13 A Plesant Suprise

Then Archmage Pacillo turned to me after taking a bite of her sandwich. "As you already know I'm the archmage Valentina Pacillo. What's your name?" she asked. "Oh sorry, my name is Lydia Raven." I responded. "Well Miss Raven how old are you?" "I'm 15 years old, why do you ask?" "did you pass the test today at the academy?" She questioned. My face dropped, the memory of my failed test coming back. "Unfortunately, I didn't pass" I replied, sadly. Surprise flashed over her face, "what is the reason for disqualification?" "I was set up. There was an enhancer charm sneaked into my cloak which violates the rules." I said bitterley. "Thats a shame, from what I've witnessed your skills are outstanding." she comforted me. "It's fine, there's isn't much I can do now," I said, finishing the last bite of my sandwich.

"Actually that's what I wanted to talk to you about, The king asked me about an apprentice." She brought up. My jaw dropped, no way. Another way that people can join the academy is to be an apprentice of an academy alumni. "What are you implying?" I asked, excitement in my voice. She smiled and said "do you want to be my apprentice?" "you just met me, how do you know that I'm qualified enough to become your underling?" I countered skeptically. "I saw you use your magic during the recent situation. Your abilities are very special, it would be a shame if a talent like yours is wasted." he explained with a pleasant smile. "Thank you" I said looking down, embarrassed. "So what do you say Lydia, would you like to become my apprentice?" "Of course! Thank you for giving me this opportunity" I answered delighted, a splitting grin on my face. "Good, we'll talk about the logistics of our mentorship a later time. So for now in about 4 days on tuesday, I'll send a car to take you to the royal palace to discuss more." she made clear. "For now let's go to the academy to register." she added "Okay, thank you again Archduke Pacillo" I responded. "Call me Master Pacillo for now on Lydia" "Okay, Master Pacillo" I said standing up and bowing slightly. She stood up along with me and we walked out of the café.

She then led me to a car with the royal crest on it. The royal crest was a panther surrounded by a vine of white and red roses. We both got in and started on our way to the academy.

…

Once we arrived at the academy gate we got out of the car. Immediately all eyes were on us because of the royal crest seen on the car. As we walked over to the mage building I could hear whispers everywhere. I started to quicken my pace, embarrassed with all the attention. After the uncomfortable journey we finally made it to the mage main hall. It looked the same as last time but now a lot less people were there. I followed Master Pacillo as she started to walk through the halls. We finally stopped in front of a double door. She then pushed the door open revealing The female head professor, Professor Alma. She immediately stood up and bowed, "greeting Archmage Pacillo" she chanted. Master Pacillo smiled and said, "Hello Head professor Alma, I would like to enroll my Apprentice, Lydia Raven."