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Lina Alfeeva

Academy as a gift

Some people think that prison is dark, boring and dreary. It depends on which one. In my personal dungeon the sun was hot, a light breeze brought salty spray and the aroma of fresh baked goods from the sea. Mixed with it was the viscous tantalizing smell of creamy caramel. On a secluded beach, where can the aromas typical of a bakery or pastry shop come from? The sea is mine - so it smells the way I want. And the beach with blue sand is mine, and the green sky, and the pink sun with white specks. Everything that is dear to me is illusory. I could sit here forever and not stick my nose out. This is exactly how long I was supposed to be in captivity according to the sentence.

J-Dizzzz, show up. Jaydisss, appear... - a nasal, ingratiating whisper was heard from somewhere above.

A fiery haze ran across the green heights of heaven: the owner of the nasty voice finally got to my lamp. And where is Miridium looking?

J-Dize, I challenge you! I beg you, show yourself! I can’t live like this anymore... - The nasal voice broke into a quiet sob.

What a stubborn one! Maybe I should wait a little and he’ll decide that I’m not at home and leave? Fiery flashes of lightning once again split the skies. No, this one won't go away. You still have to talk to your former client.

The dense cloud of green smoke made my throat sore - again I overdid it with the special effects. But I’m used to this kind of thing, but the bearded man clutching the lamp was warped. The red-faced little man crawled on all fours on the floor, wheezing and spitting.

How many times have I told you that my name is Ginny Jai-Dize! - I grumbled, sinking onto the red pillow with gold tassels. She immediately soared up and hovered near the ceiling.

I can't stand the lotus position. You have to keep your back straight, your legs get numb, but the role of the genie obliges you. Having caught his breath, the bearded man rose from the floor and raised his head. I definitely overdid it with the smoke - the poor fellow’s eyes were red and watery - or is he really roaring and hoping to pity me?

Tell me, Theord, why did you come? - I asked, frowning sternly. - No, don't tell me. First put the lamp in place. Over there on that shelf on the right. What if you scratch it, but I still have to sit and sit in it. Put? Well done! Now go ahead and complain about your hard fate. Just keep in mind: you have used up the required three wishes.

Ginny, you deceived me,” the ex began to whine.

That's how they all are. First the devil themselves want what they want, and then they are dissatisfied. And who is to blame if lamp owners are not aware that desires must be formulated with the utmost precision? In writing, in large, neat handwriting, so that the genie doesn’t confuse anything.

How was it deceived? - I was sincerely surprised. - You wanted to take possession of the largest house in Istra - I hired demons. In two days we built a mansion that is not inferior to the royal palace.

Ginny, but it only has four rooms.

Why don’t you take the six underground floors into account? You have a real labyrinth of rooms on the lower levels. The construction demons I summoned specialize in creating underground treasures. You can’t imagine what a line there is for them! Any self-respecting dragon uses only their services. Demons, by the way, have a busy schedule, and every day of downtime takes a toll on their pockets. If only you knew what it took to persuade the craftsmen to abandon all orders and rush to Istra. Be glad that they didn’t set any traps in the corridors - Ar-Nuash’s hands were itching. I almost had to breathe down his neck to prevent him from quietly adding ublito to one of the bedrooms. Yes, any drow or gnome would be grateful to death for a house like yours!

“So I’m not a drow,” the bearded man howled. - Royal inspectors came to see me. They threatened me with a fine if I didn’t demolish the house. How will you take it down? There are also six underground floors. If you blow it up, half a block will go up in the air.

So, bury it,” I shrugged. - Involve the bride's relatives. The guys there are smart and accustomed to underground work.

After my words, the bearded man began to shake.

Ginny, when I asked to be loved by the richest and most noble maiden in the royal palace, I did not mean a gnome. I was hinting at our crown princess!

Listen, my precious one, I can’t read minds and I don’t understand hints,” I snapped. - Where was the gnome at the moment of uttering the wish? That's right! In a palace. So what if you came by for work? We didn't discuss the details with you. Her family, by the way, has the largest account in the royal bank. Hereditary jewelers, after all. They have as many as four diamond mines in the south and gold mines in the north, and shops in all major cities of the kingdom.

“So she’s not well-born,” the man tried to argue.

I snapped my fingers, and a dusty tome “Genealogy of the Foothill People” appeared in the air.

Let’s open it and look: “One of the oldest people in the United Kingdom is the Bronze Ax clan. Its founders participated in the Great Migration." - Slamming the book shut, she stared sternly at the bearded man. - The royal family is about nine hundred years old at most. In terms of birth, the human crown princess is not even close to your betrothed. Let’s keep silent about the court ladies altogether.

So people seemed to migrate at the same time as the gnomes,” he muttered in confusion.

