“Where the heck did Amy drag me off to? Of course, it was her room.”
After locking the door, she glanced at my hand still in hers and with a flick of her wrist, let go.
“Uh… just sit down first.”
Her face had turned as red as a strawberry by now. What could possibly be so embarrassing?
“Yeah, sure.”
With a short reply, I scanned the room. It was massive – definitely befitting the only daughter of a duchy family. My quarters at Minerva were luxurious, but compared to this, they felt like a basement.
She seemed to prefer simplicity; the pristine white bed caught my eye first. Next was an elegant vanity on the wall. When I shifted my gaze back to the center, there was a table and chairs placed at a comfortable distance apart – all exuding high-class elegance.
“Stop staring already and sit down!”
“Alright, alright.”
At her shout, I quickly took a seat on the chair next to the table. The cushion was impressively soft yet firm, cradling my bottom gently. Amy sat across from me shortly after.
“…”
Amy, who had yelled at Balkan just moments ago, now fell silent. Seriously, what’s the plan here, dragging me in and then not saying anything?
I took the opportunity to observe her expression.
Hmm, despite Earl’s worries, her face didn’t look too bad. Still, it was clear she hadn’t been eating properly. Her already slim cheeks had become even more sunken.
This girl needs to take better care of herself.
“Do you eat properly?”
Even after being in this world for so long, my Korean DNA still kicks in when I see someone’s face.
“…Yeah.”
After hesitating for a moment, Amy mumbled her answer.
“Earl said he’s worried because you haven’t been eating. You used to eat multiple servings, right? Now you can’t even finish one…”
“Are you calling me fat?! I never ate that much even before…”
Fuming, Amy stopped mid-sentence upon seeing my playful smile and sighed.
“You haven’t changed a bit.”
“Of course not. Anyone hearing this would think we’ve been separated for years?”
It’s only been about two weeks since we last met. Even during those 13 years of war, my personality stayed the same. A near-death experience isn’t going to change a person.
Looking at my smile, Amy tilted her head slightly and asked,
“Is there something you want to say?”
“Is there something you want to hear?”
Instead of answering, I threw the question back at her, causing her lips to close tightly. Judging by her tightly shut mouth, it didn’t seem like this situation would change anytime soon.
So, I decided to break the ice with a compliment.
“I heard you opened your Fire Eye recently? That’s supposed to be a sign of the next Patriarch, impressive stuff. I might not have anything left to teach you…”
“NO!”
Amy interrupted me loudly. Perfect timing.
“There’s still so much to learn! This time, I couldn’t do anything, could I? I need to learn more, get stronger… STRONGER!”
“Getting stronger is good. Back at the battlefield, there was no one who wanted to get stronger than me.”
In fact, if there was anyone, they’re probably dead by now. I’d stake my life on that. After all, I’m the only survivor.
“That’s why I got stronger. Probably stronger than you now. But so what? All it got me was a hole through my stomach.”
“That’s… because we were too weak…”
“Students being weak is normal. Frankly speaking, if you guys were stronger than me, why would I bother teaching?”
“But still…”
I understand how Amy feels. Knowing it intellectually is one thing, but accepting it emotionally must be difficult. Seeing oneself as weak compared to the enemy is more painful than acknowledging the enemy’s strength. Blaming oneself is easier.
But that’s self-destructive behavior.
“I’m not a great speaker. In fact, I have many shortcomings. I can’t use Divine Magic like Senna. I don’t possess Ariana’s exceptional swordsmanship. And I certainly can’t handle powerful Fire Magic like you.”
“People aren’t perfect. No matter how strong someone is, there’s always someone stronger out there.”
Wild barbarians are several times stronger and more agile than humans. They can use bizarre abilities that humans can’t even mimic. Yet, how did the Empire defeat them?
“We have potential. Me, you, everyone who suffered humiliation at their hands – we all have the potential to become stronger than them. So don’t get discouraged by a few defeats. Just surviving is already an accomplishment. If you live, you’ll eventually have your chance for revenge.”
Maybe this speech is more for myself than for her. A promise to those who became mere pools of blood…
Does Ariana’s injury upset you? Are you frustrated that you weren’t strong enough to help me?
“…Yes.”
Hearing Amy’s barely audible response, I slammed my hand on the table.
BANG!
“What kind of time is this to lock yourself away in some corner!”
“!”
Staring at her wide-eyed expression, I shouted.
“Right now, grab your staff! Practice your magic more! When you meet that guy again, melt his insides into goo! If you keep this up, nothing will change next time you meet him! Is that okay?”
I could see it – the flames of vengeance burning in Amy’s eyes.
“Fortunately for you, you’ve met me. I’ll make you strong enough to deal with those monsters using just one finger. If your resolve wavers, I’ll kick your butt. Come prepared for your next lesson.”
Seeing the flames growing stronger, I was confident.
That should be enough…
“Isn’t that sexual harassment?”
“Eh?”
“Kicking a lady’s butt… I didn’t know you were that kind of person.”
That wasn’t part of my plan. Even someone as battle-hardened as me was taken aback at being labeled a sex offender.
“Haha, I’m joking! Your face is priceless. Hahaha!”
