Chapter 24 - Camille's Offer

Dr. Camille's Residence

13th Flamisember, Year 10840

ELION was sitting in Dr. Camille's comfortable living room, grateful for her offer of temporary shelter.

The Black Bandits had burnt their house, and they realized Kael needed a better environment to recover. Hesitating at first, Elion and Laxus knew Dr. Camille's house, situated in the elite area of Estola City, provided a safe haven due to the strict security measures.

Despite the threat of the Black Bandits, they felt secure in Dr. Camille's spacious home, which had enough rooms for everyone. 

Lost in thought, Elion suddenly noticed Dr. Camille sitting across from him, her elegance catching him off guard.

"Sorry, uh... Dr. Camille. I didn't notice you are here," Elion began, his voice tinged with embarrassment over his momentary lapse.

"It's alright, Elion," Dr. Camille responded, her voice warm, her smile reassuring. The awkwardness seemed to grow for Elion, who scrambled for words to fill the silence.

"Thank you for letting us stay here temporarily. Laxus and I will find a new place soon," he said hopefully, attempting to initiate conversation.

Dr. Camille appeared to dislike it. Elion nervously scratched his head as Dr. Camille's expression subtly changed. Reading social cues had never been his strong suit; most of his life had been spent within his close-knit group or immersed in training and studying.

"Did I say something wrong?" Elion asked, his voice tinged with confusion.

Dr. Camille let out a sigh, soft and laden with understanding. She realized that Elion needed clarity and, perhaps, a bit of reassurance.

"Firstly, let's skip the formalities. 'Doctor' sounds too distant. Just Camille will do. We're equals here, and between us, you might even hold the edge in smarts," she explained, her tone gentle, aiming to bridge any perceived gap between them.

"Secondly, I'm only 20, so there's no need for any stiff formalities. We can interact as peers," Camille continued, her words carefully chosen to dissolve the lingering tension in the air.

"And lastly, why is there a need to look for another place? Isn't this one to your liking?" she inquired, her concern evident in the slight purse of her lips.

Elion was momentarily taken aback. Unbeknownst to both him and Camille, Laxus and Wendy had been eavesdropping. Surprised glances were exchanged, each trying to piece together the unfolding situation.

"Just stay here. I have a lot of rooms. More than enough for everyone. It's not like I have company here," Camille's voice carried a hint of melancholy.

"I ventured to Estola City for my research, but it has been a solitary journey without like-minded companions," she confessed, her voice barely above a whisper. 

"I can't help but envy your tight-knit circle. The way you look out for each other... I yearn to be part of something like that," Camille shared, her sincerity shining through.

"Also, Elion, I'm interested in you," she added, her gaze steadfast on Elion's face.

Laxus remained silent, his smile betraying his amusement. Wendy, hand over her mouth, was taken aback by the revelation.

Even to Elion, it seemed clear that Dr. Camille harbored feelings for him. Elion's cheeks flushed with color, caught off-guard by the confession.

A brief silence followed, during which Camille seemed to reassess her choice of words, noting Elion's evident discomfort.

I'm interested in you, Elion...

I'm interested in you...

"I'm interested in you?" Realization dawned on Camille's face as she recognized the awkwardness of her phrasing.

"Oh no! That came out wrong," she quickly clarified. "What I meant was... I'm interested in your abilities, potential, and especially your golden aura, Elion. It's something quite extraordinary."

"Oh," Elion replied, a mix of relief and disappointment in his tone.

Perhaps, deep down, he had hoped for a different kind of interest from the young and beautiful Elemental Knight, now known simply as Camille.

"That's precisely why I wish to join your group. To study and document the rare phenomenon of your golden aura," Camille elaborated, her optimism undimmed.

"If you're all okay with it, of course," she added, her hopeful gaze sweeping across the room.

"Don't worry over logistics like accommodations or the Elemental Academy registration. My family's standing and connections will smooth out those details," she reassured them, her confidence unwavering.

"However, we must first help the others to connect with their elements. Without that, only Laxus can be registered," Camille said, breaking the silence that had enveloped them.

"Even if they manage to connect, there's no telling how long it might take to meet the Elemental Academy's minimum entry requirements," she continued, concerned about lacing her words.

