Retort

I pushed the door open while Nina was still struggling to get my attention. She went to Gerald and started gesturing to him, but I didn't care. I walked in to see the family head. By most people's standards, he was an old man, but to me, he was just a kid who didn't know how to deal with his emotions.

"Isn't it time for you to grow up, kid?"

As I uttered these words, I noticed an unfamiliar smell in the room. Behind a large desk sat a man with a fully grown black beard, wearing a leather coat. He was holding a feather to write with, but he stopped and put it down.

"Shayla, Shayla, Shayla. How long have we known each other?"

"Since you were wet behind the ears, and it looks like they haven't dried yet."

He stood up with a smile and said, "What are you mad about, Shayla? If it's regarding that bandaged freak and his daughter, you can leave the office and follow my orders."

"Now he's a freak? What about the golden goose who was the reason for expanding your merchant group?"

"He once was, and it could have been anyone, honestly. He just happened to be what we needed at the time. Now he's a freak occupying space that could be used for storage."

"Regardless of your opinion, you should let him know about getting another sorcerer to teach his kid."

"And what do I gain from that? He's one of the best, and he refuses to teach her anything. For all that kid knows, Roh and formulas could just be an ancient tale. At least with an instructor, she might be useful to us one day."

"Have you seen how much the young master has suffered because of magic? Let him decide as her guardian what to do."

"The freak's suffering has nothing to do with how I act with my granddaughter. And if you say a single word to him, you will face the consequences. You don't know maybe if he saw her using magic, he might soften up about it and start teaching her himself."

"Assuming I don't say anything, how would you stop the princess from telling him?"

"Shayla, it's easy to manipulate kids who are too smart... I can deal with her. And her instructor isn't a nobody. He used to be one of the best potion makers but quit after an injury to his wrist damaged his ability to channel Roh. I got a good sorcerer for a good deal don't worry about it."

"I don't care about your deal with him. Let the father know what you're doing regarding his daughter's life."

"Shayla, I've known you since before I took over this estate, back when it was just a small shop. I've always respected you and allowed you many privileges. I even recruited that mute for you. Don't make me regret my decision. Moreover, I'm sure it will be best for my granddaughter to learn magic. Wait a few weeks, and I'll personally tell him."

Shayla became enraged, but she was powerless in this situation. She cared for the young master and princess as if they were her family, but if Nina her actual family were to be threatened... I felt sick.

"I don't care anymore. Just keep my girl with the princess. She can't speak anyway and will follow orders. I'll take my leave for now."

I started walking toward the door where Gerald and Nina had been listening.

"Nina, you heard the orders. Follow them."

And with that, I left the mansion for the day... feeling like something strange was happening to me.