Chapter 20: Intelligence and Sensitivity.

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When Y/N was invited to Diana's room to talk, he did not expect that he would be offered to sit down at the table and drink tea with sweets. The servants even moved the table to the window and lit candles for a better atmosphere.

Diana: Sit in front of me.

Y/N: I hope it's not jasmine tea. Because it reminds me of some sorcerer.

The wizard said, sitting down on a chair. The blonde poured tea into a cup and handed it to him. After taking a sip, Y/N asked a question.

Y/N: So what did you want to talk to me about?

Diana didn't immediately answer, staring into his eyes, from which the wizard felt uncomfortable.

Diana: Honestly, I don't even know what to talk about? I wanted to know more about your power, but I think you've already told me everything. Maybe we'll just have tea and ask each other different questions. After all, we spend time only as rivals.

Y/N: It's too suspicious but okay. Thanks.

After another sip, he decided to start the conversation first.

Y/N: Umm... Beautiful night, isn't it?

The girl nodded.

Diana: And this night I will become the Family's head.

Diana took a sip of her tea.

Diana: What does it feel like to be the strongest magician?

Y/N: The feeling is not very good. A person with such power, secretly, can have a lonely nature, since he does not want to show his power to anyone.

Diana became interested in his answer.

Diane: Why?

The wizard sighed.

Y/N: Have you watched the movie "Groundhog Day"?

Diana: No...

Y/N: In this movie, a man gets stuck in a time loop. I have the same situation. One problem after another. A new villain, a new enemy, and a new challenge every day. It's complicated, Diana. You'll go crazy if you do the same thing every day.

The girl was surprised by his thinking. She never thought that an intelligent person could hide behind the "dumb" teenager. When they finished their tea, the witch froze at his question.

Y/N: What happened to your parents?

The blonde girl's face hid the shadow from her hair, which made the wizard regret asking that question. Suddenly, she got up and walked towards the door, trying to hide her emotions at the moment.

Y/N: Hey! Hey! Stop!

The boy ran up to her and stood in her way, grabbing her shoulders.

Y/N: Hey! I want to-!

Y/N fell silent after seeing tears rolling down her cheeks from her eyes. She slowly began to sob. Diana sniffed before speaking.

Diana: I'm sorry!

She covered her face.

Diana: I'm sorry for looking like this in front of you!

Diana sniffed again.

Y/N: Diana, calm down. Let's sit down.

They walked and sat on the bed while she refused to lift her face.

Y/N: Sorry for the question.

Diana: No... I just remembered them and couldn't resist. My parents were very dear to me. I didn't know my father, but I was told that he took great care of my family. My mother... She was the most wonderful, the best, and the kindest person ever in my life. She loved me very much. Even despite her poor health, she always found time to spend time with me and tell stories about Beatrix. She wanted more than anything that I created a new future for magic and the Cavendish.

Y/N: Woah... Who knew that a girl with a cold heart could be...

Diana raised her face slightly to see the wizard.

Diana: -_-

Y/N: Sorry... She must have been proud of how talented you were.

Diana: No. I wasn't talented at all.

The wizard was confused.

Y/N: What?

Diana: From the very beginning, I wasn't as good at magic as I am now. I couldn't even use a transformation spell. Therefore, I decided to go to the Shiny Chariot show.

Y/N: Wait, you-!

Diana: Yes. I was a fan of hers too. I was even able to buy her rarest card. Unlike other witches, she did not disapprove of my admiration for Shiny Chariot, allowing me to go secretly to one of her shows.

Y/N: 0_0 Akko will be speechless when she finds out about this.

Diana: Don't you dare tell her about it. This is just between us.

Y/N: Hmph. I didn't really want to.

They turned away from each other and were silent for a while until Diana spoke again.

Diana: What about you? Who are your parents?

Y/N:... Oh yeah... About them... I don't even know their names.

Diana: What do you mean?

Y/N: I grew up in a boarding school. When I asked the teacher who my parents were, she replied that I was found in one of the pumpkins in the field. Whether you know it or not, witches and pumpkins are very related to each other, so I can say that my mother was a witch... I don't have the slightest idea about my father, but I suppose that I inherited his strength, toughness, and resistance from him.

The wizard flexed his biceps as he explained that last bit. Afterwards, he lit his hand in blue fire to explain the following:

Y/N: I had magical abilities, from which other children shunned me and ignored me. Once, when I was practicing with magic again, I almost burned down several buildings, after which I began to avoid others...

