Chapter 294

Chapter 294 – It Will Get Deeper From Now On

The middle-year summer break.

While every vacation holds its own charm, this particular intermission between our second and third years felt uniquely significant.

What made it feel that way?

‘Could it be the final taste of freedom before plunging into absolute chaos?’

In a literal sense, it wasn’t our absolute ‘final’ break.

The winter intermission for the second year was still ahead, and even the final-year students nearing graduation received time off.

Yet, the reason this specific period carried such a heavy sense of ‘importance’ was best articulated by Damian’s perspective.

“This is the very last holiday where our only responsibility is to enjoy ourselves.”

“Simply enjoy ourselves?”

“Precisely. Which means we are obligated to do so.”

As the carriage jolted along the path, I shifted my focus from Damian, who remained transfixed by the passing landscape outside, toward Chenbi.

Chenbi didn’t bother looking up from her dense volume on magical theory as she flatly chimed in.

“Once we hit the third year, the rate of academic failure and dismissal climbs to 30 percent. The assessments turn brutal, and the passing grade is raised significantly.”

Thirty percent?

My eyelids widened at this piece of institutional data I hadn’t encountered until now, prompting Evelyn to contribute what she knew.

“Ah, I’ve caught wind of those statistics as well. It’s precisely why the majority of students begin preparatory studies the moment the second semester of this year kicks off…”

“Exactly. Which renders this current summer break the solitary true vacation left.”

It sounded incredibly unforgiving.

‘A single failed grade results in academic retention… while a second triggers permanent dismissal?’

It made total sense why the student body stayed perpetually stressed.

For the scions of wealthy noble houses, perhaps experiencing academic retention once wouldn’t be the end of the world.

But being thrown out entirely?

“Two slip-ups and your entire educational investment is completely incinerated?”

Such a ruthless policy felt entirely out of character for the Jenion Academy we had come to know.

Yet, rather remarkably, Chenbi viewed this harsh reality with a sense of calm acceptance.

“That rigorous filtering is exactly why alumni from Jenion secure such elite employment. Even those who only complete the standard curriculum are viewed as exceptionally well-grounded.”

“And graduating without a single mark of retention or failure grants a candidate significant prestige during hiring, doesn’t it?”

“Undeniably. Furthermore, though it sounds a bit petty… people say those distinctions are used to establish social hierarchies at graduate reunions.”

Evelyn and Chenbi possessed a surprisingly natural conversational chemistry.

Chenbi provided blunt facts, and Evelyn would seamlessly transform them into engaging dialogue to keep the interaction alive. While Evelyn was naturally adept at anchoring conversations, Chenbi’s participation was the real surprise.

‘She rarely engages in that manner when speaking to me or Damian…’

Had the two of us ever managed to sustain a conversation beyond three sentences on any given subject?

Come to think of it, Evelyn and I rarely exchanged more than a few passing pleasantries during our daily routines either.

‘…’

Experiencing a sudden, inexplicable touch of irritation, I observed the pair for a moment longer before redirecting my attention toward Damian.

The interior of the carriage was quite grand; Evelyn and I occupied one side, while Damian and Chenbi sat directly across from us. Since the girls were thoroughly occupied with each other, it was only natural for me to look toward my male companion.

However, something seemed amiss.

“…?”

I tilted my head in confusion.

“Is there something captivating out there?”

“What?”

“Don’t give me that…”

Damian offered his response without ever breaking his gaze from the glass, which prompted me to peer out alongside him.

The environment passing by was entirely serene.

Endless meadows.

The defensive vanguard of the Blandoga family arrayed around our carriage for security. And far past their ranks, a solitary, massive tortoise was moving along in the distance.

There was nothing unusual—

“…A tortoise?”

Where on earth did a giant tortoise materialize from out here?

“Bishu.”

“Ah, Bishu…”

Of course. The elemental entity Damian had bound himself to back in Baharmut went by the name Bishu.

Still, my current confusion centered on a different detail.

“Why exactly is it…”

“He mentioned a desire to stretch his legs.”

“…The tortoise did?”

“Yes.”

Granted, it was an elemental being, so it didn’t conform to the rules of an ordinary tortoise.

I harbored a multitude of inquiries, but witnessing the pure, innocent joy on Damian’s face as he watched the sprinting Bishu—whose own eyes gleamed with matching fervor—the words died in my throat.

Was this an example of an exclusive bond between master and spirit?

