Episode 12. I’m Going With You Too

“What? The Marquis went out for an inspection?” Hereis’s face turned cold as he got out of bed.

His escort, Aaron, continued in a troubled tone, “Yes, I heard from a servant that he went to inspect the eastern part of the Ford estate. It’s been about three hours since he left, so by now…”

He had a bad feeling. Ignoring Aaron’s trailing words, Hereis quickly unfolded a map.

The eastern area contained the residential district of the estate. Glancing briefly out the window, Hereis ran a hand through his tousled hair.

“How many people went with him?”

With this kind of weather, at least ten people would be needed for safety. Hereis anxiously waited for Aaron’s answer.

“That’s… only two. He didn’t take any knights with families, saying it might be dangerous.”

It was enough to drive him mad. What could he possibly do with just two? Letting out a sigh, Hereis tapped the table with his fingers.

No matter how skilled a mage was, there was nothing one could do in this situation.

Natural disasters had long been considered divine punishment from the gods. It was said that magic must not be used recklessly against the will of heaven.

This was a rule strongly advocated by the Holy Kingdom of Roeta and the Demekia Temple ever since the founding of the magical associations in each nation. After all, if magic could prevent natural disasters, there would be no casualties except soldiers.

The fate determined by the gods was not something mere humans could defy.

Therefore, it was something he could not help with.

Something he should not try to help with, not even entertain the thought of helping.

A regulation one had to follow without question if they wished to avoid being stripped of their mage qualifications or punished by the mage union.

“…Ha.”

After a brief moment of contemplation, Hereis threw on his coat.

He wanted to pretend not to know. He wanted to convince himself there was nothing he could do.

‘But then Brienne would cry.’

Thinking of Brienne Ford made it impossible to sit still.

He knew full well it was madness. To be the most promising mage not only in Rontiano but also Roeta, and to consider breaking a sacred rule for a single woman.

“Lord Hereis…! Are you really planning to go out? You mustn’t!”

Aaron jumped up to block his path. Hereis sighed, and a blue light shimmered at his fingertips.

“Move.”

Aaron, who had raised his voice, immediately shrank back.

“S-Still, it’s too dangerous… If you do this, the Duke will surely…”

“What about the Duke?”

“……”

“I really don’t understand why I need an escort who trembles over a bit of mana. I’ll be back before long, so keep your mouth shut.”

“L-Lord Hereis…”

The blue light at Hereis’s fingertips grew more vivid. Seeing it, Aaron shut his eyes tight and stepped aside. He knew all too well what kind of power that light held.

Passing the pale Aaron, Hereis cast a waterproof spell over his body and suppressed his presence as he descended the stairs. When he finally reached the front door, he looked back once. From inside, he sensed Brienne Ford restlessly pacing.

He never wanted to see her like that.

A single emotion on Brienne Ford’s face should always be joy.

With that thought, Hereis turned and left the mansion.

***

“Didn’t he say he’d just go take a quick look? Why isn’t he back? Did something happen…?”

Shiloh shook his leg nervously, staring at the clock. It was far from gentlemanly behavior, but no one pointed it out.

Olivia and Brienne were also staring at the clock.

Three hours had already passed.

Three hours since the Marquis of Ford left, as he had promised.

With every minute past the promised time, anxiety doubled and grew heavier. Olivia, who had been tapping her chest with a worried face, suddenly lifted her head.

“Oh dear. You there!”

At the lady’s call, a servant ran in through the open door.

“Yes, madam…!”

“Has Young Duke Belif been served his meal?”

“Ah, th-that is…”

The servant’s complexion darkened as he fumbled for words and bowed his head. When Olivia pressed him, he took a deep breath and spoke.

“Although his close aide asked that it be kept secret, I feel it would be wrong not to say… He has gone out to find the Marquis…!”

“…What?”

Olivia Ford stood up in shock. Brienne and Shiloh, who had been listening blankly, also opened their eyes wide in surprise.

“What exactly happened!”

“I-I’m sorry… It was my fault for saying the Marquis went east when he was asked where he went.”

“No, what is this…!”

Even the usually composed Marchioness’s expression cracked.

