The Witcher: Lord of the Empire

Chapter 23: Ciri, long time no See



"I heard about your parents when I was outside. I'm sorry." Mousesack patted Lann's shoulder comfortingly.

 

"But I can feel relieved when I see you looking so energetic now. I heard that you are still the champion of the tourney and the first swordsman of Cintra?"

 

Lann modestly said: "Uncle Vitoni just let me go, and I also used a little trick."

 

"Knives and swords will not deceive warriors. Strength is strength." The Druid's tone was very gratifying. "If the Lannister knight were still alive, he would be very proud of you, my son."

 

"So why did you visit us today, old man? To review your previous lessons?"

 

“I really want to, but that may have to be postponed for some time. I actually have a lot of things to come to you for today.”

 

Lann held his notebook and looked at Mousesack as he was preparing to go out. "But it seems that you are getting ready to go out. Maybe I should visit you at another time."

 

"It doesn't matter, I'm going to give lessons to Princess Cirilla now. You can come with me. I don’t mind it so much."

 

Lann’s eyes lit up. “Then I’ll go see Ciri too. Recently, I don’t know why. I always feel like everyone is helping her avoid me.”

 

"Princess Cirilla is avoiding you. You don't know why?" Mousesack was stunned for a moment, then thought of what happened recently, and showed a look of understanding.

 

Lann nodded. "I think it may be because the princess is getting married, so she avoids meeting the opposite sex, but I don't understand why she is on guard with me, even as a member of the royal family."

 

Mousesack nodded meaningfully. "It seems like you really don't know why."

 

The two of them were walking in the corridor of the castle and began to exchange pleasantries.

 

“Actually, the first purpose of coming to you today is to ask you to help me see if I have magic talent. I wonder what the testing process is like?”

 

"Have you become interested in magic recently?" Mousesack was stunned for a moment, then said regretfully: "I'm really sorry, Lann. I can tell you with certainty that you are not a magic Source."

 

Mousesack's straightforwardness caught Lann off guard. "Can you tell it so directly? No need to use a crystal ball to evaluate talent?"

 

The druid patted Lann's golden head in a funny way. "Read less fantasy novels. We sorcerers can sense the chaotic energy between heaven and earth, the power of the elements, and people who are born as a Source can also be sensed by us. Unfortunately, Lann, I must tell you that you were not born with a natural affinity for magical abilities."

 

"Is it possible that it hasn't awakened yet?" Lann asked persistently. "For example, the power that is dormant in the blood can only be awakened after a certain age or encountering special conditions?"

 

This sentence was somewhat suggestive to the point of being explicit. Mousesack pondered for a moment and replied:

 

"Lann, I don't know where you heard the rumors. What I want to tell you is that there are indeed some ancient bloodlines carrying huge power. But these powers cannot be inspired by humans. Not everyone Individuals who carry the bloodline can inherit the power.”

 

“Many times, they only carry blood, not strength.”

 

Mousesack said sadly, patting Lan's shoulder. "It seems like we haven't seen each other for a long time. We really need to have a good chat. Your enthusiasm for mysticism makes me a little curious."

 

"Of course, Teacher Mousesack." Lann took a deep breath. "I have many things I want to ask you."

 

The two of them soon arrived at the side hall dedicated to teaching. The unhappy Princess Ciri was being disciplined by her nanny and was sitting in her seat. Since her engagement, she has been strictly educated by the etiquette nuns in the palace. She cannot meet guests or play. God knows how happy she was when she knew that Mousesack came back to teach her.

 

It would be nice if Lann could come with him, since they haven't seen each other since he won the tourney.

 

"When you meet Mr. Mousesack later, Princess, you must address him as 'master'. I know that Mr. Advisor has educated you since you were a child. But now that you are a young woman who is going to get married, you must start to be aware of some etiquette rules that you have to comply with."

 

The nun was chattering behind her, and Ciri moved her head little by little as if she was very sleepy.

 

Soon, the door opened, Ciri's eyes lit up, and she stood up. The violent movements made grandma frown and hesitated to speak.

 

“Uncle Mousesack! You are finally back; I miss you so much!”

 

The figure of the Druid appeared in Ciri's field of vision, still looking calm and elegant.

 

"Long time no see, my princess, I miss you too." Mousesack came in with a smile and watched Her Royal Highness the Princess rushing toward him with open arms without any princess etiquette.

 

The princess was very enthusiastic, and the druid also missed the princess, but the druid stood there smiling and didn't respond in any way.

 

At this moment, Lann, who was half a length behind the druid, appeared from outside the door and looked at Ciri with a smile as he greeted her.

 

“Long time no see, Ciri~”

 

The figure of Her Royal Highness the Princess suddenly changed in one direction in the air and accelerated twice. It was like a runaway horse that ran past the druid's clothes, raising a few strands of white hair.

 

Lann, who had just entered the door, immediately felt something slam into his arms, and his body that had just stepped into the door was almost thrown out again.

 

“Wow, ah, ah, ah, ah... I miss you so much Lann... ah, ah, ah!”

 

Mousesack's smiling expression did not change. He put the book he was holding on the table and turned to the nuns whose expressions changed greatly.

 

“Ladies, we are about to start teaching here. If you can, please leave for a while.”

 

After inviting all the servants and nuns out, only Lann, Ciri and Mousesack were left in the room.

 

By the time Mousesack gathered his things and was about to start class, Ciri's continuous complaining on the other side had not yet ended.

 

“Oh, oh, oh... Lann, I missed you so much. Now they don't let me go out at all.”

 

"I missed you too, but what do you mean by sending me to Black Wind? are you angry with me?"

 

"Do you not like it?"

 

“I like it very much; Black Wind is a great horse.”

 

“That’s great. Woohoo... I’m going to get married, and I won’t be able to ride a horse anymore. Boohoo... I don’t want to get married..."

 

Mousesack smiled and watched him for a long moment. Finally, he couldn't help but cough a few times and interrupt. "Your Highness Cirilla, I have to remind you that our class today is about to start, and the time is tight."

 

“Mousesack, you have just come back, why not take some more rest.”

 

The Druid's smile remained unchanged. "No."

 

Lann patted the little princess's mouse-gray head, and then she reluctantly pulled herself out of Lann's arms.

 

“Then…can Lann stay and take classes with us?”

 

"Of course."

 

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