The commotion that had shaken the manor throughout the morning had finally settled.
Misunderstandings had been cleared, emotions had calmed, and peace slowly returned to the Ascirick household.
Bereshith and Princess Inoha spent the remainder of the day talking quietly beneath the great tree where they had reconciled. They spoke of many things—the capital, Sol Academy, the Kingdom of Cartha, and even the strange dream they had shared.
Neither of them realized how quickly time had passed.
Before long, the golden sunset disappeared beyond the horizon, painting the sky in crimson before darkness embraced the world once more.
As night fell, everyone returned to their rooms to prepare for tomorrow's departure.
Suitcases were packed.
Travel clothes were neatly folded.
The manor, once lively with conversation, gradually became silent.
Inside his room, Bereshith carefully placed the last of his belongings into a small suitcase.
His sword rested against the wall.
His gloves lay neatly beside it.
After checking everything one final time, he let out a tired sigh.
"So... tomorrow, huh..."
He extinguished the lamp beside his desk and prepared to sleep.
Knock... Knock...
A gentle knock echoed from outside his door.
Bereshith blinked.
"...Princess Inoha again?"
Remembering the previous night's unexpected visitor, he couldn't help but smile awkwardly.
Before he could answer...
A familiar voice came from the other side.
"Brother... it's me. Please open it."
It was soft.
Gentle.
Yet carried an unmistakable determination.
"...Yareach?"
Bereshith immediately stood from his bed and hurried to the door.
Click.
The lock turned.
As soon as he opened it, he saw his little sister standing quietly in the hallway.
She wore her white sleeping dress.
A fluffy pillow rested in her arms.
Her silver hair flowed over her shoulders as she looked up at him.
Without hesitation, she spoke.
"Brother... let me sleep with you tonight."
Bereshith blinked several times.
"...Eh?"
His expression became utterly confused.
"Why?"
He scratched the back of his head.
"I thought you stopped sleeping with me years ago."
Yareach puffed her cheeks.
"Brother... you idiot."
She looked away, trying to hide her embarrassment.
"You're leaving tomorrow."
"I want to sleep beside you... one last time."
Those simple words struck Bereshith's heart.
His smile softened.
"...Ah."
"Right..."
"Of course."
He stepped aside and opened the door wider.
"I don't mind."
"Come in."
Yareach quietly entered the room.
Without another word, she walked straight toward the bed, placed her pillow down, and lay beneath the blanket as though she had done this countless times before.
Bereshith chuckled softly before lying beside her.
Silence filled the room.
Neither sibling spoke.
The only sounds were the distant chirping of crickets outside and the gentle wind brushing against the window.
After several quiet minutes...
Yareach finally broke the silence.
"...Brother."
Her voice trembled.
"Promise me something."
Bereshith turned toward her.
"What is it?"
She kept staring at the ceiling.
"Promise you'll write me a letter every day."
"...Promise you'll never forget me."
"...Promise you'll come home whenever you have time."
Her voice grew weaker.
"And..."
She bit her lip.
"Promise you'll never leave me."
Bereshith's heart tightened.
Without saying anything, he gently pulled his little sister into his arms.
He embraced her just as he had when they were children.
His hand softly stroked her silver hair.
"I promise."
"I'll write to you every day."
"I'll come home whenever I can."
"I'll never forget you."
He smiled warmly.
"And most importantly..."
"I'll never leave you."
"No matter how far apart we are..."
"You are my little sister."
"My only family."
"How could your brother ever abandon you?"
Yareach buried her face against his chest.
"But..."
Her voice cracked.
"You said..."
"You said you'd leave us..."
"If you got married..."
"I don't want that."
"I don't want you to go."
Her breathing became uneven.
"Why did you say that...?"
"Why...?"
"If you leave..."
"If you leave..."
"I..."
She could no longer continue.
The tears she had been holding back finally poured out.
Bereshith hugged her tighter.
"I'm sorry."
His voice was filled with guilt.
"I shouldn't have said those words."
"I let my emotions control me."
"I'm sorry for frightening you."
He rested his chin lightly upon her head.
"I promise you..."
"I won't leave you."
"I won't abandon you."
"I won't disappear."
"So..."
He smiled sadly.
"Please forgive your foolish brother."
Yareach never answered.
Instead...
She cried.
She cried until she had no strength left.
Eventually, exhaustion overcame her.
Still wrapped safely within her brother's embrace, she quietly fell asleep.
Bereshith remained awake for a while longer.
Looking down at the sleeping face of his little sister, he gently brushed away the dried tears from her cheeks.
