Chapter 63: NPC Mr. Vick

A Brief Lesson

The class lasted about half an hour. Wenger and Qian sat at the back, quietly listening. Qian didn’t finish but stayed silent, not disturbing others. The classroom held students of all ages. This setup felt unsuitable for their age group, unless the lesson was optional. They discussed elemental theory and magical affinity—basic but unfamiliar to the students.

Why was Wenger so sure? As Maple Whisper Village’s only fourth-tier mage, she barely knew these theories herself. Villagers had little access to such knowledge. Her understanding of this era was slightly uneven. After class, the classroom and corridors buzzed with activity. The atmosphere was familiar—echoes of her student days overshadowing childhood.

She didn’t join in, only observed. The students went to eat, and she had no plans to stay. Checking with Qian, who knew her way home, Wenger still worried. Fortunately, a teacher offered to escort her, and Qian knew them. Wenger agreed, patted the girl, and left. The hired teachers had clearly been here a while. Back then, she was sipping honey tea at Aranold’s cabin.

Checking the Pasture

Wenger planned to visit the pasture. Since she was out, why not? Another trip would be a hassle, and cavalry needed good horses. Future matters deserved care—she didn’t want to be careless. Otherwise, if trouble came, she’d be left crying. Yet, she seemed a bit lost now.

Wandering, she eyed the wildly growing grass. The dirt path, unmaintained but trampled solid, felt right. She rarely visited the pasture. Her horse ate on its own, much like her. Pets took after their owners, didn’t they? Though not quite a pet, she fed it occasionally (when she remembered to cook), so it counted.

The pasture’s smell was strong, hence its remote location, fenced to keep animals from fields. But the wooden fence was useless… She didn’t get it—perhaps trainers had some deal with the animals. Standing outside, she spotted a tall, chestnut horse swaggering through the herd to eat. Well, well, freeloading. She’d worried it was lost in the wild forest. Seeing it here, she skipped entering to avoid awkwardness—they were more like friends.

A Moment of Reflection

Sweeping the pasture with mental energy, she noted changes. Breeding fine horses wasn’t quick—gestation rivaled human pregnancy. Turning back, she saw four-colored flags fluttering, wind chimes ringing crisply. Walking familiar streets, she felt glum. The breeze was lively, but she couldn’t match it. Even as tasks resolved, her heart grew heavier.

Mana swirled around her. When magic responded, it formed a light veil. Her black robe flickered in the “mist,” dreamlike. She summoned a gentle breeze. With so little mastered, how could she teach Viyi? She was sometimes meticulous, sometimes careless. For unimportant things, she didn’t care. But cooking and farming? She was invested. Waiting for moon-rose blooms? Less urgent.

A Break for Herself

Why not take a break? The sky wouldn’t fall tomorrow, and she lacked enthusiasm now. Decisively, she rode the wind back to the treehouse. Grinding her prized coffee beans, she brewed them the wild way. At the platform’s small table, she nibbled a stored cupcake, basking in sunlight, sipping coffee. “Ah~~” So relaxing. But it tasted awful. She couldn’t appreciate it.

A sound came from nearby. Turning, she saw Peach perched on the dragon egg, chirping energetically. “Pop pop—” “You’re back…” It’d been ages since afternoon tea—she deserved a treat. Before, as a boy, she rarely drank milk tea or ate sweets. Not dislike or stereotype fears—just no money as a student, no time while working. Now, life was good.

A Cozy Moment

Closing her eyes, sunlight warmed her vision without overheating. Snow was coming soon. Her mana kept spilling out. Peach quietly scooted closer—ji ji ji ji. Noticing, she petted it. Like a cat-bug, quite cute. “Will tomorrow’s weather be nice?” “Pop pop…” “Sunny?” She laughed, hugging Peach. Soft, like a pillow. “Pop pop.” “No cloudy days—I don’t like them.”

She sounded bossy. She’d manipulated weather before but rarely now. Let things be natural—no need to interfere. This was just playful talk. Saving some desserts for Viyi, she considered asking Vick if he wanted any. Share joy, keep sorrow to herself. Leaving her half-drunk coffee, she asked Peach to watch it and leaped off the platform.

An NPC Encounter

For her now, magic was as easy as reaching out. Landing smoothly, she headed to the lakeside cabin. In her past life, she’d dreamed of a seaside house. Now, she was rich. Very rich. With even richer friends. Glancing at Vick’s family crest in her inventory, she mused. It could fetch a fortune, but it wasn’t hers to sell—especially as a gift.

“Mr. Vick—!” She waved from afar. As expected, he was fishing by the lake. Like an NPC waiting for her to trigger dialogue. Across the lake, Vick noticed the silver-haired girl instantly. Her steady yet lively figure caught his eye before her shout. He waved back, about to stand, when his rod jerked violently.