It happened. And as soon as they set foot on the new land, they immediately renounced their roots and started dividing up the territories. They would have been squabbling to this day if the Heads of the Elemental Clans had not intervened and knocked on the migrants’ heads. They calmed down and chose a new king. And he went ahead and changed the family name, coat of arms and other attributive nonsense. He wished that nothing would remind them of the world they fled from. Dwarves still have more respect for traditions. So lead by example. This couldn’t be more relevant for you right now. - I looked up at the short, stocky man, who, if I had stood next to him, would have reached my chest.

And why did my ancestors let people into the Rainbow World? This is a restless race. They are always dissatisfied with something, always in pursuit of a dream, and when they get what they want, it turns out that they don’t need it at all.

Ginny, why did you turn me into a gnome?

And who, seeing the bride, began to yell that she was not the right size? My advice is get married. With such mansions in the center of Istra, you will be welcomed into the Bronze Ax clan with open arms. They will help legitimize the building. They will teach you jewelry making.

“So I’m not a gnome at heart,” he whispered confusedly and thoughtfully chewed the tip of his beard. - I never even grew a beard. It's an infection.

And I'm never a genie. And I’ve never had to sit in lamps before either! Life is full of surprises! - I hissed.

In fact, I am the Princess of the Four Elements, with four different forms. In the world of Water elementals I am a mermaid, in the Fire elemental I am a fury, from the Earth element I inherited the nymphaeum, and from the Air element I inherited the sylph.

I don’t recommend getting rid of your beard,” I grumbled more peacefully. - Tell you, in what cases do gnomes usually shave their beards?

“Yes, I know, they enlightened me,” muttered the newly minted gnome and looked at me with hope in his eyes. - Ginny, won’t you be able to completely break the spell? Yes?

I'm pretty tired of the conversation. If each of the six clients begins to pester and express dissatisfaction, then... then there is a high probability that complaints will reach the Fiery World. And then the Lord of Inferno and Lord of Chaos will figure out how to make sure that centuries-old imprisonment certainly does not seem like honey. I admit, my stepfather is extremely inventive. Just think, he was locked in a lamp for a hundred years. Yes, during this time I will turn into an old maid! “Said the elemental, who in the last year alone rejected five marriage proposals...” - an inner voice sarcastically drawled. Why should I get married? I may be a child of science. I strive for new knowledge and magical experiments. It was for the latter that I was kicked out of three magic schools in turn. First from his native Fire Academy, then from the Water and Air Academy. I left the Academy where Earth elementals are trained. The magic of the Earthmen is based on the cult of worship of the Foremother Earth, the Goddess of Fertility. It's still a burden. I can somehow live without these wisdoms.

Smiling, I rubbed my hands together contentedly: I managed to make six people happy with their wishes. Only sixty days have passed since my imprisonment, and I am practically free! Now I’ll deal with the last client and ask Miridius to teleport the lamp to the Royal Library - closer to books and knowledge. And the demons will steal me from it. During the construction of the underground house, we agreed on everything. I found the builders nervous until they went six floors deep into the ground; they flatly refused to discuss the details of the escape. They were afraid that my aunt, the Lady of the Sky, would hear. Theoretically, any word spoken even in a whisper can fly to her through the air. So the demons dug, just to be sure.

Where are you, my beloved client number seven, wandering? Come into my arms, my happy one, otherwise over the past two months the interior of Mr. Miridy’s shop has become rather boring.

And what? Can't it be fixed? - the dwarf mumbled again and wiped away a tear.

It is forbidden! - I barked. - The magic of Three Wishes is a harsh thing and cannot be rolled back. What he formulated is yours.

I didn't deceive the gnome. I really couldn't reverse any of the spells I cast. The magic of the lamp would not allow it.

The dwarf stomped around a little more, took a deep breath and finally deigned to leave Mr. Miridy’s shop. I wonder where the owner of the outlet wants to hang out during working hours? I didn’t hire him as an assistant.

* * *

Still, the bearded man looked upset. While the dwarf was tormenting me with whining, I was fooling around, but as soon as he disappeared behind the door, I jumped off the pillow and ran to the wall mirror, muttering a spell as I went. The reflection turned into a slight haze, and then completely disappeared into the fog. When it disappeared, I saw a blonde gnome in the depths of the mirror. She was sitting at her desk and writing something in a tiny notebook. Next to him lay a scattering of diamonds. I barely suppressed an envious sigh. Like most elementals, I am quite partial to jewelry. The gnome must have heard me, because she raised her head and, smiling, waved her hand in a friendly manner.

Lirshit, Master Theord came to see me today,” I announced right away. - What's going on there? The newly minted gnome doesn't look happy.

The gnome snorted and slammed her notebook shut.

Would you be happy if you were forced to study mineralogy, jewelry making, law and the basics of commerce at the same time? You know yourself, the brothers won’t accept anyone into the family. Once he passes his exams, we’ll have a wedding.

