Chapter 18 Marina’s Invitation
Cecilia Blackwood's POV
We arrived at the mountain. I sat cross-legged and began using my heart to sense summoning magic while connecting with nature.
Kane had explained that much of magic originated from nature itself. If I could achieve spiritual communion with it, mastering magic wouldn't be so difficult.
After about two hours, I opened my eyes. My perception of magic had clearly strengthened compared to before.
Yes, Kane's guidance was effective. He was an excellent teacher.
"I feel like my understanding has deepened. Thank you!"
I smiled at Kane, but noticed his expression looked troubled. "What's wrong? Is something the matter?"
"No... nothing." Well, Kane still couldn't lie convincingly—his acting was terrible.
If he had a weakness, it was definitely his inability to deceive.
"What happened? Tell me the truth. Don't lie—I don't like being lied to."
Kane took a deep breath, about to speak, when his phone suddenly rang.
"Auntie."
It was Marina calling—that warm, caring dark mage.
"Did you tell Cecilia what I asked you about? The weekend's almost here, and I need to prepare in advance!"
"I'm talking to you. Are you even listening?"
Since Kane and I were standing close together, I could hear the voice on the other end clearly.
"Auntie, did you need something?"
Kane glanced at me and handed over the phone.
Hearing my voice, Marina's tone instantly softened a hundredfold. "Hello dear! The weekend's coming up—why don't you come over as a guest?"
"Remember I mentioned making you delicious food? Let's make it this weekend. How does that sound?"
"Do you have other plans? If not, please come. I'd love to meet you. Please don't refuse."
Marina said so much, leaving me no room to decline. Even if I wanted to refuse, I couldn't!
"Alright, Auntie."
Hearing my agreement, Marina sounded overjoyed. Though we were on the phone, I could feel her happiness radiating through. "Wonderful, wonderful! I knew you wouldn't refuse!"
"Is there anything you'd like to eat? Or anything you don't like? I want to be prepared."
"You don't need to go to so much trouble. Just simple home cooking is fine. I don't have any—"
Before I could finish, Kane took the phone back. "She doesn't like overly sweet things. She can eat a little meat. She really likes cheese and bacon pizza."
I stood there stunned, wondering how Kane knew all this.
We'd only eaten together maybe three times. This level of detail seemed rather... thorough.
After hanging up, Kane lowered his head, his eyes evasive. "I... I don't know why Auntie invited you to the house. It might seem rather sudden."
"If you don't want to go, I'll tell Auntie. Please don't feel obligated!"
"It's fine." I shrugged lightly. "I'm not uncomfortable with it. I didn't have anywhere to go this weekend anyway."
I'd originally planned to visit Grandpa, but he'd called yesterday saying he had something come up this weekend and I could visit next week instead.
This worked out—at least I wouldn't have to spend the weekend alone in my dorm.
"Good." Kane's tone remained as flat as ever, but somehow felt different than before.
Just then, Kane pulled a black ring from his pocket and handed it to me.
Looking closely, I saw intricate patterns carved into it—like some kind of exclusive totem.
I had to admit, the ring was beautiful. Though black, the color added an air of elegance and mystery.
"What a beautiful ring! Is this a family heirloom? Have you worn it since childhood?"
Kane didn't elaborate. But when I tried to return it, he didn't take it back. "It's yours now."
I froze, not understanding. "Wait, what? How is it mine? I didn't do anything!"
"It's a gift from me." Kane stated simply.
Oh my God. He wasn't showing it to me for admiration—he was giving it to me!
Of course. Kane wouldn't be so frivolous as to show me a ring just for me to look at.
"No, no!" I waved my hands repeatedly. "Such a precious ring—how can you just give it to me?"
"Even though we're friends, I can't just accept your gifts!"
"Besides, it's not my birthday. Today isn't any special occasion. Why would you give me a gift?"
To me, this gift seemed completely out of the blue.
But Kane acted as if it were perfectly natural. "No particular reason. You're my friend. I can give you a gift whenever I want."
"You must accept this. If you don't, it means you don't consider me a friend!"
I suddenly realized that when it came to matters like this, Kane became surprisingly talkative.
But that didn't change my mind. "Really, I can't. Please take it back. Next time it's my birthday, you can give it to me then."
"Oh, and I'll get you a birthday gift too! I'll pick something special for you!"
Even after all that, Kane wouldn't budge. "No. You must keep it!"
Right. His stubborn streak was showing again.
And his eyes were incredibly determined. I had no doubt that if I didn't accept, we'd stand here in a stalemate until nightfall!
"Fine, fine. I'll keep it. But let's be clear—this is my birthday present from you. When my actual birthday comes, you can't give me another one!"
"Also, you need to tell me when your birthday is. And you can't refuse the gift I give you!"
Kane didn't say much—just responded with a smile. I couldn't be sure he fully understood.
Actually, more accurately—he understood, but whether he'd actually comply was another matter entirely.
Soon, my badge transmitted new information. Our next class was Magic Incantations!
"Wow, finally! I've been waiting for Magic Incantations class forever!"
Kane asked softly, "You're really looking forward to it?"
"Of course! As a magic academy student, who wouldn't want to master incantations and cast spells as soon as possible?"
"Just imagine—I'd only need to point, and my water glass and books would fly right into my hands. Or my clothes would dress themselves."
"Best of all, food could just fly straight into my mouth!"
I admitted that last part was a joke, but regardless, learning magic incantations would definitely be incredibly cool!
Most importantly, for years I hadn't dared use my abilities privately, terrified of exposing my witch identity.
But if I mastered proper incantations, perhaps I could suppress my witch powers—or guide them onto the right path!