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Translated By Arcane Translations
Translator: Yuziro
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Amy dragged me to her room, of course. She slammed the door shut, then abruptly released my hand, her face flushed crimson.
“Um… please sit,” she mumbled, suddenly shy.
“Sure.” I glanced around the room. As expected of the only daughter of a Duke, it was spacious. My quarters at Minerva were comfortable, but compared to this, they were practically a basement.
A pristine white bed dominated the room, a testament to her preference for cleanliness. A vanity table stood against one wall. A table and chairs sat in the center, all exquisitely crafted.
“Stop staring and sit down!” Amy exclaimed.
“Alright, alright.” I sat in one of the chairs, impressed by the soft yet supportive cushions. Amy sat opposite me.
She remained silent, as if her outburst at Vulcan had been a lie. What was she playing at? I took the opportunity to observe her. She didn’t look as bad as Ail had made her out to be, but she had definitely lost weight. Her cheeks were hollow.
“Are you eating properly?” I asked. My Korean DNA hadn’t faded, even after all this time. That was the first thing I asked?
“…Yes,” she mumbled after a moment’s hesitation.
“Ail said you weren’t eating. He said you usually eat several servings, but now you’re not even finishing one.”
“Does he think I’m a pig?! I never ate that much…!” She stopped mid-sentence, sighing at my teasing expression. “You haven’t changed at all.”
“Of course not. Anyone would think we haven’t seen each other in years.” It had only been two weeks. Even thirteen years on the battlefield hadn’t changed my personality. A near-death experience wasn’t going to do it either.
Amy looked down. “Do you have something to say?”
“Is there something you want to hear?” I countered.
She closed her mouth, clammed shut like a seashell. At this rate, we would be sitting here in silence until nightfall. I decided to try a different approach.
“I heard you awakened your ‘Fire Eye.’ That’s the mark of the next head of the family, isn’t it? Impressive. Maybe I have nothing left to teach…”
“No!” she interrupted.
That was the reaction I was hoping for. I had a feeling this was a sensitive topic.
“I still have a lot to learn. I couldn’t do anything this time. I need to learn more and become… stronger…!”
“Getting stronger is good. I desperately wanted to be stronger too.” No one on that battlefield had desired strength more than me.
If they had, they were already dead. I could swear on my life. Because I was the only one who survived.
“And I did get stronger. Probably stronger than you. But what good is it? I still ended up with a hole in my side.”
“That’s because… we were weak…”
“It’s natural for students to be weak. If you were stronger than me, why would I be teaching you?”
“But…”
I understood how she felt. She knew it logically, but her heart couldn’t accept it. It was easier to blame me than to confront her own weakness. But that was self-destructive.
“I’m not good with words. I have many shortcomings. I can’t use divine magic like Sena, or wield a sword like Ariana, or control powerful fire magic like you.”
“Amy, no one is perfect. No matter how strong someone is, there’s always someone stronger.”
Barbarians were many times stronger and faster than humans, with abilities humans couldn’t replicate. How did the Empire manage to defeat them?
“We have potential. You, me, everyone who suffered at the hands of the Heretics, we have the potential to surpass them. Don’t be discouraged by a few losses. You survived. And if you survive, you can always have your revenge.”
Perhaps I was saying this to myself as well. A vow to those who had perished, and a justification for my own survival.
“Are you angry that Ariana was hurt? That you were too weak to help?”
“…Yes,” she whispered.
I slammed my hand on the table. “Then what are you doing moping around in your room?!”
Her eyes widened. I yelled, just like I had at the despairing recruits after their first battle. “Pick up your staff! Practice your magic! Hone your power so you can melt their insides the next time you see them! If you stay like this, the same thing will happen again! Do you want that?!”
I saw it. The flames of vengeance ignited in her eyes.
“You’re lucky. You met me. I’ll make you strong enough to crush those demons with a single finger. And if your resolve falters, I’ll kick your ass. So be prepared for the next lesson.”
Seeing the flames grow stronger, I felt a sense of satisfaction. That should be enough…
“…Isn’t that sexual harassment?” she asked.
“Huh?”
“Kicking a lady’s ass… I didn’t know you were that kind of person.”
That wasn’t the response I expected. I had gone from drill instructor to potential sex offender in an instant. Even I was flustered.