Cool, you're with him. You know, I'm no longer sure that I did the right thing.

Lirshit jumped from her chair and walked over to the mirror, arms akimbo militantly.

Would it be better if he remained a hunchbacked cripple, always floating in the clouds? A ghost from the library, dreaming of the crown princess, whom he had only seen in portraits? No way! Everyone should have a chance. Your chance. And the lamp provided it. If he works with his brothers, learns a craft, but if he doesn’t want to get married, no one will be forced into bondage. It was still not enough to force the groom down the aisle. Yes, any clan head will take me! But I don’t want... anyone.

The gnome hastily turned away, but I managed to notice hidden pain and tears on her face. I felt embarrassed, as if I had seen something not intended for the eyes of strangers. I hastily waved my hand, and the image in the mirror disappeared, replaced by my reflection. Lirshit is right - everyone should have a chance. Magic opens locked doors, provides an opportunity, and then you have to choose for yourself. For a moment it seemed like I was missing out. I could use the power of the lamp for something worthwhile, to learn something new. No, and I came across orders whose execution I was proud of. For example, I helped the Guardian of the Sands. First, she returned the lost relic and found the missing dragonet, and then she reconciled two nomadic tribes and... And that’s all. The tasks of the other owners looked more like cheap hack work. If I were a real genie from the lamp, I would be ashamed of my work.

* * *

I returned to the pillow. The gaze slid along the high shelves, on which crystals for summoning elementals stood at a decent distance from each other. Typically, shops like this specialized in one particular element. Elementals are capricious entities, and they did not tolerate competition from colleagues from other elements. So that water spirits allow their crystals to stand next to fire ones on the same shelf? Not in life.

Miridiya's shop offers an unusually wide range of crystals: green forest spirits, blue inhabitants of the water depths, and even one orange pebble. Some ifrit decided to try himself as a bodyguard. Well, good luck to him. I hope he’ll figure out how to cover up his own combat incarnation with an illusion, otherwise the client will definitely have enough trouble. Transparent stones that summon air elementals were also available. I counted five on the shelves, and only one was level four. I was stronger. It's a small thing, but it's nice!

It's a pity that my capabilities were strictly limited to the lamp. Outside of it, I remained a universal spirit with great potential - as all the teachers said, a meager store of knowledge and an endless list of useful acquaintances. It was thanks to the help of friends that I was able to acquire six clients in two months and fulfill their wishes. Without finding a shadow of remorse in me, Lord Inferno cast an eye-averting spell on my lamp. According to the insidious plan of the fire lord, she was supposed to stand, unnoticed by anyone, among the summoning crystals in the shop of Mr. Miridius for a hundred years, no less.

Finding myself in captivity, I moped and sprinkled ashes on my head for a short time. About three hours at most. Then she tried to get out and was hit in the head by lightning. While I was coming to my senses, a scroll swooped down from the sky. It listed my sins, details of the sentence, as well as the conditions of release. I had to sit in the lamp for exactly one century, and most importantly, fulfill three wishes of the seven owners. Taking into account the spell cast on the lamp, I realized that the first client would not appear soon, and decided to force things.

The next morning in the Istra Messenger, a note appeared on the front page: “A lonely genie dreams of meeting a stern master to fulfill his secret desires.” The note was accompanied by an image of me in my aquatic form and the address of Mr. Miridy’s shop. Why in water? Krylan, who concocted the text at my request, claimed that people are greedy for ephemeral maidens with almond-shaped sea-green eyes, full lips and long red hair. We decided to keep silent about the fact that all this splendor is complemented by a body covered below the waist with shiny scales. As well as the fact that the owner of the lamp was entitled to only three wishes. Having learned how much Livy paid for the opportunity to have the genie at his disposal, I began to doubt that I would ever get out of the lamp. I worried in vain. The next day, Miridy discovered a very motley crowd under the doors of the shop. In addition to four people, two elves, three demons and one ogre responded to the call of a lonely maiden. Surprisingly, all the clients were solvent. Livy managed to mentally whisper this to me while Mr. Miridy was coming to his senses. The fruit bat had his own interest in this whole adventure: he was entitled to seventy percent of the proceeds. They were going to shamelessly rob me, but without Livy’s help I would have been crowing in the lamp for a long time. Considering the specifics of the spell, a magician of at least the second level could see it, and a magician who was subject to the fire element.

The shop owner was furious. In half an hour, my vocabulary was replenished with very interesting phraseological structures in the ogre language. When the curses dried up, the elderly magician went out into the street and selected the most harmless and decent candidate, in his opinion. The harmless one turned out to be a demon, but Miridius clearly made a mistake with the “decent” one. Seeing me, the demon immediately tried to find out how lonely the virgin living in the lamp was and what secret desires she was ready to fulfill. Livy had to quickly contact the succubi and ask for a favor. The client was pleased with the alternative offer - three succubi instead of one jinniya, and I breathed a sigh of relief. Other customers were also not very original, so the succubi had to be taken in immediately. The magic of the lamp helped me fulfill some of my wishes, and some - numerous friends from the Four Elements. As a result, two months later I was practically free.

