The Weight of Time
We returned to Medrup's research lab and decided to rest first. There were many things we needed to discuss with each other, and tasks that still lay ahead.
“Once again, thank you for your help. If Granbipra hadn't assisted us, things could have turned disastrous.”
“Not at all. This much is only natural.”
While Rowell and Aegina spoke with Kainaknus and Elena, Granbipra and I slipped outside separately, thanks to Medrup's consideration, away from the eyes of Rowell and the other companions. There was no need to hide Granbipra's existence from them, but if we began talking, we might end up discussing Hyler or the high-ranking Assassins' Guild, so it was better to let the matter pass quietly.
“By the way, are you certain you don't need to use a portal or teleportation circle? The distance from here to the forest is considerable.”
“It's fine. The forest is protected by my clones anyway, and taking the long way back while seeing the world after so long wouldn't be so bad.”
Indeed, recalling the light-snake form of movement we had witnessed during our escape from El Nergavil, the journey wouldn't take long at all.
“Besides, this time I can fly at full power.”
Ah, right. That hadn't been his maximum speed.
“…With this, the debt is settled, isn't it?”
I asked with extreme caution. Of course, I hoped he would say no—an utterly selfish, deceptive question—but even if he agreed, it wouldn't be strange or heartless. He had saved both Kainaknus's life and mine, and pulled us from Urshis's grasp.
Compared to what I had done for him, even though the original contract had gone unfulfilled, I had already received far more than enough in return.
“If Hirde is truly dead, then perhaps I could say that.”
She was probably dead. We had seen no trace of anyone presumed to be Hirde in Minasid. Just like Togas, she had likely been devoured by the clones.
“But don't worry. I'm not so heartless as to cut off even goodwill once the accounts are settled.”
Was it my imagination? For a moment, his voice seemed to carry a strange, unidentifiable trace of hostility.
“If you ever need my power again, come find me anytime. I can't promise to help with everything, but if it's within my ability, I'll lend my strength. And the next time we meet, I'd like to see Erill and Lady Ropena as well.”
For a brief instant, Granbipra's words made me consider slipping away to Denatel's library, but I quickly dismissed the thought. This entire area belonged to Medrup. While our conversation wouldn't be overheard directly, any unnatural spatial movement or sudden disappearance would be noticed immediately.
“Yes. I'll do that.”
Granbipra's body gradually became enveloped in light, and the luminous serpent reappeared. I took a step back—not because of any shockwave, but to properly witness the radiant form illuminating the night. Just as he prepared to ascend, Granbipra suddenly turned his head toward me.
“…As you already know, don't make her wait too long. A long lifespan doesn't lessen the weight of time. The more precious something is, the faster it leaves one's side, and the pain that follows belongs solely to those left behind.”
The emotions in his eyes and voice were unfathomably deep—hardened sorrow, longing, and a hazy anger that had lost its purpose and faded even its light.
“……”
I could give no reply. I knew exactly what he meant. It was about Rofena. Yes. Even if her lifespan was long, the time she could spend with me was not guaranteed to be equally long. His words were right. And the emotions filling his eyes and voice carried a force that allowed no argument.
I had heard his story, and I understood.
Then I took another step back.
It wasn't merely retreating physically—it meant turning my gaze away from my own thoughts. Amid the chaotic swirl of emotions rising and mixing endlessly in my mind, that was all I could do.
“Then let us meet again next time.”
Granbipra regarded me quietly for a moment before offering that farewell and soaring into the sky. I stood there for a long while, watching him vanish into the distant night and the empty sky he left behind.
“…That was unnecessary meddling.”
Long after he was gone, in the silence where no one could hear, I muttered those words. It was nothing more than a trivial complaint, carrying no conclusion or judgment, yet it was the most honest feeling I possessed in that moment.
“I know that much myself. Yes… I know.”
Leaving my own weakly spoken voice behind, I turned away. Instead of heading toward the reception room where my companions and Kainaknus waited, I walked toward my bedroom.
It was still too early for sleep, but returning in my current state would make managing my expression impossible. I needed a moment to sort my thoughts—not to reach some resolution, but simply to convince myself.
“Ah, you've returned, Anak.”
After collecting myself enough to return to the reception room, Elena and Kainaknus greeted me.
‘Lord Brontes Somor has already left, I see?’
She asked with only lip movements, in a direction visible solely to me so Rowell wouldn't overhear. Brontes Somor. Indeed, she had referred to Granbipra by that name last time. I hadn't specifically asked her to hide his existence, but it seemed Medrup had already spoken to her.
“Yes. How is Lord Neiku?”
