Three days after learning that Conrad Alway was the next head of the Alway Ducal Family, Jared Murphy received contact from the Mage Association stating that preparations for interviews with the secretary candidates were complete.
A room was secured at the Mage Association, and the interviews were scheduled to take place immediately. Jared didn’t want to carelessly invite strangers into his home, which was also the Alway Ducal Family Villa, even if they had been thoroughly vetted by the Association. He was grateful to the Association for arranging a convenient meeting place, as if they had sensed his thoughts.
Jared had already completed interviews with three secretary candidates. They were all seemingly earnest individuals; while perhaps competent, he doubted their flexibility and adaptability. Thus, he regretfully informed the Association of his decision to pass on them. As a secretary officer, the relationship wouldn’t be solely professional. Following advice from Court Mage Tres Brauer, Jared wanted to select someone he wouldn’t mind revealing his personal life to. After all, the people he lived with were quite prominent. He wanted to avoid any trouble that might arise from them being exposed.
The affairs of Waalthe, let alone those involving the Ducal Family, were too sensitive to be casually discussed with outsiders.
It was nearing noon, but when Jared informed Dennis that he would proceed with the remaining two interviews, a woman soon appeared in the room. Jared stood up and extended his hand to greet her. After a brief handshake, Jared gestured for her to sit.
The woman’s name was Ari Fel. She was twenty-two years old. While not a magician, she had graduated at the top of her class from the Royal Academy. As a junior who attended the same academy, Jared knew firsthand how exceptional she was. However, Dennis had hinted, though not explicitly, that she had a complicated past. He also sensed that she was someone he couldn’t refuse. Her intelligence was evident; the deciding factor would be her adaptability. He couldn’t dismiss her outright, and he owed the Association a few favors. Yet, keeping someone untrustworthy by his side was also a considerable risk.
“It is a pleasure to meet you, Master Jared Murphy. My name is Ari Fel.”
As Jared was lost in thought, Ari began her introduction. With her flaxen hair styled in a neat bob, she exuded a cheerful aura and offered a captivating smile. Every gesture indicated someone who understood how to make a lasting impression. Her movements from entering the room to settling onto the sofa were both elegant and indicative of someone who enjoyed physical activity. Her confident stride and proud, dignified posture made her appear taller than her already above-average height for a woman.
“It’s a pleasure to meet you, I am Jared Murphy.”
Ari’s large, blue eyes regarded Jared with keen interest.
“I understand you are not a magician. Why are you applying to be my secretary?”
“Indeed, I am not a magician, but I am fascinated by magic. People often tell me I’m wishing for the impossible, but I simply love magic. I aspire to the art of creating various things from the incomprehensible power of magic power and hold great respect for magicians.”
Her clear voice resonated pleasantly. As if speaking about a beloved subject, Ari’s cheeks flushed with excitement.
“Therefore, I wish to be by your side, Master Jared, who is destined to become a Court Mage in the shortest time possible, and witness your magic. I want to be useful to you—that is why I applied to be your secretary.”
“So, you wish to satisfy your own desire for magic?”
“If that’s how it sounds, then yes. Even without the ability to use magic myself, I want to be involved with it. For that purpose, I intend to— well, to use you, Master Jared.”
Jared couldn’t help but smile at Ari’s blunt declaration of “use.” He was impressed by her audacity to say such a thing so openly, especially to his face. More than that, her fervent passion for magic, despite not being a magician, was admirable. Above all, she was far better than those who scheme and connive in secret.
“I’ll be direct.”
“We will be working together for a long time, so I won’t hide anything. If you dislike it, please feel free to reject me.”
Ari said this with a level expression, her smile never faltering. Her confident demeanor seemed natural, suggesting it wasn’t an act.
“Oh, and I understand that you are likely concerned about matters related to the Ducal Family. After all, I am of noble birth. Since we’re being open, I might as well confess—I was also interested in you, Master Jared.”
“Me?”
He recalled hearing from Tres and Dennis that there were people seeking to forge connections with Court Mages. However, Ari’s initial explanation of her passion for magic felt genuine. Still, he lacked sufficient information to make a judgment.
“Please don’t be so wary. Of course, with just the documents I have, that’s understandable.”
As if discerning his thoughts, Ari’s smile deepened. Indeed, the document Jared had received about Ari contained only her name, age, and background, with everything else being unknown. Moreover, there was no guarantee that the provided information was accurate.
“Honestly, I find you admirable. However, I don’t know if I can trust you. I believe you know the reasons why.”
“Of course. Aside from graduating at the top of the Royal Academy, I have no clear background. I don’t expect to be trusted immediately.”
She had mentioned being of noble birth, yet no noble family by the name of Fel existed. Perhaps she was only half noble, but there was no information about that in her file either. Ari Fel was the only candidate with an obscured background among the five. Therefore, she was intriguing.
“…I understand that you have no intention of hiding the fact that you are concealing your background and origins. Because of that, please tell me just one thing.”
“I don’t mind. Please ask.”
“Why do you want to be my secretary, even with secrets to keep?”
When Jared asked again, Ari’s expression was as if she had been waiting for this moment since childhood.
“I thought it would be fun.”
Ari’s response, which struck him as being as bright as the sun, wasn’t about her passion for magic or her interest in Jared—it was simply that she thought it would be fun.