Livy's appearance took me by surprise. As soon as I felt the vibration of the magical background, a portal opened nearby. A grinning fruit bat fell out of it. Most elementals in the lands of the United Kingdom of Man at least tried to keep up appearances, but my friend was not one of them. The Air elemental's attire consisted of trousers cut off above the knee, made of the skin of some kind of serpentine, and sandals. He didn’t even bother to retract the dark blue claws on his feet and hands. Each one was decorated with gold painting in the latest demon fashion. What a show-off Hymenoptera! It’s good that he thought to remove the wings, otherwise last time he didn’t knock down almost half of the crystals from the shelves with his flying machines. I was eager to demonstrate all the scope and new tattoos.

Redhead, dance! - he announced right away. - Now you are a wealthy lady. I opened an account in your name at the Royal Bank.

Why not in elemental? - I asked. - Why do I need an empty account? - What we earned through back-breaking labor has long since settled in the pockets of our assistants.

How is it empty? It now has six hundred gold pieces. Luck is favorable to us and turned the right part of the body.

I didn’t even bother to find out which part of Luck’s body is correct, and cautiously asked:

Ginny, you know I always lose money on betting, so I made all the bets on your behalf. And you won’t believe it - for the first time in the last ten years I got choked up!

I ran my fingers through my hair and mentally groaned. And I knew who I was contacting! Now I urgently need to look for the last client and flee from Istra before information about how I am serving my sentence reaches my stepfather.

Ginny, don't drift. Everything is captured. Today I’ll pick up the last client, and tomorrow we’ll rush to the Sky. And even the Lord of Inferno won’t find us there.

Liv, when will your client show up? You know, cats have been scratching my soul since this morning. And some kind of bad feeling.

You have a good feeling, in the sense that it always works when things smell like something is going to be fried. Guests from the Fiery World came to Miridius. Can you guess which question?

I panicked. Of course, the possibility of a coincidence cannot be ruled out, but still...

Listen, let me fulfill your wishes? Will you be my seventh?

In response, Livy twisted his temple.

I'm not tired of living yet. It’s one thing to help an unfortunate maiden move her living space, and another thing to take part in deceiving the Lord of Fire.

So now you don’t take part?

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© Alfeeva L., 2015

© Design. Eksmo Publishing House LLC, 2015

* * *

Chapter 1

- J-Dizzzz, show up. Jaydisss, appear... - a nasal, ingratiating whisper was heard from somewhere above.

A fiery haze ran across the green heights of heaven: the owner of the nasty voice finally got to my lamp. And where is Miridium looking?

– J-Dize, I call on you! I beg you, show yourself! I can’t live like this anymore...” The nasal voice broke into a quiet sob.

“How many times have I told you that my name is Ginny Jai-Dize!” – I grumbled, sinking onto the red pillow with gold tassels. She immediately soared up and hovered near the ceiling.

- Tell me, Theord, why did you come? – I asked, frowning sternly. - No, don't tell me. First put the lamp in place. Over there on that shelf on the right. What if you scratch it, but I still have to sit and sit in it. Put? Well done! Now go ahead and complain about your hard fate. Just keep in mind: you have used up the required three wishes.

“Ginny, you deceived me,” the ex began to whine.

- How did you deceive me? – I was sincerely surprised. – You wanted to take possession of the largest house in Istra - I hired demons. In two days we built a mansion that is not inferior to the royal palace.

“Ginny, but it only has four rooms.”

– Why don’t you take the six underground floors into account? You have a real labyrinth of rooms on the lower levels. The construction demons I summoned specialize in creating underground treasures. You can’t imagine what a line there is for them! Any self-respecting dragon uses only their services. Demons, by the way, have a busy schedule, and every day of downtime takes a toll on their pockets. If only you knew what it took to persuade the craftsmen to abandon all orders and rush to Istra. Be glad that they didn’t set any traps in the corridors - Ar-Nuash’s hands were itching. I almost had to breathe down his neck to prevent him from quietly adding ublito to one of the bedrooms. Yes, any drow or gnome would be grateful to death for a house like yours!

“Then, bury it,” I shrugged. – Involve the bride’s relatives. The guys there are smart and accustomed to underground work.

After my words, the bearded man began to shake.

“Ginny, when I asked the richest and most noble maiden in the royal palace to love me, I didn’t mean a gnome. I was hinting at our crown princess!