"In the meantime, if their levels aren't up to standard, I'll enroll them in Martial Arts and Combat Arts classes," she concluded with a decisive nod.

"And as for you, Elion, I'll register you as my research assistant. I've been conducting research alone for a year and it is almost time for me to conduct new research. Maybe something related to the mystery of the elemental aura. What are your thoughts?" she inquired, offering a lifeline that seemed too good to refuse.

Elion weighed Camille's offer. It was an incredibly generous proposition, offering them security and a way out of the Wasteland.

"I really like your proposal but I need to discuss this with the others first, Doctor...No, I mean, Camille," Elion responded, his tone cautious yet respectful.

"This offer means a great deal, but won't it be a burden for you?" Elion asked, concern evident in his voice.

Camille's smile was warm and genuine. The prospect of working with Elion and assisting his group was an opportunity she couldn't let pass. She was prepared to offer even more to secure their agreement if they hesitated.

For Camille, it wasn't really about the research; she felt incredibly lonely and craved companionship. Besides, she wanted to do something different in her life.

Despite being recognized as a prodigy in both Elemental and academic fields within her family, her genius led her to reach Level 30 as an Elemental Knight and earn the titles of doctor and researcher at such a young age.

Coming to Estola was her escape from her family's overbearing control over her life. Meeting Elion and his friends felt like a new chapter in her life, one she was eager to start. She wanted to be part of their world and she wanted to have friends that she could share her passions and dreams with.

"We agree with your offer," Laxus's voice unexpectedly intervened.

"Forgive us, Dr. Camille. We overheard your offer. As the group's leader, I can say we're all in agreement," he continued, stepping forward.

Camille's joy was palpable as she beamed at them. She had dreamt of studying the golden aura with Elion and enjoying the company of companions like Wendy and Alexa and loyal friends like Laxus and Kael.

Besides, she is interested in assisting Elion in his mission as the Fire Elemental Guardian as well as the successor of the Phoenix. 

"However, we'll pay the rent and chip in for other expenses. We'll also handle the tuition fees at the Elemental Academy," Laxus added, ensuring their independence.

"Alright, that's no problem. As long as you're willing to let me join your group and stay here," Camille replied, her happiness evident.

"One more thing, please, call me Camille. We're all friends here, aren't we?" she added, her smile radiating warmth and friendship. Elion, Laxus, and Wendy shared smiles and nods of agreement, touched by her gesture. Camille's joy was infectious.

"To celebrate, I'll cook the most delicious meal for everyone. It's a traditional family recipe," Camille announced her excitement barely contained. 

Suddenly, the door creaked open. Alexa, still half-asleep, rubbed her eyes and wondered, "What's all the commotion about? It's so lively this morning." Her sleepy demeanor was endearing, and it brought chuckles from everyone. 

Wendy playfully pinched Alexa's cheek. "Rise and shine, sleepyhead. It's almost noon," Wendy teased, eliciting a surprised look from Alexa as she glanced at the living room clock. 

In the Waste Region, she had never overslept like this. Embarrassed, she apologized, "Oops. Sorry, Elion, Laxus, Wendy, and Doctor."

"I haven't slept on a comfy mattress like this in ages," Alexa remarked, smiling broadly. At the same time, Elion, Laxus, and Wendy looked on with mixed emotions, aware that life in the Waste Region meant no beds, just the hard ground.

With Wendy by her side, Camille approached Alexa and reassured her, "Don't worry. They all agreed. From today, this house is your home, too."

"Later, I'll register all of you at the Elemental Academy. It will secure your future," Camille promised, her voice filled with determination.

"Really?" Alexa exclaimed, her voice bubbling with excitement. 

However, she soon remembered, "But only Elion and Laxus have an affinity with the elements."

"Don't worry. There's a way for everyone. Elion is proof that age isn't a barrier to establishing an affinity," Camille reassured her confidently.

"Oh. I've been wondering about my brother's sudden transformation last night. But, I knew it wasn't the right time," said Alexa.

"No worries. We'll all be hearing about it later. Before that, I have something for Wendy, Kael, and you, Alexa," Laxus declared, pulling out a carved Phoenix box from his elemental storage ring.