Yuric kept replaying the battle with the demon in his mind.
Compared to the first battle where he was frantically led around by the Index Finger spell, this second battle yielded some results. Being able to control the Index Finger spell to some extent and the combat training against the demon Gargo both proved to be significant aids.
The opposing demon relied too heavily on monsters. In terms of combat, Demon Gargo was clearly more advanced. Of course, if the wyrm had truly participated in the battle, the situation might have been different. However, considering that the dragon fled at the roar of the earth dragon Alaldur, it would be difficult to consider it a reliable ally. Indeed, the dragon flew away regardless of whether the demon lived or died.
Still, despite the achievements, Yuric couldn’t help but feel dissatisfied in several aspects.
Firstly, he depended too much on the Index Finger spell, and his response to variables like the wyrm was inadequate. While he could make excuses, he couldn’t deny that improvements were needed.
Frankly, even without the Index Finger spell, Yuric couldn’t confidently guarantee victory. Although his combat skills were better, it would be hard to claim an absolute advantage, as the demon had a much higher mana capacity. This meant that improving his magical abilities was essential.
After that day, the gaze of the Golden Dragon Mercenary Corps toward Yuric changed somewhat. They already knew of his strength from several battles, but they never imagined he could single-handedly capture a demon.
Of course, this demon was so weak that Cecilia could potentially defeat it at the cost of serious injury, but still, a demon is a demon. The fear and tension it instilled deeply rooted in human instinct, which is why the captain couldn’t easily move.
The Golden Dragon Mercenary Corps enthusiastically discussed the superhuman battle with the demon, but no one seemed to fully believe them. Mercenaries were known for their boasting, and it was hard to believe that an eighteen-year-old like Yuric could face a demon alone, so they only regarded him as someone who performed well in the battle.
Prelomte, the deputy baron leading the convoy, promised the village chief to inform His Grace the Duke about the damaged village and also delivered an appropriate amount of relief funds. Although there was some self-interest in wanting praise and reward from the Duke, it was better than completely ignoring the matter.
The rain continued for another day before stopping. The convoy and escort team did not delay and departed immediately once the rain ceased. Fortunately, they didn’t encounter any further delays due to the weather.
Thus, after departing from the first village and four days later, the Golden Dragon Mercenary Corps finally returned to the Noblevento Fortress.
As soon as the mercenaries got off the carriage, they stretched their stiff bodies and made odd sounds. They felt happy that their work was truly over as they saw their familiar base.
“Now I can enjoy myself for a month!”
“Going to suck your fingers again?”
“Let’s think about it when the time comes!”
For mercenaries, the future was nothing more than the next payment they would receive. Living uncertain lives, they focused on living each day.
The Golden Dragon Mercenary Corps patted Yuric’s head, shoulders, and back with their hands.
“This brat, go well! It was fun!”
“Anyway, I’ll come back to see my sister again.”
“You can come every day!”
Captain Cecilia coughed to calm the excited mercenaries. She thanked Yuric for his efforts and paid him the agreed compensation right there.
“Thank you for all your hard work, sister.”
“It wasn’t much… See you next time, Yuric.”
After bidding farewell to everyone else from the convoy and escort, Yuric slung a bag over his shoulder and walked steadily as the sunset dimmed.
Even though he had only been away for about half a month, returning to this place where he had lived for a long time felt strangely comforting.
When Yuric reached the main gate of Schlippen Manor, the gatekeeper greeted him warmly upon recognizing his face. He immediately headed to the main hall’s office to inform Sir Amic Shuliphen that he had safely returned.
Upon seeing Yuric, Sir Amic Shuliphen smiled warmly and said, “I missed seeing your face for a while. My wife and daughter are not here…”
“I’ve missed this place a lot too,” Yuric replied.
They enjoyed dinner together. Despite being just two men, their laughter never ceased. Sir Amic particularly enjoyed listening to Yuric’s travel stories.
Though Amic had visited Drexter Fortress over ten times, he hadn’t seen as many diverse sights as Yuric.