I couldn’t quite grasp it, but it felt somewhat unsettling.

Both Damian and his companion.

…Ultimately, I had failed to connect with Damian just as thoroughly.

A sudden realization struck me in that quiet moment.

‘Is this what people mean by feeling isolated in a crowd?’

I was surrounded by companions, so why did the atmosphere feel so intensely solitary and barren?

Even so.

“It’s quite pleasant.”

This marked our second day of travel since departing the Blandoga estates.

The speeding transport, the eccentric Damian, Chenbi finding a companion to converse with, and a relaxed Evelyn. Topped off by boundless horizons and a sprinting elemental tortoise.

Within this vivid tapestry.

Not a single anxiety weighed on me.

The oppressive shadow of Decullan that had persistently haunted the edges of my thoughts since my regression, weighing me down, seemed to vanish. The heavy obligations tied to the Magic Tower, the matter of Salbation, the affairs of the second prince, and even my frantic drive to manifest my fourth circle.

I felt entirely unburdened by the troubles that usually consumed my mind.

In all honesty, though I had readily agreed when Damian initially floated the idea of traveling to the ocean, I had been plagued by internal second-guessing right up until the moment we departed.

Given the current climate within the Magic Tower, a time when I ought to be exerting myself more intensely than ever, was it truly acceptable to indulge in leisure?

It felt as though pausing for even a brief breath would cause me to fall hopelessly behind.

Fascinatingly, it was Evelyn who provided the clarity I needed to resolve that internal debate.

• What Aster requires above all else right now is bravery.

• Bravery?

• Indeed. The bravery required to step away and rest.

I hadn’t truly grasped it until then, but choosing to rest demanded its own kind of fortitude.

• You have a mountain of complications looming ahead, alongside hurdles you can easily predict even if they haven’t arrived yet. It feels as though the moment you look away, everything will shatter and bury you, correct? That sensation stems entirely from fear.

• From fear?

• Yes. You lack the certainty that you can handle it all, and because it cannot be mended this very second, you refuse to break your focus. You fear it will destroy you if you do.

That is precisely the moment when you must summon your resolve.

The resolve to temporarily look away from your burdens.

• Disregarding your obligations entirely is mere avoidance. However, if you confront your circumstances directly and find no immediate remedy, taking a step back is essential. After all… we aren’t unfeeling mechanisms, are we?

To tell the truth, I hadn’t entirely grasped the depth of her words at the time.

‘It honestly feels like an argument she invented just to justify her own vacation…’

For starters, while she was delivering that profound advice, Evelyn hadn’t even bothered to look at me—she was completely absorbed in selecting garments for our excursion.

How could anyone take that seriously?

And yet.

‘In truth, this is quite pleasant.’

A strange, warm sensation fluttered in my chest.

The remainder of our excursion unfolded without incident.

Our transport traveled without obstruction across grasslands that seemed to merge with the sky, and the climate remained flawless throughout the entire journey.

When darkness fell, we erected temporary shelters amidst the plains to sleep under the stars—a specific request put forward by Damian.

“The true essence of a journey lies in setting up camp.”

…The warriors assigned to your household don’t exactly seem to share that sentiment.

While they refrained from airing their grievances openly in front of their young lord, this arrangement was far from a standard military march.

After all, the contingent provided by the Blandoga family numbered dozens of individuals at minimum.

This included sworn knights, specialized mages, attendants to handle comfort, and various logistical personnel.

Understandably, organizing an entire encampment required immense effort.

Positioning themselves in the middle of an exposed plain meant the security detail had to remain hyper-vigilant against potential threats.

Setting those logistical headaches aside, however… the experience was genuinely delightful.

“Ahem, very well. The tale I intend to recount this evening concerns an incident involving my grandsire during his exploration of the Hamern Great Forest…”

As night descended, an eloquent attendant would spinning engaging narratives, weaving elements of folklore into his speech.

On other occasions, a battle-hardened veteran would vividly illustrate the daring exploits of his younger years.

There was even an attendant who played a pocket harmonica he had packed along. Fascinatingly, Damian showed an immediate fascination with the instrument.

“I would like to attempt that.”

“Haha, is that so? Give me just a brief moment.”

Perhaps he possessed an innate gift for music? Damian adapted to the spare harmonica provided by the elder attendant with remarkable ease.

The instrument produced a few discordant screeches during his initial attempts, but within a mere hour, he was capable of rendering simple arrangements.

