Chapter 238

Zich said, Then Ms. Dwayne, did you try studying in a different school of magic like your father? Another school of magic might also fit you better.

Lyla replied, Thats only true if someone has at least a bit of mana. No school is going to accept someone like Elena Dwayne who hasnt awakened their mana at her age.

Yes, Teacher is right.

Is that so?

While they conversed, the carriage arrived at their destination. As expected of a mage who was able to participate in the top magical tower meeting at such a young age, Orlands mansion was enormous and luxurious. Zich and his companions got off the carriage, and a servant led them to the dining room.

Welcome. The person who sat in the main seat got up and greeted them. It was the mansions master, Orland Dwayne.

Dad!

Have you been well, Elena? Orland smiled at his daughter and walked towards them. Elena jumped into his arms.

Then he continued, You look healthy. It must be because youre having fun with your new lessons, right?

Elena smiled brightly and replied, Yes! Even though Zich and Lyla had gotten quite close to Elena, it was their first time seeing her interact with her father. Its really fun! My teacher is also really good at teaching! Ah, Ill introduce her!

Elena moved out of her fathers arms and moved back to Lylas side. Then she said, This is my father.

Im Orland Dwayne. As Elenas father, I sincerely want to thank you for taking care of my daughter.

Im Lyla. Ms. Dwayne is an amazing disciple. Shes very quick at understanding concepts, and she has a fantastic memory. You must be very proud of her as her father.

Haha! Im very proud of my daughter. Orland put his hand on top of Elenas shoulder, and he looked as if he really loved his daughter; one might even call Elena a daddys girl.

Then Orland looked in Zichs direction. May I ask who the person next to you is

Sir, my name is Zich. Im a friend of Lylas, and I came here today to escort her.

Elena added, He also frequently helps us out with our lessons.

I see. Ah, Ive left the guests standing for too long. Please come sit.

They began sitting down according to Orlands direction. As the head of the mansion, Orland sat on the main seat, and Elena sat on his right. Lyla sat in front of Elena, and Zich sat next to Lyla. As soon as Orland signaled to his servants, the food began coming out one by one. All the dishes were of very high-quality, and they began eating their food with the utensils in front of them.

Orland and Elena were a bit surprised by how Zich and Lyla ate as they both had perfect table manners.

As expected, were they not just wandering travelers? No wonder. Theres no way a powerful mage teacher and Mr. Zich, who can easily block Teachers magic, are ordinary folks. Elena thought it was more reasonable that they had some kind of complicated pasts.

Orland seemed to have similar thoughts as he stated, Both of you have excellent table manners.

Lyla replied, I learned it while traveling here and there.

Zich also replied, In the past, I was fortunate to have the opportunity to learn them.

From Lyla and Zichs replies, it was obvious that they didnt want to explain, so Orland quickly switched the topic. He stared at Elena and said, You said your studies have been going well, right?

Yes!

Could you perhaps sense the slightest hint of your mana awakening?

Elena had been smiling brightly so far, and she stiffened at Orlands words; just her expression was enough of an answer.

I guess not yet.

Yes.

Orland turned his head toward Lylas direction. What do you think, Ms. Lyla? Do you sense any signs that Elena might awaken her mana?

No. Lyla gave a firm answer. However, rather than looking down, Elena looked relieved to hear an expected answer.

Lyla continued, However, I decided to teach Elena while fully knowing that this wont be an easy task. I told Elena this, and Elena also agreed to learn under me. I dont know how long I can teach Elena for, but I will try my best until its time for me to leave.

Lyla gave Elena a gentle and kind smile. And Elena wont give up.

Of course! Elena strongly nodded at Lylas reply.

Elenas resolve is stronger than I thought. As a father, I tried my best to understand my daughter, but it seems that I was also prejudiced. Now I understand. If Ms. Lyla and Elena think so too, I will use every means possible to help with Elenas studies.

After he said this, he turned back to Elena and said, Whether you succeed or decide to stop studying magic, do what you want to do. Ill do my best to stop your grandfathers objection. I also dont mind if you decide to come and live in this house.

