Chapter 690
“A-a-a… Cedric is a magic swordsman?”
“Did I hear that wrong?”
Actually, it was Cedric who wanted to ask that. Magic swordsman? Was his hearing failing him?
But the mage standing before him was resolute, as firm as a skilled doctor delivering a diagnosis with no room for doubt.
“Your name is Cedric?”
“Yes, that’s right.”
“Do all names ending with ‘-ric’ tend to be like this?”
“Huh?”
Though muttered seriously, the comment was so absurd that no one knew how to respond.
Hale pulled out a cigarette, took a drag, and asked, “So, what will you do?”
“W-what do you mean?”
“I’m asking if you want to go to the Imperial Palace or not.”
The onlookers’ mouths dropped open. They were witnessing the rise of the neighborhood troublemaker kid who barely scraped by with his grandfather.
Magic swordsman? Magic swordsman?! Even the soldier who had just slapped the boy’s cheek looked between the two of them in disbelief.
“I’d recommend going if you can. It’s a path to success regardless of your background, and above all, serving His Majesty at the palace is the highest honor for a Barielian.”
Cedric’s grandfather looked utterly confused. Not because he didn’t understand, but because he simply couldn’t process what was being said.
“Besides, we’re at war right now.”
“Are they short on people?”
“Well, a lot have died. But it’s not like they can just throw someone like you in right away. Still, you’ll probably get a chance to gain some real combat experience.”
For the Imperial Palace Guards, the emperor comes first, then their comrades. Any new recruit would be under their full protection until they shed the trainee label.
And now, in wartime, starting out as a trainee magic swordsman? Under the palace guard’s solid protection, the experience points would come pouring in.
Who else could enjoy the advantages of war like this?
“…Can I ask you something?”
“Anything. But I don’t have much time.”
What could he be curious about? Salary? Treatment? The reality of war? Or maybe something about magic power?
But Cedric’s question was far from what anyone expected.
“If I become a magic swordsman, can I beat up that guy?”
He pointed a finger at the soldier who had caused the commotion. The man, who had been watching blankly, jumped back in surprise.
“…Well. Respecting soldiers who dedicate themselves to the empire is basic etiquette for a magic swordsman… but if you want, you might get the chance.”
At Hale’s answer, Cedric sprang to his feet.
“And grandpa?”
“The palace supports the families of its staff. Once you settle in, we can bring him to the capital.”
“Alright. I’ll do it.”
The boy whispered something repeatedly to his grandfather, who nodded. Did you understand? What did you say? I’m just going for a bit! I’ll earn money and come back for you! The days of scraping by are over!
Then, striding up to the soldier, he glared fiercely. His cocky yet bold stance was impressive.
“Your name?”
“W-what?”
“Name!”
His words echoed Beric’s tone, a vow never to forget and to someday repay today’s humiliation.
Hale flicked his cigarette ash and addressed the townsfolk.
“Sorry about that. Seems there was a small problem. Please return to your daily lives and fulfill your duties. And to the residents from Hielo, please take care.”
The hesitant crowd slowly dispersed, returning to their homes. Relieved curses echoed here and there, glad the pointless scuffle was over. The soldiers also quietly withdrew, sensing the mood.
With the square now quiet, Cedric held his grandfather’s hand tightly and asked Hale, “When do we leave?”
“Hmm. Not sure yet.”
Ian wanted to leave immediately, but Hale was a bit hesitant. Cedric definitely needed some time. And with Roel’s condition, it was better to take a step back and move cautiously.
Cedric seemed satisfied, gently shaking his grandfather’s hand.
“Then I’ll eat with grandpa. Let me know before we go. So, do I head straight to the capital?”
“Burgos. We’re going to Kalamath. All the palace guards are stationed there.”
“Huh. Didn’t expect it to be abroad.”
Well, it didn’t matter. Whether the capital or Kalamath, it was all unfamiliar territory once you left Karenna. Everywhere would be strange, exciting, and a new world.
As Cedric helped his grandfather away, Hale returned to the market mansion. Tommy, standing guard at the door, waved.
“What’s going on?”
“Nothing much. Looks like I’ll be taking one more with me. Found the magic swordsman kid.”
“Huh?”
There was a magic swordsman in Karenna? Tommy followed Hale eagerly.
“Lucky kid.”
From the child’s perspective, that is.
Karenna was a small, outlying town where mages rarely came unless something big happened.
Given that magic swordsmen need to develop through mages, many with the talent never get to realize it and die without knowing they were magic swordsmen.
“He hasn’t even held a sword yet, but he’s definitely someone who’ll be an asset to the palace guards someday. When was the last magic swordsman recruited?”
“About three years ago, I think.”
“And Ian?”
“Um, well…”
Still the same.
Hale peeked through the door crack at Ian’s back. He was still standing stiffly, staring out the window. Probably like that until the doctor finished and Roel woke up.
“…Hale. Tommy.”
Just as Hale sighed and was about to light his cigarette, Ian called out suddenly. Hale put the cigarette away and turned.
Ian’s gaze slowly moved through the door crack.
“Are you there?”
His voice was still weak, but moist with a hint of tears. Hale felt relieved. Completely dried out people break easily.
“Yes, Ian. We’re here.”
“Give the order.”
“…Thank you.”
“Huh?”
What?
Hale and Tommy exchanged puzzled looks, and Ian added,
“Your mother said at the end that it was warm.”
“…No, I’m sorry.”
“I owe you both.”
