93 92. Long-awaited Meeting (Edited)

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- Good morning, Grandpa. - I said, just as I moved to the parking lot near Niagara Falls where our bus was parked.

- Morning, Lex. As always, early in the morning, doing his secret projects? - asked Grandpa with a smile, who was now checking the oil in the RV engine.

- You can say that. There was a new alien; it was necessary to check it. Also, I dealt with that ship that I got from the bottom of the Bermuda Triangle. - I said honestly, without talking about the gift.

- Clear. Who would have thought that all these problems arose because of the security system of the old spaceship. And I've been trying to unravel the mystery of the Triangle for thirty years. Who would have thought that everything is so banal? - Shaking his head, Grandfather poured out his soul.

- Don't worry like that. All this is already in the past. And usually, these stories end in this disappointing way. Remember only the Ek-Chuaj Sword. - I said, trying to cheer up my guardian.

- Yeah, another waste of time. - Grandfather said with a heavy sigh, after which he added in a more cheerful voice: - Although, you may be right. That's all in the past, and now I'm retired.

- The right attitude. - I said with a smile, and then I asked what I wanted to ask for a long time: - Are you sure you don't want to be a Plumber again?

- What are you talking about? - Max looked at me and asked.

- I know how much you loved your job. All these adventures, battles, dangers, and so on. Even now, you're in awe of the situation we're in. - I am sure I am right, I said.

- Lex, it's not like that at all… - said Grandpa, frowning a little.

- I know I shouldn't say that, but I know you really enjoy helping us fight. I understand. - I said sincerely, looking into Max's eyes.

After standing for a while, digesting my words, Grandfather let out a heavy sigh, rubbed the bridge of his nose, and then said: - Maybe you are right. I missed all of this. By adrenaline in the blood. On the verge of life and death. By helping people. But, this is in the past. Now my main concern is to raise you and protect you from threats. And the rest is not so important.

- Grandpa, I'm already quite an adult, and I don't need your constant guardianship. Of course, I will always need your advice and support, but this does not mean that you should neglect your desires. I went up to Max and put my hand on his shoulder, a little emotionally.

- Lex, I… I don't know what to say. - Grandfather said with his head down.

- You don't have to say anything. Just know that I don't mind if you return to work after our summer trip. You don't even have to become a field agent. Last I checked, the Plumbers' leadership decided to build a new academy in the nearby solar system. I'm sure they will be pleased if you become an instructor. After all, you are a real Magister. Few can compare with you in knowledge and experience. - I said sincerely, putting my arm around Max's shoulder.

- Lex… Okay, I'll think about it. Thank you. - with gratitude in his voice, Max said and hugged me.

- Besides, I think it's high time you found someone. How long has it been since Grandma left Earth? - I said with a provocative smile.

- Almost 18 years. - Grandfather said with a frown and added: - Let's not talk about it.

- Okay, sorry if I hit a nerve. - without a smile, I said.

- Nothing. Call it silly, but there's still a bond between us that can't be broken so easily. And even despite the distance separating us, this connection is still strong. - said Grandfather, with a smile of a teenager in love.

- Well, no. I just really understand you. - I said, remembering Hope and our 'wedding.'

- Okay, stop talking about such emotional topics. We have to ship off soon and go get ready. - Max said with a laugh, continuing to work on the engine.

- I just wanted to talk about this. You can postpone your departure for a while, and I wanted to introduce Gwen to the Magic teacher I found. Let's take Ashley with us. It will be helpful for her to learn a little about the magical side of the world. - I said what I was going to say immediately after arriving.

- This girl you helped? Hex's niece? - Max asked curiously.

- Yes. - Nodding my head, I said.

- Okay, I don't mind staying longer. Moreover, we are not in a hurry. Thanks to Doc's airship flight, we're even ahead of schedule. - Grandfather said lightly.

- Thank you. Then, I'll go to the girls. - I said and went onto the bus.

