Chapter 98

■ Chapter 97. A Strange Bond (3) □ ᓚᘏᗢ

After purchasing various books, I came out of the bookstore. Although it took a lot of time to choose from the many newly published books, Arwen's explanations helped me save some time.

Instead of telling me the plot, she only informed me whether the books had depth and were suitable for someone as knowledgeable as me, without including her subjective opinions.

"However, all of these books are related to history. Do you like history?"

After we came out of the bookstore and started walking down the street, Arwen asked me. It seems she was curious because I only chose history books.

In response, I lifted the envelope in my right hand, which contained the books I had bought.

"It's interesting. It's amazing that such events existed in the past."

"Indeed, as you say, the past can be fascinating. I also wonder if such events really happened. Moreover, the fact that the past influences the present and the future is very intriguing."

"Do you like history, Arwen? Including the history of other races, not just elves."

Elves value history and tradition to an almost excessive degree, but this is limited to their own. Before the racial wars, elves had almost no interest in other races.

There was only one exception, which was the demons. As descendants of angels, elves had no choice but to be wary of demons, who were descendants of devils, and there were records of secret conflicts.

However, due to their similar powers, direct military conflicts did not occur. If they did, one of the races would likely be exterminated, leaving the elves in a position where they could only observe.

"Of course. I have a deep curiosity about humans like you. Despite their short lifespans, humans have achieved remarkable growth. Even magic, which was once only used by the chosen few during the racial wars, is now widely spread among the upper class. And with more time, magic will become a power that even commoners can easily use."

"It will take a long time."

"Hmm..."

Arwen, hearing my blunt answer, stared at my face. After a moment of deep thought, she turned her head and shared her thoughts.

"As you say, it will take a long time. However, humans have boundless potential and are a race that even we elves cannot easily predict. Perhaps in the not-too-distant future, magic will spread to the masses. Just look at how the perception of demons has changed since the story of Zeon was revealed to the world."

"Indeed, this world is full of unpredictable things."

I chuckled at Arwen's explanation. Even I, who wrote the story of Zeon, didn't expect this, so what more can be said about the world?

Magic, which was once a privilege of the upper class, is a naturally entrenched phenomenon.

Unlike commoners, who must rely on their own efforts to gain power, nobles receive higher education from a young age, and their access to magic is different.

Occasionally, a commoner shows the potential to be a mage, but this is a very rare occurrence. Moreover, those with extraordinary talent are cared for intensively by the state.

In other words, if the accessibility of magic is resolved, commoners can also easily use it.

While elves and demons have a natural predisposition for magic, the main reason is the accessibility.

"By the way, do elves really look down on humans? You and the other elves I've met don't seem to have that tendency."

While thinking about magic, a sudden question came to mind, and I asked Arwen.

Sindy and Elena, the elves I've met, are unique in that they don't look down on humans.

In fact, Elena highly regards me, even recommending me as a student, and the same goes for Sindy.

"That's just a prejudice. Just as humans see elves differently, we also view humans in various ways. However, most elves who experienced the racial wars still look down on humans."

"Why? After such humiliation, one would think their views would change."

"The reason is simple. They believe they lost the racial war because of their own mistakes, not because humans were superior. It's truly absurd."

"..."

I was speechless at the elf's way of thinking. I had heard that generational conflicts among elves are particularly severe, and I now understand why.

Still, it was fortunate that young elves like Arwen have a positive view of humans.

'That's why they dug a well and ended up making a lake...'

Elders are a problem everywhere. From Arwen's expression, it was clear she disliked them.

To cheer up the uncomfortable Arwen and satisfy my own hunger, I looked around the street. Various stalls were set up, and there was plenty of food.

As the son of a lord, it would be embarrassing not to buy food for a chance encounter.

"Arwen, is there anything you want to eat? I'll buy it for you."

"That's not necessary. I already ate before coming here."

"Eating and satisfying hunger are different. You don't fill your stomach with candy, do you?"

"Really, it's fine..."

Arwen answered softly, glancing at me, seemingly uncomfortable with imposing on me. She occasionally looked elsewhere, but it wasn't a big deal.

"Meeting like this is a bond, so I should at least buy you some food. As the son of a lord, this is the least I can do."

"Um, um, if that's the case, I won't refuse. But there is one condition..."

"What condition?"

"That is..."

