Chapter 13

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The travel time between the Forestlands and the Beryldot estate wasn't that far, but for Naell, it was the farthest mentally, as he was exhausted from trying to be polite to the blue-haired mage shop owner of Arigare.

Sestra and the Lieutenant throughout the journey accompanied Sebastian and Naell. The young master was smiling and spoke even softer than before, and even made use of the so-called customer service facade he had learned from his many part-time jobs back on Earth.

"So Young master, what kind of magic was that?" Sestra was inquiring about the magic Naell used that saved her life.

Those who heard the question started gathering closer towards the group. Even Sebastian's usually perfect smile, out of his curiosity, had cracks on it.

"Lady Sestra, do you mean this?" As Naell said that, small shining bits of mana began gathering towards the young mage.

"Just like I thought, that is complex magic... But that looks kinda different from the one before.” Sestra said as she closely observed the palm-sized snow crystal that appeared and hovered above the young master's left palm.

Sebastian's gaze was full of interest while his face seemed to say "again with the surprises".

"Lady Sest---"

"Please just call me sister."

Upon hearing that, it then seemed to Naell that after getting to know her, she'd seem to be the cheerful-yet-strict kind.

"Sister Sestra, I wouldn't say it is complex but…"

"But?" Lieutenant Estra was the one who asked. Even an aura user like him knew of such magic.

COMPLEX MAGIC is a term used to characterize the craftier use of magic. Sebastian's utilization of [ FORTRESS ] could be considered as one.

That was why, most of them were quite surprised, since to their knowledge, mages would usually develop complex magic through long years of experience. Sebastian could only proudly smile at his mysterious student as he thought,

'Now that I think of it, I did not even teach him my fortress, yet he managed to make one.'

Naell knew of the basic composition behind things like fire--- fuel, heat, and oxygen. That was why he had a hard time explaining the concepts that barely existed in that world, as magic had mostly replaced the concept of common sense and science.

"But it was just a bigger snowflake."

.

.

.

All of them were flabbergasted, even Sebastian who was expecting a similar answer. Still, he was the one who managed to respond,

"That... Is true, but Naell, the magic behind the snow crystal you made is already complex. Not to mention, to form such a complicated figure with ease is already an incredible feat.“

"Young master, it is as complex as teacher Sebastian's snow fortresses." Sestra could not hold herself back. Saying it was simple was like comparing it to her earth javelin.

“I did not form the snow per se… Just like sister Sestra mentioned, its form is different from the other one." Naell recalled how his favorite vocalist once sang, “Every snowflake’s different just like you.”

He then added on,

"I simply used magic to make some ice crystals, which then latched onto the dust particles around the atmosphere. All I had to do was make it bigger.”

Upon explaining the concept behind his snow crystals, Naell noticed the gazes of confusion and mass jaw-drops.

"Ahhh, since summer started, I got into reading books which helped me understand things more clearly. Ha HA ha."

They could only laugh dryly at his response.

"And besides..."

"...It was a memento of my mother."

Silence and a long awkward sadness filled their surroundings. They were certain that Naell's cold eyes looking beyond the horizon, was actually the lonely gaze of a young boy.

Yet that couldn’t be further from the truth. They never noticed how Naell was fidgeting from all the stares, nor did they know he just looked elsewhere to avoid their gazes.

'I'm sorry Alic--- Mom I was really hoping not to make an excuse out of you.'

"Young master, sorry for asking too much..." Lieutenant Estra was the one who apologized first while tapping his sister's shoulder. Soon, others followed suit by nodding apologetically.

"No, it's okay.''

"Still, it's no wonder you could pull that off, Young master. Your snow fortress could even block hordes of goblins."

The statement caught Sestra's attention.

"It was... Really you?" Sestra knew of the incident regarding the goblin invasion. Rumor had it that the one who made the snow fortress was actually a frosted ghostman bearing a translucent complexion, and not Sebastian.

Sebastian could only remind the Lieutenant after his oopsie.

"Lieutenant... That was a secret."

"I'm sorry Captain, Young master, I.."

"It is ok, Lieutenant Estra. I just don't really want anymore rumors about me, so I hope it will not spread."

