The Magic Bag Revelation
"If that transformation magic tool can be bought, just say the word, and I'll foot the bill."
Just then, Vio stirred in my arms. I'd heard koala and gorilla infants cling to their parents while sleeping, and Vio now resembled them—though my size made proper clinging impossible for her small frame. With her seated on my knee and one arm supporting her, she'd managed to latch onto my forearm like a tiny limpet.
"Adorable..."
"Indeed, like this she looks every bit a five-year-old.”
The two whispered seeing Vio stir.
That's right—utterly precious.
What fool of a father would abandon such a treasure?
The peaceful moment reminded me of another matter.
"Ah, yeah—when I fished Vio out of the river, she was just wearin' a little white dress and this here flimsy shoulder bag."
"Wait... no shoes? Ah, discarded then?"
"A bag... you said?"
"Her snatchers took her shoes to make her look like a street urchin. As for the bag... At first glance, it's just a dirty ol’ cloth sack, perfect for their tricks... but it's a magic bag."
“”......... Huh?””
"The magic signature on it matches them dungeon magic tools I've crossed paths with afore. But when I got my hands on it, it felt like nothin' special—reckon it's got some user restrictions on it."
“Nonono, a magic this grand… First transformation jewelry, now this? What kind of mother was she?"
"How fascinating. If Miss Vio channels mana into it, she might access the contents—perhaps clues about her parents? Does she know about this?"
We'd stored the bag with her dress after she confirmed its emptiness that first day, not realizing its true nature. Tomorrow we'd test it properly.
"Regardless, she's safe with you now, Alke. She starts school on Woodday, yes? Update us after you investigate the bag."
"I'll contact my Arcane Academy associate tomorrow. For magic training, Ariana at school can teach basics—she excels in water and wood magic with minor holy aptitude. Once Miss Vio progresses, I'll instruct her in other elements. Listing four affinities on her guild card should suffice to explain her talent without arousing suspicion."
Their suggestions for Vio's education continued for three hours. The exhausted child never stirred—after today's village tour, guild registration, and emotional outpouring, deep sleep was inevitable.
"She's been cooped up indoors for so long, she must be plumb tuckered out from her first outing in ages."
"Outing, you? Nono, you carried her everywhere, you know?"
"Unfamiliar places and people exhaust children mentally. Coupled with mana expenditure during registration, she'll likely sleep till dawn."
Ah, true.
For Vio's small body and spirit, today had been an epic adventure.
Her mature responses made me forget—she was just five.
With farewells exchanged, I carried the sleeping Vio home.
What do you think about this chapter?
