Before long, I had become the man in the dream.
My head hurt. Unknowable memories and emotions flooded me.
“In this world, there exists something called a flow. It is an absolute order that nothing—neither matter nor spirit—can escape. The truth of the world that I’ve realized also lies within it.”
The levitated hatchet had reached its zenith. Beneath it lay a branch of the World Tree. No matter what had been done, the sturdy wood had never split, yet now the hatchet’s edge was aimed at it.
And then, in the next moment, an odd sense arose from the hatchet.
Suddenly, the hatchet was highlighted in my vision. All five senses stood on edge, warning of impending danger.
This hatchet—it’s dangerous.
“Establishing oneself within that flow is known as ‘Kyeol (結).'”
And in the next moment, a beam of pure white light shot down from the sky.
Though its power was not overwhelming, as I watched its vertical trajectory, I couldn’t help but think…
It’s as if the world were splitting apart.
“And uncovering that flow is known as ‘Hae (解).'”
With her arms crossed, the witch took another puff of her pipe.
The woman, who had recently seemed so young, now appeared incomparably greater—an instinctive sensation.
This one is strong.
If she so desired, it might not be impossible for her to tear this world apart.
“…This is the skill you must master in the future.”
The cigarette smoke she exhaled lingered, making my thoughts grow hazy once more.
Only then did a buzzing noise begin to reach my ears.
“…Get your wits about you.”
A voice came from afar, indistinct.
I simply wanted to lose consciousness.
Just as I was about to close my eyes and let my consciousness sink, a firm hand grabbed my shoulder. The grip was so strong it felt as though my bones had broken.
I suppressed a scream and turned my head.
There, glowing with fiery golden eyes, was a presence.
“Didn’t I tell you to get your wits about you?”
And with that, I was thrown from the dream.
It was around then that I opened my eyes, inhaling a deep breath.
Gasping for air, I hastily fumbled around for my water flask. Downing the cold water, I scanned my surroundings.
As expected.
The calendar had skipped days, and on the nightstand lay an unfamiliar envelope.
A headache, akin to a hangover, clouded my mind.
The pain was so intense that I almost wanted to fall asleep again, but my curiosity about the newly arrived letter was stronger.
With a sigh, my hand ripped open the envelope without hesitation.
Inside was a string of words written in a round, childish handwriting.
—
To. My beloved I-an Fercurus,
My darling master, I’m writing as you asked.
It feels strange to pick up a pen after such a long time—it’s even a little frightening. After all, I’ve never been talented at writing. This worries me—I fear I might not be able to properly convey all the things I want to tell you, master.
Hmm, what should I write in this letter?
I’ve already told you countless times how much I love you, but I wonder if writing it down will truly convey that sentiment.
Can a letter be as heartfelt as the whispers in your embrace?
I think not.
Because sincerity always shows through in actions: expressions, eye contact, voice, and all the senses directed toward you. It is only then that I can convey my true feelings. So today, I’m just going to write something everyday.
My younger brother, Lupin, visited me not long ago, and we had dinner together.
By the way, Lupin works at the Imperial Court’s Magic Department. Though not in a combat role, he’s in research, and lately, he’s been working nothing but overtime. He thought he’d gain freedom after graduating from the Magic Department graduate school, but the truth is, he’s been trapped since the moment he entered graduate school.
Freedom doesn’t exist for researchers. The only way out is to return to graduate school, earn a doctorate, and become a professor.
But Lupin laughed through his tears, saying he’d never do that again.
Still, he’s the same silly, adorable little brother. The only thing I worry about is that he’s still somewhat defiant towards you, master. If he is, I’m already planning to snap his spine for him.
No one will ever tell me otherwise: you are my precious master.
Regardless of him being my younger brother, there’s no one as precious as you. After that day, I’ve decided that my number one priority in life will always belong to you.
Not because of someone else’s will, but my own.
Oh, and Lupin also asked if I planned to have children. I waved him off, saying it’s too early—we’re not even married yet—but…
I’m ready.
If you wish, I would be more than happy to have a child with you.
How wonderful would that be?
