It didn't take long for the four of them to receive Midir's rank certification badge. His world-shaking test results seemed to have spread to every corner of the guild in an instant. Along the way, people watched him from a distance or gathered in small groups, whispering among themselves.
Rosal had never experienced being stared at by so many people and felt extremely uncomfortable, keeping close behind Aila. The other three, however, remained unfazed. Midir, the center of attention, appeared as calm as still water, as if the surrounding whispers had nothing to do with him.
“I really didn't expect your name to be so useful! Why didn't you tell me? They all looked like terrified quails after hearing it,” Midir asked teasingly as they walked away, glancing at the triumphant-looking Aila.
“You never asked, did you? My mom told me from a young age that when you're out in the world, might is right. But back in a place like the Royal Capital, especially when dealing with people like them, just giving your name is usually enough to scare them off. It saves a lot of trouble without having to lift a finger. Hey, Blake, am I right?”
Aila smiled and answered breezily.
Suddenly being called upon, a hint of a blush appeared on Blake's face as he began to explain for Aila. “Mr. Midir, you might not know just how much influence the Grand Duke of War God has in aristocratic circles.”
“Unlike nobles like us who were granted lands elsewhere or those without real power, the fame of the Grand Duke of War God was forged through powerful strength accumulated over thousands of years. Since the kingdom was founded, their family has never had a gap in their lineage of Sword Saints. Today, there are at least three Saint-level experts in their family. In a sense, their influence is even greater than that of the royal family.”
“So... we were all taught by our elders from a young age never to provoke anyone from House Mars... It's basically common knowledge among the nobles of Lionheart City...”
As he spoke, Blake seemed to feel a lingering fear. He only breathed a sigh of relief when he saw that Aila's expression hadn't changed.
“And Sister Aila is also a member of the adventuring group Starlight Moon Shadow... That status is even more impressive... Although she never mentions it, she must be a high-ranking member, right?” Rosal added softly from the side.
“Alright, stop! Stop! You two, don't praise me anymore, or I'll get a big head. Besides, Midir doesn't care about those details.”
Seeing that the two of them still looked eager to continue, Aila promptly cut them off and took over the conversation.
“Actually, I'm not that amazing. The family's reputation was built by my ancestors; I'm just riding their coattails. I just don't like the tedious etiquette of the Royal Capital, much like my old man. I'm far more comfortable with the free life of an adventurer. If I had to stay in Lionheart City every day as a caged bird waiting to die, I'd rather just be dead!”
Hearing Aila's words, Blake seemed moved. He lowered his head and stopped talking, lost in thought.
“By the way... after this month is over, I might be leaving,” Midir said suddenly. The unexpected announcement left both Rosal and Blake stunned.
“Are you planning to go to Crown Peak first? Or the Elven Forest?”
Aila wasn't surprised at all, appearing as though she had known his thoughts for a long time.
“Crown Peak first. Looking at the map, it's closer.”
“Mm, that's fine. If you ever plan to go to Sing-Song Forest, you can come back and find me. I can act as a guide to some extent.”
“I understand. I still need to gather some information on the environment of the Valley of Ice before I leave, so I'll still need your help.”
Hearing their unusually calm conversation, Rosal suddenly stopped and asked anxiously.
“Mr. Midir, why are you leaving so suddenly? Is life here not good? Rosal doesn't want you to go!”
The fulfilling life of the past month had made Rosal's young heart feel the warmth of a home once again, and the primary source of that warmth was the silver-haired man before her.
When he mentioned leaving, she felt a pang in her heart, as if something was being pulled out of her body. Her eyes began to redden slightly.
“Little Rosal, you have to understand that men are like this. They must constantly move forward for their goals, even someone as strong as Midir. Finding his memories is the path he chose. Besides, it's not like he won't come back. With his strength, he can basically go anywhere he wants on this continent.”
Seeing this, Aila stepped forward and patted Rosal's petite frame, gently comforting her.
“But... but if Mr. Midir recovers his memories... does that mean he won't be himself anymore? What will we be to him then?” Rosal's voice betrayed a hint of sorrow as she looked at her mentor.
“It should be fine. Even if Mr. Midir is no longer the person he is now, he can't deny the days he spent with us, right?”
Seeing the young girl's pitiful expression, even Blake joined in to comfort her.
“Could you three stop describing me as if I'm some cold-blooded animal? I'm just going to find my memories; I'm not turning into a different creature!” Midir felt a bit of a headache as he watched their emotional shifts.
It was impossible to say Midir wasn't moved at all. Having lost his memories, he was like a blank slate, and after spending this time together, he had already come to view the three people beside him as friends and family.
The thought of setting out on a journey alone again made Midir feel a sense of melancholy.
He didn't want his decision to make them sad. However, the path to Crown Peak would be filled with many difficulties.
Whether it was the harsh climate or the omnipresent dangers, it was more than Rosal and Blake could currently handle.
Furthermore, Aila had her own life and career. He couldn't involve her just because of his personal reasons.
“I can only take it one step at a time...” Midir sighed helplessly to himself.
...
Midir had intended to spend his last month quietly at home, but the following days had no intention of letting him be at peace.
Early the next morning, Midir was woken by a noisy commotion coming from outside his window.
Pushing open the door with a sense of confusion, he was immediately surrounded by several groups of people from different places. Although they belonged to different factions, they all had the same goal: they were there for Midir.
The shocking results he had achieved at the Magic Association yesterday had spread rapidly throughout Lionheart City. Regardless of their motives, the major powers all wanted to meet this powerful mage who had suddenly appeared in the public eye.
He didn't know who had leaked his address, but the crowd gathering at the villa's entrance continued to grow, threatening to block the entire road.
Before long, the commotion at the door drew Rosal out. Still not fully awake, she was startled by the dense crowd at the entrance. Thinking that Knuckle had brought people back to cause trouble, she hid by the living room window and watched from a distance.
“Mr. Midir, do you have any interest in joining an adventuring group? I'm here on behalf of the Thunder Dragon group to invite you.”
“I wonder if Mr. Midir has time to attend a tea party hosted by my master, Count Scenic? My master is very eager to meet you.”
“We are from the Jade Merchant Association. We sincerely invite you to join us as an Enshrined Expert. The monthly salary is two thousand gold coins. What do you think, sir?”
...
Facing the crowd as they vied to state their business, Midir felt a massive headache coming on, unsure of what to do for a moment.
He finally understood why Aila hated social obligations so much. Just these people in front of him were enough to make his head spin; no one could stand this every day.
Furthermore, every person present came from a significant background, so he had to be very careful with his responses. While he was a lone individual and didn't mind for himself, it would be a loss if he brought trouble to Rosal, the owner of the house.
Rate on N.U.