As Amy burst into laughter, clutching her sides, I blinked in confusion. Wiping tears from the corners of her eyes after laughing for quite some time, she asked,
“Haha… So, can you really train me to become an Archmage?”
“Hmph, don’t cry later.”
“…I’ll look forward to it. In many ways.”
Saying this, Amy’s eyes glimmered suspiciously brightly.
Though I felt a slight sense of foreboding…
Still, my goal of lifting her spirits seemed to be achieved, so I’ll call it a win.
…But today’s comment will be paid back during class.
***
“Leaving already? You could stay over. We have plenty of empty rooms.”
Seeing Balkan’s disappointed expression, I rolled my eyes. Does he have any reason to cling this much? People might think I’m something special.
“Unfortunately, I need to enter the Imperial Palace tomorrow…”
“Ah, that can’t be helped.”
Balkan nodded reluctantly after licking his lips. Even the Patriarch of the Helios family has to defer to the Royal Palace’s authority. However, he wasn’t about to give up easily.
“Make sure to visit again next time. Anytime is fine. Oh, almost forgot. The hospitality of Helios shouldn’t end here.”
Balkan snapped his fingers, and an elderly man appearing like a butler presented something. It was an elegantly decorated box. Inside was a ring adorned with a ruby-like gemstone.
“This…?”
“A ring made from Fire Essence. It contains elemental fire, so most evil influences won’t affect you. Also, though you might not be interested, it greatly aids in contracting with Fire Elementals. Very useful for practicing Fire Magic. And…”
“Ah, I know how valuable this is.”
Though I’ve never seen this gemstone before, I knew Fire Essence was one of the most expensive gems in the world. At this size, it could probably buy a small castle. But compared to the true meaning of this ring, that’s nothing.
“It’s something only those acknowledged by the Helios family can receive, correct?”
Earl mentioned that with this ring, I could receive full support from the Helios family – one of only two dukedoms in the empire. There’s no need to explain its value.
“So you’ve heard from Earl, huh? Heh, talkative brat… Anyway, what you heard is true.”
“Why are you giving me something so precious…?”
“Why not?”
Balkan blinked genuinely confused. His expression seemed to say ‘How could you not know this?’.
“You saved my son on the battlefield, and now you’ve saved my only daughter. Is there any father in this world who could neglect such a precious benefactor? At least I couldn’t.”
“That was simply my duty.”
To Earl, I was his subordinate. To Amy, I was her teacher. Isn’t it natural for a superior to save their subordinate and a teacher to rescue their student? Monetary rewards or meal invitations would be different, but I couldn’t accept something so valuable for doing my duty.
“Ho ho ho, you’re more interesting than I heard. Do you know how many people in this world fail to do what they should?”
Stepping closer, Balkan grabbed my shoulder.
“Is it wrong to give appropriate rewards to those who fulfill their duties?”
“That’s not it, it’s just too much…”
“Shut up. You’re not just amusing, you’re stubborn too. Deciding gratitude is my job. You just shut up and accept it. Take it now, either put it on the finger of your choice, or I’ll personally place it on your left ring finger. Decide. Hurry!”
The strong grip and fiery gaze coming from his surprisingly robust frame for a mage made me nod reflexively. Only then did Balkan release my shoulder with a satisfied smile.
“Go ahead and put it on.”
Prompted by him, I hastily picked up the ring. Debating which finger to use, I finally settled on my left index finger. I excluded my right hand as it’s my dominant one and might cause inconvenience during battles. Judging by the ring’s size, the index finger seemed most suitable.
However, the ring automatically adjusted to fit perfectly upon touching my finger. Whether due to the Fire Essence’s properties or enchantments, warmth emanated from the ring. The wearing sensation was so subtle that I almost forgot it was there. This is what a luxury item feels like, huh?
“Hmm, index finger, eh… Well, the rest is something my daughter needs to figure out.”
“Excuse me?”
“Forget it. Do you like it?”
“Yes. I’ll take good care of it.”
Costlier than my annual salary, I’ve decided to wear it constantly.
Pleased, Balkan said,
“That’s good to hear. As I said earlier, feel free to visit anytime. Don’t feel burdened. The Helios family will always welcome you.”
“Whenever I find time, I’ll visit.”
“Good. Take care of Amy and Earl for me. Don’t treat them as my precious children, teach them properly. Kick their butts if necessary. Ho ho ho.”
Was he eavesdropping on our conversation in Amy’s room?!
I forced a laugh and nodded.
“Sorry for keeping you too long. By the way, do you have somewhere to stay?”
“Yes. Sage… I mean, I’m heading to Robert’s mansion.”
“The Gold Eagle Palace residence? It’s quite far to walk, so take a carriage.”
“Thank you. I’ll see you again soon.”
Thanks to Balkan’s consideration, I was able to ride in a carriage bearing the Helios family crest. Though it wasn’t entirely comfortable given the circumstances, it was heartwarming to witness a father who truly cares for his children.
Tomorrow’s destination is the Imperial Palace.
Half excited about the reward, half nervous about meeting the Emperor, my heart beats faster… Leaning back in the chair, I closed my eyes.
