The Rhine family is no different from the other families in the village.
Thatched roof, wooden walls, the whole structure presents a warehouse-like rectangular layout.
Outside the house, there’s an open space enclosed by a short courtyard wall, through which Gauss walked.
He easily crossed over the wall and saw Rhine in the yard.
It was very dark at night, but for him, it was no different from daytime.
He quickly saw what Rhine was doing.
She was standing in the open space, raising her right hand in front of her, with her left hand pressing on her right wrist, looking serious.
Still practicing "Flaming Arrow"?
Gauss was a bit surprised.
He walked to the door and gently knocked on the somewhat loose door.
"Who is it?!"
Rhine in the yard perked up her ears and asked with a slightly vigilant tone.
It was both to confirm the identity of the person outside and to alert her parents inside.
"It’s me, Gauss."
Upon hearing Gauss’s clear voice, Rhine hurriedly scurried to the door and opened it.
"Teacher, why are you here so late?"
Rhine opened the door, feeling a bit embarrassed.
Gauss had come to her home once before.
But she was still not used to it.
Or rather, she subconsciously felt that letting Gauss see the appearance of her home was an embarrassing thing.
Gauss had invited her over several times to his folded house.
The neat and tidy environment inside, the furniture controlled by magic, formed a stark contrast with her own simple and primitive house, making her always feel a bit inexplicable inferiority in front of Gauss.
Even though she was not dissatisfied with her home.
She indeed didn’t really want Gauss to come over.
Gauss didn’t know about Rhine’s complicated thoughts and seeing her clutching her clothes with a bashful expression, he thought she was feeling sad about his departure tomorrow.
"Just came to check on you." Gauss said with a gentle smile, stepping into the yard.
His gaze naturally swept over the spot where Rhine had stood and casually asked, "So late? Still practicing?"
Rhine’s small face blushed slightly under the moonlight, and she nodded a bit shyly.
She’d been found out.
She actually practiced secretly every night and never told Gauss.
Because she didn’t want the teacher to know her "stupidity," to surprise him after she succeeded silently.
She wanted to master Flaming Arrow on the last night before Gauss and others left.
"I... I wish to succeed at least once before you leave."
Seeing her stubborn look, Gauss felt a bit of warmth in his heart.
"No worries, next time I’ll come over, you can demonstrate for me just the same."
Then, Gauss handed over what he had prepared.
It was a delicate leather box with a metal latch mechanism.
"This is...." Rhine looked puzzled.
"A farewell gift." Gauss said softly, handing it to Rhine. "Open it and see."
"Teacher...."
"Take it."
"Okay, thank you, Teacher."
Rhine eventually received it, the gift was a bit heavy, and she placed it on a nearby wooden bench.
She carefully unclasped the latch.
When the box was opened, there were three items inside.
A thick handwritten notebook, the cover made of some durable leather.
Several neatly bound books.
And a beautifully crafted leaf-shaped ornament attached on a thin chain.
Is this... for me?
Why is there jewelry?
"The notebook contains some of my insights on Magic and understanding of Flaming Arrow and other basic tricks. It should be more suited to you."
Gauss pointed at the notebook, then gestured towards the books.
"These are basic magic theories, practical applications, demon bestiaries, and other related books. When I leave, you can take time to read them and broaden your knowledge."
His gaze finally landed on the amulet, his expression became somewhat more solemn.
"As for this amulet, wear it close to you, don’t lose it. And don’t easily show it to others." Gauss took out the amulet and seriously placed it in her little hand.
"If... and I mean if, you encounter life-threatening danger, break this leaf."
"It can protect you for a moment and quickly transport you hundreds or even thousands of meters away. Then you can run for safety."
"Teacher, you should keep it."
Upon hearing the amulet’s effect, Rhine instinctively wanted to return it to Gauss.
It’s a magic item, giving it to her was a waste.
"It’s okay, I have plenty." Gauss lied kindly.
But he indeed didn’t need it at the moment.
Especially after mastering the Flying Technique.
If he encountered an enemy strong enough that he needed to flee, even teleporting several hundred or thousands of meters wouldn’t help.
Seeing her eyes beginning to turn red, Gauss reached out and stroked her head.
"Don’t cry. The gift isn’t free." He deliberately made his tone more serious. "After I leave, don’t slack off. Read the notebook diligently, read the books seriously. Next time we meet, I’ll check your progress. Can you do it?"
Rhine took a deep breath to hold back the impending tears.
"I can, Teacher, I definitely will."
Gauss watched her stubborn expression and smiled contentedly.
"Remember, if there’s danger, make sure to crush the leaf."
"Rest early, tomorrow you don’t need to specially come see us off."
He greeted Rhine’s parents, who had just come out to the doorway, and then under the watchful eyes of Rhine’s family, he turned and left the yard.