The wizard put out the fire and looked at the ceiling, inhaling and exhaling with doubts about his parents and origins. There were nights where he always wondered about them, but not even in any dimension could he find them or know about them.

He doesn't know why he was abandoned. He doesn't know why it had to be like this. Sometimes he believed it was because they thought he was cursed or abandoned out of necessity.

Those doubts kept him from sleeping some nights. After a while, he stopped thinking about them when he accepted that he will never find them. He will never know about his mother, he will never know about his father, he will never know if he had brothers or cousins, he will never feel that family atmosphere. Those thoughts were his sentimental torment when he was younger.

Now, all that remains is to continue and pray that he can live a normal life in peace, away from enemies and constant dangers to humanity.

Without realizing it, because he remembered all those things that bothered him, his eyes were sad; his mouth, with a grimace.

Y/N: You are very lucky, Diana, because you had a mother that took care of you... Unlike me that I grew up wanting to have one to know what it felt like to be under the protective mantle of one, like a mother wolf taking care of her cub.

Diana: Y/N...

She put her arms around his neck and rested her head on his shoulder.

Diana: I was wrong about you... I'm sorry.

Y/N: 0_0...

The wizard opened his eyes upon receiving that affection from Diana. He remembered that, despite being cold at times, she is also a human, a person after all. He smiled.

Y/N: It's okay, Ice Queen.

Diana: Heh... Idiot.

When the blonde let him go, she saw a grin on his face.

Diana: Why are you grinning?

Y/N: You know, even though how much time you have to get even more knowledge and practice, you will never be able to reach my level.

Diana: Are you serious?! I just told you my story, my secret! I even apologized to you, and you're grinning and bragging at me?!

Y/N: I'm not bragging, I'm telling the facts! People, look! Diana realized that she is not number 1 in the world!

The witch clenched her teeth as the wizard continued to tease her. Getting an apology from her was rare, so she expected the boy to say something nice to her. After a few seconds, she grinned too.

Diana: You know what?! I have to punish you for disrespecting the Cavendish!

Y/N: Punish?! Me?! Woman, I've suffered more in one month than you have in your entire life. What can you do to me?!

Diana grabbed his jacket and pressed her lips to his. Y/N's eyes immediately widened as he tried to push her away, but every second she began to dominate him. In the end, the blonde girl was above him. After a few seconds, she tore her lips away from his, but the resulting saliva could still connect them.

Diana was smirking and panting for air.

Diana: That's what I can do.

The wizard was still shocked. The next second, he wiped his lips with his sleeve.

Y/N:... -_- Why did you do that? A simple banishment from the room would be enough.

In disbelief, Diana frowned.

Diana: What?! I gave you my first kiss and you are still annoyed!

Y/N: Why?!

Diana: Because... Because... I-I wanted to!

Y/N now had three problems. First, if servants find out about this, he will be kicked out. Second, he can't tell her he already has a girlfriend. Third, ...

Diana, still blushing, said:

Diana: I think I-I love you!

The blonde girl covered her face.

Diana: Now, look what you have made me say!

Y/N: 0_0... -_- Woman, control your hormones.

Diane: No! You idiot! I really, really love you!

Y/N: -_- Everyone says so.

He got up from his seat and headed for the door until suddenly the girl screamed.

Diana: Are you will just leave?!

Y/N: Yes.

Diana: Grrr...

The shadow of a hair covers her eyes.

Diana:... You are right. Despite everything I said, you remained an idiot. I hope you won't tell anyone about this.

Y/N: About what exactly?

Diana: Above everything.

Y/N: -_- I won't. Trust me.

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A few hours later...

The wizard went outside to the balcony of the castle to get some fresh air. Andrew joined him.

Andrew: What did you talk about with Diana?

Y/N: -_- A lot of things...

Andrew: Judging by your facial expression, I can tell that she did something that you didn't like.

Y/N: -_- Something like that...

He wiped his lips again.

Y/N: But I must admit she knows what she wants and doesn't give up until she gets it.

Andrew: Hm. Right. She forewent playing with the children her age. All her time was wholeheartedly devoted to the practice of magic. Not even I know what lit such a passion on her.

Y/N: She has the motivation to do what her late mother wanted.

Akko slowly approached them with a downcast face.

Y/N: What happened?

Akko: I tried to dissuade her, but it was useless. She is serious about becoming the Family's head.

Andrew: It's better not to try. You'll only waste your time in vain.

Akko:...

