NOVEL NEXT Chapter 8 Part 1
This year’s New Year’s Eve would bring a special event.
That news was brought to us by one of the Seven Sages, the “Witch of Wisdom,” Inori, just before the turn of the year—on December 30th, to be precise.
“A magic ceremony?”
“That’s right. The Grand Magic Ceremony, held once every twenty years, is happening this year. Witches, wizards, magical scholars, and even companies involved in magic will participate. They’ll present new technologies, unveil magic formulas… It’s basically the grandest festival of magic.”
“Huh, I had no idea such a big event existed.”
As I placed a cup of tea on the table, my master quietly lifted hers to her lips.
“The last one was held before you were even born, so it’s no surprise you don’t know about it.”
“It’s an event where groundbreaking magical research gets revealed, and new truths come to light. It’s the pinnacle of magic development and knowledge. Only the world’s top witches and wizards receive invitations—naturally, the Seven Sages included.”
“But… is it really okay for someone like me to be invited to such a prestigious event?”
“You’re the apprentice of the ‘Eternal Witch.’ That alone is more than enough qualification.”
At Inori’s words, my master gave a silent nod of approval.
“I’m on the organizing committee for the ceremony this year. I have my hands full overseeing the entire venue, managing security for VIPs… it’s going to be a busy time.”
“And so, since I have some free time, that old hag Fausto decided I should take you along. Honestly, she works me like a mule.”
“You’ll get free lodging in return. Sounds fair to me.”
“Heh, this actually sounds pretty exciting!”
As I beamed with anticipation, my Carbuncle familiar peered up at me curiously. I stroked its head while absentmindedly turning my gaze to the TV.
Coincidentally, they were running a special feature on the Seven Sages. The segment was focused on “The Witch of Words,” Chloe.
Chloe, the Witch of Words, was known for her bewitching beauty and alluring figure, making her one of the most talked-about witches. She had even been voted “Most Desirable Witch” in public polls. Her gentle, motherly appearance made her especially popular among men.
She occasionally made TV appearances, so her face was familiar to me.
Among the Seven Sages, the one who appeared on television the most was undoubtedly “The Witch of Blessings,” Sophie.
Next was my own master, “The Eternal Witch,” since she often oversaw large-scale events.
Following her in popularity was Chloe, the Witch of Words.
Inori, being a researcher, rarely appeared in public, and the remaining three sages were hardly ever mentioned on TV at all.
Some were highly visible, some remained in obscurity, and some fell somewhere in between.
That was my impression of the Seven Sages.
As I watched the television, Inori suddenly spoke beside me.
“Chloe might be attending this time.”
“Whoa, I’ll get to see this beauty in person?”
“Beauty? Chloe?”
“Yeah. She’s got a huge fanbase, right? Though, of course, she’s got nothing on me.”
“Where does that unfounded confidence of yours even come from?”
“I’m merely stating the truth.”
As I confidently declared this, Inori just smirked, watching me with an amused expression.
“Hmm… so you think Chloe is beautiful, huh?”
“Second only to me, of course.”
At the time, I had no idea what that mischievous smile on Inori’s face meant.