By Zephyria 
There was no seat left, so I offered him mine. Michael politely declined once before settling into the chair. Upon learning we hadn’t stopped by the capital, Michael first explained the circumstances that led him to deliver this message.
It seemed Ruben had sent Ranunculus to the Duke Valentia Family shortly after parting ways with me.
He informed them that I had become a Grand Sword Master and was currently on a special mission in the Yuil Mountains. And he promised to send Ranunculus once or twice a month to deliver updates.
Whenever Ruben contacted him, my Uncle made sure Michael, Asdel, and his own two children were present. The children were very curious and anxious about my news, but he also believed that knowing more would help them prepare for future situations.
After Asdel fell ill, the rest of the family decided to leave the noisy ducal mansion for their health and move to their current villa further south. However, Michael remained at the Duke Valentia Family’s residence, wanting to learn more swordsmanship and prepare for his academy entrance.
As Asdel’s condition worsened significantly last month, Michael was also moved here. However, remembering Ruben’s last message, he thought he should relay it to our party and came to find us.
The words Ruben had asked him to convey were indeed astonishing, enough to surprise even a god.
“First, he says he’s been researching the means of transportation for black magicians for the past two years. He has succeeded in tearing space, but is currently unable to transport people or objects to a predetermined location.”
“What? No, that’s insane. Tearing what, and where did it go? How?”
Spiritus, who had been listlessly lying down, suddenly sat up. Mage Boulder, who had still been clinging to her collar and whining, also widened his eyes and looked at us.
Michael, who didn’t know their identities and hadn’t had time to be properly introduced, seemed uncomfortable with their intense gazes and continued, looking towards me.
“And second, he has compiled a list of individuals presumed to be black magicians. He wishes for the members of your party to come to the capital in person to review the mugshots on the list, and if possible, to create new mugshots of any individuals who stand out in your memory.”
A list. How many black magicians had we dealt with in total? I was dumbfounded.
“Third, many residents are going missing in the Saras River area, so he asks that when you travel from the Duchy of Valentia to the capital, you avoid crossing the river directly and take a detour towards Count Servel’s territory.”
Beyond the child’s clear voice, Spiritus muttered curses repeatedly. Michael hesitated and then fell silent. Were these the only three points? In any case, we had to go to the capital. Just as I thought this, Michael grabbed my sleeve.
What did he want to say?
I lowered my head as he pulled. The child’s whisper reached my ear.
“And, tell my brother… I’m sorry in advance.”
“…Me? Why?”
“He didn’t say why, perhaps because Uncle was listening too, but he just said to tell you he’s sorry.”
…What could Ruben possibly have to apologize to me for?
But what was the point of questioning this child further? Michael thought I wouldn’t hear him whispering, but that wasn’t the case. Seeing Hugh Benson’s brow furrowed in a grimace, I felt awkward and amused.
It’s probably nothing important. If Ruben apologizes for something, I’ll just forgive him.
After a moment of dazed silence, I stroked Michael’s well-groomed hair and praised him.
“Yes, that was a great help. Thank you for telling me right away.”
“Yes. …Brother, are you leaving right now?”
“Well, that’s…”
“Can’t we wait until Asdel wakes up? I feel like he’ll be really disappointed if he finds out I was the only one who saw you. Even when he was sick, he’d regain consciousness every three days… It won’t be more than three days.”
I was speechless.
As I couldn’t reply for a moment, Benjamin, who had been quiet until then, spoke up first.
“I cannot agree. I am tired. Let’s rest for just three days. We’ve only just entered a house with a roof after two years.”
“…Yes. We’ve lost so much time already, what major event could happen in just a day or two?”
“You shouldn’t say that. Words can come true. Still, it’s time we had a proper meal.”
With each additional remark from the others, Michael’s face lit up. It seemed this child would remain this lovely and pitiable for his entire life. I massaged Michael’s shoulders a couple of times and helped him lean into my embrace. The child didn’t hesitate to lean on me, responding cheerfully.
“Yes. I’ll tell the servants to prepare bathwater.”
“Oh, it’ll be chaotic, so let’s eat separately.”
How could I not understand their consideration for allowing me to spend more time with my family?
My throat tightened, and I couldn’t even express my gratitude properly. I bowed my head, then scooped Michael up into my arms. The child smiled broadly in my stead and waved goodbye.
“Thank you! Then, please rest well, and I’ll see you again tomorrow.”
“Yes, little Lord Ernhardt, sleep well too.”
Michael, nestled in my arms, wriggled with delight, tickling my chest.
Before sleeping, I looked at Asdel’s face one more time. He was still gaunt, but there was a little color in his cheeks and lips, which put my mind at ease. After bidding farewell to my parents, I received permission to let Michael sleep in my room tonight.