"...I'm sorry, Yareach."
"I said something no little sister should ever hear from her brother."
He smiled faintly.
"But I promise..."
"I will never forget you."
"I will never make you worry like this again."
Leaning down carefully, Bereshith placed a gentle kiss upon her forehead—the same affectionate gesture he had done since they were children.
"Good night..."
"My little sister."
Soon after...
Bereshith closed his own eyes.
For the first time in many years...
The siblings fell asleep side by side once again, just as they had before the burdens of duty, knighthood, and the future had separated their paths.
Then...
Morning arrived far sooner than Bereshith had expected.
A steady knock echoed outside his bedroom door.
"Young Master Bereshith, please wake up!" Sarah called gently from the other side. "Everyone is already having breakfast, and your departure is drawing near. Please wake up!"
"...!"
Bereshith's eyes flew open.
"The departure!"
He immediately sat upright, only to realize another figure was still sleeping peacefully beside him.
"Yareach! Wake up!" he said, lightly shaking his little sister's shoulder. "You need to leave the room. I have to change my clothes!"
"Mmm..."
Still half asleep, Yareach only buried her face deeper into her pillow.
"...Five more minutes..."
Bereshith sighed.
"Sorry..."
Without another choice, he carefully lifted her into his arms.
Still asleep, Yareach instinctively wrapped her arms around her brother's neck like a little child refusing to wake.
Bereshith hurried to the door and opened it.
Sarah blinked in surprise.
"Oh my..."
"My apologies, Sister Sarah!" Bereshith said quickly. "Please take care of her for a moment. I need to change."
Before Sarah could even respond, Bereshith gently handed the sleeping Yareach over to her.
"Thank you!"
The door immediately closed.
Sarah looked down at the little girl sleeping soundly against her shoulder and couldn't help but smile.
"...Those two really are siblings."
She quietly carried Yareach toward the dining hall.
Inside his room, Bereshith rushed toward his wardrobe.
He pulled out his noble attire, quickly dressed himself, adjusted his collar, fastened his belt, tied his boots, and packed the last few necessities into his suitcase.
Barely six minutes had passed.
"Done!"
Without wasting another second, he grabbed his luggage and hurried toward the dining hall.
Everyone was already seated.
Even Cyte and Cyse had arrived.
As Bereshith entered, all eyes briefly turned toward him.
"I'm sorry I'm late!"
Lucas smiled.
"It's alright. We only just started."
Relieved, Bereshith bowed politely before taking his usual seat beside Yareach, who was now awake and quietly eating breakfast as though nothing had happened earlier.
The family offered their morning prayer together.
Afterward, everyone enjoyed the warm meal while exchanging quiet conversation.
For a short while...
Everything felt peaceful.
Meanwhile...
Outside the Ascirick Manor...
The guards standing at the front gate suddenly widened their eyes.
A massive magical circle unfolded in the air.
FWOOOM!
A brilliant pillar of light descended from the heavens.
Then—
One...
Two...
Three...
Four magnificent white royal carriages slowly emerged from the portal.
Each carriage was decorated with silver engravings, blue royal banners, and polished armor protecting every wheel.
The horses pulling them wore matching royal barding that gleamed beneath the morning sun.
The gate guards stared in disbelief.
"What..."
"...Royal carriages?"
One well-dressed chauffeur stepped forward before the portal could close.
His posture was impeccable.
His voice was respectful, yet commanding.
"We are the chauffeurs of His Royal Highness Prince Rayryn."
He presented the royal insignia.
"We have come to escort His Highness back to the capital, as previously requested."
He looked directly at the gatekeeper.
"Please inform Lord Ascirick immediately."
The gatekeeper straightened himself.
"Y-Yes!"
Without wasting another second, he sprinted toward the manor.
Only four minutes later...
The gatekeeper returned, slightly out of breath.
"My apologies for the delay!"
He immediately ordered the gates opened.
"Please come in!"
The heavy gates slowly swung apart.
The royal carriages entered one after another, their wheels rolling quietly over the stone pathway leading toward the main residence.
By the time they arrived...
Everyone was already waiting outside.
Prince Rayryn stepped forward.
Two royal knights immediately approached him.
One was a seasoned middle-aged veteran with countless battle scars.
The other appeared only slightly older than Lucas, standing proudly beside his senior.
Both knelt respectfully.
"Your Highness."
"The portal sustaining these royal carriages will remain stable for only another thirty minutes."
"As requested, transporting four royal carriages across such a vast distance has placed a considerable burden upon the Royal Magic Tower."