Lost in memories and thoughts, Ian suddenly realized that honoring a loved one depends on those left behind.
At that moment, the doctor pulled back the tent flap.
“Excuse me, Ian.”
“How is Roel?”
“Sorry to say, the left eye is almost blind, and the right eye will gradually lose sight as well. Depending on care, but at most within six months…”
Ian closed his eyes tightly and sighed.
How long could a child who crossed the great desert last with care? It felt like stepping onto a long road with a cliff at the end, knowing full well what awaited.
“Is Roel sleeping?”
“Yes. He just fell asleep after the painkillers.”
“Good work.”
Ian tapped his fingernail while watching the sleeping Roel. The gauze wrapped around his face was faintly stained with blood.
Ian was troubled. He needed someone to protect the child and guide him through the desert. If possible, if he were allowed, he wanted to volunteer himself…
“How did the soldiers guarding Roel seem?”
“They’re determined to complete their mission, but overall, they lack insight.”
Hale’s sharp assessment made Ian frown. It wasn’t just their ability, but the fact that their opponents were powerful ‘sorcerers’ that worried him.
No matter how well-trained, soldiers are just human. Having someone with more than human power alongside would be reassuring.
“…!”
Ian’s eyes, habitually drawn to the window, widened slightly. Hale noticed the subtle change and cautiously looked outside.
A crowd had gathered at the mansion’s entrance. At first, they thought it was angry townsfolk from earlier, but on closer look, it wasn’t.
Ian dragged his heavy body down the stairs and flung open the door. A strange scent of grass wafted in.
Then, swollen-eyed Hana and the residents of Hielo spotted him and burst into tears.
“Ian!”
“Oh my, Ian!”
“Hana, and…”
Ah, again.
Memories overlapped with reality.
The day they brought food and flowers to the Hielo mansion for him.
“Are you alright?”
“We heard Roel is very sick.”
“Ian, please don’t be so heartbroken or feel guilty.”
The scruffy townsfolk awkwardly comforted him, and Hana silently hugged Ian tightly, whispering,
“We couldn’t protect Hielo, but we will endure. We’ll keep your name safe until you return and restore Hielo to what it was.”
“I see, Hana.”
“Don’t worry about Roel. Just follow the great light ahead.”
Ian smiled faintly.
It was strange and wonderful. Those who had faced immense power yet resolved to move forward seemed both ridiculous and yet truly capable of enduring. Ian and these people alike.
“Yes, Ian. I will risk my life to escort Roel through the desert.”
“And you are?”
A man stepped out from the crowd. Tanned skin, a physique beyond human, and the unmistakable scent of the desert.
Ian looked up at him, a bit surprised. It was Cheonryeo.
“Hana’s husband, Mui.”
“Ah, so you’re the one…”
He was the one who chose to settle in Hielo, not the Great Desert, for the sake of his married life with Hana.
After retrieving Kakan’s body and warning the people about the wizard’s intrusion, he had gone missing. Yet, in the end, he returned alive—unyielding like the relentless sun, persistent like the ceaseless wind.
“I’ve shamelessly come back alive. It seems the gods still have work for me to do with this life.”
“Don’t say that. It’ll only hurt Hana’s heart.”
Hana bravely wiped away her tears and took her husband’s hand. Though danger and the threat of parting would come at any moment from now on, her expression was one of gratitude—thankful simply to be alive and together in this moment.
“…Yes. If it’s you all—”
She could trust them. These were the ones who cared more than anyone else about protecting Hielo. Ian lightly clasped Mui’s hand and made his request.
“Please take good care of my sister.”
“Of course. Lord Roel is the future of the Great Desert, isn’t he?”
And Ian Hielo, you are the future of Bariel.
At Cheonryeo’s steadfast vow, Ian gave a faint smile.
Seeing that, Hana couldn’t help but think of Philia, the woman who had been like a wildflower. To hide her tears, she hugged Ian once more.
“I’m sorry, brother.”
Roel stammered as he grasped the back of Ian’s hand. Though he had seen blood and wanted to see nothing else, the strange sensation only grew clearer, and he lost sight of the preciousness of everyday life.
For example, not being able to see his departing brother’s face, or only being able to feel the harshness of the Great Desert on his skin.
Ian held Roel’s hand firmly in return.
“There’s no need for apologies. I’m the one who should say sorry, Roel. I’m truly sorry I can’t go with you.”
“…Farewell.”
“Please, take care of yourself.”
“We’ll meet again, won’t we, brother?”
“Of course. When the war ends, we’ll see each other again.”
With a gentle touch, Ian pressed his forehead lightly against Roel’s and spoke kindly.
Whether it would truly happen, he didn’t know. But just as Hana and the people of the territory had done, if he spoke from the heart, it felt like it just might.
“If anything happens, send word to the capital or Kalamath.”
Ian also urged the residents of Karenna as he drew the portal magic circle. Since they had rushed over in haste, many must be worried without any news.
While Hale assisted Ian, Tommy brought a child forward.
“Lord Ian, this is the child.”
The young magic swordsman, Cedric.
Ian looked the boy up and down, and the boy did the same to Ian. He’d heard the Minister of Magic was young, but at this rate, maybe he could speak casually?
“Hello. I’m Cedric.”
But the boy was perceptive. Seeing how respectfully Hale and Tommy treated Ian, he bowed even lower in greeting.
Ian looked away and assessed him.
“Good eyes. Unlike some, he’s got potential.”