“I’m kidding! Ahaha! Your face is hilarious!” She burst into laughter, clutching her stomach.
She wiped away her tears. “So… can you make me a Grand Mage?”
“Don’t cry later,” I said, clearing my throat.
“…I’ll hold you to that. In many ways,” she said, her eyes gleaming mischievously.
That sounded ominous, but I had achieved my goal of lifting her spirits. I’d get her back for that one during our next lesson.
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“Leaving already? You can stay the night. We have plenty of rooms,” Vulcan said, looking disappointed.
Was he really this fixated on me? Anyone would think I was some kind of celebrity.
“I have to go to the palace tomorrow, so unfortunately…”
“Hmm, can’t be helped.” He nodded, clicking his tongue. Even the Duke of Helios had to yield to the Imperial family.
But he wasn’t giving up. “Be sure to visit again. Anytime. Ah, I almost forgot. This isn’t a proper Helios welcome.” He snapped his fingers, and an elderly butler appeared, carrying an ornate box.
He opened it, revealing a ring set with a glowing red gem.
“This is…?”
“A ring made of Fire Essence. It contains the essence of fire, so it will ward off negative energy. And if you’re interested, it can help you form a contract with a fire spirit. It’s also beneficial for fire magic training. And…”
“I… I know how valuable this is.” I had never seen this gem before, but I knew Fire Essence was one of the most expensive in the world. This ring could probably buy a small castle.
But that wasn’t its true value. “Only those recognized by House Helios receive this, don’t they?”
Ail had told me this ring granted the wearer the full support of House Helios. The full support of one of the Empire’s two ducal families. Its value was immeasurable.
“You heard from Ail? That blabbermouth… well, what you heard is true,” Vulcan chuckled.
“Why are you giving me such a valuable gift…?”
“Why?” He blinked, as if genuinely confused. He looked at me as if I were an idiot. “You saved my son on the battlefield, and now you’ve saved my only daughter. What kind of father would neglect such a benefactor? Certainly not me.”
“It was my duty.” I was Ail’s superior officer and Amy’s teacher. It was my duty to protect them. I couldn’t accept such a valuable gift for doing what was expected of me.
“Haha, you’re an interesting young man. Do you know how many people in this world neglect their duties?” He stepped closer, gripping my shoulders. “Are you saying it’s wrong to reward someone who does what’s right?”
“It’s not that, it’s just too much…”
“Nonsense. You’re not just interesting, you’re also stubborn. I decide the reward. You just accept it. Will you put it on yourself, or should I put it on your left ring finger? Choose. Quickly!”
His grip was surprisingly strong, his eyes burning with intensity. I nodded reflexively.
He released me, smiling. “Put it on.”
I picked up the ring, hesitant. I decided on my left index finger. My right hand was dominant, and the ring seemed too large for any other finger.
But as soon as it touched my finger, it resized perfectly. A warm sensation emanated from the ring, whether due to the Fire Essence or some embedded magic. It was so comfortable, I almost forgot I was wearing it. This was what they called quality craftsmanship.
“Hmm, the index finger… well, the rest is up to my daughter.”
“Excuse me?”
“Nothing. Do you like it?”
“Yes. I’ll treasure it.” It was worth more than my annual salary. I would never take it off.
Vulcan beamed.
“I’m glad. As I said, feel free to visit anytime. Don’t say it’s too much trouble. You’re always welcome at Helios.”
“I’ll visit often,” I replied.
“Good. Please continue to look after Amy and Ail. Don’t go easy on them just because they’re my children. Give them a good education. Even if it means kicking their asses. Haha!”
Was he eavesdropping on us? I forced a smile and nodded.
“I’ve kept you long enough. Do you have a place to stay?”
“Yes. I’m going to Master… I mean, the Robert mansion.”
“Taurus’s residence? It’s quite a walk. Take the carriage.”
“Thank you. I’ll see you again.”
Thanks to Vulcan, I rode in a carriage bearing the Helios crest. It had been an uncomfortable visit, but seeing his genuine affection for his children warmed my heart.
The next day, at the palace.
I was both excited about the reward and anxious about meeting the Emperor.
I leaned back in the carriage, closing my eyes, my heart pounding.
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