Chapter 20
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Translator: MadScientist
Chapter: 20
Chapter Title: The Eve of the Festival (2)
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"I'd rather read a book. Lib, where's the one that Holy Mage Grain gave you earlier?"
Wedin grumbled as he got up from his seat.
"It should be on the desk."
The desk was neatly organized with all the gifts he'd received so far.
Wedin browsed through the items and suddenly picked up a decorative box containing a glass orb.
"What's this?"
"Oh, that's a Melgram."
The Melgram was neatly stored in its transparent case. This was after his mana had grown stronger and he could control it to some extent.
On top of that, Prion was a city surrounded by powerful defensive barriers.
From the days it was called Arton Fortress City up to now, it had never once allowed a demon incursion.
No magical beasts appeared inside or around the city either, so since arriving in Prion, the Melgram had never once darkened.
He later heard from Shuren that the Melgram was an important magical tool, one that only high-ranking knights in the order could possess.
It was issued for missions but had to be returned immediately afterward.
His father had so readily given him such a precious item.
"It looks similar to a ruby orb, but the feel is a bit different."
Wedin muttered as he set the Melgram back in its place and resumed searching for the holy magic book.
I watched Wedin happily as he rummaged through various magic books, history tomes, and storybooks, then got down from the bed and sat next to Clemence.
"You need to change the water in the vase every other day."
Clemence pointed to the vase by the window.
Vibrant yellow blossoms were scattering a sweet fragrance throughout the room.
"Didn't you say there's magic on the vase?"
"Yeah. So it's okay if you forget a little, but fresh flowers are better."
"True enough."
"If your birthday had been in spring, I would've given you libelroses. They're so pretty. The scent draws in bees and butterflies..."
"I've seen them before. The red ones with five petals, right?"
"Exactly."
Clemence beamed.
She really loved flowers. Thanks to her, even Wedin and I, who weren't all that interested, were becoming experts.
Which flowers bloomed each season, what scents they had, how to care for them... Clemence knew everything about flowers.
As long as it made Clemence happy, that was enough, so Wedin and I gladly joined in on the flower talk.
"What fun conversation are you all having?"
Mother poked her head in through the open door with a smile, carrying a tray with a water pitcher and glasses.
I stood up.
"We were talking about flowers. Clemence knows all about them."
"I heard. You even grew that Aramel flower yourself, right? Impressive."
"The garden sisters helped a lot."
Clemence's cheeks flushed at Mother's praise. Mother chuckled fondly, as if proud.
"Now, you probably don't want to think about it, but... it's about time to change into pajamas. Lib, come here."
"Yes."
I followed Mother to the next room.
She handed me a bowl of medicine. It was the one Grain had prescribed, to be taken morning and night.
I emptied it without complaint and rinsed my mouth with water. It was bitter.
"Don't stay up too late."
Mother helped me change into my pajamas.
I smiled in response.
I'd naturally fall asleep if it got too late anyway, but right now, I just wanted to stay awake as long as possible.
"Are we going to the memorial ceremony tomorrow?"
"Yes. We'll watch the opening performance, eat street food, and see the parade."
My heart pounded. It was rare to go out on the streets with Father and Mother.
As a Blue Guard Knight in charge of the knight academy's operations, everyone among the knights knew Father's face.
The moment he stepped into the street, people swarmed with greetings, making family outings difficult.
But with all the spectacles during the memorial period, even Father could move freely.
I'd made plans to hang out with friends on the last day of the festival.
Shuren's festival duties would be wrapping up around then, so he'd act as our guardian in the adults' stead.
"If you want to have fun tomorrow, you should sleep early, right?"
"Mm, I'll think about it."
Mother gave a wry smile but said nothing more.
I bid Mother goodnight and returned to the room.
Clemence and Wedin had changed into the pajamas they'd brought from home and were gathered there.
"Putting on pajamas somehow makes sleepiness come rushing in."
Clemence, sitting cross-legged on the bed, wore a long white dress. With her light silver hair, it suited her perfectly.
"If you're sleepy, go ahead and sleep first, Clemence. We won't wake you."
Wedin, sprawled out reading a book, spoke up, but Clemence shook her head firmly.
"Tonight, I'm definitely staying up all night to play. It's a night like this."
"Good luck with that."
I climbed onto the bed and hugged a pillow.
The large bed was big enough for the three of us to roll around comfortably.
The mattress was plush, the blankets soft, the pillows warm.
I chatted quietly with Clemence.
About flowers and trees, the memorial events starting tomorrow, street food vendors...
