Chapter 46
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Translator: MadScientist
Chapter: 46
Chapter Title: Opening the Gate (3)
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He wore a crisp white knight's uniform emblazoned with a white flower crest on the shoulder.
In one hand, he held a sword; in the other, a hefty travel bag.
I was so shocked that I just stood there, speechless, staring at him.
Shuren saw my face and chuckled, then led me into a quiet hallway.
"Bro, how in the world...? That uniform..."
The white knight's attire was the uniform of the White Guard Knights. They were stationed in Prion, handling security, patrols, and defense duties.
Did Shuren apply to the White Guard?
And that's how he ended up joining this delegation? Is that why he was nowhere to be seen all last night—preparing for this?
As countless thoughts swirled chaotically in my mind, Shuren flashed a meaningful smile and showed me Prius's emblem.
An emblem engraved with the white flower crest.
"This is the White Guard's crest."
I knew that much.
It was the same crest embroidered on the White Guard Knights' uniforms, the central hall of the White Guard headquarters, and the capes of knights patrolling Prion everywhere.
"And this is..."
Shuren flipped the White Guard crest over.
There, in the center, was a pentagonal shape surrounded by a thorny tree crest.
The back was silver, framed with the same border as the White Guard crest on the front.
I'd seen this crest before.
"...The Silver Moon Knights' crest."
It was the exact same one I'd first seen on the Silver Guard Knight's uniform.
As I said it, Shuren grinned.
But I couldn't smile.
Shuren in the Silver Moon Knights? Wasn't that too dangerous? They said it was riskier than any other knight order, with tons of casualties.
"They told me I was the perfect last applicant. My graduation scores and knight training results were flawless, so I basically passed on the spot."
"Why?"
I asked, my face stiff with confusion.
Only one thought filled my head.
"Because of me? Because I decided to join the Silver Moon Knights?"
"You..."
Shuren looked at my face and changed his expression. He leaned down, grabbing my cheeks with both hands.
The playfulness was gone, replaced by a hint of anger.
"Don't get the wrong idea, Liberic. This is my decision. Just like yours to join the Silver Moon Knights. I told you before—I want to go where my strength can make the biggest difference."
"Is that... really all?"
I couldn't believe Shuren's words. My voice had already grown hoarse.
"What? Look at this guy."
Shuren bristled and yanked my cheeks mercilessly with the hands still gripping my face.
It hurt so bad I let out a string of "ow, ow, ow"s. I clutched my cheeks and retreated backward.
Shuren's face relaxed as he smirked.
"That's all there is to it. It's the decision I made after thinking long and hard. Sure, along the way, having you around means I can look out for my little bro a bit. You're just lucky this worked out—be grateful."
I looked up at Shuren.
My cheeks were red and stinging, and tears were leaking out a little.
"...Yeah. Thanks."
"Come on. We've got a mountain of prep to do."
Shuren snickered as he stood. I wiped my tears and followed.
I still couldn't believe this was Shuren's choice alone...
I rubbed my cheek and glanced up at his back.
Better not ask again, or my arms or back might be next.
I just had to be incredibly grateful that I'd be going to the Silver Moon Knights with Shuren.
That thought made my heart feel surprisingly solid.
The joy and relief washed away last night's anxiety and worries completely.
We all headed together to the east gate, the assembly point for the delegation.
The square in front of the east gate was packed with people there to see the delegation off.
The square buzzed with lively chatter.
The delegation members were busy exchanging goodbyes with their well-wishers.
Whedin's parents, siblings, and family kept patting his back, telling him to come back safe. Clemence was hugging each of her friends from regular school one by one.
I got plenty of send-offs too.
My knight school teachers and friends had heard the news and come out. Even seeing me with my travel bag slung over my shoulder, they looked like they couldn't believe it.
I'll probably never forget those shocked faces.
"Take this."
Klaus appeared out of nowhere, looking disheveled, and thrust something at me without a greeting.
A rectangular object about the size of a fist.
It looked like a toy at first, but up close, it was a finely engraved magic tool.
"What's this?"
"Althur's Library."
Klaus channeled mana into the tool and tossed it casually into empty space.
Thud.
The engravings on the magic tool flashed, and four massive bookshelves materialized.
Connected together, the shelves towered over my height, each of the seven tiers packed with all sorts of books.
People nearby gasped and backed away from the sudden giant shelves.
Klaus ignored them completely, and with my eyes glued to the magical library, no sounds reached my ears.
"My master made it. It's ancient. To shrink it back, just pour in some mana."
Good lord, what is this?
I gasped, clamping a hand over my mouth.
How was it made? What's the principle? How can something this huge shrink down like that?
Klaus's words barely registered amid my awe at this unimaginable magic tool.
"It's insanely expensive and rare, so don't you dare break it."
"C-Can I disassemble it, Master?"
"No!"
Klaus's shout snapped me back to reality.
