Chapter 53
Chapter 53
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Translator: penny
Chapter: 53
Chapter Title: Seaside Getaway
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Seeing him like this, Darsi's magic power—or perhaps his combat prowess—must be considerable.
The more time I spent with him, the more I realized just how remarkable a person Darsi was.
It was a relief that I could save someone like him.
"I had a ring made just like mine."
Darsi pulled out a ring embedded with a magic crystal in the center.
"Hand."
At his word, I unconsciously extended my hand.
Darsi touched my finger with a gentle smile.
The ring that slid onto my right ring finger fit perfectly, as if it had been custom-made.
"It fits well."
I nodded at his words and twisted the ring on my finger this way and that.
It was a simple silver ring with just the magic crystal, but that made it all the better.
The design struck a perfect balance between extravagance and restraint, walking a delicate line.
What made me even happier was the fact that Darsi had the exact same ring on his right ring finger.
Anyone would think they were couple rings.
'It's just a tool for teleportation, though.'
The fact that he'd put it on my fourth finger played a part too. If it had been on my left hand, I might have entertained even wilder thoughts.
Darsi added casually,
"By the way, it also has an effect that blurs our presence."
An essential feature for a vacation where we wouldn't draw attention.
Just because we were far from the Empire didn't mean rumors wouldn't spread.
Even if the Empire and neighboring countries maintained good relations, everyone perked up at new gossip.
There was that saying about a legless horse traveling a thousand miles. Rumors about Darsi would be no different.
'It's not for this occasion specifically—it's a feature it had from the start.'
The imperial family wouldn't let him go easily, even if he tried to escape.
It was a testament to the meticulous planning of someone who'd long considered fleeing. I stroked the cool ring and expressed my gratitude once more.
"Thank you."
I wasn't talking about just the ring.
It was because I could feel what he had given up for my sake.
Darsi narrowed his eyes.
"I have no regrets about my choice, Marso."
His voice was soft, having understood my meaning.
"Are you all prepared?"
"Of course."
When I answered briskly, Darsi nodded and pointed to the seat beside him.
Darsi, who I'd thought wouldn't bring anything, had surprisingly come with a box-shaped bag.
"What's that you're carrying?"
He pressed a finger to his lips and shushed me.
"I'll tell you when we get there."
"You're such a tease."
I laughed and scolded him.
With the hat he'd worn for today, he had a real magician vibe. It must be his secret weapon to show off on the trip.
I shrugged as if to say I understood, and Darsi pointed to the spot beside him again.
I circled the room once, checking that the windows and door were securely locked.
I'd said I wanted to be alone all day, so they were supposed to stay locked, but you never know. Better safe than sorry.
A moment later, I scurried over to Darsi's side.
We stood on the magic circle he'd drawn. There was one in the marquis's estate, but it wasn't a big hurdle for Darsi, who was proficient in teleportation magic circles.
The piled magic crystals on the circle and the ones in our rings sparkled brilliantly. They reflected the light like sunlight scattered across the sea, beautiful beyond words.
A moment later, we arrived in a completely new place.
"We're here..."
The salty sea air stung my nose. Crashing waves and sparkling spray under the sunlight—it felt like we were frolicking in a dream.
I'd spent a year holed up in the capital to acclimate to noble society, so it had been ages since I'd seen the ocean.
Upon reaching the beach, I sank my fingers into the sand, overcome with emotion. The sand slipping from my hand was warm with sunlight.
Its crunchy yet soft texture was delightful.
Hidden among the handful of sand I grabbed, tiny shells and pebbles came into view.
"Sit."
Lost in the sand, I only stood up after hearing Darsi's words.
He'd already laid out a mat perfect for sitting on the beach.
I naturally sat down beside him.
"Not going for a swim?"
"I prefer watching."
With that build, you'd think he'd enjoy all sorts of leisure activities.
"Anyway, about what I mentioned earlier."
He pulled something out of his bag.
I'd guessed it was a magic tool from the moment he took it out, but...
"I recorded mostly your favorite pieces."
The magic tool he held out looked like a mini phonograph. Smaller than usual, but with an oversized horn for sound output—probably for better quality.
In place of the record platter was a thin magic crystal disc.
