CH 32

“What if something like that happens again? What if that guy, or anyone else, harms Eila in any way? What if something irreversible happens? Are you going to say the same thing then? Can you say it to Father? That it’s because you care about Eila?”

“…….”

Nita bit his lip, his expression filled with anguish.

“Don’t forget, the war isn’t over yet. There are plenty of demons who hold grudges against the Duchy of Rojasis. While it’s important for Eila to be happy, her safety is our priority.”

“…Aslan.”

Aslan turned and left the terrace.

Nita clenched his fist so tightly that it hurt.

*****

It was after dinner when it happened. She heard a sharp knock on the door.

“My lady. The master wants to see you.”

My heart thudded loudly in my chest at Tess’s words.

“…Could it be?”

It had been a week since Aslan said he would talk to Father.

During that time, the investigation team had been formed, and the departure date was set for five days later.

The only reason I had been able to wait this long was because every time I sought out Aslan in my anxious state, he would tell me, “Just wait a little longer.”

But even that had run its course.

If there was no word by today, I had made up my mind to go and find Raphir tomorrow.

Then, as if on cue, I was called by my father.

With nervous anticipation, I made my way to my father’s study.

As I opened the door and entered, I saw not only Father but also Aslan in the room.

“You called me, Father.”

“Have a seat.”

I sat across from Father, stealing a glance at Aslan beside me, but his expression gave nothing away about how their conversation had gone.

“You want to join the archaeological investigation team?”

Unconsciously, I swallowed hard.

“…Yes.”

“I’m curious about your reasons.”

After organizing my thoughts for a moment, I spoke up.

“If the recently discovered ruins are truly from the Chauntriya era, their value is immeasurable. Not only from an academic standpoint, but also from a tactical perspective.”

“Tactical?”

“Yes. We might find magical books or artifacts with the power to change the course of the war. It could potentially play a decisive role in ending the long-lasting war. I want to find it with my own hands.”

Father’s expression remained unchanged. He calmly stared at me with his eyes.

“…You might think it’s just my personal greed but when it comes to deciphering ancient runes, there’s no other researcher better than me. If I join the investigation team, I am confident that I can contribute significantly. If you confirm with the head of the research department, you’ll see that I’m not exaggerating.”

“There’s no need to confirm. I already know.”

Father spoke with a hint of affection.

“Is that all you want to say?”

“…The reason I want to join the investigation team is not solely driven by my curiosity or sense of duty as a mage. I grew up receiving protection from you and my brothers unconditionally. But that’s only because I was born a woman.”

“…….”

“Of course, I am well aware that everyone cares about me and I’m grateful for that, but… as the daughter of Duke Rojasis and as a mage, I want to do something meaningful. I want to be a proud member of our esteemed family, not just to you, Father, and my brothers. And…”

I took a quick, deep breath, then continued.

“…I want to do everything in my power to bring my brother Heufeln home a little bit sooner.”

“…….”

For the first time, Father’s gaze showed a change. His eyes, looking at me, had become noticeably soft.

“I see.”

‘..What does that mean? Does it mean he approves? Or….’

I felt restless as thoughts churned in my mind. Then, Father spoke again.

“Prepare and submit an application.”

I couldn’t help but doubt my ears.

I mulled over his words repeatedly, trying not to get carried away by excitement, but no matter how much I thought about it, it was clear that he meant to give his consent.

“Aslan has said he will come with you. With your brother by your side, I can have some peace of mind too.”

I couldn’t believe it.

Something I had deemed impossible was being granted so easily.

“…Thank y….”

My voice choked. I couldn’t find the right words. I cleared my throat and hurriedly continued.

“…Thank you, Father.”

“Yes.”

Other than those few words, Father didn’t say anything else.

He just stared down at me, his eyes filled with an unidentifiable emotion.

*****

I stepped out of my father’s study with Aslan by my side.

As soon as the door closed, I tightly embraced Aslan’s neck. Then I felt his body stiffen.

“…Eila?”

His voice sounded surprisingly shaken, unlike his usual self.

“Thank you, Brother Aslan. Thank you so… so much.”

“…You don’t need to thank me, it was your father who gave you permission.”

“But still, if it weren’t for you, it would have been impossible. It must have been difficult to obtain his approval, right? What did you tell him? How many times did you go to see him?”

“…It wasn’t that hard, I didn’t go to him that many times.”

“You’re lying.”

“I’m telling the truth.”

I looked at Aslan with a suspicious gaze. However, he maintained his usual poker face.

“Anyway, thank you. Really.”

I hugged Aslan tightly again.

“…….”

Aslan’s hand, which had been hovering in midair, awkwardly patted my back a few times.

“…But how long are we going to do this?”

His voice sounded somewhat awkward.

I asked playfully.

“Why, you don’t want to?”

“It’s not that…,” he trailed off.

“I think Brother Nita would have liked it.”

“That guy is a worthless troublemaker.”

At his serious remark devoid of any hint of humor, I burst into laughter without realizing it.

*****

The corner of Julion’s mouth twitched slightly at the sound of Eila’s laughter from outside the door.

It was a faint smile, one that only someone who knew him well would notice.

Aslan had first come to see Julion a week ago in the evening.

At first, he dismissed him without even listening to his story.

The next day, and the day after that, it was the same.

But Aslan didn’t give up. He persistently came to find Julion and asked him to listen to his story.

He hadn’t seen him like that for twenty-two years.

Aslan was the sibling with the least self-assertion among the four. 

Unlike the eldest, who was reserved but stubborn, the second who was affectionate to a fault, and the youngest who seemed innocent but was cunning and sly, Aslan had never once manipulated Julion for his own gain.

That didn’t mean he was entirely obedient, though.

He could tell because he was so much like himself.

Aslan always acted under careful calculations, making the most reasonable decisions.

And yet, for the first time in his life, Aslan was standing up to Julion.

Because of his younger sister.

「I understand why Father doesn’t want to separate Eila from us. But we can’t keep her locked up in this house forever. Father must be aware of that.」

He thought that someday, one of his sons would say such words.

But he had expected it to come from Heufeln or Nita.

Aslan calmly explained how psychologically burdened Eila was due to Julion’s “educational policies,” how she appeared fine on the surface but was actually in a dangerous state.

His tone was devoid of any emotional intensity, as if he were presenting a report.

「Eila has dreams and desires for happiness too. We can’t trade her safety for her unhappiness.」

「What if something happens to her in Andela?」

「That won’t happen, because I’ll protect her with my life.」

His face remained expressionless, but his eyes conveyed an intense emotion that he had never seen before.

Julion closed his eyes quietly.

「…that can’t be done.」

「Father.」

「You are also my precious child. What meaning is there in protecting Eila if I lose you?」

「…….」

「Come back safely. Don’t get hurt. Both Eila and you」