Right now, I feel lonely without you, but I imagine if we had children, things would be different. Even if you’re not by my side, I think I’d find happiness by pouring my love into them.
After all, they would be the children of you and me—they’re sure to be adorable and full of love.
And once I have a child, we must visit Perkus Manor, right? The summer we caused so much trouble there comes to mind. Still, I am incredibly grateful to my in-laws for continuing to dote on me, despite everything.
It was a terrifying event.
The people who kept disappearing, the dark priests, and even the retinue of the malevolent deity from the myths.
At one point, I really thought it was all over. If it wasn’t for your quick thinking, master, we might have all ended up as test subjects.
That summer taught me so many truths.
About the Percus Family, the Dark Cult, and even you, master.
Sometimes, the weight of those secrets felt heavy, but because you were there, we were able to overcome it all. Thank you once again, master.
No, my love, Ian.
It was scary and tough at times. I always pretended to be strong, but I was just a weak and scared young girl—so I wanted to run on that day too.
From the family, from the retinue of the malevolent deity, from anywhere.
But because you were there, I’m here now.
That alone is enough for me to dedicate my entire life to you.
Thank you for giving me back my life, master.
I will forever promise to love and remain faithful to you.
By the way, are you coming home tomorrow?
If so, think about it one more time before then.
About our child, I mean!
With this, I’ll conclude, woof woof.
P.S. 1: That clingy woman left for Arankort, right? I bet she’s already making a fuss about missing you. What a foolish woman.
P.S. 2: I heard that crazy woman from the Holy Kingdom is coming soon. Don’t worry—I’ll definitely protect you, master. So don’t leave the house!
P.S. 3: I have heard that you’ve been visiting the Imperial Court often lately. I, of course, don’t mean anyone specific, but some shameless women really get on my nerves. How dare she still do such things after what she did to you before? I almost threw up laughing. Next time I see her, I won’t let her off lightly.
From, your faithful hound and lover, and your one and only love.
On the thirty-first day of the month of the Staff, Imperial Year 571.
—
“…calling someone ‘master.'”
I sighed deeply just hearing that title—it was clear who the letter was from. Just how many women will I, in the future, get involved with?
My weary gaze swept over the calendar. There was one thing that caught my attention today.
It had been only three days.
In other words, the period during which I lost my memory lasted just two days. Compared to the usual week-long gaps, this time had been much shorter.
What had happened?
I still didn’t know, but judging from the letter, it seemed like the place where the next incident would occur was my hometown, Perkus Manor.
Just thinking about it made me anxious.
Everyone feels this way—my feelings for Perkus Manor, where my family lives, are especially profound. And yet, it seems dark priests and the minions of evil deities are about to descend upon it.
I desperately wanted to gather information.
All complaints about the nonstop letters had long faded away.
I had to move immediately. Only then could I minimize the impact of the upcoming events.
However, as I was about to step forward, another hastily scribbled sentence caught my eye.
As usual, it was a short phrase.
“Let go of what you must.”
Short, but piercing advice.
I almost felt as though the tightly pressed handwriting was soaked in blood and sweat. Was this something the man had left behind? Or something I would leave behind in the future?
Perhaps it was both.
With a moment of deep reflection on that sentence, my eyes darkened, but then I hastened my pace again—had something not fallen from my embrace?
It was a unique seal, engraved with an intricate pattern.
I tilted my head in confusion as I picked it up. There was no way such a small object could have been so loosely tucked away in my inner pocket, let alone that I had never seen it before.
Still, the moment I identified the emblem on the seal, I was once again left speechless.
It was a dragon.
Throughout the entire continent, there was only one place that could use a dragon as its symbol.
No other group, even those with ties to dragons, dared to use it as their emblem due to its immense power.
The Imperial Court.
Only then did a forgotten memory resurface.
They were coming.
A high-ranking member of the Imperial Court, soon.
Thus, the conclusion was clear.
My future self had met someone dispatched from the Imperial Court.
Still, one question lingered.
“…Why is this seal stained with blood?”
There was surely more to uncover, starting with the details of this situation.