He set the phonograph between us and started it playing. A familiar nocturne flowed out. The waves crashing against the shore harmonized perfectly with the music.
"It's just like in the books."
Darsi gazed out at the endless sea stretching into the distance.
"I wanted to come here."
The open sea and empty space brought a sense of liberation.
It must have been perfect for Darsi, who was sick of people.
Anxiety crept up on me.
What if he liked this place too much? What if he wanted to stay?
"Do you like it?"
I asked tentatively. Darsi looked at me and chuckled. It was such a pretty smile that all my tension melted away.
"Because you're here with me."
My face heated up like I'd been sunbathing all day, and there was nothing I could do about it.
The sunlight beating down on the beach was just right. We immersed ourselves in music and contemplation, savoring a leisurely time.
There were still mountains of unresolved issues, but on a day this pleasant, even that didn't matter.
Hoping to capture the mood, I poured all my effort into taking photos.
Before long, it was lunchtime.
"We've come to another country—we have to try the food."
"We don't have any money."
"You don't need to pay."
Escorted naturally by Darsi, we left the beach.
As we moved away from the beach—which had been empty as if by magic—the surroundings grew lively and bustling again.
Of course, no one paid us any mind. We were just passersby.
Blending into the crowd like this felt like returning to the modern world.
The buildings here resembled those in the Empire but had entirely different architectural styles lining the streets. I snapped photos eagerly while sightseeing.
Darsi gently took my wrist. Surprised by the sudden touch, I blinked, and he explained softly.
"In case we get separated."
The crowd was pretty thick. I nodded.
"Where should we eat?"
"I prepared... no, this place looks good."
Darsi, who had started confidently, suddenly clamped his mouth shut and pointed to a restaurant. Anyone would think he'd scouted it beforehand.
"Sure, let's go."
As I agreed readily, I realized people were starting to make way.
Stepping back with them, I saw a prison cart with dense bars, crammed full of people being hauled off somewhere.
"...What's that?"
"Slaves common in these parts. Looks like a fresh batch."
Darsi's voice lowered, his mood soured.
'The Empire and here both have slaves, huh.'
It wasn't unusual for nobles to buy slaves. Of course, from my modern perspective, it was insane.
Buying and selling people.
But I knew the people here saw it as normal.
Still, I hoped Darsi wasn't the type to accept it as such.
"I could never approve of exploiting people."
He muttered like a whisper. Knowing he thought similarly eased my mind.
Watching them, Darsi pondered deeply, stroking his chin.
"If I became emperor, I could change all the things that have always bothered me..."
I imagined Darsi on the throne.
A bit rude and willful at times, but ruling the Empire with a rather modern outlook based on his experiences.
'It suits him better than I thought.'
He was more fit for the position than Ryan.
Snapping out of his thoughts, Darsi shook his head. He smiled brightly at me.
"Must be the change of scenery making me delirious for a moment. I have zero intention of becoming emperor."
Did he realize explaining it to me like an excuse made it even stranger?
"Shall we go eat now?"
As he gripped my hand tighter to urge me on, the eyes of a boy being dragged away met Darsi's gaze.
The boy's face, defiant as he glared venomously at the people, trembled at the corners.
Darsi furrowed his brow again.
"That kid..."
"Huh? What's wrong?"
We're on an island nation far from the Empire. No one here should know Darsi.
"Why is he here?"
...He knew him.
Realizing Darsi had spotted him, the boy gripped the bars tightly and banged on them furiously.
The noise didn't carry well amid the clamor, but his flushed face screaming his lungs out said it all.
'But we're wearing the rings.'
I checked my finger, wondering if the ring had come off, but it was firmly in place.
It didn't make sense. Had our magic worn off? But Darsi's magic couldn't fail...
My trust in Darsi's abilities was absolute.
"Don't worry, it's not the rings' fault. It's just that kid's ability."
Seeing my anxious blinking, Darsi reassured me. Ability. The moment I heard that, I understood.
"He's a mage too, isn't he?"
At my words, Darsi let out a long sigh and replied.
"Yeah, I don't know why a kid who should be at the mages' sanctuary is here, but..."
Pressing his temple with one hand, he didn't look good.
There must be a reason he ventured out into this dangerous world.
And that reason was surely connected to Darsi.