"Tell me the truth. Please. You don't wish to follow in my footsteps at all, do you?"
Outwardly, Mana maintained impeccable composure, schooling her face in a mask of professionalism, as she'd often seen Master Mahaado do in tumultuous moments. Inwardly, Mana groaned impatiently, aware that her chances of convincing Master Mahaado were rapidly dwindling.
"I want to become an elite spellcaster. Like you!"
"Elite spellcasters don't treat the palace like a playground. Elite spellcasters don't consistently find the flimsiest excuses to abandon their magic lessons. And, most importantly, elite spellcasters have no business fraternizing with the rank-and-file palace guard!"
Mahaado ran an absent hand through his silky tresses. His gold adornments caught the light, causing his skin to shimmer. Because Mana grew up with him, she often forgot the sheer mental fortitude required for the average person to stand, let alone string together a coherent sentence in his presence. She felt starstruck. If hisbagauge was fueled by beauty alone, Mana mused, Mahaado's power would be infinite!
"Mana," Mahaado began, his voice low and rich with sincerity. "You could be speaking divine words. Controlling the elements. Binding the gods. Changing destiny itself! Instead, you wish to use your vast potential and once-in-a-century magical skills to...to patrol the palace grounds with the guard?! Just what in Ra's name has gotten into you?"
Atem has heard that you have a new man in your bed every night. He's too ashamed to confront you so I'm here to uncover the truth behind these rumors from the guards, under the pretense of learning about palace she couldn't saythatout loud.
"It's Bakura, sir. You heard him that day. He threatened Atem's life. I won't watch my best friend die. I have to go beyond magic theories and philosophy. I need to know practical, tangible ways to support you in protecting him. Palace defense is not limited to flashy spellcasting, summoning magic, and ka battles. It includes knowing our vulnerabilities and identifying where we are structurally weak - all things that I could learn by participating in patrols with the palace guard!"
Mahaado blinked.
There was not one flaw in Mana's logic. Rarely did he hear her speak with such unwavering severity and poise. Yet, his instincts told him there was something else behind Mana's pleas. But he couldn't for the life of him guess what it was. Mahaado glanced up at the light pouring through the high window. Morning security drills had already ended. His Majesty would be receiving courtiers in his audience hall in less than an hour. He'd already spent way more time in this negotiation than he'd planned. Time, his most precious resource, was dwindling faster and faster these days. With a sigh, he opened a chest, withdrawing a slim scroll from its confines.
"This, Mana, is the master schedule for the palace guard. The day's first patrols start promptly at four in the morning, a full three hoursbeforeyour magic lessons. You are already half an hourlatefor the second shift. The days are long, the breaks are short, and the company is boring. So, I will ask you again, do you truly wish to do this?"
"Yes. Atem's safety is my responsibility too. I am duty-bound to use every available avenue at my disposal to become stronger. For his sake. For the sake of our lives together."
"Very well then, Mana. Go now and report to Peybek. Tell him I've given you leave to continue use of your wand in place of a spear. Your magic lessons will now be once every evening-
Catching the pleading look in Mana's eyes, Mahaado sighed, his sternness dissipating.
"Fine, Mana. Your magic lessons will be once everyotherevening to accommodate the patrol schedule. We will try this for two weeks. If I receive a single complaint or noticeanyslackness in your skills, I'll terminate this arrangement early. Do we have an understanding, Mana?"
"Yes, thank you, Master! You won't regret this! I'll make you extra proud!