The elder knight lowered his head.
"I fear the magicians cannot maintain the portal any longer."
Prince Rayryn frowned slightly.
"...I understand."
He nodded.
"Thank you."
He turned toward Lord Ascirick.
"It seems time is against us."
"Lord Ascirick... we should depart immediately."
Ascirick nodded calmly.
"As you wish, Your Highness."
He turned toward Maria.
"Maria."
The eldest daughter stepped forward gracefully.
"Yes, Father."
"I leave the manor in your care until our return."
Maria bowed deeply.
"It shall be done."
Lucas then faced his wife and children.
A gentle smile crossed his face despite the urgency.
"There isn't enough time for long farewells."
He looked warmly at Eva.
"So... save my kiss until I return."
Eva laughed softly.
"I will."
Lucas smiled before gently patting Peter's head.
"Take care of your mother."
Peter as young baby, have spoke: "dada." and his small arms tried to reach the face of Lucas.
Nearby...
Bereshith crouched before Yareach.
His little sister looked as though she wanted to cry again.
He gently smiled.
"Yareach."
"I'll write you a letter tonight."
"So wait for it."
Yareach bit her lip before forcing herself to smile.
"...Promise?"
"I promise."
She finally nodded.
"I'll be waiting."
The passengers began boarding the royal carriages.
Prince Rayryn rode with his two royal knights.
Lord Ascirick, Lucas, Cyte, and Cyse shared another carriage.
Bereshith quietly entered a carriage prepared for him alone.
Meanwhile...
Before Princess Inoha could move toward Bereshith's carriage...
Levanah suddenly grabbed one of her arms.
Lexy immediately took the other.
"This carriage."
"No arguments."
Princess Inoha looked between the two girls before letting out a small sigh.
"...Understood."
Princess Alesh quickly followed behind her older sister into the same carriage.
Once everyone was aboard...
The coachmen raised their reins.
"Move!"
The four royal carriages rolled forward together.
Slowly...
They passed through the enormous magical portal.
The brilliant light swallowed them one by one.
Then—
The portal vanished.
Silence returned to the Ascirick Manor.
Meanwhile.
Inside his carriage...
Bereshith quietly looked out the window.
The familiar sight of his home disappeared behind him.
For the first time...
He was leaving the only place he had truly called home.
He rested his hand against the glass and whispered softly.
"...I hope everything turns out well."
The carriage continued onward.
Toward the Royal Capital.
Toward Sol Academy.
Toward a future none of them could yet foresee.
As should supposed to.
But fate have different plans!
A thunderous explosion shook the earth.
The horses shrieked in panic as dust, smoke, and splintered wood burst into the air.
Bereshith's eyes widened.
"What... was that?!"
Inside another carriage, Lord Ascirick's expression instantly darkened. He and Lucas exchanged a single glance.
Neither needed words.
"Lucas..." Ascirick spoke in a calm yet heavy voice. "Be ready. I don't think we are in the capital right now."
Lucas' hand instinctively clenched into a fist.
"Yes, Father."
Across from them, Cyte and Cyse looked between the two men, confused by the sudden change in atmosphere.
"Master... what's going on?" Cyte asked anxiously.
"My Lord... what's wrong?" Cyse added.
Lucas immediately answered.
"Cyte. Cyse. We don't have time to explain."
His voice was sharp.
"But prepare yourselves for combat."
"We're not in the capital."
"...!"
Both boys immediately stiffened.
The casual atmosphere from moments ago disappeared completely.
Cyte unconsciously took a fighting stance.
Cyse's eyes narrowed as countless possibilities raced through his mind.
Ascirick continued.
"Cyte... Cyse..."
"I trust both of you."
"Protect the girls."
He then turned toward Lucas.
"Lucas. Take the children and use the teleportation scroll."
"Get them inside the capital."
"I'll assist His Highness."
Lucas gave a firm nod.
"I understand, Father."
Ascirick let out a small smile—not one of confidence, but one mixed with concern.
"This is going to be rough..."
"We don't even have our weapons."
His gaze drifted toward the seven young people traveling with them.
How am I going to protect them all...?
Before another word could be spoken—
BOOOOOOOOOM!!
A second explosion erupted.
This time, much closer.
It wasn't their carriage.
It was the carriage carrying Prince Rayryn.
Ascirick's eyes widened.
"Lucas!"
"Take the children away! NOW!"
The next instant—
CRASH!!
Ascirick released a burst of mana beneath his feet and leaped upward, smashing through the roof of the carriage.
