Chapter 226: To the Magic Tower (3) |
* * *
The next day, Lucion lay on his back, licking his lips and gazing at his fingers with intensity.
‘I’ve informed Kran about the current situation; he’s likely heading east by now.’
He folded one finger down.
‘I also mentioned to Delos that he might receive a message from the Emperor soon and could be joining Kran in the east. I advised him to rest up in the meantime.’
Delos had not accompanied them.
While it would have been simpler if they had gone together, dealing with mages was a different challenge altogether.
Keeping them quiet was hard, especially given the current circumstances.
It was the warlocks who had caused Neubra’s downfall, making it precarious to involve them now, just after Neubra had been barely saved.
Lucion folded another finger.
‘Heroan is investigating Nevast, and the organization’s light-imbued item is set to arrive in two days. The weapons should be here in three days.’
He smirked, folding his fingers again, contemplating his new weapons and armor.
‘The Myronist Kingdom is likely busy purging those who collaborated with Neubra, with support from the Empire. Once that purging is done, they plan to check if there are still people being sacrificed for black magic…’
With his fourth finger down, Lucion frowned as Ratta leaped over him playfully, giggling.
‘Now only three orbs remain.’
Knowing one orb was with Broson, there were two left.
―Look at Ratta. I jumped so well, didn’t I?
Lucion nodded, pondering.
‘Hume mentioned there’s one in the east, right? Initially, I thought it was near the Sea of Death, but that doesn’t seem to be the case… It must be in the Magic Tower.’
It had to be.
A smile played on Lucion’s lips.
[Lucion, you really don’t know how to rest, do you?]
Russell suddenly appeared from the wall, fixing his gaze on Lucion.
After all the trouble he went through to give him some space.
“No, I’m resting right now,” Lucion replied.
[Just because you’re in bed doesn’t mean you’re resting.]
“A bed is primarily for rest.”
[Don’t you understand how to truly rest?]
Lucion’s eyes widened at Russell’s repeated question and pointed to the bed.
[You need to let everything go, stop thinking, and enjoy whatever it is you’ve always wanted to do. That’s what rest means.]
“What I’ve always wanted to do?” Lucion pondered, suddenly missing the smartphone he had been fiddling with just before going to sleep, which he couldn’t request here.
‘What did I like again?’
Lucion’s eyes blinked as he struggled to recall.
[Do you not have anything you want to do?]
Russell’s eyes widened as he posed the question.
Reflecting on it, had Lucion ever expressed what he wanted, aside from getting involved in incidents?
He liked macarons.
He enjoyed looking at the sky.
And he occasionally reads books.
‘Aside from that, I don’t really want anything else, do I?’
[Lucion you…]
“I don’t feel like going for a walk. It’s too hot.”
Personally, he wanted to visit Zamad.
He never got tired of listening to the sound of his hammering, no matter how many times he heard it.
But he didn’t have the courage to sit in front of that hot lava.
And he didn’t want to wear a mask either.
‘But maybe with Zamad, it would be okay to take off my mask.’
Lucion blinked, feeling that Zamad would treat him as if it were nothing.
After all, Zamad hadn’t batted an eye even knowing he was a warlock.
—Ratta wants to go for a walk.
Ratta paused mid-run and puffed out her cheeks.
“Where would you like to go, Ratta?”
—Where Lucion goes! I love following Lucion anywhere!
“Shall we pick up some books and visit Father then?” Lucion suggested.
—Yes, yes! It’s great when Hume reads books, but I also love it when Lucion reads! Novio brings so many delicious treats too!
Ratta jumped around excitedly, then grabbed her ball.
Squeak!
[Should I tell Hume?]
“No, I’ll go choose myself. Also, we plan to dine at the night market later. It’s been a while since we last went.”
—Ooooh! Ratta loves that too! Ratta loves the market!
Ratta exclaimed joyfully, dashing towards Lucion with her ball.
As Lucion tousled Ratta’s fur, he playfully poked her plump belly.
‘Everyone spoils Ratta too much; it’s a problem.’
Chuckling softly, he enjoyed the moment.
Stroke. Stroke.
* * *
“Father.”
Upon entering, Carson halted as Novio gestured for silence, indicating Lucion was deeply asleep.
Shh… Shh…
Beside him, Ratta lay curled up, her paws tucked under, drifting off to sleep.
