Chapter 46: Conversation in the Garden
"Is everything alright?" Selena asked, looking at me worriedly.
My eyelids fluttered, and I became aware of the furrow etched in my brow. "Just a bit distracted. Was there something specific you wanted to discuss?"
I had just arrived at the mage training grounds when Selena approached me and pulled me along through the gardens. The grounds were crowded with sightseers and pilgrims, but Selena claimed to know of a location hidden behind the kitchens, a secret garden, of sorts.
As we strolled through the gardens, I was reminded of the parks from my previous world. The scent of freshly bloomed flowers wafted through the air, mingling with the gentle rustle of the lush greenery and the vibrant hues of the meticulously sculpted flower beds. The "secret garden" was little more than an alcove hidden behind the kitchens and surrounded by several walls of the complex. A large tree dominated the small clearing, and I sat down on a nearby stone bench, sighing contentedly as the cool, shady breeze caressed my face.
"Your hair’s getting longer," she finally said, letting out a breath. "I remember how short it was when you arrived."
A flicker of self-consciousness tinged my actions as I tugged at the fiery red curl, the soft strands coiling around my fingertips. My hair, which had been cut short by the slavers, had grown thick and wavy, falling about to my shoulders. Enusia had many hair colors, including mine, which could only be found in dye back on earth.
My hand dropped to my side, and I looked over at her. "Was that all?"
"So impatient," she muttered. A shadow crossed her face, and her hands gripped her knees tightly. "I-I also wanted to apologize." She took a deep breath and turned to face me, and I was surprised to see her eyes were wet. "I used you to pass the qualifications, stealing the credit you rightfully deserved."
Even if the Slave Crest hadn’t forced me to diminish my role, I would have done so in a heartbeat. "There’s nothing to be sorry about. You created that modified Life Dew on your own. I only provided the eyes to see."