Lairak did not stay long this time. She merely borrowed a few books from the shelves, then left again.
Carlret did not try very hard to keep her there. Everyone had their own life and their own choices; he had no reason to make her stay.
That was what he thought, but his body dutifully escorted her a kilometer away all the same.
When did this child become so important to me without my even noticing?
With a sigh, Carlret returned to the wooden cabin.
After that, the little girl visited much less often, coming to see him about once a month. Each time, she shared all the new and interesting things she had encountered, along with some of her insights into magic.
Of course, every time Lairak left, she would also "borrow" a few books.
Ten years passed in the blink of an eye, and Carlret gradually grew accustomed to Lairak's monthly visits.
One day, Lairak came to see Carlret again. "I might go traveling around the world. Do you want to come with me?"
Carlret chuckled and shook his head. "Go on your own. I still have my book to write."
Lairak smiled and shook her head, then pulled the last two books from Carlret's shelves.
Before I knew it, I'd "borrowed" his shelves empty... The thought suddenly struck Lairak as funny, and she burst into delighted laughter.
Carlret looked helplessly at the shelves, then joined her laughter.
That might have been the happiest laugh the two of them ever shared.
The next day, Lairak set off. Before leaving, she gave Carlret a letter.
[Dear Carlret,
I'm setting off. Humans are still so weak and ignorant, and I want to teach them magic.
Besides, I want to look around. The world is so big; perhaps there are other