"Ah, hello, hello, Mr. Dean. Please, have a seat."
After snapping out of his initial surprise, Gregor, who had just returned home, quickly extended his hand to shake the elderly man’s hand and then promptly invited him to sit down again.
Afterward, Gregor also sat down on the sofa. After glancing at the empty coffee table in front of him, he turned to his sister Dorothy with a serious expression.
"Dorothy, the teacher has come all this way for a home visit, and you’re just sitting there? Go make some tea." With a slightly reproachful tone, Gregor spoke to Dorothy.
"Eh... ah... oh..." Hearing Gregor’s words, Dorothy was momentarily stunned but quickly got up and went to prepare the tea. Meanwhile, Gregor turned back to the elderly man on the sofa and spoke with an apologetic smile.
"I’m sorry, sir. My sister and I are from the countryside, and we’re not very familiar with proper etiquette. Please forgive us."
"Haha, it’s no problem at all. I believe that etiquette is merely superficial and not the most important thing." Hearing Gregor’s words, the elderly man responded with a smile, casting an intrigued glance at Dorothy, who was preparing the tea. Dorothy, in turn, subtly returned his gaze.
Finally, Dorothy brought the brewed tea to Gregor and the elderly man. After taking a sip, the elderly man nodded slightly, while Gregor, sitting beside him, spoke with some unease.
"Mr... um... Dean, you mentioned that you came here today because of Dorothy. Has she... um... done something inappropriate at school, or is there some issue with her usual behavior?"
"Haha, Mr. Mayschoss, you worry too much. Miss Mayschoss is doing very well at school. She is an excellent student." As he spoke, the elderly man glanced at Dorothy again and continued with a smile."Miss Mayschoss is diligent in her studies, hardworking, respectful to her teachers, and caring toward her classmates. She attends classes on time every day, never late, and even takes the lead in organizing her classmates to clean the school chapel. She is devout and reverent toward the divine. To put it simply, Miss Mayschoss is the most talented and virtuous student I have encountered in all my years of teaching. She is a genius!"
The elderly man spoke calmly and confidently. After hearing his words, the worry on Gregor’s face vanished, replaced by a broad smile, while Dorothy turned her head away, scratching the goosebumps on her arm.
"Oh... thank the Saints! I had no idea Dorothy was so outstanding! My late father once said that our mother was very intelligent. Dorothy, I think you’ve inherited even more of her brilliance. Keep it up, Dorothy. You’re destined for great things!"
After hearing the elderly man’s words, Gregor couldn’t contain his joy and spoke loudly to Dorothy, who, with more goosebumps rising, smiled and responded.
"Ahaha... I’m just doing what I should."
Feeling elated, Gregor turned back to the elderly man and continued with a smile.
"As Dorothy’s guardian, I sincerely thank you, Mr. Dean, and the entire school for your guidance. When I have the time, I’ll personally visit the school to express my gratitude."
"There’s no need for a personal visit, Mr. Mayschoss. I believe that soon, Miss Mayschoss won’t need to attend Saint Amanda’s School anymore." The elderly man continued, and hearing this, Gregor was momentarily stunned.
"Dorothy won’t need to attend school anymore... Mr. Dean, what do you mean? Has Dorothy caused some major trouble after all?" Gregor asked with concern, but the elderly man reassured him with a smile.
"No, no, as I said earlier, Miss Mayschoss is doing very well. In fact, she’s doing so well that the headmaster believes it would be a waste of her talent for her to continue studying at Saint Amanda’s School or even in Igwynt. Miss Mayschoss deserves a better, more comprehensive educational environment."
"A better... more comprehensive educational environment..." Hearing the elderly man’s words, Gregor was momentarily speechless, but the elderly man continued to explain.
"I’ve heard from Miss Mayschoss that she wants to attend university. With her talent, I believe she can easily gain admission to the best universities in the kingdom, provided she has access to a better educational environment.”
"While Saint Amanda’s School offers a good education, it is by no means the best. To ensure her talent isn’t wasted, we recommend that Miss Mayschoss transfer to a more prestigious school in Tivian. We will provide her with recommendation letters to secure her admission."
After finishing his explanation, the elderly man fell silent, waiting for Gregor’s reaction. Gregor sat in stunned silence for a while before finally speaking.
"What... you’re saying that Dorothy can transfer to Tivian, to a better school there, and you’ll provide recommendation letters to secure her admission?"
"That’s correct. However, this is merely a suggestion for now. The final decision lies with you, as her guardian. Mr. Mayschoss, do you agree to let Miss Mayschoss pursue her studies far from home?"
"Of course I agree!"
Gregor immediately responded loudly, his heart swelling with joy.
…
At dusk, at the end of Southern Sunflower Street.
Under the fading sunlight, after declining Gregor’s invitation to stay for dinner, Aldrich, dressed in a neat suit, walked slowly down the street. Beside him was Dorothy, who had come to see him off.
"You have a brother who cares deeply for you. Why not try to be more open with him about certain things?" As they walked, Aldrich spoke, and Dorothy responded frankly.
"To avoid being held back. If Gregor knew I was studying the mysticism, he’d probably try to convince me to give it up. It’s better to keep it hidden."
"Haha... having family by your side is a good thing. Cherish it." With a slight sigh, Aldrich paused for a moment and then turned to Dorothy to continue.
"The letter has been written for you, and your brother has arranged everything. You can go to Tivian with peace of mind. Both of us are leaving this city."
"You’re leaving too?"
"Yes. Now that Deer Skull has discovered my whereabouts, it’s time for me to leave. Deer Skull has lost a cursed bone avatar this time, and his strength has been weakened. I can take this opportunity to embark on a journey to find a way to restore my power.”
"The favor I owe you can be kept until you need it. Use this to contact me when the time comes."
As he spoke, Aldrich took something out of his pocket and handed it to Dorothy. She took it and found that it was a beautifully crafted owl figurine.
"To use it, tap its head five times in a row. Also, keep in mind that the favor you ask of me shouldn’t exceed the limits of my abilities at the time, and it’s best not to openly antagonize any major factions."
Aldrich explained that this time, he didn’t plan to settle in another location to hide long-term. Instead, he intended to seek out a way to restore his strength.
"Then I wish you good luck." After putting the small figurine away, Dorothy stopped walking and spoke to Aldrich, who continued to walk forward.
"May luck be with you as well. Until we meet again, Miss Mayschoss."
With that, Aldrich walked into the distance under the setting sun, gradually disappearing from Dorothy’s sight.
========================
Author’s Note:
This marks the completion of a story arc, which could be considered the end of a volume.