Chapter 6

And Mina seemed to have calmed down a bit from Scarlett's words, her anger visibly subsiding.

"That's right... Jade? I'm sorry for getting angry at you after we hadn't seen each other in so long."

"Ah, no, I'm the one who should apologize. I'm sorry, for everything."

However, at that moment, I suddenly thought that reading Mina's mood was more difficult than creating a new magic spell with more than seven syllables. For some reason, Mina seemed to have noticed this, and she pinched my thigh lightly under the table with a glare.

"Haa, really... So, Jade, what are you going to do when you return to Purge Village?"

"Ouch, huh? Ah, what am I going to do when I return? Well, actually... I haven't thought about it."

"I thought as much. So, if you don't mind, would you like to work for us?"

"Huh? At the place where Mina and Scarlett work? By the way, what is Mina doing now?"

Mina blushed slightly at my question, while Scarlett raised the corners of her mouth in amusement.

"Um, –"

"Huh? What did you say?"

"Teacher! I'm a school teacher!"

"Eh!? Mina!? That clumsy, scatterbrained Mina!?"

I was truly surprised. When Mina was eight, she always followed me around, and we would get into trouble together after playing pranks on adults.

(To think she would end up on the teaching side, time really does change people...)

Incidentally, the impression of her being clumsy and scatterbrained came from the fact that she was always the one who made mistakes during our pranks and got caught.

"Hehe, that's quite a harsh way to describe you, Mina."

"Stop it, what are you talking about! I'm not clumsy or scatterbrained anymore!"

"Oh, really? What about the other day–"

"Scarlett?"

"Hehe, sorry. Anyway, that's what I'm saying, Jade. We are teachers here in Elm. The magic teacher suddenly quit the other day, and we've been in a bind. So, how about it?"

The two of them were having a pleasant conversation, but it seemed like Scarlett was enjoying teasing Mina the whole time. And then, the sudden job offer. If it were just any teaching job, I might have declined, but a magic teacher. Teaching magic to children and watching them grow sounded really interesting.

"Um, can I think about it positively?"

Even so, it wouldn't hurt to take a moment to consider. I had learned to be extremely cautious during my time as a court mage, dealing with nobles.

"Hmm. Sure. Then, come by tomorrow for a tour."

"Okay, I understand–wait, tomorrow!? T-That's sudden."

"Good things come to those who act quickly. Besides, the magic students are in a bind."

"...You're right. I understand. I'll come tomorrow."

"Mmm. I'm sure you want to see your parents, so I'm sorry for the trouble. Mina will come to pick you up tomorrow."

At Scarlett's words, Mina's eyes widened, and she had an expression that said, "I didn't hear that." But, as usual, Scarlett seemed to be enjoying herself.

"What? Don't you want to? Or are you worried about oversleeping? If so, you can stay in Jade's room–"

"I'm fine! Jade, I'll meet you at the entrance of the inn at 7:00 AM tomorrow, don't be late."

"O-Okay."

And so, I had an unexpected reunion with my childhood friend, and for some reason, the day after losing my job, I had a job interview. Life is indeed strange.

The next morning.

Of course, I didn't oversleep. Two hours of sleep is enough to rest my body, and I can manage up to three all-nighters. When I was researching magic, I didn't sleep for a week, and that was really tough. Anyway–

"You're late. Did you forget the time?"

I opened the pocket watch at my chest and saw that the hands pointed to 7:15. Thinking my watch might be broken, I checked the clock on the wall inside the inn, and it showed the same time.

(Could she really have overslept?)

I was worried that she might be setting up a perfect punchline, so I looked around. Then, I saw my childhood friend approaching quickly from a distance.

"...I'm sorry."

"No, it's okay, but did you oversleep?"

"Um, well, it took me a little longer to get ready..."

"I see. Well, women do take longer to get ready. Let's go then–ouch."

"Oops, sorry?"

It was clearly intentional. Mina, wearing slightly high heels, stepped on my toes and turned away, walking without looking back. She was the one who was late, and I hadn't done anything wrong. I was just confused. Mina is really difficult, I thought as I hurried to catch up with her.