Y/N: Akko, it's her choice.

Akko: You mean we should give up on her?! Maybe she's not our friend, but she had her own reasons to enroll in Luna Nova and we, as her classmates, are obligated to return her!

Y/N:...

Andrew:....

Y/N: I-

Suddenly, they heard a familiar voice.

Merrill: Wait, Meryl! Come back! Are you sure about this? Mom told us to wait in our room.

Y/N: Quickly! Hide!

When the wizard turned to them, he saw nobody in front of him. They had already hidden.

Y/N: Damn it!

Out of panic, he quickly fell through the ground under him.

Meryl: I hate that girl. She is not the slightest bit lovable. If someone has to do it, I would have.

Merrill: There is no way you would beat Diana, Meryl!

Their mother Daryl came out through the walls and her daughters ran to her.

Meryl/Merril: Mama!

Daryl: Goodness, didn't I tell you two to wait in your room?

Meryl: I couldn't stand being cooped up in there.

Merrill: So, how did it go?

Daryl: It took me hardly any effort, of course.

Meryl/Merril: Wow, Mama!

Merrill: But Mama, don't forget what Diana's like.

Meryl: Yeah, she should still be able to break through lesser magic.

Daryl: Don't you worry. Nobody can escape the grip of my snakes. Forget about performing the ritual-Diana will run out of time before she even reaches the shrine. I'm already anxious to see the look on her arrogant little face come tomorrow morning.

Meryl: What about our guests?

Daryl: There's nothing they can do. Not Andrew, not that girl, not that bo-

Y/N: AIR!!!

Meryl/Merrill: AAAAH!

Daryl: HA!

Y/N jumped out of the ground and began to gulp air greedily while the three blonde women with bulging eyes continued to stare at him as if he were a ghost.

Y/N: Phew! I thought I was going to die here...

When the boy realized that he was caught, he became nervous.

Y/N:... Hello, Miss Daryl and her daughters! Nice weather, isn't it?

The woman didn't respond and pulled out her wand.

Daryl: Monipuer!

She shot a beam at the teenager and he was covered in smoke. The lady smirked.

Daryl: One problem has been eliminated. Do you think I should do the same with the girl?

But the woman heard someone cough twice in the smoke.

Y/N: Holy crap!

Daryl: 0_0

The wizard came out of the smoke, waving his hand through the air.

Y/N: I also used a similar spell once on New Year's Eve.

Daryl: How did you-?!

The teenager quickly appeared next to them and karate chopped their necks. The blonde girls immediately fell to the ground unconscious. After which, Akko and Andrew came out of hiding and walked to him.

Y/N: Diana is in trouble.

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In the hallway to the gate...

Y/N, Akko, and Andrew ran up to the gate where Diana was. The maid Anna, seeing them, was surprised that they came late at night.

Akko: Anna! Diana! She is in trouble! You need to let us in!

Anna: What? How ridiculous-

Andrew: It's the truth! We overheard Daryl speaking with her daughters. She did something to prevent Diana from performing the ritual.

Anna: Madam Daryl did?

Y/N: I knew something was wrong with that woman. You have let us through this gate!

Anna: I can't. It is our custom that only members of the House of Cavendish may pass.

Y/N: We don't care! We have no time! Allow us!

Anna: But... It's said that a horrible calamity-

Y/N: Oh, never mind!

Y/N and Akko ran up to the gate and tried to open it, but it was too big and heavy.

Y/N: Someone has locked it inside.

Akko: Y/N, do you have a special spells that can open doors?

Y/N: Ummm...

The boy paused for a bit.

Y/N: Yeah, right! There is one!

He stood in front of the door as Kagari and Hanbridge took a step back to not become a victim of his power. The teenager abruptly spread his fingers forward and shouted:

Y/N: Open Sesame!

Everyone waited a few seconds, but nothing happened.

Smack

The brunette hit the boy on the head and he fell to the ground face down. Steam was coming out of the girl's hand.

Akko: You are an idiotic wizard! We have no time for your stupid-!

Unexpectedly, the gate quickly swung open.

Akko: ·_· Oops...

Y/N:...

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The wizard and the witch entered a room in which there were long dry trees without leaves in the place of the walls. In the center of the room was a bridge also made of deadwood. It was dangerous to go there as a human, so both magicians transformed into small animals.

Akko: Squeak!

Y/N: Meow!

The cat carefully took the mouse in his teeth and ran across the bridge. But what caught his attention was that he was now heading into the snake's mouth.