But before I could get in, Grandpa gave me his life-savvy advice: - Be gentle with them. Since you have decided to build relationships with several girls, try to give them the same amount of attention. And don't hurt them.

I decided not to answer these words, as I am now embarrassing. But I will remember the advice. Although, I try my best.

- Girls, get ready. I want to introduce you to someone. - I said as I went inside and saw the girls who were already up and putting themselves in order.

- Where are we going? - Ashley asked curiously, fixing her hair.

- To Salem, to Hex Castle. - I said honestly.

- Are we finally going to meet the Magic teacher? - Gwen asked hopefully.

- Yes. So let's go faster. - I said, knowing full well that nothing good would come of it.

- Hooray. Thanks a lot. - Kissing me on the cheek said Gwen, after which she jumped out of the bus.

: She's too happy about it. Although, recently, she was jealous of this girl. - Ashley said, looking at Gwen's behavior.

- Hmm... Okay, let's go. - I just said, discarding unnecessary thoughts.

After going outside, I created a magic sphere around the three of us and teleported us to Hope's house.

Girls don't like it when I grab them with my tails as the Two-Tails. What's more, they don't like the Two-Tails' teleportation itself. So, I decided to be more subtle and use a more convenient way to move.

After moving, I immediately led the girls inside. While they were enthusiastically looking around the castle's interior, I wrote a message to Hope that we had arrived. After receiving the answer, I led the girls to the third floor. When I reached Hex's room, I opened the door and let them in with the words:

- She wants to talk to you alone. Get acquainted without my presence. And chat about your girlish topics.

- Are you sure? - Ashley asked warily. In fact, she was a little frightened by the interior of the Dark Mage Castle.

- Yes. Don't worry, she's a good girl. I'm sure you'll get along. Some day. - I said, trying to cheer myself up in my own words.

- Okay, then we'll go. - Gwen said as she boldly entered the room. Ashley followed.

Closing the door, I began to wait for the outcome of the negotiations.

***

It's been almost two hours, and no one has come out. In fact, I couldn't hear a single sound from the room, even with my enhanced hearing. Seems Hope decided to use some kind of spell to keep the conversation private.

I went from corner to corner, constantly worrying about how their meeting would go. I didn't want Gwen and Ashley to leave me, and I still love them. And I don't want to part with Hope either. Moreover, I don't think that I can do it because of the influence of Magic. Hope everything goes well.

My thought process was interrupted by the sound of the door opening abruptly. An angry Gwen jumped out of the room. Quickly coming up to me, she looked into my eyes, apparently hoping to find something in them, and then raised her hand and

*Bam*

Hit me on the cheek.

- You slept with her. - Gwen said, still seething with anger.

- Yes. - I said, although I knew it wasn't a question.

*Bam*

Giving me another slap, Gwen said again: - And now you're married to her?

- Unofficially, of course, but yes. - I said, preparing for another blow.

But instead of a blow, a simple question awaited me: - Do you love her?

Quickly orienting myself, I told the truth: - Now, yes. We hit it off despite the chaotic beginning, and I really liked her.

- And of course, you won't leave her. - Again without asking, said Gwen, lowering her head.

Deciding that I should remain silent this time, I began to wait for the girl's further actions.

*BAM* *BAM* *BAM* *BAM* *BAM*

Gwen said quietly, giving me five more slaps, gradually turning into a cry: - Why… Why… Why her and not me. I've been waiting for this for almost a decade, even letting you have another girl to make you happy. But here, Magic intervenes, and this bitch appears, destined by fate. And now, you're married to her and also had sex. Even I haven't done it yet.

- Well, it's still too early, actually, and I wanted to wait until you were sixteen… - I started, but another *BAM* stopped me.

- Why did Magic think she was more suitable than me? - Gwen asked emotionally, shaking her arm in pain. However, I am strong.