“Listen, my dear, I can’t read minds and I don’t understand hints,” I snapped. – Where was the gnome at the moment of uttering the wish? That's right! In a palace. So what if you came by for work? We didn't discuss the details with you. Her family, by the way, has the largest account in the royal bank. Hereditary jewelers, after all. They have as many as four diamond mines in the south and gold mines in the north, and shops in all major cities of the kingdom.

“So she’s not well-born,” the man tried to argue.

I snapped my fingers, and a dusty tome “Genealogy of the Foothill People” appeared in the air.

– Let’s open it and look: “One of the oldest people in the United Kingdom is the Bronze Ax clan. Its founders participated in the Great Migration." – Slamming the book, she stared sternly at the bearded man. – The royal family is about nine hundred years old at most. In terms of birth, the human crown princess is not even close to your betrothed. Let’s keep silent about the court ladies altogether.

“So people seem to have migrated at the same time as the gnomes,” he muttered in confusion.

- It happened. And as soon as they set foot on the new land, they immediately renounced their roots and started dividing up the territories. They would have been squabbling to this day if the Heads of the Elemental Clans had not intervened and knocked on the migrants’ heads. They calmed down and chose a new king. And he went ahead and changed the family name, coat of arms and other attributive nonsense. He wished that nothing would remind them of the world they fled from. Dwarves still have more respect for traditions. So lead by example. This couldn’t be more relevant for you right now. “I looked up at the short, stocky man, who, if I had stood next to him, would have reached my chest.

© Alfeeva L., 2015

© Design. Eksmo Publishing House LLC, 2015

- J-Dizzzz, show up. Jaydisss, appear... - a nasal, ingratiating whisper was heard from somewhere above.

A fiery haze ran across the green heights of heaven: the owner of the nasty voice finally got to my lamp. And where is Miridium looking?

– J-Dize, I call on you! I beg you, show yourself! I can’t live like this anymore...” The nasal voice broke into a quiet sob.

“How many times have I told you that my name is Ginny Jai-Dize!” – I grumbled, sinking onto the red pillow with gold tassels. She immediately soared up and hovered near the ceiling.

“Ginny, you deceived me,” the ex began to whine.

“Ginny, but it only has four rooms.”

“Then, bury it,” I shrugged. – Involve the bride’s relatives. The guys there are smart and accustomed to underground work.

After my words, the bearded man began to shake.

“Ginny, when I asked the richest and most noble maiden in the royal palace to love me, I didn’t mean a gnome. I was hinting at our crown princess!

“So she’s not well-born,” the man tried to argue.

I snapped my fingers, and a dusty tome “Genealogy of the Foothill People” appeared in the air.

“So people seem to have migrated at the same time as the gnomes,” he muttered in confusion.

- Ginny, why did you turn me into a gnome?

- And who, seeing the bride, began to yell that she was not the right size? My advice is get married. With such mansions in the center of Istra, you will be welcomed into the Bronze Ax clan with open arms. They will help legitimize the building. They will teach you jewelry making.

© Alfeeva L., 2015

© Design. Eksmo Publishing House LLC, 2015

* * *

Chapter 1

- J-Dizzzz, show up. Jaydisss, appear... - a nasal, ingratiating whisper was heard from somewhere above.

A fiery haze ran across the green heights of heaven: the owner of the nasty voice finally got to my lamp. And where is Miridium looking?

– J-Dize, I call on you! I beg you, show yourself! I can’t live like this anymore...” The nasal voice broke into a quiet sob.

“How many times have I told you that my name is Ginny Jai-Dize!” – I grumbled, sinking onto the red pillow with gold tassels. She immediately soared up and hovered near the ceiling.

“Ginny, you deceived me,” the ex began to whine.

“Ginny, but it only has four rooms.”

“Then, bury it,” I shrugged. – Involve the bride’s relatives. The guys there are smart and accustomed to underground work.

After my words, the bearded man began to shake.

“Ginny, when I asked the richest and most noble maiden in the royal palace to love me, I didn’t mean a gnome. I was hinting at our crown princess!

“So she’s not well-born,” the man tried to argue.

I snapped my fingers, and a dusty tome “Genealogy of the Foothill People” appeared in the air.

“So people seem to have migrated at the same time as the gnomes,” he muttered in confusion.

- Ginny, why did you turn me into a gnome?

“So I’m not a gnome at heart,” he whispered confusedly and thoughtfully chewed the tip of his beard. “I never even grew a beard.” It's an infection.

- And I have never been a genie. And I’ve never had to sit in lamps before either! Life is full of surprises! – I hissed.

In fact, I am the Princess of the Four Elements, with four different forms. In the world of Water elementals I am a mermaid, in the Fire elemental I am a fury, from the Earth element I inherited the heritage of a nymph, and from the Air element I inherited a sylph.

“I don’t recommend getting rid of your beard,” I grumbled more peacefully. – Tell you, in what cases do gnomes usually shave their beards?

