After the incident was safely resolved, the disease that had been circulating among the Marquis’ household completely disappeared. In fact, some even said that there was more vitality than before.
The Marquis tidied up the surroundings to manage the tree that had become a guardian. The neglected and messy backyard had transformed into a beautiful garden.
A small change occurred in Yuric’s life as well. In the morning, he conducted history and magic lessons for Young Lady Ior, and in the afternoon, he taught Young Master Ifir magic. Ifir, though young, possessed an extraordinary level of comprehension and learning ability, surpassing mere cleverness with innate talent.
Yuric taught Ifir with love and sincerity, becoming more than just a teacher to Ifir.
Ifir also excelled in craftsmanship, quickly mastering the drawings and sculptures Yuric taught him. The boy spent his mornings drawing and sculpting in the backyard. This helped calm his previously restless personality.
Time passed like flowing water.
One month, two months, three months, and four months.
Before long, the hot summer days filled with sweat turned into the cool autumn days with falling leaves.
Of course, Yuric’s life remained much the same. He continued teaching Young Lady and Young Master, and spent his free time researching magic and training himself.
“There are quite a few people who notice you. Be careful.”
Yuric did not forget Bella’s words from before. “Those kids” likely referred to other Lisies.
“Regardless of the situation, one must be prepared to protect oneself.”
Lisie’s magic should not be underestimated. He had already fought an alchemist who devoured humans, using magic akin to immortality to heal his body.
While organizing his own magic, Yuric also studied draconic language magic and index finger magic.
He continuously recalled the draconic language magic used by the earth dragon Alaldur when chasing the wyrm in the village. The draconic language he had shouted sounded like something beyond human understanding.
“I can’t use draconic language magic right now, but I must remember its feeling.”
Every few days, Yuric visited the lodging where the Golden Dragon Mercenary Corps stayed, often joining them for raucous dinners.
As the mercenaries began their drinking games, Captain Cecilia quietly left the table with Yuric.
Captain Cecilia, who had recently returned from the dungeon, found herself thinking frequently about Yuric. Though the mages accompanying her were far less skilled than Yuric, his presence had taken up too much space in her heart.
The dim moonlight bathed the street in romance. Cecilia felt incredibly peaceful and happy spending this intimate moment alone with Yuric. It felt as if she had lived all these years just for this moment.
“The moon is so beautiful, isn’t it, sister?”
“Yes, it is.”
Yuric had extended her life.
Cecilia felt it was worth living for Yuric.
They walked along the silver street and stopped at the fountain square. They sat down there, savoring the dreamy atmosphere.
Cecilia’s heart beat faster. It felt especially strong today.
The fluttering heart of autumn passed, and winter arrived with snow gently falling.
The coziness of a snowy city was indescribable. Yuric shared the drawings and sculptures he had made over time with his close ones, who cherished them deeply.
And then, spring came again, bringing new life.
Now twenty years old, Yuric had grown even more manly.
Thanks to his daily training every night, he became more muscular and robust. Unlike most mages who tended to be frail, Yuric had filled out like a mercenary.
“It’s time to leave.”
Since last fall, Yuric had been planning his departure. Having gained enough experience in the south, he wanted to learn history and magic in the west.
Of course, before going west, he planned to meet Brother Luke and his mentors first. It had been nearly three years since he last saw them.
“I wonder how everyone is doing.”
Yuric missed them deeply. He wanted to see if Brother Luke was doing well and if his mentors were okay.
Sir Amic Shuliphen became gloomy upon hearing that Yuric was leaving soon. However, he could not keep Yuric here any longer, knowing that Yuric sought knowledge.
“I will truly miss you, Teacher Yuric.”
“I will miss Lord and this place very much.”
“You are always welcome. A place will always be ready for you.”
“Yes, I will definitely come back.”
Mischievous Young Lady Ior, upon hearing Yuric was leaving, locked herself in her room and refused to eat. After repeated persuasion from Yuric at the door, the door finally opened. Her eyes were swollen from crying.
“I’m sorry, Miss.”
“No, there’s nothing for you to apologize for. I was being childish. I shouldn’t have done that.”
They hugged each other tightly.
“I will miss you so much…”
“So will I, Miss.”
Young Master Ifir was also very sad to hear that Yuric was leaving. However, the boy bravely endured his sadness, knowing he wasn’t alone anymore.
“Master, no matter what happens, do your best with whatever is given to you. Do you understand?”
“Yes, Teacher.”
“Wherever I am, I will pray for your wellbeing.”
Yuric met Marquis Shriner and thanked him for his hospitality.
“Do not forget that the position of Court Mage is always open to you.”
“I will never forget your kindness.”
Finally, Yuric bid farewell to the Golden Dragon Mercenary Corps and Captain Cecilia.
The captain, who had heard about Yuric’s departure during dinner last winter, felt the inevitable sadness.
However, as a mage seeking the truth of the world, she knew she couldn’t stop him from pursuing greater knowledge.
If she were alone, she would go with him, but she was responsible for leading the Golden Dragon Mercenary Corps.
“Let’s meet again someday.”
“Yes, Sister.”
Captain Cecilia almost said “I like you,” but swallowed those words instead.
“Take care.”
“You too, take care.”
They shared a warm embrace. She kissed him on the cheek.
May the goddess of fortune watch over your path.
Thus, the two parted ways, looking forward to meeting again someday.
*
Sir Amic Shuliphen accompanied his daughter, Young Lady Ior, to see Yuric off at the mansion entrance. Sir Amic repeatedly patted Yuric’s hand, praying for a safe journey.
Young Lady Ior shouted loudly to the distant Yuric.
“I love you, Teacher…! I’ll wait for you. I’ll definitely wait for you!”
Yuric waved to the people growing smaller in the distance. Arriving at the northern gate station, he boarded a carriage heading to his destination.
The carriage, carrying people, moved with a creaking sound.
As the dim morning air enveloped them, the carriage left the station.
Yuric slightly lifted the curtain at the carriage entrance and watched the slowly receding castle.
“May everyone be well.”
Farewells to good people always left such poignant feelings. But where there is a meeting, there is also a parting.
Leaving the castle, Yuric moved busily. Meeting his brother and mentors and then traveling to the west would make the journey long.
Thanks to his diligent travel, Yuric reached the city of Grozia, where Brother Luke lived, in just one and a half months.
In the splendid spring, the city, which he hadn’t seen in three years, was full of vitality. Yuric slowly walked through the streets, reminiscing about the past.
Located on the outskirts of the city, the horse stable district.
Yuric stood in front of a stable with a sign reading “The Place Where a Mage’s Dream Dwells.” A man was happily singing and taking care of horses with children. Yuric smiled warmly watching him.
Suddenly, the man noticed Yuric, stopped singing, and slowly got up from his seat. The children looked at him curiously.
The man slowly approached Yuric. His eyes reddened, but his smile was gentle and bright.
“Brother Luke, I’m back. Have you been well?”
“…Yuric…”
Luke embraced Yuric tightly. Though Yuric had grown, he was still Luke’s beloved younger brother.
“Haha, kids, a mage has come! The greatest mage in the world!”
Children who knew Yuric and those who didn’t gathered around him.
Under Luke’s care, the children cheered loudly for the mage.
Like the sign, the mage’s dreams dwelled here.
It was the most beautiful dream in the world.
