Chapter 113

“All the same, I want you to know. Please don’t push Charnée or Priscilla too hard, all right?” “Of course not.” “And don’t push yourself too hard, either.” “I know, I know.” We had had this exchange countless times over the years. This time, however, it wasn’t quite the same. Ilia’s hand had tentatively been reaching toward me. For a moment, she withdrew it in apparent confusion before timidly reaching out again. After I accepted it, she embraced me in a gentle hug. I wrapped my arms around her in turn. “…Yes, I’ll miss you,” she murmured. “…But it’s just for a little while. I’ll see you again soon,” I reassured her. “All the same, this marks a turning point.” “Yeah. Let’s both do our best.” “Yes. I’ll be awaiting your return, no matter how long it takes,” she said gently. This was as open as I’d ever seen her. Having known her as long as I had, I could see that she really had changed—and I was delighted to see it. While I was giving her a hug, Lainie rushed over, looking slightly flustered. Only then did Ilia let go. Lainie was so fast that I was almost taken aback, while Ilia herself acted as if nothing had happened. As I sighed, Lainie approached. “Take care, Lady Anis. And please give my best to my father.” “Of course. You look after Euphie and Ilia, Lainie.” “Yes. Leave it to me.” Even though I knew I wouldn’t be gone for long, my chest was still buzzing with anticipation and anxiety. But I’d said all my goodbyes to those I cared about, so I rested a hand on my chest to calm my racing heart and looked to the sky. “Let’s get going!” We were headed to a new land. My dreams were still coming to life as we set off on this new journey. Maybe it was my imagination, but I thought I could hear the sounds of birds singing freely, soaring high in the clear blue sky.