Neiku's figure had been absent since our return. To recover his body and soul, weakened by the forced fusion with demons and Urshis's influence, he was resting within a magic circle. According to Sarah, Medrup's assistant, even so, complete recovery appeared impossible.
“He is still undergoing treatment. The mage says he will need to sleep for about three more days.”
Three days even inside Medrup's healing magic circle—and that was merely the beginning of recovery, not the end. I could well imagine how severely weakened Neiku must be.
“…I see.”
I bowed to Kainaknus and Elena before walking over to Rowell and Medrup. We had already discussed our future plans in broad terms during the previous meal, yet Rowell and Aegina still questioned the idea of returning to the Ayman Kingdom as things stood.
“But Medrup, wouldn't it be better for us to return after everything is finished? I do want to see my parents and brother, but if we head to the Ayman Kingdom while matters remain unresolved, other nations aware of the situation might raise unnecessary concerns.”
Yes. Aegina was right. To prevent unnecessary anxiety, the surface appearance would be that the situation had been resolved, but certain parties still needed to know the truth. Only then could they respond efficiently to potential attacks by the Dark Temple or the appearance of Ryban's clones.
However, if the hero and his companions departed for the Ayman Kingdom before everything was settled, it would inevitably give the impression that they prioritized the Ayman Kingdom's safety, possibly heightening anxiety unintentionally.
Medrup wouldn't be unaware of that point. Of course, it could be interpreted as simple concern for Rowell or Aegina, but that didn't feel like Medrup at all.
“That is precisely the point that is needed.”
At Medrup's words, Aegina and Rowell tilted their heads. I felt the same. That point was needed? Needed for what?
To lend credibility to the idea that the situation was over by having the hero and companions act as though nothing had happened? Or to signal to other kingdoms that the hero prioritized the Ayman Kingdom?
“What do you mean, Medrup?”
In response to my question, Medrup merely smiled.
“As I said, rather than hearing it from me, you'll understand once you go there yourselves. Besides, I cannot tell you. The King and the Regent of the Ayman Kingdom specifically asked me not to speak of this to you.”
“Father and Brother?”
Aegina looked visibly shaken by the revelation that her father and brother had kept something from her.
Well, since Medrup had accepted the request, it probably wasn't a harmful secret. Yet the fact that he was essentially breaking the promise—even indirectly—made it clear the matter was important.
“That's right. Strictly speaking, this is also a breach of promise, but fortunately I never discussed the details, nor was anything committed to writing.”
He spoke playfully, but we had learned during our past journey that whenever Medrup resorted to such sophistry, it was time to listen carefully.
“Understood, Medrup. I'll hear the details from the King.”
“Good. Then this old man will go rest a bit. After using my power for the first time in a while, I'm quite tired.”
It was a lie. Far from looking tired, his eyes sparkled. Most likely, the moment he returned to his room, he would begin meticulously planning the lake and the surrounding geography. And once those plans were complete, he would probably head straight back to Minasid to put them into action.
“Um, Medrup.”
“Hm? What is it?”
“Ah, nothing.”
I couldn't bring myself to say anything to Medrup with that sparkle in his eyes. After all, what did it matter whether a lake or a castle appeared there? Minasid belonged to no one now, and Medrup would surely find the most suitable approach for the place.
Judging by their expressions, Rowell and Aegina shared my thoughts.
“I see. Then we'll go rest as well.”
“Right. Tomorrow I'll personally send you near the Ayman Kingdom's border, so sleeping in a little late is fine. Ah, and—”
Medrup, who had already taken a few steps, suddenly turned back as if remembering something.
“John and Sarah will prepare breakfast tomorrow morning, so don't feel burdened.”
That look in his eyes. It was clearly directed at Aegina.
“Oh my, Sister Sarah? Then I'll help—”
“No!”
“No!”
“No!”
Medrup, Rowell, and I all shouted at once. Just as Aegina's expression began to harden, Medrup smoothly and swiftly resumed walking.
“What I meant was that John will help, so don't butt in tactlessly.”
Rowell and I could only stand there dumbfounded as Medrup departed without a backward glance. Yeah, who could we blame? Medrup had even prepared an excuse in advance, so it was our fault for interfering.
“Understood. Rowell, Anak. We can't disturb Sister Sarah and John.”
Her tone was gentle, but I felt no relief whatsoever.
“But when we return to the royal palace, you'll have to join in developing new menus in place of Brother and Father. Got it?”
New menus! Don't tell me there were still untried combinations left?
“Especially for Anak—I'll be requesting material supply from the very beginning.”
She wanted me to summon ingredients?