Chapter 336: Flamme's Wish
Flamme, however, remained calm. "There must be someone stirring things up, but since the Magic Association and our teachers are involved, their reaction speed is naturally faster."
She picked up her teacup, took a sip, and continued, "Unless you stay inside the Magic Association's barrier and never leave, you will inevitably be under the watchful eyes of countless people as soon as you step onto the streets of the capital."
"The only difference is whether these watchful eyes are benevolent, malicious, or simply driven by curiosity. After all, you're all students of Teacher Serie."
Evan and the others exchanged glances, all seeing the gravity in each other's eyes.
They knew perfectly well that, since Senior Flamme had said this was a trial, they couldn't expect her to deal with the people tracking and monitoring them; they had to handle it themselves.
"We must get rid of these people who are monitoring us first, no matter what," Evan said in a deep voice, then quickly began to think of a solution.
"We can't let them keep track of our whereabouts; otherwise, let alone carrying out missions, our normal operations will be greatly restricted."
The group quickly exchanged views, and a preliminary plan took shape.
Without further delay, they left the restaurant immediately, attempting to shake off or deal with the surveillance personnel.
Watching Evan and the others quickly adjust their mindset, discuss their countermeasures, and then execute them decisively, Flamme nodded in satisfaction. "Their ability to act is quite strong."
However, after Evan and the others disappeared from the restaurant entrance, Flamme and Frieren remained seated, showing no intention of following them.
Frieren looked up at her Masterand asked softly, "Master, are we not going with them?"
Flamme shook her head. "There's no need for that. With me here, those lurking in the shadows might be too afraid to make a move, which would negate the training effect. Moreover, I've left a mark on each of them, so I can rush over anytime they encounter something they can't handle."
"That being said..." She glanced toward the window. "I'll still maintain a safe distance from them so that I can make a move at any time."
Frieren nodded knowingly, and then she noticed another detail.
She tilted her head slightly, her gaze sweeping across the restaurant and the street outside the window. "Some of the people monitoring us left with Evan and the others, but some stayed behind."
Flamme was not surprised at all; she could even sense those who were more deeply hidden and stronger.
Clearly, these people valued her, who was nominally Serie's second disciple, and the people they sent to monitor her were more professional.
"Yes, I sense it. "Frieren," Flamme said to her disciple, "you should return to the Magic Association first."
"There's a protective barrier set up there by the teachers; it's currently the safest place in the capital. No matter how bold these people are, they would never dare to attack the Association."
However, Frieren firmly shook her head and rejected the proposal.
"I don't want to go back. I want to stay with you." She paused, then added, "And...I also want to see what Evan and the others will do next."
Looking into Frieren's determined eyes, Flamme thought for a moment, but ultimately did not refuse.
"All right."
Although her apprentice looked young, she was exceptionally talented and had already reached the level of a high-ranking mage. She could handle most unexpected situations and dangers and did not need excessive protection.
Moreover, as they spent more and more time together over the years, Flamme found herself growing increasingly fond of her apprentice. Being with Frieren always brings a sense of comfort.
Admittedly, Flamme was initially puzzled as to why her Master, Kurtz, and Serie suddenly assigned Frieren to her for instruction.
She was still immersed in her own research and in her complicated feelings for Teacher Kurtz, and didn't really want to be distracted by caring for a student.
But now, she felt suddenly grateful for the decision her two teachers made back then.
It was Frieren's appearance that brought a brighter color to her life and allowed her to experience another form of bond and responsibility.
With a surge of thoughts in her mind, Flamme couldn't help but reach out and gently pull Frieren into her arms, while her other hand continuously stroked Frieren's smooth, silvery-white hair.
Frieren was slightly taken aback by this sudden act of intimacy. She tentatively struggled a couple of times, but Flamme's movements, though gentle, carried an unyielding determination.
Seeing that her struggles were futile, Frieren gave up. Her small body gradually relaxed, and she nestled in her teacher's warm embrace, breathing in the pleasant scent emanating from her.
She also really liked Flamme.
It was Master Flamme who appeared when she was most helpless, saved her and her village. It was also Teacher Flamme who guided her step by step to become a qualified magician.
She still remembers the feeling of being carried on her back at the beginning. It was such a warm and reassuring feeling.
Master Flamme was the most important person in her life.
A warm silence flowed between the two.
Feeling her apprentice's dependence in her arms, Flamme felt an indescribable sense of satisfaction. For some reason, she suddenly spoke softly, "Frieren, actually, I've always had a wish."
Frieren stirred slightly. "What is your wish? Is it that you wish to stay with Mr. Kurtz forever?"
She recalled the occasional sight of Ms. Flamme gazing at Mr. Kurtz's back with that complex and indescribable look. She didn't understand that feeling at all.
"Pfft—cough cough!" Flamme was nearly choked by Frieren's overly direct and accurate guess, her face instantly flushing red as she quickly denied it, "That's not it! Don't make wild guesses!"
Was she usually so obvious? How had her simple-minded apprentice seen through her so easily?
However, she doubted Frieren could understand such complex emotions anyway.
Flamme took a deep breath, calming herself.
She spoke again of the long-buried ambition in her heart: "I hope that one day, magic can truly become a power that everyone can freely learn and use."
"It's not just about nobles, not just about those born with promising magical talents, and not just about those of us fortunate enough to join the Magic Association. Whether rich or poor, noble or peasant, anyone with a curiosity about magic should have the opportunity to encounter, learn, and use magic to change their lives, and even change the world."
This wish stemmed from the various sights she witnessed during her early travels across the continent.
With the nobility monopolizing knowledge and the ordinary people remaining ignorant and helpless, magic became yet another chasm dividing social classes.
But she believes that magic should not be the privilege of a few; it should be the light that qilluminates the path forward for all civilization.
Frieren listened quietly. Although she couldn't fully grasp the wish's profound meaning, she sensed the undeniable sincerity in her teacher's words.
She nodded gently, burying her head back into Flamme's arms, showing her support through her actions.
"I'll help you!"
[End of Chapter]