Recently, after shedding an unusually cold season, the streets of the Atelier welcomed a warm spring day, and they were in full bloom with flowers.
For generations, the Atelier ‘Camus’ had been selling high-quality paper. A bell rang as someone entered. The Witch who was sitting at the counter, sorting through dried paper by quality, saw the visitor and couldn’t help but smile. The person who walked in was a tall, well-built handsome man.
The epitome of first love for young witches and one of the landmarks of Arphenheim.
Yuric, the disciple of Great Witch Hene.
“It’s been a while. You must have been busy lately.”
“Haha, yeah, I’ve been pretty busy preparing for various things.”
He touched and inspected the freshly made papers with his hands before walking up to the counter.
“Please set aside about a hundred sheets.”
“A hundred? That much?”
“It’s hard to find paper of this quality outside.”
“That’s true.”
The witch of Camus shrugged at Yuric’s words. She took great pride in her paper-making skills. Moreover, she was actively researching ways to produce even better quality and more durable paper. The Eldrover trees, which grew rich in mana, were renowned for producing high-quality paper.
“It might be a bit expensive.”
“I’ll bear the cost.”
“Since you’re a regular customer here, I’ll give you a slight discount.”
“Thank you.”
When the witch called for her apprentice, a young witch came out from inside. She shyly greeted Yuric and neatly packaged the hundred sheets that had been ordered.
Ding. He paid and stepped outside, momentarily squinting in the bright sunlight.
The streets of the Atelier looked as if they were preparing for a city parade, with long ropes strung between buildings and colorful fabrics hanging from them. This was because a coming-of-age ceremony for the young witches who were soon to become independent would soon take place. Yuric was also scheduled to attend this independence ceremony.
At seventeen years old, having entered the apprenticeship of witchcraft, it usually took around fifteen years on average to become independent; he had managed to reduce that period to nearly half.
That didn’t mean he was inexperienced or unskilled. On the contrary, he had learned far more fields than other young witches. In all the areas he studied, he earned the recognition of his seniors. They said there was nothing left to teach him; now it was up to him to continue learning on his own.
Yuric walked calmly down the streets of the Atelier, basking in the sunlight. People greeted him warmly from all around, and he reciprocated with waves and friendly hellos.
He visited the residences of Great Witch Ingris, expert in mana circuitry, Great Witch Yelni, expert in mana conditioning, and Great Witch Ophelia, expert in magical history, meeting each of them. The Great Witches gave him words of encouragement and advice as he was about to leave Arphenheim upon gaining his independence.
As he left their mansions, he recalled the members of Lilke’s group who had departed after their independence ceremony a year ago.
Lilke, the disciple of Great Witch Ophelia.
Monica, the disciple of Great Witch Ingris.
Olga, the disciple of Great Witch Yelni.
They had ventured into the wider world in pursuit of further knowledge.
And now it was Yuric’s turn.
‘Someday we’ll meet again.’
After all, it wasn’t a permanent farewell. It was just a temporary parting to become greater individuals.
Yuric visited Adrian’s cottage. She was tending to the vegetable garden when she warmly greeted him.
“Have you eaten?”
“I’m fine for meals. Do you have any snacks you could share?”
Then the two sat across from each other at the dining table, chatting about various topics.
Adrian tried her best to keep her words and actions calm, but the affectionate gaze she cast toward Yuric was something she couldn’t hide.
Ever since losing her beloved disciple, whom she cherished so deeply that even looking at him caused her pain, Adrian had found a new place in her heart for Yuric. He had become someone indispensable to her.
Because of that, she wanted to hold onto him. She wanted to ask him not to leave, to stay by her side. …But she couldn’t do that. So she carefully watched her words and actions.
Even in the dangerous outside world where he would need to focus solely on protecting himself, she didn’t want to burden his heart.
If she couldn’t stop him from leaving, then she would send him off willingly. Without regrets.
“Yuric.”
“Yes, Senior.”
“Don’t worry about us once you leave. We’ll be fine. You just focus on experiencing the world and coming back safely. Understand?”
“I understand.”
Adrian maintained a composed and bold demeanor. She wouldn’t cry or mourn. There’d be time for that after he left.
“Ah… I have something for you.”
