"Come in!"
Alger opened the door and stepped inside. The Headmaster was seated at his desk, which was positioned directly across from the entrance.
"Alger! Long time no see! Aren't you usually holed up in the library around this time? Let me tell you something, Alger—you've got to start coming out of there! Most of the kids don't even know you exist!" He laughed heartily, clearly amused by himself. "So, what brings you here? Want a book for the library or something?"
Alger blinked, a little thrown off.
"I could've asked you for books if the library didn't have them?"
The Headmaster chuckled."Yes! You could've asked me… but I still would've said no!"
Alger struggled to describe this man in his head. The best he could come up with was: a joyful lunatic who thinks he's the funniest man alive.
"Ah. I see. Anyway, I actually came to ask you something, Headmaster."
The man smiled at him."Ask away."
Alger tried to sound formal, mature.
"Headmaster, over the past few years, I've learned a lot about our country... and the world. I believe I'm ready to explore the city on my own. I can handle myself. So, I'd like to request a monthly allowance."
The Headmaster looked at him calmly."Alright. I'm fine with it."
What?! That's it?No test? No speech? No probing questions? This guy's completely unpredictable.
The Headmaster opened the drawer beneath his desk and took out a pouch filled with silver coins. He counted out ten, then added a few extra copper coins from his own pocket.
"Here you go, little guy. I even gave you a few extra cents because you remind me of myself when I was young. But don't tell anyone, alright?"
Little guy? Preposterous! I'm the same height as him! And mentally, I'm older! Stay calm, Alger. Stay calm. You still have more questions.
"Headmaster, can I ask you another question?"
The Headmaster smirked."You just did!"
This guy… he's genuinely testing my patience. One more joke and I might actually snap.
"Okay, can I ask you two more questions?"
The Headmaster nodded.
"I've heard... and seen... that you're an Aqua Conjuror. Can you teach me how to become an Awakened and Conjuror as quickly as possible? Please?"
Though he tried to keep his usual tone, Alger noticed a flicker of surprise in the Headmaster's eyes.
"Well... I could, but I'd need to know what element you have. And since your mother didn't have an Awakened gate, and no one knows who your father is, I can't really help you there. I don't have all day to sit here explaining every gate!"
Alger didn't hesitate."Is there any way I can convince you?"
The Headmaster leaned back in his chair, stroking his chin in mock consideration.
"Alright, Al. You can ask me about one Element."
Al?!Did he just give me a nickname in the middle of this conversation?!
Alger swallowed his irritation and thought carefully.
Just one? I expected more…
He could ask about Tempest, but he was already a Tempest Awakened. Anything basic the Headmaster shared would be a waste of time.No... I already have strong offense. What I need next... is defense.
"Headmaster, will you tell me more about the Aqua Element?"
Before the Headmaster could reply, the door creaked open behind Alger.
He turned.
A tall, pretty girl with pale white skin and long blonde hair tied in a ponytail stood in the doorway.
It was Ivory.
She looked completely different from her toddler years, but Alger recognized her instantly. While he hadn't changed too much in appearance, Ivy had grown into a young woman—tall, graceful... and still every bit as annoying.
"Alger? What are you doing here? I thought you were in the library."
Alger let out a sigh."I, uh... came to ask the Headmaster... about the library?"
The Headmaster leaned forward with a grin."He's lying."
Huh?! Headmaster, damn you!!
"He came here to ask me for an allowance..."
Ivy's eyes sparkled. She was clearly about to jump in with a question.
"...and before you ask anything, I'm not giving you a single cent."
Ivory gasped in horror.
"That's unfair! You gave Alger an allowance! Look at all those coins he's holding!"
The Headmaster pointed at Alger.
"That's because Al here is smart. He'll carefully spend the money I gave him. You, on the other hand, would blow it all on some shiny trinket and lose it within three days."
Ivy looked heartbroken.
Then the Headmaster turned to Alger, his expression devilish.
"Hey, Ivy. I have an idea. Why don't you go with Alger and look around the city? Since you've been such close friends since childhood, I'm sure Alger will be delighted to buy you something!"
Alger's face dropped. He looked at the Headmaster like he had just been betrayed by his own blood.
That's it. When I become a Tempest Bound, this man is going to be the first to fall.
Ivy didn't seem to notice his agony. She jumped at him joyfully and hugged him.
"Yes! Alger, thank you! I've wanted to buy so many things for so long. And now, my dream is finally coming true!"
She clutched his arm with a huge smile.
"So the first thing I want to buy is..."
I never even said yes...