Chapter 98
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Translator: MadScientist
Chapter: 98
Chapter Title: The Ring of Promise (7)
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"What did you just say? Dragon's lair?"
"...Nothing. Nothing happened. Anyway, is training over?"
I caught my breath and asked Shuren.
"Yeah, it's done."
Shuren pointed to the long banquet table on one side of the hall.
Wedin was sitting there, fully engrossed in his dinner. He wasn't refusing the food the servants brought; he was accepting it all.
"I hope he doesn't push himself too hard."
I let out a small sigh as I gazed at his back.
Wedin had been participating in the Silver Moon Knights' morning and evening training sessions without missing a single day.
Holy Mages often got caught up in the fray from the rear while supporting the knights. They moved together on missions a lot, too.
"Since your mentor, Holy Mage Grain, has recognized you as a full-fledged Holy Mage, we in the Silver Moon Knights will respect that judgment."
That was what the Silver Guard Knight had said when Wedin, Shuren, and I met him in the Silver Moon Knights' office.
It meant there were no issues with Wedin's qualifications.
"The only requirement for a Holy Mage to join the Silver Moon Knights is that. Swordsmanship and stamina training are just to help you survive as long as possible."
Those words sent a chill down my spine for some reason. Wedin seemed to feel the same; his shoulders tensed, and his face hardened.
"I told you, his grit is top-notch. No need to worry too much."
I decided to trust Shuren's words. And Wedin's resolve, too.
The farewell party continued in a peaceful, relaxed atmosphere. The outfits and the vibe were far freer than the royal banquet.
I wandered around the hall with a light heart, exchanging greetings and chatting with people.
Most of the delegation knew I was staying behind, so I received plenty of warm, caring advice.
"Take good care of Wedin, Lib."
Grain said that and pulled me into a tight hug.
As a water Arbat, he hadn't attended the palace banquet, but he was enjoying this branch's farewell party without a care.
I smiled and told him not to worry.
"If Wedin hears that, he'll snap that it's his job to protect you."
"He probably would."
Grain chuckled and gazed at Wedin, who was still focused on his meal.
His expression still held a master's concern for his disciple.
"That kid gets angry easily, but it hurts him just as much. He doesn't even realize he's in pain and lashes out again. It'd be great if you could stay by his side and hold him steady, Lib."
"Got it. I'll keep that in mind."
Grain smiled gratefully and headed toward Wedin, muttering about how he'd get a stomachache eating like that.
"I have no intention of meddling in another knight order's internal affairs, but this needs fixing in the regulations. He's not even an adult yet."
Father, the Silver Guard Knight, and the White Guard Knight were seated around a round table in the center, sipping tea.
Father's voice grew louder from the tense table, while the Silver Guard Knight remained impassive as always.
The White Guard Knight smiled awkwardly in between.
"Don't you understand how special the Silver Guard Knight's missions are, Blue Guard Knight? They require a lot of discretion—quick decisions, mostly."
"Silver Guard Knight, couldn't you accommodate some of the Blue Guard Knight's suggestions where possible?"
"I've already agreed to that."
The Silver Guard Knight replied calmly and took a sip of his tea.
Father seemed a bit irritated by that impassive face.
"It's not just yielding; it needs to be added to the regulations..."
"Father?"
I didn't want to butt into the adults' conversation, but since it seemed to be about me and Wedin joining the Silver Moon Knights, I couldn't stay silent.
"Lib."
Father turned to me in surprise, while the White Guard Knight looked pleased.
"Enjoying the party?"
"Yes, White Guard Knight. Mind if I ask what you're discussing?"
I approached the table quietly and asked. Father frowned and rubbed his forehead.
"The knight order's labor regulations are based on adults. It's not exactly a place for minors. I just made a few suggestions to help you two adjust better."
"To me, it looks like the Blue Guard Knight's just anxious and worried."
Father sighed helplessly.
The White Guard Knight grinned at him.
"Wish we could share a drink, but we leave at dawn... Here, have some more of this. The tea leaves you gave me have a wonderful aroma."
"Thank you..."
The White Guard Knight poured clear, fragrant tea into Father's empty cup.
After drinking, Father's face looked much more relaxed.
"Don't worry about this; enjoy the party. Wilton the steward will distribute the gifts from the palace soon."
"Got it. I'll go."
Father waved me off, saying it was fine.
I felt a bit relieved, bid farewell to the Silver and White Guard Knights, and left.
King Karon Lesis hadn't attended the branch's farewell party but had sent a carriage loaded with all sorts of goods as a gift.
There were fine weapons and armor, books, jewels, precious glassware, and more.
The knights divided up the essentials evenly, and I grabbed a few books—no one else wanted them, so it was easy.
The long, bittersweet night passed quietly, and the next morning came.
I rose early and helped Father load the luggage in the branch's front courtyard with Shuren.