He scowled and shrank Althur's Library back down.
"I'm starting to think giving it to you was a bad idea. Damage it even a little, and you'll fix it yourself."
"So if I can fix it, that means I can disassemble it..."
"I said no!"
Klaus was so reluctant that prying Althur's Library from his grip took some effort.
He finally let go with a sigh, and I carefully stowed the precious tool in my leather pouch.
"Airan and I packed the shelves roughly. There's some empty space, so toss in any good books you find on the road..."
"...So this is what all the fuss was about."
Luwen clicked his tongue as he appeared behind us.
Come to think of it, ever since Klaus had pulled out Althur's Library and expanded it, no one had come near us.
"You're giving Althur's Library to Lib, Master? You treasured it so much."
"It'll be more useful to him. As long as he doesn't wreck it."
"Fair enough. Here, Lib—this'll come in handy."
Luwen handed me a small emblem with decorative cords.
Crafted from lightweight metal, it bore the clear crests of the World Restoration Organization Prius above and Althur Tower below.
"The back's the important part."
Luwen flipped it over, revealing the Silver Moon Knights' thorny tree crest.
Identical to the one Shuren had shown me.
Except mine had an intricate star pattern inside the pentagon symbolizing seals.
The mark of the barrier master mage... the one in charge of sealing magic.
I nodded and tucked the emblem securely into my pocket.
"And this is my gift to you."
Luwen handed over a sturdy leather pouch.
It was stuffed full of gleaming blue acronium.
"I racked my brain about what you might need, but this is all I came up with. It'll help in all sorts of ways."
"Teacher, this is..."
I felt my throat tighten.
Acronium with such a vivid hue was incredibly rare. And this much of it.
It must cost a fortune—I wondered if I could even accept it.
Klaus, watching silently, scowled grumpily.
"When I asked for your leftover acronium, you ignored me completely."
"This is too much for you, Master."
"What? What does that mean?"
Klaus and Luwen started bickering as usual, and I burst out laughing.
"Master, Teacher—I'll make good use of your gifts. And please don't fight too much while I'm gone..."
"That might be tough, but I'll try."
"Now go. People are waiting."
At Klaus's words, I turned to see my father and mother standing side by side a few steps back.
They must have finished their goodbyes with everyone else.
I secured the acronium pouch at my waist and turned to them one last time.
"Well, I'm off."
"Come back safe. Keep in touch as much as you can."
"Yes, sir."
Luwen waved, while Klaus shooed me away impatiently.
If they only squabbled this much while I was gone, things would be peaceful.
I smiled to myself and headed to my parents.
"Mother."
"Lib."
Mother pulled me into a tight hug.
Feeling her warm hands on my back, it hit me how sad it would be not to see her for a while.
"Write often, alright? If I don't hear from you, I'll come looking."
Mother spoke with her usual gentle smile, but the expression beneath it didn't seem like a joke at all...
I glanced up at Father, who nodded quickly as if to say answer her.
"Yes, I promise."
Mother seemed satisfied with my prompt reply.
She pulled a small necklace from her bosom.
It was the one she always wore, with a delicate crest of lattice patterns and interlocking circles.
Mother fastened it around my neck.
"This is the Crest of Eternity. I got it from my parents, and your father and I exchanged ours at our wedding. It wishes for strong bonds and noble honor."
Crest of Eternity.
I'd read that noble Luar families in the Cernia Kingdom had this tradition.
They combined and shared the blessing crests from their parents at the wedding, wearing them for life.
Father wore his too.
"Can I really take something like this?"
I looked down at the Crest of Eternity now around my neck.
Polished smooth from Mother's constant touch.
"Return it to me safe and sound."
"...Yes, I will."
I realized she'd entrusted me with her most precious possession.
I hugged her and whispered thanks in her ear.
"Don't worry too much. I'll write lots."
"I'll be waiting."
Woooong. A horn blared from above the east gate, signaling the delegation to assemble.
Time to go.
Mother gave Father and me one last tight squeeze before letting go.
We waved to her as Father and I moved to our assigned spots in the procession.
The delegation members finished their reluctant goodbyes and took their places.
"Open the gate!"
The massive gate, usually sealed shut, began to creak open slowly.
At the same time, the welcoming band's march filled the air.
The White Guard Knights and Father led at the front, guiding their horses forward slowly. Cheers from the citizens lining both sides swelled louder.
Behind Father came the Silver Guard Knights and White Guard members, with Shuren and me riding alongside.
Two carriages, two wagons, and the full delegation of over forty people began to advance bit by bit.
I looked up at the enormous gate passing overhead, a strange feeling washing over me.
Prion's powerful barrier shimmered as it slid past above.
I never imagined I'd leave through this gate so soon...
A ticklish breeze brushed my skin, and my heart pounded.
With every step beyond the gate, excitement, anticipation, and worry bubbled up inside me.