The question must have been a very personal one to Kaichen. I wondered why he wanted to know exactly but couldnt think of anything. I could tell him everything about anything except what he had just asked me. I just couldnt do it.

I licked my dry lips. My mouth felt dry. Why do you want to know? I asked.

Because, he said, cautiously, it looks like you dont really want to go back to Acrab.

I dont want to go back, I said. Kaichen looked at me silently. His gaze gently urged me to answer him. I gulped several times to help with my dry throat and mouth. Do you have any secret that you wouldnt want anyone to know? I asked.

He didnt respond. Everyone has something they cant talk about, I continued. Its the same for me too. It wasnt a convincing answer. And I know it sounded forced. But Kaichen looked at me and nodded as though he understood what I was trying to say. He turned his gaze away from me. I felt like I could finally breathe.

If you dont want to go, he said, You are always welcome to stay here.

He said it in a very indifferent tone like usual. But his words were kind. He could offer that kindness because he didnt know the future, but I knew it. I had read it.

Teacher, I said reluctantly, Can I come here even if you arent present?

Do as you please.

Really? Can I come here whenever I want?

Yes. You can do whatever you want.

Teacher can I be your official student?

I had to try my luck. Perhaps another do whatever you want could actually make my day. Kaichen raised his eyebrows and pressed on his temples as though he had a headache.

Do you really want that? he asked. I jumped. That was something I hadnt expected. I had expected displeasure and rejection from him. Kaichen was a bundle full of surprises today.

Yes! I nodded earnestly. I really want that.

Kaichen sighed and looked at me. Then its done.

It would be an understatement to say that I jumped for joy. One year. I had thought it would take me that long, even longer to become his disciple. It was an ordeal of monumental difficulty because Kaichen had never taken a disciple.

He was picky, sensitive, indifferent, cold and hated interacting with people. But no one could surpass him in his skills regarding magic. Which was why I had decided that I would do anything possible: beg, lie, cook, clean, steal, murder maybe not murder, to become his disciple. It was the reason why I had volunteered to go with him. I had volunteered to cook and do chores in the hopes that my wish would be fulfilled.

Finally! This was a pleasant surprise more of a shock. Kaichen accepted me as his official disciple!

Really? I asked, still not able to believe it. Please tell me this is real. Teacher, from henceforth, I am your official disciple. Do you really mean that?

Yes, he said.

Then do I have permission to tell anyone who asks that I am your disciple? Can I be called your student when I get the certificate from the Magic Association?

Whatever.

Then, teacher! I started murmuring gibberish. This was so shocking. Kaichen looked tired but he made no move to leave. I hurriedly took out a piece of parchment and a pen out of my bag. I always carried pen and parchment in case I had to jot something down. I wrote on it and handed it to Kaichen. He looked at me with a questioning look and took the piece of parchment and read it. Then he chuckled.

Oh gosh! He is laughing!!! I couldnt believe it. My mouth fell open, my eyes wide. He took the pen from my hand and wrote something in return and handed me the parchment.

I took the parchment with trembling hands. My heart raced. I read the words on the parchment again and again to make sure this was not a dream. I could see Kaichens neat and graceful writing under my messy ones.

Disciple certificate

I acknowledge that Dalia Alshine is the only student of Kaichen Tenebre on the continent.

Kaichen Tenebre: I agree

His name, his affirmative I agree and his signature glowed a golden color. It was a magical binding statement. This could never be forged or revoked. This had become a magical binding certificate infused with his mana.

Are you happy now? he asked.

As though he had never chuckled. He returned to his intimidating, cold expression with some difficulty. But his eyes shone warmly. Holding the certificate close to me I nodded, and I laughed.

I am your official student now! I said happily, I will follow your steps forever.

Oh god Not for the rest of my life

I smiled. Yes! For the rest of your life. Forever! I rolled up the parchment and tied it carefully with a string. I then cast a protective magic on it to prevent it from any damage. Kaichen raised an eyebrow at the use of magic, but I smiled brightly at him and placed the parchment carefully in my bag.

I thought he wanted to say something more, but he turned his head away. I noticed that the tip of his ears had turned a little red. I giggled and was finally able to relax. I felt for the first time that my life was going in the right direction, that everything was going to be alright. The prerequisite for a perfect, happy life had been achieved.