And the enjoyment wasn’t reserved for Damian alone.

“Ahem, perhaps I might offer a song to accompany us? If I may inquire, elder—are you familiar with ‘Winter Night’?”

“Haha, indeed I am. Shall I provide the melody?”

“If you would be so kind.”

“In that case…”

Evelyn lent her voice to the melody generated by the old servant’s harmonica. It was a display I never could have anticipated from her.

I possessed no inkling that she maintained such a carefree side.

“Aster, why are you observing me with that expression? Are you startled? Did my performance exceed your expectations?”

“Not at all, I’m simply taken aback by the fact that you actually know how to enjoy yourself.”

“Naturally. Whom do you take me for?”

The only individuals who seemed somewhat detached from the merriment were Chenbi and myself.

Or perhaps detached wasn’t entirely accurate.

“Incredible.”

Whether it was a product of his inherent disposition or a simple lack of exposure to such environments, Chenbi didn’t participate with loud enthusiasm, yet his luminous expression made it obvious he was thoroughly enjoying the moment.

Consequently, the nearly three-day journey across the plains proved to be an absolute joy.

It yielded the sort of impressions that remain etched in one’s mind indefinitely—most notably the celestial display above us.

As it turned out, Chenbi possessed an unexpectedly poetic nature.

“Are you aware? Folk say that when a life reaches its end, it transforms into a star.”

“Chenbi, when a life reaches its end, it transforms into a corpse.”

…Damian harbored a remarkably pragmatic streak.

Granted, there were instances like that which thoroughly disrupted the ambiance, but the expanse we gazed upon while reclining in a ring around the blazing logs was genuinely breathtaking.

“On the next occasion… I wish to experience this alongside my kin.”

Chenbi’s kindred had journeyed back to their ancestral domains, and it appeared he was experiencing a deep yearning for the family he had parted from.

It felt like a remarkably tender, vulnerable moment.

Until Evelyn spoke.

“I possess no kin whatsoever.”

“…”

“…”

Her statement effectively wiped her surviving father and sibling from the realm of the living, instantly chilling the warm atmosphere.

…To be fair, being cast out meant she viewed herself as entirely detached, leaving her with no one.

Nevertheless.

“Must you voice that directly in front of me?”

“…”

“…”

Evelyn Adopted a sheepish expression, while Chenbi found himself entirely at a loss for words.

An uncomfortable quiet settled over our group, which Damian promptly punctuated.

“I am similarly without kin. I have neither a father nor a mother.”

“…”

“…”

“…”

There is little need to describe how the watching Blandoga vassals turned utterly pale in the shadows.

Naturally, the discomfort didn’t linger for long.

The celestial display above was far too magnificent for us to remain bogged down by awkwardness.

…And yet.

“Let us… return to this place in the future.”

“Absolutely!”

“Indeed, that would be wonderful.”

I found myself unable to offer an agreement.

I couldn’t quite fathom why.

It required nothing more than a basic, ‘Yes, let’s do that.’

“An oath! A pact between companions, agreed? The three of us are obligated to journey here again next time.”

“The three of us? Damian, for what reason am I being excluded?”

“I’ve been caught?”

“No, you phrased it precisely to ensure you’d be caught…”

“Guilty as charged.”

“…Very well, then the three of us shall embark on the trip. I shall accompany Chenbi and Aster, leaving you behind entirely.”

“Improbable. That particular individual requires my presence regardless.”

“For what reason? If you are content to leave me out, why shouldn’t I exclude you?”

“The distinction is obvious. Because I fully intended to invite Evelyn along regardless.”

“Truly?”

“Not at all.”

“…”

“A jest!”

“I was entirely earnest.”

“A direct hit.”

“An exchange of blows?”

“Both sides sustained damage.”

“Evelyn, Damian… I sincerely wish the pair of you would simply evaporate.”

I gently closed my eyelids amidst the flow of their playful banter.

Whether influenced by the warm summer breeze or the radiating heat of the fire, the night across the plains felt incredibly comforting. The shifting currents of air offered a pleasant relief.

The darkness deepened.

And it would only continue to deepen from this point forward.

With that, our deeply memorable final evening of camping drew to a close. Two days later.

Following our passage through a teleportation threshold and a grueling half-day trek on horseback, we finally arrived before a grand coastal estate.

“Behold, this is our family retreat!”

An unobstructed, sweeping vista.

An immense ocean unfurled directly before our eyes.