“Yes, I know, they enlightened me,” muttered the newly minted gnome and looked at me with hope in his eyes. - Ginny, won’t you be able to break the spell completely? Yes?

Where are you, my beloved client number seven, wandering? Come into my arms, my happy one, otherwise over the past two months the interior of Mr. Miridy’s shop has become rather boring.

- And what? Can't it be fixed? – the dwarf mumbled again and wiped away a tear.

- It is forbidden! – I barked. – The magic of Three Wishes is a harsh thing and cannot be rolled back. What he formulated is yours.

I didn't deceive the gnome. I really couldn't reverse any of the spells I cast. The magic of the lamp would not allow it.

* * *

“Lirshit, Master Theord came to see me today,” I announced right away. -What's going on there? The newly minted gnome doesn't look happy.

The gnome snorted and slammed her notebook shut.

– Would you be happy if you were forced to study mineralogy, jewelry making, law and the basics of commerce at the same time? You know yourself, the brothers won’t accept anyone into the family. Once he passes his exams, we’ll have a wedding.

- It's great that you're with him. You know, I'm no longer sure that I did the right thing.

Lirshit jumped from her chair and walked over to the mirror, arms akimbo militantly.

- What would it be better if he remained a hunchbacked cripple, always hovering in the clouds? A ghost from the library, dreaming of the crown princess, whom he had only seen in portraits? No way! Everyone should have a chance. Your chance. And the lamp provided it. If he works with his brothers, learns a craft, but if he doesn’t want to get married, no one will be forced into bondage. It was still not enough to force the groom down the aisle. Yes, any clan head will take me! But I don’t want... anyone.

* * *

It's a pity that my capabilities were strictly limited to the lamp. Outside of it, I remained a universal spirit with great potential - as all the teachers said, a meager store of knowledge and an endless list of useful contacts. It was thanks to the help of friends that I was able to acquire six clients in two months and fulfill their wishes. Without finding a shadow of remorse in me, Lord Inferno cast an eye-averting spell on my lamp. According to the insidious plan of the fire lord, she was supposed to stand, unnoticed by anyone, among the summoning crystals in the shop of Mr. Miridius for a hundred years, no less.

The shop owner was furious. In half an hour, my vocabulary was replenished with very interesting phraseological structures in the ogre language. When the curses dried up, the elderly magician went out into the street and selected the most harmless and decent candidate, in his opinion. The harmless one turned out to be a demon, but Miridius clearly made a mistake with the “decent” one. Seeing me, the demon immediately tried to find out how lonely the virgin living in the lamp was and what secret desires she was ready to fulfill. Livy had to quickly contact the succubi and ask for a favor. The client was pleased with the alternative offer - three succubi instead of one jinniya - and I breathed a sigh of relief. Other customers were also not very original, so the succubi had to be taken in immediately. The magic of the lamp helped me fulfill some of my wishes, and some of them were helped by numerous friends from the Four Elements. As a result, two months later I was practically free.

Chapter 2

- Redhead, dance! – he announced right away. - Now you are a wealthy lady. I opened an account in your name at the Royal Bank.

– Why not in elemental? – I asked. – Why do I need an empty account? “What we earned through back-breaking labor has long since settled in the pockets of our assistants.

- How is it empty? It now has six hundred gold pieces. Luck is favorable to us and turned the right part of the body.

I didn’t even bother to find out which part of Luck’s body is correct, and cautiously asked:

“Ginny, you know I always lose money on betting, so I made all the bets on your behalf.” And you won’t believe it - for the first time in the last ten years I got choked up!

- Ginny, don't drift. Everything is captured. Today I’ll pick up the last client, and tomorrow we’ll rush to the Sky. And even the Lord of Inferno won’t find us there.

– Liv, when will your client show up? You know, cats have been scratching my soul since this morning. And some kind of bad feeling.

“You have a good feeling, in the sense that it always works when things smell like something is going to be fried.” Guests from the Fiery World came to Miridius. Can you guess which question?

I panicked. Of course, the possibility of a coincidence cannot be ruled out, but still...

- Listen, let me fulfill your wishes? Will you be my seventh?

In response, Livy twisted his temple.

– I’m not tired of living yet. It’s one thing to help an unfortunate maiden move her living space, and another thing to take part in deceiving the Lord of Fire.

– So now you’re not taking part?

“So I submitted the article to the Istrinskiy Vestnik in the dark, but Miridy won’t give me up.” Old scores. Don't worry, Ginny, everything will be fine.

- Yes, it’s so good there. It's already noon and I haven't had breakfast yet.

- So what's the problem? Take it and cast a spell.

-Are you kidding me? – I smiled sourly. “Even Cerberus refused to eat my magical cooking.”

- Okay, don't whine. I'll bring you something to eat. – The fruit bat shook his head, causing his dark purple hair, gathered in a high ponytail, to bounce provocatively.

