Every ten days, he would meet with the Earth Dragon Lagos, but otherwise, his days continued as usual. The south was still in turmoil due to the demons’ assault, but this place, Arphenheim, was so peaceful that one might think it was fine like this. Of course, if the demons had any sense, they wouldn’t invade a place where almost the entire population, excluding outsiders, consisted of witches.
Fortunately, Lagos seemed to regain some energy by occasionally meeting with Yuric. He told her how the history of the human continent had unfolded over the past two hundred years.
Yuric then informed Lagos that he would soon leave Arphenheim. She seemed quite sad about their parting.
“I appreciate your visits all these times.”
Lagos gave Yuric two of her scales as a gift, which he accepted gratefully.
“I do have dreams too. I still wish for the liberation of the Earth Dragon clan.”
She slowly revealed what she had been holding back.
“As Alaldur said, I don’t want to pass this era on to future generations… So don’t worry too much. I, Lagos, will rise again someday. That day will surely come.”
“Yes, I look forward to that day.”
Thus, Yuric and Lagos bid each other a long farewell.
After returning to the hut, he began preparing to leave for the west. It would likely take several years before he could return here after leaving.
No matter how firm his resolve was, he knew he would miss this place deeply. Therefore, he tried to store as many memories of this place in his eyes and heart as possible. During this process, he also shared much affection with the witches.
Especially, when Lilke heard that Yuric was leaving soon, her face was filled with surprise and sadness. Although she had prepared herself, she couldn’t help feeling a tightness in her chest when the moment finally came.
Of course, she wanted to keep him there, but she knew she couldn’t. After all, she understood well that a mage who pursued the truth of the universe was such an existence.
“Will you come back? It’ll be hard if it takes too long.”
“Yes, I’ll try to come back as soon as possible.”
“Okay, I’ll wait for you. Just a moment… Here, take this.”
Lilke took out a letter envelope from her drawer and handed it to Yuric.
“Don’t read it now; read it when you leave here. Understand?”
“Yes, sis.”
The witch carefully stored every detail of Yuric’s appearance in her eyes. She forced herself not to let her nose sting.
“Goodbye. See you next time. Yuric will be even more handsome then, right? I’m looking forward to it.”
“Yes, sis. Take care. I’ll write often.”
“Yes, write often. Send lots of letters. And drawings too. Understand?”
Yuric kissed Lilke’s hand and gently stroked it a few times before leaving slowly.
Lilke stood there, watching Yuric leave endlessly. Whenever he turned around, she waved vigorously.
Yuric,
I love you.
I’ve loved you for a long time.
See you next time, my love.
And then, I’ll muster the courage to do something.
Goodbye, go well.
My love.
Lilke kissed her own hand where Yuric had kissed her.
Wishing her sincerity reached him.
Early in the morning, Yuric set off, accompanied by the farewell of his mentors. They wished for the universe to bless his journey.
“Our prince leaving will make the children very sad!”
Great Witch Yelni laughed heartily and patted Yuric’s back.
“You’ll learn a lot in the west.”
“Don’t trust just anyone recklessly. Especially women in the west, they’re cunning, cunning!”
“Always be careful.”
“Write often, Yuric.”
The mentors tapped Yuric’s shoulder and each gave him a word of advice. Yuric bowed deeply, expressing his gratitude to everyone.
“I’ll return safely!”
As Yuric waved energetically toward the station, the mentors responded with waves of their own. Seeing the decorative object standing like a totem at the entrance made him realize that he was really leaving.
Three months and ten days.
During the time he spent back here, he felt once again the boundless love of his mentors.
“Thank you. Thank you for always loving me, despite my insignificance.”
Yuric arrived at the station and boarded the carriage heading to his destination. Inside were many outsiders.
Here we go, the carriage started moving. It rumbled slowly away from Arphenheim.
While Yuric was leaving, his heart remained here.
Atelier, streets, witches, love, peace, huts, gardens, spirits, mentors…
They were all what made him exist.
Every time Yuric reached a city, he visited the mercenary guild. Given that it would be a long journey to the west, he needed sufficient travel funds.
Although he earned a considerable amount working as a private tutor in Schliffen, half of it went to Brother Luke, and the rest was spent during his three months and ten days in Arphenheim. His calm life led to a relaxed spending habit.