As we lay down side-by-side on the bed, the child let out a mischievous sound.
“I’ll keep today’s event a secret.”
“…What?”
“That you slept with me again.”
“Asdel?”
“No, to Rubel.”
…When did this brat start calling Ruben ‘brother’? I was utterly flabbergasted. Come to think of it, Ruben had promised to take good care of my parents before he left. Now that Asdel was sick, I suddenly worried that Ruben hadn’t been able to fawn over them as he wished.
Michael chattered on without pause. He spoke of what he had learned, the people he had met at the Duke Valentia Family’s residence, the sturdy horse he received for himself, and the stories he wanted to tell Asdel when he woke up. It wasn’t until deep into the night that the child fell asleep, breathing evenly.
Listening to his steady breaths for a long time, I too eventually drifted off to sleep. It was a peaceful, deep sleep, free of dreams, for the first time in a long while.
❖ ❖ ❖
The next day.
As soon as I opened my eyes, Michael and I hovered outside Asdel’s door.
A maidservant, coming to change shifts, greeted us with a bright face and shared the news that Asdel had briefly opened his eyes that morning and asked for water. Since it was rare for him to regain consciousness and eat or drink anything, this was considered a significant event.
The door was opened, and we entered. The same doctor as yesterday yielded his seat.
Asdel’s pulse was stable. His body was still gaunt, and his Qi and blood were constricted, but the chilling aura was gone. It was a great relief. If things continued like this, once his strength returned, we could perform simple Acupressure and Blood Manipulation to stimulate his appetite and restore his body.
As I held his wrist for a long time, the child’s hazy eyes fluttered open. I gazed at him as he blinked a couple of times. His lips curved into a faint smile, as if he couldn’t believe it.
“…Big brother? When did you get here?”
“Yesterday. Were you very ill?”
“Mmmph… It’s nothing serious, everyone’s just overreacting. I’m fine.”
It seemed his condition had improved enough for him to realize it himself. Relieved, I listened to his next words, which were quite something.
“Still, it’s nice to see your face, even like this.”
“…What?”
“Oh, no, it’s just…”
Where was I going?
I simply watched him, holding my breath, as he rambled on.
“…Why are you so tall? I wanted to brag about how much I’ve grown too, but you seem taller than me. It’s unfair. Still, it’s good you came. I actually had something I really wanted to tell you. Before, I said I didn’t like the Second Prince… that was a lie. As long as you’re happy, I’m happy with anything.”
I couldn’t tell if there were an unusual number of precocious children among Sierren’s offspring, or if my siblings simply didn’t know how to be spoiled. Asdel’s thin, small hand reached out and grasped mine.
While I was too stunned to speak, Michael, who had been listening quietly, let out a hollow laugh.
“Don’t say strange things, Asdel. You’re all better now.”
“I know. I’m really healthy, I tell you! I just wanted to say this because I haven’t seen Big Brother in a while.”
“Uh-huh. And you really are all better. Your brother brought a great doctor.”
“…In one day?”
“Yes. In one day.”
“Lies. I couldn’t even find the cause of what was wrong with me…”
Asdel’s words truly felt like a final testament.
Thinking that, I felt immense pity, but also relief that he could now dismiss such things as a joke. I rested my forehead on his small hand, trying to catch my breath.
I could still hear Michael and Asdel bickering in my ears.
“No, they found it. There was something strange stuck in your body, and the doctor took it out.”
“…Really?”
“Really. Really, really, really. I swear on your diary.”
“Why would Brother…! Did you see it? Inside too?”
“I didn’t. And you’re all better now.”
“…That’s strange… I still feel breathless.”
I looked up in alarm.
Michael, with a worried expression, moved closer to Asdel.
“Where, where is it?”
“It’s just… in my chest. Ah. But, I don’t feel cold anymore. Is this being all better?”
I had been holding the child’s hand all along. Now, there were no fragments of god left in his body.
I nodded silently. Asdel’s face, which had been beaming, contorted. He tried to hold something back, gritted his teeth, and yanked his hand away from mine.
Tears streamed down from his clear, red eyes, wetting his chin.
“What, what… If that’s the case, why didn’t you come sooner? I, I was so sick, I was so, so scared…”
“…I’m sorry. I should have come sooner, even a little sooner. It was my fault. Okay?”
“Heeeeeung… I, I was really, I was ready to die, you know.”
I pulled Asdel, who was sobbing uncontrollably, into my embrace.
Asdel repeatedly patted and pushed my shoulder. Even though his hands had no strength, it hurt my heart more than being hit by a dragon.
Thanks to Michael climbing onto the bed and enduring Asdel’s fists with me, I managed, just barely, to hold back my tears.