"Understood, Young master." The Lieutenant and Sestra nodded in agreement. Both then thought that Naell was being a humble kid, straying away from all the achievements.

"Hohoho, It is just sad to take credit from my student's achievement."

"HA...Ha...ha..." Naell could only laugh. He knew achievements would only bring him closer to the Duke of Arigare, and that is not an option he was willing to take. Not to mention, being called a frosted ghostman was making him cringe.

With their arrival at the Beryldot estate, Naell was greeted and hugged by Lily upon entering their home. The Lieutenant carried on with Sebastian to report the status of the subjugation to Baron Fharom.

Naell’s curiosity was piqued from hearing that someone visited their home, and that even his father was busy tending to the visitor's needs. He made guesses to soothe his curiosity.

'A high noble perhaps…'

Then a horrible thought greeted his mind,

'…Please not the Duke.' Naell wished sincerely as surprises like that really ought to kill him.

Fortunately, his suspicions were debunked seeing Sestra leave urgently to Arigare. She intended to report to the Adventurer's guild as soon as possible, and had no interest in the guest. With this, a sigh of relief escaped Naell’s person.

Right after, he immediately sought a bath to cleanse both his body and his damaged mind from all the questions and near-death moments he had to face.

He then went to eat dinner and was surprised to see his family at the table, waiting for him. With their late arrival, he thought they’d already be done.

Sebastian was also seated which by then was an often occurrence in the household. Naell had no idea if that was the case with the old him, but he didn’t question further as seeing his Sensei eat with them just felt right.

"Welcome back Elder and Naell.” Said Lilia who couldn’t hide her gladness, as both of them made it for dinner.

Naell’s attention quickly diverted from his thoughts.

"Thank you, Mom."

"Hohoho"

Immediately, Baron Fharom asked his son. He could not wait as he was excited to see what Sebastian and Estra had told him.

"I heard from Elder Sebastian... Snow?"

"Yes, Father." Naell casually presented a snow crystal from his right hand. The seemingly pristine figure made the young Lily stand up with admiration.

"Woah... It's very pretty, brother!"

"It should be. I was making it while thinking of my adorable little sister."

The seven-year-old noticeably glowed from the statement.

"Hehehe"

"Well done. Your training bore fruit.” Added on Baron Fharom who was wickedly smirking. Lilia smiled as she knew her husband’s intentions of bragging it to the lovey-dovey couple.

"All thanks to your support, Father. Not to mention Mom, Lily, and Sensei's teaching."

"Grandpa is so cool!"

"Hohoho, It was because your brother is a genius, Little one."

Naell deactivated his magic and continued eating. His face was flushed with embarrassment as Lily and Sebastian continued on complimenting him. Watching them, Fharom and Lilia looked at the three with a lukewarm smile.

Months of the serene setting was satisfying to Naell. He felt at peace seeing the Beryldot family smiling and sitting together.

"By the way, Naell."

"Yes, Father."

"You better start preparing for your travel to the capital next week. It is alright to train, but for this week, I hope you will prioritize that first.”

"I understand."

"It will be quite lonely without you here Naell." Lilia said while smiling, yet the sadness in her voice was prominent.

"Brother, don't go..." Naell saw how sincere Lilia's soft voice was. On the other hand, his sister was downcasted knowing her brother would be gone next week to study in the capital.

"Mom, Lily, I will come home often so please look forward to the presents I'll be bringing back!"

"Don't bribe me, brother!"

"Hohoho"

"Hahaha" They all laughed and continued eating the delicious food flooding their table, all at the warm comfort of their home.

But amidst the peaceful scene, no one noticed Naell fearfully flinch. A familiar feeling came over him.

‘...W---What is this?’ A strong hint of mana strongly pierced Naell’s senses, before vanishing without warning. He quickly glanced over to Sebastian to see his reaction, yet he was greeted by his usual demeanor, calmly eating in the process.

‘Was that just my imagination?” He was reminded of similar strong mana deep in the forest. Yet even with the brief appearance, he knew what he sensed was much stronger.

Naell caught himself deep in thought. He tried to seem unfazed and carried on with his meal, but even with his countless attempts of brushing it aside, the thought stayed in the back of his head.