Chapter 51 Hand in Hand

Chapter 51 Hand in Hand

The Red Magic Tower.

One of only three magic towers in the world and a tower under the ownership of the Flame Emperor, counted among the worlds ten mightiest individuals. The Red Magic Tower had one peculiar characteristic:

It harbored an extreme belief in the omnipotence of magic.

The towers denizens held the conviction that magic could resolve absolutely anything. Thus, they dismissed those who were not magicians, especially scorning skills and curses as the most inferior of practices.

They believed that magic, created by humans, stood in a higher realm than blessings and curses bestowed by the gods.

Ironically, this very stance had elevated the Red Magic Tower to the upper echelons among all magic towers.

Determined to resolve everything through magic, the tower adherents maintained the most open-minded beliefs about the art of magic. Their ceaseless drive to break new ground with magic every day contributed to the towers continuous development and growth, establishing it as one of the most preeminent among all towers.

Thus, kingdoms supported the Red Magic Tower regardless of its ideologies because its magical capabilities were held to be the finest, and collaboration with them proved immensely beneficial.

Kraush was currently in the region where the Red Magic Tower stood, in the magic city of Halgram.

Just as it always was.

Halgram, befitting its nickname as a magic city, overflowed with all sorts of magical items. A quick look around revealed a man igniting a simple cigarette with a magical tool, exemplifying how commonplace such devices were entrenched in daily life.

For Kraush, this city held a distinctly uncomfortable association.

Abella.

One of Arthurs three women, she used to reside here. The memory of failing to procure painkillers made with magic here was vivid in Kraushs mind.

Abella had barred Kraush from ever entering the Red Magic Tower. More precisely, she had cast a spell so he couldnt set foot in Halgram.

It was because that man, who consistently treated him with contempt, had shown an exceptionally fierce reaction only in the case of the Red Magic Tower.

Tch.

Kraush mused that he might need to check on what that person was up to now.

While inherent magical power mattered, the most critical component of magic was knowledge contained in the mind. Kraush considered Abella to be the most dangerous among the three he remembered undergoing memory inheritance.

Given enough magical power, she would swiftly return to her days known as the Red Witch, a great magician of formidable prowess.

The fact Ive returned cannot reach anyone, and most definitely not her.

That was definitely something Kraush needed to be vigilant about.

Well, knowing her

For some reason, he felt she would just ignore it anyway.

Mr. Kraush.

Just then, Kraush heard Biancas voice as she disembarked from the carriage behind him.

She looked around, her expression one of wonder.

So this is Halgram?

Yes, where the Red Magic Tower stands.

There are so many places to see when Im with Mr. Kraush.

Halgram was a free city, a considerable distance from Starlon. It took almost three weeks just to reach this place, so even Bianca, despite spending most of the time asleep, had her share of hardships during the carriage journey.

Stay at the Green Pine Mansion next time. Dont trouble yourself by following me unnecessarily.

Kraush knew he had to keep getting stronger over the next year. So it was certain he would travel around a lot, leading to more carriage-bound days ahead.

On hearing him, Bianca slightly furrowed her eyebrows.

I dont want to.

This girls expressiveness had definitely increased. Just like when she subtly chuckled eating imperial-grade chocolate not long ago.

I like being by Mr. Kraushs side.

Saying so, Bianca approached and stood by Kraushs side, her white hair swaying gently. Witnessing this, Kraush, scratching his head, decided to play it off.

Do as you wish.

Will do.

Lately, it seemed that Bianca was outdoing him in conversations.

To think he might be getting outwitted by a mere 13-year-old girl, Kraush fell into contemplation for a moment.

Sir Kraush Balheim.

Hearing a voice, Kraush lifted his head and saw a man in a blue uniform. With a matching cap, the mans chest featured the Balheim crest along with five sword hilts inscribed within it the emblem of the fifth-ranked order, the Knightly Order of the Sea.

Welcome. I am Reblian Fenox, vice commander of the Knightly Order of the Sea.

Fenox hailed from one of the knight families under Balheim, an elite by birth, serving within the relatively modestly-ranked Knightly Order of the Sea.

Pushed out in the struggle for position, I guess.

Kraush, surmising his situation, nodded in acknowledgment.

The bustling noises of the people on the thoroughfare drifted to her ears.

The spring sunlight from above offered just the right amount of warmth.

And the scent of flowers dotted along the roads edge playfully teased her nose.

In the warm spring of Halgram.

Bianca felt as though, even amidst the crowded ambiance, she and Kraush were in their own world.

And strangely, it was a most pleasant feeling. Despite merely walking hand in hand.

She gazed absentmindedly at Kraushs back. Mix feelings the frustration of not seeing his face, yet finding comfort in this closeness.

Weve arrived. Its still here, Bianca why are you grinning?

Having reached their destination, Kraush stopped and asked Bianca, puzzled by her expression.

Startled, Bianca shifted her gaze from their entwined hands and belatedly lifted her head.

Then, she touched her cheek with her free hand and tilted her head.

Am I smiling?

Yeah, just like when youre eating chocolate or dozing off.

Bianca blinked.

Soon after, she pouted a bit petulantly.

I am not smiling.

But your face was just

No, it wasnt.

As she asserted that, Kraush wore an expression of disbelief.

She had been beaming a moment ago, eyes relaxed, so why deny it?

Caught sight of something pleasing, maybe?

Although Kraush wasnt sure of the specifics, he said,

Alright, were going to eat here.

Belatedly glancing up, Bianca saw an old-looking restaurant.

Looking around, she realized they had somehow moved quite a distance from Halgrams main thoroughfare.

It looks old.

Cant say that out loud. Inside, dont do that either.

Lest they receive unkind stares. With that advice given, Kraush entered the restaurant.

Oh my, we have such cute visitors.

A server greeted them with a smile upon seeing Bianca and Kraush enter hand in hand, both appearing quite young.

Kraush, registering that they were still holding hands, let go. But Bianca immediately reached out again.

Kraush hesitated, then turned to Bianca.

She looked back at him blankly, as if she didnt know why she had reached out again.

You said not to let go.

Why did it sound like she was reprimanding him?

We dont need to hold hands inside the restaurant.

After Kraush let go again, Bianca quietly held her hand, and the server, wearing a pleased expression, led them to a table.

Despite an open spot opposite him, Bianca naturally sat beside Kraush as though it was the most obvious choice.

Kraush, seemingly accustomed to her presence, opened the menu and ordered food as per Biancas preference before scanning the surroundings.

It was the usual lunchtime, and he expected a certain individual to show up.

In a secluded spot, Kraushs eyes captured a familiar figure.

He let out an incredulous sigh.

Found her already.

A woman, stealthily stuffing her face with bread while tucking ordered food into a basket, stood out with light brown hair and a dull half-closed face.

Kraush knew her all too well.

The one who would be known as the Flame Emperor.

Aslan Igrits personal attendant.

She held the key to uniting with him the one with the Lunar Body.