"Merlin, you received the letter I wrote you before, didn't you?" Aisha tilted her head slightly and looked at Merlin with some seriousness. "But I never saw a reply from you."
Merlin immediately looked embarrassed. Lowering her head, she rubbed her fingers together and explained helplessly, "Sorry... I did receive your letter. But..." She paused, her voice growing even softer. "The letter mentioned going to North Wind Territory. I... I didn't reply because... I couldn't bear to leave this job."
Aisha frowned slightly, a trace of helplessness entering her tone. "You're so unhappy here. I saw it with my own eyes just now. If you're willing to come to North Wind Territory, my brother will definitely give you a satisfactory salary! And you've seen it too—my brother is a good person, unlike the manager here, who always makes people feel awful." Her tone became more fervent. "Merlin, come to North Wind Territory! I guarantee you'll have a better life."
Merlin forced a smile, her tone hesitant. "I know you mean well, but... let me think about it some more, okay?"
Aisha opened her mouth, seemingly wanting to say more, but she ultimately nodded. "All right. But you have to think it over carefully. Don't wrong yourself." She gently squeezed Merlin's hand, her eyes full of concern.
By then, Ang had completed his transaction with the manager and beckoned to Aisha. "Aisha, let's go! There's still time, so let's visit some other shops. Are you done talking with your classmate?"
Aisha sighed and followed him, her voice carrying a touch of regret. "She's still quite pitiful. I thought becoming a magic apprentice would change her life, but now it seems..." She did not finish, but her tone brimmed with sympathy.
Ang smiled faintly, his tone calm yet comforting. "Everyone's circumstances are