"Sir Ethan, I know that you are going to face Godfrey. You must take me with you," Hecate said.
She had been waiting for Nicole to leave Dud Manor after the latter's regular session with Ethan before she went to look for him.
The young man didn't outright reject Hecate's words, recognizing that her ability to seal Godfrey's power would prove useful during their battle. Sёarch* The Nôvelƒire.net website on Google to access chapters of novels early and in the highest quality.
Although Nicole was strong, fighting against a Demigod was different from fighting against a normal Wizard or Witch.
However, Ethan was also very reluctant to take Hecate with him, for she was the one whom Godfrey wished to possess.
Seeing that Ethan wasn't saying anything, Hecate sighed and placed her hand over her chest.
"Sir Ethan, I know that you are very worried about me," Hecate said. "But I also know that bringing me will give you a higher chance of subjugating the Vampire Lord. Your secret—I also know of it. Just like your Promised One, the Saintess of the Order of the Tidebringer exists for your sake.
"I know that you don't want me to be in danger, and I understand that you don't wish to treat me as a tool you can use to absorb magic. But bringing me is a much better option than bringing anyone else."
"But it's going to be dangerous," Ethan finally replied.
"Anywhere can be dangerous, Sir Ethan," Hecate stated. "Even here in the academy, there are dangerous things that can harm me."
"… Isn't it your fault for going to places you shouldn't have gone to in the first place?" Ethan arched an eyebrow. "You knew that the Painting of Enlightenment was dangerous, and you still went in there."
Hecate blushed because she was unable to refute his words.
Her curiosity had gotten the best of her, so she thought that entering the painting that Ethan had previously visited might be an interesting thing to do.
"I know that it's my fault why Joanne and I entered the Painting of Enlightenment," Hecate answered. "But if we didn't enter it, Joanne wouldn't have gained enlightenment, and we wouldn't have had the chance to fight against Godfrey and learn a bit about his abilities."
This time, it was Ethan's turn to nod in agreement.
"You're right," Ethan said. "That is one of the silver lining of your little adventure."
"And that is also the reason why you need to take me with you," Hecate insisted. "I know many things about Godfrey, but he doesn't know about my ability. If I manage to land a clean hit on him, we can win."
Ethan pondered a bit before giving his answer.
"Give me until tomorrow to think about it," Ethan replied.
Hecate wanted to say more, but she felt like doing so might just backfire on her.
"Understood." Hecate nodded. "Please think about it seriously. I have more to offer than what Nicole can do against Godfrey."
After saying all she had to say, Hecate gave Ethan a respectful bow before returning to her room to rest.
Ethan sighed before resting on his bed to think about his next course of action.
"She has a point, you know?" Sebastian commented. "I like Nicole, but this matter is not about liking someone. It's more about bringing someone who can raise your chances of succeeding in your mission."
"Sebastian is right," Ethan's Other Half commented. "While Godfrey may not be as strong as Erras' Avatar, he's still a Demigod who has lived for more than a hundred years.
"If I were you, I would only go pick a fight with him after I've armed to the teeth. You only have one life, Ethan. Choose the person who can help you most in your fight against him, instead of basing the decision on your personal feelings."
The young man understood that Sebastian and His Other Half only wanted what was good for him.
He understood this, so he was now in a dilemma on who to pick.
"I guess I have no choice, huh?" Ethan muttered before closing his eyes to rest.
When he took emotion out of the equation, the choice was very obvious from the start.
The next day…
"Young Master, you will be needing an Airship to go to Midgard, right?" Enzo inquired. "Fortunately, we have an airship you can readily use. Also, we are in the process of acquiring a second-hand one for a decent price.
"Please, feel free to use the Airship from Caer Wydion for your journey to Midgard. Some of my people will also accompany you to manage the flying ship. Don't worry. They will not interfere with your mission."
Ethan, who was also worrying about what transportation he'd use for his journey to Midgard, was surprised when Enzo took the initiative to talk to him and offer an airship just as he was about to head to the Dining Hall to have breakfast.
"Thank you, Enzo," Ethan replied. "I'll gladly accept your offer."
"Good." Enzo nodded. "I'll inform our people about your decision. I'll order them to buy food and supplies for the journey. Also, make sure to talk to Emma. Since you will go to Midgard, the Protector Clans will be happy to give you further assistance.
"Young Master, remember this. Even Lord Balthazar asks for help when he needs it. We exist to serve, and serving your family makes us happy. I know that you treat us well, but our calling in life is to help you win your battles for you."
Enzo's strong gaze made Ethan truly understand that the Old Catkin meant every word that he said.
"Thank you, Enzo, for everything," Ethan stated. "Please, continue to assist me in the future as well."
"I'll be honored to do that, Young Master." Enzo bowed respectfully. "Please be at ease. I will carry out your orders without fail."
After his talk with one of his Protectors, Ethan decided to write a letter to his Grandma after classes ended.
Although he could leave the academy without informing them, he deemed that it would be best to not keep his family in the dark.
It might make his Grandma worry, but it would also give her some peace of mind, knowing that he had capable individuals accompanying him in his journey.
However, on the day before his departure, Ethan didn't expect that a visitor would come to the academy, giving him a bit of a headache because of their sudden request.