Magic Tool for Changing Hair Color
Martial arts training ended, and though everyone was disappointed, the earth magic was dispelled and the ground returned to normal.
I learned that earth walls won’t collapse just from being stepped on during practice, but in battle, you’ve got to keep feeding mana into them to maintain their strength. Since it would be dangerous if they crumbled while someone was playing around later, they always need to be dispelled after class.
“Vio, Alke, the Vice-Guildmaster would like to speak with you. Could you head to the meeting room, please?”
When we came back down to the first floor after class, Mr. Taki at the reception desk let us know the Vice-Guildmaster was waiting. Dad didn’t seem to know why either, but I figured we’d find out once we got there.
So, up to the second floor in Dad’s arms we went.
Knock knock knock.
When we heard “Come in,” we stepped inside to find the Vice-Guildmaster waiting, still busy with some paperwork.
“Good afternoon, Vio. The playing cards everyone made today should work well for future lessons. Tomorrow’s class will have to focus on making boards for karuta, though. As for the cards, it might be good to have a few more sets…”
I wondered if Teacher Elia had kept working on picture cards even after arithmetic class ended. The kids’ handmade ones were charming, with uneven marks and lopsided designs. Still, only having one set wasn’t enough for lessons. But making them all by hand sounded like way too much trouble.
“It was fun drawing them together, but the marks were tricky—especially clovers and spades. I think making stamps or stencils would make things easier.”
“Stamps, huh? Well, reckon that’d be simpler fer sure.”
“Stencils? What exactly are those?” The Vice-Guildmaster asked.
So I explained stencils in simple terms. I doubted this world had plastic, but there might be a substitute.
“If we had some kind of washable, tear-resistant paper, that’d be best. If not, thick, sturdy paper would work. You cut the shape of the card symbols out, place the stencil over a wooden tile, and dab ink over it to leave the mark. For finer designs or making multiple identical cards, it’s much easier. Stamps would work too, but carving all of them would take time. Carving just the four marks and stamping them could be fun, but if we want lots, stencils are more efficient.”
I mimed with imaginary tools while explaining. Since Dad had a small knife similar to a utility blade, I figured stencils were doable.
“Stencils… I see. That does sound convenient. I’ll think it over—thank you. Ah, yes, I almost forgot the main reason I called you. A letter arrived today from the royal capital.”
“A letter?”
“Oh-ho, could it be!”
Dad perked up.
I didn’t think anyone would be sending me letters, but Dad seemed to have an idea. Maybe his son?
The Vice-Guildmaster then handed Dad a small package—not a letter after all.
“Well now, that was quicker’n I figured. Much obliged, Vice-Guildmaster.”
“Not at all. There’s also a reply from Professor Duer. Once I told him about the water-generation spell, he grew very interested and immediately set out from the capital. He may arrive as soon as next week. I’m glad this package arrived beforehand.”
Professor Duer—that must be the elf mentor Dad mentioned before. So he really was coming to the village! This would be my first meeting with an elf.
"Vio, darlin’, look at this fancy magic doodad straight from the capital! It’ll change your hair color quicker than a wink!"
From the package, Dad pulled out a cute hair ornament: a yellow ribbon with a small brown stone set in the middle. Looked like a magic tool.
Since my earring had been lost—probably in the trash heap or river—Dad must have requested this as a replacement.
“Put some mana into this magic stone fer me, would ya?”
As he asked, I pushed mana into the little stone. Its brown hue deepened.
“Dad, the stone’s color changed!”
“Ha! That’s just what it oughta do.”
I’d worried I’d broken it, but no problem after all.
Dad untied my ponytail and, with practiced hands, brushed my hair. Since I usually kept it gathered behind my ears, he must’ve been making a half-up style. With a *click*, he fastened the barrette. When I opened my eyes, the hair falling on my shoulders had turned brown.
“Whoa! My hair turned brown!”
I lifted a lock and saw it wasn’t pink anymore, but the same brown as Dad’s. When I said, “Now we match,” he looked surprised, then smiled warmly.
"Now, changin’ eye color takes one o’ them fancy glasses-type magic tools, but hair’s a heap easier to spot, so I figured we’d start with this here.
Come the windy season, when more folks from outta town start blowin’ through, we’ll need to be ready.
I’ve already gone and put in a request for them glasses, too, so we’ll be all set!"
He was thinking ahead—making sure I wouldn’t be targeted like Mom had been. What a blessing. They could’ve easily left a little kid like me behind instead of taking on the trouble, but here they were. How could I ever repay this kindness?
“Thank you, Dad. And you too, Vice-Guildmaster. I’ll do my best to be useful in this village.”
“Vio, ya already done brought heaps o’ good to this place. Don’t ya go worryin’ about bein’ useful.”
“That’s right. With water-generation magic, karuta, and your ideas on the children’s herb gathering, you’ve given us so much already. If you tried any harder, the adults might not be able to keep up. So please, don’t push yourself.”
Both Dad and the Vice-Guildmaster patted my head gently as they said that. All I could do was bow my head to hide my tears.
Thank you. I was so lucky to have come to this village, to Dad’s side.
What do you think about this chapter?