– Don’t forget coffee with ginger and cloves. Sugarless.

- It's covered up. “Don’t go anywhere,” Liv chuckled and disappeared before I could throw a pillow at him.

"Do not go anywhere!" As if I could.

Lifting the “Genealogy of the Undermountain People” from the floor with magic, she pulled the tome towards her. I borrowed it from the Royal Library. We should return it before we run out.

A green oblong stone shimmered on the shelf. The Summoning Crystal actually has nothing in common with the Summoning Amulet. It is merely a means of communication with the elementals. Should I answer or not? Miridy did not ask me for anything like that, but at the same time he did not forbid me. She walked up to the shelf, touched the crystal and whispered a spell.

Dark green snake-like waves spread across the crystal, and an image of a nymph appeared in the air. I grimaced. If I knew whose crystal it was, I would think three times whether to answer or not.

- So. Didn't understand. Where is Miridium? – asked the green-haired maiden, whose body was covered in strategic places by foliage and small blue flowers.

“I have no idea,” I shrugged. “In the morning, he went out for five minutes and didn’t show up.

The elemental looked at me with interest:

- Water?

- Fiery.

– Why are the eyes like those of an aquatic?

“An illusion,” I lied.

I didn’t want to go into details of the strange pedigree at all. They immediately looked at me with respect:

- Great. Even the shine is like that of aquatic. I can not do that. Will you teach?

“The secret of the family,” I grinned.

And she didn’t lie. Even in the Fiery World, only those close to the Lord’s clan know that I am an elemental in whose veins the energy of the four elements flows.

The nymph pouted capriciously:

– Tell Miridiya that Darlene is breaking the contract and moving to Vasily’s shop. Not a single call in six months! I knew that he would push through the fiery ones. Tell me, what percentage of transactions do you pay him?

Am I crying? I? Yes, Miridy himself is ready to pay me extra, if only I would go somewhere, but he does not dare to violate the direct order of the Lord of Inferno. According to the verdict, I could leave while completing tasks, but upon completion I was obliged to return to the lamp, and the latter to the shelf in Miridiya’s shop.

- Do you hear, fiery one! I will file a complaint with the ethics commission. If it becomes known that the magician is violating the agreement, he will face a lawsuit. Yes, not a single Earth elemental will want to work with him anymore! So tell this little man!

The nymph was in earnest: her creamy skin acquired a greenish tint, her arms up to the elbows were covered with tree bark, even foliage appeared in her green hair. Such a low level of self-control, but still the same – eager to work with people.

- What are you doing in the shop alone without the owner? – the elemental asked in such a tone that it became clear: any answer would be used to continue the scandal.

“I make sure that no one touches the green crystals.” They say that the nymphs have a spring exacerbation and have begun to become covered with moss. And people are gentle creatures, and they can get scared.

The nymph only noticed that she had almost changed her personality during the conversation. She hissed and completely turned into a forest spirit. The maiden's face was distorted by a grimace of rage. And do the elves sing about these green-faced fear people in ballads?

- Do you hear, scaly...

But I didn’t intend to listen to insults. I blew a kiss to the nymph and broke contact.

The image of the forest spirit has disappeared. I wonder if all nymphs are inadequate, or if I’m the only one who gets lucky with the crazy ones? The crystal glowed again, then began to tremble. Yeah. That's how I'll answer. Let Miridy deal with you. The green pebble bounced several times on the shelf, fell on its side and rolled towards the edge. I almost gave in to temptation, but at the last moment I picked up the crystal and returned it to the shelf.

I was about to open the portal to return the book to the library, when I was distracted by the aroma of freshly brewed coffee with spices. She turned her head, but did not find the source of the smell.

- Livy, it’s so unfair! – I whined. – You know that your invisibility is too tough for me.

- Liv, stop mocking me!

“Find it by smell,” the invisible fruit bat laughed.

A bell rang above the shop door. Who did it bring? I jumped up from the cushion and almost caught the copper tray that appeared in front of my nose. The heady, slightly bitter smell of strong coffee emanated from the cezve standing in the center of the tray. Nearby lay two golden-crusted buns. The bell rang again. Let him ring. No pity. Have you come to Miridius? So let them wait.

What a great guy Livy is! I never dreamed of such a quick delivery of coffee. She grabbed the metal container with her hands and took a long sip. The scalding liquid spread down my throat. I moaned with pleasure, feeling the magic awakening in me. She ran a fiery path through her veins, causing her to fly into the air. I closed my eyes and completely surrendered to the flaring flame. How I wanted to dissolve in a fiery whirlwind, rush like a flaming comet across the sky, just fly forward without a goal, without stopping, forgetting about all the rules.

- Ginny Jai-Dize, stop it! Now you will completely intimidate the elf, and he will run away! And by the way, you really need a seventh client!

