Chapter 102

But the terribly regretful look on Hyland’s face as she pulled back from the hug told Col the emotion in the line did not come from superb acting skills. She understood, however, that being too openly sad would only sour Myuri’s mood, and she turned to look at Col, as though cutting off her attachment. “Clark will be mediating for Archivist Canaan—he’s still in the cathedral. Archivist Canaan has long since set sail on one of Eve’s company ships, so you don’t need to worry about his safety. If you need to contact me, do so through Eve’s company.” “Understood. Once we reunite with the archivist, I’ll speak with him and inform you of the conclusion we come to.” “I’m counting on you.” One of her guards informed her they were ready to depart, and she acknowledged him before turning to Col again. He wondered if she forgot to mention something to them; her earnest, royal-blue eyes looked back and forth between him and Myuri. “I wouldn’t mind if you burned those marriage proposals.” It was hard to tell how serious she was being; Hyland’s eyes were unusually glassy. Col turned aside to see Myuri precociously puffing out her chest. “I bet my brother’s jealousy burns hot enough to burn them all. So that’s perfect.” He wanted to ask where she ever saw anything that could lead her to say that so confidently, but he knew it would be futile, so he remained silent. “That’s a relief,” Hyland smiled. She turned to look at Klevend’s entourage, who had begun their departure earlier, and then turned back to them. “Your words have given me courage. Yes—no matter what happens, we cannot stop now.” She stared straight at Col with sincerity. He nodded in response, she smiled; she flicked her cloak and signaled her departure. She hopped onto her horse, briefly lifted her hand, and that was all she gave as her good-bye. As Col watched Hyland’s entourage leave, he felt a smack on his arm. “…What?” “Nooothiiing.” It was rather clear exactly who was jealous here, and Col felt relieved for the moment. “We should go back as well. We should be able to reach the monastery before nightfall.” “Whaaat? We’re not going back to the city?! Mister Le Roi said he’s going!” “If we do, then we would have to inform Miss Sharon first. You need to return your knife, anyway.” Myuri looked at her hip and scrunched up her face. “I think this was a trap to make us come back to the monastery and then force us to help with putting the cargo away.” “Unlikely,” Col said with a wry smile. But considering Sharon’s sharp wit, it was entirely possible. Even though Myuri was constantly snapping at her, Sharon always had the upper hand. “But we should be getting ready to go to the desert!” Myuri whined as she climbed on the horse with Col. “Master Jean should be familiar with the route toward the Holy See in the south, and he’s working at the workshop.” Myuri had let her guard down since most people had left—her wolf ears had popped out. “Myuri, ears.” He poked her, and she rubbed her hand over her head like a cat washing its face. She was impatient because she simply could not wait to set out for the desert. “A new journey… A new journey!” “Yes, I know.” “We can’t stop, right? No matter what!” She sat comfortably between his arms; he had a feeling that if he let his guard down for one moment, she would run off. Le Roi had left ahead of them, but Col swore he could see him laughing in the distance. He must have heard Myuri’s nonsense. “Wow, the desert. Hey, Brother. Is the desert on the map that I have?” “I’m not sure.” “Mother and Father have never been to the desert, have they?” “I doubt it.” “Ooh, what about—” Col pressed the horse forward as he somehow managed to answer the endless deluge of Myuri’s questions. As the sun began to dip below the grassy horizon, they reached a fork in the road—one path led to Rausbourne, and the other led to the monastery. It was here they parted ways with Le Roi. Myuri eventually tired of asking questions. She sat before Col, absently fiddling with the horse’s mane, and Col suddenly realized this was the first time in a long time where it was the two of them alone together. What she said to him earlier that day suddenly came back to him: But if you say you’re happy with a journey with just the two of us… “I suppose that wouldn’t be so bad after all,” he found himself musing aloud, and Myuri glanced over her shoulder at him curiously. With the rays of the setting sun behind them, they marched toward the indigo sky. He felt slightly disappointed as he sensed his trip to the mainland with Myuri grow further and further away, and this time, he kept that feeling locked up tight in his chest and did not say a word about it.