Books were stacked high next to Lucion’s head, and in his hand lay a book with an intriguing title: “Why is There a Reason to Eat Macarons?”
‘Why is he reading this?’ Carson stifled a laugh, eyeing the colorful macarons and snacks nearby, finding the book quite fitting for Lucion.
“What brings you here?” Novio softly inquired as he gently stroked Lucion’s hair, prompting Carson to lower his voice in response.
“How long has he been here?” Carson asked.
“He’s been here for a while. Quite bold, I must say,” Novio replied, brushing aside strands of hair that tickled Lucion’s face.
Despite showing an ugly side of himself the previous day, Lucion appeared as if nothing had happened.
He lounged comfortably on the couch with a book and a bag of snacks, reading to Ratta and playing with her while lying down.
Witnessing this scene made it hard for Novio to focus on his documents, although he believed that days like this were necessary at times.
“I’ll take him to his room,” Carson offered, moving to touch the blanket covering Lucion, but Novio shook his head.
“No, I’ll take him. Don’t worry. So, what do you need to report to me?” Novio asked.
“The scouting party has returned.”
Currently, there was a tense standoff between Nevast and Neubra.
Though a minor conflict, it was crucial to assess the situation in neighboring countries.
“Did they survive?” Novio inquired.
“Yes, they did,” Carson confirmed. “They reported witnessing strange phenomena.”
“Strange phenomena?” Novio echoed.
“They described seeing trees and buildings vanish and reappear,” Carson explained.
“Vanishing and reappearing?” Novio’s voice rose unexpectedly before he composed himself.
“Yes. But what’s even stranger is that after the words ‘don’t look’ appeared on the ground, everything disappeared.”
“…”
Carson continued, noting Novio’s tense expression, “There were no signs of drugs, and medical examinations showed no signs of mental disturbance, only shock.”
“Magic?” Novio questioned.
“No, everyone is certain it wasn’t magic,” Carson replied.
“What kind of phenomenon is this?” Novio pondered, stroking his chin.
It was a phenomenon he had never heard of before.
“I will send out another scouting party,” Carson proposed, but Novio hesitated.
He deemed this matter highly significant.
“Not long ago, the Sea of Death crossed through the boundary, and now these abnormalities. Do you believe these events are unrelated?”
“Father, you mentioned that signs of events often coincide,” Carson reminded.
“Let’s wait. If this is the work of someone, they’ll be cautious given the current circumstances,” Novio decided.
“Don’t worry, we’ve kept everything under wraps.”
“Good job, Carson.”
“Father.”
Carson hesitated before speaking, his gaze drifting toward Lucion.
“I understand, Carson. I can see how much this is weighing on you.”
“May I… go?”
The atmosphere in the Kingdom of Neubra was unsettling.
Perhaps due to the anti-monarchist faction gaining strength, the movements of the soldiers messing with the walls of the Frontier were significantly larger in comparison.
He had sworn to dedicate everything to the Frontier.
But leaving during such a time wasn’t that a betrayal of that oath?
“Send my regards to Shaela,” Novio said as he stood and gently grasped Carson’s tense shoulder.
“Go get some fresh air. The Frontier won’t collapse if you take a break. Plus, I’m here, so don’t worry.”
“Thank you, Father,” Carson replied with a strained smile.
“Carson,” Novio called out, observing Carson’s emotional turmoil.
“Yes, Father?” Carson responded.
“You need to let it go as well,” Novio advised.
“But…” Carson began.
“It is not your fault. I have told you many times, it is not your fault,” Novio reiterated.
“I fled. Whenever I saw Lucion, I ran away, fearing I would lose my mind,” Carson confessed.
Carson crumpled the hem of his clothes. The wrinkles resembled his distorted face.
“Did he get enough sleep? Has he eaten? I was unable to even ask about his feelings for the day.”
Novio found himself speechless, realizing the depth of Carson’s guilt.
“Lucion assured me he was fine, to forget everything,” Carson continued bitterly. “But how can I possibly forget?”
“I apologize. I acted hastily. It was my mistake,” Novio admitted.
“Father, I may always be a fugitive in Lucion’s eyes,” Carson said, bitterly smiling through his distorted expression.
* * *
Five days later.