“I should learn how to travel from you.”
“Haha, there’s nothing special. Just observe cities more closely when you want to draw them.”
“Can I see some of what you’ve drawn?”
Amic, who knew about Yuric’s drawing skills, eagerly requested. Yuric happily obliged and took out a drawing from his bag. Amic looked at the drawings with satisfaction, and Yuric told him he could take one he liked.
“Thank you. I found exactly what I wanted.”
It was a painting of a guardian tree inhabited by a spirit. Given that he had drawn it from various angles, giving one away didn’t burden him at all.
Amic asked what he could receive as a gift in return. Though Yuric waved off the idea of receiving anything, Amic firmly refused. His resemblance to Golden Hand Niruin was unmistakable.
“Then, can I get quality paper?”
“Of course. I’ll bring the best paper from Noblevento Fortress.”
After a warm dinner, Yuric returned to his quarters in the guesthouse. The room was spotless thanks to the diligent servants.
Yuric soaked in the hot bath, feeling the fatigue in his body dissolve like ingredients in a pot.
Feeling refreshed, Yuric left the bathroom and went to the garden. The garden, lit only by silver moonlight, was quite surreal.
Yuric recalled the nights he often spent in Eldorber’s cabin. He lay down slowly on the grass and gazed at the moon that hadn’t yet fully risen. Deep in thought, he pondered many topics.
Willpower. Magic. Circuits. Alchemy. Combat. Enhancement. Index Finger. Demon. Dragon.
Various themes arose and subsided in his mind repeatedly, but it wasn’t chaotic.
After a long period of contemplation, Yuric returned to his room.
In the darkness now devoid of moonlight, Yuric felt cozy and secure, as if enveloped in a brother’s embrace.
He quietly closed his eyes.
It was a night filled with peaceful tranquility.
—
Yuric finally declared that Cecilia’s illness was fully healed. Her mana channels were almost completely restored to their original state.
“Still, continuous management is necessary. You never know when it might recur. Run circuits every morning and evening. That should prevent recurrence.”
For Cecilia, this was a moment she had dreamed of.
While she had gradually felt better, hearing it directly from Yuric made it even more poignant.
“Thank you so much. I don’t know how to express my gratitude, Yuric. This is the first time I’ve received such a great favor…”
“No need for that. If you’re really grateful, just buy me a beer next time. That’s enough.”
Cecilia held Yuric’s hand tightly and stared into his eyes intently.
They had been together for eight months now. Compared to when they first met, he had grown more mature.
The princess already knew her feelings for Yuric. She was merely waiting.
But she didn’t know how long she could hold back those feelings.
She had never wanted to share her heart, which had been empty for a long time.
However, the heart that had forcefully entered was now overflowing to an extent she couldn’t bear.
It had become too big, making it impossible to even contemplate letting go.
But she knew something else.
What he gave her was not yet ripe enough to be called love.
It was affection, but not the same kind of love she felt.
Cecilia was a seasoned mercenary, but also an inexperienced lover.
She had heard countless love songs from mercenaries, but she didn’t know how to handle her own feelings.
She could only circle around him.
In the past, and now.
—
Cecilia sighed deeply after Yuric left.
She never imagined love could cause such turmoil.
She understood why mercenaries sang love songs.
—
After completing Cecilia’s final treatment, Yuric was informed that a visitor had come.
“Who is it?”
“He said he’s from the Mage Tower.”
Mage Tower? Yuric quickly went to the reception room, where a man with well-groomed sideburns stood.
“Pleased to meet you. I am Yuric.”
“Nice to meet you. I am Waldib from the Mage Tower.”
The mage Waldib introduced himself and then pulled out an envelope from his pocket, handing it to Yuric.
When Yuric glanced up and looked at Waldib, he revealed his purpose.
“The Council respectfully invites Mr. Yuric. This is the invitation.”
Yuric took the invitation out of the envelope and read it.
It was a heartfelt request from the Mage Tower asking for his visit.
If possible, as soon as possible.
