Re-employment life with unsociable untalkative magician

CHAPTER 48 - MY FRIEND

(Happened long after the epilogue , this is literally a conclusion for this series so i highly suggest you skip this chapter to avoid depression and read it when you truly ready to face the reality)

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It's been a while since he last visited. He used to go there often, but lately, his work at the Association has kept him too busy to visit. In the past, seeing Master Phyllis was his only pleasure, but now he has another friend.

"Hello~"

To his surprise, it was Master Phyllis who came out to greet him. Ida had expected Lucille to come out, so it caught him off guard.

"It's been a while."

"Ah."

Master Phyllis, as always, was curt. Now that he's an adult, Ida took the liberty to greet him.

"How have you been? How's Lucille?"

Ida peeked into the living room from the entrance.

Without a word, Sensei motioned for him to come inside. Hmm? Is Lucille in the kitchen?

With such carefree thoughts, Ida entered the room and was rendered speechless.

"Oh, Ida. It's been a while."

"L-Lucille?"

Lucille chuckled softly. Her face was lined with wrinkles, her hair as white as Master Phyllis", her arms and neck look thin and frail. No matter how he looked at her, she looked every bit of an elderly woman, far older in appearance than Master Phyllis.

Ida couldn't hide his shock. He was speechless as he stared at Lucille, who was seated on the sofa. But she didn't seem to mind at all. She smiled at him warmly.

"Oh my, it's really nostalgic. How many decades has it been?"

Decades. Yes, the last time he visited was just a few decades ago. He now realized that their passage of time wasn't the same.

"..."

Ida knelt down by her feet, wanting to say something but he found himself unable to speak. His chest tightened with a sense of sorrow.

"You seem surprised, but I'm also surprised that Ida hasn't changed a bit."

"Th-that's because..."

Lucille reached out her hand towards him and Ida hesitantly touched it. Her skin was thin and fragile as if it were going to break.

"Nowadays, Sensei takes care of me.

"Isn't that right, Sensei?" Lucille looked up at Master Phyllis. He nodded silently and patted her head.

It was a scene Ida witnessed many times before. He still treated her the same way, always.

"I was wondering when you would come next."

"...Sorry for being so late."

Ida tried hard not to cry.

Lucille smiled without a care. Ida would never forget that face for the rest of his life.

She's his precious friend.

As she accepted a cup of tea, Lucille spoke with deep feeling,

"You've grown so much."

"Don't talk like some old relative..."

Ida wasn't joking. Lucille laughed heartily, but even that laughter tugged at his heartstrings.

"Master Phyllis~"

Unable to bear it, Ida couldn't help but turn to Phyllis for help, but his reaction was as usual, indifferent. He just nodded towards Lucille, indicating that she was still speaking.

How mean.

"Tell me about your accomplishments. Didn't you speak out against the ways of the Association?"

"...Yes."

Ida didn't know where she heard that from. Lucille, unaware of his struggles, asked him cheerfully. Even though it was his own doing, it had been extremely difficult. He had been yelled at, opposed by many, and burdened with numerous responsibilities. That's why it took him so long.

"I just abolished the annoying hierarchy and the weird education imposed by those rigid old-timers..."

"That's amazing. You used to complain about it so much!"

Ah, there hadn't been anyone who praised him so genuinely and unreservedly.

"You wouldn't understand, Lucille..."

"Eh, how cold."

Despite his feelings, Ida couldn't help but say something spiteful. It was embarrassing, so he couldn't help it. That's why! She should stop smiling so knowingly, as if she can read his thoughts!

The three of them had tea together. He also enjoyed a delicious dinner. By the time the moon was high, Ida finally decided to leave. As expected, it was Master Phyllis who saw him off at the entrance. Lucille had been told to rest by Master Phyllis after she fell three days ago. Although she laughed it off and said that it was nothing serious.

"I'll come again."

"Ah."

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Ida bowed to Phyllis and reached for the door when he called out, "Ida."

"Yes?"

Phyllis' expression was as neutral as ever, but there was a slight softness in his demeanor.

"Lucille was just talking about you the other day. She said she wanted to see you again and talk to you."

"..."

"If possible, come by often."

Really. He only says what's necessary. That's just typical of Master Phyllis.

Come to think of it, whenever Ida tried to talk to Master Phyllis, he would brush him off, and whenever Lucille talked to him, he would subtly step back, letting her speak to him.

"......"

"See you."

Ida stepped into the garden and looked up at the night sky. The stars were shining. This must be how she feels when she sees them, appearing to remain unchanged forever.

Suddenly, Ida turned back to look at their house. The light inside cast shadows on the living room's glass door.

Another shadow appeared next to Lucille, who was sitting on the sofa. Then the two shadows merged into one.

"......"

Please, let them stay like this forever. Let the days when their shadows remain entwined continue as long as possible.

Ida wiped his damp cheeks and took flight into the night sky. Tonight's crescent moon was even more beautiful.

(Translating this chap while listening to song call "where do I begin" I regret it)