Wooden fragments scattered everywhere.
Lucas followed immediately, breaking through the roof beside him.
Without hesitation, Cyte and Cyse rushed toward the carriage carrying the girls.
Cyte threw open the carriage door.
"Hurry!"
"We're getting out of here!"
Inside the carriage...
Lexy...
Levanah...
Princess Inoha...
Princess Alesh...
All four girls stared blankly.
Their faces had turned pale.
The explosions had stolen every bit of composure they had.
Cyse frowned.
"Hurry!"
Still...
None of them moved.
Their hands trembled.
Their breathing became uneven.
Cyse's patience snapped.
"Snap out of it already!"
"Stop wasting our time and MOVE!"
His shout echoed through the carriage.
"...!"
The girls finally reacted.
Princess Inoha forced herself to stand.
Princess Alesh hurried after her sister.
Lexy bit her lip and steadied herself.
But...
One person remained seated.
Levanah.
Her entire body trembled violently.
Her breathing grew shallow.
Tears streamed uncontrollably down her cheeks.
She wanted to stand.
She truly did.
But her body refused to obey.
The memories...
The chains...
The screams...
The beatings...
The burning villages...
The explosions...
Everything returned all at once.
Her vision blurred.
Her hands clutched the edge of the seat so tightly her fingers turned white.
"No..."
"No..."
Her lips quivered.
"I..."
"I can't..."
Cyse looked at her, confused.
"Levanah?"
She slowly lifted her tear-filled eyes toward him.
For the first time in seven years...
The proud...
Hot-tempered...
Fearless Levanah...
Looked utterly broken.
She reached toward him with a trembling hand.
"Please..."
"Help me..."
"Please..."
"I'll do anything..."
"Please..."
Her voice cracked completely.
"Please don't hit me anymore..."
"Please..."
Cyse froze.
"..."
His eyes widened.
What...?
This wasn't the Levanah he knew.
Not the girl who constantly argued with him.
Not the one who never admitted defeat.
This...
Was a terrified child.
Before Cyse could even react—
A figure suddenly entered the carriage.
Without asking a single question...
Without saying a single word...
Bereshith immediately knelt beside Levanah.
His expression softened.
He gently wrapped one arm around her trembling shoulders.
The other supported her legs.
Then, with careful strength...
He lifted her into his arms.
Levanah instinctively buried her face against his chest, still shaking uncontrollably.
Bereshith looked toward Cyse.
His voice remained calm despite the chaos surrounding them.
"Cyse."
"Immediately create a barrier around them."
"And lift them into the air."
Cyse blinked.
"...Right."
Bereshith then turned toward Cyte.
"Cyte."
"I'll leave the front to you."
"I'll guard the rear."
Cyte grinned despite the danger.
"Right!"
Without hesitation—
CRACK!!
He delivered a powerful kick into one of the carriage wheels.
The wheel shattered apart.
Cyte grabbed one of the thick wooden beams from the broken axle and swung it across his shoulders like a massive club.
"That'll do."
Meanwhile...
Cyse still didn't understand why Levanah had reacted the way she did.
But there was no time to ask.
He trusted Bereshith.
Immediately, violet mana spread from his fingertips.
A translucent barrier enveloped Princess Inoha, Princess Alesh, and Lexy.
The magical sphere slowly rose into the air.
Bereshith carefully transferred the trembling Levanah into Cyse's arms.
"Take care of her."
Cyse silently nodded.
"I will."
Only then—
The forest around them fell eerily silent.
Rustle...
Rustle...
Rustle...
Figures emerged one after another.
One...
Three...
Five...
Ten.
Ten men dressed entirely in dark green garments stepped out from every direction.
Only their eyes were visible.
Each held a curved dagger coated with a dark violet substance.
Poison.
They surrounded the group without leaving a single escape route.
Standing atop the broken carriage, Bereshith slowly lowered his stance.
His fists tightened.
His eyes swept across every assassin surrounding them.
Without taking his gaze away from the enemy, he spoke one final time.
"Cyse..."
"I leave the protection of the girls to you."
Cyse answered firmly.
"Understood."
A heavy silence settled over the battlefield.
Then...
One of the assassins stepped forward.
His cold eyes slowly examined every face before him.
Finally, he spoke.
"Who among you..."
"...is named Bereshith?"
The poisoned dagger in his hand glimmered beneath the morning sun.
No one answered.
Everyone silently looked at one another—
Unsure whether revealing Bereshith's identity would save them...
Or condemn them all.