Akko: Y/N!

Y/N dodged the snake's attack, pushed off against its head, and landed at the other end. There was also another snake ready to devour them at any moment. The cat threw a mouse at it and she turned into an elephant, which fell on the reptile. The wizard himself transformed back into a human and caught the first snake from a few centimeters from his face. He immediately slammed it on the ground.

Y/N: Minus one.

Akko: Ouch!

Suddenly, she was bitten by a snake under her, managing to stick its head out. The boy wasted no time and threw the last threat into the abyss.

Y/N: Akko! Akko!

Waking up, Diana ran up to them and began to examine the brunette.

Y/N: Diana? Are you okay?

Diana: I'm fine.

Y/N: We should take her to a safe place.

She nodded as the teenager lifted her friend.

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Akko finally woke up in some kind of dark basement-like room where the only light source was Diana's wand.

Y/N: She is awake.

Akko: Diana...

Diana: I see there is simply no limit to your absurdity.

Akko: We were trying to save you.

Diana: I understand. You both don't stop surprising me in the most amazing ways.

Akko: Diana, what about the ritual?!

Y/N: Is it too late?

Diana: I don't know, but even if I left the Shrine now, the Venusian eclipse would be long over.

Akko: What? Why didn't you leave me behind? Isn't this the whole reason you are here? So why?

Diana: I couldn't possibly leave you to deal with your injuries. And weren't you attempting to persuade me not to perform the ritual?

Akko: Sorry, this is all my fault.

Y/N: I agree. This is all because of you.

Diana: Y/N!

Y/N: -_- What?

Diana: She has no responsibility in this matter. I was simply not adequate.

Y/N: -_- I see... Anyway, you didn't tell me where are we.

Diana: This room used to be a secret hospital. During the previous war, my ancestors treated the wounded with their magic. Without discrimination between citizen and soldier, not discriminating between ally or for. No matter who they were.

Y/N:...

Akko: What are we going to do now?

Diana didn't answer and went into the next room. Y/N and Akko followed her.

Ako: What is this?

Diana: All 1500 years of the history of the Cavendish line. These books represent the culmination of my predecessors' research about countless forms of healing magic.

The wizard coughed.

Y/N: You're right... This place is really a 1500-years-old. There's so much dust here.

The attention of teenagers was attracted by a statue on the wall.

Y/N: Is that Beatrix?

Diana: The Cavendish foremother. Her magic saved the lives of innumerable people. She also created our founding motto, "Affection". My mother Bernadette worked hard to ensure it would remain in a time of peace, we live in.

Akko: Your mother?

Diana: She had a weak constitution and after years of pushing herself, she passed away all too soon. I wanted to protect it, to preserve this home and I am...-

Y/N:-... truly proud of what your mother and ancestors did, and of your name?

The boy interrupted. The blonde girl looked ay his eyes and nodded. Akko grabbed her hands with tears in her eyes.

Akko: Don't give up! You can still protect this house!

Diana: There is no chance of making it now-

Akko: You can't say that until you go, until you try! There must be a way! I had no idea you had such a heartfelt dream! It's amazing! That's a wonderful dream! You can't just give up on a dream that's so important to you! Protect what is precious to you!

Y/N:...

Diana get surprised and glared at the boy.

Y/N: -_- It's better not to argue with her. It's useless.

Akko: And then you can come back to school!

Y/N: I saw that coming.

Akko: You can do both, be that head and attend school! That's the best option! You can do it! Believe in yourself and you your heart!

The Shiny Rod began to shine again.

Y/N: Akko...

Akko: The staff... Is a Word nearby?

Diana: When traditional and modern powers mingle, the gate of an unseen world will open.

Y/N: Is that the fifth Word?

Akko: The one related to history?

Diana: Akko, recite! Sybilladura Lelladybura! Sybilladura.

Akko: Sybilladura...

Diana: Lelladybura!

Akko: Lelladybura!

Reciting the Fifth Word, Shiny Rod transforms into Shiny Balai, Shiny Chariot's legendary broom.

Akko: The Chariot's broom, the Shiny Balai! Take it, Diana!

She did what the brunette said and stretched out her hand so that she also sat on the back.

Akko: Y/N, keep up with us!

The wizard smirked.

Y/N: I won't!

After his whistle, a small explosion was heard in the hospital room. The Shooting Star flew out from the corridor through to the hand of its owner.

Y/N: Let's see which broom is faster.

