Chapter 45
-----------------------------------------------------------------
Translator: MadScientist
Chapter: 45
Chapter Title: Opening the Gate (2)
-----------------------------------------------------------------
Just before stepping out of the study, Claus glanced back at the people inside the room.
"Shouldn't we hurry up? We're leaving tomorrow morning, aren't we?"
"......You're right. Everyone, pass on the changes to the delegation to the others and double-check that preparations are in order......"
Having drawn even the White Guard Knight and the others along at his own pace, Claus strode quickly down the corridor.
I hurried after him.
"This way."
Claus pushed open the door to the open office and handed me the paper and pen from the desk.
Then he perched on the edge of the desk and began explaining the seal facility at breakneck speed—its structure, the barriers, and how to manage them.
I was so busy scribbling down the flood of information on the paper that I could barely keep up.
Most of the barriers were made with advanced kingdom-level magic, which was hard to grasp, but I jotted it all down as is.
After finishing the crash course, Claus downed a glass of water in one go.
"There are three main seals and barriers. Regression Seal, Separation Barrier, and Protection Barrier. What I just explained was only the last one, the Protection Barrier.
"The Regression Seal and Separation Barrier use Troyan Empire magic... which you should understand better than anyone."
I nodded without a word.
Facing magic from the past was thrilling, but it also filled me with dread.
"You'll get it much better once you see it in person. You've got an eye for that sort of thing."
"That's why you're sending me, right......"
Exactly, Claus clicked his tongue.
His expression, as he tilted his head and looked at me, seemed oddly complicated.
Huh?
"Having second thoughts now, Master? Even after recommending me?"
"As if."
Claus scowled fiercely.
Seeing that made me burst out laughing. His face twisted even more at the sight of my smile.
"You know better than anyone that you're the right person for this. I'll grant you Barrier Master authority, so go check it out and handle it somehow. That's all I can do for you."
"Barrier Master?"
I added "Barrier Master" to the notes on the seal facility as I wrote.
"Barrier Master Mage. You're basically the magical overseer of the facility. Just keep the seal secure—simple as that."
Claus shrugged like it was no big deal, but it didn't sound simple to me.
I swallowed a sigh, folded the paper, and tucked it into my pocket. I hoped this information would come in handy later.
"Once you leave Prion and join the Silver Moon Knights, you won't be back for a while. Time's short, but make sure you say your goodbyes properly."
Claus didn't doubt for a second that I'd succeed. It was so like him that I couldn't help but laugh.
"Got it. Thank you...... Master."
He waved me off carelessly, as if annoyed.
When I stepped out into the corridor after the lecture ended, Father and Luwen were waiting for me.
Claus muttered something about being tired and left without a proper goodbye.
Father and Luwen led me into another room nearby and began teaching me what I'd need to do as the delegation's mage.
Another crash course.
"In the delegation, the mage answers directly to the White Guard Knight, who's both captain and representative. As a Blue Guard Knight, I'm his deputy.
"Normally, the delegation's clerk will assign you tasks. But in dangerous situations, you'll follow orders from the White Guard Knight or me."
It didn't sound too hard. I nodded at Father's explanation.
Luwen picked up from beside him.
"You'll mostly handle detection, scouting, and defense spells. In combat, leave the fighting to the knights first—that's the rule."
"I can fight too, you know."
"I know, Lib. But try not to. Mages make easy targets. And since you're young, you'll look even more vulnerable."
"......Understood."
I nodded reluctantly.
But if push came to shove, I wouldn't just stand by and watch.
I listened intently as Father and Luwen crammed emergency protocols and responses into my head.
"You sure this is okay, Jayden?"
As we stepped into the corridor after the lecture, Luwen suddenly asked Father.
My head throbbed from cramming so much information at once.
The paper from Claus was packed front and back with writing—no room for another word.
"What?"
"Going with the Silver Guard Knight. I still vividly remember how badly you two fought back then......"
"Enough of that nonsense."
Father cut Luwen off sharply, but even through my headache, I didn't miss it.
"Fought? You and the Silver Guard Knight, Father?"
"Oh, it was epic......"
"Quiet, Luwen. Ancient history. It has nothing to do with now."
Sure it doesn't. Recalling Father's face when the Silver Guard Knight came up...
Father clamped his mouth shut and strode a few steps ahead.
Luwen snickered at his back but gently placed a hand on my shoulder.
"Let's talk for a bit, Lib. We might not have much time for goodbyes tomorrow morning."
Luwen glanced at Father for approval as he spoke.
Father nodded and added,
"No nonsense, Luwen."