- I don't think it matters here. The Magic began to work because we were far apart, and we needed to be brought together for our relationship to improve. But, as you said, you've been around for almost ten years, so there was no need for help from Magic. You would agree sooner or later. - Hope intervened, clarifying the situation.

* *Rrrrr* - though it didn't help much, Gwen just growled in anger.

- Do not worry. It's not so scary that I married Lex first and took his virginity, and the main thing is that he still loves you and wants to be with you. In addition, you can always combine magical marriage and the usual way. - Hope said as she walked closer.

- Hope you're not very helpful… Although, she's telling the truth. - I said, looking at Gwen with a sincere face, red from her blows.

*BAM*

- That doesn't change the fact that you lied to me and broke the promise you made in the beginning. - Hitting me again, Gwen said and passing me, she went to the exit from the castle.

- Fsh ... Well, what do you think? - Breathing heavily, I asked Ashley, who was quietly standing behind Hope.

- I… I don't know. We have only known each other for a month, and this is only the very beginning of our relationship. Although, this does not negate that I love you very much. But today, you really offended me. Besides, you betrayed us and lied to us. Now I need to think. Don't bother me for a while, please. - Ashley said softly, refusing to look me in the eye.

- Okay, I understand everything. But know that I am very sorry about what happened. - I said sincerely.

- I know. - Ashley said and, also passing by, went to the exit. I hope they don't get lost there.

- Yeah… - Hope said when we were alone.

- Actually, it went much better than I expected. - I said, rubbing my cheeks. If not for the serum, my face would be all bruised. Still, Gwen hit hard.

- Truth? - Hope asked, looking at me strangely, with sincere surprise.

- Yes. At least they didn't cry. And in the end, they didn't even break up with me. I think we'll be all right. - optimistically, I said.

- Well, as you know. - Hope said, still surprised by what I said.

- So, how do you like them? - I asked.

- Nice girls. You are lucky to have them. I'm sure we'll get along with them. Maybe I'll finally have real friends. - Hope said honestly.

- I hope so too. What about Gwen's abilities?

- She is very talented. Much more talented than me. Frankly, my pride is hurt. Although, I would be pleased to teach such a capable student. Unlike you, Gwen is interested in all aspects and aspects of Magic, and I don't mind teaching her. Although, we'll have to postpone training until she calms down. But, here, give her these books. She would need them to better understand Magic. - Hope said and went into the room, where she took two books and handed them to me.

And judging by the state of the room itself, the conversation did not go as smoothly as I thought. Everywhere, one could see dents, traces of fire and lightning, and nothing remained of Hex's bed. It looks like the girls had a lot of fun.

- Thank you. - I said, accepting the books and putting them into inventory.

- Oh yes, here is what you asked for. It turned out even better than I thought. I used my uncle's best materials, so their interior space is 2.5 cubic meters. - Hope said as she handed me the three magic bags she took out of her bag.

All bags were small in size and different in design. The first looked like a beige belt purse, and this one is clearly for Grandpa. The second looked like a small red women's handbag, square in shape, with a shoulder strap. This is for Gwen, and I'm sure she will love this design. The last one, it was for Ashley and had a black color, looked not like a bag, but like a small leather women's briefcase, with two straps.

- Thanks again. - I said after examining the bags, then asked: - What about the method for creating mind protection?

- I'm still looking. This is a rather complicated topic, as it concerns mental Magic. But I'm sure I'll find the right way soon. - Hope answered confidently.

- What would I do without you. Thanks for the help. - I said, after which I went up to the girl and kissed her.

- I'm just happy to help. - after the kiss, Hope said, showing me a beautiful smile.

- Okay, I have to go. Next time, I'll stay longer. - I said, releasing the Charmcaster from my embrace.

- I understand. Go. And I, while I continue to search and study Magic. - Hope said without showing any negative emotions.

- Adore you. - I said, after which I kissed the girl again and then ran to the exit from the castle.