Two days later, Li Yue stood at the entrance, looking much healthier. She moved her body slightly and felt significantly better. Her self healing was rapid, and most of her physical wounds had closed. However, her heart and blood crystal were still riddled with scars. It seemed she wouldn't be able to use those self harming techniques again for quite some time.
She stretched, but the sharp pain in her body forced her to stop. Sensing Helen approaching from behind, she managed to feign an air of nonchalance.
“Is your body really alright?” Helen asked, leaning in closer.
“It’s nothing, just a few minor injuries,” Li Yue said flatly. “Reinhardt is actually quite formidable.”
“A Great Mage like him is bound to be extremely powerful when fully prepared,” Helen sighed.
“How are the ship and the crew coming along?” Li Yue turned to look at Helen.
“I’ve found some elite crew members and a high quality icebreaker.” Helen handed Li Yue a list and a map. “I’ve placed mental suggestions on them. They will generally follow most of your orders, but if they encounter a hopeless situation, their strong survival instinct will override the suggestions.”
“They will take you to the outermost edge of the ice circle and return after a month. Then they’ll head back there, patrol for about a month, and return again.” Helen’s voice carried a hint of worry. “I hope everything goes smoothly. If it’s a normal seal, it should take a week at most.”
“The question is whether you can hold out.”
“As long as I have blood crystals, I’ll be fine. If things get too difficult, I can just manifest the red moon and hide for a while,” Li Yue said confidently.
“Those crew members are actually pirates who once roamed the high seas. The captain and first mate are nearly at the level of Mages.” Helen gave a cold snort. “I know your temperament. These are death row inmates with dozens of lives on their hands and massive bounties. When the time comes, you don’t need to be soft hearted.”
“Understood. Thanks.”
“We are partners. Once the Death Abyss is sealed, I’ll be heading to the Royal Court as well.” Helen looked into the distance and sighed. “What about you? Where will you go? Are you going to search for the God's remains at sea?”
“I want to go to the southern continent. To that academy.”
“Your lover is there?” Helen was somewhat surprised. “But without an acceptance letter, it’s very difficult to get in.”
“Next spring, it should be about time.” Li Yue’s tone held a bit more anticipation. “I’ll go find her there and live a slower paced life for a while.”
“Your level is at least that of a full professor... Is it really okay for you to go in and crush the apprentices...?” A bead of sweat appeared on Helen’s forehead.
“I still lack a lot of basic knowledge of magic. It’s a good chance to catch up,” Li Yue shook her head, following Helen’s lead.
Wait, did I just naturally admit that Clo was my lover? What’s going on? We’ve barely met a few times, we’ve only held hands... Hmm... why do I have memories of kissing...? It feels like we’ve done everything we should have...
And even things we shouldn't have... No, stop the memories. What are these baseless recollections? Dreams I had at night? Do I need to go back to the Asylum for a while...?
...
At the Ein family private residence. Reinhardt’s hands had recovered significantly, though his coordination was still a bit off. Handling daily chores was no longer an issue.
Melina had accepted the situation quickly, but Aestherin still couldn't help but want to kneel whenever she saw Reinhardt. When she actually did it, it resulted in nothing but awkwardness for the three of them.
The two days spent together felt like something out of a dream for Lane. It wasn't until the third day that Aestherin admitted to Reinhardt that she and Lane were merely friends cohabiting, and nothing more.
Reinhardt didn't seem particularly shocked. He stated that given his own status and Lane’s level as a Mage, there was absolutely no need to worry about pressure from the Ein family, and that she should just be brave in showing her love. This left Aestherin silent for a long time before she finally nodded with a red face.
Reinhardt was very happy, even pleasantly surprised. It meant he hadn't missed his brother’s wedding. He had chosen to turn back at a time when everything could still be salvaged. Everything felt so blissful.
He occasionally researched various machines, recently starting on how to improve the steam engine—how to increase efficiency without the intervention of magic. He didn't know if this path was correct, but his current life was peaceful and happy. Gradually, his obsessive pursuit of magic began to fade.
Lane, largely unaware of everything else, lived each day diligently. He prepared every meal and occasionally browsed the books in the study, recording interesting lines of poetry.
This man, chosen by the Sacred Book, didn't seem particularly concerned with the deity he was supposed to believe in. He would occasionally offer a prayer, but the deity didn't seem to mind his behavior. After all, what a true believer needed to do was simply persist in doing what they believed was right. That was enough. As for prayers, they didn't really matter.
At the northeasternmost port, Li Yue slowly boarded an icebreaker. Sailors were laboriously moving canned goods that had been rushed out of the factory. After checking the supplies on board, they raised the sails.
“The wind is rising...” Li Yue looked at the sea, waved to Helen, and walked toward her cabin. This period was likely going to be her most boring time. During these days, she would write more letters.
Otherwise, Clo would worry.
Rate on N.U.