Thank you, Dad! Elena tightly clutched onto her fathers hand. Her father always took her side and supported her in everything she wanted to do. But I want to keep living in Grandpas house. Even though he disapproves of my magic studies, he still loves and cares deeply about me. I also feel comfortable in Grandpas house.

Yeah, if thats what you want to do. Then Orland continued conversing with his guests.

He mostly asked about what Elenas magic lessons with Lyla were about. Moreover, as a senior mage and Elenas parent, he requested Lyla to focus or help Elena in certain areas of magic study. He also talked with Elena about various matters. The rest of the conversation was then about how Lyla learned magic and whether or not she wanted to join the magical tower.

Lyla replied that she learned magic via self-study, and she firmly rejected Orlands offer to join the magical tower. Orland was shocked that Lyla learned magic by herself, and he was very disappointed that she didnt want to join the magical tower. However, he didnt persistently insist.

After some time passed, everyone finished dining. In order to escort Elena and her companions out, Orland went out of his mansion to say his farewells.

Please take care of my daughter in the future as well. He said his farewells to Lyla first, and then to Zich.

Then he tightly hugged Elena. Work hard. Okay?

Yes, I will!

Like this, their dinner with Orland ended. The three of them returned to Orlands carriage to go home. Elena, whose house was close by, got off first, and Zich and Lyla got off in front of their lodging.

How was it? That Orland person.

At Lylas question, Zich rubbed his chin. Hes suspicious.

Whats suspicious about him? Lyla asked with surprise in her voice. She was unable to find anything particularly suspicious about him. He seems like a very kind and gentle person. Despite my young age, he made sure to put Ms. next to my name every time as Elenas teacher. Moreover, as a father who is doing his best to support his daughters dream, doesnt he seem like a good person?

Thats why Im saying he is suspicious. He seems too nice. People like that usually have some kind of secret plans behind their bac"

Seriously! Lyla hit Zichs elbow and went inside their lodging. Zich also quickly followed her from behind.

Lyla sighed. Really, the way you think

A lot of people are like that. They act like the kindest people in the world, but behind everyones backs, they do all kinds of dirty deeds.

Is it not because you personally cant stand them?

Well, I cant say that didnt play a factor. Zich chuckled. However, his playful laugh didnt last long, and his face soon turned serious.

Like you said, hes not particularly suspicious. But theres a part that Im slightly suspicious about if I have to find anything suspicious.

There was something like that? Lyla opened her eyes wide. For matters like this, she really couldnt catch up to Zich.

When I listen to Orland and Elenas conversations, it seems like the reason why Elena didnt give up on magic to this extent was because of her father.

And thats strange? Its a widely-known fact in the magical tower that the only person who is supporting Elena in her magic study is Orland Dwayne.

Its different, Lyla. Theres a clear difference between helping your daughter follow her dreams and leading your daughter to follow her dreams.

Are you saying that Orland Dwayne was the one who made Elena never give up on magic?

Im not imagining this. From what I heard, I just subtly felt this in their conversations. Moreover, if he did that, he probably wouldnt have made it obvious. He probably shrewdly mixed his intentions with Elenas so that she wouldnt give up on magic. Of course, that would have been more than enough for an immature child.

Do you have anything more to add?

There was also something strange in their conversation when they talked about Elenas education as well. Elena only has problems with her mana, and in regards to all other magic abilities, shes a genius, right?

Lyla nodded in response.

Yet, he was barely curious about her ability to control mana. He could have at least asked your thoughts about possible ways to awaken her mana. On the other hand, he showed great interest in all of Elenas magic abilities except for her ability to control mana. He even asked you which areas she should grow first and exchanged his opinions and thoughts.

Now that Zich said it like this, it definitely seemed suspicious that Orland barely showed interest in Elena awakening her mana.

But Lyla shook her head. A father could do that though. Since mana is Elenas weakness, he might have purposefully avoided that topic. Since other magic skills are areas that Elena can be confident in, he could have tried to direct his questions related to that to bring up her self-esteem. His suggestions on her education is something that a father and an expert mage would normally do. If you think of it in this perspective, dont you think Orland Dwayne just seems like a good father?

Yeah. Zich didnt contradict Lylas words. Thats why I said that. If anything seemed off, this might be something suspicious. But Lyla

Zich put one finger up in front of Lylas face. In