She handed him a detailed notebook containing all the herb lists, combination ratios, and effects she had meticulously researched over the years.
“You may find it useful someday. Refer to it when needed.”
“Thank you very much.”
It was a treasure trove of alchemical research conducted over a lifetime, its value immeasurable.
“Go ahead and return home now. I still have work to do.”
“…Then I’ll see you at the independence ceremony, Senior.”
“Understood.”
Of course, Yuric fully understood Adrian’s feelings. His older brother had been the same when he first left home.
After visiting his teachers and seniors, Yuric returned to the cottage as evening approached. Night fell quickly in the forest.
Hene, his teacher, had come back from an outing and shared dinner with Yuric. Then the two sat together in armchairs and conversed.
“What a bold little one you were.”
“There was something that drew me in. Maybe fate exists, Teacher.”
From their first meeting, learning runes and magic, right up to now.
“I plan to travel for a while after you leave.”
This was the first Yuric had heard of such a plan. He asked where she intended to go.
“I’m planning to head towards the central regions. My research is mostly wrapped up, so I thought I’d visit the academy. Plus, I hear a colleague lives there.”
Great Witch Hene was a mage with significant accomplishments and experience in boundary magic. The reason her cottage in the center of Eldrover was safe was thanks to her protective barriers.
“Your magical journey is just beginning, Yuric. It will surely be difficult. Life won’t always be smooth sailing. But you must overcome these challenges with wisdom and patience. You have the potential to do so.”
Hene smiled warmly and firmly grasped Yuric’s hand. Their warmth connected through the handshake.
The conversation between teacher and student continued through the night until the sky outside dimmed.
*
Arphenheim’s Independence Ceremony.
This year’s newly independent witches paraded proudly down the Atelier streets, dressed in splendid attire. As a rite of passage signifying recognition as full-fledged mages, the independence ceremony was a highly prestigious event for witches.
– Yuric, let’s get married now! Everything’s ready! Just bring your body!
– After mentoring five disciples to independence, how can you say that, Auntie?! And Yuric, you’re marrying me!
– Yuric! You can’t choose them! Seriously!
Among the numerous witches, a handsome face stood out, receiving cheers, applause, and encouragement from the spectators.
Yuric sincerely thanked the witches who had watched over him thus far.
At the end of the procession waited the Grand Matron. With a benevolent smile, she blessed each newly independent individual for their future.
“You are now recognized as accomplished mages representing Arphenheim. I am proud of each of you for the path you have taken thus far. May infinite glory await you in the days ahead.”
With that, the independence ceremony concluded.
Those staying in Arphenheim mingled back into the streets, while those departing slung their prepared bags over their shoulders.
“Then, everyone, take care!”
– Goodbye, Yuric!
– When you come back, make sure to bring lots of handsome men!
Yuric bid farewell to the witches and headed toward the entrance of Eldrover. There, his teachers had gathered to see off their departing students.
“Teacher, Seniors.”
From Hene to Ingris, Ophelia, Yelni, and Adrian—these were the people who had genuinely cared for what was once just an ordinary country boy, and he was deeply grateful.
Yuric tried not to, but his chest felt hot and his nose tingled.
“Truly, thank you so much for everything!”
He bowed deeply before them.
“I am incredibly grateful for raising me and loving me. Please stay safe until I return!”
In the end, Ingris was the first to turn away and shed tears. Great Witch Yelni laughed heartily, exclaiming, “You’ve finally grown into a real man!” Great Witch Ophelia encouraged him to learn widely as he traveled across the continent, and Adrian nodded resolutely despite her moist eyes.
Teacher Hene generously provided Yuric with ample pocket money for his journey—a tradition in Arphenheim to support newly independent students.
“Don’t be too frugal and exhaust yourself. A capable mage will be treated well wherever they go, so look for opportunities along the way.”
“Understood.”
“May the universe grant you mercy.”
Mages know that the universe holds no emotions.
Yet the hope for the universe’s mercy is something only mages can truly understand.
Yuric departed.
They stood at the entrance, gazing after him endlessly.
He turned back one last time, bowed deeply, and then moved forward without looking back.
Yuric boarded the carriage with the other newly independent witches.
Their destination was the nearby viscount’s castle.
Through the clear blue sky, light poured into the moving carriage roof.
