Magic Apprentice

Chapter 9: Sirens (5/5)

The sudden light blinded the waitress, forcing her to blink and avert her eyes until they could readjust.

Monisa, are you here?

Hearing her name, the waitress stepped out from behind the cupboard.

Madam Siren, what brings you here to this place? She asked.

It wasnt the young woman named Siren that answered her, but a middle-aged man next to her.

Is that Elric fellow still here, Monisa?

How should I know? Youve been gone for so long! You know how we work, I cant keep going up and down to check on him and you guys! But I can see that this Elric person isnt a nobody. Have you found out something about him?

You have no idea, Monisa. Sighed Siren. If that person is who he really says he is, then its highly likely hes the very same Sovereignian magus that managed to defeat Kebrilios Final Day.

Youre kidding! That person hardly looks like hes of age, how powerful could he even be? Monisa refuted.

That I cannot say. But what better way to find out than straight from the person themself? The female magus spoke.

Are you planning to simply ask him, Fiana? I doubt hed tell you something as important as that.

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Are you daft? Me asking him just like that? No, thats too risky. If Elric doesnt get suspicious, someone else will. Well use ol reliable method.

That? Impossible. Were talking about someone who went up against Kebrilio the Archmagister. What use will your ol reliable be?

Oh relax. My little junior here will help this time. Weve three magi here, and Master gave my junior his treasured hallow, the Oculus. Well get the information we want as long as you ensnare him. Maybe well be able to arrange for someone to infiltrate the Sovereignian dignitaries. Fiana replied.

That wont be hard. This Elric person seems pretty naive and easy to fool. Slipping something into his drink is childs play, but Im sure making him drunk would be an easier alternative. But wholl hypnotize him? Hes got power on the same level as Kebrilio, whats not to say his mana and mental fortitude is even greater? Are we sure well be able to control someone like that?

Itll be fine, Smiled Siren. Im here. We dont need to forcibly control him or anything, well just weaken his will and make him hallucinate a bit. Well be able to manipulate his memories and make him think he serves us.

Manipulate? How do you plan to make him do that? Ive never heard of any type of magic being able to do that to a wide-awake person. Monisa was confused.

His conscience is the key. All we have to do is make him believe hes done something unforgivable. His conscience will make him aid us. And if he has no conscience? Then well blackmail him until he gives in.

What unforgivable act? What do you have planned? The more she listened to these two people, the more enigmatic Monisa felt they were.

Fiana and Siren gave each other a knowing look before sticking their chests out just a little. A plan only the fairest can plan.

Monisa felt a headache start to creep up on her. Succubus, the two of them! The demons of folklore that could kill their victims without them knowing. The women of myth that could convince men to sell their souls. The supernatural beings thatd eat and swallow their victims whole! And Monisa knew these two loved to stir up trouble if possible! She could only hope that the two wouldnt rock the boat too hard and cause waves where they shouldnt.

Ill go upstairs and get him ready. Theres rooms in the back you two can use. Ask for Linda if you need anything. Monisa said.

Which two rooms are connected? Tell us that first before you leave. Siren asked.

Of course. The third floor has two connected rooms right around the corner of the kitchen. Its vacant right now so Linda should know to guide you there. Its the perfect place for this plan.

Next to the kitchen? Dontdont tell me thats where you deal with people? Its close to the kitchen and prettyconvenient, dont you think? Fiana questioned.

Oh pish posh, its far away from the other rooms and the sound the kitchen makes hides any sound from the room well. Monisa fired back.

Ohoso you wont disturb anyone with the sounds you make? Asked an intrigued Siren.

The way I see it, that place is ideal for killing someone. Why put so much thought in such a place if not for that? Fiana pushed, she was confident in her theory.

Oh forget it. Go do what you need to do. Monisa gave up. It was time for her to leave the cellar and return to the upstairs tavern. As she climbed the stairs, however, Monisa found herself wondering about her life. Who wouldve thought those two rooms would be put to use for such purposes again? 

It mustve been years ago that she was like Siren and Fiana. A different life that had beena life where she once played the same tricks as those two and truly lived up to the name of a forest nymph. 

A forest nymph she mightve been if not for that. It wouldve been nice if the two learned not to play with the hearts of others like she had done. Just thinking about it pained her. Every memory of the one that had captivated her heart and mind stabbed at her like pins and needles. Many people would call such a feeling pining curse or the pain of love.

Her foot stepped onto the last step of the stairs. She couldnt be thinking about that person anymore. She had her duty to fulfill. A heavy burden to bear, but one shed have to bear nonetheless. Monisa had long since been prepared to throw away everything that made her happy for her mission. The things she loved, her family, her friends, her life, and love. 

She just never imagined that abandoning romance would hurt so much.

But alas, she had her mission. All unnecessary thoughts had to be purged from her mind and buried deep into the recess of her mind. Shaking her head to clear her mind, she opened the door.

The very first place she looked to was the corner where Elric was quietly sitting. The shyness and naivety of this young man made it hard for her to see him as a powerful magus. If anything, Elric reminded her of the younger brother she left back home. The two were similar in age and were similar in that they had yet to be hardened by the cruelties of the world. 

She didnt wish to bring harm to such a person, but those wishes came second to her duty. 

For her mission, she had and would exploit this naive youth.

If she had to trick an innocent

Her heart trembled.

It was minute.

Invisible.

Gone.

From the other side of the tavern, Elric waved his hand at her. He had seen her. He smiled. An innocent smile, like one would have when seeing an old friend. An earnest smile.

Another needle shot through Monisas heart. She had thought that once she stepped through the door frame her heart wouldve hardened like stone. Her softer side shouldnt have been able to wear away at her heart anymore. 

But it seemed to not be the case.

Hey, Im so sorry for letting you wait for so long. She approached him.

Nno, it wasnt long. He was stuttering a bit.

Let me treat you to a drink, how bout that? 

WellIm not good at drinking. Elric didnt know how to respond. Drinking was never something he enjoyed, to be honest, but how he didnt know how to decline her.

Dont worry, it wont be a heavy drink. You can stay here in one of the rooms if you feel drunk. Ill have someone take care of you, but I dont think youll be that light to feel it after a single cup, no? Experienced at her job, Monisa knew this would without fail cease any attempt to refuse her.

Sure enough, Elric fell for the bait. He was a man. A prideful man. A man that wanted to impress. A man that didnt fear a challenge like this. A man who had unknowingly stuck his neck into the trap.

Alright one cup sounds good. I dont see the harm in just one. He replied.

Monisa smiled and turned to walk back to the bar. She was still smiling as she walked. What an innocent person. Naive. Trusting. Unguarded. 

The substance Siren and Fiana gave her would take out an elephant, let alone a person. Try as hard as he might tomorrow morning, but Elric had no chance of escaping the two temptresses. Hed have to blame his fate for walking into the trap without knowledge.

Well, this would serve as a lesson hed never forget.