Arwen kept glancing to the side, not at me. I followed her gaze, but saw nothing in the empty space.

"Two, please."

"What?"

"If you're buying, I want two. I want to eat one now and savor the other slowly."

"You're not eating both right away?"

"I might think of it later. It's for the future."

Her unique reasoning made me ask, and Arwen, flustered, answered. While everyone has different thoughts, this was unusual even considering that.

I stared at her hesitantly and finally agreed. Arwen's expression relaxed slightly.

'Is she with someone else?'

If not, there's no need to buy two. It seems she plans to meet someone later.

I then bought three strawberry candies from a nearby stall. The original name is tanghulu, a food made by skewering fruit and coating it with sugar, syrup, and other ingredients, then freezing it.

It's extremely sweet and has a mix of the fruit's natural flavor. It has a surprisingly long history and is a popular festival food.

"Here you are, sir. Enjoy."

"Thank you."

"Looks delicious."

When I received the three strawberry candies, Arwen's eyes lit up like a child's. I paid the vendor and handed two to Arwen.

Arwen held one in each hand, looking at them with a hungry gaze. She looked like a child.

"Is this your first time eating fruit candy?"

"No, it's not. It's one of my favorite foods."

"Then don't just look at it, eat it. Oh, and don't bite too hard. You might break a tooth."

"...You keep treating me like a child. I've lived nearly ten times longer than you."

Arwen puffed her cheeks, clearly annoyed at being treated like a child. This only made her look more like a child.

I wanted to pat her head but restrained myself, just smiling at her cuteness.

Arwen glared at me, then turned her head, huffing. Suddenly, she threw one of the strawberry candies into the air.

I was startled by her action, and a surprising phenomenon unfolded before my eyes.

Poof!

The strawberry candy Arwen threw into the air disappeared in an instant, as if it had never existed.

Stunned, I stared at the empty space, and Arwen explained nonchalantly.

"It's a storage spell. I used spatial movement to put it in a space I created."

"Storage spell?"

"Humans call it a subspace."

Arwen mentioned the subspace, a staple of fantasy magic.

While she spoke as if it was easy, it's one of the most difficult spells for humans. For elves, it's like sewing a pocket, but for humans, it's starting from scratch. The subspace is highly useful but extremely difficult.

As I had never seen magic before, I looked at her with curiosity. Even though she looks young, she is still an elf.

"Can you take it out again?"

"Um, what?"

"Since you stored it, you can take it out, right?"

"That, that is..."

Arwen was greatly flustered by my question, more than just surprised.

Seeing my puzzled expression, she hesitated and then answered urgently.

"Just, give me a moment!"

"A moment?"

"Yes. Even if elves are skilled in magic, we can't use it recklessly. Especially spatial magic."

Like a cooldown. Since I don't know much about magic, I just nodded.

Moreover, it seems she has a reason, so pretending not to notice is a good approach.

"Alright. Still, it's amazing. It's my first time seeing magic with my own eyes."

"If you want, I can show you a simple spell."

"For example?"

Swish-

Arwen demonstrated with action instead of words. She brought her hands together, and a bright blue droplet appeared.

I marveled at the droplet floating from her pale, delicate hands. I had only heard about magic, so it was even more fascinating to see it.

Arwen smiled as I gaped in concentration, then moved her index finger gracefully. The droplet followed her finger smoothly.

"You've been treating me like a child, but now you look like a child."

As I was captivated by her skill in manipulating the droplet, Arwen burst the droplet and teased me. It seemed like revenge for being treated like a child.

However, I didn't deny it and nodded. It felt like the first time I saw a large soap bubble in my childhood.

Magic has a charm that evokes a sense of wonder in men. Even if it's just a simple trick, it's still magic.

"Can you show me more?"

"Of course. Then..."

"Isaac?"

Just as Arwen was preparing the next spell, a seductive voice caught my ear. It was a very familiar voice.

Turning my head, I saw Cecily standing there, as if she had just finished a private conversation. Marie was nowhere to be seen.

"Ah, Cecily? Where's Marie?"

"Marie will be here soon. But..."

Cecily, who initially met my gaze, looked at Arwen beside me. Her red eyes sparkled for a moment.

Then, Cecily smiled and asked in a gentle voice.

"Who are they?"

At her question, an inexplicable chill ran through my body.