Wedin occasionally chimed in from his book, then returned to reading.
Our voices gradually grew softer and slower.
And before we knew it, all three of us had fallen asleep without anyone going first.
A girl with long reddish-brown hair tied in twin braids read from the book with practiced ease.
Warm sunlight shone in a circle on the carpet where we sat.
I sat quietly in front of her, listening as her clear voice unfolded the tales of heroes.
I used to not even be able to read letters, but now she could read so well.
"It's thanks to you, Lib."
Selena smiled brightly.
The twelve-year-old Selena not only read letters now but also helped around the house, following Madam Amara.
She especially loved tending the garden, so I often saw her there on sunny days.
For me, too weak to make other friends, Selena was my one and only friend.
I wanted to do anything she desired.
Sometimes, we snuck away from prying eyes to the rear garden.
Through quiet corridors, across the lush green garden, past the dim tree shade, and there it spread: the back garden bursting with yellow and white flowers.
A place so thick with floral scent it clogged the nose.
Selena knew every flower there and tended them lovingly. She called it her own garden.
In Selena's back garden, it felt like time itself had stopped.
Here, in this beautiful, fragrant place, any being could live happily forever...
'...Ric, Liberic!'
A intense call that tore through my mind, overwhelming all senses.
A wolf larger than my body clutched my clothes, calling to me.
I snapped my eyes wide.
Reality flooded in instantly.
This wasn't Selena's flower-filled garden or Meribel's family home.
I was in a dark, chilly place.
A relentless cold wind wrapped around my body, swirling as if passing right through me.
My body swayed violently, and the massive wolf tugged at my clothes with worried eyes.
"You..."
This huge four-legged beast had called my name, pulling me back to reality.
I knew animals couldn't speak, but I instinctively sensed that he had awakened me.
There was something familiar about him.
'It's dangerous here. Go home.'
He spoke again.
His mouth didn't move, nor did sound come from his throat.
A man's voice, devoid of emotion, flowed directly into my mind.
'You need to get out of here now.'
Impatience colored the wolf's voice as he tugged my clothes, but he didn't pull hard, mindful not to hurt me.
With his gray fur, he was so large he could swallow me whole if he wanted.
"I don't know where this is."
I straightened my huddled body against the cold wind.
Forest scent mingled with the fierce night gusts. A forest nearby? I knew we were somewhere high up.
Turning my head, I saw faint lights from buildings stretching far to the right.
'This way.'
The wolf turned and began walking.
I followed. My bare feet hurt from stepping on stones and dirt.
As my eyes adjusted to the dark, I realized we were atop a massive white stone structure.
"The ramparts...?"
Then came the ear-piercing blast of a sharp trumpet.
"Ugh!"
I groaned, clamping my ears and collapsing to my knees.
The sound came from very close, deafeningly loud—a sharp alarm to rouse the entire midnight city.
At the same moment, glowing orbs lit up everywhere.
Darkness receded swiftly, illuminating the surroundings. The outline of where I stood came into sharp focus.
Atop the white ramparts encircling Prion.
I was walking the ramparts in pajamas, barefoot.
How...
My mind went blank.
I had no memory of leaving home and coming here. The situation itself felt like a dream.
'Liberic, you have to run.'
The wolf urged anxiously.
'They're coming...'
Thwack!
In that instant, something long and black shot from behind, slamming into the wolf's torso.
The wolf flew into the darkness.
Shock left my legs limp, and I sank to the spot.
"Hello, little one."
A woman's whispering voice came from right behind me.
In the thick darkness untouched by the light orbs, something huge and black writhed.
I had to run.
I desperately moved my unresponsive legs.
Gripping the ramparts, I pulled myself up and ran. My breath came in gasps almost immediately.
Selena had lured me here.
That dream had led me... once again to the demons.
Tears welled from pain and despair, but I couldn't stop.
I spotted knights in uniforms gathering below the ramparts.
Among the murmuring crowd, I saw Father and Shuren.
They looked like they'd rushed out without proper uniforms, but seeing Father made my eyes burn.
"Ah...!"
Then the ground tilted, and my body floated into the air.
A thick black tendril wrapped around my waist, choking the breath from me. I tried to pry it off, but my strength couldn't even scratch it.
"Lib!"
Helplessly caught, I heard Father calling from afar.
A cold white hand clamped over my mouth, silencing me.
A woman with a deathly pale face whispered in my ear.
"Say your goodbyes. You won't be coming back."
The next moment, I plummeted into the darkness.
