<CHAPTER 14>

“Herace, Herace?”

You’re holding too tightly, it hurts!

After calling his name repeatedly while squinting my eyes, the grip on my hands finally loosened.

“………………Ah! Sorry. Did it hurt?”

His eyes, nervously scanning my hands, were still flickering with confusion.

“What’s wrong?”

“It’s… nothing. I guess it’s because it’s the first time since losing my magic that I’m directly receiving someone else’s magic.”

It doesn’t feel like nothing.

I quietly watched Herace forcing a smile while pulling the corners of his mouth.

His face was pale, and looking closely, there was a cold sweat running.

Where does it hurt?

I reached out and held Herace’s face with both hands.

Then I pressed my forehead to his, who looked at me with a bewildered expression.

Just like when my father took my temperature.

“W-what…!”

“You don’t seem to have a fever.”

Then why did his face suddenly turn red?

Herace was covering his face with one hand.

Hmm. Judging by his reaction, it seems something really hurts.

“This won’t do. Go lie down quickly.”

“But class…”

“Anyone would think you’re really the teacher. It’s fine, just rest.”

Herace allowed himself to be gently pushed by my hands onto the cabin’s sofa.

I handed him a handkerchief and sat at the desk piled high with books.

“…Thank you.”

Herace, holding the handkerchief, watched me in a daze as I moved efficiently.

“There are plenty of extras, so you don’t need to return it.”

I answered that, then focused on the books Herace brought.

I chose The History and Basics of Magic and started reading.

Since the teacher is sick, I can do my homework in advance here.

Good. I’ve naturally reduced my homework.

Feeling quietly proud, I began reading seriously.

“Magic is the realization of will… the caster must clearly know what they desire?”

So if I know what I want, I can achieve anything?

“Could it be that unconsciously wanting to live, like seeing the future, manifested through magic?”

I pondered alone, covering Herace’s eyes with a handkerchief as he lay down.

“Um, can magic be used to see the future?”

Herace raised his body, searching his mind before answering.

“I read in a book that in ancient times, there was a sage who knew both past and future.”

“A sage?”

“Yes. But some say he didn’t just have foresight, he actually moved along the timelines.”

He experienced past and future directly?

“Is that even possible?”

Herace shrugged.

“It’s a story passed down through records, so no one knows. No one has successfully done that magic recently, so maybe he didn’t exist.”

“Do you think it’s possible?”

“Magic has infinite possibilities. It’s just that no one has the skill or the cost to perform such magic.”

To go beyond time, experience the future, and come back…!

But in the future I saw, I couldn’t use magic.

And the final moment was a tragic death…

Ugh, so complicated.

Herace watched me holding my head and spoke.

“Even out of curiosity, you shouldn’t try it.”

“Huh?”

“Magic has infinite potential, but it demands a price. Using magic against the natural order changes the cost.”

Herace’s strict, low voice filled the room with tension.

“Magic to save someone near death, or to defy time, is forbidden. Above all, the caster is at risk.”

I know that already…

My father spared no effort to heal me, after all.

It seemed Herace thought my contemplative expression indicated dangerous thoughts.

“Don’t worry. My body is my most precious thing, so I won’t do anything dangerous.”

…I’m glad you think that. I want you safe too.

Why does he say that so seriously?

Looking into Herace’s smiling eyes, I felt strangely embarrassed.

“I’ll read the rest on my own.”

Avoiding his eyes, I slammed the book shut and stood up.

“It would also be good to practice sensing magic in between.”

“Okay.”

“See you next week.”

I held the pendant, hiding the weak smile.

As the familiar sensation traveled through me, Phoebe entered the room just then…

Wait, Phoebe?

“P-Phoebe!”

“Miss, you’re awake? I was worried since you didn’t answer outside.”

Phoebe exhaled, relieved.

Exactly what I wanted to do myself…

I quickly hid the book behind my back and composed my expression.

“I just woke up from a nap. But why are you here?”

“The Duke asked if you’d like to have tea time.”

“Father? Okay, I understand.”

“Then I’ll help you get ready.”

While Phoebe turned to prepare clothes, I hid the book I had brought from the cabin.

My heart almost stopped…

As Phoebe guided me to the garden, my father in white uniform greeted me.

His silver hair shone brightly under the early summer sun.

“Welcome, my daughter. How are you feeling?”

“Pretty well. I haven’t been sick much lately.”

“That’s good news.”

He lifted me in his arms, smiling so fresh it was almost unnerving.

“Do you want anything from me?”

“Sit down and listen first.”

No hiding thoughts at all.

I sat calmly across, holding a teacup.

Healthy desserts with reduced sugar were neatly arranged.

Watching me drink tea with a pleased look, my father began.

“Are you getting along with Isabella these days?”

I paused, checking his expression.

He must have contacted Mrs. Dorson regarding Isabella and me.

I thought I had handled it well…

I can’t avoid the parent consultation!

I set down my teacup with a serious face.

“I can handle my social life on my own.”

“Of course, I won’t interfere with your friendships. But…”

He handed me an invitation.

“Mrs. Dorson will soon celebrate her birthday.”

It’s not just about reconciling with Isabella.

He’s pointing out the gratitude I owe Mrs. Dorson.

I can’t refuse…!

“Understood. I’ll go.”

“Good idea. I’ll prepare a gift for you.”

He gently stroked my head, then hesitated before speaking again.

“I’m not saying you must reconcile. I just don’t want you to have regrets.”

Regrets?

It was a choice to avoid regrets.

“You really like Isabella, don’t you?”

“…When? Isabella likes me, not the other way around.”

“Really? I thought you kept watching through the window when she came. Maybe I misread it.”

Heavens, I never did that!

I just confirm if she’s actually coming… occasionally.

Some might think I was waiting only for her.

Pouting, I took the invitation and returned to my room.

I ignored my father’s joyful laughter behind me for now.

The day of Mrs. Dorson’s tea party approached in a blink.

She arrived…

I carried the gift from my father and moved awkwardly toward the house.

Truly, I was going to meet the parents of a friend I had declared a break with.