Lilia's Tale: Freyja's Endeavor

Chapter 48: Humiliated

Much to my surprise, nothing really happened for the rest of the week. Cassandra insisted on joining me during classes, much to Koko-sensei's disapproval. We simply trained as I worked to further improve my control over magic.

Saturday came, and I suddenly realised an issue. Considering the meeting with Inari and the others included my training, it would be best to have the phoenix come. However, I wasn't certain I would be allowed to take her in the first place. I took a bit to think and decided on having her join.

"Cassandra, we're going somewhere," I told her right before leaving.

"That's sudden. What is the matter?"

"I just have work to do on Saturdays, and I think it's best it you join."

She glared at me before replying:

"So be it."

She flew on my head and we were headed off. On the way, I explicitly asked her not to tell anyone about it, or to talk too much. She didn't reply so I wasn't sure how to take it.

As I got to the building, the people there didn't want to let me in. I knew they were Inari's subordinates but I didn't think they'd prevent me from entering in the first place.

"Don't worry about the bird. She's with me."

"We can't let anyone but you enter. I'm sorry," the guy replied.

"Then please ask Inari to come check herself. With Souji if possible."

They looked at each other, nodded, and one of them went in. Shortly after, Souji came out and looked surprised.

"Oh, another of your familiars?"

"Ah, no. This is Cassandra."

"Hello, sir," she added.

"You mean the Cassandra that the dragon god told us about?"

"Yeah. She came to me and wants to help train me so I thought it best to have her tag along."

"...Can you trust her not to say anything?"

"She hasn't leaked anything so far, at least."

He looked a bit suspicious but eventually accepted it. He asked the guys to let me in so they reluctantly did. As I got to the room where everyone was, Inari immediately spoke up upon seeing me."

"Lilia-sama, is that phoenix a new familiar?"

"That's a phoenix?" Greg immediately commented.

"Ah, yeah it's a phoenix and no it's not my familiar. This is Cassandra, the...what was it again?"

"Primordial Phoenix," she finished.

"Yeah, that. She wants to help me with training so I thought it best to have her join."

"I have never heard of this Primordial Phoenix name. Care to elaborate?" Inari retorqued with a very suspicious tone.

We went on to explain what happened since last Saturday. She had heard of Fenrir's appearance but what we told her helped her best understand the situation. Once our story was done and she shared that nothing had been happening on her side, we tackled the subject of Cassandra's involvement.

After much debate and discussion, we all agreed to have Cassandra help with my training. She would have the power and knowledge to help where merely gaining experience wouldn't be enough. So, we went on to the arena and did as was planned.

I knew my odds were low, being one against three. However, that was necessary to gain experience, so I steeled my resolve to fight. Cassandra gave the go-ahead and I immediately summoned a dozen goblins behind me.