Therefore, Yuric tightened his belt as soon as he embarked on his journey and sought work along the way.
Fortunately, his experience as a private tutor in Schliffen proved useful, allowing him to secure noble carriage escort jobs fairly easily. Compared to caravan protection, these paid better, and as long as the schedule didn’t get too messed up, Yuric preferred this kind of work.
One day, he was assigned to escort an elderly lady on her journey to her family estate for her summer vacation.
Lady Marsheng, the matriarch of the Marsheng family, especially liked Yuric, treating him like a grandson. Thus, instead of riding with the escort team, she often invited Yuric to ride in her own carriage.
Yuric treated her with utmost respect, and Lady Marsheng quickly fell for his words and actions. Throughout the journey, he kept her entertained with amusing stories from his travels and occasionally showed her magic. Before long, she began treating Yuric like a grandson, always keeping him close.
Two months had passed since he left Arphenheim.
Finally, Yuric arrived at the capital of the empire, Dezanic.
Ah.
Despite the royal bloodline and the foundation of the empire changing twice over a thousand years, the status of the capital remained steadfast.
Its grandeur and magnificence surpassed that of any other city. Only after seeing it did Yuric understand why the empire chose this as its capital.
Moreover, the empire’s lifeline flowing beside the capital, the towering mountain in the distance, and the vast fertile land stretched endlessly, forming a picture of art.
Upon seeing this, Yuric’s desire for creation burst forth.
There was a separate line for nobles to be inspected at the capital gates, significantly reducing the waiting time. Otherwise, he might have had to wait for a long time.
Thus, the procession accompanying Lady Marsheng entered the capital safely. Since Yuric was not a member of the mercenary group, he prepared to settle accounts and find his own path here.
Then, Lady Marsheng called Yuric and invited him to her family estate.
“It feels a bit melancholic to part ways like this.”
Of course, Yuric had no reason to decline her invitation. After all, it would only be nearby accommodation anyway.
“Thank you for the invitation.”
“Hoho, not at all. How enjoyable I was because of you.”
Thus, Yuric continued to ride in Lady Marsheng’s carriage as they entered the city center.
The view of the city seen through the carriage window was more than enough to captivate him. The city bustled with carriages and buildings lined up neatly, and pedestrians dressed stylishly.
Lady Marsheng’s family estate was a magnificent mansion located in the bustling area. The entire district was filled with such mansions.
Yuric got out of the carriage and escorted Lady Marsheng inside. This was the residence of the Duke of the Royal Court of Kreuzvaldt, a family that had held the position of Head Court Mage for generations. Among their ancestors, there was even someone who became the Head Court Mage of the Imperial Palace.
To prove this, countless awards, decorations, and magical tools were displayed on the walls of the mansion. Yuric immediately fixed his gaze on them.
Lady Marsheng, who was greeted warmly by her brother-in-law, the Duke of the Royal Court, was joined by her household members who came out to welcome her. Then it was Yuric’s turn.
“Nice to meet you, Your Grace. I am Mage Yuric.”
The Duke, who looked kindly like Lady Marsheng, exchanged warm greetings with Yuric. As a former Head Court Mage of the Kreuzvaldt family, he saw Yuric’s physical form and instantly grasped his magical talent. Thanks to this, Yuric received special treatment from the Duke.
Assigned to a guesthouse in a separate building, Yuric now had free time to explore the city. His first destination was the Mage Tower branch in the capital.
Fitting its name, the building of the branch was truly large and majestic. Yuric strolled slowly down the first-floor corridor, which was lined with shops, excitedly browsing the items displayed in the windows.
After touring the Mage Tower branch, Yuric stepped out and admired the beautiful and grand plaza.
In the center of the plaza stood a fountain and statues, with numerous people, including couples, friends, and families, wandering around. Without hesitation, Yuric sat down on the ground and sketched the scene.
While sketching and resting in the shade, a young man approached Yuric.
Judging from his attire, he appeared to be a mage affiliated with the Mage Tower.
“Are you Mr. Yuric?”
It wasn’t unusual for someone to recognize him. He was already a topic of discussion at the Mage Tower and had worked there for several months.
“Yes, what is it?”
“The director wants to meet you. Can you spare some time?”
His tone suggested something important.
Yuric gladly agreed.
“Sure, let’s go.”
The two mages headed towards the Mage Tower branch in the capital.
