Chapter 261: Eve of Departure (6)

Even to get a glass of water, Judite often made the object float into her hands.

Lukas was no longer even surprised when he woke up and discovered that his sister had used some spell to move things around the room.

But that passion had gone far beyond simple practicality.

Judite had practically forgotten her old dream.

Throughout her childhood, she had talked about becoming a warrior like Clavor and Asmon. She wanted to wield a sword, wear the Dmond armor, and fight alongside her family.

Now, none of that seemed to matter.

If someone asked what her greatest desire was, she would answer without hesitation.

To become a great mage. A mage so powerful that her name would be known throughout the entire kingdom.

Lukas let out a small laugh.

“I think the Dmond lost a future swordswoman to magic.

And, looking down the hallway where Judite had disappeared, he added.

“But considering how much she loves this… maybe she found exactly what she was looking for.”

…

After Judite left, Lukas got up, his movements still slow. The journey was about to begin, and the reality of leaving was starting to sink in. But before departing, there was one last thing he needed to do.

Lukas looked at his four companions, Rourke on the bed, Astra on the wardrobe, Prata by the window, and Tilbo in the corner. And he realized that saying goodbye would be much harder than he had imagined.

…

Lukas remained standing in the middle of the room, his eyes moving over each of his companions. Rourke was on the bed, his bright eyes fixed on him. Astra remained atop the wardrobe, her head tilted. Prata, near the window, watched in silence, her legs motionless. Tilbo occupied his usual corner, his enormous body as still as a mountain.

Lukas slowly exhaled, feeling the weight of the farewell.

“I think you’ve already realized.”

No one answered, but he had the strange feeling that they all understood something different was happening that morning.

He walked to the bed and sat down, the mattress sinking beneath his weight. Rourke immediately ran toward him, his small body moving with his characteristic agility.

“Come here.” The little rat climbed up his leg and reached his lap, settling there as if that were his rightful place. Lukas ran a finger over the golden stripe that crossed his fur, feeling its soft texture.

“We’re traveling today.” Lukas’s voice was calm but filled with emotion.

Rourke tilted his head, his black eyes fixed on his.

“And you’re staying here.” Lukas’s smile disappeared for a moment. He had thought about it the day before, but saying it aloud made everything more real, more painful.

“The journey could be long. Maybe a few months. I don’t know.”

Astra slightly spread her wings, a movement Lukas interpreted as acknowledgment. He looked at her, his eyes meeting the eagle’s golden eyes.

“I don’t want to put you in danger.”

Then he looked at Tilbo, his voice taking on a firmer tone.

“Especially you. If something happens to the mansion while we’re away, I need you to stay here. You’ll be the guardian.”

Tilbo let out a low sound, a hum that Lukas had already learned to recognize as a response.

Lukas smiled, feeling the warmth of his companion’s trust.

“That’s right. It’s your responsibility.”

He pointed at Astra, his voice clear.

“You keep an eye on the surroundings. Like a guardian of the skies.”

The eagle tilted her head, as if she had understood perfectly.

“Prata…” The spider remained motionless, but her eyes were fixed on him.

“You know the forest better than any of us. If there’s any trouble, I want you to be the first to notice. You’ll be the hunter or the assassin.”

Then he looked at Rourke, and a different expression appeared on his face.

“And you…”

Lukas paused, the strange ability immediately coming to mind. King of Rats. Five kilometers of influence. Thousands of rats scattered throughout the region, a gigantic network of tiny creatures stretching like an invisible web. Lukas didn’t know exactly how far that ability could evolve, but he was certain of one thing: if something strange was happening around the mansion, Rourke would probably be the first to discover it.

“You’ll know everything before anyone else.” Lukas’s voice was low but filled with meaning.

Rourke simply rubbed his snout against Lukas’s hand, a gesture of affection that said more than words ever could.

Lukas laughed, the sound echoing through the silent room.

“Yeah. I think so too.”

He remained there for several minutes, petting Rourke and feeling the warmth of his body. It wasn’t exactly a farewell forever, but that realization tightened his chest in a way he hadn’t expected.

Lukas stood up, his movements firm.

“I’ll come back.” He spoke firmly, his eyes moving over each of his companions.

“No matter how long it takes.”

…

After saying goodbye to his companions, Lukas descended the stairs, his footsteps echoing through the silence of the morning. The mansion was even busier than the night before, servants were carrying boxes, others were organizing food and clothes, and sacks of provisions were being placed in the second wagon, along with the equipment necessary for the journey.

Lukas passed through the kitchen before leaving, finding Helga supervising several servants.

“Helga.”

The woman turned, her face lighting up upon seeing the young master.

“Young master.”

“Can I ask you something?” Lukas’s voice was serious.

“Of course.” Helga tilted her head, attentive.

“Take good care of them.” Lukas spoke seriously, his eyes fixed on the cook.

“Especially their food. I don’t want anyone to forget to put food out for Tilbo, Astra, Prata, and Rourke.”

Helga smiled, a warm and reassuring smile.

“Don’t worry. They’re already part of the household.”

Lukas nodded, gratitude shining in his eyes.

“Thank you.”

When he left the kitchen, he found Judite in the hallway. His sister was carrying two bags, though, in reality, she wasn’t exactly carrying them. The bags were floating beside her, surrounded by a thin layer of mana.

Lukas looked at them, an expression of disbelief on his face.

“You can’t even carry your own things anymore?”

“I can.” Judite replied without even looking at him.

“But why would I do that when I can use magic?”

Lukas sighed, shaking his head.

“Fair enough.”