“Have you forgotten anything?” Novio asked as Lucion was about to get into the carriage.
—Ratta will go up first.
Ratta waited in front of Hume and scurried up as soon as he opened the carriage door.
“I just need to take care of myself. You know that,” Lucion chuckled, glancing at Carson who followed closely behind, their packing minimal.
“Anthony checked everything thoroughly. Don’t worry,” Carson reassured Lucion.
At Carson’s praise, Anthony slightly bowed his head and looked at Lucion.
“I’m just worried about the youngest lord.”
Novio, trusting Carson, asked Anthony, “Anthony, why are you so concerned when Carson is going along?”
“In my old age, my lord, I’ve grown overly cautious. I hope you can understand,” Anthony replied with a light laugh.
“Why would I not understand your feelings?” Novio laughed, appreciating Anthony’s care for Lucion.
Novio knew Anthony saw Lucion as a grandson, filling in gaps Novio couldn’t.
“Father, I—” Carson began, but Novio cut him off, saying, “That’s enough. You don’t have to say anything, Carson. I trust you.”
“Yes, Father.”
Carson saluted Novio as a knight would.
Watching the exchange, Lucion smiled warmly.
“Well then, I’ll be off,” he said.
“Have a safe trip, Lucion.”
Novio smiled widely at Lucion, but it seemed like something was still lacking as he subtly
glanced around.
Anthony turned his head slightly and gave a faint smile.
At that moment, Lucion stepped forward to Novio, who quickly opened his arms wide.
“Now that my brother is coming along, you can relax, right?”
“I would have been relieved even if Carson hadn’t followed.”
Lucion grinned cheerfully as he stepped back.
“I will come back,” Lucion promised.
“Do take care,” Novio replied.
Only after hearing Novio’s response did Lucion climb into the carriage.
[But Lucion.]
Once the door was closed, Russell spoke up, a slight wrinkle forming on his forehead.
[It’s unavoidable that Carson is going with you, but won’t it be tough for you?]
“I’m thinking about that all the time. I can’t do anything about my brother following me.”
[The best scenario would be for Lord Lucion to inspect the tower and then launch the raid. If that happens, Lord Lucion will be able to participate in the battle naturally as Hamel.]
Lucion nodded to Bethel’s words.
“I think so too. That would be ideal, but…”
“I’ll support you as much as I can,” Hume offered, noticing Lucion’s anxiety.
“Alright, Hume.”
“But, young master…”
“What is it?”
Hume glanced out the window and then clasped his index and middle fingers together.
“Can I say something? I believe they will understand you.”
He was confident that Novio, Carson, and Shaela would all unconditionally understand Lucion.
They cared for him deeply.
Bethel took a deep breath in a hurry.
Having merged with Lucion, she knew how conflicted he was as Lucion and as Hamel.
She wanted to stop Hume right away.
Yet, she bit her lip and remained silent.
“Do you think so? …Hmm. Maybe you’re right,” Lucion responded, his eyes looking empty as he addressed Hume. “But Hume, I’m afraid.”
As Lucion’s calm voice reached Hume, he realized he had made a mistake.
How could he not know what he felt? Hume should have recognized that Lucion was aware, yet he couldn’t do it.
“I’ve tried so many times… but my voice never reached them. If I can’t reach them this time, I don’t think I can get up like before. That’s why.”
Lucion hesitated, nervously licking his lips and fiddling with his hands.
In the past, he had felt a mix of love and resentment toward his family, but now it was different.
He understood just how much they loved him, and if they were to scatter because of him again, he might not be able to endure it this time.
“I… I apologize, young master. I overstepped.”
“It’s alright. This is a matter separate from affection, and it’s natural for you to be curious about something you can’t fully understand.”
Lucion chuckled softly.
Although he had opened up a part of himself, there were still aspects he kept from Hume.
The red thread connecting him to Heint and Carson.
As long as that red thread remained unbroken, he was at risk of dying in some way as a warlock, just like in his previous world.
“It’s… complicated.”
Hume frowned.
“Indeed, it is. It’s tough when things don’t align with our desires. Emotions can be incredibly challenging.”
Lucion waved at Novio, who was visible through the window.
He felt a sudden relief that Novio was no longer bound by those threads.
As Carson boarded and the carriage set in motion, they headed toward the Magic Tower.