[1.30] Merlina the Summoner (Part 2)

Angelica kind of wanted to freak out a bit. Primarily because she had been further stalked again. Secondly, because apparently the book in her home was emitting some sort of energy that could be detected. And lastly, because that thing belonged to some great powerful man who now knew she was keeping it from her. Angelica felt like she should immediately prostrate and apologize, that is what she would do… as a human. But no, she could not do that. She was not the anxiety-addled girl who would always apologize for everything even for something not really her fault.

No, she was Gelic the Imp, and she had to think about how a weak little Demon would react in such a situation. “Ah, that book fell on me and hit me in the head!” she complained, as if it were the Summoner’s fault. “It really hurt!” Gelic then proceeded to rub her head as if the lumps were still there, which they kind of were, somewhat able to sense her displaced intangible horns in her hands.

“I apologize for any undue pain my Disciple has caused you.” Fioso genuinely lowered his head. “Not quite two weeks ago, now, I purchased that book for him. It is the most up-to-date and fully comprehensive guide, especially for a young Summoner, and it was right off the presses. Very expensive, indeed. And what did he do, immediately went and flaunted it to some local Sect Summoners.

“Naturally, it escalated. Perhaps it was innocent enough banter at first, but eventually, they genuinely tried to steal it from him, which led to a chase across the city. My student ditched the book at some point, to keep them from getting it. And when they caught up with him and he no longer had it, well, let’s just say it did not end well for him.

“They… beat him up?” The Imp took her best guess.

“A bit further than that, but yes,” the man nodded solemnly. “The damned arrogance of Sect Summoners. Even if my Disciple was the one who instigated it, they didn’t need to outright attack him without mercy. But their prejudice runs deep, taught to them whether they realize it our not.” He then let out a deep sigh. “Rogue Summoners will still need to look over their shoulders for the foreseeable future.”

“So Sect Summoners really hate Rogue Summoners, then, to the point that they’ll attack them?!” Gelic was starting to get a bit worried. If she had unwittingly become a Rogue, did that mean she’d put a target on her back?

“Well… it is not so bad most of the time.” Fioso shook his head. “Should neither side be provoked, it usually defaults to typical leers and jeers. More of a general rivalry than antagonism. It mostly comes from a difference of mentality. Sect Summoners believe that only those a part of a Sect should be allowed to summon Demons. They claim it is a matter of safety, to keep those untrained from endangering their lives or others, but it is really about control. To them, Rogue Summoners are not only a liability, but also a threat. One they would rather stamp out before it’s too late.

“Or at least, that is how many of the older Summoners think. Which is not inherently a wrong way of thinking, and could even be deemed reasonable, if Sects were not so exclusionary. Should you not meet their criteria, they won’t give you a second thought. Newer Sects and generations tend to be more accepting, leaning more into the rivalry aspect. But as they get more power, they fear more from those who would oppose it, and fall back into the old trappings. I like to hold on to the hope that eventually the gap can be bridged permanently. Yet in the meantime, it would also be advisable for you to not mention that your master is one of us, or you too may face scrutiny or ill action.

“However, we Rogue Summoners are also not so helpless that we need live in constant fear. Since we do not follow the strict teachings of Sects, it allows us to be more experimental with our magic and summonings. For that, they fear us, but they also respect that fear. I’ve already had a word with the Sect leader of those who attacked my Disciple, and they will be duly punished in turn. While I am not on friendly terms with her, we respect each other’s positions.

“I would not say that this should put your master off of Sects entirely, however. They are just two different ways of thinking, two different paths to take. Neither is inherently better. We just have our preferences. Should Merlina wish to join a Sect, they would likely overlook any past actions as a Rogue Summoner. And the same goes for me. Even if she were to join up with Sect, I would not turn her away should she come to me for help. As long as she does not insult my choices, I will not disrespect hers.

“And to further express that, it is why I am going to let you keep the book. My student will not need it for some time while he is recovering, and when he is better, I plan to have a serious discussion with him about his future. Should he remain under my tutelage, then I will get him a new… well, probably a used copy, then. Hopefully, Merlina will put it to good use and respect it more than he did.

“Ah, I do have a curiosity question for you, however, Gelic.” That perked the Imp’s nonexistent ears. She was already relieved that she was in no trouble for the book, a bonus that she got to keep it, so she’d be happy to answer what she could. “My Disciple mentioned that he had thrown the book down a back alley where no one would think of looking for it, so that he could retrieve it later. Can I ask what you were doing there? Surely your master wouldn’t have asked that you skulk around in a place not immediately by your territory.

“Err, I was…” Angelica didn’t want to admit it, but hopefully it would sound better coming from a Demon. “I was digging through a dumpster for food.”

Fioso’s face filled with pity. Maybe because she was currently presenting herself as a scrawny human, it had more of an effect. “Poor creature. Yes, I suppose if you were separated from your master, unable to receive vitality, or return to Hell for nourishment, then the only real option left would be to hunt or forage for food. Are you still in need? We have plenty that you could take.

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“Uhm, no, no thank you.” Well, she actually wanted to say, “Hell, yeah, free food, please,” but the man had already given her enough. Plus, she wasn’t actually in need. “I have some now, and Merlina gave me money to buy more.”

“Hmm, sending an Imp to buy food.” That made the man scratch his chin once more. “Don’t get me wrong, Summoners send Demons on errands all the time. I’d be lost without Diamen handling most of my affairs for me. But to send one so underdeveloped and expect them to have such a functional understanding of human society to be able to buy things with our currency. You are a special one, Gelic, and your master has intrigued me even more. Can you cook, too, or is it all pre-made?”

“No, I can cook!” The Imp sounded genuinely prideful for a moment but then remembered. “Except I accidentally got the Poison Chef skill…”