Above the glittering sky floated a magic-powered airship. Inside the sunlit cabin, only Lorin sat alone on a soft sofa. He pulled his family crest from his sleeve and placed it quietly in his palm.
The crest was slightly worn but clearly marked high status. He let out a sigh.
In truth, that wasn’t his real name. His birth name was Henry Barodale. He’d forged this identity simply to avoid rising on his father’s reputation.
Others might find this strange, even laughable. But he’d learned invaluable things from Teacher Kevin.
Thinking this, Lorin turned his light blue eyes to the window view. A slight smile curved his lips.
He’d only spent two short years with Teacher Kevin. The old man might not even remember him now. Yet he longed to see his teacher’s hometown. This hard-earned break was precious.
He gently inhaled. A faint, sweet scent of a girl flooded his heart. Lorin trembled slightly, his eyes reflecting the woman who’d unexpectedly entered his life.
“What is this feeling?”
Lorin lightly touched his chest, feeling his heart race. It was a sensation he’d never known—just a desire to be near her, see her, protect her. He didn’t understand it. Didn’t comprehend it. Didn’t know why.
Even beautiful noble ladies had never stirred a trace of emotion in him. His handsome face filled with hesitation. Missing this chance might mean never seeing her again. In the empty room, he murmured,
“What’s going on? It’s like losing something I just regained.”
Sunlight made Lorin squint. He looked down at the reflection from his necklace—a worn blue sapphire pendant. Its craftsmanship showed deep care.
Confused, he gently took the pendant into his palm. Dazzling sunlight streamed through the glass, shining on the gem.
The dim room instantly bathed in azure light. This was his mother’s last gift. He didn’t even know her face—all thanks to his father.
That old drunk, drowning in alcohol since Lorin’s birth, had gone mad after her death. He’d thrown away all her portraits. Only servants’ whispers told of her breathtaking beauty and gentle nature.
Lorin closed his eyes, clasped his hands, and gripped the pendant tightly. He muttered,
“Mother, what should I do?”
Naturally, no reply came. Perhaps he already knew the answer. A faint smile touched his lips as he fastened the pendant back around his neck.
“Then I’m off.”
Teacher Kevin had said: fight for what you want. Nothing comes free in this world. Glass shattered.
……
Kevin sat quietly on a simple chair, her slender fingers tapping the old desk. A familiar sound brought confusion to her exquisite face.
She slowly turned to the man behind her. It was Lorin, gripping the wrist of someone trying to touch her.
“Who do you think you are?” the drunk adventurer slurred. “I’m a famous adventurer here! Don’t let go, and you’ll regret it!”
The man, too drunk to think, raged at this stranger. But he couldn’t break Lorin’s grip.
“Oh, please leave and don’t bother this lady,” Lorin said coolly.
He sneered—the man was only Third Rank, no threat. Lorin released him, as long as he didn’t bother Miss Kevin.
“You… mmm… mmm!” The adventurer’s words were cut off as his leader clamped a hand over his mouth.
The leader smiled apologetically. “Sorry, both of you. Our mistake. We’ll leave now. Haha, sorry!”
The disturbance ended. Kevin stared at Lorin, speechless. Her eyes held a hint of hidden ferocity.
If not for his help, she’d have drained his magic for interrupting her plan. She asked,
“Weren’t you heading to Teacher’s hometown last year? Why are you still here?”
“Well, I changed my mind,” Lorin replied truthfully, as if it were natural.
“Because I care about you too much, Miss Kevin.”
“Eh.” Disgust twisted Kevin’s face. She stopped reaching for food—too nauseated to eat. But she pressed, “So you’re interested in me? Or another reason?”
“I just want to stay by your side and protect you. It’s too dangerous for a girl alone.”
“Is that so.” Kevin already planned to drain his magic. But her sharp gaze caught the blue sapphire pendant hidden in his shirt.
This looks familiar.
It reminded her of Gali’s child, Henry Barodale. Fifty years had passed since she last saw that boy. Still, replicas existed. The world was vast.
“Protect me? Come to my room. I have things to tell you.”
Kevin rose slowly from her chair. She walked up the wooden stairs, her face shadowed.
A Seventh Rank’s magic reserves would be substantial. She could use perception magic to locate Elise Osman.
But I’m no demon. Draining his magic would only put him to bed for a day or two.
