I am Prince's pampered wife

Chapter 35

Pari strode purposefully toward the towering mountain that loomed like a sentinel in the distance with her maid, a shimmering book of magic clutched tightly in her hands. Dim rays of sunlight filtered through the treetops, casting a warm glow on her determined expression.

As Pari practiced her spells in a secluded clearing, immersed in concentration, a sudden rustle interrupted her focus. She turned to see an oddly curious ostrich, its wide eyes fixed on her with an almost mystical intensity. The bird turned away, glancing back as if urging her to follow. Intrigued and somewhat bemused, Pari couldn't resist the call of adventure and decided to trail after the feathered creature.

Navigating through the dense underbrush, she soon arrived at a dark cave hidden within the mountainside. Cautiously, she approached, peering into the shadows to find an old man sprawled on the ground, looking half-alive. What's someone like him doing here? she wondered, a mix of concern and intrigue swirling in her mind.

She reached into her satchel, pulled out some bread and dried fruits, and offered them to him. It was an instinctive act—she couldn't let him starve.

To her surprise, the old man accepted the food with a faint nod, a flicker of gratitude crossing his weathered face. As she stepped back outside the cave, she noticed him attempting to rise, his frail body wobbling like a newborn fawn. He may be old, but he's still got spirit, she thought, feeling a mix of sympathy and annoyance.

"Stay close, then," she conceded reluctantly, permitting him to follow her as she resumed her magical training.

With her eyes closed, she concentrated on a nearby tree, summoning every ounce of power she could muster to conjure the perfect spell. She aimed, heart racing, releasing a vibrant energy ball—only to miss her target entirely, the spell dissipating harmlessly into the ground. Frustration coursed through her as she tried again and again, each failure gnawing at her confidence.

"Too weak," the old man interjected, munching on the food she'd given him. "Can't even hit a target."

Pari shot him a glare that could scorch earth. "If you can do better, then show me," she snapped, irritation bubbling to the surface.

"Even a hundred tries won't help if you lack inner strength," he observed, stepping closer to scrutinize her features.

"How do I strengthen it?" she asked, her annoyance giving way to genuine curiosity.

He shrugged nonchalantly. "I won't tell you."

Impatience flared within her. "Then why bother interrupting my practice?"

"Call me master first," he challenged, a glimmer of mischief dancing in his eyes.

"Master," she replied, rolling her eyes .

"Okay..." He hadn't expected her to comply so easily. Yet his heart warmed at her spirit; perhaps this unexpected meeting had significance after all.

With time slipping away, she pressed him for answers. "So, what's your advice, then?"

"Practice underwater."

"Are you kidding?" she laughed, skepticism coating her words. "Am I supposed to sprout gills?"

"Water provides balance and enhances speed. Trust me," he asserted, raising a hand to touch her brow, imparting a sense of seriousness. "Focus your energy here."

She took a step back, her nose wrinkling as she assessed his overall appearance. "How long has it been since you bathed? You seem like you rolled out of a pig pen!"

The old man fell silent, stung momentarily—he'd bathed only last week!