"I want to return to the royal capital," I said carefully. "I want to bring the children here."
I stood before Hecate, who rested elegantly in her chair, porcelain cup balanced between her fingers. The faint scent of herbs lingered in the room.
Her brows lifted slightly. "That first sentence was alarming. I thought you wished to return to your noble life."
"Absolutely not," I replied quickly. "I already spoke with Adara. She promised to build the shelter before leaving with Master Eisen and Aldric. It's finished."
Hecate took a slow sip. "One day would have sufficed for that. Why three?"
My throat tightened. "I… need to investigate something."
Like whether Lady Morphin is being manipulated by a demon.
The silence that followed was heavy but not hostile. Hecate's sharp eyes studied me, weighing not just my words but the intent behind them.
"Very well," she finally said. "You may go. But Magnus and Elara will accompany you."
"What?" My composure shattered instantly. "I can't bring them. Especially Magnus."
"Why?" a voice interrupted.
I turned—and there they were. Magnus leaning against the doorway with crossed arms, Elara beside him, looking both amused and curious.
I clicked my tongue. Bringing Magnus meant bringing pride, complaints, and endless remarks about how humans lacked refinement.
"How about Dion?" I suggested instead. "He adapts well."
"No," Hecate replied firmly. "Other than Magnus and Elara, no one can move through the royal capital as smoothly. It is human territory. Their abilities will be necessary."
"But Magnus is like a spoiled princess," I shot back.
"What?!" Magnus straightened immediately, silver hair shifting as he bristled.
"I trust their strength," Hecate continued, ignoring the protest. "If danger arises, they will protect you."
The way she said it made my stomach twist. As if she already foresaw bloodshed.
"Fine," I muttered.
***
On the way to our classroom, the corridor quiet except for the echo of our footsteps, Elara walked beside me with her usual calm expression.
"What else do you need to do in the royal capital?" she asked gently. "Escorting the children here should only take a day."
Like master, like disciple. Hecate had said the same thing earlier, with the same sharp tone hidden behind elegance.
I hesitated.
Elara was the worst person to lie to. Her eyes had this way of seeing straight through excuses. And I never wanted to lie to her anyway.
"I have to talk to Alexander about something," I admitted.
She stopped walking.
"Alexander? You mean the crown prince?" Her hands flew to her mouth, eyes wide in disbelief.
"Yeah. That idiot," I replied without hesitation. "And… I might need his help to infiltrate Count Terossa's estate."
The name alone made the air feel heavier.
Elara's expression shifted from shock to concern. "Isn't that dangerous? The last time we dealt with that estate, we barely escaped without injuries."
Memories flashed in my mind—chains, dark corridors, the suffocating scent of iron and damp stone.
"That's exactly why I'm against bringing you and Magnus," I said quietly. "You might get captured again."
The thought still made my chest tighten.
Elara suddenly grabbed my arm and forced me to face her.
"Are you insane?" she said firmly. Not angry—just determined. "We would never let you go alone. And in the first place, this mission started with the three of us."
Her grip softened.
"After Magnus and I were captured… we trained nonstop. Every day. We refused to stay weak. We didn't want to be a burden to you ever again."
There was no hesitation in her voice. No pride either. Just quiet resolve.
"We've grown stronger, Valkyrie. Magnus and I."
"Really?" I asked.
She smiled at me—the same steady, reassuring smile she always gave when she meant every word.
That smile alone eased the weight on my chest.
Elara never lies to me. I know that for a fact.
***
That afternoon, we set off.
The sky was painted in soft gold as we left the forest's edge and stepped into human territory. We wore simple traveler cloaks, our magic carefully suppressed. To anyone watching, we were just three ordinary youths on the road.
By luck, we encountered a merchant with a wagon heading toward the capital. After some coin and polite words, he allowed us to ride in the back.
The wooden wheels creaked rhythmically against the dirt path. The smell of hay and dust filled the small space.
Strangely, Magnus was quiet.
Too quiet.
He wasn't complaining about the cramped wagon. He wasn't criticizing the merchant's driving. He wasn't even adjusting his gloves dramatically like he usually did.
He just sat there.
"What's wrong with him?" I whispered to Elara.
She subtly turned her head and observed Magnus with narrowed eyes, studying him like a puzzle. The way she analyzed him reminded me so much of Hecate studying me earlier.
She really is Hecate's disciple.
"I believe…" Elara said thoughtfully, "he's shy."
I blinked. "What?"
I stood up from my seat, nearly hitting my head against the wooden frame. "Since when did you become shy, our mighty Magnus?"
Magnus stiffened.
"Wha—!" He started to retort, his face turning slightly red. For a second, I expected a full speech about dignity and Stormborn pride.
But instead… he looked away.
Silence.
I froze.
Elara covered her mouth, trying not to laugh.
I stared at him in horror. What happened to this version of Magnus? Where was the arrogant lightning wizard who argued over everything?
Magnus remained quiet, staring out at the passing scenery like the most dramatic noble in a romance play.
I had a bad feeling this trip was going to be… interesting.
***
When the Evergreen estate finally came into view, the tension in my shoulders eased.
The tall gates stood proud as ever, vines crawling along the stone walls. Inside the courtyard, I could already hear children laughing.
Desmond stood in the center, holding a wooden staff as he corrected a boy's stance.
"Keep your balance. Again."
"Sister!" Cassius, one of the half-elf boys, spotted me first. His face lit up, and he ran toward the gates.
I waved, and moments later, the gates opened for us.
"Lady Valkyrie," Desmond greeted with a respectful bow. "We are pleased to see you home."
"Yeah, we're here to take the children," I explained. "The Witch Queen approved their stay. It took me longer to return because I had to secure a proper shelter for them."
Relief flickered across his usually composed face.
Soon, the courtyard filled with children. They tugged at my sleeves, talking all at once about their training, their meals, their small victories.
The estate was alive with warmth.
They were happy here.
"Oh—by the way," I said suddenly, remembering my manners. "This is Elara and Magnus."
Desmond blinked in visible surprise.
"I am Desmond," he introduced himself formally. "I have served the Evergreen family my entire life. This is the first time Lady Valkyrie has introduced me to her friends."
Magnus and Elara both bowed politely.
"Ahh! Don't phrase it like that!" I groaned, face heating up.
Desmond's lips twitched faintly.
"My lady, the Duke and Duchess are away at the moment."
"Oh." I tried to hide my disappointment. "I was hoping to see them."
"Val!" The booming voice echoed across the courtyard before I even turned around.
Brother Vandrel.
"I heard from the knights that you returned!" Before I could react, he lifted me high into the air like I weighed nothing.
The children cheered. Magnus and Elara stood frozen in shock.
"Put me down!" I hissed, flustered. "Not in front of my friends!" He laughed but gently set me back on the ground. Then his expression changed. Slowly, his gaze shifted to Magnus.
The atmosphere tightened.