All three magicians flew up through the water to the surface with incredible speed.

Y/N: Look! We made it!

Seeing that they indeed have some time left for succession ritual, the wizard and the witches gave chase just as the sanctuary revealed itself on the manor's moat right below stone pillars whose main structure has a giant stone unicorn with a Sorcerer's Stone as its horn. Suddenly, three Cavendishes appeared on their brooms.

Y/N: You three again?!

Daryl: Who are you?! Aeguil!

They used aggressive force by firing energy snakes to stop them. However, three magicians were too fast, prompting the three to chase them only for a strange force knocked them down from the sky and fell not far from the three.

When they found them, they saw how they were slowly covered with wooden bark.

Akko: Anna warned us about this horrific calamity.

Meryl: Diana...

Merrill: Save us!

Y/N: Diana, maybe should use the flame?

Diana: No. They will be burned too.

Akko noticed that the ritual was almost over.

Akko... Could that be... the remaining time? We have to hurry! Diana!

Diana: Ennor Fiendennor!

Despite Akko's protests, she eventually chose to save her aunt and cousins' lives with a curse-breaking spell instead of proceeding.

Y/N: You saved them... This is good, but...

Diana looked at him and dropped her gaze. For a time, the blonde witch was saddened by the consequence of the very choice she had just taken until the spirit of Beatrix herself appeared in front of her.

Diana: Lady Beatrix?

She didn't respond and just disappeared.

Y/N: What happened?

Diana smiled.

Diana: She... approved my actions.

Y/N: So it's over, then?

Diana: Yes... We can go home now.

Akko: Yay!

Y/N: Finally!

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On the next day, Diana revealed to Anna the events that had transpired along with the fact that she didn't regret her decision. Though surprised, Anna nevertheless respected the Young Lady's decision before returning her childhood treasure to its rightful owner along with the reassurance that she and the rest of the staff of the Cavendish family would do their best to safeguard everything that they had until her return. Anna further added that it's time for Diana not to hide her true feelings any longer and to fulfill her childhood dreams like she always wanted.

Anna: And also... I think L/N will be a great member of the Cavendish family.

Those words made Diana blush.

Diana: It's not up for discussion.

Anna chuckled.

Anna: As you say, Young Lady.

Right now, three magicians were returning to the academy on their brooms.

Y/N: Are you sure they'll let me back in?

Diana: Don't worry. I'll talk to them. And by the way, the professors were interested in your power. They want to give you some kind of daily duty.

Y/N: -_- I will pass. The number of questions they will ask will be enough.

Akko: Geez... I still can't believe that you are the strongest magician. It must be cool!

Y/N: Yeah... Kinda... -_- Even though everyone is trying to kill me. By the way, Akko, have you forgiven me?

Akko: Hmm... Yeah! But you have to teach me one of your effective spells.

The wizard imagined Akko using one of his spells. That made the wizard hesitate.

Y/N: Ummm...

Akko: Y/N!

Y/N: Fine, fine. But I can't promise you that you will succeed.

Diana: Akko, Y/N.

Akko: What's up?

Diana: I must say... I'm grateful for what you two did for me.

Akko:...

Y/N:...

Akko: 0_0 NO WAY! WHAT WAS THAT?! WHAT DID YOU JUST SAY?!

Y/N: -_- Don't scream. She can't surprise me anymore!

Akko: Can you repeat?! I didn't hear!

Diana: I won't.

Akko: Just one more time!

Diana: I will not say it!

Akko: Don't be so bashful!

Diana: I will drop you!

Y/N: -_- Please, do it. If you won't my ears will explode.

Akko: Hey!

Y/N: See?

The wizard looked at the blonde girl and noticed how she did not take her eyes off him. She realized this and quickly turned away from him, blushing like a madwoman.

Akko: Huh? What is it? Did Y/N do something to you?

Y/N: Rather, she did something to me.

Akko: Hey! I know her! She wouldn't!

The wizard obviously doubted that, looking at Diana.

Y/N: -_-

Diana: ·_·

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Croix: Did you finish?

The young witch asked the old witch.

Furui: Yes... It's finally ready! The weapon for taking over the world!... The time hasn't gove in vain.

Furui turned her head towards Croix.

Furui: It's time to start the plan.

Croix nodded as both of them glared at the cauldron with a black liquid.

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A/N: I apologize if Y/N didn't have any major roles in this chapter, but I can say that the next one will start all the problems. No more Mr. Nice guy!!!

End of chapter 20.