"Wouldn't dream of it."
Luwen replied smoothly and headed toward the glass corridor overlooking the garden.
I followed him.
"So, it came to this after all."
Luwen stopped in front of the glass window where faint moonlight filtered in.
"You knew it would, didn't you?"
"As I said, Master's decisions always pan out. I didn't expect your father to suggest slotting you into the delegation, though."
"Me neither......"
Father waited at the garden entrance, not far away.
Luwen gazed steadily at his silhouette.
"Your father's an impressive man. Even our prickly Master yields to him. Whatever happens on this trip, he'll make the wise call in the end."
I agreed that Father's deliberations and decision must have been tough. He was impressive.
Last night, passing the corridor, I'd seen Mother and Father talking quietly in the living room.
Their whispered conversation was barely audible. It seemed like they were comforting each other.
I leaned against the shadowed hallway where light leaked out, too afraid of interrupting to even show myself.
It must have been really hard for them.
"If you do well in Elgrace...... you won't be back in Prion for a while."
"You'll do great."
Luwen's face in the moonlight looked somehow lonely yet pleased.
"You're Master's disciple—and mine. No one else could pull it off like you."
"Then...... it'll be a long time before we meet again. Teacher."
"Probably......"
Luwen smiled and ruffled my hair.
"Go to your father now. See you at departure tomorrow morning."
I turned to leave but suddenly stopped, seizing the moment to throw my arms around him.
"I'll never forget what you taught me."
Luwen looked down at me in surprise, then smiled genuinely, delighted.
"......Lib. Thank you."
"You too, Teacher."
After bidding Luwen farewell, I returned to Father.
The last night in Prion felt incredibly short.
Especially since the parting was so sudden.
Back at the banquet hall, I rushed straight to Wedin and Clemence.
When I told them I'd be joining the delegation as their mage and heading to Elgrace with them, they looked like they might faint from shock.
Clemence was purely thrilled but also worried.
Wedin was happy but couldn't shake his suspicion about my sudden inclusion.
I made up a vague excuse about the mage shortage.
Althur Tower was always short on mages, so I'd tagged along as a favor.
I couldn't tell them about the Silver Moon Knights.
I didn't want to worry them when the journey to Elgrace and the seal facility were unknowns.
Anyway, with hasty travel preparations, I couldn't chat long.
Next, I informed Airan and Ash.
That I'd be accompanying the delegation, so Ash would naturally leave Prion too.
Ash wasn't surprised, but Airan was quite disappointed.
I took advantage of Ash's guard being down to hug him tight and stroke his soft fur as my goodbye. He grumbled softly but let it slide once.
On the way home from the White Guard Knight's mansion.
Mother walked slowly between us, holding Father's hand on one side and mine on the other.
Her light beige dress shimmered in the moonlight, and her golden hair, braided to her waist, was still beautiful.
"Sorry about this, Priscilla."
Father kissed the back of her hand as he spoke with difficulty.
"Sorry for what?"
"Taking Lib along too."
Mother gripped my hand tighter.
"......I knew this was coming. I'm fine. I will be fine."
"I'm sorry."
"Keep apologizing and I'll cry. It's our last night—I don't want to send you off in tears."
Father started to say sorry again but closed his mouth. He gave her a bittersweet smile and kissed her hand once more.
Mother smiled through her tear-streaked face, then pulled Father and me into a hug.
Once Father and I left, Mother would stay behind.
Father would return in a few weeks, but I...... might not for years.
Knowing that, she held me tight, reluctant to let go.
I whispered softly in her ear.
"Don't worry. I'll come back safe and sound, Mother."
"Yes...... yes......"
Mother hugged me one last time, then looked up with a bright smile.
"Let's head home. Time to pack for the trip."
Back home, I busied myself with sudden travel preparations.
Not knowing where to start, I rummaged through clothes and odds and ends, stuffing five books into my bag only to get scolded.
As the night wore on frantically, I kept looking for Shuren.
I'd seen him at dinner with the other knights during the banquet, but not since Father called me away to hear about joining the delegation.
As the night deepened and my bag was finally packed decently.
Father sent me to my room, insisting I at least grab some shut-eye.
"But Father, I haven't talked to Brother yet."
"Shuren? Plenty of time tomorrow."
Father said, pushing me into bed.
I had so much to tell Shuren. Goodbyes, and asking which knight order he'd join...
Despite my worries, my exhausted body fell asleep the moment my eyes closed.
The next day.
I woke early and was checking my hastily packed bag when Shuren appeared before me.
"Lib."
In a completely unexpected, unfamiliar appearance, waving lightly as always.