully greeted Oleg before taking a seat.
“Heh, I just got here two minutes before you, hardly enough time to warm the seat.”
Oleg chuckled and then, with a somber tone, proceeded to the matter at hand.
“Nassar, you’re aware that I’m safeguarding the ‘Secret Saber: Blaze Steed’.”
As Oleg spoke, he observed Nassar’s expression.
Upon hearing the words “Secret Saber: Blaze Steed,” Nassar’s face twitched involuntarily.
“Recently, I sense some strange happenings within the guild and I’m uneasy. I want to move the ‘Blaze Steed’ to a different location for safekeeping. Who do you think would be the most suitable person to entrust it to?” Oleg inquired.
Nassar’s eyes blinked stiffly and quickly provided an answer.
“Your prowess is unmatched, Branch Chief. Having you guard it is undoubtedly the best option. I can’t think of a better candidate.”
Oleg laughed upon hearing this.
“Ha! Thank you, Nassar, but regrettably, I’m getting old, and it’s most predictable to keep it with me. ”
“Hmm… so we need someone unexpected…”
Nassar closed his eyes and furrowed his brow, deep in thought, while Oleg continued to scrutinize him, not missing any subtle expressions or movements.
“How about entrusting it to Emilia? She’s quite trustworthy.”
Nassar offered a reasonable suggestion.
“Emilia is indeed trustworthy, and she has a foundation in magic. However, I don’t want her to take any risks.”
Oleg shook his head, rejecting Nassar’s proposal.
“Emm… I can’t think of anyone else…”
Nassar appeared somewhat disheartened, revealing a bitter smile. At this point, Oleg began to waver. He had already laid out the bait for so long, yet Nassar remained unmoved.
— (Could it be that Banning was mistaken?)
Consequently, Oleg cast his final bait, hoping Nassar could withstand it.
“Nassar, what about you? Would you be willing to protect the ‘Secret Saber: Blaze Steed’ for me?”
“Eh? Me?”
Nassar looked genuinely astonished, but a hint of joy flickered in the corner of his eyes.
“I… I’m afraid I… lack the ability…”
“Don’t worry, I believe in you.”
Oleg stood up and firmly patted Nassar’s shoulders twice.
Finally, Nassar stopped refusing and bowed deeply to Oleg.
“Thank you for trusting me, Branch Chief. I will do my utmost…!”
“Ha! No need to be so tense, relax. And remember, tomorrow night, same time, wait for me here.”
“As you command.”
·
After leaving the tavern, Oleg was lost in thought.
The evening’s conversation had been pleasant, and Nassar’s performance raised no major issues. However, perhaps due to Oleg’s preconceived notions, Nassar seemed suspicious.
The 73-year-old Oleg had met countless people, but tonight, he truly couldn’t discern Nassar’s true intentions.
With things as they were, all he could do was proceed to the second phase of “The Plan” and test whether Nassar could withstand the trial.
— (Nassar, don’t blame me for testing you like this. If you’re innocent, there will be no harm.)
Oleg didn’t forget his old friend, but he truly didn’t want to see Splurt’s greedy visage again.
·
━━━━━━━━━
〖Prison Star Calendar〗
〖Year 187, June 18〗
〖8:02 AM〗
〖Countdown to Confession Death: 2 days〗
━━━━━━━━━
At the break of dawn on the following day, Emilia arrived with books as per Banning’s request, bringing a book on dispelling paralysis today.
Approaching the inn, her gaze was instinctively drawn to the outer wall, where she noticed a new golden little fox, involuntarily gracing her lips with a tender smile alongside the grinning fox.
Suddenly, Emilia turned around, only to be startled by the sight of Banning already standing downstairs.
Frightened, her smile quickly faded, her heart filled with worry—unsure if Banning had witnessed her foolish expression moments before.
“Um, here’s today’s potion book…”
“Alright, thank you.”
Banning promptly accepted the book, unusually refraining from making any sharp remarks today.
“Are you… heading out so early today?” 𝗈𝗏𝐞𝔩xt.𝗇𝓔t
Emilia did not know why she asked, firmly believing she had no interest in Banning’s affairs.
Perhaps it was merely an attempt to alleviate the awkwardness, akin to remarking on the pleasant weather.
Banning did not immediately reply. Instead, with arms crossed, he pondered for a few seconds, as if deciding whether to share with Emilia.
“The Branch Chief told me… Nassar has been acting suspicious lately. He asked me to investigate, so I’m on my way now.”
“Nassar? How could he…?”
Emilia was taken aback, unaware of anything peculiar about Nassar.
As it was still early and curiosity got the better of her, Emilia took the initiative to join Banning on his mission.
“I’d like to accompany you and see for myself.”
“Are you sure? This is not going to be a pleasant task.”
At this point, Emilia had yet to perceive the hidden implications in Banning’s question.
“I’m sure; I want to witness it with my own eyes.”
“Very well, but don’t slow me down.”
“You can rest assured.”