Make-Up Lessons and Unspoken Rules

Locke opened his door and discovered that beside Wizard Urien Ritchie stood a Third-Class Wizard Apprentice of about fourteen.

Wizard Urien Ritchie still wore a wizard's robe embroidered with silver thread. A magical slate floated behind him, covered in obscure runic spells of the Shaping School's Frost Sub-branch. Frost even crept along the slate's edges.

The Invisible Magic Pressure unintentionally emitted by a Formal Wizard alone was enough to make one tense.

It was as if Locke saw an insurmountable, towering snow peak standing before him, every stone upon it formed from the mysteries of magic.

After hesitating for a moment, Locke invited Wizard Urien Ritchie inside. After all, it was hardly appropriate to leave a Formal Wizard talking at the doorway.

Besides, when he had first begun studying at Lilith's Cottage, the very first public class he attended—the Basic Rune Principles Course—had been taught by this wizard.

Wizard Urien Ritchie entered and glanced over the furnishings in the living room. "Not bad taste."

"Assistant Potion Maker Augustine, this is my grandson, Caven Ritchie."

"Greetings, Assistant Potion Maker Augustine." Caven Ritchie bowed to Locke. He looked frail and thin. Though winter had not yet arrived, he was wrapped in thick clothing. His face was pale, his gaze unfocused, and his steps unsteady.

At the same time, Caven Ritchie seemed particularly respectful toward him, lacking the arrogance that descendants of First-Ring Wizards usually showed toward Wizard Apprentices without a background.

Locke found it slightly strange. This grandson of a Formal Wizard looked so weak and frail,

as though he were seriously ill.

But wisely, he did not bring up the matter. Instead, he invited Wizard Urien Ritchie and the others to sit down and poured him a cup of rich, fragrant tea.

Locke looked at Wizard Urien Ritchie in confusion. "Lord