The next day, Akeru heard a knock on her bedroom door. She walked to it and opened it to see Aurora standing there.

Aurora: Is it alright if I come in?

Akeru: Y-Yes it is fine…

Aurora walked in and sat down at a small table in the room. Akeru sat on her bed and looked at the Witch.

Akeru: So, what’s your reasoning for being here?

Aurora: My my…can’t I just have a conversation without a motive?

Akeru: W-Well I…-

Aurora: I jest, dear…I have a proposal for you and your Mage. I believe Benjiro already talked to him earlier, but I need your answer as well…we wish to keep and train the boy for a month.

Akeru: Why do you need my answer then?

Aurora: Because you are traveling together, I refused to do something if both of you did not want to do it.

Akeru: I assume he said yes then?

Aurora: Indeed, Benjiro brought the idea to me, and I thought it was a fantastic idea. While Benjiro can’t teach him magic, he can teach him other things.

Akeru: Why is he so strong anyways? He can only do Grade 1 Magic, right?

Aurora: He trained his body well; he doesn’t like to use magic. It’s part of his code, I suppose.

Akeru: I see…well, I suppose we can stay; I can’t very well get far without him.

Aurora: You two are free to use my study and the castle library in the meantime. Though, I doubt he will have much spare time to read…

Akeru: May I ask you something else while you are here?

Aurora: Of course, ask away.

Akeru: Is there any way to get to the northern country that wouldn’t be expensive? This amulet I have around me… has a sibling I need to find. I believe it will help me remember everything. I woke up with nothing but this in a cave somewhere; it must be necessary.

Aurora: I see…I can look into it. While I cannot fund the adventure myself, I believe I could find you someone who could.

Akeru: We would be very thankful for you, and thank you for everything you have done for us!

Aurora: Oh, it is no problem, dear! Now then, I must be off. Please make this castle your home.

Aurora got up and walked out of the room, closing the door behind her. Akeru laid back in her bed and sighed heavily.

Akeru: A whole month…we were already behind, but now…bah, it doesn’t matter. If this will help Itsuki, then I am all for it. Besides, maybe I can find something about this amulet somewhere or more about these Witches.

She stayed in her bed and thought of all of this. Itsuki was already training with Benjiro, who was rough with the boy. The two would train and gather information throughout the month through the books. They would dine with Aurora every night; however, Akeru and Itsuki barely talked to each other. Primarily due to time reasons, they both believed if they had time to talk, they had time to do something beneficial.