Thanks to all the gifts we had to take, Father's load was twice what it had been when we arrived. The public cart was stuffed full at the back with his things.
Once loading was done, in front of the waiting carriage, I handed Father letters and gifts for Mother, Luwen, and Claus Sage.
Shuren entrusted several letters too, and Father tucked them securely into his bosom before pulling us both into a fierce hug.
I was startled, but Father's firm grip on my back kept me from moving.
A small sigh escaped him, along with a warm embrace conveying sadness and reluctance.
"I believe you'll do well and return safely."
"Don't worry."
Shuren lifted his head. Father grinned and ruffled his hair.
"Shuren, don't try to handle everything alone. Don't take all the blame by yourself. There aren't as many things you can do solo as you think."
"Yes, I understand."
Shuren nodded seriously, taking Father's advice to heart.
"You too, Lib."
Father looked down at me. His warm hand gently brushed back the hair from my forehead.
"You don't have to try so hard to be perfect. You're already doing plenty well."
"Okay..."
"If you two cooperate and lean on each other, there's nothing you can't accomplish. Experience is valuable, but you have to respect others' too... I have so much I want to say. I could talk all night and still not finish."
Father gazed at us regretfully but cut himself short.
I gripped his hand tightly.
Father had given plenty of advice already. The rest was up to us to remember and act on.
"It won't be easy, but keep in touch. I'll be waiting for your letters. Now I finally understand how your mother feels."
Father forced a smile.
"Oh, right. I have something to say to Ash, too."
"To Ash?"
As soon as he spoke, Ash, who had been lounging leisurely in one corner of the garden, slowly walked over.
Father knelt on one knee to meet Ash's eyes.
"I'm grateful for always watching over him. Take good care of Lib from now on, too, Ash."
Ash stared silently at Father in response.
Father lightly stroked his silver mane. Surprisingly, Ash sat obediently without resisting.
After Father's luggage was all loaded, I wove through the delegation gathered in the courtyard, saying goodbye to everyone.
The White Guard Knight, steward Wilton, Grain, the delegation knights, and servants.
Even Rania, who'd carried me all the way here, was heading back to Prion. They often switched horses during travel.
After bidding Rania farewell and turning around, I saw Clemence, Wedin, and Shuren nearby.
Clemence was handing something to the two of them. Spotting me, she hurried over.
"Lib, your hand."
"My hand?"
I reflexively held out my palm, and she placed something small there.
"This is..."
It was a tiny flower with eight petals—a metal ornament shaped like a Luar flower, encircled by a ring, with a long leather cord attached to the end.
"It's nothing special. You all gave me such nice gifts, so I wanted to give something back. I gave the same to everyone. I have one too."
Clemence lifted the necklace with the matching ornament around her neck.
"Wear it as a bracelet, necklace, or keep it in your pocket—just carry it. That'll make me happy."
So that's what Wedin and Shuren got. Now I saw them debating whether to wear it as a necklace or bracelet.
"Got it. Thanks, Clemence."
I clutched the necklace she gave me preciously and tucked it into my bosom.
"Yeah, you have to come back safe."
Her face flushed as she gripped my hand tightly. I smiled a little.
"I made that promise to Father and Mother too. I'll keep them all at once."
Clemence laughed out loud and teased mischievously.
"Then should I ask for a souvenir from every stop?"
"Ah, that might be tough..."
"Kidding. But I'd be thrilled if you did."
"I'll try."
I gazed at Clemence.
Wonder when we'd meet again. We'd both surely have changed a lot.
Her reddened face blinked, and she looked away.
"Oh, and about last night..."
Last night...
I thought for a moment—what was it?—then remembered we hadn't seen each other since she dragged the duchess away.
My face heated up again.
"Mother got a bit ahead of herself suddenly, I mean, it was..."
"Looks like she misunderstood something, huh?"
I smiled at Clemence, who was stumbling over her words in embarrassment.
She finally met my eyes and nodded slowly.
"Y-yeah... So don't worry about it."
She must have been fretting over it since we parted last night.
Her kind heart always saved me.
Thanks to yesterday, I'd come up with a plausible countermeasure for the sealing chamber's barrier, but I didn't mention it.
"Miss, it's almost time to depart."
Kalia approached and said to Clemence.
She was originally a maid of the Lesis ducal household but would stay in Prion with Clemence until she finished school.
"Kalia, take good care of Clemence."
Kalia bowed deeply to me in reply.
She'd protect Clemence well on the way back to Prion.
"Take care in Prion, Clemence. I'll write as often as I can."
"Yeah, you better!"
Clemence waved and headed to the carriage with Kalia.
Wedin, Shuren, and I watched the delegation procession pass through the branch's main gate.
The White Guard Knight and Father gave us nods, and Clemence opened the carriage window to look back at us until the end.
We stood there, watching the last horse's silhouette fade into the distance for a long, long time.