“Have you not been properly trained? Regardless of the reason, he is our guest while staying here! If anything were to happen to him…”

Her lips trembled as her anger reached a peak.

But the one truly furious was someone else.

“When? When did he go out?”

Brienne sprang up and rushed over to the servant.

“Speak! Quickly!”

“I-I just heard the news and came straight in. It doesn’t seem to have been long… M-Miss?”

Before the servant could finish, Brienne dashed out of the room. She passed the back door and ran toward the stables, only to find that the horse he had brought on the first day was gone.

‘What on earth is he thinking…!’

She ran straight down the path leading to the castle gate in the pouring rain. Her feet splashed into cold puddles, but the icy rain soaking her slippers didn’t matter at all.

She shielded her face with her hand and looked around. In the distance, she saw Hereis mounting his horse.

“…Hey! Stop!”

Startled by the loud voice, Hereis turned to look at her.

“Are you crazy?”

Brienne dashed toward him through the rain. What did her father’s disappearance have to do with him? She couldn’t understand why this man would throw himself into such danger.

“…Lady Ford?”

Seeing Brienne approach, confusion spread across Hereis’s face. As if understanding the situation, he immediately took off his coat and draped it over her head.

“Why did you come out in this weather? It’s raining hard. You’ll catch a cold dressed like that.”

“What about you? Why are you out in this weather?”

Brienne’s glare was fierce. Hereis had a feeling he’d earned her resentment.

“I’m… fine.”

“There’s no way you’re fine!”

He really was fine. Lowering his gaze, Hereis waved his shirt sleeve in front of her.

“I used a waterproof spell. And of course, on the jacket you’re wearing too.”

“…What?”

Waterproof spell? Brienne stared at him in disbelief. Hereis chuckled and pulled the jacket’s sleeves snug over her.

“So there’s no need to be so upset.”

His large hands skillfully tied a knot under her chin. As Brienne bowed her head in fluster, he tightened the jacket around her and straightened up.

“It would sadden me if you grew more distant before we ever got close.”

Brienne blinked, speechless, looking up at Hereis’s playful smile.

Come to think of it, not a single drop of rain had touched his hair or shirt.

‘Then why was he soaking wet on the first day…’

“Miss Brienne…! Please come back inside!”

Marie, who had followed after her, wrapped a large blanket around her. Turning slightly, she saw her mother and Shiloh watching from the front door.

“Let’s go back. Madam will worry.”

Hereis smiled softly and turned to mount his horse again. Brienne glanced between him and the mansion, then urgently grabbed his sleeve.

“W-Wait a moment.”

Hereis offered his arm without resistance. Brienne clung to it and hesitated before asking.

“…Are you really going?”

“……”

“I heard you went to find my father. But I don’t understand. If this choice has anything to do with me…”

Unease shimmered in Brienne’s eyes. Looking between her clear eyes and the hand gripping his sleeve, Hereis bent down to reassure her.

“It’s not like that, Lady Ford. This is entirely my decision. You don’t need to feel burdened. I simply wish to repay the marquis who sheltered me from the storm.”

To call that a debt worth repaying… She wanted to protest, but the certainty in his eyes stopped her. Besides, it was about her father. She didn’t want to argue.

Instead…

“You’re going no matter what, right? Even if I try to stop you.”

“That’s right.”

“Then take me with you!”

“…Pardon?”

Hereis tilted his head at the sudden request. But Brienne was completely serious.

“You’re a powerful mage, right? Shiloh said you’re considered a candidate for the next Tower Master.”

“……”

Hereis opened his mouth, at a loss for words. He didn’t want to admit it himself, but it was true. Brienne tightened her grip on his sleeve, intending not to let go if he refused.

“Listen. This is my family’s estate, and I’ve spent a month here every year since I was young. Don’t you think I know the area better than you do, Young Duke Belif?”

“Lady Ford, but that’s…”

Seeing Hereis’s troubled face, Brienne shook her head firmly. “No matter what you say, I’m going. Especially if you, a guest with no ties to this matter, insist on going.”

“…It’s dangerous. This isn’t something to decide so lightly.”

“I didn’t decide lightly!”

Determination filled Brienne’s eyes. She yanked Hereis closer and spoke clearly, emphasizing each word.

“He’s my father.”

***