When Lady Aura heard Fíliya's sorrowful statement, she clearly wanted to stand up and say something. But at that very moment, Solitär grabbed her by the wrist, and while holding her back, she also gave Aura a look, signaling her not to disturb the two's conversation. Thus, Aura could only shrink back, aggrieved.
As for Flamme, after hearing Fíliya's resolute words, her appreciation for the young woman rose to another level.
She could finally confirm that Fíliya's goal was absolutely not decided on a whim. This child had poured all her passion into her ideal and had prepared for the worst-case scenario.
Serie had absolutely no doubt that Fíliya was capable of her stated mission to [hunt down the great demons]. In her eyes, Fíliya, possessing such will, would soon become a truly powerful individual.
If Serie were here, she would definitely extend an olive branch to this child without hesitation. Flamme was certain of this; there was no one more suitable to be Serie's disciple than this child.
Thinking of this, she couldn't help but ask Fíliya another question.
"Fíliya... have you ever met an Elf named [Serie]?"
"Of course. In fact, Serie officially made her debut in the history of the human world long ago. She is now the founder of the Continental Magic Association and is revered by all human mages as the [Goddess of Magic]."
Fíliya's tone was calm, but to her surprise, these words, spoken as if common knowledge, moved Flamme deeply. She even saw a faint glimmer of tears hidden in Flamme's eyes.
"The Continental Magic Association... I see. So Master... she agreed to my request after all."
Fíliya narrowed her eyes. She could sense a story coming.
Just as she thought, Flamme soon began to tell a new story.
"Before I died, I asked Frieren to convey my last wish to Serie. I hoped that Serie would step onto the stage of history and establish an association to unite all the mages on the continent. Before making this wish, I knew that Serie, upon seeing my request, would surely shred my letter with a look of disdain. But... Fíliya, since you've met Serie, you must know. After all, my master is just that proud."
"Serie is a classic case of 'cold on the outside, warm on the inside,' so I fantasized that she might still accept my proposal. After all, it was the final wish of her annoying disciple."
"But, having said that... who can be one hundred percent certain? So, when I heard you say that Serie became the founder of the Continental Magic Association, I was truly happy."
Watching Flamme's expression, Fíliya found it particularly interesting. This great mage, etched into human history, a symbol idolized by countless people, was actually showing such a girlish side. In that moment, Fíliya felt her impression of Flamme finally change from a mythologized [symbol] into a human of flesh and blood.
After finishing her story, Flamme once again calmed her emotions.
"Fíliya, Master Serie must have asked you if you were willing to be her disciple, right?"
Flamme's tone didn't sound like a question at all. She couldn't believe that a talent of Fíliya's caliber wouldn't receive an olive branch from Serie.
"Yes, of course. But I refused at the time." Fíliya shrugged casually.
"...So it happened again." Flamme let out a relieved laugh and then shook her head.
"I must say, it's quite strange. Master Serie believes in an absolutely elitist education; she would never let a mediocre talent learn her magic... But the more she pursues this path of elitism, the more she gets rejected by young prodigies. I have to say, that is really interesting."
"A thousand years have passed. I wonder if my dear master has gotten used to the taste of being rejected by humans."
At this point, Flamme stood up from the sea of flowers for the first time. She stretched her body a little, as if experiencing the feeling of being alive after a long time. Only then did she begin to admire the surrounding scenery.
She had to admit one thing: Fíliya's barrier magic... was perfectly to her liking. Not for combat; every single detail was meant to make this space more real.
"Fíliya, did you create this world as a sea of flowers because you knew about my preferences?" Flamme asked with some curiosity.
"No, I like flowers too. A dreamlike sea of flowers like this, always calms the heart, doesn't it?"
"Yes, you're right." Flamme nodded in strong agreement, growing even fonder of this child.
Sigh, this child is wonderful in every way. If only... she weren't involved with the Demon Race, it would be even better.
I'm someone who has already died once... In my time, I killed countless demons. Logically, my revenge should be considered paid in full with interest... but I really do still hate the Demon Race.
Flamme shook her head with a sense of helplessness. She didn't dwell on this point any longer, instead looking at Fíliya with a calm gaze.
"Fíliya, I have a question for you."
"Hm? Please, go ahead."
"Why did you refuse Serie? If you let Serie guide you, wouldn't you be able to move closer to your ideal? Besides, unlike me, she doesn't hold such deep malice towards the Demon Race. She even actively collects and studies demon magic."
"Well, because I feel like it would be very difficult under Serie... and she definitely wouldn't agree to me getting close to the Demon Race like I am now... If I became her disciple, she would probably just capture some demons for me to study, which doesn't align with my ideal."
"I see... that's true. Being Serie's disciple is quite painful. It's not just the part about learning magic; [taking care of Serie] is itself a form of training that greatly tempers one's will."
Flamme said with a light chuckle, and Fíliya nodded in strong agreement. But just at that moment, Flamme suddenly asked another question in a very casual tone.
"...In that case, would you be willing to be my disciple?"
Flamme's words gave Fíliya a huge shock; she even wondered if she had misheard something.
"Eh? But... don't you completely disagree with my ideas? If you were to teach me magic, no matter what level I reach, I would definitely use it to further my ideal. Wouldn't that be troubling for you?"
"That is correct. If you could give up on the Demon Race, your master would be very pleased." Flamme looked at Fíliya with a smile. Even though Fíliya hadn't agreed yet, she had already started referring to herself as [your master].
"That's impossible. If you insist that I give them up, then I can only refuse you." Fíliya said, decisively.
"I knew it... A disciple whose ideals run contrary to their master's... Such situations do happen. Alright, I won't force you to give up the Demon Race. Just do what you want to do. A dead person like me has no right to criticize."
Flamme's sudden compromise made Fíliya even more puzzled, so she asked out of curiosity.
"Why? Flamme, why did you change your mind?"
Regarding this question, Flamme herself thought for a good while before answering with a wry smile.
"Anyone who's been a teacher has this kind of occupational hazard... When I see a young person with such outstanding talent like you, I just can't help but want to offer some guidance."
___
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