Chapter 51: The Day Victory Doesnt Go to the One Who Made the First Move

The next day, I woke up refreshed, even though I was still slightly exhausted. It was my first time using a practical barrier, so I thought I would be more tired. But I was fine since I hadnt used up all my magic.

I thought that I wouldnt be able to hold the barrier for long if I used up too much magic, but if I knew that help would come that fast, then I would have made the barrier bigger and flung the Hollows further away from us.

I think the most exhausting thing was seeing the Hollows up close. Theyre really scary you know?

I sat blankly on top of the bed as Alistair came into the room.

Its time for breakfast.

Aai.

He helped me change my clothes and then we went down to the first floor. Everyone greeted me and they seemed more relaxed than normal. I got Mill to cut my bread into small pieces and chewed on it as I surveyed the room. I feel like theyre not meeting my eyes.

I wanth thea thoo. I had a good meal and tried to ask them for some tea. Mornings were busy, so I only had tea when they had days off.

Here you go.

Mill made my tea at once. He added water after he put the tea into the cup. This way the tea would be both thin and cool.

But Im sure it isnt their day off today.

Then it hit me.

Are they angry because I was kidnapped yesterday?

I held the teacup with both hands as I observed them nonchalantly, but I couldnt tell.

Im shorry. I could only apologise.

Hey, whats wrong Lei? Were not angry about what happened yesterday you know? Bart quickly said, but their moods are strange.

Mm, did you do something that you need to apologise for? Mill said gently.

Mmm, yuh. I was a little confused but decided to confess. If yesterday hadnt happened then it would probably have been magic practice.

Magwic thoowsh, magwic, channew.

Buha.

Hey, thats gross Bart.

Bart had been drinking tea, but he spurt it out.

Y-y-you, dont tell me you fiddled with the broken magic tools that Brendel gave you?

Ai. If magwic thoow browen, directhwy magwic.

Direct magic? Not from the magic stone but from your own body?

Ai.

Ah, ah, Kyaro covered his eyes with his hand. Bart rummaged around and brought out magic tools from his room.

This is from my room, but try it.

Ai.

*SHINE*

Wow!

Bright!

I was also blinded by the brightness when I first used the magic tool, so I couldnt help but laugh.

Lei.

Ai. Shorry.

But its funny.

This time, Bart took out the light tool used for travelling. He took out the magic stone, observed the tool and thought for a while.

Say, Lei.

Aai.

Will this work if we take out the slates and channel magic into it? As if its passing through the slate?

Oway.

I received the magic tool from Bart and channel magic directly into the moss without passing it through the blue slate. I practiced with barriers, so I was good at using my magic this way. I was able to make it shine with a little bit of magic.

Its brighter than usual. Lei, does it hurt from your magic running out?

Nup.

Alistair stared at it and then took the moss basket from the light in the room.

H-hey, Alistair. Woah, bright! Kyaro tried to stop Alistair but was hit by the light. I couldnt help but laugh at him.

Lei.

Shorry.

Alistair got up and went to the 2

nd

floor without smiling, and came down with his barrier box.

He put the box onto the table, opened it up and took out the large magic stone. Everyone gulped.

Hey, dont tell me, youre going to try-

Alistair began channelling his magic directly onto the blue slate. Little by little. Carefully. Then a barrier stretched from the centre of the box with a squeal. Alistair checked the barrier and then finally let go of the barrier box. He said, Lei.

Ai.

I made myself smaller.

Did you use this in secret?

Ai.

Everyone fell silent in surprise.

Why? Alistair didnt let this go.

Fun.

Fun? You-.

Awishthair buiwding bwocwsh fun. Lei undershthanding magwic fun. Thame.

Its not the same! Alistair stood up and yelled.

Youll faint if you use too much magic. Its dangerous. Building blocks isnt dangerous!

Youre right. What should I do?

Then, Mill crossed his hands behind his head, leaned back on the chair and said, You know, Lei, had fun changing magic and was able to create a barrier by herself.

Ai.

Thats it.

So you survived yesterday because you put this barrier around yourself?

Ai.

Thats right.

Bart scratched his head furiously when he heard my answer.

Nothing we can do about it now since shes already done it. Your life was saved because of this. If this gets found out then you wont be able to go home and everyone in Wester will be scrambling to get you. Do you understand?

It cant be helped even if you say it like youve given up.

I gradually lost interest and started to dangle my legs.

Argh. You only act like a baby at times like this. I dont know what to do.

Bart covered his face for some reason and then looked serious.

I got the day off today because we saved Lei and the mayors daughter yesterday. I have to go tell the mayor about the barrier later. But well, youre probably tired so lets relax.

Aai.

Alistair stood up.

Then lets go play in the workshop.

Aai.

The workshop at the back of the counter on the first floor was cleaned by everyone little by little on their days off.

Alistair lifted me off my chair, put me on the ground and held my hand.

Were going to the workshop.

Wait, Alistair was startled by Clydes voice.

Alistair, whyre you holding the barrier box? Kyaro continued.

If Lei can do it then I can too. I wont faint from using too much magic if Lei watches over me. Lei said were playing, so were playing, Alistair argued.

You even said it was dangerous before!

Isnt it fine? Mill backed him up.

Itll probably be fine if Leis there.

That feels strange.

Bart sent us off as if hed given up while Alistair and I went to the workshop.