Opening her eyes, she saw Livy standing in the doorway. Where's the pointy-eared one? Yeah! Behind the shelf with water crystals. Why squatting? Hidden, or what?

- Hello! I'm Ginny, what's your name?

-Are you really a genie? – there was a timid whisper from behind the shelf.

She looked down at her hands - a crimson flame spread across the golden skin. Oh oh! How bad it turned out.

- Exactly. Don't pay attention to your eyes. A couple of minutes and I'll be back to normal.

“Ginny, remember, I brought you coffee for the first and last time,” Livy said. “I’ve seen you in your fiery form before, but still... I need to warn you.” Don’t be afraid,” he confidentially explained to the pointy-eared man, “coffee is nonsense.” You should have seen how she is flattened by alcohol. After two glasses it starts to sparkle.

– Who convinced me to drink brotherhood with a giant? – I grumbled, examining my reflection in the tray, polished to a shine.

The iris of the eyes turned from icy blue to almost black, the whites acquired a warm golden hue. My red hair stood on end, as if I had been struck by lightning. A fiery glow emanated from the slightly tanned skin.

- Shall we make wishes? – I asked, stuffing a piece of bread into my mouth.

- Ginny, where is the lamp?

I rubbed the bridge of my nose, trying to remember which shelf I made the gnome put the lamp on. And she couldn't. It was impossible to even remember where he was standing at that moment. After all, Lord Inferno hung a high-quality eye-averting charm on the lamp.

- Eh, Red, I told you, make notches. I have to look for her blindly again. And we, by the way, are running out of time.

It turns out that Livy was correct in asserting that my inner instinct never let me down. Thanks to my intuition, I have so many successful escapes from home. I seeped through the water, went underground, dissolved in the air. Just two months ago, I thought it was completely impossible to catch me or lock me up anywhere. Run. Run as fast as possible. And for this it is necessary for the blond elf to finally make his legitimate three wishes. I hope he doesn't slow down. I crawled out of the shelter - it’s already good. At the moment, the elf was helping the fruit bat rummage through the shelves, looking for a lamp.

- Found! – A joyful cry broke the silence of the shop.

- Wait! – I squeaked indignantly. - I haven’t finished eating...

Where there! As soon as the potential owner touched the lamp, I was forcefully pulled inside. I sat on the blue sand and quietly remembered the Abyss. The bun and half-drunk coffee were left outside. What kind of life is this? Neither eat normally nor fly. And then Livy is surprised that I lose control and involuntarily change hypostases.

- Rub the lamp! – I shouted in my heart.

They must have heard me, because at that very second I found myself outside before the blue eyes of the pointy-eared man. He stood and rolled his eyes, as if he was seeing me for the first time.

- Hey! Hello! – I waved my hand in front of his nose. – I am a genie, ready to fulfill any of your wishes, but the offer is limited in time. So come on, think faster.

“Liv, who did you bring?” – I howled mentally, because the elf suddenly dropped to one knee.

- Beautiful maiden, since I saw your image in the Istra Bulletin...

- Stop! – I interrupted the elf. - Quickly put the lamp in place!

What kind of bad luck is this! And you can’t summon succubi: my last horned client kidnapped loving ladies a week ago. Since then they have not been in touch.

“Liv, are you kidding me? You should have discussed your wishes with him in advance! And why does he smell like fumes?”

The krylan approached the elf, squatted down next to him and asked sympathetically:

- Evinnel, did you like Ginny?

The elf pursed his lips and nodded, clutching the lamp to his chest. Afraid that Livy will take it away by force?

- And I like her. I’ll tell you a secret, I wouldn’t mind having an affair with her myself, but she’s fiery. In addition, self-control is no good. I saw it myself - that’s the only way it breaks down. In addition, there are obvious problems with alcohol.

"What? Is it my problem? Yes, I generally try not to drink. I can’t!”

“That’s what I’m talking about...” – the fruit bat sent me a mocking thought.

I stepped aside. Since Livy thinks he can persuade the fair-haired man, let him try. I finally looked at the elf. Quite young, about thirty years old, no more. The face is oval, pretty, the facial features are delicate, a little more - and it could be mistaken for a girl. Although no, for a girl he has overly developed muscles. Judging by his clothes, he's not local. A native Istrian would never wear a long-sleeved tunic and boots in the heat.

“I’ve never met anyone like her...” the elf whispered breathily.

“Evinnel,” I said, choosing my words carefully. “Am I the first fire elemental that crossed your path?” – A timid nod in response. “Believe me, there are hundreds of people like me in the Fiery World.” And they're all red. Let me conjure up something tasty for you. Liv, why are you grinning? The lamp will help me. So, how about ice cream, cake and compote? Three tasty treats – three wishes. Believe me, you will serve me very well.

– If I were you, Evinnel, I wouldn’t eat or drink anything from her hands...