That night, Vlad didn't tease Siren as he usually did.
The two of them simply lay side by side on the large rock, leaning into each other, watching the fireflies fill the night sky and enjoying the cool breeze.
They chatted about various interesting things—mostly Vlad doing the talking.
It was clear that both of them cherished the peace of that moment.
And throughout it all, Siren's eyes never left Vlad for even a second.
Perhaps it was because she knew they would part ways again the next day. Siren held onto this moment dearly.
But time never waits for anyone, no matter how much we wish it would. Their reunion, however beautiful, was fleeting.
The sun rose, the moon faded, and the morning light gradually spilled across the land.
Vlad had left.
Siren stood motionless on the rock where they'd spent the night, staring off at his vanishing figure. For a long time, she remained lost in thought, unable to pull herself back to reality.
Two days later – Sage Town
This was a border town not far from Wallachia. If one traveled for just half a day and crossed the Danube River, they would arrive in Wallachia.
Following the Olt River for about three days from there would lead to the capital—Dracula Castle.
At this moment, two carriages were parked at the town's edge.
"Sister Marishka, Uncle Vlad—is he coming back today?"
Six people stood near the carriages: four girls and two boys—Marishka, Mina, and the family of the white witch Adrianna.
The one who had just spoken was the little girl Gretel.
Marishka looked down at the young girl whose bright eyes sparkled with excitement. She couldn't help but grin mischievously and tease her:
"Oh? Gretel, you really can't wait to see Uncle Vlad again, can you?"
"Of course, Sister Marishka! You didn't see how cool he was back then. He just stood there, smiled calmly, and said, 'Did I say you could leave?'"
"Guess what happened next?"
Gretel threw her arms around animatedly as she retold the scene with vivid expression, almost as if she had been the one casting out the villains with a flick of her hand.
Her enthusiasm and cuteness made everyone around her smile.
"When I grow up, I want to be just like Uncle Vlad!" she said, clutching her hands together, full of innocent admiration.
"I believe you will make that dream come true one day."
A deep, magnetic voice suddenly echoed.
A large, gentle hand reached out and softly patted Gretel's head.
"Master—!"
"Vlad!"
Marishka and Mina both cried out in surprise.
Gretel, startled, blinked at Vlad who stood behind her. Then, under his kind gaze, she blushed and shyly darted behind her mother, Adrianna.
Vlad only chuckled and turned to greet Adrianna and her husband.
He nodded politely to Adrianna's husband before addressing her.
"Madam, I trust your journey has gone smoothly these past days."
"Thank you for your concern, Your Highness Vlad. We've traveled safely," Adrianna replied, offering a formal magician's salute with sincere respect.
"That's good to hear. I'll be relying on your talents in the days ahead," Vlad replied with a warm smile, speaking with humility and grace.
His demeanor left a strong impression on Adrianna's family, who had only recently met him. The warmth and sincerity in his words eased the tension and uncertainty they had felt about the future.
After exchanging a few more words, the group continued their journey, not wanting to waste any time. They headed directly for the capital of Wallachia.
The carriages traveled at a steady pace. By the third day, they had reached Broken Tooth Mountain, following a tributary of the Olt River.
Beyond the mountain lay their destination—Dracula Castle—just a day's journey away.
The two carriages had stopped in a dense forest.
A bonfire crackled between them as everyone gathered around to discuss the plans for establishing a wizard academy. The atmosphere was calm and relaxed.
"Your Highness, I'm really not suited to managing an academy. It's better if someone else takes the position," Adrianna said, shaking her head slowly after giving it some thought.
Vlad could tell she was more of a scholar than an administrator—someone who preferred research to organization.
But he refused to accept her refusal.
"No one is born a great administrator. I believe you can do this."
Adrianna looked hesitant, about to refuse again, when Vlad added:
"Don't worry. Mina will help you. So you have no excuse to say no this time."
With that, the matter was settled.
Adrianna had no choice but to swallow her protest. She wasn't the type to resist reason, and since it had come to this, she accepted the responsibility—however reluctantly.
"Uncle Vlad! Can I join the academy too?"
Gretel, who had been listening nearby, bounced up excitedly at the mention of the wizard academy.
Over the past few days, she had grown more comfortable around Vlad. The shy little girl who once hid behind her mother now looked at him with glowing admiration.
Vlad looked into her wide, sparkling eyes and gave her a gentle smile.
"Of course you can. But you'll have to follow the process, just like everyone else."
"Yay! Uncle Vlad, you're the best!"
Gretel leapt with joy. Her mother hadn't wanted her to become a witch, so this meant everything to her.
Seeing her excitement, Vlad couldn't help but chuckle. How amusing—this sweet, energetic girl who would one day become a famous witch hunter, was now excited to become a witch.
He turned toward Hansel, who looked a bit disappointed, and asked with a playful grin:
"Hansel, what about you? Do you want to go too?"
Hansel, who had been quietly envying his sister's opportunity, looked up in disbelief.
"Uncle Vlad… really? But—wizards are usually women, right?"
Even Adrianna and the others looked at Vlad in surprise, not quite understanding his meaning.
"Oh? Is that what you think? Then watch this."
Vlad lifted his right index finger.
Before their eyes, he flicked it gently—and suddenly, a burning crimson flame burst forth at his fingertip.
"Magic~!!"