Chapter 260: Eve of Departure (5)

Judite practically ran to the chair, her energy overflowing.

“I’m going to miss this food so much!”

Aurora laughed, the musical sound echoing through the room.

“You talk as if we were going to another continent.”

“What if the food there is bad?” Judite’s concern was genuine.

“You’ll survive.” Aurora’s response was calm.

“That’s not a guarantee.” Judite made a dramatic face.

Lukas laughed, sitting down beside his sister. The meal began, and for the first few minutes, almost no one spoke, everyone was too busy eating, savoring every bite.

Then, naturally, the conversation began to flow. Judite wanted to know everything about the journey, her curiosity insatiable.

“How long will it take us to get there?”

“I’m still not sure.” Clavor replied, his voice calm.

“It depends on the road conditions and any unforeseen circumstances that may arise.”

“And will we stop in cities?” Judite’s eyes were shining.

“Some.” Clavor’s answer was short but sufficient.

“And are there monsters at the border?” Judite’s question came with a mixture of excitement and apprehension.

“There are monsters in practically every region.” Clavor’s voice was practical, factual.

“And soldiers?” Judite continued, insatiable.

“Many.” The answer was firm.

“And other noble families?”

Clavor sighed, a sigh of patience.

“Judite.”

“What?” She seemed genuinely confused.

“Eat.” Clavor’s order was gentle but firm.

“I am eating.” She put another serving onto her plate to prove her point.

Lukas watched the scene with a smile, the family dynamic warming him from within.

The conversation continued for quite some time, each topic unfolding into another. They talked about the journey, about the Marquess Slyr’s region, about the border’s climate, and about Clavor’s mission. There was no guarantee of how long they would remain away, it could be a month, two, five, or perhaps a year. Everything would depend on the marquess’s recovery.

Lukas listened attentively, absorbing every detail. The idea of remaining away from home for so long was strange, almost unreal. But there was also a part of him that was curious, eager to explore new horizons.

It would be the first time he traveled to a truly distant region, he would see new places, perhaps encounter new monsters, and meet new people. And, most importantly, new animals. He had read about different species completely unlike those on Earth and could hardly wait to see them.

Even so, there was something weighing on his mind, a concern that nestled in his chest. His father would be working at the border, and borders were never completely safe.

At one point, Aurora fell silent, her gaze drifting for a few seconds toward a distant point.

“I miss Asmon…” Her voice came out low, almost a whisper.

Clavor immediately reached his hand across the table and covered hers, his gesture firm and comforting.

“He’s fine.”

Aurora smiled faintly, her eyes still distant.

“I know.”

“Asmon is strong. And talented.” Clavor gently squeezed his wife’s hand, conveying confidence through his touch.

“In a few years, we’ll all be together again.”

Lukas lowered his eyes, a wave of longing washing over him. He missed his older brother too, his jokes, and his protective presence. He hoped Asmon was safe, that he would not be sent to some dangerous battlefield. But there was nothing he could do at that moment except trust in his strength.

The family continued talking, the meal lasting almost an hour and a half. When they finished, the plates were almost completely empty. Judite looked satisfied, reclining in her chair. Aurora was smiling, the light in her eyes more intense. Clavor remained calm, his presence an anchor for everyone.

Lukas felt a strange sensation in his chest, it was happiness, but there was also melancholy. That would be the family’s last dinner at the Dmond Mansion for quite some time, and everyone knew it, even if no one said so directly.

…

After the meal, everyone returned to their own rooms. Lukas barely managed to reach the bed, his body still tired, the exhaustion of the day weighing on him. He lay down, and Rourke settled near the pillow, as he always did. Astra returned to the wardrobe, her wings folding. Tilbo remained in the corner, his enormous form motionless.

Lukas closed his eyes, darkness enveloping him.

“Tomorrow…” It would be their departure. He couldn’t complete the thought, sleep took him once again, this time even more deeply.

…

Lukas was awakened before dawn, darkness still enveloping the room.

“Lukas!”

Nothing.

“Lukas!” Judite’s voice became more insistent, but he remained asleep, his body refusing to wake.

Judite narrowed her eyes, a determined expression on her face.

“Fine.”

A small amount of mana appeared around her hand, a soft light glowing in the darkness. Lukas’s body began to float, slowly rising from the bed as if pulled by an invisible rope.

“Huh…?” Still sleepy, he opened his eyes, his vision still blurry. Then he fell.

‘Thud!’

“OW!”

Lukas hit the floor and immediately raised his head, confusion turning into indignation. Judite was standing in the doorway, smiling as if she had accomplished some great feat.

“Good morning!” Her voice was far too cheerful for that hour.

Lukas stared at her, his mind still processing what had happened.

“You… threw me out of bed again.”

“Technically, I merely interrupted your sleep.” Judite’s defense was quick and unapologetic.

“That’s exactly what throwing me out of bed means!” Lukas’s indignation was genuine, but exhaustion still weighed on his voice.

Judite shrugged, an unconcerned gesture.

“Magic is faster.” And she disappeared down the hallway, her laughter echoing behind her.

Lukas breathed deeply, feeling the air fill his lungs.

“One day I’m going to hide that girl’s staff.”

He shook his head but eventually smiled.

Over the past few months, Judite had changed quite a bit.

Ever since she had begun studying magic with Master Thorne, it seemed as though she had discovered a new toy that she simply couldn’t get tired of. And, to her, every problem seemed like an opportunity to use magic.

Wanted to reach a book on the shelf?

Magic.

Didn’t want to go down the stairs?

Magic.

Needed to carry her own clothes?

Magic.

Was too lazy to close a window?

Magic.