I was in the middle of a lesson with Vanessa about a week after the incident when Scarlon came in, holding a letter and sitting down next to us.

"What do you have there, Scarlon?" I asked as I looked up from my lesson.

He grinned. "A message from Miss Arizuno. Go on. Read it."

I took the letter and read it aloud.

"Dear Scarlon and everyone else in the Demalgo household, I thank you once more for your help in this matter. Just as you said, Aidan suddenly reappeared yesterday and told me how he had been staying in a castle in the world that portal led to as that prince's guest of honor. Though he is glad to be in once piece and was amazed by what he saw there, he says he will never again try to summon creatures from that world and is willing to keep tabs on others trying similar things. Though don't think any of us have given up on magic. My grandfather is starting to take notice and has mentioned something about giving us lessons during a few meals, and I think he means it. He did learn all he knows from you and I think you said that your pupil will have some lessons with him eventually, so I can assume we're in safe hands. May you continue your good deeds, and I hope we can meet again.

Signed, Arizuno Akiyomi."

I noticed that it seemed both Akiyomi and Aidan were deliberately avoiding the word demon, but I thought nothing of it at the time.

"Very interesting. Toyoshi will certainly have his hands full with that lot." Vanessa chuckled.

"Kind of fitting considering what he put us through, but he's become a good magic teacher in his own right." Scarlon grinned.

"Though not as good as you two?" I asked.

Vanessa laughed. "I doubt it, but you never know. We did teach him almost everything we could, after all. At least regarding all forms of magic humans are capable of."

"Indeed. Though all is well for now, I'm sure that Miss Arizuno will need our services again in due time. Anyway," Scarlon reached under the table and took out a wooden board with strange markings on it before placing it in front of us.

"Are you guys up for a few rounds of this?" He asked.

"Huh? What about my lesson?" I asked.

"That can wait." He said. "You're a little ahead, even with the occasional incident. Anyway, who's up for playing this game?"

"I always am." Vanessa grinned.

"I guess I am as well, but I still haven't figured this thing out." I sighed.

"Neither have I to be honest, and we've been playing this for centuries." Vanessa replied.

Scarlon chuckled as he sat down and placed some pieces on the board, some resembling humans and others strange creatures. The start of a fun afternoon.

I might try to explain that game at some point, but it would probably take the length of a couple of these accounts to go over the basics. For now, I'll stick to accounts of our adventures. I hope you enjoyed this, my friend.